Google+ como nueva i-metodología

Este artículo pretende, por un lado, describir y analizar Google+, nueva iniciativa de Google con la finalidad de crear una comunicación más sencilla y real, y evaluar las posibles repercusiones educativas que pudiera tener. Por otro lado, apoyando la idea de un currículo bimodal propuesta por el doctor Pere Marquès, dentro del nuevo sistema educativo en el que nos encontramos, se pretende presentar Google+ como iniciativa de i-metodología en la nueva i-educación actual, con el fin de descubrir su impacto en nuestras aulas

Wood-Concrete and Wood-Wood Mixed Beams: Rational Basis for Selecting Connections

Many studies have approached the problem of mixed beams with a slip at the connection. An analysis of the problem has been carried out globally and Eurocode-5 solves the problem for the use of simple supported beams or similar structures in a precise way and with a simple formulation. Other methods to solve the structural analysis of this issue include matrix as well as several finite-element procedures. Nevertheless, the design process for selecting the connection is now iterative and the variables of the problem can be presented in a more condensed and useful way. The problems of strength and stiffness in this research have been separated. Variables in a powerful nondimensional way and their exact relationships in simple supported beams are presented here. These variables show the nature of the problem in a clear way, and provide a rational basis for selecting the connection

The flexibility matrix o timber composite beams with a discrete connection system

This work presents a method for the analysis of timber composite beams which considers the slip in the connection system, based on assembling the flexibility matrix of the whole structure. This method is based on one proposed by Tommola and Jutila (2001). This paper extends the method to the case of a gap between two pieces with an arbitrary location at the first connector, which notably broadens its practical application. The addition of the gap makes it possible to model a cracked zone in concrete topping, as well as the case in which forming produces the gap. The consideration of induced stresses due to changes in temperature and moisture content is also described, while the concept of equivalent eccentricity is generalized. This method has important advantages in connection with the current European Standard EN 1995-1-1: 2004, as it is able to deal with any type of load, variable section, discrete and non-regular connection systems, a gap between the two pieces, and variations in temperature and moisture content. Although it could be applied to any structural system, it is specially suited for the case of simple supported and continuous beams. Working examples are presented at the end, showing that the arrangement of the connection notably modifies shear force distribution. A first interpretation of the results is made on the basis of the strut and tie theory. The examples prove that the use of EC-5 is unsafe when, as a rule of thumb, the strut or compression field between the support and the first connector is at an angle with the axis of the beam of less than 60º

Cyclodextrin/poly(anhydride) nanoparticles as drug carriers for the oral delivery of atovaquone.

The aim was to study the ability of bioadhesive cyclodextrin-poly(anhydride) nanoparticles as carriers for the oral delivery of atovaquone (ATO). In order to increase the loading capacity of ATO by poly(anhydride) nanoparticles, the following oligosaccharides were assayed: 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD), 2,6-di-O-methyl-β-cyclodextrin (DCMD), randomly methylated-β-cyclodextrin (RMCD) and sulfobuthyl ether-β-cyclodextrin (SBECD). Nanoparticles were obtained by desolvation after the incubation between the poly(anhydride) with the ATO-cyclodextrin complexes. For the pharmacokinetic studies, ATO formulations were administered orally in rats. Overall, ATO displayed a higher affinity for methylated cyclodextrins than for the other derivatives. However, for in vivo studies, both ATO-DMCD-NP and ATO-HPCD-NP were chosen. These nanoparticle formulations showed more adequate physicochemical properties in terms of size (75%). In vivo, nanoparticle formulations induced higher and more prolonged plasmatic levels of atovaquone than control suspensions of the drug in methylcellulose. Relative bioavailability of ATO when loaded in nanoparticles ranged from 52% (for ATO-HPCD NP) to 71% (for ATO-DMCD NP), whereas for the suspension control formulation the bioavailability was only about 30%. The encapsulation of atovaquone in cyclodextrins-poly(anhydride) nanoparticles seems to be an interesting strategy to improve the oral bioavailability of this lipophilic drug

¿Hay diferencias en las calificaciones de Fisiología utilizando metodología presencial versus híbrida como consecuencia de la pandemia?

[EN] As consequence of the restrictions on attendance in classrooms due to the pandemic, teaching has been adapted to avoid the limitations imposed by the capacity. In the 20/21 academic year, we have implemented the Hyflex methodology in the class-room combining the faceto-face teaching and remote teaching. To measure the impact of this new methodology in the subject of Physiology II of the Medicine degree, we have analyzed the student´s scores obtained in the theoretical exam comparing both courses, 20/21 hybrid course and 18/19 face-to-face course. The results show that these new teaching technologies make it easier to have an inmersive experience while the students are connected online, as demonstrated by the maintenance of the average grade. However, we consider that the students with technical or personal troubles require a greater effort to study at distance, therefore the attendance in the classroom is a substantial improvement to have succeed.[ES] Como consecuencia de las restricciones de presencialidad en las aulas debido a la pandemia, ha sido necesario adaptar la impartición de la docencia para superar las limitaciones impuestas por la suspensión de la presencialidad y el mantenimiento de los aforos . Nuestra universidad implantó la metodología Hyflex en el curso 20/21, de manera que los alumnos han compaginado la docencia presencial y remota. Para valorar el impacto en los alumnos de esta nueva metodología en la asignatura de Fisiología II del grado de Medicina, hemos analizado las notas obtenidas en el examen teórico de la convocatoria ordinaria comparando el curso 20/21 hibrido con el curso 18/19 totalmente presencial. Los resultados evidencian que implementar las aulas con la tecnología necesaria para habilitar el sistema Hyflex, favorece que los alumnos que no pueden acudir al aula tengan una experiencia en línea inmersiva, facilitándoles la sensación de inclusión y participación a tiempo real, como lo demuestra el mantenimiento de las medias de las notas. Sin embargo, consideramos que para aquellos alumnos que les supone un mayor esfuerzo el estudio a distancia por razones técnicas propias o por razones personales, la presencialidad supone una acción de mejora sustancial para aprobar la asignatura.Escudero, E.; Muñoz, U.; Sádaba, M.; Lavandera, J.; Sánchez-Vera, I. (2022). ¿Hay diferencias en las calificaciones de Fisiología utilizando metodología presencial versus híbrida como consecuencia de la pandemia?. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 184-194. https://doi.org/10.4995/INRED2022.2022.1584018419

Spatial distribution and risk factors of Brucellosis

Background: The role of wildlife as a brucellosis reservoir for humans and domestic livestock remains to be properly established. The aim of this work was to determine the aetiology, apparent prevalence, spatial distribution and risk factors for brucellosis transmission in several Iberian wild ungulates. Methods: A multi-species indirect immunosorbent assay (iELISA) using Brucella S-LPS antigen was developed. In several regions having brucellosis in livestock, individual serum samples were taken between 1999 and 2009 from 2,579 wild bovids, 6,448 wild cervids and4,454 Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa), and tested to assess brucellosis apparent prevalence. Strains isolated from wild boar were characterized to identify the presence of markers shared with the strains isolated from domestic pigs. Results: Mean apparent prevalence below 0.5% was identified in chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica), Iberian wild goat (Capra pyrenaica), and red deer (Cervus elaphus). Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), fallow deer (Dama dama), mouflon (Ovis aries) and Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) tested were seronegative. Only one red deer and one Iberian wild goat resulted positive in culture, isolating B. abortus biovar 1 and B. melitensis biovar 1, respectively. Apparent prevalence in wild boar ranged from 25% to 46% in the different regions studied, with the highest figures detected in South-Central Spain. The probability of wild boar being positive in the iELISA was also affected by age, age-by-sex interaction, sampling month, and the density of outdoor domestic pigs. A total of 104 bacterial isolates were obtained from wild boar, being all identified as B. suis biovar 2. DNA polymorphisms were similar to those found in domestic pigs. Conclusions: In conclusion, brucellosis in wild boar is widespread in the Iberian Peninsula, thus representing an important threat for domestic pigs. By contrast, wild ruminants were not identified as a significant brucellosis reservoir for livestock

Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Neuroprotectant Activities of New Asymmetrical 1,3-Diketones

A series of fourteen new asymmetrical 1,3-diketone derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated in the ABTS, FRAP and DPPH assays as a new chemotype with antioxidant and drug-like properties. All the compounds displayed low cytotoxicity in comparison to curcumin against the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line. Among them, (3Z,5E)-6-(2,5-difluoro-4-hydroxy-phenyl)-1,1,1-trifluoro-4-hydroxyhexa-3,5-dien-2-one (6b) and (3Z,5E)-6-(2,3-difluoro-4-hydroxy-phenyl)-1,1,1-trifluoro-4-hydroxyhexa-3,5-dien-2-one (7b) with excellent solubility and chemical stability in biorelevant media, have also shown a similar Fe+2 chelation behavior to that of curcumin. Additionally, both derivatives 6b and 7b have afforded good neuroprotection activity against H2O2 induced oxidative stress in the same neuronal cell line, with a significant reduction of intracellular ROS levels, in parallel with a good recovery of the Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (ΔΨm). Compounds 6b and 7b with a promising antioxidant and drug-like profile, with low cytotoxic and good neuroprotectant activity, constitute a new interesting chemical class with high potential as new therapeutic agents against neurodegenerative diseases