Dependency evolution in Spanish disabled population : a functional data analysis approach

In a health context dependency is defined as lack of autonomy in performing basic activities of daily living that require the care of another person or significant help. However, this contingency, if present, changes throughout the lifetime. In fact, empirical evidence shows that, once this situation occurs, it is almost impossible to return to the previous state and in most cases the intensity increases. In this article, the evolution of the intensity in this situation is studied for the Spanish population affected by this contingency. Evolution in dependency can be seen as sparsely observed functional data, where for each individual we get a curve only observed at those points in which changes in the condition of his/her dependency occur. We use functional data analysis techniques such as curve registration, functional data depth or distance-based clustering to analyse this kind of data. This approach proves to be useful in this context since it takes into account the dynamics of the dependency process and provides more meaningful conclusions than simple pointwise or multivariate analysis. The database analysed comes from the Survey about Disabilities, Personal Autonomy and Dependency Situations, EDAD 2008, (Spanish National Institute of Statistics, 2008). The evaluation of the dependency situation for each person is ruled in Spain by the Royal Decree 504/2007 that passes the scale for assessment of the situation set by Act 39/2006. In this article, the scale value for each individual included in EDAD 2008 has been calculated according to this legislation. Differences between sex, ages and first appearance time have been considered and prediction of future evolution of dependency is obtainedThe research of Ana Arribas-Gil was supported by grants ECO2011-25706 and MTM2010-17323 of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovatio

A investigação em valor percebido desde o marketing

Desde o ano 2000 temos visto multiplicarem-se as tentativas para compreender o verdadeiro significado do valor percebido na compra e consumo de produtos e serviços. O certo é que o valor é considerado hoje como o coração da aproximação ao marketing. Mas também é certo que seu estudo chegou depois do interesse por outras duas variáveis-chave como a qualidade e a satisfação, e que existe um certo lamento na doutrina por uma escassa e deficiente compreensão do que é e o que não é valor percebido. Neste artigo pretendemos abordar a investigação do valor percebido, enunciando suas luzes e suas sombras, e oferecendo um marco conceitual compreensivo que sirva de referência para as diferentes contribuições recolhidas nesta publicação.Depuis l´an 2000 nous avons assisté à une multiplication des tentatives visant à comprendre la véritable signification de la valeur perçue lors de l´achat et de la consommation de produits et de services. Certes, la valeur est aujourd´hui considérée comme le coeur de l´approximation au marketing. Cependant, il est aussi vrai que son étude a été entreprise après l´intérêt suscité par deux autres variables clés, à savoir la qualité et la satisfaction. De même, il existe un certain regret de la doctrine quant au peu et au mal que l´on comprend ce que la valeur perçue est ou n´est pas. Dans cet article nous prétendons aborder la recherche de la valeur perçue,en énonçant ses lumières et ses ombres et en proposant un cadre conceptuel compréhensif susceptible de servir de référence pourles différents apports que contient cette publication.Attempts to understand the real meaning of perceived value in buying and consuming products and services have increased significantly since 2000. The fact is that today value is considered as being at the heart of approaches to marketing. However, it is also true that studying it has followed on the heels of interest shown in two other key variables (quality and satisfaction) and that certain regret has been expressed in the doctrine concerning the lack of understanding regarding what is perceived value and what is not. We have tried to approach the investigation of perceived value in this article, expressing its clear and obscure areas and offering a comprehensive conceptual framework serving as reference for the different contributions collected in this publication.Desde el año 2000, hemos visto multiplicarse los intentos por comprender el verdadero significado del valor percibido en la compra y consumo de productos y servicios. Lo cierto es que el valor es considerado hoy como el corazón de la aproximación al marketing. Pero también es cierto que su estudio ha llegado después del interés por otras dos variables clave como la calidad y la satisfacción, y que existe un cierto lamento en la doctrina por una escasa y deficiente comprensión de lo que es y lo que no es valor percibido. En este artículo pretendemos abordar la investigación del valor percibido, enunciando sus luces y sus sombras, y ofreciendo un marco conceptual comprensivo que sirva de referencia para las diferentes aportaciones recogidas en esta publicación

Efeitos do desenvolvimento sustentável percebido pelo consumidor. Uma proposta para um modelo de hipermercado no Equador

The objective of this work was to analyze the incidence of sustainable development on the chain of effects: perceived value - brand equity - loyalty. In order to achieve this, a theoretical model of relations, tested with a sample of 317 hypermarket customers in Ecuador, was proposed. Results, using an exploratory and confirmatory methodology, combined with partial least squares regression, showed that both sustainable development actions as well as perceived value are master pieces to build the retail strategy. Both are established as key variables by their nature, as they are multidimensional, and by their scope, allowing to generate customer loyalty towards the hypermarket through brand equity.El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la incidencia del desarrollo sostenible sobre la cadena de efectos: valor percibido - capital de marca - lealtad. Para ello, se propone un modelo teórico de relaciones que se contrasta a partir de una muestra de 317 clientes de hipermercados en Ecuador. Los resultados, aplicando una metodología exploratoria y confirmatoria, combinada con regresión por mínimos cuadrados parciales, mostraron que tanto las acciones de desarrollo sostenible como el valor percibido son pilares maestros sobre los que se puede apoyar la estrategia minorista. Ambas se muestran como variables clave por su naturaleza, en cuanto son multidimensionales, y por su alcance, al permitir construir la lealtad del consumidor hacia el hipermercado a través de su capital de marca.O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a incidência do desenvolvimento sustentável na cadeia de efeitos: valor percebido - capital da marca - lealdade. Para isso, propõe-se um modelo teórico de relações, o que contrasta-se com uma amostra de 317 clientes de hipermercados no Equador. Os resultados, aplicando uma metodologia exploratória e confirmatória, combinados com a regressão de mínimos quadrados parciais, mostram que tanto as ações de desenvolvimento sustentável quanto o valor percebido, são pilares principais para apoiar a estratégia de varejo. Ambas são mostradas como variáveis-chave por sua natureza, por serem multidimensionais e por seu escopo, permitindo construir a lealdade do consumidor em relação ao hipermercado, por meio de seu capital de marca

Ethically minded consumer behavior, retailers’ commitment to sustainable development, and store equity in hypermarkets

The present paper analyzed the influence of ethically minded consumer behavior on retailer’s commitment to sustainable development as perceived by the consumer, and their contribution to the chain of relationships “store equity–loyalty–word of mouth communication”, in the context of retailing. Responses from 317 hypermarket customers in Ecuador were analyzed. The model was estimated using the partial least squares technique. The results show the sustainable development actions implemented by retailers, together with perceived value, contribute significantly to store equity creation, which explains customer loyalty and, ultimately, positive word-of-mouth communication. However, the most concerned consumers of ethical aspects value the retailer’s efforts towards sustainability to a lesser extent. The findings of this research allow developing a series of implications for the managers of these establishments

Occupational Nursing Intervention in cardiovascular assessment in health professionals in the Spanish Mediterranean area

Introducción: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares son la primera causa de muerte en el mundo y guardan una estrecha relación con diferentes factores de riesgo modificables a través de un cambio en el estilo de vida de las personas. Los profesionales sanitarios presentan riesgo para su salud por ser una profesión ejercida bajo estrés y desgaste profesional. Objetivo: Identificar el nivel de riesgo cardiovascular según el grupo de profesional sanitario. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo y transversal en 8475 profesionales sanitarios (6645 mujeres y 1830 varones) del área mediterránea española. Se valoran variables antropométricas relacionadas con riesgo cardiovascular, índices aterogénicos, síndrome metabólico, escalas de riesgo cardiovascular y escalas de riesgo de diabetes tipo 2. Se realiza análisis multivariante mediante regresión logística y se determinan las odss ratio. Resultados: La mayor prevalencia de riesgo cardiovascular se obtiene en auxiliares y la menor en Enfermería. Los varones presentan mayor riesgo que las mujeres en todos los parámetros analizados. El hábito tabáquico, consumo de alcohol y obesidad afectan negativamente al riesgo cardiovascular. La realización de ejercicio y una alimentación saludable afectan de manera positiva. Discusión: La existencia de diferentes factores de riesgo cardiovasculares en personas aparentemente sanas muestra la necesidad de más estudios para proporcionar las medidas preventivas más adecuadas. Es importante la figura del especialista en Enfermería del Trabajo, crucial para realizar una adecuada vigilancia de la salud de los trabajadores y detectar posibles patologías y alteraciones desconocidas en ese momento.Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world and are closely related to different modifiable risk factors through a change in people’s lifestyle. Health professionals are in risk for their health because it is a profession exercised under stress and professional wear. Objective: To identify the level of cardiovascular risk according to the group of health professionals. Methods: Retrospective and transversal study of 8475 health professionals (6645 women and 1830 men) in the Spanish Mediterranean area. Anthropometric variables related to cardiovascular risk, atherogenic indexes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular risk scales and risk scales of developing type 2 diabetes are evaluated. A multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression and odss ratios were estimated. Results: The highest prevalence of cardiovascular risk is obtained in auxiliaries and the lowest in Nursing. Males are at higher risk than females in all parameters analyzed. Smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity negatively affect cardiovascular risk negatively. Physical exercise and healthy eating affect positively. Discussion: The existence of different cardiovascular risk factors in apparently healthy individuals shows the need for more studies to provide the most appropriate preventive measures. It is important the figure of the specialist in Occupational Nursing, essential to develop an adequate monitoring of the health of the workers and to detect possible pathologies unknown at that moment

Beyond the Boundaries of Disease—Significant Post-traumatic Growth in Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Caregivers

Despite the negative repercussions of a chronic disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) might also lead to positive consequences. This longitudinal study explored post-traumatic growth in MS patients and attempted to identify possible determinants. Post-traumatic growth of 260 patients and their caregivers was compared. A subset of 209 patients and caregivers were evaluated at baseline. Patients filled in the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and General Health Questionnaire at three different times over a 36-month follow-up period. Patient post-traumatic growth significantly increased over the follow-up period (p < 0.001) with large effect sizes on almost every subscale. Higher score on the Expanded Disability Status Scale, higher pain severity, female gender, and higher anxiety were positive predictors of post-traumatic growth, while more interference of pain, higher level of education, and more social dysfunction were negative predictors. Post-traumatic growth did not differ significantly between patients and caregivers. Our results showed significant positive intrapsychic changes of MS patients over a 36-month follow-up period up to 12 years from diagnosis. The potential influence of clinical, demographic, and mental health variables underlines the need for a personalized approach to be able to understand and sustain these processes. Comparable post-traumatic growth levels in patient-caregiver dyads at baseline suggest interdependently driven cognitive processes stabilizing well-being. Future research is recommended for further insight into the underlying cognitive processes.Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte FPU 17/04240Junta de Andalucía US-137938

Estableciendo nuevas competencias en el profesorado de Educación Física desde su propia práctica: la enseñanza comprensiva en la iniciación del voleibol

La profesión docente, el saber profesional del profesor de Educación Física, entraña desafíos, uno de ellos es generar conocimientos desde la práctica profesional. A estos efectos, el presente artículo trata de mostrar un ejemplo de indagación partiendo del conocimiento científico y a través de la práctica reflexiva en la enseñanza de los deportes. La sociedad, en las últimas décadas, ha cambiado mucho, al igual que la educación y la profesión de educador, lo que lleva implícito un acelerado avance del conocimiento y del nivel de desarrollo. Dicha situación obliga al profesorado a realizar diversas reconceptualizaciones de cómo proceder en la praxis a partir de un conocimiento profesional derivado de su preparación inicial en la universidad, de su formación continua y de su comprensión práctica de los acontecimientos que van floreciendo día a día en el gimnasio. Como ejemplificación hemos utilizado la enseñanza de los deportes. El modelo tradicional de enseñanza ha quedado obsoleto. La falta de globalidad de un proceso centrado en la técnica, que obvia los conocimientos e intereses de los jóvenes, conduce, en algunos casos, al abandono de la práctica deportiva en edades tempranas. Ante esta realidad surgen una serie de modelos alternativos que tratan de dar repuesta a estas cuestiones, para buscar otras posibilidades didácticas más significativas y motivantes. Actualmente, la teoría sobre los planteamientos cognitivos en iniciación deportiva tiene una base sólida, pero consideramos que hay un cierto vacío en su aplicación práctica. Pues si el modelo tradicional está desarrollado, en los modelos comprensivos todavía no poseemos la suficiente cantidad y calidad de juegos para formar un aprendizaje deportivo adecuado. Por ello, desde la investigación-acción hemos elaborado una serie de juegos modificados para la iniciación al voleibol

A dificuldade da implementação do ensino por competências em Espanha

This article addresses one of the key aspects of the latest educational reform carried out in Spain: teaching oriented to the development of competencies. The objective of this study is to know the difficulties of Spanish teachers to adapt to the competency model. To do this, a qualitative research methodology was used through interviews and a discussion group with 32 participants (principals, education inspectors, teachers, teachers and educational administration officials) belonging to primary and secondary education, responsible for the compulsory education stage for the subjects of mathematics, natural sciences and physical education. The results confirm that work by competencies is not carried out. The competency approach is left only in bureaucratic tasks. There is no unanimity of criteria for how to apply the teaching model by competencies, although all agree that it is important for the teaching-learning process. Este artículo afronta uno de los aspectos claves de la última reforma educativa realizada en España, como es la enseñanza orientada al desarrollo de las competencias. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer las dificultades del profesorado español para adaptarse al modelo competencial. Para ello, se utilizó una metodología de investigación cualitativa por medio de entrevistas y un grupo de discusión a través de la opinión de 32 participantes (directores, inspectores de educación, maestros, profesores y responsables de la administración educativa) pertenecientes a las etapas educativas de Educación Primaria y Secundaria, por ser la etapa de educación obligatoria, de las asignaturas de Matemáticas, Ciencias de la Naturaleza y Educación Física. Los resultados confirman que el trabajo por competencias no se lleva a la práctica. El enfoque por competencias se queda solo en las tareas burocráticas. No existe unanimidad de criterios de cómo aplicar el modelo de enseñanza por competencias, si bien, todos coinciden en que es positivo para el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Este artigo aborda um dos aspectos-chave da última reforma educacional realizada na Espanha, como o ensino orientado para o desenvolvimento de competências. O objetivo deste estudo é conhecer as dificuldades dos professores de espanhol para se adaptarem ao modelo de competência. Para isso, utilizou-se uma metodologia de pesquisa qualitativa, por meio de entrevistas e um grupo de discussão, através da opinião de 32 participantes (diretores, inspetores de educação, professores, docentes e funcionários da administração educacional) pertencentes às etapas. Ensino Fundamental e Médio, por ser o ensino obrigatório, de Matemática, Ciências Naturais e Educação Física. Os resultados confirmam que o trabalho por competências não é realizado. A abordagem de competência é deixada apenas em tarefas burocráticas. Não há unanimidade de critérios de como aplicar o modelo de ensino por competências, embora todos concordem que é positivo para o processo de ensino-aprendizagem

Escuela de investigadores

La Escuela de Investigadores se plantea como una experiencia de innovación con el propósito de facilitar y mejorar la formación investigadora del alumnado en la realización del Trabajo Fin de Máster (TFM) del Máster de Dirección, Evaluación y Calidad de las Instituciones de Formación de la Universidad de Sevilla en el Itinerario de Investigación. Esta escuela se presenta como una fórmula colaborativa de tutorización en la dirección del trabajo de investigación. En ella se prima la creación de un grupo, que es la base que sustenta todo el proceso formativo. Se pretende con ello desarrollar competencias de distinta naturaleza a través de una metodología comunicativa como base, tanto para el autoconocimiento, como para la creación de espacios de desarrollo madurativo de índole intelectual y personal. La evaluación de esta innovación se lleva a cabo de forma cualitativa. Los resultados indican el potencial educativo de esta experiencia desde la perspectiva de los estudiantes.Researchers School is proposed as an innovation experience in order to facilitate and enhance research training of students in the realization of Master's Thesis (TFM) Itinerary of Research at the Masters in Management, Evaluation and Institutional Quality Training. This school is presented as a collaborative formula tutoring in the direction of the research. It's raw creation of a group, which is the foundation that underpins the whole training process. The aim is to develop differents skills, through communicative methodology as the basis both for the self and for the creation of opportunities for both intellectual development and maturation of this assessment personal. Evaluation of this innovation is carried out qualitatively. The results show the educational potential of this innovation, showing the aspects that favor students in their assessment

Anterobasal temporal lobe lesions alter recurrent functional connectivity within the ventral pathway during naming

An increasing amount of evidence supports a crucial role for the anterior temporal lobe (ATL) in semantic processing. Critically, a selective disruption of the functional connectivity between left and right ATLs in patients with chronic aphasic stroke has been illustrated. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the consequences that lesions on the ATL have on the neurocognitive network supporting semantic cognition. Unlike previous work, in this magnetoencephalography study we selected a group of patients with small lesions centered on the left anteroventral temporal lobe before surgery. We then used an effective connectivity method (i.e., dynamic causal modeling) to investigate the consequences that these lesions have on the functional interactions within the network. This approach allowed us to evaluate the directionality of the causal interactions among brain regions and their associated connectivity strengths. Behaviorally, we found that semantic processing was altered when patients were compared with a strictly matched group of controls. Dynamic causal modeling for event related responses revealed that picture naming was associated with a bilateral frontotemporal network, encompassing feedforward and feedback connections. Comparison of specific network parameters between groups revealed that patients displayed selective network adjustments. Specifically, backward connectivity from anterior to posterior temporal lobe was decreased in the ipsilesional hemisphere, whereas it was enhanced in the contralesional hemisphere. These results reinforce the relevance of ATL in semantic memory, as well as its amodal organization, and highlight the role of feedback connections in enabling the integration of the semantic information.This work was supported by a research grant from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (Grant SAF2011-27920) to I.G.-M. P.C. was supported by a Ramo´n y Cajal Fellowship from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (RYC-2010-05748). C.P. was supported by Spanish Ministry of Science and Education (AP2009-4131)