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This essay introduces new evidence for an eschatological Phoenician motif that alludes to a final sailing and its perils, represented by a monstrous lion attacking or sinking a boat. The lion-and-boat motif was, so far, only documented in a Phoenician funerary stela from late classical Athens, the Antipatros/Shem stela. Excavations at the fifth-century BCE Tartessic site of Casas del Turuñuelo in southwestern Spain has revealed a set of ivory and bone panels that decorated a wooden box, bearing relevant iconography in the so-called orientalizing style. Additional comparanda from the Levant, Iberia, and Tunisia in various media (coins, ivories, amulets), add weight to this interpretation. Our analysis highlights how the artists behind the Athenian and Tartessic artifacts were innovative in their way of representing a theme that was not codified iconographically. Most remarkable is the use of an ivory-carving convention (the Phoenician palmette motif) to portray the stylized boat, a choice corroborated by a painted pottery sherd from Olympia. This “palmette-boat” depiction, in our view, is coherent with Egyptian Nilotic boats, but also with the use of flat or shallow river-boats in the Tagus and Guadiana region, illustrating mechanisms of local adaptation of Phoenician sailing and life-death “passing” symbolism. If, as we suggest, this representation can be added to that in the Athenian document, we now have testimonies of two different local adaptations of a Phoenician theme at the two ends of the Mediterranean oikoumene between the archaic and late classical periods.

High-performance polymers for membrane gas separation require the careful design of the structure-porous relationship.

El Judo es un deporte estático alto y dinánimo bajo, con alto riesgo de colisión corporal y lesional. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar la incidencia lesional y comparar los distintos factores de riesgo que pudieran estar implicados. Se estudió a un total de 86 judocas del Equipo Nacional de Judo español (ENJE) durante dos períodos olímpicos: Beijing-Río. Se produjeron 2028 lesiones con mayor frecuencia en miembro inferior, sin diferencias significativas por sexo. Se objetivó mayor incidencia lesional cuando el judoca era tori y durante el momento del entrenamiento. No existen trabajos previos que comparen estos parámetros, por lo que este estudio aporta datos que pueden ser utilizados para prevenir los riesgos de lesión en el judo de alta competición.

Nowadays, biomedical films containing drug carriers are preferred over conventional ones, since the protection of the injury and the therapy is joined within a single device. In the current work, we prepared polycaprolactone (PCL) composite films with β-cyclodextrin (βCD) or its epichlorohydrin crosslinked polymer (βCDP) as ibuprofen (Ibu) drug carrier. The composite films were prepared at different PCL/additive ratios (2, 5, 10 and 20 wt%). ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and water contact angle (WCA) measurements indicated a scarce presence of the additives on the surface. Cross-section scanning electron micrographs showed the presence of aggregates corresponding to βCD and βCDP in the inner regions of the films. The incorporation of βCD and βCDP into the PCL films did not affect their thermal properties as was determined from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). PCL-films with 10 wt% of the inclusion complexes Ibu@βCD and Ibu@βCDP were prepared and the release studies were performed. At pH = 7.2, PCL-Ibu@βCDP composite film released 55% of Ibu within the first six hours; eight times the amount released by PCL-Ibu@βCD within the same time interval. A plausible mechanism for ibuprofen release is discussed based on the cross-section SEM micrographs of composite films.

Until now, the analysis of earthen architecture, characteristic of the Tartessian culture, has been overlooked by archaeological studies. With the aim of incorporating it into historical research as another social product, the result of the society that thinks and builds it, a research project was initiated with the title "Building Tartessos: constructive, spatial and territorial analysis of an architectural model in the central Guadiana valley." This project has three well-differentiated work phases whose development and applied methodology are described in the following pages. The purpose of this method is to identify the types of construction, to characterize the raw materials used and their catchment areas, the construction techniques employed, the types of analysis carried out for the mineralogical characterization of the materials, and to present the 3D technology applied to the documentation and registration of the buildings, from photogrammetry to the virtual reconstruction of the archaeological sites. The final objective is to streamline the process, the data collection and the documentation obtained from all of them, from both a purely scientific and informative perspective, improving the publication of scientific knowledge and education through the application of new methodologies. In order to carry out this process, the Tartessian buildings hidden beneath burial mounds characteristic of the central basin of the Guadiana, dating from the 5th century BC, have been selected. Specifically, we have the excavations being carried out in the area of Casas del Turuñuelo (Guareña, Badajoz), which to date is the best preserved building in the western area of the Mediterranean, and which will undoubtedly lead to a positive result from the project. The aim of the methodology that has been designed is that it can be applied to any architectural model and to any stage of history.

New Bi2Se3/BiOCl composites were synthesized with a p-n heterojunction by two different synthesis methods: coprecipitation and hydrothermal. Likewise, some synthesis parameters were modified such as the chelating agent concentration (EDTA) and the synthesis temperature. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy and XPS spectroscopy. The electrical conductivity of the materials was determined by measuring the resistivity using the four point probe method. The results show that different growth mechanisms of the species are generated in the different Bi2Se3/BiOCl composites, modifying the synthesis conditions. The morphologies and phases that are formed generate different electrical properties in these composites and the increase in the electrical conductivity of some samples can be attributed mainly to the formation of the stable p-n heterojunction between Bi2Se3 and BiOCl due to the generation of internal electric fields.

The presence of dangerous pollutants in different water sources has restricted the availability of this natural resource. Thus, the development of new low-cost and environmentally-friendly technologies is currently required to ensure access to clean water. Various approaches to the recovery of contaminated water have been considered, including the generation of biomaterials with adsorption capacity for dangerous compounds. Research on bioadsorbents has boomed in recent years, as they constitute one of the most sustainable options for water treatment thanks to their abundance and high cellulose content. Thanks to the vast amount of information published to date, the present review addresses the current status of different biosorbents and the principal processes and characterization methods involved, focusing on base biomaterials such as fruits and vegetables, grains and seeds, and herbage and forage. In comparison to other reviews, this work reports more than 60 adsorbents obtained from agricultural wastes. The removal efficiencies and/or maximum adsorption capacities for heavy metals, industrial contaminants, nutrients and pharmaceuticals are presented as well. In addition to the valuable information provided in the literature investigation, challenges and perspectives concerning the implementation of bioadsorbents are discussed in order to comprehensively guide selection of the most suitable biomaterials according to the target contaminant and the available biowastes.

El tipo de respuesta funcional que presentan los agentes de control biologico sobre sus presas en laboratorio puede utilizarse para inferir los mecanismos basicos de la interrelacion depredador-presa en condiciones de campo. En este estudio se comparo el tipo y los parametros de la respuesta funcional de los tres estadios larvales del depredador Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) sobre ninfas N1–N2 de la plaga Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae). El tercer estadio larval del depredador consumio mas ninfas comparado con el primero y segundo estadio. Los analisis de regresion logistica revelaron respuesta funcional tipo II para el primero y segundo estadio larval de C. carnea sobre B. cockerelli (P1 0). Los valores del coeficiente de ataque (a) para el primero y segundo estadio no fueron diferentes, sin embargo los valores del tiempo de manipuleo (Th) fueron significativamente diferentes. Esto sugiere que ambos estadios tienen igual capacidad de descubrimiento de la presa, pero el segundo estadio larval tarda menos tiempo en manipularla. Los resultados de esta investigacion sugieren el uso de larvas L1 de C. carnea cuando predomine una mayor cantidad de ninfas N1–N2 en los cultivos, con lo cual se podrian provocar una mayor reduccion sobre las poblaciones de la plaga.

El objetivo fue determinar la influencia del ácido naftalenacético en la calidad y en componentes del rendimiento de melones tipo Cantaloupe `Navigator' y `Thunderbird'. El experimento se realizó en el campo experi- mental del Instituto de Ciencias Agrícolas de la Universidad Autónoma de Baja California. Se evaluaron tres tratamientos de ácido naftalenacético (0.1, 0.2 y 0.4 mg L-1) más un testigo (0.0 mg L-1), en un diseño completamente al azar con cuatro repeticiones; las variables de estudio fueron peso, longitud ecuatorial, longitud polar, concentración de sólidos solubles totales (SST), firmeza de pulpa, color de la pulpa y compuestos aromáticos. Los resultados muestran que los tres tratamientos de ácido naftalenacético indujeron mayor firmeza y contenido de SST en frutos de melón `Navigator', mientras que para `Thunderbird' estos tratamientos indujeron menor firmeza y contenido de SST. Los tratamientos de ácido naftalenacético incrementaron la concentración de propionato de etilo y acetato de butilo en `Navigator', para `Thunderbird' los tratamientos se relacionaron con mayor concentración de isobutirato de etilo y acetato de etilo. Los tres tratamientos de ácido naftalenacético no presentaron efecto significativo para peso, longitud ecuatorial y polar en comparación con el testigo. El ácido naftalenacético influyó en los parámetros de calidad de los frutos, pero no ocasionó efectos significativos en los componentes del rendimiento.

The classic Troger's base polymerization of a diamine and dimethoxymethane with trifluoroacetic acid as catalyst generated a Troger's base-type polymer (TBP), which exhibited the absolute insolubility in a variety of organic solvents because of its highly aggregated model. A new porous organic polymer was obtained by a simple Troger's base polymerization reaction between a diamine and formaldehyde in the form of acetal in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid as catalyst. Troger's base-type polymer (TBP) resulted insoluble in a wide range of organic solvents due to its rigid and aromatic structure. TBP was characterized spectroscopically (FT-IR), thermally and morphologically. As result, a thermostable and amorphous polymer bearing pores ranging between 50 and 300 nm and macro-voids of up to 12 μm was obtained. Due to the insolubility of the TBP, it was tested as a metal-free heterogeneous catalyst in the Knoevenagel condensation reaction, showing a high efficiency. For this, the optimal catalyst load, reaction time and reuse of the catalyst were studied using benzaldehyde and malononitrile as substrates. Furthermore, aldehydes with variable chain sizes and ethyl cyanoacetate replacing malononitrile were tested as substrate with a high percent of conversion (97–99%).

Two new silicon-containing poly(azomethine)s (PAzM-Me and PAzM-Ph) and two new silicon-containing poly(p-phenylvinylene)s (PPVSi-Me and PPVSi-Ph) were obtained from 4′,4′''-(dimethylsilanediyl)bis([1,1′-biphenyl]-4-carbaldehyde) and 4′,4′''-(diphenyl silanediyl)bis([1,1′-biphenyl]-4-carbaldehyde) with p-phenylendiamine for PAzMs or phenylenebis(methylene))bis(triphenylphosphonium) bromide for PPVSis. All polymers were structurally characterized by FT-IR, NMR and elemental analysis. The materials showed a high thermal stability (501–538 °C) with the TPS-core increasing this parameter. The absorption and emission of PAzMs and PPVSis were closely related with the nature of the silane-core in the backbone. All samples showed wide-band gaps where the TPS-core-based materials evidenced the lower energy transitions; PAzM-Ph (2.83 eV) and PPVSi-Ph (2.81 eV). This work lay the groundwork for new architectures of silane-based poly(azomethine)s and poly(p-phenylvinylene)s derivatives for potential optoelectronic applications.

In the search of new photoactive materials for light-emitting applications, two new germanium-based oligourethanes (PUGe-27 and PUGe-28) were synthesized from 4,4-(diphenylgermarylene)bis(phenyl chloroformate) (1) and dibenzo[b,d]furan-2,7-diamine (2) or 4,4′-(dibenzo[b,d]furan-2,8-diyl)dianiline (3) through pyridine-catalysed polycondensation. The structural characterization of the oligourethanes was performed by elemental analysis (EA), IR and NMR techniques. All oligomers were soluble in common organic solvents including THF, which was used to prepare brittle films by casting method. Molecular weights were established in the range of 4.5–5.0 kDa by SEC measures. The samples exhibited a TDT10% in the range of 307–351 °C, while Tg showed values near to 220 °C. Thermal behavior differences were consistent with the molecular flexibility’s degree provided by the monomeric diamine. Suitable absorption and emission behavior were displayed for both germanium-based oligourethanes with moderate Stokes shifts. PUGe-28 showed a strong fluorescence in the blue region of the visible light (364 nm). Both PUGes had wide-band gap (3.76 eV) with interesting high-lying LUMO levels (ac. 2.04 eV). To better understand the experimental results, DFT and TD-DFT calculations were carried out. The results obtained could be used as a guide for future research on Ge-based PUs as photoactive materials.

Purpose To report a case of optic disc pit maculopathy after spine surgery performed in the prone position. Methods Case report. Results A 32-year-old man underwent spine surgery for disc herniation repair. He complained of visual acuity loss immediately after the procedure. Optic disc maculopathy with internal limiting membrane detachment was found to be the cause. Vitrectomy was scheduled after a 12-month follow-up without resolution of the maculopathy. Conclusions Optic disc maculopathy has not previously been associated with nonocular surgery or patient positioning. Physiologic changes induced by the prone position likely altered the pressure gradient in the eye and led to the development of the maculopathy.

Effectiveness of natural enemies greatly depends on their functional responses, one of the key components in the selection of biological control predators. The aim of this study was to describe the functional response of third-instar Chrysoperla carnea Stephens (Neuroptera: Chrysopiade) on fourth-instar Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae). We determined the type of functional response by logistic regression analysis, which suggested that C. carnea exhibited a type III functional response. The handling time estimated was of 0.0066 (±0.0026) and, attack coefficient “a” is made a function of prey density(a = bNo). Chrysoperla carnea larvae ate an increasingly larger number of M. persicae nymphs as the prey density increased. We obtained an initial accelerated response, because C. carnea became more efficient at finding M. persicae. Roger's model did forecast correctly the expected number of eaten preys, but, the value of Th overestimated the maximum number “T/Th” of preys eaten by one C. carnea predatory larva.

The aim of this study was to evaluate grain yield (RG) stability of some commercial wheat varieties, and to assess the stability of other parameters which are not typically measured for grain release purposes: performance of straw (RP), weight per hectoliter (PH), white belly (PB), harvest index (IC), grain protein (PG) and gluten strength (W). The evaluation was performed with the wheat varieties Cachanilla F-2000 (C), Yecora F-70 (Y) and Triguenio F-00 (TR), in El Valle de Mexicali, Baja California under four test environments, with the application of the Eberhart and Russell model. The study was developed during the 2010-2012 periods, using a completely randomized block experimental design with four repetitions. All genotypes qualified as stable to RG, RP, PH, IC, W and PG (β=1and S2di=0). Additionally, only the genotype (Y) scored as stable to white belly.

The aim of this study was to compare three cooling management systems to improve the physiological status and lactation performance of Holstein cows during summer heat. Multiparous Holstein cows, 32, were blocked according to milk yield divided into four treatments being: C) Control group, cows cooled before milking time (0500 and 1700 h daily); AM) cows cooled at 1100 h and before milking; PM) cows cooled at 2300 h and before milking; and AM + PM) cows cooled at 1100 and 2300 h, as well as before milking. Total cooling time per group was 1 h for the Control group, 2 h for AM and PM groups, and 3 h for the AM + PM group. Cows were moved to a holding pen daily to be cooled. Respiration rate (RR) and rectal temperatures (RT) were lowered ( P P P

Introduccion Se presenta la experiencia de un hospital universitario terciario urbano en el diseno e implementacion de una unidad de hospitalizacion a domicilio (UHaD) integrada en un Servicio de Medicina Interna y altamente coordinada con los servicios medicos del hospital y la Atencion Primaria de salud del entorno hospitalario, que contempla como principales objetivos la promocion de la atencion especializada domiciliaria de patologias medicas y la mejora de la coordinacion con la Atencion Primaria de salud. Pacientes y metodos Recogida sistematica en todos los pacientes ingresados entre abril 2006 y marzo 2007 en la UHaD de las siguientes variables: edad, sexo, lugar y servicio de procedencia, diagnostico principal, indice de Barthel y de Charlson, numero de visitas al dia de enfermeria y medicas, destino al alta y equipo medico responsable. El analisis estadistico descriptivo se realizo en abril de 2007. Los resultados se presentan de forma global y diferenciados por equipos (Medicina Interna, Neumologia y soporte nutricional). Resultados Quinientos seis ingresos que correspondian a 390 pacientes con una edad media de 66,5 (18) anos, y un 53% mujeres. El indice de Charlson fue de 2 (2,2) y el indice de Barthel de 63,5 (40,4). La estancia media fue de 7,9 (8,2) dias. Los principales motivos de ingreso fueron las infecciones y tratamiento antibiotico por via intravenosa en 153 (30,5%) casos, las agudizaciones de enfermedad pulmonary obstructiva cronica o insuficiencia cardiaca en 107 (21%) casos y la nutricion enteral o parenteral domiciliaria en 102 (20%) casos. Doscientos (39,5%) pacientes al finalizar el ingreso fueron controlados por sus equipos de Atencion Primaria, 241 (47,5%) fueron seguidos en consultas del hospital y 45 (9%) retornaron directamente al hospital. Conclusion La creacion de una UHaD para patologias medicas desde el Servicio de Medicina Interna, altamente coordinada con servicios medicos del hospital, especialmente con Urgencias, Neumologia y Soporte Nutricional y con la Atencion Primaria del entorno hospitalario, facilita la atencion especializada domiciliaria de patologias medicas y mejora la coordinacion con la Atencion Primaria de salud.

Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder in the adult population. Studies have found a higher prevalence of overt hypothyroidism in type 2 diabetic population than in the general population, but the relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus 2 is still controversial. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence rate of hypothyroidism in the adult population receiving services in an ambulatory clinic and to determine if there is an association between hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus. From the database of all adult patients who attended the outpatient clinic at Family Medicine Center Policlínica Bella Vista in Mayagüez, P.R. during 2014, a random sample of 200 subjects was obtained and the medical records were reviewed. The prevalence rate of diabetes mellitus in this group was 22% and the prevalence rate of hypothyroidism was 17%. The prevalence rate of hypothyroidism in diabetic patients was 10/44 (22.7%). The prevalence rate of hypothyroidism in non-diabetic patients was 24/156 (15.4%). The prevalence ratio was 1.48 (95% CI: 0.77, 2.85; X2 = 1.31, p = 0.25). The results of this cross-sectional study showed a non-statistically significant tendency for a higher prevalence of hypothyroidism in diabetic patients, which suggest that screening for hypothyroidism among patients with diabetes should be considered. More studies with more patients are necessary to investigate the association between thyroid dysfunction and diabetic patients.

Fabry's disease is an illness produced by an alteration in the catabolism of the glycosphingolipids. We report ophthalmologic findings in 4 people, detected after 113 patient evaluations from an analytical, cardiological and genetic point of view.Fabry's disease is uncommon and shows variable ophthalmologic affectation. Some patients with Fabry's disease do not present ocular affectation, while, on the other hand, healthy carriers with important ocular alterations have been described. The deposit of glycosphingolipids produces affectation at the corneal, crystalline, vascular and retinal levels. The vascular alterations affect not only the veins but also the arteries, as we report in our patients.

A 45-year-old male referred with a scotoma in the left eye of 2 months' evolution. A peripapillary tumor was found, with a basal diameter of 7 mm and thickness 3.4 mm. It was diagnosed as a circumscribed choroidal hemangioma. It was decided to treat the patient using photodynamic therapy. After 4 sessions and 17 months follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic and visual acuity was stable. There was evidence of subretinal fibrosis and no subretinal fluid was found.Photodynamic therapy is a good option for the treatment of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma given the minimal damage is causes to the adjacent retina.

The experience of an urban Tertiary University Hospital in the design and implementation of Hospital at Home Program (HaHP) integrated in a Department of Internal Medicine and highly coordinated with Medical Services of the Hospital and the Primary Health Care, that contemplates the like main objectives of the promotion of specialized home care medical diseases and the improvement of the coordination with the primary health care.Systematic collection in all the patients admitted between April 2006 and March 2007 in the HaHP of the following variables: age, gender, service of origin, main diagnosis, Barthel and Charlson index, number of visits per day to doctors and nurses, destination on discharge and medical team. The descriptive statistical analysis was made in April 2007. The results are presented globally and differentiated by teams (internal medicine, respiratory and nutritional support teams).506 admissions in 390 patients with a mean age of 66.5 (18) years, 53% being women. The Charlson index was 2 (2.2) and the Barthel index 63.5 (40,4). Average stay was 7.9 (8.2) days. The main reasons for admission were the infections and domiciliary intravenous antibiotic therapy in 153 (30.5%) cases, followed by patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cardiac failure in 107 (21%) cases, and home enteral and parenteral nutrition in 102 (20%) cases. Two hundred (39.5) patients were subsequently controlled by their primary care team after discharger, 241 (47.5) patients were followed-up in the hospital consultations, and 45 (9%) of the patients had to return directly to the hospital.The creation of a HaHP, for medical diseases, in internal medicine department that is highly coordinated with medical services of the hospital, especially with emergency, respiratory, and nutritional support teams, and with the primary health care, facilitates specialized home care of medical diseases and improves coordination with the primary health care.

The aim of this study was evaluate cortical granule (CG) distribution during in vitro maturation (IVM) and fertilisation of prepubertal goat oocytes compared to CG distribution of ovulated and in vitro fertilised oocytes from adult goats. Oocytes from prepubertal goats were recovered from a slaughterhouse and were matured in M199 with hormones and serum for 27 hr. Ovulated oocytes were collected from gonadotrophin treated Murciana goats. Frozen-thawed spermatozoa were selected by centrifugation in percoll gradient and were capacitated in DMH with 20% steer serum for 1 hr. Ovulated and IVM-oocytes were inseminated in DMH medium with steer serum and calcium lactate for 20 hr. Oocytes and presumptive zygotes were stained with FITC-LCA (Lens culinaris agglutinin labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate) and observed under a confocal laser scanning microscope. Ultrastructure morphology of oocytes and presumptive zygotes were analysed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Prepubertal goat oocytes at germinal vesicle stage show a homogeneous CG distribution in the cytoplasm. IVM-oocytes at Metaphase II (MII) and ovulated oocytes presented CGs located in the cortex with the formation of a monolayer beneath to the plasma membrane. At 20 hr postinsemination (hpi), zygotes from IVM-oocytes showed a complete CG exocytosis whereas zygotes from ovulated oocytes presented aggregates of CGs located at the cortical region. Images by TEM detected that CGs were more electrodense and compacts in oocytes from prepubertal than from adult goats.

We studied a group of 60 boys and girls, 30 were asthmatics and 30 were controls in order to know more about factors that influenced the psychodynamics of the asthmatic and non asthmatic child. Both groups received the child's Thematic Aperception Test. Human version (CAT-H) and its supplement (CAT-S). No significant statistical differences were observed in relation to aggression but there was a significant difference in dependence (p.05). There results suggest us that the asthmatic child has lack of self confidence and has to look for support in other people.

espanolPara explorar las causas del aumento en el indice de reprobacion de la materia de quimica general que se imparte en la Facultad de Ingenieria Mexicali, de la Universidad Autonoma de Baja California (UABC), se analizaron las actas de calificaciones del periodo 2011-2015 con modelos de tendencia lineal. Este indice ha incrementado 10% en los ultimos anos. Durante el periodo 2014-2 al 2015-2 se aplicaron encuestas a estudiantes y sus respuestas se compararon con sus calificaciones mediante pruebas ANOVA unidireccionales. Los resultados mostraron un incremento en el porcentaje de estudiantes que perdieron derecho a examen ordinario o no lo presentaron. Las respuestas a preguntas relacionadas con la utilidad de la quimica mostraron una relacion importante con sus calificaciones, las cuales fueron mayores para quienes si la consideran una ciencia util. Por otro lado, la realizacion de practicas de laboratorio durante el bachillerato tambien mostro un efecto positivo en dichas notas. EnglishTo explore the causes of the increasing of the failure rates in a general chemistry course delivered to students of the Engineering Faculty of Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC), in Mexicali, data gathered from teachers’ final grade reports from 2011 to 2015 were analyzed with linear tendency models. This index has shown an increase of around 10% over the last years. A survey was applied to students during the 2014-2 to 2015-2 semesters, and the answers were compared to their grades by means of oneway ANOVA tests. The results showed that the percentage of students that missed the final exam, or had more than 20% absences during the course, increased on this period following a linear model. Students’ answers to questions related to their interest for chemistry showed that the perception of usefulness of chemistry in their careers is strongly related with their final grades. On the other hand the fulfillment of laboratory practices during high school showed a positive effect on general chemistry grades.