Algunas plantas de interés de la Sierra de Aguafría (Monesterio, Badajoz)

Se comentan once taxones de plantas vasculares presentes en la Sierra de Aguafría (Sierra Morena occidental, sur de la provincia de Badajoz), de valor corológico por tratarse de especies nuevas, raras o poco conocidas para la provincia o Sierra Morena. Se trata de Armeria capitella Pau, Erica lusitanica Rudolphi, Eupatorium cannabinum L. subsp. cannabinum, Genista falcata Brot., Halimium halimifolium (L.) Willk. subsp. halimifolium, Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea (Schrank) H. K. G. Paul, Osmunda regalis L., Osyris lanceolata Hochst. & Steud., Prunus cerasus L., Quercus pyrenaica Willd. y Sibthorpia europaea L. Para cada uno de ellos se aportan datos ecológicos, así como referencias previas sobre su distribución en la región.his work analyses eleven taxa of vascular plants located in the Sierra de Aguafría (Western Sierra Morena, Southern Badajoz Province) that are new or almost unknown for the region: Armeria capitella Pau, Erica lusitanica Rudolphi, Eupatorium cannabinum L. subsp. cannabinum, Genista falcata Brot., Halimium halimifolium (L.) Willk. subsp. halimifolium, Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea (Schrank) H. K. G. Paul, Osmunda regalis L., Osyris lanceolata Hochst. & Steud., Prunus cerasus L., Quercus pyrenaicaWilld. and Sibthorpia europaea L. We include ecological data for each species and references about their distribution throughout the region

Synthesis, characterization, bioactivity and biocompatibility of nanostructured materials based on the wollastonite-poly(ethylmethacrylate-co-vinylpyrrolidone) system

Composite materials are very promising biomaterials for hard tissue augmentation. The approach assayed in this work involves the manufacturing of a composite made of a bioactive ceramic, natural wollastonite (W) and a nanostructured copolymer of ethylmethacrylate (EMA) and vinylpyrrolidone (VP) to yield a bioresorbable and biocompatible VP–EMA copolymer. A bulk polymerization was induced thermally at 508C, using 1 wt % azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) as free-radical initiator. Structural characterization, compressive strength, flexural strength (FS), degradation, bioactivity, and biocompatibility were evaluated in specimens with a 60/40 VP/EMA ratio and ceramic content in the range 0–60%. A good integration between phases was achieved. Greater compression and FS, in comparison with the pure copolymer specimens was obtained only when the ceramic load got up to 60% of the total weight. The soaking in NaCl solution resulted in the initial swelling of the specimens tested. The maximum swelling was reached after 2–3 h of immersion and it was significantly greater for lower ceramic loads. This result makes the polymer component the main responsible for the interactions with the media. After soaking in SBF, microdomains segregation can be observed in the polymer component that can be related with a dramatic difference in the reactivity of both monomers in free radical polymerization, whereas the formation of an apatite-like layer on the W surfaces can be observed. Biocompatibility in vitro studies showed the absence of cytotoxicity of all formulations. The cells were able to adhere on the polystyrene negative control and on specimens containing 60 wt % wollastonite forming a monolayer and showing a normal morphology. However, a low cellular growth was observed. 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 88A: 53–64, 2009Peer reviewe

Comparison between the methods of the norm L1, L2, hilbert transform and phase analysis to obtain the time of flight of ultrasonic signals

Ponencia presentada en el XIX Congreso Internacional de Acústica (ICA2007), Madrid, 2-7 Sep 2007.-- PACS: 43.60.Bf.Some techniques to estimate the time of flight (TOF) allow getting a larger resolution, more than a sampling period. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a greater accuracy in the measurement of acoustic parameters using the TOF.In this work a comparison between the mentioned methods is carried out; analyzing the standard deviation of the time of flight in relation to the sign to noise ratio (SNR) between 5 dB to 40 dB and a bandwidth of 4 MHz, 5 MHz and 6 MHz to -6 dB of simulated ultrasound signals, with the purpose of analyzing the performance of each method.The results demonstrate that the method of the phase estimation presents the bigger values of standard deviation. For high-SNRs the methods of the L1 and L2 norm present similar values; furthermore, they exhibit the lowest values of standard deviation of the TOF estimation of the four methods. Finally, it was observed that for low SNR the method of Hilbert transform allows to obtain values of standard deviation similar to the methods of the norm L1 and L2 with a smaller time of processing of the signal.Peer reviewe

Negative Regulation of Abscisic Acid Signaling by the Fagus sylvatica FsPP2C1 Plays A Role in Seed Dormancy Regulation and Promotion of Seed Germination

FsPP2C1 was previously isolated from beech (Fagus sylvatica) seeds as a functional protein phosphatase type-2C (PP2C) with all the conserved features of these enzymes and high homology to ABI1, ABI2, and PP2CA, PP2Cs identified as negative regulators of ABA signaling. The expression of FsPP2C1 was induced upon abscisic acid (ABA) treatment and was also up-regulated during early weeks of stratification. Furthermore, this gene was specifically expressed in ABA-treated seeds and was hardly detectable in vegetative tissues. In this report, to provide genetic evidence on FsPP2C1 function in seed dormancy and germination, we used an overexpression approach in Arabidopsis because transgenic work is not feasible in beech. Constitutive expression of FsPP2C1 under the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter confers ABA insensitivity in Arabidopsis seeds and, consequently, a reduced degree of seed dormancy. Additionally, transgenic 35S:FsPP2C1 plants are able to germinate under unfavorable conditions, as inhibitory concentrations of mannitol, NaCl, or paclobutrazol. In vegetative tissues, Arabidopsis FsPP2C1 transgenic plants show ABA-resistant early root growth and diminished induction of the ABA-response genes RAB18 and KIN2, but no effect on stomatal closure regulation. Seed and vegetative phenotypes of Arabidopsis 35S:FsPP2C1 plants suggest that FsPP2C1 negatively regulates ABA signaling. The ABA inducibility of FsPP2C1 expression, together with the transcript accumulation mainly in seeds, suggest that it could play an important role modulating ABA signaling in beechnuts through a negative feedback loop. Finally, we suggest that negative regulation of ABA signaling by FsPP2C1 is a factor contributing to promote the transition from seed dormancy to germination during early weeks of stratification

Estilos de aprendizaje del alumnado de ingeniería: curso, rendimiento y género

Los Estilos de Aprendizaje son el conjunto de rasgos cognitivos, fisiológicos y afectivos indicadores de cómo el alumnado percibe, interacciona y responde a los diferentes ambientes del aprendizaje. Cada alumno/a tiene su propio estilo de aprendizaje de adquirir los conocimientos. Los estudiantes, además de utilizar sus habilidades cognitivas y meta cognitivas, han de saber también jerarquizar, organizar y priorizar su aprendizaje. Si bien el estudio de los Estilos de Aprendizaje es muy común en los niveles de educación obligatoria, son menos los trabajos realizados en la enseñanza superior. En el presente estudio se reconoce a los estilos de aprendizaje como recursos didácticos imprescindibles para orientar un aprendizaje significativo. El estudio se ha llevado a cabo con alumnos universitarios de ingeniería. Se emplea un diseño metodológico descriptivo, no experimental y de corte transversal realizado en la carrera Ingeniería Forestal de la Universidad de Pinar del Río (Cuba). Un total de 120 estudiantes universitarios participaron en este estudio (53.3% mujeres y 46.6 % hombres). Los participantes han realizado el Cuestionario Honey-Alonso de Estilos de Aprendizaje (CHAEA). Las respuestas permitieron determinar el perfil de estilos de aprendizaje del alumnado, siendo el estilo reflexivo el de mayor representatividad, seguido de los estilos teórico, activo y pragmático. No se detectaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los estilos de aprendizaje entre los años académicos para los varones, pero sí se detectaron para las mujeres. Se evidencia una evolución de los estilos reflexivo y teórico con el nivel de profesionalización de los alumnos en la medida que transitan por los cursos académicos, estando en correspondencia con los mejores rendimientos académicos alcanzados. El estudio evidenció se trata de un valioso recurso que enriquece la orientación de la enseñanza en función de la diversidad y la mejora de los aprendizajes. Se analizan sus efectos sobre la formación de los ingenieros y se discute las fortalezas y debilidades en el campo aplicado de la enseñanza superio

Quantitative Analysis of Seed Surface Tubercles in Silene Species

In the Caryophyllaceae, seed surfaces contain cell protrusions, of varying sizes and shapes, called tubercles. Tubercles have long been described in many species, but quantitative analyses with measurements of size and shape are lacking in the literature. Based on optical photography, the seeds of Silene were classified into four types: smooth, rugose, echinate and papillose. Seeds in each of these groups have characteristic geometrical properties: smooth seeds lack tubercles and have the highest values of circularity and solidity in their lateral views, while papillose seeds have the largest tubercles and lowest values of circularity and solidity both in lateral and dorsal views. Here, tubercle width, height and slope, maximum and mean curvature values and maximum to mean curvature ratio were obtained for representative seeds of a total of 31 species, 12 belonging to Silene subg. Behenantha and 19 to S. subg. Silene. The seeds of the rugose type had lower values of curvature. Additionally, lower values of curvature were found in species of S. subg. Silene in comparison with S. subg. Behenantha. The seeds of S. subg. Behenantha had higher values of tubercle height and slope and higher values of maximum and average curvature and maximum to mean curvature ratio.Project “CLU-2019-05-IRNASA/CSIC Unit of Excellence”, funded by the Junta de Castilla y León and co-financed by the European Union (ERDF “Europe drives our growth”)

Characterization of volatile compounds of cooked wild Iberian red deer meat extracted with solid phase microextraction and analysed by capillary gas chromatography - mass spectrometry

Wild Iberian red deer meat demand and interest are increasing and, therefore, an in-depth characterization of meat quality is needed to meet consumer demands. The objective of the present work was to assess, for the first time, the volatile profile of cooked wild sport-hunted Iberian red deer meat. Twenty-three loin samples from male red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) were cooked and the volatile profile was analysed using solid phase microextraction, followed by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Fifty-five volatile compounds were found. The major ones in number and relative abundance were aldehydes (84%), followed by alcohols (11%), hydrocarbons (2.4%), ketones (1.7%), furans (0.34%) and sulphur compounds (0.18%). Hexadecanal was the major compound and other long-chain compounds such as (E)-2-tetradecen-1-ol or 2-pentadecanone were also reported in considerable abundance. Several compounds related to grass-based diets were identified (2,3-octanedione, hexadecane or 1-pentadecanol). Odour impact ratio of volatile compounds was calculated and dimethyl trisulphide, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, decanal and dodecanal were the most odorant compounds affecting the flavour of the cooked deer meat.Gobierno Vasco | Ref. IT944-16Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad | Ref. RTC-2016-5327-2Axencia Galega de Innovación | Ref. IN607A2019/01CYTED | Ref. 119RT056

Evaluación de las competencias clínicas prácticas en estudiantes de terapia manual ortopédica a través del Examen Clínico Objetivo Estructurado (ECOE): Experiencia piloto en la Universidad Europea de Canarias.

Introduction: The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a practical clinical competency assessment tool in Physical Therapy that has not yet been used to evaluate Orthopedic Manual Therapy specialists. Objective: This study aims to evaluate competency through grades, satisfaction and perceived performance of students enrolled in the Master’s in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy for Pain Treatment at the European University of the Canary Islands. Materials and methods: A descriptive study was conducted on a postgraduate student sample (n=21, W=10, M=11, 24,61 yrs.) between February 1 and July 31, 2023 at the Simulated Hospital of the European University of the Canary Islands (Tenerife, Spain). Results: Participants received predominantly high scores (mean = 8,54 /10, SD= 0.612), although Anatomy and interpretation of complementary test, 19.1% (n=4) perceived their performance as deficient, and 4.8% (n=1) as very deficient. Conclusions: In summary, despite lower scores in certain areas, the results of the practical clinical competency assessment through the OSCE are positive. Furthermore, a high degree of satisfaction and positive performance perception are observed among specialists.Introducción: El ECOE es una herramienta de evaluación de competencias clínicas prácticas en Fisioterapia, hasta ahora no empleada para examinar las habilidades de los especialistas en Terapia Manual Ortopédica. Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la competencia a través de las calificaciones, la satisfacción y el desempeño percibido de los estudiantes del Máster de Terapia Manual Ortopédica en el Tratamiento del Dolor de la Universidad Europea de Canarias. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en una muestra de estudiantes de posgrado (n=21, M=10, V=11, 24,61 años) entre el 1 de febrero y el 31 de julio de 2023 en el Hospital Simulado de la Universidad Europea de Canarias (Tenerife, España). Resultados: Las calificaciones obtenidas por los participantes fueron mayoritariamente altas (media = 8,54 /10, DT= 0.612), aunque en Anatomía e interpretación de pruebas complementarias registraron los resultados más bajos. El 95,1% (n=20) expresó una alta satisfacción con el ECOE. Respecto a la interpretación de pruebas complementarias, un 19,1% (n=4) consideró su desempeño como deficiente y un 4,8% (n=1) muy deficiente. Conclusión: En síntesis, a pesar de las calificaciones más bajas en ciertas áreas, los resultados de la evaluación de competencias clínicas prácticas a través del ECOE son positivos. Además, se observa un elevado grado de satisfacción y percepción positiva del desempeño por parte del especialista.

Evaluation of clinical practice competencies in orthopedicmanual therapy students through the Objective StructuredClinical Examination (OSCE): A pilot experience at theEuropean University of the Canary Islands

El ECOE es una herramienta de evaluación de competencias clínicasprácticas que, en Fisioterapia, no ha sido empleada para examinar las habilidades de losespecialistas en Terapia Manual Ortopédica. Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar lacompetencia a través de las calificaciones, la satisfacción y el desempeño percibido de losestudiantes del Máster de Terapia Manual Ortopédica en el Tratamiento del Dolor de laUniversidad Europea de Canarias. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en una muestra deestudiantes de posgrado (n=21) durante el periodo comprendido entre el 1 de febrero y el 31 dejulio de 2023 en el Hospital Simulado de la Universidad Europea de Canarias, en Tenerife(España), utilizando la metodología ECOE. Resultados: Las calificaciones obtenidas por losparticipantes fueron mayoritariamente altas (media = 8,54 /10, DT= 0,612), aunque en Anatomía einterpretación de pruebas complementarias registraron los resultados más bajos. El 95,1% (n=20)expresó una alta satisfacción con el ECOE. Respecto a la interpretación de pruebas complementarias, un 19,1% (n=4) consideró su desempeño como deficiente y un 4,8% (n=1) muy deficiente. Conclusión: En síntesis, a pesar de las calificaciones más bajas en ciertas áreas, los resultados de la evaluación de competencias clínicas prácticas a través del ECOE son positivos. Además, se observa un elevado grado de satisfacción y percepción positiva del desempeño por parte del especialista.ntroduction: The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a practicalclinical competency assessment tool that, in Physical Therapy, has not yet been used to evaluateOrthopedic Manual Therapy specialists. Objective: This study aims to evaluate competencythrough grades, satisfaction and perceived performance of students enrolled in the Master’s inOrthopaedic Manual Therapy for Pain Treatment at the European University of the CanaryIslands. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted on a postgraduate student sample (n=21)between February 1 and July 31, 2023 at the Simulated Hospital of the European University of theCanary Islands (Tenerife, Spain). Results: Participants received predominantly high scores (mean= 8,54 /10, SD= 0.612), although Anatomy and interpretation of complementary test, 19.1% (n=4)perceived their performance as deficient, and 4.8% (n=1) as very deficient. Conclusions: Insummary, despite lower scores in certain areas, the results of the practical clinical competencyassessment through the OSCE are positive. Furthermore, a high degree of satisfaction and positiveperformance perception are observed among specialist

Will senior adults accept being cognitively assessed by a conversational agent? a user-interaction pilot study

Background: early detection of dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) have an utmost significance nowadays, and smart conversational agents are becoming more and more capable. DigiMoCA, an Alexa-based voice application for the screening of MCI, was developed and tested. Objective: to evaluate the acceptability and usability of DigiMoCA, considering the perception of end-users and cognitive assessment administrators, through standard evaluation questionnaires. Method: a sample of 46 individuals and 24 evaluators participated in this study. End-users were fairly heterogeneous considering demographic and neuro-psychological characteristics. Evaluators were mostly health and social care professionals, relatively well-balanced in terms of gender, career background and years of experience. Results: end-users acceptability ratings were generally positive (rating above 3 in a 5-point scale for all dimensions) and it improved significantly after the interaction with DigiMoCA. Administrators also rated the usability of DigiMoCA, with an average score of 5.86/7 and with high internal consistency (α = 0.95). Conclusion: although there is still room for improvement in terms of user satisfaction and voice interface, DigiMoCA is perceived as an acceptable, accessible and usable cognitive screening tool, both by individuals being tested and test administrators.Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. PID2020-115137RB-I00Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades | Ref. FPU19/01981Universidade de Vigo/CISU