Trabajo colaborativo de profesores de matemáticas como vivencia práctica del docente-investigador

Este trabajo es una investigación acción sobre los efectos producidos en profesores de matemática al implementar una experiencia de formación continua. La innovación dirigida a la formación del profesorado consistió en el diseño, validación y aplicación de una Unidad Didáctica. Las bases teóricas del estudio pueden sintetizarse en la necesidad de la formación docente en función de la calidad del proceso educativo, en el aprendizaje significativo constructivista de Ausubel; y en las directrices de Rico, Callejo y otros autores sobre la metodología para elaborar Unidades Didácticas de matemática de secundaria. La metodología de investigación tuvo dos fases, la primera, el diseño y aplicación de la Unidad Didáctica a siete grupos de estudiantes; y la segunda, reflexión sobre las diversas experiencias, rediseño del documento y aplicación a otros dos grupos, después de considerar los aportes de cada profesor. La riqueza de los resultados obtenidos radicó en el esfuerzo de reflexión sobre las propias experiencias docentes. Repercusiones del mejoramiento de la calidad profesional del docente investigador: hábitos de trabajo intelectual, adquisición de conocimientos integrados, autoevaluación en beneficio del aprendizaje del estudiante, competencias didácticas, metodologías y estrategias adecuadas

Validation and Adaptation of the Prosocial and Antisocial Behavior in Sport Scale to the Spanish context of Physical Education

Physical education (PE), by its own characteristics, is a subject where social communication is especially promoted. However, it is necessary to have tools that evaluate the social behaviour of students during PE classes. For this reason, we propose to validate and adapt the Prosocial and Antisocial Behavior in Sport Scale to the Spanish context of PE classes. The study involved 1081 students aged 12 to 18 (M = 14.83; SD = 1.27). The psychometric properties of the Prosocial Behavior Scale were analyzed through several statistical analyses. The results of the confirmatory factorial analysis and the exploratory factorial analysis supported the internal structure of the questionnaire. In addition, the scale was invariant to gender. Cronbach’s alpha values were higher than 0.70 in the factors and sub-factors, finally showing adequate levels of temporal stability. Taking into account the results achieved in the present study, PE teachers have an effective tool to assess the social and antisocial behaviour of their students’ students during PE classes

Inquiry based learning: why buying a car with a tree included? Enhancing science and mathematic learning

International reports reveal a deficient situation in relation to science and mathematics learning, which can be considered as an obstacle for the education of literate and informed citizens and the qualification and the preparation of future scientists and engineers. This situation may be partly attributed to the way science and mathematics are taught at school. Research on effective teaching approaches shows that inquiry based learning (IBL) improves students’ engagement and motivation for science and mathematics learning and promotes the development of process skills, critical thinking and conceptual understanding of some science and mathematics topics. The present work describes the design and implementation of an instructional approach for enhancing science and mathematics learning through IBL. The instructional approach is based on the design of an interdisciplinary task which starts by challenging students through the analysis of an advertisement. The initial scenario engages students in an investigation process to look for evidence and understanding while acquiring meaningful learning of key science topics and mathematical tools. The task also takes advantage of current technological resources to facilitate and support the overall inquiry process. (Orig.

RanBP2-Mediated SUMOylation Promotes Human DNA Polymerase Lambda Nuclear Localization and DNA Repair

Cellular DNA is under constant attack by a wide variety of agents, both endogenous and exogenous. To counteract DNA damage, human cells have a large collection of DNA repair factors. Among them, DNA polymerase lambda (Polλ) stands out for its versatility, as it participates in different DNA repair and damage tolerance pathways in which gap-filling DNA synthesis is required. In this work we show that human Polλ is conjugated with Small Ubiquitin-like MOdifier (SUMO) proteins both in vitro and in vivo, with Lys27 being the main target of this covalent modification. Polλ SUMOylation takes place in the nuclear pore complex and is mediated by the E3 ligase RanBP2. This post-translational modification promotes Polλ entry into the nucleus, which is required for its recruitment to DNA lesions and stimulated by DNA damage induction. Our work represents an advance in the knowledge of molecular pathways that regulate cellular localization of human Polλ, which are essential to be able to perform its functions during repair of nuclear DNA, and that might constitute an important point for the modulation of its activity in human cells

Anxiety as a stigma: The stereotype of the anxious person in the clinical, health-care professional, and general population

El objetivo principal de esta investigación fue la evaluación de la teoría implícita o estereotipo que diferentes grupos de población tienen de las personas con ansiedad clínica. Para ello se administró un listado de adjetivos para la heteroevaluación de la persona ansiosa a un total de 400 participantes, distribuidos en cuatro grupos: pacientes con trastorno de ansiedad, población general, médicos y diplomados en enfermería. A los pacientes ansiosos se les volvió a administrar el listado de adjetivos para su autoevaluación. Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo mediante la prueba de χ2 para determinar las diferencias entre grupos en relación a los adjetivos más utilizados. Seguidamente se realizaron dos ANOVAs para establecer diferencias entre grupos a partir de la hetero-evaluación y para comprobar si había diferencias entre la heteroevaluación y la autoevaluación de las personas con trastornos de ansiedad. Los resultados muestran diferencias en la percepción de las personas ansiosas por parte de los 4 grupos; pero solo en el grupo general se detectan creencias prejuiciosas en el estereotipo que muestran de las personas ansiosas. Dichos hallazgos ponen de manifiesto las diferencias en los estereotipos de cada población referentes a las personas con ansiedad clínicaThe implicit theory or stereotype of anxious personality was assessed in different samples. A list of adjectives was administered for hetero-evaluation to 400 participants, divided into four groups: Patients with anxiety dicorders, general population, doctors, and nurses. Anxious patients were re-administered the list of adjectives for self-evaluation. A descriptive study was conducted using χ2 to discriminate the adjectives used between groups. Two ANOVAs were performed to establish differences between groups from hetero-evaluation and to test the presence of differences between the hetero- and the self-evaluation. Results showed the existence of differences between the clinically anxious group, the group of doctors and the group of nurses in the stereotype of anxious individuals, although no evidence of stigma was found. However, the general population group showed a perceptual bias of anxious individuals, which may indicate readiness to stigmatize these patients

El ensayo de micronúcleos como medida de inestabilidad genética inducida por agentes genotóxicos

Human genetic integrity is compromised by the intense industrial activity, which emphasizes the importance to determine an "acceptable" genetic damage level and to carry out routine genotoxicity assays in the populations at risk. Micronuclei are cytoplasmatic bodies of nuclear origin which correspond to genetic material that is not correctly incorporated in the daughter cells in the cellular division; they reflect the existence of chromosomal aberrations and are originated by chromosomal breaks, replication errors followed by cellular division of the DNA and/or exposure to genotoxic agents. There are several factors able to modify the number of micronuclei present in a given cell, among them are age, gender, vitamins, medical treatments, daily exposure to genotoxic agents, etc. The cytogenetic assay for the detection of micronuclei (CBMN: cytokinesis-block micronucleus) is based on the use of a chemical agent, cytochalasin-B, which is able to block cytocinesis but allowing the nuclear division, therefore yielding binucleated and monodivided cells. The micronuclei scoring is performed on 1000 binucleated cells and the starting sample may vary, although most studies are performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes. The micronuclei assay is considered a practical, universally validated and technically feasible protocol which is useful to evaluate the genetic instability induced by genotoxic agent

Alpha-defensins 1-3 Release by Dendritic Cells is Reduced by Estrogen

During pregnancy the immune system of the mother must protect any activation that may negatively affect the fetus. Changes in susceptibility to infection as well as resolution of some autoimmune disorders represent empirical evidence for pregnancy related alterations in immunity. Sex hormones reach extremely high levels during pregnancy and have been shown to have direct effects on many immune functions including the antiviral response of dendritic cells. Among the immunologically active proteins secreted by monocyte derived DCs (MDDC) are the alpha-defensins 1-3. This family of cationic antimicrobial peptides has a broad spectrum of microbicidal activity and has also been shown to link innate to adaptive immunity by attracting T cells and immature DCs, which are essential for initiating and polarizing the immune response. We compare culture-generated monocyte derived DCs (MDDCs) with directly isolated myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and measure their alpha-defensins 1-3 secretion by ELISA both, in basal situations and after hormone (E2 or PG) treatments. Moreover, using a cohort of pregnant women we isolated mDCs from blood and also measure the levels of these anti-microbial peptides along pregnancy

Binder jetting additive manufacturing of biodegradable Zn

Biodegradable materials avoid second surgeries and long-term associated risks of conventional inert implants. Zn arose as a potential candidate for bioresorbable implants due to its proper degradation behaviour and biocompatibility [1]. However, its low melting point induces uncontrolled porosity in LPBF, promoting the future cracking of the implant. Therefore, new fabrication techniques need to be explored. In this work, binder jetting 3d printing (BJ3P) was studied for Zn powders. The samples were printed and sintered under different conditions. It is concluded that, the increase the temperature almost up to melting point leads to higher densification, at the same time, the rise of temperature provokes the formation and growth of oxidized layer on the surface of the powders

Creencia religiosa y conciencia errónea según Pierre Bayle

Durante siglos, se consideró un deber del buen cristiano obligar, a todos los hombres a entrar en el seno de la Iglesia (compelle intrare), puesto que de ello dependía su salvación eterna. Esta doctrina presupone que existe una nítida diferencia entre verdad religiosa y error. Para Bayle, sin embargo, la creencia religiosa solo puede aspirar a convertirse en una verdad putativa, sustentada en la convicción subjetiva del fiel, concepción que le permite desdibujar el propio concepto de herejía y criticar las persecuciones religiosas de su tiempo.For centuries it was considered a Christian moral duty to compel everyone to join the Church (compelle intrare), as their salvation depended upon it. This concept of duty presupposes a clear distinction between religious truth and error. For Pierre Bayle, however, religious belief can only be considered a putative truth, sustained by the subjective conviction of the believer. This approach allows Bayle to soften the concept of heresy and to criticize the religious persecutions of his time