Design of conceptual maps for Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCS)

Massive Open Online Courses have opened a new perspective for learning. The fragmentation of their contents made them easier to follow and permits a faster access to each single video where a content is presented. Nevertheless, this fragmentation is also a handicap in order to set the connections between different contents. We propose the use of concept maps for showing the interconnection of the contents of the course. These maps are elaborated by the teachers and offered as a material of the course. We also expect that these maps will facilitate a deeper learning and the retention of the students in the course.The development of the MOOC and this research has been supported by the Departamento de Matemática Aplicada of the Universitat Politècnica de València under the project Aplicaciones de la Teoría de Grafos a la vida real, within the call Ayudas para proyectos de innovación docente en el DMA de la UPV (PID-DMA 2013).Barrachina, X.; Conejero, JA.; Jordan-Lluch, C.; Murillo Arcila, M. (2015). Design of conceptual maps for Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCS). En INTED2015 Proceedings. IATED. 2074-2078. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/70493S2074207

We Are All a Part of History

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Probe-specific mixed-model approach to detect copy number differences using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA)

Background: MLPA method is a potentially useful semi-quantitative method to detect copy number alterations in targeted regions. In this paper, we propose a method for the normalization procedure based on a non-linear mixed-model, as well as a new approach for determining the statistical significance of altered probes based on linear mixed-model. This method establishes a threshold by using different tolerance intervals that accommodates the specific random error variability observed in each test sample. Results: Through simulation studies we have shown that our proposed method outperforms two existing methods that are based on simple threshold rules or iterative regression. We have illustrated the method using a controlled MLPA assay in which targeted regions are variable in copy number in individuals suffering from different disorders such as Prader-Willi, DiGeorge or Autism showing the best performace. Conclusion: Using the proposed mixed-model, we are able to determine thresholds to decide whether a region is altered. These threholds are specific for each individual, incorporating experimental variability, resulting in improved sensitivity and specificity as the examples with real data have revealed

The burden of cardiovascular risk in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and its association with rehabilitation outcomes - Results from the Swiss SCI Cohort.

OBJECTIVES To determine the cardiovascular risk burden rehabilitation discharge, and explore the association between recovery during rehabilitation and CVD-risk profile. METHODS We included adults without CVD history admitted for rehabilitation. We evaluated rehabilitation outcomes on admission and discharge. CVD-risk was assessed by Framingham risk score (FRS), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and fasting glucose level. RESULTS We analyzed data from 706 participants (69.55% men) with median age of 53.5 years. The median time-since-injury was 14 days and the admission length was 5.2 months. Majority had paraplegia (53.26%), and motor incomplete injury (53.68%). One-third of the cohort had high cardiovascular risk profile pre-discharge. At discharge, poorer anthropometric measures were associated with higher FRS and lower HDL levels. Individuals with higher forced vital capacity (>2.72 L) and peak expiratory flow (>3.4 L/min) had 0.16 mmol/L and 0.14 mmol/L higher HDL compared to those with lower respiratory function, respectively. Individuals with higher mobility score (>12.5) and functional independence score (>74) had 0.21 mmol/L and 0.18 mmol/L higher HDL compared to those with lower scores. CONCLUSION There is high cardiometabolic syndrome burden and CVD-risk upon rehabilitation discharge. Higher respiratory function, mobility, and overall independence were associated with better CVD profile, although with study design limitations and short follow-up. Future studies should explore whether rehabilitation outcomes could be used to prioritize screening

The Assessment of Hydration Status and Renal Markers Associated with Acute Kidney Injury in NCAA Division I Female Soccer Players During Preseason Training in South Texas: A Pilot Study

Recent research suggest that recurrent heat-associated dehydration and strenuous physical exertion may be associated with the development of acute and potentially chronic renal dysfunction. Typical South Texas environmental conditions in August, during preseason, on NCAA female college athletes may warrant concerns for promoting acute kidney injury (AKI). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate hydration status and renal biomarkers in NCAA Division I female soccer athletes in South Texas during the preseason. METHODS: (Mean ± SEM; n = 12; age: 19.5 ± 0.9 y; ht: 167.6 ± 6.24 cm; wt: 66.6 ± 10.15 kg). Each subject participated in Pre-and post-body composition measures via DXA (iDXA, Lunar Prodigy), pre-, post-practice, and game weight changes (SECA Model 769); provided 14-urine samples throughout the preseason for hydration via Urine Specific Gravity (USG) and renal function Creatinine (UCr) ELISA analyses. Urine samples were collected prior to preseason (PRE-PS), fitness testing days (FT1, FT2), regular practices (MidW1, MidW2, POST-PS) and exhibition games (PRE-BU, POST-BU,12HR-BU, 24HR-BU, PRE-UT, POST-UT, 12HR-UT, 24HR-UT). Heat index was assessed at each practice session and exhibition match (Kestrel 5000; Kestrel Meters). RESULTS: 1-way ANOVA for USG analysis, a difference was found at MidW2 prior to the end of the POST-PS 1.018 ± .001 (p = .03; CI: 1.017-1.025) and early fitness testing values (FT1: 1.022 ± 0.005; FT2: 1.022 ± 0.006) and the MidW1 of the pre-season 1.025 ±.001; (p = .004; CI: 1.022 - 1.027). The BU game USG pre-measure was lower than post (POST-BU, 12 h and 24 h) \u3c p = .02; 1.01 ± .001; CI: 1.008 - 1.016), a difference was found during the UT game pre-measure compared to POST-UT and 12 h post values 1.009 ± .0016 (p = .0009; CI: 1.006 - 1.013) and no different than the 24 h POST-UT 1.014 ± .001. 2-way ANOVA ( x heat index x time) for UCr (mg· dL-1· LBM-1), a difference was found between PRE-BU and POST-BU (p = .001; CI: .448 - 3.81) and comparing PRE-UT to POST-UT (p = \u3c .0001; CI: 2.57 - 6.31) and 12HR-UT (p = \u3c .0001; CI: 2.09 - 5.21). CONCLUSION: Our current analysis suggests, the subjects were euhydrated prior to the exhibition games and hypohydrated 12-hours post-exhibition game, prior to fitness assessments (FT1, FT2), and regular morning practice (MidW1). UCr increased above normative values post-exhibition games. The increases in UCr may be independent of hydration status and muscle mass as euhydration was maintained post-exhibition matches