Reconocimiento y discriminación de expresiones faciales de emociones en lactantes

Tesis doctoral inédita leída en la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Facultad de Psicología, Departamento de Psicología Biológica y de la Salud. Fecha de lectura: 198

Population pharmacokinetics and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic evaluation of marbofloxacin against Coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus and Mycoplasma agalactiae pathogens in goats

Marbofloxacin is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone, and an extra-label use has been reported in horse, sheep and goat. However, extrapolation of dosage regimens from cattle to horse and small ruminants could lead to incorrect dosing due to pharmacokinetic differences among species, increasing the risk of antimicrobial resistance or toxicity. Pharmacokinetic properties of marbofloxacin, including PK/PD analysis, have been studied by intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous administration in lactating and non-lactating goats. A population pharmacokinetic model of marbofloxacin in goats was built using 10 pharmacokinetic studies after intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous administration at a dose of 2, 5 and 10 mg/kg. Serum or plasma and milk concentration-time profiles were simultaneously fitted with a non-linear mixed effect model with Monolix software. Level of milk production (lactating and non-lactating) and health status (healthy and un-healthy) were retained as covariates on volume of distribution and clearance. Marbofloxacin concentrations were well described in plasma/serum and milk by the population model. Simulated dose regimens of marbofloxacin administered at 2, 5 and 10 mg/kg by intramuscular route for five days were evaluated (n = 5000 per group). Steady-state fAUCs for each dose regimen were obtained. Probability of target attainment of fAUC/MIC ratios were determined and PK/PDco values (highest MIC for which 90% of individuals can achieve a prior numerical value of the fAUC/MIC index) were established using Monte Carlo simulations (n = 50,000). MIC values for wild type isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative staphylococci, and Mycoplasma agalactiae were determined and tentative epidemiological cutoff (TECOFF) were obtained at 1.0, 0.5 and 0.5 mg/L, respectively. The PK/PDco for the dose regimen of 2 mg/kg/24 h and 5 mg/kg/24 h (0.125 and 0.25 mg/L) were lower than TECOFF (0.5 and 1 mg/L). The dosage regimen of 10 mg/kg/24 h was adequate for intermediate MIC values of 0.125–0.50 mg/L and could be effective for a population with a target fAUC/MIC ratio ˂ 48 for Coagulase negative staphylococci and Mycoplasma agalactiae, but not for Staphylococcus aureus. Results obtained in thi

Análisis comparativo de la publicidad institucional de las Comunidades Autónomas : objetivos y cualidades discursivas

Este artículo presenta parte de los resultados alcanzados en el proyecto de investigación Estrategias de la comunicación social de los organismos del Estado a través de la publicidad institucional (Plan Nacional de I+D+I 2004-2007). La investigación parte de la idea de que a través de la publicidad institucional se contribuye a la construcción de la imagen pública de las instituciones, de la ciudadanía y de las relaciones entre ambos. Con el marco teórico de la Teoría de la Enunciación, se analizan 147 spots en los que los gobiernos de las Comunidades Autónomas de Madrid, Valencia, Cataluña y País Vasco actúan como anunciantes y se estudian sus formas de representación.This paper presents part of the results reached in the research project of the Social communication strategies of organisms of the State through institutional advertising (National research project I+D+I 2004-2007). The investigation leaves from the idea that through institutional advertising it is contributed to the construction of the public image of institutions, citizenship and relations between both. Applying the enunciation theory, 147 spots are analyzed in which the governments of the autonomous regions of Madrid, Valencia, Andalucía, Catalonia and the Basque Country act as advertisers are studied and their forms of representation

Análisis de la publicidad institucional del Estado español : objetivos y cualidades discursivas

Este artículo presenta parte de los resultados alcanzados en el proyecto de investigación Estrategias de la comunicación social de los organismos del Estado a través de la publicidad institucional (Plan Nacional de I+D+I 2004-2007). La investigación parte de la idea de que a través de la publicidad institucional se contribuye a la construcción de la imagen pública de las instituciones, de la ciudadanía y de las relaciones entre ambos. Con el marco teórico de la Teoría de la Enunciación, se analizan 75 spots en los que el Estado español actúa como anunciante y se estudian sus formas de representación.This paper presents part of the results reached in the research project of the Social communication strategies of organisms of the State through government advertising (National research project I+D+I 2004-2007). The investigation leaves from the idea that through government advertising it is contributed to the construction of the public image of institutions, citizenship and relations between both. Applying the enunciation theory, 75 spots are analyzed in which Spanish State acts as advertiser to study its forms of representation

Collaborative learning and its application through mind maps use. Educational innovation in initial teacher training

Los mapas mentales constituyen una estrategia de aprendizaje que contribuye al desarrollo integral del alumnado a través de la utilización de todo el cerebro en el procesamiento de la información. Las metodologías aplicables a los mapas mentales son muy diversas, pudiéndose abordar desde una vertiente tanto individual como grupal. En este estudio, nos centramos en la utilización del mapa mental a través de un aprendizaje colaborativo, mediante la puesta en marcha de dinámicas grupales con las que se pretenden reflejar el pensamiento de todos los componentes del grupo y potenciar el desarrollo de relaciones interpersonales positivas entre los mismos. La investigación la abordamos desde una metodología cuantitativa, a través del uso de un cuestionario de 11 items, tipo Likert, con una escala que comprende los valores 1 (Nada) y 4 (Mucho) sobre la experiencia de aprendizaje vivida con mapas mentales. Se ha trabajado con una muestra de 140 estudiantes pertenecientes al Primer Curso de la titulación de Grado de Maestro especialidad en Educación Primaria, durante el curso académico 2011/2012. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que la interacción entre los componentes del grupo, así como los grupos entre sí, a través del empleo del mapa mental como recurso que refleja el pensamiento, mejora del clima positivo de aula y permite el logro de la comprensión, organización y memorización comprensiva de los contenidos trabajados con relativa facilidad. Por consiguiente, son considerados como una herramienta que puede resultar de gran utilidad en su labor como futuros docentes.Mind maps are a learning strategy that contributes to students’ comprehensive development since they require the use of the whole brain when it comes to processing information. The methodologies underlying mind maps are very different, and can be approached from individual or group perspectives. In this study, we focus on the use of mind maps in collaborative learning. We put forward a series of group dynamics aimed both at illustrating each group members’ thoughts and at enhancing positive interpersonal relationships among them. The research was conducted in line with a quantitative methodology through the use of an 11-item Likert questionnaire which addresses students’ learning experience when using mind maps. We studied a sample of 140 students from the first year of the Primary Education Degree during the academic year 2011-2012. The results obtained show that interaction triggered by using mind maps, both among members within the same group and the different groups, enhances students’ positive thinking and improves their understanding, organization and comprehensive memorization of contents studied in class. In conclusion, mind maps could be considered as a very useful tool for future teachers

The use of mind maps in initial teacher training

El dominio y manejo de las Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación (TIC) en el ámbito educativo es considerado una de las principales destrezas que debe desarrollar, hoy día, el profesorado durante su proceso de formación, en sintonía con el desarrollo de la metacognición, entre otras. Con el objetivo de dar respuesta al desarrollo de tales aspectos hemos llevado a cabo un proyecto de innovación docente donde los estudiantes de magisterio aprenden a realizar mapas mentales individuales y grupales, con ayuda del programa Microsoft Powerpoint. Este software resulta una herramienta potente para integrar de forma práctica las TIC en el proceso educativo, ya que permite desarrollar una metodología activa, en la que se fomenta el aprendizaje reflexivo y la capacidad metacognitiva. Una vez analizados los datos de la investigación hemos observado que los futuros docentes valoran positivamente la dinámica de aprendizaje y los recursos empleados en esta experiencia, apreciando especialmente la utilidad de los Mapas Mentales como estrategia de aprendizaje y su fácil elaboración a través del citado software.Nowadays, specific capabilities and use of Information and Communication Technology (ITC) in education are considered a part of main skills to be developed by teachers during their training along with the development of metacognition. In order to achieve the development of these aspects, we have carried out a teaching innovation project where teaching students learn to elaborate individual and group mind maps with Microsoft PowerPoint software. This software is a powerful tool as a practical way to integrate ICT in the educational process because it helps in development of an active methodology that improves reflective learning and metacognitive ability. Once research data has been analyzed, we have observed that future teachers found valuable and positive this learning dynamic and resources used in this experience, especially appreciating the usefulness of Mind Mapping as a learning strategy and its creation through this software

Neuropsychology of perception and facial expression of emotions: studies with children and non human primates

Este estudio revisa diferentes investigaciones sobre la neuropsicología de la percepción y la expresión facial de emociones en niños y en primates no humanos. Se parte de las teorías neodarwinianas sobre el origen de la emoción, que presuponen la existencia de circuitos cerebrales específicos para la expresión y comprensión del afecto y consideran que estos comportamientos son innatos y filogenéticamente determinados . A partir de la literatura examinada, las conclusiones principales que pueden extraerse son las siguientes: (1) A lo largo del primer año de vida los niños manifiestan capacidades básicas para reconocer emociones. Entre otros correlatos neurobiológicos, se ha observado que este proceso se corresponde con una mayor actividad del hemisferio cerebral derecho, frente al izquierdo. (2) En primates no humanos, y desde distintas aproximaciones experimentales, se ha encontrado un patrón similar al de nuestra especie en tareas de reconocimiento y discriminación de expresiones faciales de emociones.(3) Los lactantes expresan emociones con acciones musculares similares a las descritas en adultos. La mayoría de los autores señalan que el hemisferio cerebral derecho muestra una mayor implicación que el izquierdo, también en el caso de la expresión emocional y para todas las emociones estudiadas. No obstante desde algunas investigaciones se concluye que el hemisferio izquierdo es el dominante en el caso de la expresión de emociones positivas y el hemisferio derecho sólo en las negativas. (4) Los estudios sobre expresión facial en primates no humanos indican que existe una asimetría facial que se manifiesta en una mayor intensidad de la expresión en la mitad izquierda de la cara y, de manera correspondiente, en una mayor implicación del hemisferio cerebral derecho. Se concluye esta revisión considerando que la existencia de semejanzas anatómicas y funcionales entre adultos, niños y primates no humanos justifica el interés por los estudios de ontogenia y filogenia para conocer mejor las bases neurobiológicas que subyacen a la conducta emocionalThis study reviews different researches on the neuropsychology of facial perception and expression of emotions in children and non-human primates. It parts from neodarwinian theories on the origin of the emotion that take into account the existence of specific cerebral circuits for the expression and understanding of affect, and consider such behaviours as innate and phylogenetically determined. From literature reviewed, the main conclusions that can be extracted are the following ones: (1) During the first year of life infants show basic abilities to recognize emotions. Among other neurobiological correlates, it has been observed that this process corresponds with a greater activity of the right hemisphere, as opposed to the left one. (2) From different experimental approaches, human and non-human primates show a similar pattern in the recognition and discrimination of facial expressions of emotions. (3) Infants express emotions with similar muscular actions to those described in adults. Most of the authors also point out a greater involvement of the right hemisphere than the left one, for all of the emotional expressions. However, some studies report that right hemisphere is dominant only for the negative expressions, while the left hemisphere is for the positive ones. (4) Studies on facial expression in human and non-human primates show an asymmetry in the production of emotional responses with a greater involvement of the left side of the face (right cerebral hemisphere). This review concludes that the existence of anatomical and functional similarities in non-human primates, children and adults justifies the interest by the ontogenetic and phylogenetic studies in order to understand the neurobiological bases underlying emotional behaviou

Development of Clay Plasters Containing Thermoregulating Microcapsules for Indoor Walls

This work shows the technical feasibility of incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) into clay plastering mortars to improve the thermal properties of the building envelopes. Due to the absence of regulated and internationally agreed-upon norms for clay mortars containing thermoregulating microcapsules (MPCMs), two tests following UNE-EN-998-1:2010 and UNE-EN-1015, were designed to provide the greatest similarity to its final application. Three different dosages 5, 10, and 15 wt% of MPCM relative to the dried mortar weight were used. Fresh mortars were physically characterized to determine its consistency, apparent density, period of workability and open time, and occluded air content. Physical and mechanical characteristics were determined for hardened mortar. The thermal characteristics of the specimens were analysed by using a differential scanning calorimetry, obtaining their apparent specific heat capacities and the enthalpy curves. Building simulation software is a fundamental tool for designing buildings with almost zero energy consumption. In this study, three identical architectural models were simulated. The reference building had inner coatings of clay-based mortar, mortar with 15% added material, and a conventional gypsum mortar. These buildings were subjected to the same exposure and radiation conditions, which allowed the result to be compared to evaluate the effect of incorporating the PCM

Los mapas conceptuales como recurso de interés para la formación inicial del profesorado de enseñanza secundaria: opiniones del alumnado de ciencias sociales y humanidades

Este trabajo forma parte de un proyecto de innovación docente orientado a mejorar la formación inicial del profesorado de enseñanza secundaria, usando mapas conceptuales en actividades de representación del conocimiento y de comunicación en el aula. En este estudio se exponen los resultados de un cuestionario diseñado para conocer las ideas de los futuros profesores en formación sobre el proceso de aprendizaje realizado en el aula y las ventajas que aportan los mapas conceptuales elaborados con recursos informáticos para la educación y la formación docente. Durante dos cursos consecutivos se han recogido las opiniones de un conjunto de 107 alumnos y alumnas de una asignatura del máster de formación del profesorado de secundaria, del área de ciencias sociales y humanas, los cuales han valorado positivamente el proceso de aprendizaje, las aplicaciones educativas de los mapas conceptuales y, sobre todo, han mostrado un elevado grado de satisfacción al aprender a utilizar la herramienta Cmap Tools

Outcomes, controversies and gastric volume after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in the treatment of obesity

AbstractBackgroundLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity. However, there are still controversies regarding its efficiency in terms of weight reduction and incidence of complications. In this prospective study, the experience is presented of a referral centre for the treatment of morbid obesity with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.Material and methodsA prospective study on 73 patients subjected to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy from February 2009 to September 2013. Patients were followed-up for a period of 12 months, evaluating the development of complications, reduction of gastric volume, and the weight loss associated with the surgery, as well as their impact on the improvement of comorbidities present at beginning of the study.ResultsThere was a statistically a significantly reduction between the preoperative body mass index (BMI) and the BMI at 12 months after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (p<0.001), despite there being an increase in the gastric volume during follow-up, measured at one month and 12 months after surgery (p<0.001). Five patients (6.85%) had complications, with none of them serious and with no deaths in the whole series.ConclusionsLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of morbid obesity. Its use is associated with a significant reduction in the presence of comorbidities associated with obesity. Multicentre studies with a longer period of monitoring are required to confirm the efficacy and safety of this surgical technique