Review of the book CLIL activities : a resource for subject and language teachers (with CD-ROM)

CLIL Activities may be taken as a handbook focused on practice as more than half of its pages do offer wide-ranging activities. The authors state that the book is targeted at subject and language teachers probably with the intention of showing that both content and language are equally important and interrelated

Teacher language awareness in CLIL teacher education in Argentina, Colombia, and Ecuador: a multiple case study

This multiple case study-based investigation examined teacher language awareness (TLA) for content and language integrated learning (CLIL). This study was carried out in three teacher education programmes in Argentina, Colombia, and Ecuador during two consecutive academic years (2019–2020, 2020–2021), and it sought to explore teacher educators’ (n = 5) and student-teachers’ (n = 58) understanding and practice of (teacher) language awareness for CLIL settings. Data were collected through interviews, online forums, teaching resources (e.g. slides, lesson plans, assignments) and classroom observations (online and face-to-face), and analysed following an interpretivist and inductive approach. Findings show that the participants approached TLA as explicit knowledge about language, and associated it to notions of basic interpersonal skills, general academic language, and subject-­specific terminology when TLA was embedded in CLIL. Based on Morton’s (2018) construct of language knowledge for content learning, the paper puts forward a data-driven model of teacher language awareness for CLIL teacher education. RESUMEN: Esta investigación basada en un estudio de casos múltiples examinó la conciencia lingüística de los docentes (TLA por sigla en inglés) para el aprendizaje integrado de contenidos y lenguas extranjeras (AICLE por su sigla en español). Este estudio se llevó a cabo en tres programas de formación del profesorado en Argentina, Colombia y Ecuador durante dos años académicos consecutivos (2019–2020, 2020–2021), y buscó explorar las actitudes de los formadores de profesores (n = 5) y de los educadores en formación (n = 58) sobre la comprensión y práctica de la conciencia lingüística en entornos AICLE. Los datos se recopilaron a través de entrevistas, foros en línea, así como recursos didácticos (por ejemplo, diapositivas, planificaciones de clases, tareas), y observaciones en aula (en línea y de forma presencial), y se analizaron siguiendo un enfoque interpretativista e inductivo. Los hallazgos muestran que los participantes abordaron el TLA como conocimiento explícito sobre el lenguaje y lo asociaron con nociones de habilidades interpersonales básicas, lenguaje académico general y terminología específica de sus especialidades cuando el TLA estaba integrado en AICLE. Basado en el concepto de conocimiento lingüístico para el aprendizaje de contenidos de Morton (2018), el artículo presenta un modelo basado en datos de conciencia lingüística de los docentes para la formación del profesorado AICLE

Soil Organic Carbon and Total Nitrogen in a \u3ci\u3eLeucaena leucocephala\u3c/i\u3e Silvopastoral System in the Chaco Region, Argentina

The introduction of leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) into hedgerow silvopastoral systems increases animal production and improves soil fertility, through biological nitrogen fixation and deep-rooted leguminous trees. There is limited information on carbon and nitrogen dynamics in hedgerow silvopastoral systems, particularly in long term periods and subsoil profiles. The concentrations and vertical distribution of organic carbon (OC) and total nitrogen (TN), and their fractions (particulate and associate forms) in the soil profile (0‒100 cm), with and without leucaena were compared 10 years after leucaena establishment into a 24-year-old tropical pasture (Urochloa brizantha-Chloris gayana). Leucaena increased the OC concentration in the deepest horizon (50‒100 cm) by 73% (from 0.40 to 0.69%), particularly the stable form (associate OC). This was attributed to a greater abundance of leucaena roots deeper in the profile than in the pure grass pasture. Leucaena also enhanced by 12% the TN concentration in the topsoil (0‒20 cm) (from 0.133 to 0.149%) and by 21% in deepest horizon (from 0.049 to 0.059%) associated with leaf deposition, recycling of animal feces and nodule-N turnover from N fixation. Although TN increased in the leucaena topsoil and it is expected that OC follows the same pattern, OC concentration decreased in the topsoil. The low OC content in the topsoil of the leucaena pasture was closely linked to the poor grass cover observed (r2 = 0.82). The loss in grass cover was attributed to the excessive grazing pressure imposed to control the height of leucaena hedgerows. Leucaena establishment has the potential to improve soil fertility and hence availability of N to companion grass growth, and can be utilized as a greenhouse gas mitigation strategy. However, to achieve the potential productivity and carbon sequestration of leucaena in silvopastoral systems, grass persistence needs to be evaluated under different management practices and grazing regimes

Dynamic financial processes identification using sparse regressive reservoir computers

In this document, we present key findings in structured matrix approximation theory, with applications to the regressive representation of dynamic financial processes. Initially, we explore a comprehensive approach involving generic nonlinear time delay embedding for time series data extracted from a financial or economic system under examination. Subsequently, we employ sparse least-squares and structured matrix approximation methods to discern approximate representations of the output coupling matrices. These representations play a pivotal role in establishing the regressive models corresponding to the recursive structures inherent in a given financial system. The document further introduces prototypical algorithms that leverage the aforementioned techniques. These algorithms are demonstrated through applications in approximate identification and predictive simulation of dynamic financial and economic processes, encompassing scenarios that may or may not exhibit chaotic behavior.Comment: The content of this publication represents the opinion of the researchers affiliated with the Department of Statistics and Research, but not the official opinion of the CNB

Identifying Systems with Symmetries using Equivariant Autoregressive Reservoir Computers

The investigation reported in this document focuses on identifying systems with symmetries using equivariant autoregressive reservoir computers. General results in structured matrix approximation theory are presented, exploring a two-fold approach. Firstly, a comprehensive examination of generic symmetry-preserving nonlinear time delay embedding is conducted. This involves analyzing time series data sampled from an equivariant system under study. Secondly, sparse least-squares methods are applied to discern approximate representations of the output coupling matrices. These matrices play a pivotal role in determining the nonlinear autoregressive representation of an equivariant system. The structural characteristics of these matrices are dictated by the set of symmetries inherent in the system. The document outlines prototypical algorithms derived from the described techniques, offering insight into their practical applications. Emphasis is placed on their effectiveness in the identification and predictive simulation of equivariant nonlinear systems, regardless of whether such systems exhibit chaotic behavior.Comment: The views expressed in the article do not necessarily represent the views of the National Commission of Banks and Insurance Companies of Hondura

A healthy lifestyle attenuates the effect of polypharmacy on total and cardiovascular mortality: a national prospective cohort study

This work examines whether the increased all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality associated with polypharmacy could be offset by a healthy lifestyle. We included a prospective cohort of 3,925 individuals representative of the Spanish population aged ≥60 years, who were recruited in 2000–2001 and followed up through 2014. Polypharmacy was defined as treatment with ≥5 medications. The following lifestyle behaviors were considered healthy: not smoking, eating a healthy diet, being physically active, moderate alcohol consumption, low sitting time, and adequate sleep duration. Individuals were classified into three lifestyle categories s: unfavorable (0–2), intermediate (3–4) favorable (5–6). Over a median 13.8-y follow-up, 1,822 all-cause and 675 CVD deaths occurred. Among individuals with polypharmacy, intermediate and favorable lifestyles were associated with an all-cause mortality reduction (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 47% (34–58%) and 54% (37–66%), respectively; 37% (9–56%) and 60% (33–76%) for CVD death, respectively. The theoretical adjusted hazard ratio (95%CI) associated with replacing 1 medication with 1 healthy lifestyle behavior was 0.73 (0.66–0.81) for all-cause death and 0.69 (0.59–0.82) for CVD death. The theoretical adjusted hazard ratio (95%CI) for all-cause and CVD mortality associated with simply reducing 1 medication was 0.88 (0.83–0.94) and 0.83 (0.76–0.91), respectively. Hence, adherence to a healthy lifestyle behavior can reduce mortality risk associated with polypharmacy in older adults.This work was supported by FIS grants 16/609 and 13/0288 (Instituto de Salud Carlos III, State Secretary of R + D + I and FEDER/FSE), MINECO R + D + I grant (DEP2013-47786-R), the FRAILOMIC Initiative (European Union FP7-HEALTH-2012-Proposal No. 305483-2), and the ATHLOS project (European project H2020- Project ID:635316

Fish consumption, omega-3 fatty acid intake, and risk of pain: the Q5 Seniors-ENRICA-1 cohort

Background & aims: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (anti-nociceptive) actions. However, the relation of habitual omega-3 fatty acidintake andfish consumption -itsmain food source-with pain remains largely unknown.We examined the association offish consumption andmarine omega-3 fatty acid intake with pain incidence and worsening over 5 years among older adults. Methods: Data were taken from the Seniors-ENRICA-1 cohort, which included 950 individuals aged 60 years in Spain. Habitual fish consumption and marine omega-3 fatty acid intake during the previous year were assessed in 2008e2010 and 2012 with a validated diet history. Painwas assessed in 2012 and 2017 with a scale developed from the Survey on Chronic Pain in Europe, ranging from 0 (no pain) to 6 (highest pain), according to its severity, frequency, and number of locations. Analyses on pain incidence were conducted in the 524 participants free of pain at baseline, while those on pain worsening were performed in the overall cohort, and both were adjusted for sociodemographic variables, lifestyle, morbidity, and diet quality. Results: Higher oily fish consumption was associated with reduced pain incidence and worsening over 5 years [fully adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) ¼ 0.68 (0.50,0.94) and 0.70 (0.55,0.88) for every 25 g/day increment (1.5 servings/week), respectively]. Total and white fish consumption were not associated with pain. Higher marine omega-3 fatty acid intake was inversely associated with pain worsening [odds ratio (95% confidence interval) per 0.5 g/day increment ¼ 0.83 (0.72,0.96)]. The corresponding associations for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were 0.53 (0.33,0.87) and 0.73 (0.57,0.94). Conclusions: In this cohort of Spanish older adults, increased oily fish consumption was inversely associated with pain incidence and worsening over 5 years, while higher marine omega-3 fatty acid intake (and that of EPA and DHA) was linked to less pain worseningThe present study was supported by Instituto de Salud Carlos III, State Secretary of RþDþI, and FEDER/FSE (FIS grants 18/287, and 19/ 319), as well as the Funding REACT EU Program (Comunidad de Madrid and the European Regional Development Fund-ERDF, European Union) (FACINGLCOVID-CM project). Adri an Carballo-Casla holds an FPI contract with the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid. The funding agencies played no role in study design, data collection, and analysis, interpretation of results, manuscript preparation, or in the decision to submit this manuscript for publicatio

An investigation into CLIL-related sections of EFL coursebooks : issues of CLIL inclusion in the publishing market

The current ELT global coursebook market has embraced CLIL as a weak form of bilingual education and an innovative component to include in General English coursebooks for EFL contexts. In this paper I investigate how CLIL is included in ELT coursebooks aimed at teenaged learners, available to teachers in Argentina. My study is based on the content analysis of four series which include a section advertised as CLIL-oriented. Results suggest that such sections are characterised by (1) little correlation between featured subject specific content and school curricula in L1, (2) oversimplification of contents, and (3) dominance of reading skills development and lower-order thinking tasks. Through this study, I argue that CLIL components become superficial supplements rather than a meaningful attempt to promote weak forms of bilingual education

An international comparative study of blood pressure in populations of European vs. African descent

Background: The consistent finding of higher prevalence of hypertension in US blacks compared to whites has led to speculation that African-origin populations are particularly susceptible to this condition. Large surveys now provide new information on this issue. Methods: Using a standardized analysis strategy we examined prevalence estimates for 8 white and 3 black populations (N = 85,000 participants). Results: The range in hypertension prevalence was from 27 to 55% for whites and 14 to 44% for blacks. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that not only is there a wide variation in hypertension prevalence among both racial groups, the rates among blacks are not unusually high when viewed internationally. These data suggest that the impact of environmental factors among both populations may have been under-appreciated