Towards the improvement of event-related potential techniques in developmental populations

Visual event-related potentials (ERPs) have been widely used during the past two decades to study cognition in developmental populations. One of the main challenges related to current infant ERP practices is the need to obtain good-quality ERPs that provide reliable results with which to examine research issues. There are two main aspects that play a role in obtaining a valid ERP trial: the infant’s attention to the stimuli and an EEG signal free of artefacts—primarily eye and body movement artefacts—. The aims of this thesis were to explore alternative methodological approaches that could potentially improve current ERP practice as well as to assess the validity of the current ERP editing methods. Specifically, the first aim was to study the use of eye tracking techniques to improve current ERP data collection methods and ERP final data quality. In Chapter 2, eye tracking technology was used as a mean to study how advanced ERP components are negatively affected by the fixation location distance to the stimulus. Chapter 3 evaluated the changes in attention and visual behaviour of a gaze-contingent paradigm used during ERP data collection in 10-month-old infants. The second aim was to investigate to what extent the current infant ERP editing methods are reliable and to assess the need for their further standardization within the field. Chapter 3 focused on understanding the current editing methods used in ERP infant research for selecting ERP trials free of artefacts. The study analyzed the agreement between three experienced infant ERP human editors and one algorithm for selecting artefact-free ERP trials as well as the EEG signal characteristics that influenced the selection of valid trials. The implications of the results of the three studies presented in this thesis for current infant ERP practices are discussed in Chapter 5. Overall, this thesis highlights the importance and need of the field to work towards the improvement of current methodologies for collecting and analyzing infant ERP data

The fixation distance to the stimulus influences ERP quality:an EEG and eye tracking N400 study

In a typical visual Event Related Potential (ERP) study, the stimulus is presented centrally on the screen. Normally an ERP response will be measured provided that the participant directs their gaze towards the stimulus. The aim of this study was to assess how the N400 component of an ERP was affected when the stimulus was presented in the foveal, parafoveal or peripheral vision of the participant’s visual field. Utilizing stimuli that have previously produced an N400 response to action incongruities, the same stimuli sequences were presented at 0º, 4º, 8º and 12º of visual angle from a fixation location. In addition to the EEG data, eye tracking data were recorded to act as a fixation control method and to allow for eye artifact detection. The results show a significant N400 effect in the right parieto-temporal electrodes within the 0º visual angle condition. For the other conditions, the N400 effect was reduced (4º) or not present (8º and 12º). Our results suggest that the disappearance of the N400 effect with eccentricity is the fixation distance to the stimulus. However, variables like attentional allocation could have also had an impact on the results. This study highlights the importance of presenting a stimulus within the foveal vision of the participant in order to maximize ERP effects related to higher order cognitive processes

Les consignes en classe de langue : activité polyfocalisée et rôle du regard

L’activité de consigne est une activité majeure du processus d’enseignement et d’apprentissage. Ses enjeux sont bien connus : clarté informationnelle, compréhension des attentes de l’enseignant, autonomie, etc. Elle constitue également un puissant levier de la réalisation du projet de l’enseignant et de la mise au travail des élèves. Néanmoins, la dimension cachée de l’activité de consigne (les préoccupations de l’enseignant, les normes professionnelles, les intentions, les motifs présidant à l’élaboration et la distribution des consignes, les micro-décisions) demeure encore peu renseignée. C’est, par conséquent, dans cette perspective que nous abordons l’activité de prescription. Nous nous intéressons à la dimension polyfocalisée de l’activité de consigne et de mise au travail des apprenants. Puis, nous mettons l’accent sur une modalité de gestion de la multi-activité : l’activité visuelle de l’enseignant associée à la passation des consignes. Le regard, comme activité attentionnelle, constitue un mode d’organisation et de lecture normé des événements sur lesquels il doit réagir in situ. Enfin, nous mettons en relation la situation d’auto-confrontation alliant visionnage de l’action et discours réflexifs avec la situation de classe où l’enseignant est aussi un observateur au regard aiguisé. Nous esquisserons ainsi les contours d’une "vision professionnelle" partagée et intéressante à mobiliser au regard des enjeux de formation des enseignants.The instructional process is a vital component of teaching and learning. Its benefits are well known: it can provide clarity of information, comprehension of teacher expectations, autonomy, etc. In addition, it is has a great impact on student work and project completion. Nonetheless, the hidden dimension of the instructional process (instructor’s concerns, professional norms, intentions, instructional design, micro-decisions) remains elusive. It is within this context that we approach the prescriptive instructional process. Our study will explore a multi-facetted focus for both the instructional process and student work. We will stress a specific approach to the management of this multi-layered activity: the visual component of the teacher’s instructional process. Observation, as a reflective process, represents a learned comprehension of events to which the teacher is expected to react within and based upon the given context. Finally, we will contextualise the self-assessment process wherein teachers observe their own practice and proceed via reflective discourse within the classroom context in which the teacher is also an informed observer. We will thus outline the foundation of a shared and interesting "professional vision" within the context of instructor development

Impacto de la propagación del COVID-19 en la economía local de las pequeñas y medianas empresas localizadas en la ciudad de Quito

El presente artículo analiza el desarrollo económico del entorno empresarial de las Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas localizadas en la ciudad de Quito, durante la propagación de la pandemia Covid-19 originada por el virus SARS-CoV-2. Desde su perspectiva, expertos aseguran que el impacto súbito y colosal que ha tenido la pandemia y sus medidas para contenerla, ha contribuido a una de las peores recesiones económicas mundiales que atravesará la humanidad después de la segunda guerra mundial en 1870. Es así que, mediante este presente trabajo de investigación se aborda temas de análisis deductivo que parten desde el origen y evolución de la economía desde tiempos remotos, hacia el estudio del comportamiento económico de las Pymes dentro de la ciudad de Quito. Se pretende realizar un estudio sustancial a los sectores productivos más afectados durante esta emergencia sanitaria, así como los más beneficiados, tomando en cuenta factores como el volumen de sus ventas, plazas de trabajo, deudas contraídas con terceros, inyección de capital para inversiones, y la adaptabilidad de inserción a un nuevo modelo de negocios basados en la tecnología y plataformas digitales, concluyendo finalmente con una posible proyección que los empresarios deberán afrontar en los próximos seis meses del año 2021.This article analyzes the economic development of the business environment of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises located in the city of Quito, during the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. From their perspective, experts assure that the sudden and colossal impact that the pandemic has had and its measures to contain it, has contributed to one of the worst global economic recessions that humanity will go through after the Second World War in 1870. Through this present research work, deductive analysis issues are addressed that start from the origin and evolution of the economy since ancient times, towards the study of the economic behavior of SMEs within the city of Quito. It is intended to carry out a substantial study of the productive sectors most affected during this health emergency, as well as those most benefited, taking into account factors such as the volume of their sales, jobs, debts contracted with third parties, injection of capital for investments, and the adaptability of insertion to a new business model based on technology and digital platforms, finally concluding with a possible projection that entrepreneurs will have to face in the next six months of 2021

Modelo de gestión por procesos para la Dirección de Vinculación de la ESPOCH, ciudad Riobamba, provincia Chimborazo

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo diseñar un modelo de gestión por procesos en la Dirección de Vinculación con el fin de optimizar los tiempos en los requerimientos qué se solicitan por parte de la sociedad y/o comunidad brindando servicios de calidad en la ejecución de cada proceso y eliminando la duplicidad de trabajo. Se trabajó con un método cuantitativo y cualitativo, se cuenta con una investigación de carácter descriptivo porque se obtuvo cada detalle de las actividades que se realizan en cada una de los procesos con sus respectivos encargados, además de la implementación de instrumentos de investigación como son la encuesta al personal de la dirección para determinar si se trabaja bajo un modelo de gestión por procesos, y el levantamiento de la información con el responsable de cada proceso para realizar los flujogramas y fichas de procedimientos y plazos además de una ficha de evaluación. Se concluye que la implantación de un modelo de gestión por procesos beneficia a la Dirección de Vinculación generando eficiencia en la gestión, tiempos definidos para cada proceso, agilidad en la documentación influyendo en la consecución de los objetivos estratégicos y metas propuestas en la dirección. Se recomienda a la dirección de Vinculación tomar en cuenta la propuesta realizada para su debida implementación permitiendo aumentar la eficiencia, eficacia y calidad en el servicio que otorga a la sociedad y comunidad de la ESPOCHThe research aimed to design a management model by processes in the Liaison Directorate to optimize the time in the requirements that are requested by society and/or community, providing quality services to enact each process and eliminating a work repetition. We worked with a quantitative and qualitative method. We used descriptive research because we go every detail of the activities that are performed in each of the processes with their respective managers. In addition, the research instruments implementation such as the survey of management personnel to determine whether they work under a process management model, and the collection of information with the person responsible for each process to make flowcharts and procedure sheets and deadlines besides an evaluation sheet. We conclude that implementing a process management model benefits the Relationship Management Department by generating efficiency in management, defining times for each process, and quickness in documentation, thus influencing the strategic achievement, objectives and goals proposed by the department. We recommend that the Directorate of Liaison take the proposal into consideration for a suitable implementation, allowing for increased efficiency, effectiveness, and quality in the service provided to society and the ESPOCH communit

No evidence that selection for egg production persistency causes loss of bone quality in laying hens

ERANET grant BBSRC BB/M028291/1Swedish Research Council Formas 2014-01840ARN (Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria) 291815European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) CA15224UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) BB/P013759/

Efficacy of chestnut and quebracho wood extracts to control Salmonella in poultry

Aims: The study was aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity and efficacy of chestnut and quebracho wood extracts against Salmonella by in vitro assays and in vivo trials. Methods and results: The extracts showed inhibitory activity against Salmonella determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration method as well as on the adhesion and invasion of S. Gallinarum (SG) and S. Enteritidis (SE) in Caco-2 cells. Also, transmission electron microscopy revealed that extract-treated Salmonella showed disruption of cell walls and membranes, damage of the cytoplasm and tannin-protein aggregations. In addition, efficacy of the extracts to control SG and SE was evaluated in experimental infection trials in laying hens and broilers respectively. SE excretion was significantly reduced on days 5 (P < 0·01) and 12 (P < 0·025) only in the quebracho group. In the fowl typhoid infection model, hens that received the chestnut extract showed a significantly reduced mortality (P < 0·05). Conclusions: Our results evidence that these alternative natural products may be a useful tool to control Salmonella in poultry.Instituto de PatobiologíaFil: Casanova, Natalia Andrea. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria; ArgentinaFil: Redondo, Leandro Martí­n. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria; ArgentinaFil: Redondo, Leandro Martí­n. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Redondo, Enzo Alejandro. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria; ArgentinaFil: Redondo, Enzo Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Joaquim, Patricia Estefania. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria; ArgentinaFil: Dominguez, Johana Natali. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria; ArgentinaFil: Dominguez, Johana Natali. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Fernandez Miyakawa, Mariano Enrique. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria; ArgentinaFil: Fernandez Miyakawa, Mariano Enrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Chacana, Pablo. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria; Argentin

Detección de puntos calientes en módulo de instalaciones eléctricas para el laboratorio de control

This article deals with the implementation of a hot spot detection system in the electrical installations module of the control laboratory of the Tsa'chila Higher Technological Institute, the purpose of this system is to identify early and accurately the areas of high thermal resistance in the electrical circuits, which would prevent possible overloads, minimize safety risks and optimize energy efficiency in the laboratory. The hot spot detection system has been acquired after an exhaustive selection process, in which various options were evaluated in terms of accuracy, detectability, ease of use and costs. The selected technology is based on thermal imaging cameras, since they provide infrared images of electrical components, these images allow to identify non-invasively the areas where an abnormal temperature increase is generated, indicating the possibility of a defective connection or a deteriorated component. In conclusion, the implementation of a hot spot detection system in the electrical installations module of the control laboratory is crucial to ensure safety, efficiency and operational continuity since the ability to identify and address areas of high thermal resistance early will contribute significantly to the prevention of failures and the optimization of energy performance,&nbsp; This system represents a strategic investment that will protect both laboratory assets and the safety of personnel involved in electrical operations.El presente articulo aborda la implementación de un sistema de detección de puntos calientes en el módulo de instalaciones eléctricas del laboratorio de control del Instituto Superior tecnológico tsachila, el propósito de este sistema es identificar de manera más temprana y precisa las áreas de alta resistencia térmica en los circuitos eléctricos, lo que permitirá prevenir posibles sobrecargas, minimizar riesgos de seguridad y optimizar la eficiencia energética en el laboratorio. El sistema de detección de puntos calientes se ha adquirido tras un exhaustivo proceso de selección, en el cual se evaluaron diversas opciones en términos de precisión, capacidad de detección, facilidad de uso y costos. La tecnología seleccionada se basa en cámaras termográficas, ya que proporcionan imágenes infrarrojas de los componentes eléctricos, estas imágenes permiten identificar de manera no invasiva las áreas donde se genera un aumento anormal de temperatura, indicando la posibilidad de una conexión defectuosa o un componente deteriorado. En conclusión, la implementación de un sistema de detección de puntos calientes en el módulo de instalaciones eléctricas del laboratorio de control es crucial para garantizar la seguridad, la eficiencia y la continuidad operativa ya que la capacidad de identificar y abordar áreas de alta resistencia térmica de manera temprana contribuirá significativamente a la prevención de fallas y a la optimización del rendimiento energético, este sistema representa una inversión estratégica que protegerá tanto los activos del laboratorio como la seguridad del personal involucrado en las operaciones eléctricas

Efficacy of chestnut and quebracho wood extracts to control Salmonella in poultry

Aims: The study was aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity and efficacy of chestnut and quebracho wood extracts against Salmonella by in vitro assays and in vivo trials. Methods and results: The extracts showed inhibitory activity against Salmonella determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration method as well as on the adhesion and invasion of S. Gallinarum (SG) and S. Enteritidis (SE) in Caco-2 cells. Also, transmission electron microscopy revealed that extract-treated Salmonella showed disruption of cell walls and membranes, damage of the cytoplasm and tannin-protein aggregations. In addition, efficacy of the extracts to control SG and SE was evaluated in experimental infection trials in laying hens and broilers respectively. SE excretion was significantly reduced on days 5 (P < 0·01) and 12 (P < 0·025) only in the quebracho group. In the fowl typhoid infection model, hens that received the chestnut extract showed a significantly reduced mortality (P < 0·05). Conclusions: Our results evidence that these alternative natural products may be a useful tool to control Salmonella in poultry. Significance and Impact of the Study: Salmonella is a zoonotic pathogen usually associated with poultry production. This study provides information about the mechanism of antibacterial effects of chestnut and quebracho wood extracts to control Salmonella in poultry.Fil: Casanova, Natalia Andrea. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigacion En Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronomicas. Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Pque. Centenario. Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria.; ArgentinaFil: Redondo, Leandro Martin. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigacion En Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronomicas. Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Pque. Centenario. Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria.; ArgentinaFil: Redondo, Enzo Alejandro. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigacion En Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronomicas. Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Pque. Centenario. Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria.; ArgentinaFil: Joaquim, Patricia Estefania. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigacion En Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronomicas. Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Pque. Centenario. Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria.; ArgentinaFil: Dominguez, Johana Elizabeth. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigacion En Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronomicas. Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Pque. Centenario. Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria.; ArgentinaFil: Fernandez Miyakawa, Mariano Enrique. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigacion En Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronomicas. Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Pque. Centenario. Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria.; ArgentinaFil: Chacana, Pablo Anibal. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigacion En Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronomicas. Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Pque. Centenario. Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria.; Argentin

Genetics of tibia bone properties of crossbred commercial laying hens in different housing systems

Osteoporosis and bone fractures are a severe problem for the welfare of laying hens, with genetics and environment, such as housing system, each making substantial contributions to bone strength. In this work, we performed genetic analyses of bone strength, bone mineral density, and bone composition, as well as body weight, in 860 commercial crossbred laying hens from 2 different companies, kept in either furnished cages or floor pens. We compared bone traits between housing systems and crossbreds and performed a genome-wide association study of bone properties and body weight. As expected, the 2 housing systems produced a large difference in bone strength, with layers housed in floor pens having stronger bones. These differences were accompanied by differences in bone geometry, mineralization, and chemical composition. Genome scans either combining or independently analyzing the 2 housing systems revealed no genome-wide significant loci for bone breaking strength. We detected 3 loci for body weight that were shared between the housing systems on chromosomes 4, 6, and 27 (either genome-wide significant or suggestive) and these coincide with associations for bone length. In summary, we found substantial differences in bone strength, content, and composition between hens kept in floor pens and furnished cages that could be attributed to greater physical activity in pen housing. We found little evidence for large-effect loci for bone strength in commercial crossbred hens, consistent with a highly polygenic architecture for bone strength in the production environment. The lack of consistent genetic associations between housing systems in combination with the differences in bone phenotypes could be due to gene-by-environment interactions with housing system or a lack of power to detect shared associations for bone strength