Using rubrics as a self-assessment tool in Botany learning

Las rúbricas o matrices de evaluación son una herramienta educativa para la evaluación del proceso de aprendizaje. En la rúbrica se identifican ciertos criterios en la realización de un trabajo y también se define la gradación de calidad para cada criterio, desde un rendimiento pobre hasta la excelencia. Las rúbricas ayudan a estudiantes y profesores a juzgar la calidad de la tarea realizada por los estudiantes y pueden utilizarse además como herramienta de autoevaluación, mostrándose muy eficaces en algunos estudios previos. La realización de un herbario personal o en grupo ha sido un recurso utilizado para el aprendizaje de la Botánica desde hace años. Los herbarios permiten que el alumno conozca la terminología adecuada de la Taxonomía Botánica, aprenda a preparar, conservar e identificar las plantas con la bibliografía adecuada, y adquiera un conocimiento de visu de la flora local. Asimismo, otras competencias transversales, como la capacidad de trabajo en grupo, pueden ser potenciadas con la realización de dicho herbarios. La evaluación de los herbarios es compleja debido a la diversidad de competencias necesarias para la correcta realización del trabajo. Aquí presentamos una rúbrica desarrollada para que el alumno pueda autoevaluarse según diferentes criterios que se agrupan en tres grandes bloques: (i) Contenido, (ii) Presentación y Documentación, y (iii) Destrezas de trabajo colaborativas (trabajo en grupo). Esta autoevaluación tiene como finalidad la mejora en la presentación de los herbarios y con ello una mejora del rendimiento académico del alumno.A rubric (evaluation matrix) is an educational tool designed to evaluate the learning process. In an evaluation matrix, specific expectations are identified as well as a grade of fulfillment for each criterion, from a poor to an excellent performance. Rubrics make easier the evaluation task carried out by teachers and students, improving its quality, and can be used for self-assessment as its efficiency is proved by previous studies. An individual or collective herbarium is a learning tool that has been used for many years. Herbaria allow that students can familiarize with the Botanical Taxonomy terminology, learn to prepare, preserve and identify plant specimens (with the necessary bibliography), and acquire visual knowledge of local flora. In addition, several transversal competences, like teamwork related skills, are boosted in its construction. The evaluation of a herbarium is complex due to the diversity of necessary competences involved. Here, we bring a rubric to let students self-assess different criteria (grouped in three blocks): (i) Content, (ii) Presentation and Documentation, and (iii) Teamwork skills. The purpose of this self-assessment is to improve the presentation of the herbarium and hence the student's academic performance

AFLPsim: an R package to simulate and detect dominant markers under selection in hybridizing populations

Background In spite of a large diversity of approaches to investigate loci under selection from a population genetic perspective, very few programs have been specifically designed to date to test selection in hybrids using dominant markers. In addition, simulators of dominant markers are very scarce and they do not usually take into account hybridization. Results Here, we present a new, multifunctional, R package for dominant genetic markers, AFLPsim. This package can simulate dominant markers in hybridizing populations and implements genome scan methods for detecting outlier dominant loci in hybrids. In addition, it includes tools for further manipulating the results, plotting them and other tasks. We describe and tabulate the major functions implemented in AFLPsim. In addition, we provide some demonstration of its use and we perform a comparative study with other software. Finally, we conclude by briefly describing the input and output formats. Conclusions The R package AFLPsim application provides several useful tools in the context of hybridization studies. It can simulate dominant markers in hybridizing populations and predict their demographic evolution. In addition, we implement a new genome scan method for detecting outlier dominant loci in hybrids, which shows a rather high sensitivity and is very conservative in comparison with Gagnaire et al.’s, bayescan and introgress. The application is downloadable at http://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/AFLPsim/

Procesos de limitación demográfica

Este capítulo ofrece una revisión de los factores que afectan a la regeneración natural de la vegetación, considerando la serie de etapas demográficas que determinan la dinámica de una población. Son muy escasos los estudios disponibles que analizan toda la serie de eventos concatenados entre la producción de flores y frutos y el establecimiento exitoso de una planta adulta reproductiva. También son escasos los trabajos que permiten establecer los efectos aplazados que tienen las interacciones con animales a lo largo del ciclo de regeneración. La aproximación que proponemos cuantifica las pérdidas de propágulos en cada etapa demográfica e identifica “cuellos de botella” del reclutamiento que pueden colapsar la regeneración natural de una especie. Revisamos una serie de casos de estudio que ilustran diversos procesos de limitación demográfica. El uso de técnicas explícitamente demográficas es fundamental para comprender la evolución de las especies forestales Mediterráneas y para diseñar actuaciones de preservación de sus poblaciones y de su extraordinaria diversidad.We review the main factors influencing recruitment limitation in Mediterranean woody species by considering the sequential stages that determine the demographic cycle. Very few studies examine the whole set of demographic stages, from flower production to the successful establishment of adult reproductive plants, and their influence on recruitment. There are also few studies exploring the delayed effects of animal interactions throughout the regeneration cycle, but the information on stage-specific effects is more detailed. We propose an approach that quantifies the propagule losses at each sequential demographic stage and identifies demographic bottlenecks that might collapse population growth. We review a series of case studies illustrating different limitation processes. The use of explicit demographic techniques is central to understand the evolution of Mediterranean woody species and to design sound, ecologically-based, conservation plans to preserve their extraordinary diversity

Anthropogenic deforestation and climate dryness as drivers of demographic decline and genetic erosion in the southernmost European fir forests

A better understanding of long-term effects of climate and historical anthropogenic changes is needed to define effective conservation measures of endangered forest inhabiting managed landscapes. Diversification and distribution of Mediterranean firs are attributed to the global climate change during the Miocene and Quaternary as well as to the effects of human-driven deforestation. We evaluated the impact of climate change and anthropogenic activities in shaping the genetic diversity and structure of Abies pinsapo Boiss. (Pinaceae), a relict fir endemic from SW Spain. We genotyped a total of 440 individuals from 44 populations by using two different molecular markers (cpSSRs and nSSRs). Overall, low genetic structure was found; however, incipient differentiation appeared within mountain ranges. Analyses suggest that the effects of isolation by distance and lithological or topographical diversity were not enough to structure the populations of the different mountain ranges. The combined role of genetic drift in the small populations and the anthropogenic action associated with forest management has shaped the current genetic pattern of this fir species in the study area. Demographic inference analyses pointed to a very recent synchronic divergence (eleventh–sixteenth century) of the ancestral A. pinsapo population into its current scattered distribution range. Although population bottlenecks were supported by several analyses, the conservation of this endangered species seems not to be limited by lacking genetic diversity, while threats of current climate change and habitat loss must be regarded.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad P08-RNM-03703, P18-RT-1170, CGL2013-45463-PJunta de Andalucía IF/01375/2012, PTDC/BIA-BIC/5233/2014, POCI-01-0145- FEDER-01681

Patterns of phylogeography and vicariance of Chamaerops humilis L. (Palmae)

Chamaerops humilis L. is 1 of 2 native palms occurring in Europe and the only native palm in the West Mediterranean region. Our aims were: (1) to describe its phylogeographic structure; (2) to infer a biogeographic scenario to explain its present distribution; and (3) to assess changes in its distribution from the last interglacial period. Twenty-two populations were sampled. An amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis produced 226 fragments, which allowed recognition of 4 groups of populations: (1) E Iberian Peninsula plus Al Hoceima (NE Morocco), the Balearics, and Sardinia; (2) France, the Italian Peninsula, and Sicily; (3) SW Iberian Peninsula and NW Morocco; and (4) S Morocco (var. argentea André; the first 3 groups are currently included in var. humilis). The phylogenetic information and molecular clock-related estimates, combined with geological and fossil history from the Eocene to present, suggest that C. humilis occurred in Central Europe in the Tertiary, reaching (1) Spain and (2) Italy, with expansion from here across North Africa to (3) N Morocco and S Spain, and (4) S Morocco. Climatic changes may also help explain the fragmented current distribution of this species. The groups of populations are sufficiently genetically distinct to recommend conservation of at least some populations in each region.Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia de España CGL2005- 01951Secretaría General de Universidades, Investigación y Tecnología. Junta de Andalucí

Algunos taxones interesantes de distintas comarcas del Rif (NW Morocco)

Some interesting taxons of several regions in the Rif (NW Morocco).Palabras clave. Flora, corología, Rif, Marruecos.Key Words. Flora, chorology, Rif, Morocco

Analysis of the Use and Applicability of Different Variables for the Prescription of Relative Intensity in Bench Press Exercise

The aim of the study was to analyze the use of variables such as % of one-repetition maximum (1RM) and number of maximal repetitions (xRM) with execution velocity to define and control the intensity of resistance training in bench press exercise. Hence, exercise professionals will achieve better control of training through a greater understanding of its variables. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, fifty male physical education students were divided into four groups according to their relative strength ratio (RSR) and performed a 1RM bench press test (T1). In the second test, participants performed repetitions to exhaustion (T2), using a relative load corresponding to 70% 1RM determined through the mean propulsive velocity (MPV) obtained from the individual load–velocity relationship. This same test was repeated a week later (T3). Tests were monitored according to the MPV of each repetition and blood lactate values (LACT). Results: Regarding MPV, the best (fastest) repetition of the set (MPVrep Best) values were similar between groups (0.62 m·s−1–0.64 m·s−1), with significant differences in relation to the high RSR group (p 0.05). Average LACT values (5.72 mmol·L−1) showed significant differences between the Background: Medium RSR and Very Low RSR groups. No significant differences were found (p > 0.05) between T2 and T3 with regards to MNR, MPVrep Best, or MPVrep Last, with little variability seen between participants. Conclusions: The use of variables such as the 1RM, estimated using an absolute load value, or an MNR do not allow an adequate degree of precision to prescribe and control the relative intensity of resistance training. Besides, execution velocity control can offer an adequate alternative to guarantee an accurate prescription of intensity with regard to resistance training.Sección Deptal. de Radiología, Rehabilitación y Fisioterapia (Enfermería)Fac. de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y PodologíaTRUEpu

Early diversification and permeable species boundaries in the Mediterranean firs

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Inferring the evolutionary relationships of species and their boundaries is critical in order to understand patterns of diversification and their historical drivers. Despite Abies (Pinaceae) being the second most diverse group of conifers, the evolutionary history of Circum-Mediterranean firs (CMF) remains under debate. METHODS: We used restriction site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) on all proposed CMF taxa to investigate their phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic status. KEY RESULTS: Based on thousands of genome-wide SNPs, we present here the first formal test of species delimitation, and the first fully resolved, complete species tree for CMF. We discovered that all previously recognized taxa in the Mediterranean should be treated as independent species, with the exception of A. tazaotana and A. marocana. An unexpectedly early pulse of speciation in the Oligocene-Miocene boundary is here documented for the group, pre-dating previous hypotheses by millions of years, revealing a complex evolutionary history encompassing both ancient and recent gene flow between distant lineages. CONCLUSIONS: Our phylogenomic results contribute to shed light on conifers' diversification. Our efforts to resolve the CMF phylogenetic relationships help refine their taxonomy and our knowledge of their evolutio

Carcinoma no microcítico de pulmón localmente avanzado tratado con quimioradioterapia en el Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla (HUMV) en 2013 y 2014: Resultados de toxicidad y supervivencia.

RESUMEN: El carcinoma no microcítico de pulmón es una neoplasia de alta incidencia y mortalidad en el mundo y en nuestro entorno. En pacientes con estadio localmente avanzado al diagnóstico, el tratamiento consiste en quimioradioterapia concomitante con intención radical. Analizamos para el presente trabajo de manera retrospectiva a los 66 pacientes con este diagnóstico que recibieron quimioradioterapia concomitante o radioterapia exclusiva en el Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla durante los años 2013 y 2014. Observamos una baja incidencia de toxicidad aguda y crónica. Tras un seguimiento mediano de 17 meses (rango tres a 41 meses) reportamos una supervivencia global al año de 53-64% y a los dos años de 35-37%, y una supervivencia media de 16.5 - 19.4 meses. En comparación con datos de supervivencia de estudios internacionales nuestros resultados son equiparables.ABSTRACT: Non small cell lung carcinoma is a neoplasm of high incidence and mortality both worldwide and in our region. In patients with locally advanced stage at diagnosis, treatment consists of concomitant chemoradiotherapy with curative intention. We retrospectively analyzed the 66 patients with this diagnosis who received concomitant chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy alone at the University Hospital of Marqués de Valdecilla in the years 2013 and 2014. We observed a low incidence of acute and chronic toxicity. After a median follow-up of 17 months (range three to 41 months) we report overall survival of 53-64% at one year and 35-37% at two years, and median survival of 16.5 - 19.4 months. In comparison with survival data from international studies our results are equivalent