Anxiety Levels and Coping Strategies to Deal with COVID-19: A Cross-Cultural Study among the Spanish and Latin American Healthcare Populations

Given its impact, COVID-19 has engendered great challenges in terms of health, highlighting the key role of health personnel. This study aims to analyze the level of anxiety, as well as coping strategies, among the health personnel in Latin American countries and Spain. An exploratory, descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted with 584 participants from the healthcare population. No significant differences were observed in anxiety levels due to COVID-19 between Latin American countries and Spain. In Spain, an active and passive coping style is used, while in Latin American countries, an avoidance coping style is employed; there is a direct correlation between anxiety levels and the avoidance coping style. There exists an inverse correlation between anxiety levels and the use of an active coping style; moreover, there are no significant differences in the anxiety level of health personnel depending on whether they have cared for patients with COVID-19. Low cognitive activity, use of the avoidance method and Spanish geography were the main predictive coping styles of anxiety. Effective measures are required for preserving the mental health of health professionals during pandemicsUniversidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Research Project “Psychological impact and coping with COVID-19 in health personnel from Spanish-speaking countries” (grant number INV2871)

An Approach to Distance Estimation with Stereo Vision Using Address-Event-Representation

Image processing in digital computer systems usually considers the visual information as a sequence of frames. These frames are from cameras that capture reality for a short period of time. They are renewed and transmitted at a rate of 25-30 fps (typical real-time scenario). Digital video processing has to process each frame in order to obtain a result or detect a feature. In stereo vision, existing algorithms used for distance estimation use frames from two digital cameras and process them pixel by pixel to obtain similarities and differences from both frames; after that, depending on the scene and the features extracted, an estimate of the distance of the different objects of the scene is calculated. Spike-based processing is a relatively new approach that implements the processing by manipulating spikes one by one at the time they are transmitted, like a human brain. The mammal nervous system is able to solve much more complex problems, such as visual recognition by manipulating neuron spikes. The spike-based philosophy for visual information processing based on the neuro-inspired Address-Event-Representation (AER) is achieving nowadays very high performances. In this work we propose a two- DVS-retina system, composed of other elements in a chain, which allow us to obtain a distance estimation of the moving objects in a close environment. We will analyze each element of this chain and propose a Multi Hold&Fire algorithm that obtains the differences between both retinas.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación TEC2009-10639-C04-0

Study of the teacher's perception on welfare- Happiness

Los estudios sobre felicidad o bienestar y sus posibilidades de mejora en el contexto educativo han suscitado un gran interés en la comunidad científica. Sin embargo, habitualmente los diferentes estudios suelen ignorar las opiniones del profesorado, obviando así las aportaciones del llamado paradigma del “pensamiento del profesor”. En el presente estudio, a través de una metodología cualitativa de estudio de casos, se han planteado dos objetivos: 1) conocer la percepción del profesorado en ejercicio sobre la felicidad, y 2) valorar la necesidad de incorporación de competencias en los nuevos temas de formación permanente sobre el desarrollo personal desde una perspectiva positiva. El análisis de resultados evidencia un conocimiento del profesorado sesgado y parcial del concepto de felicidad según los postulados del desarrollo positivo. Se pone así de manifiesto la necesidad de profundizar en este ámbito, ampliando el conocimiento del concepto de felicidad del profesorado a través de la formación permanente y el asesoramiento psicopedagógico. Con esto se pretende redireccionar la acción educativa de cara a su mejora.Studies about happiness or well-being, and their possibilities for improvement in the educational context, have aroused great interest within the scientific community. However, the different studies usually ignore teachers´ opinions, omitting contributions of the so-called "teacher's thinking" paradigm. In the present study, through a qualitative methodology of case study, two objectives have been proposed: 1) to know the perception of teachers in exercise about happiness and 2) to assess the need to incorporate competencies in the new themes of Personal development from a positive perspective. The analysis of results shows a biased and partial knowledge of the concept of happiness according to the postulates of positive development. The need to delve into this area, increasing the knowledge of the concept of happiness within the teaching staff through the permanent formation and the psico-pedagogic advice, becomes evident. Thus, this is intended to redirect educational action in order to improve it.Universidad de Granada. Departamento de Didáctica y Organización Escolar. Grupo FORCE (HUM386

Estudio de la percepción del profesorado sobre el bienestar - Felicidad

Resumen:Los estudios sobre felicidad o bienestar y sus posibilidades de mejora en el contexto educativo han suscitado un gran interés en la comunidad científica. Sin embargo, habitualmente los diferentes estudios suelen ignorar las opiniones del profesorado, obviando así las aportaciones del llamado paradigma del “pensamiento del profesor”. En el presente estudio, a través de una metodología cualitativa de estudio de casos, se han planteado dos objetivos: 1) conocer la percepción del profesorado en ejercicio sobre la felicidad, y 2) valorar la necesidad de incorporación de competencias en los nuevos temas de formación permanente sobre el desarrollo personal desde una perspectiva positiva. El análisis de resultados evidencia un conocimiento del profesorado sesgado y parcial del concepto de felicidad según los postulados del desarrollo positivo. Se pone así de manifiesto la necesidad de profundizar en este ámbito, ampliando el conocimiento del concepto de felicidad del profesorado a través de la formación permanente y el asesoramiento psicopedagógico. Con esto se pretende redireccionar la acción educativa de cara a su mejora.Abstract:Studies on happiness or well-being and their possibilities for improvement in the educational context have aroused great interest in the scientific community. However, the different studies usually ignore the opinions of teachers, thus neglecting the contributions of the so-called "teacher's thinking" paradigm. In the present study, through a qualitative methodology of case study, two objectives have been proposed: 1) to know the perception of teachers in exercise on happiness, and 2) to assess the need to incorporate competencies in the new themes of Personal development from a positive perspective. The analysis of results shows a biased and partial knowledge of the concept of happiness according to the postulates of positive development. The need to deepen in this area, thus increasing the knowledge of the concept of happiness of the teaching staff through the permanent formation and the psico-pedagogic advice, becomes evident. This is intended to redirect educational action in order to improve it

AER Spiking Neuron Computation on GPUs: The Frame-to-AER Generation

Neuro-inspired processing tries to imitate the nervous system and may resolve complex problems, such as visual recognition. The spike-based philosophy based on the Address-Event-Representation (AER) is a neuromorphic interchip communication protocol that allows for massive connectivity between neurons. Some of the AER-based systems can achieve very high performances in real-time applications. This philosophy is very different from standard image processing, which considers the visual information as a succession of frames. These frames need to be processed in order to extract a result. This usually requires very expensive operations and high computing resource consumption. Due to its relative youth, nowadays AER systems are short of cost-effective tools like emulators, simulators, testers, debuggers, etc. In this paper the first results of a CUDA-based tool focused on the functional processing of AER spikes is presented, with the aim of helping in the design and testing of filters and buses management of these systems.Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia TEC2009-10639-C04-0

¿Puede explicar la teoría del flujo las diferencias de rendimiento escolar entre los niños con y sin TDAH?

En este estudio se comprueba la relación del rendimiento escolar con el tiempo dedicado al estudio, las metas propuestas y las habilidades percibidas. La muestra ha estado compuesta por 121 alumnos con TDAH y 124 sin ningún tipo de trastorno. Se ha utilizado un diseño transversal comparando los resultados de ambos grupos. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que el grupo con TDAH dedica menos horas de estudio, se propone menos metas y sus habilidades percibidas son menores. En el grupo con TDAH el rendimiento está asociado a las metas y a las habilidades percibidas, pero no al tiempo. En cambio, en el grupo sin TDAH el rendimiento está relacionado con tiempo, metas y habilidades percibidas. El rendimiento escolar del grupo con TDAH ha sido explicado tanto por las metas como por las habilidades percibidas y en el grupo sin TDAH sólo ha estado explicado por las habilidades percibidas. Se discuten estos resultados y se proponen futuras líneas de investigación

Lipidomics to analyze the influence of diets with different EPA:DHA ratios in the progression of Metabolic Syndrome using SHROB rats as a model

8 páginas, 4 tablasThe role of specific proportions of ω-3 EPA and DHA, in the modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress markers associated to the progression of Metabolic Syndrome was investigated. Potential inflammatory eicosanoids and docosanoids were discussed together to biomarkers of CVD, obesity, inflammation and oxidative stress in an animal model of metabolic disorders. Results evidenced a noteworthy health effect of 1:1 and 2:1 EPA:DHA proportions over 1:2 EPA:DHA based diets through a down-regulation in the production of strong pro-inflammatory ω-6 eicosanoids, a decrement of biomarkers of oxidative stress, and a modulation of fatty acid desaturase activities and plasma and membrane PUFAs towards greater anti-inflammatory profiles. Outcomes contribute to the general knowledge on the health benefits of marine lipids and their role on the progress of MetS, inflammation and oxidative stress. Results shed light on controversial protective mechanisms of EPA and DHA to better design dietary interventions aimed at reducing MetSThis work was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (AGL2009-12374-C3-1, -2, and -3, and AGL2013-49079-C2-1,2-R). The Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) are gratefully acknowledged for the doctoral fellowship to Gabriel Dasilva. Xunta de Galicia and European Social Fund are also thankfully recognized for the financial support of the postdoctoral contracts to M. P and E.G.-E., and ISCIII for the postdoctoral contract “Sara Borrell” to J.P.-J. (CD09/00068)Peer reviewe

Fiabilidad y validez del cuestionario para evaluar la nomofobia (QANP)

Background: The real meaning of the term nomophobia remains somewhat obscure in studies assessing this disorder. There is an increasing interest in further exploring nomophobia: however, currently available measuring tools appear to only address mobile phone abuse and/or addiction. The objective of this study was to create a Spanish-language instrument to measure nomophobia. Methods: We developed an 11-item scale that we administered to 968 participants drawn from the population of Granada (Spain). We first performed an Exploratory Factor Analysis. After assessing the nomological validity of the scale, we conducted a Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Results: The Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed a three-factor structure. Factor 1 (Mobile Phone Abuse) comprised five items that described 19% of the variance; Factor 2 (Loss of Control) comprised three items that explained 12% of the variance; and Factor 3 (Negative Consequences) comprised three items that explained 10% of the variance. Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient was 0.80. Limitations: Nomophobia is a modern disorder that has yet to be classified as a disease. Self-report measures are affected by biased replies, and therefore the presence of confounders may be a potential issue. Conclusion: This scale is reliable and valid. It provides future researchers with the means to measure nomophobia in the Spanish population.Antecedentes: El verdadero significado de la nomofobia parece estar oculto en los estudios que evalúan este trastorno. Existe un creciente interés en profundizar en el estudio de la nomofobia, sin embargo, las herramientas de medición disponibles desarrolladas hasta ahora parecen centrarse solo en el abuso y / o adicción a los teléfonos móviles. Por ello, el objetivo de este estudio objetivo proponer y validar un instrumento de medición de la nomofobia para la población española. Método: Desarrollamos una escala con 11 ítems que fue administrada a 968 participantes de la población de Granada (España). En primer lugar se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio y posteriormente se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio. Resultados: El análisis factorial exploratorio reveló una estructura de tres factores. El factor 1 (abuso de teléfonos móviles) está compuesto por cinco ítems y explica un 19% de la varianza; Factor 2 (Pérdida de control) incluye tres ítems y explica el 12% de la varianza y Factor 3 (Consecuencias negativas) contiene tres ítems y explica el 10% de la varianza. El valor del coeficiente de fiabilidad Alpha de Cronbach fue 0.80. Limitaciones: La nomofobia es un trastorno moderno que aún no se ha clasificado como patología, las medidas de autoinforme presentas respuestas sesgadas por lo que podemos encontrar algún error o sesgo. Conclusión: QANP es una escala fiable y válida y proporciona a los investigadores una forma de medir la nomofobia para futuros estudios en la población española

Active Coping and Anxiety Symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spanish Adults

This research was funded by the financial aid conceded to the Research project "Impacto psicologico y afrontamiento del Covid-19 en personal sanitario de paises hispanohablantes" (Impacto psicologico y afrontamiento del Covid-19 en poblacion general) INV2871 by Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia. Grupo de Investigacion Estudios Sociales Interdisciplinares COD: COL0082654.The features of the COVID-19 pandemic and the social operations to contain the spread of the virus might have limited or altered coping, including healthy habits such as exercise, this contributing to a myriad of negative consequences for the mental health of the global population. We explored the contribution of coping and physical activity to the management of anxiety in Spanish adults during an active phase of the epidemic, as well as the relationship between these strategies. A total of 200 young and adult individuals (70% women) voluntarily completed an anxiety inventory, a coping skills self-report and a personal data section including exercise practice. The participants reported in average a mild yet existing level of anxiety symptoms; a third reported noticeable symptoms. At the time of the study, the participants used more adaptive than maladaptive coping styles. Participants’ anxiety was inversely correlated with an active coping style, and positively with an avoidant style; physical activity correlated positively with an active coping style, and regular exercisers used more frequently active coping. Controlling for confounders, active coping, avoidant coping and exercise during the pandemic predicted anxiety symptoms. Other findings indicated that exercise was used as a coping strategy for dealing with emotional distress. Our results highlight the positive impact of functional coping and exercise for the management of negative states such as anxiety during the pandemic, and underline the importance of developing interventions aimed at enhancing coping skills for promoting physical and mental well-being of the population during health and social crises.Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia INV2871Grupo de Investigacion Estudios Sociales Interdisciplinares COL008265

PROTOTIPO DE ELECTROCARDIÓGRAFO PORTÁTIL

ResumenLas enfermedades del corazón son la principal causa de decesos en México de acuerdo con datos difundidos por las instancias encargadas de cuidar la salud en el país, el corazón es el órgano principal del sistema circulatorio y se encarga de impulsar la sangre a todo el organismo. En la actualidad el ciudadano común no puede tener un aparato de uso doméstico, asiste a consulta y con equipo especializado el profesional de la salud hace el estudio correspondiente. En este proyecto se construyó en hardware y se programó el software de un dispositivo a nivel prototipo de bajo costo, ligero y de fácil manipulación para que la gente pueda tenerlo en casa y hacer mediciones del comportamiento de su corazón. El prototipo está construido alrededor de un circuito integrado AD8232 con montaje en una tarjeta Sparkfun single lead heart rate monitor-AD8232 que asociada a una tarjeta Arduino con comunicación serial a la computadora o por bluetooth hacía un dispositivo inteligente, presenta la gráfica y el número de pulsaciones por minuto del individuo bajo estudio. La programación de la aplicación en el dispositivo inteligente está desarrollada bajo la plataforma de Android Studio y la programación de la aplicación gráfica en la computadora es en LabView. Se hicieron pruebas en un universo de 19 muestras de las que se obtuvieron sus gráficas y el número de pulsaciones por segundo que corresponden a lo que marca la literatura para la edad de cada individuo.Palabra(s) Clave: AD8232, Corazón, ECG, Prototipo. PROTOTYPE OF PORTABLE ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHAbstractHeart disease is the leading cause of death in Mexico according to data released by the agencies responsible for health care in the country; the heart is the main organ of the circulatory system and is responsible for boosting blood throughout the body. At present the ordinary citizen cannot have a domestic appliance, attends consultation and with specialized equipment the health professional makes the corresponding study. This project was built on hardware and software was programmed for a low-cost, lightweight and easy-to-use prototype device for custom use. The prototype is built around an AD8232 integrated circuit mounted on a Sparkfun single lead heart rate monitor-AD8232 card that associated with an Arduino card with serial communication to the computer or via bluetooth to a smart device, present the graph and the number of pulsations per minute of the individual under study. The application programming on the smart device is developed under the platform of Android Studio and the programming of the graphical application in the computer is in LabView. We tested in a universe of 19 samples from which their graphs were obtained and the number of pulsations per second corresponding to what the literature shows for the age of each individual.Keywords: AD8232, ECG, Hearth, Prototype