Self-learning in small groups for school principals´ training. A pilot program analysis

Este artículo analiza el potencial que tiene para el desarrollo profesional de los directivos el trabajo en grupos pequeños a partir de un diseño de programa formativo muy estructurado basado en la reflexión y el coaching grupal. En el estudio que le sirve de base participaron 94 directores/as escolares en ejercicio agrupados en 14 grupos de seis participantes más un coach. Los participantes estaban adscritos a centros educativos de diferentes tipologías situados en las ocho provincias andaluzas. Se ha realizado una primera evaluación de la segunda versión del programa de formación, a partir de una encuesta de satisfacción completada por los participantes y de los registros de observación de las sesiones, analizados mediante un sistema de categorías diseñado ad hoc. El estudio ha mostrado la capacidad de un dispositivo basado en el autoaprendizaje para promover un cambio/aprendizaje real de las concepciones de los participantes sobre el liderazgo escolar. Algunos grupos lograron alcanzar una reflexión profunda sobre la práctica de sus miembros. El análisis del proceso de interacción desarrollado en los grupos nos permitió identificar los aspectos críticos que determinaron que otros grupos no lo lograran. Su diseño produjo satisfacción generalizada en todos los participantes, con independencia del grado en que fueran alcanzados los objetivos de aprendizajeThis paper analyses the potential for school principals’ professional development of the work in small groups as a strategy implemented by a highly-structured training program based on reflection and group coaching and addressed to principals with different degrees of experience. A total of 94 experienced principals were involved in the program, grouped into 14 groups of six participants plus a coach. They came from schools of different characteristics along the eight Andalusian provinces. For the purpose of the paper, a first assessment of the second version of the program has been carried out, based on a satisfaction questionnaire fulfilled by the participants and the observation of the sessions, which were video-recorded and analysed by means of an ad hoc category system. The study proved the capacity of a specific self-learning training tool in order to promote a real change/learning of the participants’ conceptions about school leadership. Some groups achieved a deep reflection about their members’ practices. The analysis of the interaction process inside the group allowed the researchers to identify the critical issues that impeded the other groups to achieve such learning. Program design produced overall satisfaction in the totality of the participants, independently of the degree they achieved the learning goal

PAMP-triggered immunity against Pseudomonas syringae involves microRNA-mediated regulation of several uncharacterized R genes

Two main types of noncoding small RNA molecules have been found in plants: microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). They differ in their biogenesis and mode of action, but share similar sizes (20-24 nt). Their precursors are processed by Dicer-Like RNase III (dcl) proteins present in Arabidopsis thaliana, and in their mature form can act as negative regulators of gene expression, being involved in a vast array of plant processes, including plant development, genomic integrity or response to stress. Small-RNA mediated regulation can occurs at transcriptional level (TGS) or at post-transcriptional level (PTGS). In recent years, the role of gene silencing in the regulation of expression of genes related to plant defence responses against bacterial pathogens is becoming clearer. Comparisons carried out in our lab between the expression profiles of different mutants affected in gene silencing, and plants challenged with Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tomato DC3000, led us to identify a set of uncharacterized R genes, belonging to the TIR-NBS-LRR gene family, differentially expressed in these conditions. Through the use of bioinformatics tools, we found a miRNA* of 22 nt putatively responsible for down-regulating expression of these R genes through the generation of siRNAs. We have also found that the corresponding pri-miRNA is down-regulated after PAMP-perception in a SA-dependent manner. We also demonstrate that plants with altered levels of miRNA* (knockdown lines or overexpression lines) exhibit altered PTI-associated phenotypes, suggesting a role for this miRNA* in this defence response against bacteria. In addition we identify one of the target genes as a negative regulator of defence response against Pseudomonas syringae.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech. MINECO, FEDE

The vagueness of the Spanish model of school leaders’ preparation

Las investigaciones sobre dirección escolar en los últimos años vienen a demostrar la influencia que ejercen los líderes en los buenos resultados de las escuelas. Esta realidad ha generado un interés creciente por desarrollar programas formativos para directores y directoras que les ayuden a desarrollar competencias necesarias para el ejercicio del cargo. Nuestra investigación demuestra que en España existe interés por la formación de los directivos, aunque no existe un modelo claramente definido para todo el territorio español. La descentralización de los programas de formación, en manos de las diecisiete Comunidades Autonómicas, supone el desarrollo de diferentes modelos formativos en los que los contenidos sobre gestión siempre están presentes, acercándose con ello al desarrollo de una dirección tecnocrática. Lo anterior no siempre se complementa con objetivos y contenidos más orientados hacia un liderazgo pedagógico que incorpore cuestiones relacionadas con el currículum, la evaluación, la innovación o la formación del profesoradoIn recent years, research on school leadership has put in evidence the strong influence that headteachers have over educational success. It has provoked an increasing interest to develop training programs in order to help the principals to acquire the skills needed for that challenge. Our research evidence that although the interest in principals’ training has also increase in Spain, the model is far from being clear and well defined for the whole country. Due to a decentralized educational system, administered with a high level of autonomy in each of the 17 autonomous communities, a very different array of training programs and structures has been developed. While management issues are included in all of them, it is not always the case of contents and practices related to instructional leadership, such as curriculum development, teachers and programs assessment, innovation or teachers training. That provokes a technocratic leadership approach that need to be revise

Primeros datos sobre los micromamíferos (Roedores, Insectívoros, Quirópteros y Lagomorfos) del Solutrense (Pleistoceno Superior final) de la Cueva de Las Caldas (Oviedo, Asturias)

Depto. de Geodinámica, Estratigrafía y PaleontologíaFac. de Ciencias GeológicasTRUEpu

Sedimentología de la Fm Escucha (Albiense inferior-medio) entre Estercuel y Crivillén (Teruel) en la Cubeta de Oliete (Cuenca Ibérica Central)

A stratigraphie and sedimentologic study about the Escucha Fm (Lower-Middle Albian) has been done in the Oliete Subbasin (Central Iberian Basin). This lithostratighapic unit was developped during the last moments of the second rift state (Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous), that affected the Iberian Basin. Sixteen facies has been distinguished and gathered in five characteristic facies associations: flood plain, marshftaay margin, interdistributary bay, crevasse splay and distributary channel. These facies associations belong to different sedimentary subenvironments developped in the proximal sector of a deltaic depositional system. The vertical sedimentary evolution shows a trend to more continental conditions from base to top. Different Albian macroflora remains have been found in different stratigraphic levels

miRNA/phasiRNA mediated regulation of plant defense response against P. syringae

Gene silencing is a mechanism of regulation of gene expression where the small RNAs (sRNAs) are key components for giving specificity to the system. In plants, two main types of noncoding small RNA molecules have been found: microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). DCL proteins acting on large RNA precursors produce the mature forms of sRNAs (20-24nt) that can act as negative regulators of gene expression. In recent years, the role of miRNAs in regulation of gene expression in plant responses against bacterial pathogens is becoming clearer. Comparisons carried out in our lab between expression profiles of different Arabidopsis thaliana mutants affected in gene silencing, and plants challenged with Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tomato DC3000, led us to identify a set of uncharacterized R genes, belonging to the TIR-NBS-LRR gene family, as differentially expressed in these conditions. Through the use of bioinformatics tools, we found a miRNA* of 22 nt putatively responsible for down-regulating expression of these R genes. We have validated this regulation, and have also established that the corresponding pri-miRNA is down-regulated upon PAMPs or bacteria perception. Using GUS reporters, we have characterized the expression pattern of both pri-miRNA and its best target R genes. We demonstrate that plants with altered levels of miRNA* (knockdown or overexpression lines) exhibit altered PTI-associated phenotypes, supporting a role for this miRNA* in the defence response against this bacterial pathogen. Finally, we identify phasiRNAs that arise from the transcript of one of the R target genes in a miRNA*-RDR6-DCL4-dependent manner.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

School principals training through a program based on group coaching, feedback and the analysis of their practice

El artículo expone el proceso y los resultados de un programa de formación de directivos escolares basado en el análisis de su práctica, la retroalimentación y el coaching. El proyecto ha sido desarrollado por académicos de centros de investigación educativa de 10 países. Los componentes del programa eran (a) un instrumento de diagnóstico asociado a un informe de retroalimentación sobre el perfil de liderazgo; y (b) un dispositivo formativo en grupos pequeños coordinados por un ‘coach’. Paralelamente al programa de formación se llevó a cabo un proceso de investigación para evaluar el potencial de aquel en la mejora de la práctica directiva. Dicho proceso incluyó observación y grabación de las sesiones de coaching y entrevistas a los participantes, tanto a los formadores como a los directivos en formación. La versión española del programa demostró ser un dispositivo eficaz de formación. Este artículo identifica sus principales fortalezas –entre las que se destacan el valor del instrumento en que se basa el análisis del perfil directivo y el de la discusión grupal como como promotores de la reflexión– así como los aspectos que deben mejorarse. Entre estos últimos, cabe subrayar la longitud y densidad del informe de devolución obtenido y la formación de los propios coaches.This paper depicts the process and results of a training program for educational leaders based on the analysis of their practice, feedback and coaching. The project was carried out by academics of educational research centres from ten countries. The main components of the program were (a) a diagnostic instrument associated to a feedback report on the participants’ leadership profile; and (b) a training device developed in small groups coordinated by a ‘coach’. In parallel, a research process was developed in order to assess the potential of the training device to improve principals’ practice. Such process included observation and recording of the coaching sessions, and interviews to both, the trainees and the coaches. The Spanish version of the program proved to be an effective training tool. This article points out its main strengths and the issues needed of improvement. Among the strengths, it can be pointed out the value of both the instrument in which the analysis of leader’s profile is based and the discussion with colleagues as effective tools for promoting reflective thought and learning. Among the aspects to improve, we can underline the length and density of the report and the coaches’ needs of training

Aprendizaje basado en el estudio de "invenciones científicas" (patentes y artículos de investigación) en la docencia de la Microbiología aplicada

Memoria ID-0128. Ayudas de la Universidad de Salamanca para la innovación docente, curso 2016-2017

Braquiterapia de baja tasa en el tratamiento del cáncer de próstata.

Introducción La braquiterapia de baja tasa es una alternativa de tratamiento muy efectivo para el cáncer de próstata localizado. El objetivo principal es observar y describir la evolución bioquímica y oncológica de los pacientes tratados, y, posteriormente, comprobar si algunas de las variables mantienen relación con la reaparición tumoral. Metodología 752 pacientes con cáncer de próstata localizado fueron sometidos a braquiterapia de baja tasa en un período de 14 años (2005-2019). Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de las variables demográficas, oncológicas y terapéuticas, además, los niveles del antígeno prostático específico (PSA) fueron monitorizados desde su tratamiento hasta 15 años posteriores. Se empleó como definición de recidiva bioquímica el aumento de 2 ng/mL sobre el nadir en dos determinaciones consecutivas. Resultados La edad media fue 68,18 años y el promedio de PSA inicial 6,97 ng/mL. El 86,3% de los pacientes eran de riesgo bajo y el 13,69% riesgo intermedio. La media de seguimiento de los pacientes fue 97,36 meses (8,11 años). La supervivencia libre de recidiva bioquímica a los 5 años fue del 86,84%, de recidiva local 95,35% y a distancia 97,24%. Las variables más significativas que influyeron fueron: PSA inicial (recidiva bioquímica con p=0,002), Gleason (recidiva bioquímica, local y a distancia con p=0,001) y estadificación T (recidiva a distancia con p=0,023). Conclusiones La braquiterapia de baja tasa es un tratamiento efectivo en el control a largo plazo del cáncer de próstata localizado. Muestra un control bioquímico, local y a distancia comparable en efectividad y complicaciones a otras series similares.Introduction Low-rate brachytherapy is a very effective treatment alternative for localized prostate cancer. The main objective is to observe and describe the biochemical and oncological evolution of treated patients, and to check whether some of the variables are related to tumor recurrence. Methodology 752 patients with localized prostate cancer received low-rate brachytherapy over a 14- year period (2005-2019). A retrospective analysis of demographic, oncological and therapeutic variables was performed, and prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels were monitored from treatment to 15 years later. The 2 ng/mL increase over the nadir in two subsequent determinations was used as a definition of biochemical recurrence. Results The mean age was 68,18 years and the mean initial PSA was 6,97 ng/mL. 86,3% of patients were low risk and 13,69% were intermediate risk. The mean follow-up of patients was 97,36 months (8,11 years). Biochemical relapse-free survival at 5 years was 86,84%, local relapse 95,35% and distant 97. 24%. The most significant variables influencing were: initial PSA (biochemical relapse with p=0,002), Gleason (biochemical, local and remote relapse with p=0,001) and T staging (distant relapse with p=0,023). Conclusion Low-rate brachytherapy is an effective treatment in the long-term control of localized prostate cancer. It shows biochemical, local and remote control comparable in effectiveness and complications to other similar series