Defining typologies of universities through a DEA-MDS analysis: An institutional characterization for formative evaluation purposes

Universities are organizational structures with individual activity mixes or strategies that lead to different performance levels by mission. Evaluation techniques based on performance indicators or rankings risk rewarding just a specific type of university and undermining university diversification: They usually introduce homogenizing pressures and risk displacing university objectives- neglecting their socio-economic contribution and focusing on succeeding on the evaluation system. In this study, we propose an alternative evaluation method that overcomes these limitations. We produce a multidimensional descriptive classification of universities into typologies, while analysing the relation between their institutional factors (characteristics) and their (technical) efficiency performance from a descriptive perspective. To do so we apply bootstrap data envelopment analysis (DEA) and multidimensional scaling analysis (MDS), performing a so-called DEAMDS analysis on data on the Spanish university system, and unlike previous studies, we include data on an important dimension of the third mission of universities (specifically knowledge transfer, KT) in their characterization. We identify six types of (homogeneous) universities. Results indicate that to be fairly efficient, universities may focus on teaching, KT, or overall efficiency but always have to fairly perform in research. Additionally, results confirm the relevance of the third mission as a source of institutional diversity in higher education. This approach could be used to address an alternative evaluation methodology for higher education institutions with formative purposes, evaluating universities according to their unique characteristics for the improvement of HE system

Defining typologies of universities through a DEA-MDS analysis: An institutional characterization for formative evaluation purposes

Universities are organizational structures with individual activity mixes or strategies that lead to different performance levels by mission. Evaluation techniques based on performance indicators or rankings risk rewarding just a specific type of university and undermining university diversification: they usually introduce homogenizing pressures and risk displacing university objectives¿neglecting their socio-economic contribution and focusing on succeeding on the evaluation system. In this study, we propose an alternative evaluation method that overcomes these limitations. We produce a multidimensional descriptive classification of universities into typologies, while analysing the relation between their institutional factors (characteristics) and their (technical) efficiency performance from a descriptive perspective. To do so we apply bootstrap data envelopment analysis (DEA) and multidimensional scaling analysis (MDS), performing a so-called DEA-MDS analysis on data n the Spanish university system, and unlike previous studies, we include data on an important dimension of the third mission of universities (specifically knowledge transfer, KT) in their characterization. We identify six types of (homogeneous) universities. Results indicate that to be fairly efficient, universities may focus on teaching, KT, or overall efficiency but always have to fairly perform in research. Additionally, results confirm the relevance of the third mission as a source of institutional diversity in higher education. This approach could be used to address an alternative evaluation methodology for higher education institutions with formative purposes, evaluating universities according to their unique characteristics for the improvement of HE systems

Botanical itinerary by the Guadalquivir river on its way through the city of Cordoba

UNIVERSIDAD DE CÓRDOBA: Material de Prácticas Docentes Curso 2017-2018 (Código: 2017-1-2018)In this paper we presente the results obtained in the framework of the programme Material de Prácticas Docentes Curso 2017-2018 (Código: 2017-1-2018) granted by the Universidad de Córdoba. In particular, we describe the main features of the gallery and riparian vegetation, linked with the Guadalquivir river on its way through the city of Cordoba. The physiognomy of the vegetation is reported in seven selected transects, and the main floristic elements are indicated. The visit to these points, guided by the teaching staff, is an adequate tool for the practical training of our university students interested in Botany. Information on the main species of this riparian forest could be found in a supplementary document referred to below

Glomerular Filtration Rate and/or Ratio of Urine Albumin to Creatinine as Markers for Diabetic Retinopathy : A Ten-Year Follow-Up Study

To determine the relationship between diabetic nephropathy and diabetic retinopathy on a population of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. A prospective ten-year follow-up population-based study. We determined differences between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration equation and urine albumin to creatinine ratio. Annual incidence of any-DR was 8.21 ± 0.60% (7.06%-8.92%), sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR) was 2.65 ± 0.14% (2.48%-2.88%), and diabetic macular edema (DME) was 2.21 ± 0.18% (2%-2.49%). Renal study results were as follows: UACR > 30 mg/g had an annual incidence of 7.02 ± 0.05% (6.97%-7.09%), eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m 2 incidence was 5.89 ± 0.12% (5.70%-6.13%). Cox's proportional regression analysis of DR incidence shows that renal function studied by eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m 2 was less significant (p = 0.04, HR 1.223, 1.098-1.201) than UACR ≥ 300 mg/g (p < 0.001, HR 1.485, 1.103-1.548). The study of STDR shows that eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m 2 was significant (p = 0.02, HR 1.890, 1.267-2.820), UACR ≥ 300 mg/g (p < 0.001, HR 2.448, 1.595-3.757), and DME shows that eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m 2 was significant (p = 0.02, HR 1.920, 1.287-2.864) and UACR ≥ 300 mg/g (p < 0.001, HR 2.432, 1.584-3.732). The UACR has a better association with diabetic retinopathy than the eGFR, although both are important risk factors for diabetic retinopathy

Who benefits from HEIs engagement? An analysis of priority stakeholders and activity profiles of HEIs in the United Kingdom

It has been suggested that higher education institutions (HEIs) may develop different activity profiles (including research, teaching and socio-economic engagement) in their attempt to maximise the fit between institutional resources and strategic opportunities; the latter include strategies of engagement with different groups of external stakeholders. Understanding the extent to which HEIs’ resources and activity profiles are aligned with their strategic prioritisation of stakeholder groups, allows us to better understand the different ways in which HEIs drive socioeconomic development. Using non-parametric techniques – qualitative and quantitative ordinal multidimensional scaling – applied to data on the universe of HEIs in the United Kingdom, we show that HEIs with different institutional resources and undertaking different sets of activities prioritise their engagement with different stakeholder groups. We also confirm the complex associations between HEIs’ institutional resources, activity profiles and stakeholder prioritisation strategies, which lock HEIs into configurations that are difficult to change

Management of acute diverticulitis with pericolic free gas (ADIFAS). an international multicenter observational study

Background: There are no specific recommendations regarding the optimal management of this group of patients. The World Society of Emergency Surgery suggested a nonoperative strategy with antibiotic therapy, but this was a weak recommendation. This study aims to identify the optimal management of patients with acute diverticulitis (AD) presenting with pericolic free air with or without pericolic fluid. Methods: A multicenter, prospective, international study of patients diagnosed with AD and pericolic-free air with or without pericolic free fluid at a computed tomography (CT) scan between May 2020 and June 2021 was included. Patients were excluded if they had intra-abdominal distant free air, an abscess, generalized peritonitis, or less than a 1-year follow-up. The primary outcome was the rate of failure of nonoperative management within the index admission. Secondary outcomes included the rate of failure of nonoperative management within the first year and risk factors for failure. Results: A total of 810 patients were recruited across 69 European and South American centers; 744 patients (92%) were treated nonoperatively, and 66 (8%) underwent immediate surgery. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Hinchey II-IV on diagnostic imaging was the only independent risk factor for surgical intervention during index admission (odds ratios: 12.5, 95% CI: 2.4-64, P =0.003). Among patients treated nonoperatively, at index admission, 697 (94%) patients were discharged without any complications, 35 (4.7%) required emergency surgery, and 12 (1.6%) percutaneous drainage. Free pericolic fluid on CT scan was associated with a higher risk of failure of nonoperative management (odds ratios: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.2-19.9, P =0.023), with 88% of success compared to 96% without free fluid ( P &lt;0.001). The rate of treatment failure with nonoperative management during the first year of follow-up was 16.5%. Conclusion: Patients with AD presenting with pericolic free gas can be successfully managed nonoperatively in the vast majority of cases. Patients with both free pericolic gas and free pericolic fluid on a CT scan are at a higher risk of failing nonoperative management and require closer observation

Who benefits from HEIs engagement? An analysis of priority stakeholders and activity profiles of HEIs in the United Kingdom

It has been suggested that higher education institutions (HEIs) may develop different activity profiles (including research, teaching and socio-economic engagement) in their attempt to maximise the fit between institutional resources and strategic opportunities; the latter include strategies of engagement with different groups of external stakeholders. Understanding the extent to which HEIs' resources and activity profiles are aligned with their strategic prioritisation of stakeholder groups allows us to better understand the different ways in which HEIs drive socioeconomic development. Using non-parametric techniques - qualitative and quantitative ordinal multidimensional scaling - applied to data on the universe of HEIs in the United Kingdom, we show that HEIs with different institutional resources and undertaking different sets of activities prioritise their engagement with different stakeholder groups. We also confirm the complex associations between HEIs' institutional resources, activity profiles and stakeholder prioritisation strategies, which lock HEIs into configurations that are difficult to change