Good character at college: the combined role of second-order character strength factors and phronesis motivation in undergraduate academic outcomes

A renewed interest in the study of character and virtue has recently emerged in the fields of Education and Psychology. The latest research has confirmed the association between virtuous consistent behaviours and academic positive outcomes. However, the motivational dimension of character (the intentions underlying the patterns of observed behaviours) has received little attention. This research aims to extend the knowledge on this topic by examining the predictive relationships between the behavioural and motivational dimensions of character, with reference to academic engagement, career self-doubt and performance of Spanish university students. A total of 183 under- graduates aged 18–30 (142 of whom were women) from the north of Spain completed specific parts of self-report questionnaires, including the Values in Action VIA-72, a Spanish translated and validated version of the Moral Self-Relevance Measure MSR, and the Utrecht Work Engagement Student Scale UWES-S9. The collected data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling. The behavioural dimension of character (character strength factors of caring, self-control and inquisitiveness) showed positive associations with academic engagement and performance. The motivational dimension of character (phronesis motivation), was negatively related to career self-doubt. For the first time, the present study has provided support for the contribution of both dimensions of character to undergraduate academic outcomes

Plantas usadas en la medicina tradicional veterinaria de los bosques montanos del norte del Perú

            The veterinary use of medicinal plants practiced by the population of two cattle regions in the montane forests of northern Peru were compared. The objectives of the study were: (1) to collect information on veterinary uses and medicinal plants typical of two cattle regions in the Amazonas Department: Leimebamba and Molinopampa districts; (2) evaluate the influence of socioeconomic factors on veterinary knowledge about medicinal plants; (3) understand the transmission of traditional knowledge between age groups (18-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, >60 years). Semi-structured interviews were carried out (n=120), complementing ethnobotanical questions on socioeconomic aspects. The weight of the socioeconomic factors in the knowledge about medicinal plants and veterinary uses of each basin was done through a multidimensional scaling. In addition, mixed linear models and Fisher's LSD test were used to determine differences between age groups. It was recorded 72 species from 33 plant families. The number of species and veterinary uses mentioned was higher in the Molinopampa district, characterized by having a lower level of development than the Leimebamba district. The scatter plot separated the localities of each district between them. Traditional knowledge showed an increase according to age, with a decrease in the older group. In conclusion, traditional knowledge about medicinal plants for veterinary applications is widely used among the population of the montane forests of northern Peru, with a negative influence in terms of socio-economic improvements, with a transmission to young people, not uniform but constant.            Se compararon los usos veterinarios de plantas medicinales practicados entre la población de dos cuencas ganaderas de los bosques montanos del norte de Perú. Los objetivos del estudio fueron: (1) recolectar información sobre usos veterinarios y plantas medicinales propias de dos cuencas ganaderas del departamento Amazonas: distritos de Leimebamba y Molinopampa, y (2) evaluar la influencia de los factores socioeconómicos en los conocimientos veterinarios sobre plantas medicinales; (3) comprender la transmisión del conocimiento tradicional entre grupos etarios (18-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, >60 años). Se realizaron 120 entrevistas semiestructuradas que complementaban preguntas etnobotánicas con cuestiones socioeconómicas. El peso de los factores socioeconómicos en el conocimiento sobre plantas medicinales y usos veterinarios propio de cada cuenca se hizo mediante un escalamiento multidimensional. Además, se usaron modelos lineares mixtos y la prueba LSD de Fisher para determinar diferencias entre grupos etarios. Se registraron 72 especies de 33 familias de plantas. El número de especies y usos veterinarios citados fue superior en la cuenca de Molinopampa, caracterizada por poseer un nivel de desarrollo inferior a la cuenca de Leimebamba. El gráfico de dispersión separó las localidades de cada cuenca entre ellas. El conocimiento tradicional mostró un aumento acorde con la edad, con un descenso en el grupo >60 años. En conclusión, el conocimiento tradicional sobre plantas medicinales de uso veterinario es ampliamente utilizado entre la población de los bosques montanos del norte de Perú, con una influencia negativa en cuanto a las mejoras socioeconómicas, existiendo una transmisión hacia los jóvenes, no uniforme pero constante

Sexualized drug injection among men who have sex with men in Madrid and Barcelona as the first episode of drug injecting

Chemsex; Injecció de fàrmacsChemsex; Inyección de drogasChemsex; Drug injectionBackground We estimate the prevalence of drug injection, the variables associated with having ever injected and the proportion of ever injectors whose first drug injection was for having sex; we describe the first drug injection episode, analyze the drugs most frequently injected and estimate the prevalence of risky injecting behaviors. Methods The participants were 3387 MSM without a previous HIV diagnosis attending four HIV/STI diagnosis services in Madrid and Barcelona. Lifetime prevalence and prevalence ratios (PRs) by different factors were calculated using Poisson regression models with robust variance. We compared the characteristics of first drug injection episode, lifetime injection and risky injecting behaviors of those whose first injection was for sex (FIS) with those whose was not (non-FIS). Results Lifetime prevalence of injection was 2.1% (CI 1.7–2.7). In the multivariate analysis, it was strongly associated with having been penetrated by more than five men in the last 12 months (aPR = 10.4; CI 2.5–43.4) and having met most of their partners at private parties (aPR = 7.5; CI 4.5–12.3), and less strongly with other factors. Of those who had ever injected drugs, 81.9% injected for sex the first time they injected drugs (FIS). At first injection, FIS participants had a mean age of 31 years, 62.7% used mephedrone and 32.2% methamphetamine on that occasion. Of this FIS group 39.0% had ever shared drugs or equipment and 82.6% had always shared for sex. Some 30.8% of non-FIS reported having also injected drugs for sex later on. Conclusions Only two out of a hundred had ever injected, most to have sex and with frequent drug or injecting equipment sharing. Injecting for sex is the most common first episode of drug injection and is the most efficient risky behavior for the transmission of HIV, hepatitis B or C and other blood-borne infections. MSM participating in private parties should be considered a priority group for prevention policies.This study was supported by Delegación del Gobierno para el Plan Nacional sobre Drogas (2019I017). Delegación del Gobierno para el Plan Nacional sobre Drogas had no further role in study design, in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, in the writing of the report, and in the decision to submit the paper for publication

Comparison of Polydrug Use Prevalences and Typologies between Men Who Have Sex with Men and General Population Men, in Madrid and Barcelona

Comparación; Hombres heterosexuales; Policonsumo de drogasComparació; Homes heterosexuals; Policonsum de droguesComparison; Heterosexual men; Polydrug useThis study compares the prevalence of drug use and the typologies of polydrug use (PDU) in men who have sex with men (MSM) and general population men (GPM). Participants were men aged 16–64, living in the provinces of Madrid and Barcelona: 1720 were recruited in a GPM survey, and 2658 were HIV-negative MSM from HIV/STIs diagnosis services. Lifetime and last-year prevalence of drug use and prevalence ratios (PRs) of MSM to GPM for the different drugs were calculated using Poisson regression. Latent class analysis (LCA) was performed to identify typologies of PDU. Lifetime use of the drugs considered was higher in MSM, and even higher for drug use in the last-year: PRs for cannabis, hallucinogens and cocaine ranged from 2–5; for amphetamine, ecstasy and methamphetamine 12–16; and above 60 for ketamine, GHB/GBL, inhalants and mephedrone. In the LCA for lifetime PDU four classes arose from the GPM (No-PDU (79.6%); Conventional PDU (13.8%); Intensive conventional PDU (4.9%); Heavy PDU (1.8%)) and four among MSM (No-PDU (57.7%); Conventional PDU plus poppers (18.8%); PDU preferring chemsex drugs (6.4%); Heavy PDU (17.2%)). For PDU during the last-year, three classes arose in the GPM: No-PDU (94.7%); Conventional PDU (4.3%); Heavy PDU (0.9%). For MSM, we identified four classes: No-PDU (64.7%); Conventional PDU plus poppers (15.6%); PDU preferring chemsex drugs (6.2%); Heavy PDU (13.5%). MSM should be considered a priority group for the prevention of the use of all drugs but the heterogeneity of PDU typologies regarding users’ preference towards conventional and/or sexualised drugs needs to be taken into account.This study was supported by the Delegación del Gobierno para el Plan Nacional sobre Drogas (2019I017). The Delegación del Gobierno para el Plan Nacional sobre Drogas had no further role in study design, in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, in the writing of the report, and in the decision to submit the paper for publication

Hematological and clinical chemistry changes induced by acute stress during handling and capture of catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Objetivo. Evaluar los efectos del estrés agudo debido al manejo y captura sobre los parámetros hematológicos y bioquímicos en bagre de canal (Ictalurus punctatus) bajo cultivo. Materiales y métodos. Los peces (200 g promedio) fueron mantenidos en tanques de cultivo y divididos en dos tratamientos, por duplicado, (n= 15 x 2 x 2 = 60 peces). Treinta bagres fueron expuestos por 5 min a estrés agudo (TE) por manejo y captura, mientras que otro grupo no (grupo control, TnE). Diez peces de cada tratamiento fueron colectados a las 0, 6, y 24 h post-estrés para la extracción de sangre, los bagres del TnE fueron anestesiados durante su manejo y captura. Se evaluó el hemograma (método manual) y bioquímica sanguínea (espectrofotometría). Los resultados fueron analizados mediante la prueba de t student. Resultados. El contenido de eritrocitos, hematocrito, hemoglobina y glucosa de los animales TE fue significativamente mayor (p<0.05) a las 6 h post-estrés en comparación de TnE. Las células inmune en peces TE disminuyeron a las 6 y 24 h post-estrés, siendo leucocitos y linfocitos significativamente menores en el TnE (p<0.05) a las 24 h post-estrés. Otros parámetros evaluados no presentaron diferencias significativas en lo largo del estudio. Conclusiones. Los resultados sugieren que varios indicadores hematológicos y bioquímica sanguínea en los peces son alterados por el estrés agudo ocasionado por manejo y captura

Hematological and clinical chemistry changes induced by acute stress during handling and capture of catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Objetivo. Evaluar los efectos del estrés agudo debido al manejo y captura sobre los parámetros hematológicos y bioquímicos en bagre de canal (Ictalurus punctatus) bajo cultivo. Materiales y métodos. Los peces (200 g promedio) fueron mantenidos en tanques de cultivo y divididos en dos tratamientos, por duplicado, (n= 15 x 2 x 2 = 60 peces). Treinta bagres fueron expuestos por 5 min a estrés agudo (TE) por manejo y captura, mientras que otro grupo no (grupo control, TnE). Diez peces de cada tratamiento fueron colectados a las 0, 6, y 24 h post-estrés para la extracción de sangre, los bagres del TnE fueron anestesiados durante su manejo y captura. Se evaluó el hemograma (método manual) y bioquímica sanguínea (espectrofotometría). Los resultados fueron analizados mediante la prueba de t student. Resultados. El contenido de eritrocitos, hematocrito, hemoglobina y glucosa de los animales TE fue significativamente mayor (p&lt;0.05) a las 6 h post-estrés en comparación de TnE. Las células inmune en peces TE disminuyeron a las 6 y 24 h post-estrés, siendo leucocitos y linfocitos significativamente menores en el TnE (p&lt;0.05) a las 24 h post-estrés. Otros parámetros evaluados no presentaron diferencias significativas en lo largo del estudio. Conclusiones. Los resultados sugieren que varios indicadores hematológicos y bioquímica sanguínea en los peces son alterados por el estrés agudo ocasionado por manejo y captura

Removal of Pharmaceuticals from Wastewater: Analysis of the Past and Present Global Research Activities

Water pollution is a worldwide problem. Water consumption increases at a faster rate than population and this leads to a higher pollution rate. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) include proposals aimed at ensuring the availability of clean water and its sustainable management (Goal 6), as well as the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and seas. The current trend consists in trying to reconcile economic growth with sustainability, avoiding the negative externalities for the environment generated by human activity. More specifically, the objective of this article is to present the evolution of the research regarding the removal of polluting pharmaceuticals that are discharged into wastewater. To do that, a bibliometric analysis of 2938 articles comprising the period 1979–2020 has been carried out. This analysis includes productivity indicators in the scientific field: journals, authors, research institutions and countries. In addition, keyword analysis allows the identification of four main axes of the research regarding the removal of pharmaceutical residues found in wastewater. The first group of articles is aimed at identifying the pharmaceuticals present in polluting effluents. The second and third groups of articles focus on presenting the procedures that enable the treatment of emerging contaminants, either from a biological point of view (second group) or a physicochemical point of view (third group). The fourth group refers to water quality and its possibilities to be reused. Finally, there is a growing trend of worldwide scientific publications, which justifies the importance of polluting residues management, especially those of pharmaceutical origin, in order to achieve a more sustainable society

Knowledge and Prior Use of HIV Self-Testing in Madrid and Barcelona among Men Who Have Sex with Men More than One Year after Its Legal Authorization in Spain

HIV self-testing (HIVST); Early diagnosis; Men who have sex with men (MSM)Autodiagnóstico del VIH (HIVST); Diagnóstico precoz; Hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH)Autodiagnòstic del VIH (HIVST); Diagnòstic precoç; Homes que tenen sexe amb homes (HSH)This study assessed the knowledge and prior use of HIV self-testing in a sample of men who have sex with men (MSM) recruited in a sexual health clinic and two community-based testing sites in Madrid and Barcelona, >12 months after its legal authorization. Between March 2019 and December 2020, we recruited 2044 MSM. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire while waiting to be tested for HIV and other STIs. We built two Poisson regression models to assess factors associated with prior knowledge and with use. Among those who had used self-testing in the past we assessed frequency of use and several aspects related to the last testing episode. The proportion of participants that knew about the existence of self-testing and had already used it was of 26.3% and 5.1% respectively. Both, knowledge and use were independently associated with being born in Spain or other western European countries, university education and more recent HIV testing. Additionally, knowledge was associated with older age, having a more favorable economic situation, and not living sexuality in total secrecy. Use was also associated with having received money in exchange for sex. Most (69.5%) reported having self-tested once, 64.8% had self-tested <12 months ago, 63.8% self-tested alone and 71.4% acquired the kit at a pharmacy over the counter. In spite of its authorization and becoming legally available, knowledge and use of HIV self-testing remain low among MSM attending sites specialized in the diagnosis of HIV and other STIs. When designing scale-up strategies, lower levels of knowledge and use in less favored subgroups of MSM need to be factored in.This study was supported by Delegación del Gobierno para el Plan Nacional sobre Drogas (2019I017) and Convocatoria del Plan de Consolidación de la Investigación del IMIENS (2021)