Analysis of creative thinking and levels of student activation after a gamification experience

Los docentes se enfrentan a retos que necesitan de constante actualización, formación e información, y las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) son elementos clave en ese asunto. En los entornos académicos virtuales es muy importante el conocimiento y el buen manejo de las TIC para que los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje sean eficaces. Una de las metodologías emergentes actuales es el uso de la gamificación en educación, que fomenta la motivación de los estudiantes cuando se enfrentan a problemas complejos contextualizados en la realidad profesional, a la vez que promueve una formación en competencias necesarias para su incorporación al mundo laboral. El objetivo de este estudio es medir qué factores han influido en el desarrollo de una experiencia gamificada. Para ello se ha hecho una investigación de corte cuantitativo, con un análisis descriptivo ex post facto a una población de 238 participantes distribuidos en 50 docentes y 188 estudiantes de distintas titulaciones de grado de universidades andaluzas. Entre los principales resultados se destacan los altos niveles de activación y de pensamiento creativo. La conclusión es que tanto estudiantes como docentes presentan grados elevados de motivación, de activación y de creatividad tras experiencias gamificadas.Els docents s’enfronten a reptes que necessiten actualització, formació i informació constants, i les tecnologies de la informació i la comunicació (TIC) són elements clau en aquest assumpte. En els entorns virtuals d’aprenentatge és molt important conèixer i utilitzar les TIC correctament perquè els processos d’ensenyament-aprenentatge siguin eficaços. Una de les metodologies emergents actuals és l’ús de la ludificació en educació, que fomenta la motivació dels estudiants quan s’enfronten a problemes complexos contextualitzats en la realitat professional, alhora que promou una formació en competències necessàries per incorporar-se al món laboral. L’objectiu d’aquest estudi és mesurar quins factors han influït en el desenvolupament d’una experiència ludificada. Per aquest motiu s’ha fet una recerca de tall quantitatiu, amb una anàlisi descriptiva ex post facto a una població de 238 participants distribuïts en 50 docents i 188 estudiants de diferents titulacions de grau d’universitats andaluses. Entre els principals resultats se’n destaca els alts nivells d’activació i de pensament creatiu. Es por concloure que tant alumnes com docents presenten uns graus elevats de motivació, d’activació i de creativitat després d’experiències ludificades.Teachers face many challenges that require constant updating, training and information and where information and communications technology (ICT) plays a key role. In virtual learning environments, knowledge and the appropriate use of ICT are very important to ensure effective teaching-learning processes. One of the emerging methodologies in this regard is the use of gamification in education. Gamification motivates students’ when they are faced with complex problems contextualized in a professional setting and provides them training in the skills required for entry into the world of work. The objective of this article is to measure factors that influence a gamified experience. To this end, a quantitative study with an ex post-facto descriptive analysis was carried out. The study population comprised 238 participants: 50 teachers and 188 students from different degree programs at universities in Andalusia, Spain. The results revealed high levels of activation and creative thinking, indicating that both students and teachers achieve high levels of motivation, activation and creativity after gamified experiences

Precursor uptake assays and metabolic analyses in isolated tomato fruit chromoplasts

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Carotenoids are the most widespread group of pigments found in nature. In addition to their role in the physiology of the plant, carotenoids also have nutritional relevance as their incorporation in the human diet provides health benefits. In non-photosynthetic tissues, carotenoids are synthesized and stored in specialized plastids called chromoplasts. At present very little is known about the origin of the metabolic precursors and cofactors required to sustain the high rate of carotenoid biosynthesis in these plastids. Recent proteomic data have revealed a number of biochemical and metabolic processes potentially operating in fruit chromoplasts. However, considering that chloroplast to chromoplast differentiation is a very rapid process during fruit ripening, there is the possibility that some of the proteins identified in the proteomic analysis could represent remnants no longer having a functional role in chromoplasts. Therefore, experimental validation is necessary to prove whether these predicted processes are actually operative in chromoplasts.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A method has been established for high-yield purification of tomato fruit chromoplasts suitable for metabolic studies. Radiolabeled precursors were efficiently incorporated and further metabolized in isolated chromoplast. Analysis of labeled lipophilic compounds has revealed that lipid biosynthesis is a very efficient process in chromoplasts, while the relatively low incorporation levels found in carotenoids suggest that lipid production may represent a competing pathway for carotenoid biosynthesis. Malate and pyruvate are efficiently converted into acetyl-CoA, in agreement with the active operation of the malic enzyme and the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in the chromoplast. Our results have also shown that isolated chromoplasts can actively sustain anabolic processes without the exogenous supply of ATP, thus suggesting that these organelles may generate this energetic cofactor in an autonomous way.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We have set up a method for high yield purification of intact tomato fruit chromoplasts suitable for precursor uptake assays and metabolic analyses. Using targeted radiolabeled precursors we have been able to unravel novel biochemical and metabolic aspects related with carotenoid and lipid biosynthesis in tomato fruit chromoplasts. The reported chromoplast system could represent a valuable platform to address the validation and characterization of functional processes predicted from recent transcriptomic and proteomic data.</p

Precursor uptake assays and metabolic analyses in isolated tomato fruit chromoplasts

Background Carotenoids are the most widespread group of pigments found in nature. In addition to their role in the physiology of the plant, carotenoids also have nutritional relevance as their incorporation in the human diet provides health benefits. In non-photosynthetic tissues, carotenoids are synthesized and stored in specialized plastids called chromoplasts. At present very little is known about the origin of the metabolic precursors and cofactors required to sustain the high rate of carotenoid biosynthesis in these plastids. Recent proteomic data have revealed a number of biochemical and metabolic processes potentially operating in fruit chromoplasts. However, considering that chloroplast to chromoplast differentiation is a very rapid process during fruit ripening, there is the possibility that some of the proteins identified in the proteomic analysis could represent remnants no longer having a functional role in chromoplasts. Therefore, experimental validation is necessary to prove whether these predicted processes are actually operative in chromoplasts. Results A method has been established for high-yield purification of tomato fruit chromoplasts suitable for metabolic studies. Radiolabeled precursors were efficiently incorporated and further metabolized in isolated chromoplast. Analysis of labeled lipophilic compounds has revealed that lipid biosynthesis is a very efficient process in chromoplasts, while the relatively low incorporation levels found in carotenoids suggest that lipid production may represent a competing pathway for carotenoid biosynthesis. Malate and pyruvate are efficiently converted into acetyl-CoA, in agreement with the active operation of the malic enzyme and the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in the chromoplast. Our results have also shown that isolated chromoplasts can actively sustain anabolic processes without the exogenous supply of ATP, thus suggesting that these organelles may generate this energetic cofactor in an autonomous way. Conclusions We have set up a method for high yield purification of intact tomato fruit chromoplasts suitable for precursor uptake assays and metabolic analyses. Using targeted radiolabeled precursors we have been able to unravel novel biochemical and metabolic aspects related with carotenoid and lipid biosynthesis in tomato fruit chromoplasts. The reported chromoplast system could represent a valuable platform to address the validation and characterization of functional processes predicted from recent transcriptomic and proteomic data

Assessment of Sensory Processing and Executive Functions at the School: Development, Reliability, and Validity of EPYFEI-Escolar

The authors thank the parents and teachers for their participation in this study. Especially to the teachers of the CEIP Ntra. Sra. Del Prado de Talavera de la Reina, Toledo (Spain) and CEIP Parque de las Infantas, Granada (Spain).The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Assessment of Sensory Processing and Executive Functions at the School (EPYFEI-Escolar), a questionnaire designed to assess the sensory processing and executive functions as underlying processes for school participation. The total sample consisted of 536 children aged between 3 and 11 years old who lived in Spain. A total of 103 teachers completed the questionnaire. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted, which showed five main factors: (1) initiation, organization, execution, and supervision of the action; (2) inhibitory control; (3) sensory processing; (4) emotional self-regulation and play; and (5) self-competence. Some of these factors were similar to those found in the EPYFEI for parents in the home context. The reliability of the analysis was high, both for the whole questionnaire and for the factors it is composed of. The results provide evidence of the potential usefulness of the EPYFEI-Escolar in school contexts for determining academic needs and difficulties of children; moreover, this tool can also be used to plan intervention programs in the school environment according to the needs of each child and school.This study was supported by University of Málaga

Tabaquismo: un problema que afecta a los jóvenes universitarios a nivel nacional e internacional: Tobacco: A problem that affects young universities at the national and international levels

The World Health Organization defines smoking as a chronic addictive disease widespread worldwide. It represents one of the greatest threats to public health, affecting children, youth and adults. It is estimated, that there are 1.300 million smokers in the world and about 80% of these live in countries where there is a high rate of morbidity and mortality associated with tobacco mainly in adult consumers. In particular, the consumption of tobacco among young university students is evident and worrisome. Different authors in the world have raised factors for tobacco use among adolescents and young adults. Such studies argue that the habit of smoking usually begins during adolescence and consolidates in the university stage. Smoking in parents, relatives, and friends is a factor, perhaps the most remarkable, which is associated with the acquisition of smoking as a habit.La Organización Mundial de la Salud define al tabaquismo como una enfermedad adictiva crónica muy extendida a nivel mundial. Representa una de las mayores amenazas para la salud púbica, afectando a niños, jóvenes y adultos. Se calcula que existen 1.300 millones de fumadores en el mundo y alrededor del 80% de estos viven en países en los que existe una alta tasa de morbilidad y mortalidad asociada al tabaco principalmente en consumidores adultos. De manera particular, el consumo de tabaco ente jóvenes universitarios es evidente y preocupante. Diferentes autores en el mundo han planteado factores para el consumo de tabaco entre adolescentes y adultos jóvenes. Tales estudios sostienen que el hábito de fumar inicia, por lo general, durante la adolescencia y se consolida en la etapa universitaria. Además, el tabaquismo en progenitores, familiares y amigos es un factor, quizás el más destacable, que se asocia a la adquisición del hábito tabáquico

Customizing the learning of mathematics with the flipped learning model

This work outlines a self-directed learning environment which is based on the Flipped learning pedagogical model and supported by technology, aimed at personalising the teaching of mathematics. The target of this study is to determine how this tested-model impacts the academic performance, satisfaction levels and the emotional progress on the students; these are also reviewed based on gender. A quantitative methodology, based on a pre-experimental design that involves both, a pre-test and a post-test, has been used. The experience involved 62 students taking the subject of Mathematics oriented to the academic teaching of 3rd and 4th year of Compulsory Secondary Education. The collected data reflects an improvement on academic performance and high levels of satisfaction from the students. The proposed model has proved adaptable towards the student' diversity and overcame the potential differences between men and women regarding their attitude and emotions toward the subject of Mathematics.En este trabajo se plantea un entorno de aprendizaje autodirigido basado en el modelo pedagógico flipped learning y apoyado en la tecnología, orientado a una personalización de la enseñanza de las matemáticas. Se pretende determinar si la experiencia realizada incide en el rendimiento académico, la satisfacción del alumnado, las emociones experimentadas y si se existen diferencias en función del género. Se ha utilizado una metodología cuantitativa con un diseño preexperimental pretest y postest. En la experiencia han participado 62 estudiantes que cursan la asignatura de Matemáticas orientadas a las enseñanzas académicas de 3º y 4º de Educación Secundaria obligatoria. Los resultados muestran una mejora en el rendimiento académico, y un nivel de satisfacción elevado con la experiencia de aprendizaje. El modelo propuesto se ha adaptado a la diversidad del aula y superado las diferencias entre hombres y mujeres en cuanto a actitud y emociones con respecto a las matemáticas

Factores asociados al consumo de tabaco en estudiantes universitarios de Lima metropolitana.: Factors associated with tobacco consumption in university students of Lima metropolitan

Introduction: The consumption of tobacco is very harmful to people’s health. According to WHO, smoking is the cause of death of 8 million people a year. Objetive: The purpose of the research was to determine the factors associated with the consumption of tobacco in university students in Metropolitan Lima. Methods: The sample consisted of 447 students from Lima universities, the survey was applied: Fagerstrom test. Subsequently the data was analyzed using tables of: distribution, frequency, contingency. &nbsp;Results: It was evidenced through the X2 statistical test that there is a significant association between the variables sex and smoking habit, OR = 1.93, IC 95%[1.29-6,519]. It was also observed that having smoking parents is significantly associated with the habit of smoking by the children, with a value p =0,000 of X2 and the OR 3.31, IC 95%[2,145 - 5,116]. Conclusion: The variables sex and parental background have a significant association with tobacco consumption, emphasizing that our family environment deserves to be safe, healthy and free of tobacco smokeIntroducción: El consumo de tabaco es muy perjudicial para la salud de las personas, según la OMS el tabaquismo es la causa de muerte de 8 millones de personas al año. Objetivo: El propósito de la investigación fue determinar los factores asociados al consumo de tabaco en estudiantes universitarios de Lima Metropolitana. Métodos: La muestra estuvo conformada por 447 estudiantes de universidades de Lima, se aplicó la encuesta: Test de Fagerstrom. Los datos fueron analizados utilizando tablas de distribución, frecuencia, y contingencia. Resultados: Se evidenció a través de la prueba estadística X2 que existe asociación significativa entre las variables sexo y el hábito de fumar, OR = 1.93, IC 95% [1.29 – 6,519].&nbsp; También se pudo observar que tener padres fumadores está asociado significativamente al hábito de fumar por parte de los hijos, con un valor de p=0,000 del X2 y el OR 3,31, IC 95% [2,145 – 5,116].&nbsp; Conclusión: Las variables sexo masculino y antecedentes parentales tienen asociación significativa con el consumo de tabaco enfatizando que nuestro entorno familiar merece ser seguro, saludable y libre del humo de tabaco

An oleuropein β-glucosidase from olive fruit is involved in determining the phenolic composition of virgin olive oil

Phenolic composition of virgin olive oil is determined by the enzymatic and/or chemical reactions that take place during olive fruit processing. Of these enzymes, β-glucosidase activity plays a relevant role in the transformation of the phenolic glycosides present in the olive fruit, generating different secoiridoid derivatives. The main goal of the present study was to characterize olive fruit β-glucosidase genes and enzymes responsible for the phenolic composition of virgin olive oil. To achieve that, we have isolated an olive β-glucosidase gene from cultivar Picual (OepGLU), expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and purified its corresponding recombinant enzyme. Western blot analysis showed that recombinant OepGLU protein is detected by an antibody raised against the purified native olive mesocarp β-glucosidase enzyme, and exhibits a deduced molecular mass of 65.0 kDa. The recombinant OepGLU enzyme showed activity on the major olive phenolic glycosides, with the highest levels with respect to oleuropein, followed by ligstroside and demethyloleuropein. In addition, expression analysis showed that olive GLU transcript level in olive fruit is spatially and temporally regulated in a cultivar-dependent manner. Furthermore, temperature, light and water regime regulate olive GLU gene expression in olive fruit mesocarp. All these data are consistent with the involvement of OepGLU enzyme in the formation of the major phenolic compounds present in virgin olive oil

Development, reliability, and validity of EPYFEI-Escolar

The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Assessment of Sensory Processing and Executive Functions at the School (EPYFEI-Escolar), a questionnaire designed to assess the sensory processing and executive functions as underlying processes for school participation. The total sample consisted of 536 children aged between 3 and 11 years old who lived in Spain. A total of 103 teachers completed the questionnaire. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted, which showed five main factors: (1) initiation, organization, execution, and supervision of the action; (2) inhibitory control; (3) sensory processing; (4) emotional self-regulation and play; and (5) self-competence. Some of these factors were similar to those found in the EPYFEI for parents in the home context. The reliability of the analysis was high, both for the whole questionnaire and for the factors it is composed of. The results provide evidence of the potential usefulness of the EPYFEI-Escolar in school contexts for determining academic needs and difficulties of children; moreover, this tool can also be used to plan intervention programs in the school environment according to the needs of each child and school