Multi-aspect Multilingual and Cross-lingual Parliamentary Speech Analysis

Parliamentary and legislative debate transcripts provide informative insight into elected politicians' opinions, positions, and policy preferences. They are interesting for political and social sciences as well as linguistics and natural language processing (NLP) research. While existing research studied individual parliaments, we apply advanced NLP methods to a joint and comparative analysis of six national parliaments (Bulgarian, Czech, French, Slovene, Spanish, and United Kingdom) between 2017 and 2020. We analyze emotions and sentiment in the transcripts from the ParlaMint dataset collection and assess if the age, gender, and political orientation of speakers can be detected from their speeches. The results show some commonalities and many surprising differences among the analyzed countries

Tendências em pesquisa sobre formação de professores em tecnologias de informação e comunicação: uma análise bibliométrica

El objetivo del artículo es identificar las tendencias en la investigación sobre la formación docente en Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación en la Web of Science. Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo en 402 documentos publicados entre los años 2000 y 2021 mediante un análisis bibliométrico, recurriendo a la base de datos Web of Science para recuperar la producción científica mundial sobre Formación docente en TIC. Los resultados revelan un crecimiento exponencial de la producción científica, evidenciando el liderazgo de las universidades en la creación de conocimiento sobre formación docente en tecnologías de la información y comunicación, siendo, la mayoría de sus aportes incluidos en revistas de alta visibilidad. Se concluye que las tendencias revelan el interés por crear conocimiento en el ámbito de estudio, así también, es una tendencia pedagógica esencial en el ecosistema educativo a nivel global que incrementa su relevancia en la enseñanza, sin embargo, existen limitantes que responden a la preparación del docente para utilizarlas y su falta de integración en el aula de clase, reconociendo que las tecnologías modernas son adoptadas en la formación docente para transformar las metodologías de enseñanza tradicionales en pro de mejorar el aprendizaje de los estudiantes.The aim of this article is to identify trends in research on teacher education in information and communication technologies in the Web of Science. An observational, descriptive, and retrospective study was conducted on 402 articles published between 2000 and 2021 using bibliometric analysis. The Web of Science database was used to identify worldwide scholarly production on ICT teacher education. The results show an exponential growth in scholarly production, demonstrating the leading role of universities in creating knowledge on teacher education in the field of information and communication technologies, with most of their contributions published in high-impact journals. The conclusion is that the trends reveal the interest in knowledge creation in the field of study and that it is a major pedagogical trend in the global education ecosystem, increasing its relevance to teaching. However, there are limitations due to the preparation of teachers to use these technologies and their lack of integration in the classroom, recognizing that modern technologies are being used in teacher education to transform traditional teaching methods to enhance student learning.O objetivo deste artigo é identificar tendências na pesquisa sobre a formação de professores em tecnologias de informação e comunicação na Web of Science. Um estudo observacional, descritivo e retrospectivo foi realizado em 402 artigos publicados entre 2000 e 2021, utilizando análise bibliométrica. O banco de dados da Web of Science foi utilizado para identificar a produção acadêmica mundial sobre a formação de professores em TIC. Os resultados mostram um crescimento exponencial na produção acadêmica, demonstrando o papel de liderança das universidades na criação de conhecimento sobre a formação de professores no campo das tecnologias de informação e comunicação, com a maior parte de suas contribuições publicadas em revistas de alto impacto. A conclusão é que as tendências revelam o interesse na criação de conhecimento no campo do estudo e que se trata de uma grande tendência pedagógica no ecossistema educacional global, aumentando sua relevância para o ensino. Entretanto, há limitações devido à preparação dos professores para o uso dessas tecnologias e sua falta de integração na sala de aula, reconhecendo que tecnologias modernas estão sendo usadas na formação de professores para transformar os métodos tradicionais de ensino para melhorar a aprendizagem dos alunos

IHS Talleres y Debates: Sobre Talento, Objetos, y Colonias en la Exposicion “Tornaviaje” del Museo del Prado

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The trade-off between condition and growth shapes juveniles' survival of harvested demersal fish of the Mediterranean sea

Fish body condition and growth are two interrelated traits closely associated with species life history and fitness, whose trade-off can ultimately impact population dynamics albeit seldom empirically demonstrated. They can intricately affect survival rates, which are particularly relevant for species under exploitation. Using individual spatiotemporal information in Northwestern Mediterranean, we document for the first time the existence of a trade-off between condition and growth in regulating survival dynamics in two important fish species for the Mediterranean fisheries that are characterized by contrasting life histories. For the European hake (Merluccius merluccius), a benthopelagic species, juveniles' body condition was detected to be positively linked to survival and negatively associated with the growth of this age group. For the red mullet (Mullus barbatus), the same pattern was observed for young adults. We also show that the observed patterns on a regional level have a clear spatial dependence as we found that observed body condition over a local scale had a broad effect on the population dynamics of the whole region, with the Ebro delta area emerging as the demographic engine of the two species. We discuss our results in the context of fisheries management and underline the importance of improving current stock assessment models and spatially based fishery management towards incorporating body condition and growth due to their influence on important parameters such as survival

Cross-scale environmental impacts across persistent and dynamic aggregations within a complex population: implications for fisheries management

Accounting for marine stocks spatiotemporal complexity has become one of the most pressing improvements that should be added to the new generation of stock assessment. Disentangling persistent and dynamic population subcomponents and understanding their main drivers of variation are still stock-specific challenges. Here, we hypothesized that the spatiotemporal variability of two adjacent fish stocks density is associated with spatially structured environmental processes across multiple spatiotemporal scales. To test this, we applied a generalized Empirical Orthogonal Function and Dynamic Factor Analysis to fishery-independent and -dependent data of red mullet, a highly commercial species, in the Western Mediterranean Sea. Areas with persistent and dynamic high aggregations were detected for both stock units. A large-scale climatic index and local open-ocean convection were associated with both stocks while other variables exhibited stock-specific effects. We also revealed spatially structured density dynamics within the examined management units. This suggests a metapopulation structure and supports the future implementation of a spatial stock assessment. Considering the common assumptions of panmictic structure and absence of connectivity with neighbouring stock units, our methodology can be applied to other species and systems with putative spatial complexity to inform a more accurate structure of biological populations

Development of a 3D Printed Brain Model with Vasculature for Neurosurgical Procedure Visualisation and Training

Background: Simulation-based techniques using three-dimensional models are gaining popularity in neurosurgical training. Most pre-existing models are expensive, so we felt a need to develop a real-life model using 3D printing technology to train in endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Methods: The brain model was made using a 3D-printed resin mold from patient-specific MRI data. The mold was filled with silicone Ecoflex™ 00-10 and mixed with Silc Pig® pigment additives to replicate the color and consistency of brain tissue. The dura mater was made from quick-drying silicone paste admixed with gray dye. The blood vessels were made from a silicone 3D-printed mold based on magnetic resonance imaging. Liquid containing paprika oleoresin dye was used to simulate blood and was pumped through the vessels to simulate pulsatile motion. Results: Seven residents and eight senior neurosurgeons were recruited to test our model. The participants reported that the size and anatomy of the elements were very similar to real structures. The model was helpful for training neuroendoscopic 3D perception and navigation. Conclusions: We developed an endoscopic third ventriculostomy training model using 3D printing technology that provides anatomical precision and a realistic simulation. We hope our model can provide an indispensable tool for young neurosurgeons to gain operative experience without exposing patients to risk

Development of a 3D Printed Brain Model with Vasculature for Neurosurgical Procedure Visualisation and Training

Background: Simulation-based techniques using three-dimensional models are gaining popularity in neurosurgical training. Most pre-existing models are expensive, so we felt a need to develop a real-life model using 3D printing technology to train in endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Methods: The brain model was made using a 3D-printed resin mold from patient-specific MRI data. The mold was filled with silicone Ecoflex™ 00-10 and mixed with Silc Pig® pigment additives to replicate the color and consistency of brain tissue. The dura mater was made from quick-drying silicone paste admixed with gray dye. The blood vessels were made from a silicone 3D-printed mold based on magnetic resonance imaging. Liquid containing paprika oleoresin dye was used to simulate blood and was pumped through the vessels to simulate pulsatile motion. Results: Seven residents and eight senior neurosurgeons were recruited to test our model. The participants reported that the size and anatomy of the elements were very similar to real structures. The model was helpful for training neuroendoscopic 3D perception and navigation. Conclusions: We developed an endoscopic third ventriculostomy training model using 3D printing technology that provides anatomical precision and a realistic simulation. We hope our model can provide an indispensable tool for young neurosurgeons to gain operative experience without exposing patients to risk

Validation of the spanish version of the questionnaire on patient empowerment in long-term conditions

Background: Patient empowerment is a key factor in improving health outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the questionnaire on Patient Empowerment in Long-Term Conditions (PELC) that evaluates the degree of empowerment of patients with chronic diseases. Methods: Three measurements were made (at baseline, 2 weeks and 12 weeks) of quality of life (QoL), self-care, self-efficacy and empowerment. Reliability was evaluated as internal consistency for the entire sample. Test-retest reproducibility was evaluated for patients who were stable from baseline to week 2 (n = 70). Validity was analysed (n = 124) as baseline correlations with QoL, self-care, self-efficacy, clinical data and psychosocial variables. Sensitivity to change was analysed in terms of effect size for patients who had improved between baseline and week 12 (n = 48). Results: The study was carried out with 124 patients with a diagnosis of heart failure. Cronbach's alpha was high, at >0.9, and the interclass correlation coefficient was low, at 0.47. PELC questionnaire scores showed differences depending on New York Heart Association functional class (p<0.05) and, as posited in the a priori hypotheses, were moderately correlated with emotional dimensions of QoL (0.53) and self-efficacy (0.43). Effect size for the clinically improved subsample was moderate (0.67). Conclusions: The results suggest that the Spanish version of the PELC questionnaire has appropriate psychometric properties in terms of internal consistency and validity and is low in terms of reproducibility and sensitivity to change

Impact of telemedicine on the clinical outcomes and healthcare costs of patients with chronic heart failure and mid-range or preserved ejection fraction managed in a multidisciplinary chronic heart failure programme: a sub-analysis of the iCOR randomized trial

Background The efficacy of telemedicine in the management of patients with chronic heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥40% is poorly understood. The aim of our analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of a telemedicine-based intervention specifically in these patients, as compared to standard of care alone. Methods The Insuficiència Cardiaca Optimització Remota (iCOR) study was a single centre, randomised, controlled trial, designed to evaluate a telemedicine intervention added to an existing hospital/primary care multidisciplinary, integrated programme for chronic heart failure patients. 178 participants were randomised to telemedicine or usual care, and were followed for six months. For the present sub-analysis, only iCOR participants (n = 116) with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥40% were included. The primary study endpoint was the incidence of an acute non-fatal heart failure event, defined as a new episode of worsening of symptoms and signs consistent with acute heart failure requiring intravenous diuretic therapy. The healthcare-related costs in each study group were also evaluated. Results The incidence of the first occurrence of the primary endpoint was significantly lower in the telemedicine arm (22% vs 56%, p<0.001), with a hazard ratio of 0.33 comparing to the usual care arm (95% confidence interval 0.17-0.64). Telemedicine was also associated with lower mean overall chronic heart failure care-related costs compared to usual care (8163€ vs 4993€, p=0.001). The results were consistent in both left ventricular ejection fraction of 40-49% and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% patients. Conclusions Our results suggest that telemedicine is a promising strategy for the management of chronic heart failure patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥40%. These findings should be replicated in larger cohorts

Psychosocial factors partially explain gender differences in health-related quality of life in heart failure patients

Data de publicació electrònica: 29-12-2022Aims: There is little information about the influence of gender on quality of life (QoL) in heart failure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the health-related QoL gap between men and women can be explained by the interaction between psychosocial factors and clinical determinants in a real-word cohort of patients with chronic heart failure. Methods and results: We conducted a single-centre, observational, prospective cohort study of 1236 consecutive patients diagnosed with chronic heart failure recruited between 2004 and 2014. To assess QoL, we used the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ). Female gender was associated with worse global QoL compared to male gender (MLHFQ overall summary score: 49 ± 23 vs. 43 ± 24; P value <0.001, respectively) and similarly had poorer scores in physical and emotional dimensions but scored better on social dimension. In univariate models and in models adjusted for clinical determinants, female gender behaved as a predictor of worse global, physical and emotional QoL, and better social QoL compared with men. In models only including psychosocial determinants and in comprehensive models including all psychosocial and clinical factors, these differences according to gender were no longer significant. Conclusions: In this study, we have shown that the gap in health-related QoL between men and women with chronic heart failure can be partially explained by the interaction between biological and psychosocial factors. Biological factors are the main drivers of QoL in HF patients. However, the contribution of psychosocial factors is essential to definitively understand the role of gender in this field