Implicit theories and teaching practices that promote inclusive education in the University: instruments and data for reflection and discussion

The results found from the application of two instruments that explore implicit theories and teaching practices about inclusive education in a group of undergraduate Chilean teachers are presented. Diversification of university students in Chile has generated major challenges to teachers, in terms of quality and equity in education and therefore this study contributes with ideas and reflections. The statistical analysis showed that the instruments employed in the study had adequate reliability and validity. It was also found that teaching practices that promote inclusive education are significantly related with conceptions about student's capabilities of learning, but they are not related with conceptions about teacher's responsibility with students learning. The instruments analyzed in this work showed to be useful for the comprehension of cognition, values, and practice of university teachers.Se presentan los resultados encontrados en la aplicación de dos instrumentos que exploran las teorías implícitas y las prácticas de enseñanza acerca de la inclusión educativa, en un grupo de docentes chilenos de pregrado. La diversificación del alumnado universitario en Chile ha traído consigo importantes desafíos para los docentes en términos de calidad y equidad de la educación, por lo que este estudio aporta ideas y reflexiones en este contexto. El análisis estadístico evidenció que los instrumentos presentaban adecuada validez y fiabilidad. Se encontró que las prácticas de enseñanza que favorecen la inclusión educativa se relacionaban significativamente con las concepciones sobre las capacidades de aprendizaje de los estudiantes, pero no con las concepciones sobre la responsabilidad de los docentes con el aprendizaje de los alumnos. Los instrumentos analizados mostraron ser útiles para la comprensión de las cogniciones, valores, y prácticas de los docentes universitario

Psychometric properties of the mindfulness in teaching scale among Spanish teachers

Mindfulness in the educational field provides several benefits. The assessment of mindfulness is a fundamental previous step for evidence-based interventions. Therefore, the present study aimed to adapt and validate the Mindfulness in Teaching Scale (MTS) among Spanish teachers. This scale comprises 14 items on two dimensions: intrapersonal and interpersonal. The sample comprised 398 teachers (31% males, 68% females) whose ages ranged from 25 to 69 years (M = 44.14; SD = 10.16). Once the scale was adapted in Spanish, we examined its psychometric properties. To do so, we conducted a Confirmatory Factor analysis (CFA), which supported the two-factor structure. As evidence for validity, the MTS scores correlated with perceived teaching self-efficacy. The reliability values using Cronbach’s alpha were good. This scale has adequate psychometric properties and is useful for assessing mindfulness among Spanish teachers. We discuss its implications for the education field

Spherically symmetric dissipative anisotropic fluids: A general study

The full set of equations governing the evolution of self--gravitating spherically symmetric dissipative fluids with anisotropic stresses is deployed and used to carry out a general study on the behaviour of such systems, in the context of general relativity. Emphasis is given to the link between the Weyl tensor, the shear tensor, the anisotropy of the pressure and the density inhomogeneity. In particular we provide the general, necessary and sufficient, condition for the vanishing of the spatial gradients of energy density, which in turn suggests a possible definition of a gravitational arrow of time. Some solutions are also exhibited to illustrate the discussion.Comment: 28 pages Latex. To appear in Phys.Rev.

External stimuli help restore post-partum ovarian activity in Pelibuey sheep

Post-partum anestrus is a problem on farms, and its duration depends on the frequency and intensity of suckling which affects reproduction and production efficiency to become a determining economic factor. The aim of this study was to determine the post-partum reproductive response in ewe to a "male effect" with an ovulation induction protocol of five days using progesterone and the application of a metabolic restorative (MR; Metabolase ®). One hundred and twenty females were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: T1: Continuous suckling (CS; n = 29), T2: CS + MR (n = 29), T3: CS + Male Effect (ME; n = 32), and T4: CS + MR + ME. The percentage of females in ovulation, weight changes among females and lambs, the onset of estrus, calving, fecundity, and prolificacy were also determined. The ovulation percentage was higher in CS + ME and CS + MR + ME (75.0 and 73.3%) than in the other treatments. Weight changes in females and lambs were different among periods. The onset of estrus was similar for CS and CS + MR (25.9 ± 1.9 and 25.7 ± 0.7 h, respectively). The calving percentage was higher for CS + MR (86.2%) than other treatments. Male presence positively affected the postpartum cyclic ovarian re-establishment and the metabolic restorative could even improve the fertility of hair ewes in continuous suckling with similar hormone protocolKeywords: Male effect, metabolic stimulation, post-partum anestru

“Male effect” and “temporary weaning” in synchronization of post-partum ovarian activity in Pelibuey ewes

To evaluate the response of the “male effect” and “temporary weaning” on the synchronization of post-partum ovarian activity in Pelibuey ewes, an experiment was carried out using 78 Pelibuey ewes with suckling lambs. The ewes were separated from their offspring for 48 hours and randomly assigned to one of four treatments derived from the arrangement of two factors, “male effect” and “temporary weaning”, each at two levels. Treatments were: T1 (n = 20) control ewes, without “male effect” and without “temporary weaning”); T2 (n = 19) ewes without “male effect” and with “temporary weaning”; T3 (n = 20) ewes with “male effect” and without “temporary weaning”; and T4 (n = 19), ewes with “male effect” and with “temporary weaning”. The response to oestrus, return to oestrus, gestation rate and lambing rate were analysed using logistic regression. The onset of oestrus was analysed using survival curves. No significant differences were found for lambing rate and prolificacy among treatments. “Temporary weaning” (T2) and “male effect” (T3) did not influence the response to oestrus, rate and duration of return to oestrus, or gestation rate and fertility, and was similar to the control group (T1). The interaction of “male effect” with “temporary weaning” (T4) increased the response to oestrus, reduced the rate and duration of return to oestrus, and the gestation rate, but increased fertility. Synchronizing post-partum ovarian activity with “male effect” and “temporary weaning” reduces the onset of oestrus and the rate of return to oestrus, but increases the response to oestrus and fecundity in Pelibuey ewes.Keywords: Biostimulation, progestogens, prolificacy, prostaglandins, sucklin

Effect of Cutting Height on Tiller Population Density and Herbage Biomass of Buffel Grass

The aim of this trial was to investigate the effect of different cutting heights on tiller population density and herbage biomass of Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L) grown in miniature swards in a greenhouse. Four treatments with five replicates: five cm, ten cm, and 20 cm cutting height, and control (without cut) were randomly allocated. Intensity of defoliation affected the cumulative herbage harvested; the ten cm cutting height was greater (404.1 g DM m-2) than 5 cm (317.6 g DM m-2) and 20 cm (263.9 g DM m-2), respectively. Cumulative herbage harvested in the control, increased progressively until September; from then onwards tended to decrease. At the end of the trial, the highest tiller population density was found at five cm cutting height with 28 %, 48 % and 71 % more tillers than ten cm, 20 cm and control, respectively. Herbage mass at five cm and ten cm cutting height, were greater for tiller population density and herbage harvested than 20 cm and control (α\u3c 0.05)

Body Shape, Image, and Composition as Predictors of Athlete’s Performance

Body shape, image, and composition are three different but related concepts used to describe people. Body shape, also known as somatotype, represents the tangible body, which can be externally observed and measured without destroying or hurting it. On the contrary, body image represents the subjective and intangible human nature, a construct that we try to define by applying validated scientific tools—a set of dimensions easily affected by psychological perception. Instead, body composition represents the physical parts grouped into similar compartments. Due to the fact that it cannot be observed or measured with the naked eye, and in order to reduce measurement error, we try to measure them with the highest and most accurate available technology. Shape, image, and composition affect sport?s performance. Sports literature mentions, sometimes interchangeably, form, image, and body composition. So when we refer to them we have to distinguish them. Social, political, economic, cultural, educational, and genetic factors influence them. Technological advances in determining the shape and composition are reliable, but not the ones for body image, which needs further development. In this paper, the interrelation of these three aspects is described, with health and sport?s ambit indicators

Fifteen years controlling unwanted thoughts: A systematic review of the thought control ability questionnaire (TCAQ)

Thought control ability is a vulnerability factor implicated in the etiology and maintenance of emotional disorders. This manuscript aims to systematically review the use and psychometric performance of the Thought Control Ability Questionnaire (TCAQ), designed to assess people's ability to control unwanted thoughts. Three electronic databases were searched for papers administering the TCAQ published in indexed peer-reviewed journals. Data (participants characteristics, country, study design, etc.) were extracted from the results for qualitative synthesis. The TCAQ's content validity, dimensionality, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent/divergent validity, floor/ceiling effects, and interpretability were summarized. Two reviewers independently screened articles and assessed quality taking COSMIN criteria into account. Finally, the review included 17 papers. The TCAQ has been administered to healthy individuals, students, and adult patients, in six languages from nine countries. We found that the TCAQ, and its shorter versions, demonstrate robust reliability and adequate content validity. Of interest is the TCAQ's capacity to predict performance in diverse experimental tasks focused on thought control. The TCAQ unidimensionality has been supported in exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Regarding construct validity, the TCAQ is significantly related to a wide range of psychopathological measures of anxiety, worry, depression, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, etc. However, as only a few of the included studies had a longitudinal design, we are unable to draw firm conclusions about the measure's temporal stability. Moreover, psychometric aspects such as factorial invariance across different samples have not been analyzed. Despite these limitations, based on available psychometric evidence we can recommend using the TCAQ for measuring perceived control of unwanted thoughts