Preschool metacognitive skill assessment in order to promote educational sensitive response from mixed-methods approach: complementarity of data analysis

A child's metacognitive skills contribute significantly to their learning and success. However, very few studies are focused on these skills at early education and most of them are carried out from inappropriate methodological perspectives for the characteristics of the youngest students. To overcome such limitations, it is essential to carry out observational studies that analyze children's metacognitive behaviors in the natural and habitual context of children's learning, as well as appropriate tasks for their level of development. The aim of this study was to analyze the sequential and associative structure of the metacognitive skills used by 5-year-old children throughout the resolution of a playful task (a puzzle). It was interesting to know if there were different hidden structures in the use of metacognitive skills in the children who solved the puzzle and those who did not. From the methodological approach, this work was located in the perspective of mixed methods which is characterized by the integration of qualitative and quantitative elements. This integration was carried out from the 'connect' option. The integration involved developing quantitizing, as one of its possibilities. Recent scientific literature has considered systematic observation, in which the QUAL-QUAN-QUAL macro stages take place, as a mixed method itself. Consequently, systematic observation was applied, because it was suitable for our aim. A Nomothetic/Punctual/Multidimensional observational design was used. The playful activity of 44 preschool children solving the puzzle individually was coded. It allowed us to obtain data matrices that respond to the QUAL stage. Regarding the QUAN stage, once the quality of data was controlled, the records were further analyzed by differentiating two groups of participants (those who had solved the puzzle and those who did not) using three quantitative techniques of observational analysis (T-pattern detection, lag sequential analysis, polar coordinate analysis). Finally data was returned to a QUAL stage to interpret the results. The use of these three techniques allowed a detailed and in-depth analysis of the children's activity. Results reveal differences in the metacognitive abilities of the children that solved and didn't solve the puzzle. These results have important implications for educational practice

Recent Advances in Homogeneous Metal-Catalyzed Aerobic C–H Oxidation of Benzylic Compounds

Csp(3)-H oxidation of benzylic methylene compounds is an established strategy for the synthesis of aromatic ketones, esters, and amides. The need for more sustainable oxidizers has encouraged researchers to explore the use of molecular oxygen. In particular, homogeneous metal-catalyzed aerobic oxidation of benzylic methylenes has attracted much attention. This account summarizes the development of this oxidative strategy in the last two decades, examining key factors such as reaction yields, substrate: catalyst ratio, substrate scope, selectivity over other oxidation byproducts, and reaction conditions including solvents and temperature. Finally, several mechanistic proposals to explain the observed results will be discussed.(IT-774-13 (Basque Government) and CTQ2017-86630-P (Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness) projects

Systematic observation: relevance of this approach in preschool executive function assessment and association with later academic skills

Executive functions (EFs) are high-level cognitive processes that allow us to coordinate our actions, thoughts, and emotions, enabling us to perform complex tasks. An increasing number of studies have highlighted the role of EFs in building a solid foundation for subsequent development and learning and shown that EFs are associated with good adjustment and academic skills. The main objective of this study was to analyze whether EF levels in 44 Spanish children in the last year of preschool were associated with levels of literacy and math skills the following year, that is, in the first year of compulsory education. We used a multi-method design, which consisted of systematic observation to observe preschool children during play and selective methodology to assess their reading, writing, and math skills in the first year of compulsory primary education. General linear modeling was used to estimate the percentage of variability in academic skills in the first year of primary school that was explained by preschool EF abilities. The results showed that preschool EF level, together with participants and the instrument used to assess academic skills, explained 99% of the variance of subsequent academic performance. Another objective was to determine whether our findings were generalizable to the reference population. To make this determination, we estimated the optimal sample size for assessing preschool EFs. To do this, we performed a generalizability analysis. The resulting generalizability coefficient showed that our sample of 44 students was sufficient for assessing preschool EFs. Therefore, our results are generalizable to the reference population. Our results are consistent with previous reports that preschool EF abilities may be associated with subsequent literacy and math skills. Early assessment of EFs may therefore contribute to identifying children who are likely to experience later learning difficulties and guide the design of suitable interventions for the optimization of EFs

Validation of the emotional and social parenting competencies scale for mothers

[ES] La Recomendación 2006/19 del Consejo de Europa sobre Políticas de Apoyo a la Parentalidad Positiva y la Organización Mundial de la Salud (World Health Organiza-tion, 2013), constatan dificultades de las familias para ejercer sus funciones parentales. Los instrumentos validados para evaluar competencias parentales en familias de la población general son aún escasos, lo que aconseja incrementarlos para identificar necesidades ac-tuales en las dinámicas de interacción y convivencia familiar. El objetivo de este estudio ha sido validar la Escala de Competencias Parentales Emocionales y Sociales para Madres (ECPES-M). Participaron 2437 madres representativas de una población de 145.902 familias del Principado de Asturias (España) con hijos e hijas entre 0 y 18 años. Para estudiar la es-tructura factorial o validez de constructo se efectuó análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE) y confirmatorio (AFC); se comprobó su invarianza considerando la etapa evolutiva o escolar de los hijos/as. La consistencia interna o fiabilidad se analizó mediante Alfa de Cronbach. Se analizó la validez concurrente mediante la correlación de Pearson entre los factores resultantes y variables externas seleccionadas como criterio. Se obtuvo una escala de 15 ítems distribuidos en cuatro factores que explican el 42,096 % de la varianza: Factor 1-Auto-estima; Factor 2-Autocontrol; Factor 3-Agresividad Verbal; y Factor 4-Imposición. Se ofrece un instrumento sencillo y útil en el ámbito de la evaluación e intervención familiar para identificar competencias parentales y su potenciación a través de programas de orienta-ción familiar basados en evidencias que fomenten la parentalidad positiva. La escala puede aplicarse con madres de la población general desde una perspectiva de promoción e inter-vención preventiva y anticipadora de dificultades. Puede aplicarse también en situaciones vulnerables. Es útil también para evaluar programas de orientación familiar e identificar evidencias de su eficacia. [EN] The Council of Europe Recommendation 2006/19 on Policies to Support Posi-tive Parenting and the World Health Organization (2013) state difficulties for families to cope with their parental role. Validated instruments to assess parental competencies in normalized families are still scarce, which makes it advisable to increase them to identify current needs in the dynamics of family interaction and coexistence. The objective of this study was to vali-date the Emotional and Social Parenting Competencies Scale for Mothers (ECPES-M). 2437 representative mothers of a population of 145,902 families from the Principality of Asturias (Spain) with children between 0 and 18 years old participated. To study the factorial structure or construct validity, exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were carried out; invariance was verified considering the developmental or school stage of the children. Internal consistency or reliability was analyzed using Cronbach’s Alpha. Concurrent validity was analyzed through Pearson’s correlation between the resulting factors and external var-iables selected as criteria. A scale of 15 items was obtained, distributed in four factors that explain 42.096 % of the variance: Factor 1-Self-esteem; Factor 2-Self-control; Factor 3-Verbal Aggression; and Factor 4-Imposition. A simple and useful instrument is offered in the field of family assessment and intervention to identify parenting competencies and their potentiation through evidence-based family education programs for positive parenting. The scale can be applied with mothers of the general population from a family coexistence promotion and preventive perspective to anticipate family difficulties. It can also be applied in vulnerable situations. It is also useful for evaluating parenting programs and identifying evidence of their effectiveness

Aplicación de las metodologías ágiles en el proceso de producción de piezas de arte de nuevos medios: Bio-lencia como caso de estudio

Inspirado en la idea original del artista plástico Alfredo Salomón y bajo el título de Bio-lencia, se creó un sistema en tiempo real que integra dos áreas del conocimiento: Arte y Computación. En este artículo analizamos, las características de la pieza como un producto de software y los retos que este tipo de productos presentan desde el punto de vista de la ingeniería de software. Presentamos una clasificación para el arte de medios inestables destacando sus características como productos de software y se realiza un ejercicio de producción de una pieza de este tipo utilizando metodologías ágiles de desarrollo. En particular discutimos la utilización de la Programación Extrema, la cual en el caso que aquí se presenta, permitió interactuar correctamente con el artista, quien es también el desarrollador principal. Se menciona también como las características de confiabilidad, robustez y tiempo de respuesta fueron de particular importancia para la correcta evaluación y funcionamiento del software que da vida a Bio-lencia. Finalmente como parte de las conclusiones se discuten los problemas y las lecciones que aprendimos durante el desarrollo de Bio-lencia.Inspired on the original idea by plastic artist Alfredo Salomón and using the title Bio-lencia, real-time system merging the knowledge areas of computing and art was created. In this paper we will analyze the piece's characteristics as a software product and the challenges this tipe of products present from a software engineering point of view. We present a classification for unstable media art, highlighting its characteristics as software products, and demonstrate the production of such a piece by using agile development methodology. We particularly discuss the utilization of Extreme Programming, which allowed a correct interaction with the artist and main developer in this particular case. We also emphasize how the characteristics of trustworthiness, strength and rapid response time were of particular importance for the proper evaluation and functioning of the software used in Bio-lencia. Finally, as a part of the conclusions we discuss the problems we had to solve and the lessons we learned during the development of Bio-lenci

A protocol for resuscitation of severe burn patients guided by transpulmonary thermodilution and lactate levels: A 3-year prospective cohort study

Introduction: The use of urinary output and vital signs to guide initial burn resuscitation may lead to suboptimal resuscitation. Invasive hemodynamic monitoring may result in over-resuscitation. This study aimed to evaluate the results of a goal-directed burn resuscitation protocol that used standard measures of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and urine output, plus transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD) and lactate levels to adjust fluid therapy to achieve a minimum level of preload to allow for sufficient vital organ perfusion. Methods: We conducted a three-year prospective cohort study of 132 consecutive critically burned patients. These patients underwent resuscitation guided by MAP (>65 mmHg), urinary output (0.5 to 1 ml/kg), TPTD and lactate levels. Fluid therapy was adjusted to achieve a cardiac index (CI) >2.5 L/minute/m2 and an intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBVI) >600 ml/m2, and to optimize lactate levels. Statistical analysis was performed using mixed models. We also used Pearson or Spearman methods and the Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: A total of 98 men and 34 women (mean age, 48 ± 18 years) was studied. The mean total body surface area (TBSA) burned was 35% ± 22%. During the early resuscitation phase, lactate levels were elevated (2.58 ± 2.05 mmol/L) and TPTD showed initial hypovolemia by the CI (2.68 ± 1.06 L/minute/m2) and the ITBVI (709 ± 254 mL/ m2). At 24 to 32 hours, the CI and lactic levels were normalized, although the ITBVI remained below the normal range (744 ± 276 ml/m2). The mean fluid rate required to achieve protocol targets in the first 8 hours was 4.05 ml/ kg/TBSA burned, which slightly increased in the next 16 hours. Patients with a urine output greater than or less than 0.5 ml/kg/hour did not show differences in heart rate, mean arterial pressure, CI, ITBVI or lactate levels. Conclusions: Initial hypovolemia may be detected by TPTD monitoring during the early resuscitation phase. This hypovolemia might not be reflected by blood pressure and hourly urine output. An adequate CI and tissue perfusion can be achieved with below-normal levels of preload. Early resuscitation guided by lactate levels and below-normal preload volume targets appears safe and avoids unnecessary fluid input

Terapia Vojta, desarrollo psicológico, y apego infantil en poblaciones de riesgo biológico

The aim of the present paper was to analyze whether a difference exists in the progress of mental and motor development and the quality of attachment in a sample of preterm infants when receiving the Vojta’s physiotherapy technique vs. other therapy techniques. The ages for assessing the mental and motor development were first trimester, 6, 12 and 18 months and for assessing the quality of attachment were 15 months. Their families were attended at different Centres for Infant Development and Early Intervention (CDIAT) from the Region of Murcia since the early months of infants` life. The results revealed that the mental and motor development of infants receiving the Vojta therapy was significantly better, but there was no difference between the two samples in the attachment securityResumenEl propósito de este artículo consiste en analizar el progreso en el desarrollo mental y motor de una muestra de niños prematuros durante sus primeros 18 meses de vida, así como la calidad de la vinculación afectiva que éstos establecen con sus cuidadores principales a la edad de 15 meses, teniendo en cuenta el tipo de técnica fisioterapeútica al que eran sometidos (intervención fisioterapeútica Vojta frente a otras intervenciones). Tanto los niños como sus familias eran atendidos en Centros de Desarrollo Infantil y Atención Temprana (CDIAT) de la Comunidad Autónoma de la Región de Murcia(CARM) desde el primer trimestre de vida. Los resultados revelan un progreso mental y motor significativamente mayor en las poblaciones infantiles que eran sometidas a la técnica Vojta, y la no existencia de diferencias en la seguridad del apego en ambas poblaciones. AbstractThe aim of the present paper was to analyze whether a difference exists in the progress of mental and motor development and the quality of attachment in a sample of preterm infants when receiving the Vojta’s physiotherapy technique vs. other therapy techniques. The ages for assessing the mental and motor development were first trimester, 6, 12 and 18 months and for assessing the quality of attachment were 15 months. Their families were attended at different Centres for Infant Development and Early Intervention (CDIAT) from the Region of Murcia since the early months of infants` life. The results revealed that the mental and motor development of infants receiving the Vojta therapy was significantly better, but there was no difference between the two samples in the attachment securit

Prevención, promoción del desarrollo y atención temprana en la Escuela Infantil

En este trabajo se plantea la importancia y necesidad, desde el ámbito de la atención temprana, de poner en marcha programas de prevención primaria orientados a promocionar el desarrollo infantil y el ajuste familiar y escolar. Se expone la experiencia llevada a cabo desde el año 2005 por el Grupo de Investigación en Atención Temprana (GIAT) de la Universidad de Murcia (España), y se analizan los resultados obtenidos en el curso 2010-2011 en la Escuela Infantil de Lorquí (Murcia, España) con un grupo de 64 niños y sus respectivas familias. Los resultados indican un progreso mental y psicomotor de los niños, entre el principio y el final del curso escolar, lo que pone en evidencia la relevancia de este tipo de programa. También se constata un mejor nivel de desarrollo inicial en los niños y las familias que han seguido el programa de prevención y promoción del desarrollo infantil frente a los que no lo han recibido

Gamificación en el aula con Kahoot! en la Facultad de Estudios Estadísticos

Memoria final del proyecto de innovación docente titulado: "Gamificación en el aula con Kahoot! en la Facultad de Estudios Estadísticos

Formulation and characterisation of wheat bran oil-in-water nanoemulsions

Wheat bran oil (WBO) has been reported to have an important content of bioactive compounds, such as tocopherols, alkylresorcinols, steryl ferulates and other phenolic compounds; however, its poor solubility in water systems restricts its applications in the food industry. This study is focussed on the formulation of oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions of WBO in order to improve the bioaccessibility of its active compounds. The influences of oil concentration, surfactant type and concentration, and emulsification method, on the droplet size and stability of the nanoemulsions were investigated. Response surface methodology was used to optimise the conditions for preparing stable nanoemulsions with the minimum droplet size. The optimal nanoemulsion was obtained when 1% of WBO and 7.3% of a surfactant mixture of Span 80 (37.4%) and Tween 80 (62.6%) were emulsified in water by high intensity ultrasonication for 50 s after pre-emulsification with a high speed blender during 5 min. The optimal nanoemulsion showed good stability over time and antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities, which make it suitable for use in food applications.This work is part of the GALANG project (Ref.: ITC-20113029) financed by the Spanish Government through CDTI