Civic and political participation of children and adolescents: a lifestyle analysis for positive youth developmental programs

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Rivera, Reyinaldo, Santos, David. Civic and Political Participation of Children and Adolescents: A Lifestyle Analysis for Positive Youth Developmental Programs. Children & Society 30.1 (2016): 59–70, which has been published in final form at https://www.doi.org/10.1111/chso.12118. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-ArchivingSocial participation plays a key role in predicting positive youth development (PYD). As a previous step of this link, this research examined how children and adolescents’ relational lifestyles influenced their participation in political and civic activities. This research provides a multi-dimensional approach to the study of children’s social participation, based on six children’s lifestyles factors (i.e. family dialogue, risky behaviours, cultural activities, civic values, family supervision and peer group relationships). Using data from an international survey that included 6130 participants (2198 Spanish, 3932 Italian, Mage = 13.8), this study’s results show that relational lifestyles (especially family dialogue and out-of-school cultural activities) are positively related to political and civic participation among children and adolescents. On the contrary, some peer group relationships decreased their social participation in those key dimensions for PYD. Limitations of the current study, implications for future policy decisions and applications to children social programs are discussed.This work was supported by the European Union (grant no. JUST/2010/DAP3/AG/1111-30-CE-0397890/00-02) and Intermedia Consulting A.C. (grant no. SSM2011-2013

El perfil de los futuros emprendedores sociales: competencias y estilos de vida

El emprendimiento social se define como la creación de proyectos y organizaciones cuyo objetivo no es el beneficio individual sino la transformación y la mejora de la sociedad. Teniendo en cuenta que la falta de capacidades relacionales impacta negativamente en la capacidad emprendedora y la participación social de las nuevas generaciones, el presente trabajo ofrece un desarrollo teórico de dos conceptos: el comportamiento altruista y el emprendedor, analizando los factores que influyen en los mismos. Con base en una investigación empírica, los autores demuestran, a través del análisis del liderazgo de servicio y la reflexividad relacional de un grupo de jóvenes, que las nuevas generaciones presentan fortalezas cuyo desarrollo depende de la posibilidad de mejora en algunas dimensiones sociales concretas: las competencias relacionales y la actitud altruista. Se propone que la innovación social comienza con competencias de tipo relaciona

Children’s participation and civic education: guidelines for the development of an inclusion social model

En este artículose realiza una contribución al desarrollo y la implantación de la educación cívica en el currículum escolar como un instrumento para abordar la exclusión social. Para ello, se analiza la importancia que tiene la participación de los niños en el proceso de toma de decisiones para su salud y para su desarrollo. Además, también se aborda el rol que tiene la participación (p.ej., actividades de voluntariado, uso de las redes sociales, e Internet, etc.) tanto en su bienestar como en romper el ciclo de la pobreza y la exclusión social. Después se proporciona un repaso sobre los antecedentes habituales de la participación y los factores asociados a ésta. Finalmente,se analiza la situación de la participación en los países de la Unión Europea como un ejemplo para realizar propuestas aplicables al caso de los países iberoamericanosIn this paper, a contribution for the development of civic education curricula in schools as an instrument to tackle social exclusion is made. In order to do so,the antecedents and factors that could boost that participationare considered as long as the impact that children’s participation in decision-making processes has on their health and growth. Moreover, the role of participation in specific settings (p.ej., volunteering, SNS usage, Internet, etc.) both for children’s well-being and for breaking the cycle of poverty and social exclusion is also taken into account. Then a review of the literature on the antecedents and factors related to participation is presented.Finally, the situation of European countries is analyzed as a basis for making proposals applicable to the case of Ibero-American countrie

Juventud proactiva: cómo crear unas actitudes fuertes y positivas hacia el emprendimiento

Desde que comenzó la crisis económica en 2007, la tasa de desempleo ha sido una de las preocupaciones principales de la población española. De esta situación nacen alternativas como el emprendimiento y la esperanza de que dichas alternativas sirvan para mejorar la tasa de desempleo. Esta preocupación ha llevado a que el gobierno intente fomentar las iniciativas emprendedoras con programas para la juventud y la inclusión de asignaturas sobre emprendimiento en el currículum escolar. Sin embargo, el impacto que tienen estos mensajes proemprendimiento en los y las jóvenes depende en buena medida de la efectividad de los mismos en cambiar las actitudes para que perduren en el tiempo. En el presente trabajo se propone un marco teórico que sirve para entender cómo se forman, se mantienen o cambian las actitudes de los y las jóvenes hacia el emprendimiento. Para cumplir con este objetivo se revisan los mecanismos psicológicos que producen o bien un cambio superficial en las actitudes o un cambio duradero, resistente, y predictor de la conducta futura (actitudes fuertes). Asimismo, se ofrece una guía con los elementos que debe contener un mensaje proemprendimiento para maximizar la probabilidad de crear unas actitudes fuertes y positivas en la juventu

Individual differences in thinking style and dealing with contradiction: The mediating role of mixed emotions

The present research examined how individuals' thinking style (holistic vs. analytic) is associated with the way they deal with contradictory information and whether experiencing mixed emotions can mediate this relationship. Participants first completed the thinking style measure and then were exposed to two contradictory pieces of information (Studies 1 and 2). In study 2, we also measured the experience of mixed emotions to test the mediating role of this variable. Across two studies, we found that individuals with a holistic thinking style were more able to reconcile contradictory information compared to individuals with an analytic thinking style. Study 2 showed that the relationship between thinking style and dealing with contradiction was mediated by the experience of mixed emotions. This research extends previous findings on confrontation of contradiction and mixed emotions by using an individual-differences rather than a cultural-differences approach, and establishes mixed emotions as a plausible mediating variable

Application of organic substrates in the breeding of the Californian red worm (eisenia foetida) for the production of animal feed

El objetivo de la presente investigación fue evaluar tres tipos diferentes de sustratos, en todas las unidades experimentales se colocaron 100 lombrices rojas californianas adultas Eisenia foetida. El diseño experimental fue de bloques al azar con cinco repeticiones y tres tratamientos: cáscara de papa, 50% de cáscara de papa y 50% de estiércol de cuy. Se analizó la variable población total y peso de lombrices. Los sustratos fueron depositados en cajas de madera de 0.125m3 y se realizó el proceso de compostaje. Al obtener temperaturas estables en rangos de entre 20 a 23 ⁰C se realizó la siembra de 100 lombrices por caja. Transcurridos 70 días, tiempo suficiente para que las lombrices cumplan su ciclo reproductivo se procedió a contar todas las lombrices presentes en cada unidad experimental. Se obtuvieron diferencias significativas (p<0.05%) en las tres variables. El sustrato “cáscara de papa” registró en promedio la mayor cantidad y peso de lombrices (625 lombrices, 937.5g). El sustrato mixto 50% de cáscara de papa y 50% de estiércol de cuy registró el segundo mejor promedio (189 lombrices, 264.6g) y en tercer lugar se obtuvo con el sustrato estiércol de cuy (101 lombrices, 143.4g). Se concluyó que el sustrato cáscara de papa es el más adecuado para la producción de lombriz, posteriormente con la información obtenida del número de lombrices clasificados por estadío (cocon, juvenil, sub adulto y adulto), se utilizó un modelo matemático definido por Peña (2004) con el propósito de estimar la dinámica poblacional probabilística de supervivencia de las próximas 20 semanas.The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate three different types of substrates. 100 adult Californian red worms Eisenia foetida were placed in all the experimental units. The experimental design was randomized blocks with five replications and three treatments: potato peel, 50% potato peel and 50% guinea pig manure, guinea pig manure. The variable earthworm population and weight was analyzed. The substrates were deposited in 0.125m3 wooden boxes and the composting process was carried out. When obtaining stable temperatures in ranges between 20 to 23 ⁰C, 100 worms were planted per box. After 69 days, enough time for the worms to complete their reproductive cycle, all the worms present in each experimental unit were counted. Significant differences (p <0.05%) were obtained in the three variables. The substrate "potato peel" registered the highest amount and weight of earthworms (625 earthworms, 937.5g). The mixed substrate 50% potato peel and 50% cuy manure recorded the second highest average (189 worms, 264.6g) and thirdly obtained with cuy manure substrate (101 worms, 143.4g). It was concluded that the potato shell substrate is best suited for worm production, subsequently with information obtained from the number of worms classified by stage (cocon, juvenile, sub-adult and adult), a mathematical model defined by Peña (2004) was used for the purpose of estimating the probabilistic population dynamics of survival over the next 20 weeks

Primer registro de albinismo y piebaldismo en atelognathus patagonicus Gallardo, 1962 (Anura: Batrachylidae), Parque Nacional Laguna Blanca, Patagonia Argentina

Entre los distintos tipos de anomalías pigmentarias, el albinismo es la más frecuente en anfibios. La Críticamente Amenazada ranita patagónica (Atelognathus patagonicus) es endémica del noroeste de la Patagonia Argentina, donde habita pequeñas lagunas temporarias aisladas entre sí. Durante el monitoreo de dos sub-poblaciones de la especie, encontramos 32 individuos (4.5%; N = 714) con anomalías pigmentarias en la laguna Antiñir, dentro del Parque Nacional Laguna Blanca. Entre ellos, 31 fueron albinos (cinco renacuajos, dos metamorfos y 24 juveniles) reconocidos por poseer la piel transparente y los ojos rojos. Un individuo fue hallado con piebaldismo, presentando parches sin pigmentación y ojos de coloración normal. Este es el primer registro de anomalías pigmentarias para A. patagonicus, las cuales pueden tener implicancias ecológicas y de conservación para la especie.Among the different types of pigmentary anomalies, albinism is the most common in amphibians. The Critically Endangered Patagonia frog (Atelognathus patagonicus) is endemic to the northwest Argentinian Patagonia, and inhabits small temporary lagoons isolated from each other. During the monitoring of two sub-populations of the species, we found 32 individuals (4.5%; N = 714) with pigmentary anomalies in Antiñir lagoon, inside Laguna Blanca National Park. Among them, 31 were albinos (five tadpoles, two metamorphs and 24 juveniles) recognized for having transparent skin and red eyes. One individual was found with piebaldism, presenting patches without pigmentation and eyes of normal color. This is the first record of pigmentary anomalies for A. patagonicus, which may have ecological and conservation implications for the species.Fil: Rolón, Melisa Celia Jazmin. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. División Zoología de Vertebrados. Sección Herpetología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; ArgentinaFil: de Los Santos, Facundo Leonel. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. División Zoología de Vertebrados. Sección Herpetología; ArgentinaFil: Harkes, Micaela. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. División Zoología de Vertebrados. Sección Herpetología; ArgentinaFil: Velasco, Melina Alicia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. División Zoología de Vertebrados. Sección Herpetología; ArgentinaFil: Jones, Sofia. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. División Zoología de Vertebrados. Sección Herpetología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Tettamanti, Germán. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. División Zoología de Vertebrados. Sección Herpetología; ArgentinaFil: Calvo, Rodrigo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. División Zoología de Vertebrados. Sección Herpetología; ArgentinaFil: Vera, David Gustavo. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. División Zoología de Vertebrados. Sección Herpetología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Di Pietro, Diego Omar. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. División Zoología de Vertebrados. Sección Herpetología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Williams, Jorge Daniel. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. División Zoología de Vertebrados. Sección Herpetología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Kacoliris, Federico Pablo. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. División Zoología de Vertebrados. Sección Herpetología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; Argentin

Antimicrobial synergism against different lineages of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carrying SCCmec IV

Aim To evaluate the synergistic activity of antimicrobial drugs against lineages of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carrying SCCmec IV. The biofilm production and related genes were also detected. Methods and Results Forty two MRSA isolates were tested for biofilm production and related genes. Biofilm/biomass susceptibility to gentamicin (G), linezolid (L), rifampicin (R) and vancomycin (V) was determined for six isolates from three lineages prevalent in Rio de Janeiro hospitals in concentrations ranging from 0·25 to 64 μg ml−1. Biomass was evaluated by microtitre plate test and number of viable cells (CFU cm−2) and inspected by epifluorescence microscopy. All isolates presented the icaA and sasG genes, but only 38% were biofilm producers. There were 50 and 45% biomass reductions when concentrations ≥4 μg ml−1 of R or L and ≥16 μg ml−1 of G or V, respectively, were used. Synergism tests produced a 55% biomass reduction with R2lg ml1 + G16lg ml1 , R2lg ml1 + L2lg ml1 , R2lg ml1 + V4lg ml1 , and L2lg ml1 + V4lg ml1 . Number of viable cells was reduced from 2 to 3 logs with R2lg ml1 + L2lg ml1 and R2lg ml1 + V4lg ml1 . Conclusions Synergisms involving R plus L and R plus V caused important reductions in biofilm/biomass and the number of viable cells. Drug combinations should be considered in the chemotherapies of MRSA-SCCmec IV infections. Significance and Impact of the Study Biofilms in MRSA infections restrict the clinical choice of antimicrobials. Thus, knowledge of the best options for monotherapy and drug synergisms could improve clinical results.This study was supported by grants from Fundacao Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq), Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES), Fundacao Universitaria Jose Bonifacio (FUJB) and Programa de Nucleos de Excelencia (PRONEX). The financial support through the projects: PTDC/SAUSAP/113196/2009/ FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-016012; PEst-OE/EQB/LA0023/2013; 'BioHealth-Biotechnology and Bioengineering approaches to improve health quality', NORTE-07-0124-FEDER-000027, co-funded by the Programa Operacional Regional do Norte, QREN; RECI/BBB-EBI/0179/2012/FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-027462

Long-term safety of OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment in chronic migraine patients: a five-year retrospective study

Background: Real-world studies have shown the sustained therapeutic effect and favourable safety profile of OnabotulinumtoxinA (BoNTA) in the long term and up to 4 years of treatment in chronic migraine (CM). This study aims to assess the safety profile and efficacy of BoNTA in CM after 5 years of treatment in a real-life setting. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with CM in relation to BoNTA treatment for more than 5 years in 19 Spanish headache clinics. We excluded patients who discontinued treatment due to lack of efficacy or poor tolerability. Results: 489 patients were included [mean age 49, 82.8% women]. The mean age of onset of migraine was 21.8 years; patients had CM with a mean of 6.4 years (20.8% fulfilled the aura criteria). At baseline, patients reported a mean of 24.7 monthly headache days (MHDs) and 15.7 monthly migraine days (MMDs). In relation to effectiveness, the responder rate was 59.1% and the mean reduction in MMDs was 9.4 days (15.7 to 6.3 days; p < 0.001). The MHDs were also reduced by 14.9 days (24.7 to 9.8 days; p < 0.001). Regarding the side effects, 17.5% experienced neck pain, 17.3% headache, 8.5% eyelid ptosis, 7.5% temporal muscle atrophy and 3.2% trapezius muscle atrophy. Furthermore, after longer-term exposure exceeding 5 years, there were no serious adverse events (AE) or treatment discontinuation because of safety or tolerability issues. Conclusion: Treatment with BoNTA led to sustained reductions in migraine frequency, even after long-term exposure exceeding 5 years, with no evidence of new safety concerns

Host and environmental factors modulate the exposure of free-ranging and farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus) to coxiella burnetii

The control of multihost pathogens, such as Coxiella burnetii, should rely on accurate information about the roles played by the main hosts. We aimed to determine the involvement of the red deer (Cervus elaphus) in the ecology of C. burnetii. We predicted that red deer populations from broad geographic areas within a European context would be exposed to C. burnetii, and therefore, we hypothesized that a series of factors would modulate the exposure of red deer to C. burnetii. To test this hypothesis, we designed a retrospective survey of 47 Iberian red deer populations from which 1,751 serum samples and 489 spleen samples were collected. Sera were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in order to estimate exposure to C. burnetii, and spleen samples were analyzed by PCR in order to estimate the prevalence of systemic infections. Thereafter, we gathered 23 variables— within environmental, host, and management factors—potentially modulating the risk of exposure of deer to C. burnetii, and we performed multivariate statistical analyses to identify the main risk factors. Twenty-three populations were seropositive (48.9%), and C. burnetii DNA in the spleen was detected in 50% of the populations analyzed. The statistical analyses reflect the complexity of C. burnetii ecology and suggest that although red deer may maintain the circulation of C. burnetii without third species, the most frequent scenario probably includes other wild and domestic host species. These findings, taken together with previous evidence of C. burnetii shedding by naturally infected red deer, point at this wild ungulate as a true reservoir for C. burnetii and an important node in the life cycle of C. burnetii, at least in the Iberian Peninsula