Fostering general and specific competences through online language learning materials

This paper addresses how general and specific competences are dealt with and fostered through the Online First Certificate Course and Tester, designed by the CAMILLE Research Group in Spain. The debate and research on the role of competences is an ongoing issue within the field of higher education. Moreover, the new framework of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) has made it more visible and has contributed towards designing and implementing new educational curricula based on a competence-based approach. Keywords: online language learning materials; planning; methodology; innovative approac

Diseño de la estructura de un auditorio en el municipio de Chelva (Valencia)

[ES] El presente Trabajo Final de Grado trata sobre el diseño de la estructura de un auditorio. El diseño tiene en cuenta las condiciones que este tipo de edificios requiere para su uso. Se diseña la estructura de las distintas zonas del edificio: entrada y zona de cafetería, escenario y patio de butacas y espacio de camerinos. La estructura es toda de hormigón, a excepción de la cubierta principal, que se resuelve mediante unas cerchas metálicas. La peculiaridad principal de la estructura es lo diferente que es en todas sus zonas, lo que, sumado a que las cargas también son muy distintas, hace que los elementos estructurales resulten de unas dimensiones y armados muy variados.[CA] El present Treball Final de Grau tracta sobre el disseny de l'estructura d'un auditori. El disseny té en compte les condicions que aquest tipus d'edificis requereix per al seu ús. Es dissenya l'estructura de les diferents zones de l'edifici: entrada i zona de cafeteria, escenari i pati de butaques i espai de camerinos. L'estructura és tota de formigó, a excepció de la coberta principal, que es resol mitjançant unes cintres metàl·liques. La peculiaritat principal de l'estructura és el diferent que és en totes les seues zones, la qual cosa, sumat al fet que les càrregues també són molt diferents, fa que els elements estructurals resultin d'unes dimensions i armats molt variats.[EN] The present Final Degree Work addresses about the design of a concert hall's structure. The design keeps in mind the conditions that this type of buildings require for their use. Is designed the structure of the different spaces of the building: main entrance and cafeteria, stage and stalls and the dressing rooms. The structure is all made with concrete, apart from the main roof, that is made with steel lattices. The main peculiarity of the structure is how different is around all the spaces. The loads are also very distinct. These are the reasons because the structural components result with a dimensions and reinforced so varied.Martínez Sevilla, MDM. (2017). Diseño de la estructura de un auditorio en el municipio de Chelva (Valencia). http://hdl.handle.net/10251/89550Archivo delegad

Designing and Evaluating Online Language Learning Materials for Higher Education

Nowadays, finding, choosing and developing or adapting materials is a very important component of education as well as a key element for the success of the whole learning process. A language teacher is also a materials developer and the materials development process should aim at ensuring that local needs and wants do not dictate decisions and that important learning principles are not forgotten. In the case of materials for Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), a very thorough and pedagogically-sound set of guidelines should be followed prior to the design of the materials. Following that, a careful evaluation should take place so as to guarantee that those guidelines have been followed and that the materials are therefore valid, efficient and effective. This is especially important in the case of in-house CALL materials development. This paper describes the basis for the evaluation and validation of the In Genio FCE Online Course and Tester. These are two language learning in-house CALL materials for students of English, developed by the CAMILLE Research Group at the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV) in Spain. A large part of the focus of this paper will be on the aspects concerning the evaluation of the two previously mentioned materials according to well-established frameworks and guidelines from the most relevant literature

The earliest basketry in southern Europe: Hunter- gatherer and farmer plant-based technology in Cueva de los Murciélagos (Albuñol)

This work was supported by the project “De los museos al territorio: actualizando el estudio de la Cueva de los Murciélagos de Albuñol (Granada)” (MUTERMUR) (Referencia CM/JIN/2021-009) financed by the program of Young Researchers of Comunidad de Madrid (directed by F.M.-S. as the principal investigator). J.S. is funded by Ramon y Cajal fellowship (RYC2019-028346) by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MCIN). M.C. is funded by a Ramón y Cajal fellowship (RYC2019-026697-I) and by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MCIN). R.P.H., M.H.-O., and A.P.P. are members of the research group 2021-SGR 00190 funded by the AGAUR. R.P.H. is an ICREA academia researcher. M.M.-S. was funded by the Beatriz Galindo program as Junior Distinguished Researcher (BG20/00076).Supplementary TextPlant material culture can offer unique insights into the ways of life of prehistoric societies; however, its perishable nature has prevented a thorough understanding of its diverse and complex uses. Sites with exceptional preservation of organic materials provide a unique opportunity for further research. The burial site of Cueva de los Murciélagos in southern Iberia, uncovered during 19th-century mining activities, contained the best-preserved hunter-gatherer basketry in southern Europe, together with other unique organic artifacts associated with the first farming communities, such as sandals and a wooden hammer. We present 14 14C dates for the perishable artifacts (N = 76), situating the assemblage between the Early and Middle Holocene (c. 7500 to 4200 cal BCE). Our integrated analysis includes raw material determination and technological and chrono-cultural contextualization of this unique and important set of materials.Comunidad de Madrid CM/JIN/2021-009MCIN Ramon y Cajal fellowship RYC2019-028346, RYC2019-026697-IAGAUR. R.P.H. 2021-SGR 00190Junior Distinguished Researcher BG20/0007

The role of social and collaborative networks in the development of in-house multimedia language learning materials

The development of in-house language learning materials has being going on for many decades. In the past, it was difficult for language teachers worldwide to share their in-house materials with other teachers, and so was having access to the materials developed by others. This often produced a feeling of isolation and, very frequently, provoked a duplication of efforts and a bigger investment of time. However, thanks to the Web 2.0 teachers and practitioners worldwide can communicate with each other and share experiences and materials. While this aspect of the so-called Social Web has being successfully exploded in the past few decades, especially in the case of online communities of teachers and practitioners worldwide, the possibilities of non-dedicated social and collaborative networks have not been so attentively looked. This paper describes the development of different language learning materials as well as some of the steps taken in order to get collaboration from users of two non-dedicated websites worldwide so as to increase the quality, authenticity and variety of those in-house language learning materials. The materials are part of the English online Course and Tester developed by the CAMILLE Research Group at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), in Spain. Keywords: CALL; in-house materials; collaborative and social networks; software development; Web 2.

Sexual Risk Behavior, Sexism, and Prejudices Towards Sexual Openness, Homosexuality, and Trans Individuals Among Young People in Spain and the UK

IntroductionSexism, lack of sexual freedom, and negative attitudes towards minorities are related to risky and discriminatory sexual behaviors. To date, no cross-cultural comparisons have been made regarding these sexual behaviors and attitudes. The study also explores the sexuality competencies of young adults undertaking vocational courses in higher education before their transition to professional practice.MethodsThe sample comprised 1235 university students (670 Spanish and 565 British) aged between 18 and 52 years (M = 22.06, SD = 4.38). During the years 2020 and 2021, respondents completed a survey structured in six standardized scales (HPSC, DSS, SOS, HATH, EANT, and TIBS).ResultsResults report that British students show less gender adherence (DSS) while the Spanish ones show more positive attitudes towards trans individuals (EANT) and pleasure (SOS). These findings indicate that students in this research engage in more sexual risk behaviors (HPSC), display similar rigid gender adherences (DSS), and more positive erotophilic (SOS), homophilic (HATH), and trans-friendly attitudes (EANT and TIBS) than those in previous studies. There were, however, significant differences by gender, religion, and program of study.ConclusionsThe research demonstrates the relevance of measuring cultural factors related to sexual behaviors and attitudes in youth and reflects a lack of attention to these issues in educational and healthcare settings. This is despite its broad impact on people’s health, as young people are more likely to display increased risky sexual behaviors.Policy ImplicationsThese findings emphasize the importance of the development of updated strategies in sex education among young people. The added importance of doing so with students in higher education who are likely to enter professions where they will educate or influence others on these matters is identified

Diferentes actitudes hacia la sexualidad entre estudiantes de Enfermería de primero y cuarto curso

Objective: To evaluate whether attitudes towards sexuality acquired by students during a Spanish nursing degree are sufficient for their performance in professional practice. Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, and quantitative study based on a self-completion survey composed of standardized scales that compare sexual attitudes among 101 first-year students with 86 fourth-year students. The 187 nursing students, 24 men and 163 women were between 18 and 60 years old (Mage=21.21, SD=5.48). The evaluative instrument was an anonymous questionnaire that consisted of sociodemographic questions and two standardized scales: Attitudes Towards Sexuality Scale (ATSS-28) and Double Standard Scale (DSS). Results: Comparison between cohorts using the Mann-Whitney U test proved to be close to being significant in the ATSS, U=3625.50, z=-1.95, p=.052 and significant in DSS, U=3560.50, z=-2.13, p=.034. These findings indicate that fourth-year students have more positive attitudes towards sexuality and less rigid adherence to gender roles. In addition, a medium negative correlation, rs=-.307, p=.001, between ATSS and DSS was obtained, showing a positive association between attitudes and less adherence to gender roles. These results suggest that nursing degree training had a positive impact on sexual attitudes. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals are centrally involved in the care of patients and families. Nurses’ attitudes towards sexuality are important in terms of patient comfort and the accessibility and acceptability of care. Implementation of training in sexuality has a positive effect on nursing care and favours the establishment of global health strategies.Objetivo: Evaluar si las actitudes hacia la sexualidad adquiridas por los alumnos durante el Grado en Enfermería son suficientes para su desempeño profesional.Métodos: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo y transversal basado en una encuesta compuesta por escalas estandarizadas que comparó las predisposiciones sexuales entre 101 alumnos de primer curso con 86 de cuarto. Los 187 estudiantes de enfermería, 24 hombres y 163 mujeres tenían entre 18 y 60 años (Medad=21.21, DT=5.48). El instrumento utilizado para su evaluación fue un cuestionario anónimo que estaba constituido por preguntas sociodemográficas y las dos siguientes escalas, la Escala de Actitudes hacia la Sexualidad (ATSS-28) y la Escala de Doble Estándar (DSS). Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos estuvieron cera de ser significativos por curso en la ATSS, U=3625.50, z=-1.95, p=.052 y significativos en la DSS, U=3560.50, z=-2.13, p=.034. Estos hallazgos indicaron que los alumnos de cuarto tuvieron actitudes más positivas hacia la sexualidad y una menor adherencia a los roles de género. Además, se obtuvo una correlación negativa moderada, rs=-. 307, p=.001, entre la ATSS y la DSS que mostraba asociación entre las actitudes positivas y la menor adhesión a roles de género. Estos resultados sugieren que la formación enfermera tuvo un impacto positivo en sus actitudes.Conclusión: La enfermería está involucrada de manera central en el cuidado de los pacientes y sus familias. Sus actitudes hacia la sexualidad son importantes en términos de comodidad del paciente, accesibilidad y aceptabilidad de su atención

Developing a web-based system to create, deliver and assess language proficiency within the PAULEX Universitas Project

This study aims to examine the feasibility of a number of technical solutions implemented in a web-based system designed for the creation and management of online language exams within PAULEX Universitas, a project for the development of an online platform to design, deliver and assess the foreign language exam within the Spanish national University Entrance Examination. The paper provides an overview of the context and a discussion of current changes in Spanish ministerial policies, followed by a description of the PAULEX testing platform and a discussion on the technological solutions adopted. Lastly, the paper reflects upon a quantitative analysis derived from a pilot experience conducted in Valencia with over 200 students and their respective teachers, the results of which indicate that in spite of the difficulties, the implemented solutions have a high degree of acceptance Keywords: University Entrance Examination; online platform; English exam; assessmen

pVHL-mediated regulation of the anti-angiogenic protein thrombospondin-1 decreases migration of Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma Cell Lines

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a multifunctional matrix protein with antitumor activities due in part to its ability to inhibit angiogenesis, which in turn contributes to determine the fate of many tumours. Previous studies have shown that TSP-1 expression supports normal kidney angiostasis, and decreased TSP-1 levels contribute to the angiogenic phenotype of renal cell carcinomas (RCC). The loss of the von Hippel-Lindau tumour suppressor gene (VHL) in these tumours favours stabilization of the Hypoxia Inducible Factors (HIF), which in turn contribute to adapt tumour cells to hostile environments promoting tumour progression. However, HIF-independent regulation of certain genes might also be involved. We have previously shown that TSP-1 is regulated in hypoxia in clear cell RCC (ccRCC) in a HIF-independent manner; however, the effect of VHL protein (pVHL) on TSP-1 expression has not been evaluated. Our results proved that pVHL loss or mutation in its alpha or beta domain significantly decreased TSP-1 levels in ccRCC in a HIF-independent manner. Furthermore, this regulation proved to be important for ccRCC cells behaviour showing that decreased TSP-1 levels rendered ccRCC cells more migratory. This data substantiates a unique regulation pattern for TSP-1 in a pVHL-dependent manner, which may be relevant in the aggressiveness of ccRCC.This work was supported by grants from the Spanish Government (co-funded by European Regional Development Fund, ERDF/FEDER); PI16/02166 and 2017/EEUU/03 to MJC; Red Temática de Excelencia en Investigación en Hipoxia (SAF 2017-90794-REDT) to MJ

Influence of 2% Chlorhexidine on the Bond Strength of Three Adhesive Systems on Primary Molars: An In Vitro Study

The hydrolysis of the collagen matrix by metalloproteinases (MMPs) is one of the paradigms that currently arouses most interest due to its close relationship with a decrease in bond strength (BS) and consequent restoration failure. Chlorhexidine 2% has demonstrated its ability to inhibit MMPs’ activity in the permanent dentition, improving the duration of resin–dentine, but there are few studies on deciduous dentition and its possible repercussions. Aim: To determine the influence of 2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) as a dentine pretreatment on the BS of three adhesive systems on primary molars. Methods: 128 primary extracted molars were assigned to eight groups at random. BS in vitro was recorded by micropush-out test, and analyzed by two-way ANOVA. Results: BS values oscillated from 15.01 MPa to 20.41 MPa. There was no statistically relevant variation between the BS total mean of those adhesive groups that had received CHX pretreatment versus those that did not. Adper Prompt L-Pop was the self-etching adhesive with the best BS. Adper Scotchbond 1XT was the total-etch adhesive with the best BS values. Conclusions: Application of 2% chlorhexidine for 60 s as dentine pretreatment did not affect the immediate BS of several adhesive systems used in primary dentition