Validación del Cuestionario de Autoevaluación de la Creatividad en la Enseñanza Universitaria CACEU-2010

La creatividad es un vector formativo de la enseñanza y de las relaciones entre estudiantes y profesores en la Educación Superior. A tal fin, el Cuestionario de Autoevaluación de la Creatividad en la Enseñanza Universitaria (CACEU-2010) se ha diseñado para conocer cómo comprenden los profesores universitarios la creatividad aplicada a su enseñanza y facilitar su autoevaluación. Se estructuró como una escala de autoinforme, conformada por 44 ítemes. Se estudió la validez de contenido, realizada por jueces expertos. La fiabilidad se obtuvo con el método Alpha de Cronbach, y el parámetro obtuvo valores entre 0,70 y 0,94 para las diferentes subescalas utilizadas

Uptake and effects of a mixture of widely used therapeutic drugs in Eruca sativa L. and Zea mays L. plants

Pharmaceutically active compounds (PACs) are continuously dispersed into the environment due to human and veterinary use, giving rise to their potential accumulation in edible plants. In this study, Eruca sativa L. and Zea mays L. were selected to determine the potential uptake and accumulation of eight different PACs (Salbutamol, Atenolol, Lincomycin, Cyclophosphamide, Carbamazepine, Bezafibrate, Ofloxacin and Ranitidine) designed for human use. To mimic environmental conditions, the plants were grown in pots and irrigated with water spiked with a mixture of PACs at concentrations found in Italian wastewaters and rivers. Moreover, 10 7 and 100 7 concentrations of these pharmaceuticals were also tested. The presence of the pharmaceuticals was tested in the edible parts of the plants, namely leaves for E. sativa and grains for Z. mays. Quantification was performed by liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy (LC/MS/MS). In the grains of 100 7 treated Z. mays, only atenolol, lincomycin and carbamazepine were above the limit of detection (LOD). At the same concentration in E. sativa plants the uptake of all PACs was >LOD. Lincomycin and oflaxacin were above the limit of quantitation in all conditions tested in E. sativa. The results suggest that uptake of some pharmaceuticals from the soil may indeed be a potential transport route to plants and that these environmental pollutants can reach different edible parts of the selected crops. Measurements of the concentrations of these pharmaceuticals in plant materials were used to model potential adult human exposure to these compounds. The results indicate that under the current experimental conditions, crops exposed to the selected pharmaceutical mixture would not have any negative effects on human health. Moreover, no significant differences in the growth of E. sativa or Z. mays plants irrigated with PAC-spiked vs. non-spiked water were observed

Extended QCD(2) from dimensional projection of QCD(4)

We study an extended QCD model in (1+1) dimensions obtained from QCD in 4D by compactifying two spatial dimensions and projecting onto the zero-mode subspace. We work out this model in the large $N_c$ limit and using light cone gauge but keeping the equal-time quantization. This system is found to induce a dynamical mass for transverse gluons -- adjoint scalars in QCD(2), and to undergo a chiral symmetry breaking with the full quark propagators yielding non-tachyonic, dynamical quark masses, even in the chiral limit. We study quark-antiquark bound states which can be classified in this model by their properties under Lorentz transformations inherited from 4D. The scalar and pseudoscalar sectors of the theory are examined and in the chiral limit a massless ground state for pseudoscalars is revealed with a wave function generalizing the so called 't Hooft pion solution.Comment: JHEP class, 16 pages, 3 figures. Change in the title, some improvements in section 2, minors changes and comments added in introduction and conclusions. References added. Version appearing in JHE

Charge transport through a single molecule of trans-1-bis-diazofluorene [60]fullerene

Fullerenes have attracted interest for their possible applications in various electronic, biological, and optoelectronic devices. However, for efficient use in such devices, a suitable anchoring group has to be employed that forms well-defined and stable contacts with the electrodes. In this work, we propose a novel fullerene tetramalonate derivate functionalized with trans-1 4,5-diazafluorene anchoring groups. The conductance of single-molecule junctions, investigated in two different setups with the mechanically controlled break junction technique, reveals the formation of molecular junctions at three conductance levels. We attribute the conductance peaks to three binding modes of the anchoring groups to the gold electrodes. Density functional theory calculations confirm the existence of multiple binding configurations and calculated transmission functions are consistent with experimentally determined conductance values.Comment: 22 pages, 6 figure

SeDeLo: Using semantics and description logics to support aided clinical diagnosis.

Automated medical diagnosis systems based on knowledge-oriented descriptions have gained momentum with the emergence of semantic descriptions. The objective of this paper is to propose a normalized design that solves some of the problems which have been detected by authors in previous tools. The authors bring together two different technologies to develop a new clinical decision support system: description logics aimed at developing inference systems to improve decision support for the prevention, treatment and management of illness and semantic technologies. Because of its new design, the system is capable of obtaining improved diagnostics compared with previous efforts. However, this evaluation is more focused in the computational performance, giving as result that description logics is a good solution with small data sets. In this paper, we provide a well-structured ontology for automated diagnosis in the medical field and a three-fold formalization based on Description Logics with the use of Semantic Web technologiesThis work is supported by the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism, and Commerce under the project TRAZAMED (IPT 090000 2010 007).Publicad

Evolution algebras, automorphisms, and graphs

The affine group scheme of automorphisms of an evolution algebra e with e 2 is shown to lie in an exact sequence ¿ D ¿ Aut(E) ¿ S, where D, diagonalizable, and S, constant, depend solely on the directed graph associated to e. As a consequence, the Lie algebra of derivations Der(e) (with e 2 = E)is shown to be trivial if the characteristic of the ground field is 0 or 2, and to be abelian, with a precise description, otherwise

Advances in the development of the discrete element method for excavation processes

Modelling of granular materials, soils and rocks has been a challenging topic of investigation for decades. Classical continuum mechanics has been used to idealize soils and rocks, and numerical solution techniques such as finite element method (FEM) has been used to model these materials. Considering the idealization of the material, continuum mechanics allows the analysis of phenomena with discontinuous nature such as fracture in rock or soil via damage models. However, in more complex processes like rock milling or crushing, this kind of models are usually not suitable. Discrete models are more appropriate for problems with multiple discontinuities and particulate materials. The discrete element method (DEM) has been gaining popularity in analysis of granular materials, soils and rocks. Many aspects of this method still require more profound investigation. This thesis presents new developments of the discrete element method improving effi ciency and accuracy of modelling of rock-like materials, especially in excavation processes. All the numerical algorithms has been implemented in an in-house software, which was then used to run numerical examples. The basic formulation of DEM with linear elastic-perfectly brittle contact model is presented. The main di erence with other models found in the literature is the consideration of global sti ness and strength parameters that are constants in the whole model. The result of a simulations is strongly related with the con guration of the particle assembly used. Particle assemblies should be su ciently compact and ensure the isotropy to reproduce the physical properties of the modelled material. This thesis presents a novel technique for the generation of highly dense particle assemblies in arbitrary geometries, satisfying all the requirements for accurate discrete element simulations. One of the key issues in the use of the DEM is the estimation of the contact model parameters. A methodology is proposed for the estimation of the contact model parameters yielding required macroscopic properties of the material. The relationships between the contact model parameters and the mechanical properties of brittle materials, as well as the influence of the particles assembly con guration on the macroscopic properties, are analysed. A major di culty in the application of the DEM to real engineering problems is the high computational cost in simulation involving a large number of particles. The most common way to solve this is the use of parallel computing techniques, where multiple processors are used. As an alternative, a coupling scheme between DEM and the finite element method (FEM) is proposed in the thesis. Within the hybrid DEM/FEM model, DEM is only used in the region of the domain where it provides an advantage over a continuum-based approach, as the FEM. The coupling is dynamically adapted, starting with the whole domain discretized with FEM. During the simulation, in the regions where a high stress level are found, a change of modelling method from continuum FEM to the discrete DEM is employed. Finally, all the developments are applied to the simulation of a real excavation process. An analysis of the rock cutting process with TBM disc cutters is performed, where DEM and the DEM/FEM coupling technique presents an important advantage over other simulation techniques.La modelación de materiales granulares, terrenos y rocas ha sido un desafío para la investigación por décadas. La mecánica del continuo clásica ha sido utilizada para idealizar terrenos y rocas, y técnicas numéricas de solución, como el método de los elementos finitos (FEM), han sido usadas para modelar estos materiales. Considerando la idealización del material, la mecánica del continuo permite el análisis de fenómenos de naturaleza discontinua como la fractura en rocas y terreno mediante modelos de daño. Sin embargo, en procesos mas complejos como la molienda o trituración de roca, este tipo de modelos no suelen ser adecuados. Los modelos discretos son mas apropiados para problemas con múltiples discontinuidades y material particulado. El método de los elementos discretos (DEM) ha ido ganando popularidad en el análisis de materiales granulares, terrenos y rocas. Sin embargo, muchos aspectos de este método todavía requieren una investigación mas profunda. Esta tesis presenta nuevos desarrollos del método de los elementos discretos para mejorar su eficiencia y precisión en el modelado de materiales como roca, especialmente para procesos de excavación. Todos los algoritmos numéricos se han implementado en el programa propio, que ha sido utilizado para probar distintos ejemplos. La formulación básica del DEM, con un modelo lineal de contacto elástico perfectamente frágil ha sido utilizado en el presente trabajo. La principal diferencia con otros modelos de la literatura es la consideración de que los parámetros de rigidez y fuerzas máximas son valores globales y constantes en todo el modelo. El resultado de la simulación está fuertemente relacionado con la configuración del ensamblaje de partículas utilizado. El ensamblaje de partículas debe ser suficientemente compacto y asegurar la isotropía de las propiedades físicas del material modelado. La tesis presenta una nueva técnica para la generación de ensamblajes de partículas de alta densidad para geometrías arbitrarias, satisfaciendo todos los requisitos para una simulación con elementos discretos correcta. Uno de los temas clave en el uso del DEM es la estimación de los parámetros del modelo de contacto. Se propone una metodología para la estimación de los parámetros del modelo de contacto siguiendo las propiedades macroscópicas requeridas en el material Las relaciones entre los parámetros del modelo y las propiedades mecánicas de materiales frágiles, así como su la influencia de la configuración del ensamblaje de partículas son analizadas. Una gran dificultad en la aplicación del DEM en problemas reales de ingeniería es el alto costo computacional de simulaciones que consideran un gran número de partículas. La solución mas común para resolver esto es el uso de técnicas de computación paralela, donde se utiliza un gran número de procesadores. Como vía alternativa, un esquema acoplado entre el DEM y el FEM expuesto en la tesis. Con el modelo híbrido DEM/FEM, el DEM es usado solo en las partes del dominio donde presenta ventajas sobre el enfoque continuo del FEM. El acoplamiento puede ser adaptado dinámicamente, comenzando con todo el dominio discretizado con FEM, y durante la simulación, en las regiones donde se encuentran altos niveles de tensión, se emplea un cambio del método de simulación de continuo (FEM) a discreto (DEM). Finalmente, todos los desarrollos son aplicados a la simulación de un proceso excavación real. Se realiza un estudio del proceso de corte de roca con discos costadores, utilizados en tuneladoras, donde el DEM y la técnica de acoplamiento presentan una importante ventaja sobre otras técnicas de simulación

ICT education policies in Spain after School Program 2.0: Emerging Trends

En este artículo se analiza la situación actual de las políticas educativas destinadas a laincorporación de las TIC a las escuelas en una muestra de ocho comunidades autónomasde España (Andalucía, Canarias, Cataluña, Extremadura, Madrid, País Valenciano, PaísVasco y Principado de Asturias) después del proceso impulsado por el Programa Escuela2.0. Este programa estuvo vigente durante el periodo 2009­2012 y respondió al modelo 1:1,de un ordenador por estudiante. Este análisis se guió por las siguientes cuestiones: ¿Quéefectos permanecen de las experiencias de políticas educativas del modelo 1:1?; ¿Quénuevos proyectos o programas están vigentes en los sistemas educativos de lascomunidades autónomas? ¿Qué nuevas tendencias con relación a las TIC estánemergiendo en la agenda educativa de las políticas autonómicas? Se concluye que lasnuevas políticas TIC, entre otras acciones, apuntan a centrar su atención en laincorporación de las PDI a todas las aulas, a la dotación de tabletas a los estudiantes envez de miniportátiles, a políticas de sustitución de los libros de texto de papel porplataformas de contenidos digitales y a la creación de portales de recursos en la nube. Seconstata también la ausencia de un programa o política educativa TIC coordinada a nivelde todo el estado como fue la experiencia del Programa Escuela 2.0.In this article the current situation of educational policies for the incorporation of ICT inschools in a sample of eight regions of Spain (Andalusia, Canary Islands, Catalonia,Extremadura, Madrid, Valencia, the Basque Country and the Principality of analyzesAsturias) after the process driven by the Escuela 2.0 program. This program was in effectduring the period 2009­2012 and responded to the 1:1 model of a computer per student.This analysis was guided by the following questions: What effects remain from theexperiences of educational policies of the 1:1 model?; What new projects or programs arein place in the educational systems of the regions? What new trends in relation to ICT areemerging in the educational agenda of regional policies? We conclude that the new ICTpolicy, among other things, aim to focus on the integration of IDPs to all classrooms toequipping students tablets instead of netbooks, a substitution policies textbooks paper fordigital content platforms, to create portals of cloud resources. The absence of aneducational program or policy level ICT coordinated statewide as was the experience ofSchool Program 2.0 has been observed

Enabling decision-making: what assists people with motor neurone disease when they consider gastrostomy insertion?

PURPOSE: This study explores the views of people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) when they consider Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) insertion, to understand their priorities and how their decisions were informed or supported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study took place in single multidisciplinary specialised MND clinic in New South Wales, Australia. Nine people with MND (5 male and 4 female; age range 52-73 years; disease duration 6-99 months) who were considering, or had recently undergone PEG insertion, participated. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants to examine individual's experience of decision-making about PEG. The data were synthesised and analysed thematically. RESULTS: Three main themes and two sub-themes captured participant views on their decision-making. The first, "What matters most to me," comprised optimising quality of life and maintaining family membership. The second theme explored "Understanding PEG and the clinical pathway." The third theme was "Thoughts on using a decision aid." CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a foundation for future studies examining the longer-term outcomes of accepting, delaying or declining PEG. Insights from this study may be applicable to decision-making for any aspect of MND care where the outcomes or benefits are uncertain

Prevalence, characteristics, and publication of discontinued randomized trials.

IMPORTANCE: The discontinuation of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) raises ethical concerns and often wastes scarce research resources. The epidemiology of discontinued RCTs, however, remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence, characteristics, and publication history of discontinued RCTs and to investigate factors associated with RCT discontinuation due to poor recruitment and with nonpublication. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cohort of RCTs based on archived protocols approved by 6 research ethics committees in Switzerland, Germany, and Canada between 2000 and 2003. We recorded trial characteristics and planned recruitment from included protocols. Last follow-up of RCTs was April 27, 2013. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Completion status, reported reasons for discontinuation, and publication status of RCTs as determined by correspondence with the research ethics committees, literature searches, and investigator surveys. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 11.6 years (range, 8.8-12.6 years), 253 of 1017 included RCTs were discontinued (24.9% [95% CI, 22.3%-27.6%]). Only 96 of 253 discontinuations (37.9% [95% CI, 32.0%-44.3%]) were reported to ethics committees. The most frequent reason for discontinuation was poor recruitment (101/1017; 9.9% [95% CI, 8.2%-12.0%]). In multivariable analysis, industry sponsorship vs investigator sponsorship (8.4% vs 26.5%; odds ratio [OR], 0.25 [95% CI, 0.15-0.43]; P < .001) and a larger planned sample size in increments of 100 (-0.7%; OR, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.92-1.00]; P = .04) were associated with lower rates of discontinuation due to poor recruitment. Discontinued trials were more likely to remain unpublished than completed trials (55.1% vs 33.6%; OR, 3.19 [95% CI, 2.29-4.43]; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this sample of trials based on RCT protocols from 6 research ethics committees, discontinuation was common, with poor recruitment being the most frequently reported reason. Greater efforts are needed to ensure the reporting of trial discontinuation to research ethics committees and the publication of results of discontinued trials