Design and validation of a skills assessment instrument for managing entrepreneurial career

Este trabajo tiene como finalidad diseñar un instrumento para evaluar las competencias que están presentes en la carrera emprendedora y que permiten gestionar los talentos conducentes al éxito en el mundo empresarial. Incluye dos escalas que evalúan respectivamente las competencias emprendedoras y las competencias generales de gestión de la carrera.Se realiza un estudio de validez de contenido mediante el juicio de 16 expertos, aplicándose a una muestra de empresarios consolidados y emprendedores en transición (n=248). Se estudia su estructura factorial (mediante análisis factoriales exploratorio y confirmatorio) confirmándose la validez del modelo obtenido y comprobando su consistencia interna (α=.868 y .905). El análisis de conglomerados identifica tres perfiles relevantes. Se concluye acerca de la idoneidad y utilidad del instrumento, y se discute sobre la caracterización e implicaciones de los perfiles competenciales hallados con relación a las variables socio demográficas.The purpose of this work is to designan instrument to assess the competencies that exist in the entrepreneurial career, which allow to manage the conducive abilities in order to be successful in the business environment. It includes two scales that evaluate respectively the entrepreneurial competences and the management general skills of the career. A validity study of content has been made with the trial of 16 experts, applying it to a sample of employers and entrepreneurs in transition (n=248). The factorial structure has been analysed(through exploratory and confirmatory factorial analysis), confirming the validity of the model obtained and checking its internal consistency (α=.868 and .905). The cluster analysis identifies three relevant profiles. The study concludes about the appropriateness and usefulness of the instrument and discusses the characterization and implications of the competence profiles found with regard to the socio-demographic variable

Digital inclusion of mature students: Analysis of their attitudes and ICT competences

Esta investigación se propone identificar las actitudes y competencias de los estudiantes adultos en relación con el uso de las TIC, con especial atención al uso de plataformas digitales de aprendizaje y redes sociales (Web 2.0). Asimismo, evalúa la incidencia de algunas variables sociodemográficas (género y edad) en el uso estas herramientas y en la autopercepción de los estudiantes sobre sus competencias digitales. Se ha realizado un estudio tipo encuesta con una muestra de 382 estudiantes que acceden a la Universidad de Sevilla a través de las vías establecidas para mayores de 25, de 40 y 45 años. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto una actitud generalmente positiva ante las TIC que puede calificarse como de pragmática, ya que estas herramientas se valoran positivamente en función de sus potenciales beneficios en los procesos de aprendizaje. Se constata a la vez que no han recibido formación específica en el uso de las TIC. El nivel de competencia que este alumnado percibe tener en el uso de estos recursos es medio-bajo. Además, el grupo de estudiantes mayores de 45 años se considera menos competente que los mayores de 25 y de 40 años. En consecuencia, se realizan algunas propuestas para mejorar la participación de los estudiantes maduros en la enseñanza universitaria.This research aims to identify the attitudes and competences of mature students regarding information and communication technologies (ICT), with special focus on digital learning platforms and social networks (Web 2.0). In addition, the study tries to assess the influence of several socio-demographic variables (gender and age) in the use of these tools and in the students’ self-perception of their digital competency. The research uses the survey method and a questionnaire has been applied to a sample of 382 students entering the University of Seville via the special routes for older than 25, than 40 and 45 years. Results showed a general positive attitude towards the ICT, which could also be qualified as pragmatic, since the tools are positively valued based on their potential benefits in the learning processes. Results also point to the fact that students have not been specifically trained in the use of ITC. The level of competency that they claim to possess regarding the use of these resources is medium-low. Furthermore, the over 45 year group declare themselves less competent than the over 25 and 40. Finally, some suggestions are given in order to improve the participation of mature students in Higher Education

Identification of interdependent psychosocial variables in the entrepreneurial competence

Producción CientíficaFrom the approach based on human rights, the psychosocial factors that facilitate entrepreneurial competences are encouraged for the career and communitarian development. The proper consideration of social cohesion among communities creates some facilitation for a better approach for people. We used a qualitative methodology applying 25 open-ended interviews and two discussion groups, and involving 42 professionals from Spain. We obtained a system of categories constituted by a group of psychosocial variables that key informant consider significant for entrepreneurial development. These results also identify the psychosocial learning and factors that need to be promoted through continuous educational actions within organizations, incentivizing an entrepreneurial career and contributing to sustainable development.Open Access funding provided thanks to the CRUE-CSIC agreement with Springer Nature. The funding was provided by (EDU2013-45704-P)Publicación en abierto financiada por el Consorcio de Bibliotecas Universitarias de Castilla y León (BUCLE), con cargo al Programa Operativo 2014ES16RFOP009 FEDER 2014-2020 DE CASTILLA Y LEÓN, Actuación:20007-CL - Apoyo Consorcio BUCL

Professional success and satisfaction in the career development: Gender patterns

In this paper a series of variables related to the profesional development of Young and adult workers are studied from a gender perspective. We analyze the perceptions of working women and men regarding the subjective professional success of their careers, within the Spanish context, attending to the satisfaction and identification of gender patterns. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies are combined (mixed approach), using a questionnaire to a sample of 205 workers as well as interviews with a subsample of 32 individuals. The results enable us to describe a marked duality in the perception of career progression, job satisfaction and achievement expectations, in relation to gender, but also with age. The barriers perceived in professional development also present differentiated patterns. Practical implications are derived with a view to improve career guidance strategies for working women and men, taking into account this reality. This paper examines a series of variables related to the profesional development of young and adult workers from a gender perspective. It analyses, within the Spanish context, how working women and men subjectively perceive their professional success, paying attention to the identification and following of gender patterns. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies are combined in a mixed approach that uses a questionnaire (given to a sample of 205 workers) and interviews (with a subsample of 32 individuals).  Their results enable us to describe a marked duality in the perception of career progression, job satisfaction and achievement expectations in relation to gender but also age. The barriers perceived in professional development also present differentiated patterns. Practical implications are derived with a view to improve career guidance strategies for working women and men, taking this reality into account

Caracterización de buenas prácticas y necesidades de mejora en los servicios de orientación para el empleo

ABSTRACTThis study aims to identify needs and experiences/factors that characterize good practices in the employment services, developing in two phases respectively. For this, a mixed study was carried out, applying a questionnaire to 214 users of various services located in the Region of Andalusia. 25 of them were also interviewed. For the analysis of the data, the content analysis was used by the elaboration of a category system, supported by the SWOT technique and the triangulation. The results indicate the existence of needs related to insufficient infrastructure in services, time and opening hour limitations, and excessive bureaucracy, as well as insufficient provision of information and poor career guidance skills. We also identified good practices associated with actions to improve self-knowledge and to strengthen self-esteem and decision-making as well as actions to optimize networking and to develop job-searching strategies. Triangulation enabled us to identify strong and weak points and to reach the conclusion that a more integrated model is needed for such services with a network of resources to facilitate adequate follow-up of guidance actions. It is also necessary to strengthen the good practices adopted and to make greater efforts to adapt better to users’ needs and characteristics. RESUMENEste estudio pretende identificar necesidades y experiencias/factores que caracterizan buenas prácticas en los servicios de empleo, desarrollándose en dos fases respectivamente. Para ello, se realizó un estudio mixto aplicándose un cuestionario a 214 usuarios de diversos servicios ubicados en la Comunidad de Andalucía y se realizaron entrevistas a 25 de ellos. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó el análisis de contenido mediante la elaboración de un sistema de categorías, apoyado por la técnica DAFO y la triangulación. Los resultados muestran la existencia de necesidades vinculadas a la insuficiencia de las infraestructuras en los servicios, a la limitación temporal y horaria, y a la existencia de una excesiva burocracia; también se detectan insuficiencias en la información y una escasa orientación en lo que concierne a las competencias de gestión de la carrera. A su vez se identifican buenas prácticas asociadas a las actuaciones para mejorar el autoconocimiento y para reforzar la autoestima y la seguridad en la toma de decisiones, junto con actuaciones para optimizar la red de contactos y para desarrollar un conjunto de estrategias de búsqueda de empleo. La triangulación permitió identificar los puntos fuertes y débiles, concluyendo sobre la necesidad de incorporar un modelo más integral en estos servicios, con una red de recursos que facilite un seguimiento adecuado de las acciones orientadoras; así como reforzar las buenas prácticas implementadas y ampliar el esfuerzo por adaptarse mejor a las demandas y a las particularidades de los usuarios.ABSTRACTThis study aims to identify needs and experiences/factors that characterize good practices in the employment services, developing in two phases respectively. For this, a mixed study was carried out, applying a questionnaire to 214 users of various services located in the Region of Andalusia. 25 of them were also interviewed. For the analysis of the data, the content analysis was used by the elaboration of a category system, supported by the SWOT technique and the triangulation. The results indicate the existence of needs related to insufficient infrastructure in services, time and opening hour limitations, and excessive bureaucracy, as well as insufficient provision of information and poor career guidance skills. We also identified good practices associated with actions to improve self-knowledge and to strengthen self-esteem and decision-making as well as actions to optimize networking and to develop job-searching strategies. Triangulation enabled us to identify strong and weak points and to reach the conclusion that a more integrated model is needed for such services with a network of resources to facilitate adequate follow-up of guidance actions. It is also necessary to strengthen the good practices adopted and to make greater efforts to adapt better to users’ needs and characteristics.

Nosocomial Vs. Community-Acquired Infective Endocarditis in Spain: Location, Trends, Clinical Presentation, Etiology, and Survival in the 21st Century

Major changes have occurred in the epidemiology and etiology of infective endocarditis (IE). Nevertheless, the differences between nosocomial infective endocarditis (NIE) and community-acquired infective endocarditis (CIE) have not been addressed in a population-based study. We conducted a retrospective, nationwide, temporal trend study from 1997 to 2014 analyzing the epidemiology, clinical, geographical, meteorological characteristics of patients diagnosed with IE in Spain, to distinguish NIE from CIE. Among 25,952 patients with IE (62.2 ± 18·6 years; 65.9% men), 45.9% had NIE. The incidence of IE increased from 2.83 to 3.73 due to the NIE incidence increment with a decline in CIE. Patients with NIE were older (63.8 years vs. 60.8 years, p < 0·001), presented a higher Charlson index (1.22 vs. 1.03, p < 0.001), a greater history of implanted cardiac devices (8.7% vs. 4.6%, p < 0.001), and higher mortality (31.5% vs. 21.7%, p < 0.001). The most frequent microorganism for both NIE and CIE was Staphylococcus (p < 0.001), and the North reported a higher incidence (p < 0.001). Risk factors of mortality for NIE were age, Charlson index, hemodialysis, shock, heart failure, and stroke. Risk factors for CIE included female sex, renal disease, and cardiac-device carriers. The etiology of IE shifted from community origins to mostly nosocomial-associated infections. Higher morbidity, mortality, and poorer outcomes are associated with NIE.This research received no external funding. The authors thank Consejería de Educación, Junta de Castilla y León, Spain (reference: VA161G18), for covering the publication charges of this article.S

The overlooked immune state in candidemia: A risk factor for mortality

Producción CientíficaLymphopenia has been related to increased mortality in septic patients. Nonetheless, the impact of lymphocyte count on candidemia mortality and prognosis has not been addressed. We conducted a retrospective study, including all admitted patients with candidemia from 2007 to 2016. We examined lymphocyte counts during the first 5 days following the diagnosis of candidemia. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between lymphocyte count and mortality. Classification and Regression Tree analysis was used to identify the best cut-off of lymphocyte count for mortality associated with candidemia. From 296 cases of candidemia, 115 died, (39.8% 30-day mortality). Low lymphocyte count was related to mortality and poor outcome (p < 0.001). Lymphocyte counts <0.703 × 109 cells/L at diagnosis (area under the curve (AUC)-ROC, 0.783 ± 0.042; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.700–0.867, p < 0.001), and lymphocyte count <1.272 × 109 cells/L five days later (AUC-ROC, 0.791 ± 0.038; 95%CI, 0.716–0.866, p < 0.001) increased the odds of mortality five-fold (odds ratio (OR), 5.01; 95%CI, 2.39–10.93) at time of diagnosis, and three-fold (OR, 3.27; 95%CI, 1.24–8.62) by day 5, respectively. Low lymphocyte count is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with candidemia and might serve as a biomarker for predicting candidemia-associated mortality and poor outcome.Junta de Castilla y León (grant VA161G18

Development of ASAS quality standards to improve the quality of health and care services for patients with axial spondyloarthritis

Objectives The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) aimed to develop a set of quality standards (QS) to help improve the quality of healthcare provided to adult patients affected by axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) worldwide. Methods An ASAS task force developed a set of QS using a stepwise approach. First, key areas for quality improvement were identified, discussed, rated and agreed on. Thereafter, areas were prioritised and statements for the most important key areas were phrased on consensus. Appropriate quality measures were defined to allow quantification of the QS at the community level. Results The ASAS task force, consisting of 20 rheumatologists, two physiotherapists and two patients, selected and proposed 34 potential key areas for quality improvement which were then commented by 140 ASAS members and patients. Within that process three new key areas came up, which led to a re-evaluation of all 37 key areas by 120 ASAS members and patients. Five key areas were identified as most important to determine quality of care: referral including rapid access, rheumatology assessment, treatment, education/self-management and comorbidities. Finally, nine QS were agreed on and endorsed by the whole ASAS membership. Conclusions ASAS successfully developed the first set of QS to help improving healthcare for adult patients with axSpA. Even though it may currently not be realistic to achieve the QS in all healthcare systems, they provide high-quality of care framework for patients with axSpA that should be aimed for

Noise Pollution Filters Bird Communities Based on Vocal Frequency

BACKGROUND: Human-generated noise pollution now permeates natural habitats worldwide, presenting evolutionarily novel acoustic conditions unprecedented to most landscapes. These acoustics not only harm humans, but threaten wildlife, and especially birds, via changes to species densities, foraging behavior, reproductive success, and predator-prey interactions. Explanations for negative effects of noise on birds include disruption of acoustic communication through energetic masking, potentially forcing species that rely upon acoustic communication to abandon otherwise suitable areas. However, this hypothesis has not been adequately tested because confounding stimuli often co-vary with noise and are difficult to separate from noise exposure. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using a natural experiment that controls for confounding stimuli, we evaluate whether species vocal features or urban-tolerance classifications explain their responses to noise measured through habitat use. Two data sets representing nesting and abundance responses reveal that noise filters bird communities nonrandomly. Signal duration and urban tolerance failed to explain species-specific responses, but birds with low-frequency signals that are more susceptible to masking from noise avoided noisy areas and birds with higher frequency vocalizations remained. Signal frequency was also negatively correlated with body mass, suggesting that larger birds may be more sensitive to noise due to the link between body size and vocal frequency. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings suggest that acoustic masking by noise may be a strong selective force shaping the ecology of birds worldwide. Larger birds with lower frequency signals may be excluded from noisy areas, whereas smaller species persist via transmission of higher frequency signals. We discuss our findings as they relate to interspecific relationships among body size, vocal amplitude and frequency and suggest that they are immediately relevant to the global problem of increases in noise by providing critical insight as to which species traits influence tolerance of these novel acoustics

MRI lesions in the sacroiliac joints of patients with spondyloarthritis: an update of definitions and validation by the ASAS MRI working group

OBJECTIVES: The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) MRI working group (WG) was convened to generate a consensus update on standardised definitions for MRI lesions in the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA), and to conduct preliminary validation. // METHODS: The literature pertaining to these MRI lesion definitions was discussed at three meetings of the group. 25 investigators (20 rheumatologists, 5 radiologists) determined which definitions should be retained or required revision, and which required a new definition. Lesion definitions were assessed in a multi-reader validation exercise using 278 MRI scans from the ASAS classification cohort by global assessment (lesion present/absent) and detailed scoring (inflammation and structural). Reliability of detection of lesions was analysed using kappa statistics and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). // RESULTS: No revisions were made to the current ASAS definition of a positive SIJ MRI or definitions for subchondral inflammation and sclerosis. The following definitions were revised: capsulitis, enthesitis, fat lesion and erosion. New definitions were developed for joint space enhancement, joint space fluid, fat metaplasia in an erosion cavity, ankylosis and bone bud. The most frequently detected structural lesion, erosion, was detected almost as reliably as subchondral inflammation (κappa/ICC:0.61/0.54 and 0.60/0.83) . Fat metaplasia in an erosion cavity and ankylosis were also reliably detected despite their low frequency (κappa/ICC:0.50/0.37 and 0.58/0.97). // CONCLUSION: The ASAS-MRI WG concluded that several definitions required revision and some new definitions were necessary. Multi-reader validation demonstrated substantial reliability for the most frequently detected lesions and comparable reliability between active and structural lesions