Propagation of Tau via extracellular vesicles

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), like exosomes, play a critical role in physiological processes, including synaptic transmission and nerve regeneration. However, exosomes in particular can also contribute to the development of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease, and prion diseases. All of these disorders are characterized by protein aggregation and deposition in specific regions of the brain. Several lines of evidence indicate that protein in exosomes is released from affected neurons and propagated along neuroanatomically connected regions of the brain, thus spreading the neurodegenerative disease. Also, different cell types contribute to the progression of tauopathy, such as microglia. Several groups have reported tau release via exosomes by cultured neurons or cells overexpressing human tau. Although the exact mechanisms underlying the propagation of protein aggregates are not fully understood, recent findings have implicated EVs in this process. The AD brain has two hallmarks, namely the presence of amyloid-β-containing plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, the latter formed by hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Both amyloid peptide and tau protein are present in specific exosomes. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of exosomes in the pathology of AD, with a special focus on tau proteinThis study was funded by grants from Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (BFU2016- 77885-P), the Comunidad de Madrid, through EU structural funds (S2017/BMD-3700 NEUROMETAD-CM), CIBERNED (ISCIII), and the Fundacion Ramon Arece

Which Corporate Governance Mechanisms Drive CSR Disclosure Practices in Emerging Countries?

Although several studies have analyzed the role that specific corporate governance mechanisms have on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting practices, their findings have not been conclusive and the evidence from developing countries is scarce. The theoretical support for this relationship in the previous literature is found in Stakeholder, Agency, Legitimacy, and Good Management theories. Undoubtedly, as the institutional environment has an important impact on CSR reporting practices, it would be relevant for this field of research to analyze this relationship in companies from emerging countries. It is suggested for the sake of convenience to consider different levels of corporate governance mechanisms together due to the high interdependence among them. Consequently, the aim of this paper is to analyze whether different levels of corporate governance mechanisms (at the institutional, group, and firm level) are determinant factors of the CSR reporting practices in BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). The final sample was composed of 281 companies. On the basis of our results, we conclude that institutional corporate governance mechanisms influence the company’s CSR reporting strategy and that both CSR disclosure practices analyzed are affected by group-level corporate governance mechanisms in companies from family-based societies. Our findings support the appropriateness of separately analyzing this issue in emerging countries

New Burnout Evaluation Model Based on the Brief Burnout Questionnaire: Psychometric Properties for Nursing

Health care personnel are considered one of the worker sectors most exposed to heavier workloads and work stress. One of the consequences associated with the exposure to chronic stress is the development of burnout syndrome. Given that evaluating this syndrome requires addressing the context in which they are to be used, the purpose of this work was to analyze the psychometric properties and structure of the Burnout Brief Questionnaire (CBB), and to propose a more suitable version for its application to health professionals, and more specifically nurses. The final study sample was made up of 1236 working nursing professionals. An exploratory factorial analysis was carried out and a new model was proposed through a confirmatory factorial analysis. Thus, validation of the CBB questionnaire for nursing health care personnel showed an adequate discrimination of the items and a high internal consistency of the scale. With respect to the factorial analysis, four factors were extracted from the revised model. Specifically, these new factors, called job dissatisfaction, social climate, personal impact, and motivational abandonment, showed an adequate index of adjustment. Thus, the Brief Burnout Questionnaire Revised for nursing staff has favorable psychometric properties, and this model can be applied to all health care professionals

Analysis of the Risk and Protective Roles of Work-Related and Individual Variables in Burnout Syndrome in Nurses

Aims: Burnout syndrome is a phenomenon that is becoming ever more widespread, especially in workers such as nurses who have heavy workloads and time pressures. The progression of burnout syndrome has been shown to be related to both individual and work-related variables. The objective of this study is to examine the risk and protective roles played by work-related and personal variables, both sociodemographic and psychological, in the development of burnout in nurses. Method: The sample was composed of 1236 nurses aged between 21 and 57 years, with a mean age of 31.50 years (SD = 6.18). Women accounted for 84.5% (n = 1044), and the remaining 15.5% (n = 192) were men. Exploratory tests were performed to understand the relationships between burnout and other variables, and a binary logistic regression was conducted to understand the roles of these variables in the incidence of this syndrome. Lastly, a regression tree was constructed. Results: The results show that the sociodemographic variables examined are not related to the level of burnout in nurses. However, certain work-related variables, such as spending more time with colleagues and patients and reporting good-quality relationships, exhibit a negative relationship with the occurrence of burnout. Of the psychological variables, the stress factors conflict-social acceptance and irritability-tension-fatigue, as well as informative communication, are shown to be risk factors for the appearance of burnout in nurses. In contrast, the communication skills factor, empathy, and energy-joy exert a protective function. Conclusion: Identifying the variables that influence the occurrence of burnout syndrome and understanding the manner in which they exert their influence are key elements in the development of effective prevention and intervention of burnout in nursing

Variables relacionadas con el compromiso académico y las habilidades socioemocionales en adolescentes: una revisión sistemática

Some research aimed at the educational context showed that the promotion of academic engagement and developing socioemotional skills benefit the development of students, especially adolescents. However, there were difficulties in finding studies that addressing both constructs simultaneously, as the scientific evidence regarding the subject is scarce. Due to this inconsistency, the objective of the present review was to identify the variables associated with academic engagement and socioemotional skills that are studied in the stage of adolescence. This study followed a systematic review methodology based on the recommendations established by the PRISMA 2020 Declaration. To do this, two different searches were made in the scientific databases of Scopus, Web of Science and PsyCINFO: the first focused on academic engagement and the second on socioemotional skills, both focused on adolescent population, including a total of 47 documents in the study. The results showed the existence of numerous variables, establishing those that are analyzed in both constructs through a qualitative analysis with Atlas.ti 22: academic performance, emotional intelligence, school bullying and resilience, finding that academic commitment is the most prevalent construct in research. In conclusion, it is advisable to include programs, strategies or projects in educational centers in order to increase the levels of academic engagement of students and develop socioemotional skills in the most favorable way possible.Algunas investigaciones dirigidas al contexto educativo mostraron que el fomento del compromiso académico y el desarrollo de habilidades socioemocionales benefician a los estudiantes, especialmente a los adolescentes. Sin embargo, hubo dificultades para encontrar estudios que aborden ambas construcciones simultáneamente, ya que la evidencia científica con respecto al tema es escasa. Debido a esta inconsistencia, el objetivo de la presente revisión fue identificar las variables asociadas con el compromiso académico y las habilidades socioemocionales que se estudian en la etapa de la adolescencia. Este estudio siguió una metodología de revisión sistemática basada en las recomendaciones establecidas por la Declaración PRISMA 2020. Para ello, se realizaron dos búsquedas diferentes en las bases de datos científicas de Scopus, Web of Science y PsyCINFO: la primera se centró en el compromiso académico y la segunda en las habilidades socioemocionales, ambas enfocadas en la población adolescente, incluyendo un total de 47 documentos en el estudio. Los resultados mostraron la existencia de numerosas variables, estableciendo las que se analizan en ambos constructos mediante un análisis cualitativo con Atlas.ti 22: rendimiento académico, inteligencia emocional, acoso escolar y resiliencia, encontrando que el compromiso académico es el constructo con mayor prevalencia en la investigación. Concluyendo, es recomendable incluir programas, estrategias o proyectos en los centros educativos con el fin de aumentar los niveles de compromiso académico de los estudiantes y desarrollar habilidades socioemocionales de la manera más favorable posible

El valor público de la acreditación en el mejoramiento continuo de las Carreras de Educación en Costa Rica. Un estudio de caso : a case study

The different accreditation processes of undergraduate degrees are the object of research due to the value of international recognition based on their accreditation. Thus, accreditation has become the preferred means of monitoring and evaluating the quality of higher education and observing universities' impact on society. The present study is part of a broader research focused on developing a doctoral thesis. It is framed in the qualitative interpretative paradigm of an emergent exploratory type. The main objective is to identify the public value generated by accreditation in the continuous improvement of undergraduate programs accredited by SINAES (an anagram of Sistema Nacional de Acreditación de la Educación Superior, National System of Higher Education Acceditation), in the field of education in Costa Rica. Five in-depth interviews were conducted to learn the perceptions of the key informants who participated in the accreditation process of the six selected degree programs. The results show the public value that accreditation produces in the continuous improvement of Education Degree Programs through ten categories that cover the achievements, benefits, results and effects of the contribution of SINAES in the continuous improvement processes of higher education. In conclusion, accreditation has become one of the determining factors when selecting an Education Degree Program in Costa Rica. The processes carried out by SINAES are perceived as legitimate and of excellence in developing these types of quality certifications.  Los diferentes procesos de acreditación por los que pasan los Grados universitarios son objeto de investigación debido al reconocimiento internacional que han adquirido por el valor asociado a la acreditación. De esta manera, la acreditación se ha convertido en el medio predilecto para supervisar y evaluar la calidad de la educación superior y observar el impacto que tienen las universidades en la sociedad. El estudio que se muestra forma parte de una investigación más amplia focalizada en el desarrollo de una tesis doctoral. Se enmarca en el paradigma cualitativo interpretativo de tipo exploratorio emergente. El objetivo principal se centra en identificar el valor público que genera la acreditación en el mejoramiento continuo de las carreras de grado acreditadas por el SINAES (Sistema Nacional de Acreditación de la Educación Superior) en el área de Educación en Costa Rica. Se ha llevaron a cabo cinco entrevistas a profundidad para conocer las percepciones de los informantes clave que participaron en el proceso de acreditación de las seis carreras seleccionadas. Los resultados muestran el valor público que produce la acreditación en el mejoramiento continuo de las Carreras de Educación por medio de 10 categorías que abarcan los logros, beneficios, resultados y efectos de la contribución del SINAES en el proceso de mejora continua de la Educación Superior. En conclusión, se observa como la acreditación se han convertido en uno de los factores determinantes a la hora de seleccionar una Carrera de Educación en Costa Rica. Los procesos llevados a cabo por el SINAES se perciben como legítimos y de excelencia en el desarrollo de este tipo de certificaciones de calidad

The Socio-Educational Adaptation of Secondary School Migrant Students in Sicily: Migrant Generation, School Linguistic Mediation and Teacher Proactivity Factors

This study aims to analyze the implications of linguistic mediation processes and educational proactivity in schools for the socio-educational adaptation of immigrant students. The study is based on empirical research and the perspectives of the main actors: the immigrant students themselves. To this end, a non-experimental and descriptive quantitative methodology was used. The sample consisted of 100 students of foreign origin enrolled in an Italian school located in a typical socio-cultural environment. The results show significant differences in linguistic mediation and socio-educational variables and differences in expectations of progress and social adaptation of students born outside Italy vis-a-vis students who, although born in Italy, are still considered foreigners. It will also analyze teaching proactivity as a communication facilitator for first-generation immigrant pupils born outside Italy. In conclusion, it is noted that, to favor multicultural environments where all students, regardless of their origin, feel accepted, integrated, and welcomed, it is necessary to utilize all available resources to promote improvements in teaching-learning processes and strengthen social relation

Coping Strategies in the Spanish Population: The Role in Consequences of COVID-19 on Mental Health

[EN] The worldwide health emergency caused by COVID-19 is a new challenge for humanity which individuals respond to in a diversity of ways. The type of coping people use in such a situation could lead to positive or negative consequences to their health. Our objective was to analyze the use of coping strategies in the general population with attention to sociodemographic variables, and to test the capacity of these strategies for mediating in repercussions on mental health. The 1,160 adults who participated in this study answered the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ-S) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). The data were collected in a CAWI (Computer Aided Web Interviewing). The results suggest that the coping strategies they used the most differed depending on sociodemographic characteristics, such as age, sex and education. Furthermore, two mediation models were estimated for positive and negative coping strategies in the relationship between the presence of COVID-19 near them and mental health. The “negative” coping strategies were found to exert an indirect effect as mediators in the impact that COVID-19 positive cases near them had on their health. The consequences to mental health of the impact of coping with adverse situations should not be underestimated and it is important to design programs to educate the population in coping strategies that promote their health.S

Experiencia piloto de evaluación de una intervención para evitar el plagio académico en alumnos universitarios

El plagio académico entre el alumnado universitario puede entenderse de varias formas; por ejemplo el uso de un material de otra fuente haciéndolo pasar como propio (bien completo o por partes) sin proporcionar las correspondientes referencias o, también, la presentación del trabajo de otro estudiante o compañero, con o sin el conocimiento de esa persona. Existe bastante acuerdo en la literatura sobre el desconcierto del propio alumnado sobre lo que constituye plagio y lo que no. Muchas universidades han puesto en marcha mecanismos para evitar el plagio, sin embargo muy pocos han sido evaluados. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la eficacia de una intervención educativa destinada a aumentar el conocimiento de los estudiantes universitarios acerca del plagio. Para ello se ha realizado un estudio cuasi-experimental mediante encuesta transversal en un diseño pre-post intervención con 75 alumnos matriculados en dos asignaturas de dos titulaciones diferentes de la Universidad de Alicante. La intervención fue realizada por los profesores responsables con un material elaborado a partir de los contenidos de la propia universidad. Los resultados muestran que los participantes carecen de formación previa sobre este tema; destacando el auto-plagio, qué se debe citar y cómo. También resaltan la importancia de la formación para poder prevenir y, de esta forma, mejorar la integridad académica

A Nearest Neighbours-Based Algorithm for Big Time Series Data Forecasting

A forecasting algorithm for big data time series is presented in this work. A nearest neighbours-based strategy is adopted as the main core of the algorithm. A detailed explanation on how to adapt and imple ment the algorithm to handle big data is provided. Although some parts remain iterative, and consequently requires an enhanced implementation, execution times are considered as satisfactory. The performance of the proposed approach has been tested on real-world data related to elec tricity consumption from a public Spanish university, by using a Spark cluster.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad TIN2014-55894-C2-RJunta de Andalucía P12-TIC-1728Centro de Estudios Andaluces PRY153/14Universidad Pablo de Olavide APPB81309