THE STUDY OF MODAL VERBS FROM A PEDAGOGICAL PERSPECTIVE: AN ANALYSIS OF TEXTBOOKS AND GRAMMARS

[EN] This paper shows how the indiscriminate combination of the form-function criterion in the traditional presentation of modal verbs brings more confusion than light to the subject due mostly to the fact that the grammatical simplicity of modal verbs clashes with their semantic complexity. In order to verify the treatment of modals in the EFL classroom, both a reduced but representative sample of textbooks and English grammar books will be analysed. Based on the findings of research conducted in this field, this article concludes that when studying modals in the EFL classroom the pragmatic uses of modal verbs should be primed over potential polysemic often indeterminate semantic values and/or grammatical criteria based on a higher or lower rank of graded modality.Research for this article has been financed by the Ministerio Español de Ciencia y Tecnología, grant BFF2002-01315, and by the Junta de Castilla y León, grant SA062/02Durán, R.; Alonso, P.; Sánchez, MJ. (2007). THE STUDY OF MODAL VERBS FROM A PEDAGOGICAL PERSPECTIVE: AN ANALYSIS OF TEXTBOOKS AND GRAMMARS. Revista de Lingüística y Lenguas Aplicadas. 2:29-37. doi:10.4995/rlyla.2007.699SWORD29372Alcaraz, E. & B. Moody. (1980). Morfosintaxis inglesa para hispanohablantes. Alcoy: Marfil.Alonso, P. & M.J. Sánchez.(2005)."Estudio contrastivo del uso de los verbos modales ingleses y de su organización semántica". Porta Linguarum3: 95-110.Alonso, P., M. J. Sánchez, & R. Durán (Forthcoming). "Discourse as a disambiguating tool in the teaching of modals to EFL students".Bolton, D. & N. Goodey. (1996). English Grammar in Steps. London: Richmond Publishing.Capel A. & W. Sharp.(2000).Objective First Certificate. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.Close, R. A. (1975). A Reference Grammar for Students of English. London: Longman.Cruz, J. de la & P. Trainor. (1989). Gramática inglesa. Madrid: Cátedra.Downing, A. & P. Locke. (1992).A University Course in English Grammar. New York: Prentice Hall.Freeborn, D. (1987). A Course Book in English Grammar. London: MacMillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-18527-6Fried-Booth, D. (1997). Richmond First Certificate Course. London. Richmond Publishing.Greenbaum, S & R. Quirk. (1990). A Student ́s Grammar of the English Language. London: Longman.Haines S. & B. Stewart. (1996). New First Certificate Masterclass. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Haines S. &B. Stewart.(2004).First Certificate Masterclass. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Hoye, L. (1997). Adverbs and Modality in English. London: Longman.Langacker, R. (1991). Foundations of Cognitive Grammar. Vol. 2. Stanford: Stanford University Press.Leech, G. (2003)."Modality on the move: The English modal auxiliaries 1961-1992", in R. Facchinetti, M. Krug & F. Palmer (eds.). Modality in Contemporary English. Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110895339.223Murphy, R. & R. Altman. (1989). Grammar in use. Reference and Practice for Intermediate Students of English. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.O ́Neill, R., M. Duck Worth, & K. Gude. (1997). New Success at First Certificate. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Parrot, M. (2000). Grammar for English Language Teachers. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.Quirk, R. & S. Greenbaum. (1973). A University Grammar of English. London: Longman.Quirk, R., S. Greenbaum, G. Leech,& J. Svartvik. (1985). A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language. London: Longman.Sánchez, M. J. and P. Alonso (2004-2005). "Análisis descriptivo de la organización cognitiva de los verbos modales ingleses". Resla, 17-18: 241-255.Sánchez, M. J. & P. Alonso. (forthcoming). "Los verbos modales ingleses. Organización en contexto oracional libre y restringido".Schvaneveldt, R. W., F. T. Durso, T. E Goldsmith, T. J. Breen, N. M. Cooke, R. G. Tu c k e r, &J. C. De Maio. (1985). "Measuring the structure of experise". International Journal of Man-Machine Studies, 23: 699-728. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0020-7373(85)80064-XSpratt M. & B. Obee. (2001). First Certificate Direct. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.Swan, M. & C. Walter. (1997). How English Works. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Thomson, A. J. & A. V. Martinet.(1968).A Practical English Grammar. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Thornbury, S. (1997). About Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.Thornbury, S. (2004). How to Teach Grammar. London: Longman

Chitosan and Kappa-Carrageenan Vaginal Acyclovir Formulations for Prevention of Genital Herpes. In Vitro and Ex Vivo Evaluation

Vaginal formulations for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections are currently gaining importance in drug development. Polysaccharides, such as chitosan and carrageenan, which have good binding capacity with mucosal tissues, are now included in vaginal delivery systems. Marine polymer-based vaginal mucoadhesive solid formulations have been developed for the controlled release of acyclovir, which may prevent the sexual transmission of the herpes simplex virus. Drug release studies were carried out in two media: simulated vaginal fluid and simulated vaginal fluid/simulated seminal fluid mixture. The bioadhesive capacity and permanence time of the bioadhesion, the prepared compacts, and compacted granules were determined ex vivo using bovine vaginal mucosa as substrate. Swelling processes were quantified to confirm the release data. Biocompatibility was evaluated through in vitro cellular toxicity assays, and the results showed that acyclovir and the rest of the materials had no cytotoxicity at the maximum concentration tested. The mixture of hydroxyl-propyl-methyl-cellulose with chitosan- or kappa-carrageenan-originated mucoadhesive systems that presented a complete and sustained release of acyclovir for a period of 8-9 days in both media. Swelling data revealed the formation of optimal mixed chitosan/hydroxyl-propyl-methyl-cellulose gels which could be appropriated for the prevention of sexual transmission of HSV. © 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MAT2012-34552). We acknowledge support by the CSIC Open Access Publication Initiative through its Unit of Information Resources for Research (URICI).Peer Reviewe

Estudio contrastivo del uso de los verbos modales ingleses y de su organización semántica

Este trabajo forma parte de un proyecto de investigación que estudia la organización cognitiva de los verbos modales ingleses en hablantes nativos y no nativos de la lengua inglesa y cómo las posibles diferencias en la organización se reflejan en la producción propia de estos sujetos. El artículo describe una serie de ejercicios realizados por ambos grupos y contrasta sus resultados. El análisis del material obtenido demuestra que las estrategias organizativas y de uso de los hablantes nativos se rigen principalmente por criterios semánticos mientras que las de los no nativos están fuertemente mediatizadas por principios gramáticos y formales.This paper is a part of a research project on the cognitive organization which native and non-native speakers of English present with regard to modal verbs in English and on how this organization influences the use of these forms in the subjects’ own production. A number of different tests given to both groups of subjects are here described and their results contrasted. The analysis of the material obtained shows that native speakers follow mainly semantic criteria in their organization strategies and their actual use, while non-native speakers’ decisions are strongly governed by formal and grammatical principles.Este artículo se ha realizado gracias a las ayudas concedidas por la Junta de Castilla y León para el proyecto SA062/02 “Organización cognitiva de los verbos modales ingleses. Representación y utilización en el discurso” y por el Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia para el proyecto BFF2002-01315 “Organización cognitiva de los verbos modales ingleses y su uso. Diseño de una metodología para la docencia con patrones expertos”

Testing caffeic acid as a natural antioxidant in functional fish-fibre restructured products

7 páginas, 4 figuras, 5 tablasThe antioxidant effectiveness of caffeic acid addition to minced fish muscle with or without wheat dietary fibre added was studied. Wheat dietary fibre showed a significant prooxidant effect on minced fish muscle during chilled storage that was significantly inhibited in presence of 100 mg/kg caffeic acid. In samples containing caffeic acid and wheat dietary fibre, lipid oxidation was completely inhibited after 10 days. Results obtained from the instrumental texture profile analysis showed that the inclusion of wheat dietary fibre with or without caffeic acid lowered the texture profile analysis parameters. Caffeic acid did not render any changes on the water binding capacity. These results prove that caffeic acid can be successfully used as a natural antioxidant in wheat dietary fibre minced fish restructured products.This work was performed within the Integrated Research Project SEAFOODplus, contract No FOOD-CT-2004-506359 and the research project AGL2006-26016-E/GAN. The [partial] financing of this work by the European Union and the Spanish Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia is gratefully acknowledged.Peer reviewe

Accessibility Problems among the Elderly Population to Health Services. The Case of Castilla y León (Spain)

[spa] La accesibilidad de la población a los recursos sanitarios es fundamental para que exista una equidad social entre los habitantes de un territorio. Esta accesibilidad es peor en las áreas rurales, que, además, suelen ser espacios más envejecidos y demandantes de recursos sanitarios. En Castilla y León, existen zonas cuyo acceso a los recursos sanitarios está muy limitado debido al tiempo que ha de invertir la población para desplazarse hacia estos recursos. En este trabajo se identifican las Zonas Básicas de Salud con problemas de accesibilidad y se cuantifica el tiempo de desplazamiento que ha de utilizar la población de Castilla y León hacia sus hospitales de referencia, así como su nivel de envejecimiento. Los resultados de este análisis territorial confirman que las Zonas Básicas de Salud más alejadas de los hospitales corresponden a áreas rurales con un envejecimiento elevado, agravando así el problema de vaciamiento de servicios sanitarios que vive el espacio rural desde la crisis de 2008. Esta investigación puede ayudar a plantear una reordenación de los recursos sanitarios en Castilla y León y en otros territorios donde se podría aplicar esta metodología, ayudando a que la población rural tenga un mejor acceso a los mismos

Geochemical Background and Baseline Values Determination and Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metal Pollution in Soils of the Andes Mountain Range (Cajamarca-Huancavelica, Peru)

[EN]Concentrations of seven heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and one metalloid (As) as well as various parameters (pH, organic carbon, granulometric analysis and cation exchange capacity) were analyzed in 77 soil samples collected in the mining areas of La Zanja and Colquirrumi (Department of Cajamarca) and Julcani (Department of Huancavelica). Our study proposed geochemical baseline values for heavy metals in a natural region (La Zanja) from samples collected during the period of the environmental impact study (2006), that is, from an earlier period which occurred at the beginning of the exploitation of the current gold mine. The baseline values obtained were as follows: 8.26 mg kg−1 for Cr; 56.97 mg kg−1 for Ni; 22, 20 mg kg−1 for the Cu; 47.42 mg kg−1 for Zn; 27.50 mg kg−1 for As; 4.36 mg kg−1 for Cd; 4.89 mg kg−1 for Hg, and 44.87 mg kg−1 for Pb. Through the use of different indices of heavy metal contamination (geo-accumulation index (Igeo), improved Nemerow index (IIN) and potential ecological risk index (RI)), the degree of pollution caused by mining activities in two areas, Colquirrumi and Julcani, which have a high density of mining sites in operation, was determined

Neurofeedback training with a motor imagery-based BCI: neurocognitive improvements and EEG changes in the elderly

Producción CientíficaNeurofeedback training (NFT) has shown to be promising and useful to rehabilitate cognitive functions. Recently, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) were used to restore brain plasticity by inducing brain activity with a NFT. In our study, we hypothesized that a NFT with a motor imagery-based BCI (MI-BCI) could enhance cognitive functions related to aging effects. To assess the effectiveness of our MI-BCI application, 63 subjects (older than 60 years) were recruited. This novel application was used by 31 subjects (NFT group). Their Luria neuropsychological test scores were compared with the remaining 32 subjects, who did not perform NFT (control group). Electroencephalogram (EEG) changes measured by relative power (RP) endorsed cognitive potential findings under study: visuospatial, oral language, memory, intellectual and attention functions. Three frequency bands were selected to assess cognitive changes: 12, 18, and 21 Hz (bandwidth 3 Hz). Significant increases (p<0.01) in the RP of these frequency bands were found. Moreover, results from cognitive tests showed significant improvements (p<0.01) in four cognitive functions after performing five NFT sessions: visuospatial, oral language, memory, and intellectual. This established evidence in the association between NFT performed by a MI-BCI and enhanced cognitive performance. Therefore, it could be a novel approach to help elderly people.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (TEC2014-53196)Junta de Castilla y León (VA059U13

Emotional Intelligence, Sense of Coherence, Engagement and Coping: A Cross-Sectional Study of University Students’ Health

11 páginasIt is important to consider university settings as sustainable environments that promote student well-being. Our aim in this study was to determine how the variables of engagement, emotional intelligence, sense of coherence, and coping influence the health of students at a Spanish university. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. The instruments of measures administered were: The General Health Questionnaire, Trait Meta-Mood Scale, UterchWork Engagement Scale, sense of coherence and brief coping scale to 463 students. The results showed that better-perceived health was associated with higher scores for dedication, vigor, clarity, repair, sense of coherence, active coping, positive reframing, and humor. Conversely, poorer perceived health was associated with higher scores for attention, instrumental support, self-distraction, venting, religion, denial, self-blaming, emotional support, and behavioral disengagement. In addition, the variables analyzed presented di erences by sex. Our proposed predictive model of health and the associations between variables indicate the need to cultivate emotional skills, such as mood repair, a sense of coherence, and coping strategies, in order to promote student health. Facilitating students’ acquisition of knowledge and resources by analyzing these and other variables can contribute to individual well-being and help university students to cope with present and future academic challenges.S

Social support and mental health in maternity: Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic

[EN] Background: Motherhood involves a process of adaptation and the perception of social support influences mental health, breastfeeding or newborn care among others. The COVID-19 pandemic has generated a distancing from family, friends and health professionals. Methods: Quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study. The present study aims to describe and analyze the social support and mental health of mothers during this period. Methods: The sample were 179 women with children older than 6 months. The questionnaires used were the DUKE-UNC-11 and GHQ-12. Data analysis was carried out with Spearman's Rho and Mann Whitney U test. Results: 75.8% of the sample perceived normal social support during the pandemic. Within the dimensions of social support, women reported perceiving satisfactory confidential support, while affective support was perceived as low. Correlational analysis reported a significant relationship between mental health, confidential support and affective support. Group comparison noted greater confidential support in primiparous. Conclusions: The sample is sensitive to changes originated by COVID-19 constraints influencing perceived social support and mental health. Affective and confidential support as well as the involvement of health professionals and the environment are fundamental for mental health during the first year of maternity. Relevance to clinical practice: Mothers' mental health is sensitive and vulnerable to social changes, in this case, those that occurred as a consequence of the COVID-19 outbreak.S

Desarrollo de ladrillos mejorados (LM) y uso de nuevas tecnologías en la fabricación de ladrillos ecológicos (LE)

Brick is a material that has been widely used in construction sector, however, it has not received the necessary attention in order to improve its performance, which has resulted a general lack of knowledge about its manufacturing processes such as: clay mines over-exploitation, ignorance of mixtures dosages and greenhouse gas emissions from wood burning. This research therefore aims to find a suitable mixture to produce improved bricks (LM) by analysing its mechanical properties compared with handmade bricks (LPA). Besides, this research work uses the “geo-polymerization” process for the preparation of ecological bricks (LE) at slightly high temperatures which gives a significant environmental benefit. In order to achieve the objectives, firstly, samples were characterized from mines by physical, chemical and mineralogical tests and then, it was determined the optimal mixture for LM and LE elaboration by evaluating its optimal factor (OF) according to the diametric compression test. In order to perform this test, specimens of different combination of materials and processes were elaborated. Once optimal mixtures were obtained, bricks were produced to measure their mechanical resistance by the performance of simple mechanical compression test. Results show that LM resistance is increased by 400% over handmade bricks from the study area. Moreover, the use of waste from mines as raw material for the elaboration of LE shows that their resistance value exceeds 150% of stablished in regulationsEl ladrillo es un material ampliamente utilizado en la construcción, sin embargo no ha recibido la atención necesaria para mejorar su desempeño. Ocasionando una falta de conocimiento en sus procesos de fabricación como: sobreexplotación de las minas de arcilla, desconocimiento en las dosificaciones de las mezclas y emisión de gases de efecto invernadero producto de la quema de leña. Esta investigación pretende encontrar una mezcla adecuada para producir ladrillos mejorados (LM) mediante el análisis de sus propiedades mecánicas en comparación con ladrillos producidos artesanalmente (LPA). Además la utilización del proceso de geopolimerización para la elaboración de un ladrillo ecológico (LE) a temperaturas ligeramente elevadas lo que otorga un beneficio medioambiental significativo. Para lograr los objetivos, primero se caracterizó muestras provenientes de minas mediante ensayos físicos, químicos y mineralógicos, posteriormente se determinó la mezcla óptima de los LM y LE evaluando el factor de optimización (FO) con la aplicación del ensayo de comprensión diametral. Para esto se elaboraron discos con diferentes combinaciones de materiales y procesos. Una vez encontradas las mezclas óptimas se fabricaron ladrillos para medir la resistencia mecánica mediante el ensayo de compresión simple. Los resultados indican que los LM aumentan su resistencia de 400% respecto a los ladrillos artesanales a la zona de estudio (LPR). Por otra parte usando residuos mineros como materia prima para la elaboración de LE, muestran que su resistencia sobrepasa los valores de la normativa con 150%