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This paper analyses, using a cross-sectional design, the relationship between academic qualifications during the initial training of primary school teachers and their professional development. Among all graduates of 13 promotions, from year 2004 to 2016, we selected the 15% of those students with the best qualifications and the 15% with the worst ones from each promotion. All participants answered the same questionnaire on employability, participation in induction programmes, participation in continuing education programmes, and professional motivation. Analyses performed included distribution analyses using chi-square and independent group comparisons with Student's t-test. Participants with better grades showed higher employability rates, increased participation in initial education programmes, and more motivation towards their profession. Continuing education programmes were only slightly affected by initial grades. These results support academic positions in Spain that defend the need to apply measures to select those candidates with the best grades to become teachers.

Taste and smell disorders are common symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 acute infection. In post-COVID-19 condition, symptoms can persist leading to disruption in patients' lives, to changes in their coping skills, and to the need to develop strategies for everyday life. This study aimed to describe the perspective of a group of patients with Long-COVID-19, a condition where loss of taste and/or smell was the most predominant symptom. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Participants who had suffered SARS-CoV-2 infection and had Long-COVID-19 loss of taste and/or smell were recruited. Purposive sampling was applied, and participants were recruited until data redundancy was reached. In-depth interviews were used for data collection and thematic analysis was applied. Twelve COVID-19 survivors (75% women) were recruited. The mean age of the participants was 55 years, and the mean duration of post-COVID-19 symptoms was 25 months. Three themes were identified: (a) Living with taste and smell disorders, describing the disorders they experience on a daily basis, how their life has changed and the accompanying emotions, (b) Changes and challenges resulting from the loss of taste and smell, changes in habits, self-care and risk in certain jobs or daily activities, (c) Coping with taste and smell disorders, describing the daily strategies used and the health care received. In conclusion, Long-COVID-19 taste and/or smell disorders limit daily life and involve changes in habits, meal preparation, and the ability to detect potentially dangerous situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Personalized cancer medicine is based on the right classification of patients that can, then, be treated according to their specific characteristics. This is accomplished by the use of biological markers, so the identification of reliable biomarkers is a primary goal of clinical research. Here, we present two RNA molecules (named MDL1 and MDL1AS) that are generated in the mitochondria and have been heretofore neglected due to a glitch in the official human genome. Both molecules are good prognostic biomarkers in rectal cancer, meaning that their expression can predict which patients will survive more than 5 years after treatment. In addition, MDL1AS is also a good diagnostic biomarker (can distinguish people with/without the disease) for diverse cancers, including those of the colon, rectum, breast, and larynx. Experiments in cancer cells in culture show that these RNAs regulate several hallmarks of cancer, such as mitochondrial function, cell growth, and migration. Non-coding RNAs provide new opportunities to identify biomarkers that properly classify cancer patients. Here, we study the biomarker status of the mitochondrial long non-coding RNAs, MDL1 and MDL1AS. Expression of these genes was studied in public transcriptomic databases. In addition, a cohort of 69 locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients with a follow-up of more than 5 years was used to determine the prognostic value of these markers. Furthermore, cell lines of colorectal (HCT116) and breast (MDA-MB-231) carcinoma were employed to study the effects of downregulating MDL1AS in vitro. Expression of MDL1AS (but not MDL1) was significantly different in tumor cells than in the surrounding tissue in a tumor-type-specific context. Both MDL1 and MDL1AS were accurate biomarkers for the 5-year survival of LARC patients (p = 0.040 and p = 0.007, respectively) with promising areas under the curve in the ROC analyses (0.820 and 0.930, respectively). MDL1AS downregulation reduced mitochondrial respiration in both cell lines. Furthermore, this downregulation produced a decrease in growth and migration on colorectal cells, but the reverse effects on breast cancer cells. In summary, MDL1 and MDL1AS can be used as reliable prognostic biomarkers of LARC, and MDL1AS expression provides relevant information on the diagnosis of different cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The organization of primary Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) transport is highly variable. Methods: To present the experience of the first mobile pediatric ECMO program in Spain, we designed a prospective descriptive study of all primary neonatal and pediatric (0–16 years) ECMO transports carried out over 10 years. The main variables recorded include demographic information, patient background, clinical data, ECMO indications, adverse events, and main outcomes. Results: 39 primary ECMO transports were carried out with a 66.7% survival to hospital discharge. The median age was 1.24 months[IQR: 0.09–96]. Cannulation was mostly peripheral venoarterial (33/39). The mean response time from the call from the sending center to the departure of the ECMO team was 4 h[2.2–8]. The median inotropic score at the time of cannulation was 70[17.2–206.5], with a median oxygenation index of 40.5[29–65]. In 10% of the cases, ECMO-CPR was performed. Adverse events occurred in 56.4%, mostly related to the means of transport (40% overall). On arrival at the ECMO center, 44% of the patients underwent interventions. The median PICU stay was 20.5 days[11–32]. 5 patients developed neurological sequels. Statistically significant differences between survivors and deceased patients were not found. Conclusions: A good survival rate, with a low prevalence of serious adverse events, suggests a clear benefit of primary ECMO transport when conventional therapeutic measures are exhausted and the patient is too unstable to undergo conventional transport. A nationwide primary ECMO-transport program must therefore be offered to all patients regardless of their location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Rockrose (Cistus laurifolius L.) is a pyrophyte species with allelopathic effects that colonizes acid forest soils in the Mediterranean basin. Its continuous spread contributes to increasing wildfire risk, even more so in the current context of forecasts of increasingly intense and prolonged heat waves and droughts. Its mechanized collection and transformation into biofuels contributes to climate change mitigation, the economic development of rural areas and wildfire risk reduction. Biomass storage is an essential requirement in the supply chain of bio-refineries and biomass plants. This research aims to evaluate the influence of long-term outdoor storage (1 year) of baled rockrose shrub biomass on the quality of biofuels (30 mm milled material and pellets), on pre-treatment processes and on combustion emissions in an industrial boiler. After storage, no significant differences were observed in the biomass pre-treatment processes or in the emissions in an industrial combustion boiler. Biomass weight loss was 12% after storage. Some quality biofuels parameters improved, with the reduction in ash content being the most prominent aspect, which allowed 30 mm of milled material to be classified as I1, according to ISO 17225-9:2022, and rockrose pellets as class I3 for industrial use, according to the ISO 17225-2-2021 standard. Biomass storage is an essential requirement in the supply chain of bio-refineries and power plants. This research aims to evaluate the influence of long-term outdoor storage (1 year) of baled rockrose (Cistus laurifolius L.) shrub biomass on biofuel's quality, pre-treatment processes and on combustion emissions in an industrial boiler. The raw material was obtained from different rockrose shrublands in north central Spain. A total of 233 tWM (tones of wet matter) of biomass were used to produce biofuels (30 mm of milled biomass and Ø 8 mm pellets) in the pre-treatment pilot plants at CEDER-CIEMAT. The combustion tests were conducted in an industrial moving grate boiler with a thermal power of 50 MWth, in a 17 MWe power plant. Outdoor storage improved some biofuel quality parameters, mainly the reduction in ash content, which allowed 30 mm of milled material to be classified as class I1 (ISO 17225-9:2022) and pellets as class I3 (ISO 17225-2-2021). No significant differences were observed in the total specific mass flow and energy consumption in the pre-treatment processes. The combustion tests had similar results, with the emissions being below the limits established in the directive (EU) 2015/2193. The results obtained indicated that the 1-year outdoor storage of rockrose-baled biomass, under Mediterranean conditions, was feasible for its subsequent use as biofuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although healthcare workers (HCWs) have reported mental health problems since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, they rarely use psychological support. Here, we described the use of psychological support among HCWs in Spain over the 2-year period following the initial pandemic outbreak and explore its association with workplace- and COVID-19-related factors measured at baseline, in 2020. Materials and methods: We conducted a longitudinal study on HCWs working in Spain. We used an online survey to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics, depressive symptoms, workplace- and COVID-19-related variables, and the use of psychological support at three time points (2020, 2021, and 2022). Data was available for 296, 294, and 251 respondents, respectively at time points 1, 2, and 3. Results: Participants had a median age of 43 years and were mostly females (n = 242, 82%). The percentage of HCWs using psychological support increased from 15% in 2020 to 23% in 2022. Roughly one in four HCWs who did not use psychological support reported symptoms compatible with major depressive disorder at follow up. Baseline predictors of psychological support were having to make decisions about patients' prioritisation (OR 5.59, 95% CI 2.47, 12.63) and probable depression (wave 2: OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.06, 1.19; wave 3: OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04, 1.16). Conclusions: Our results suggest that there is call for implementing mental health promotion and prevention strategies at the workplace, along with actions to reduce barriers for accessing psychological support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Strongyloides stercoralis infection is a common neglected tropical disease distributed worldwide, mainly in tropical and subtropical climates. The impact of S. stercoralis infections on human health ranges from mild asymptomatic infections to chronic strongyloidiasis unnoticeable until the host is immunosuppressed. In severe strongyloidiasis, a syndrome of hyperinfection and larval dissemination to various organs can occur with high mortality rates. The diagnosis of strongyloidiasis is challenging because of the absence of a single standard reference test with high sensitivity and specificity, which also makes it difficult to estimate the accuracy of other diagnostic tests. This study aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the use of an easy-to-perform loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) colorimetric assay (named Strong-LAMP) for the molecular screening of strongyloidiasis in stool samples from patients in a low-resource endemic area in Cubal, Angola. To compare different LAMP application scenarios, the performance of the Strong-LAMP under field conditions in Angola was reassessed in a well-equipped reference laboratory in Spain and compared with a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method. Methods: A total of 192 stool samples were collected from adult population in Cubal, Angola, and examined by parasitological methods (direct saline microscopy and Baermann's technique). DNA was extracted from each stool sample using a commercial kit and tested by the colorimetric Strong-LAMP assay for the detection of Strongyloides spp. under field conditions. Furthermore, all samples were shipped to a well-equipped laboratory in Spain, reanalysed by the same procedure and compared with a qPCR method. The overall results after testing were compared. Results: Strongyloides stercoralis larvae were identified by direct saline microscopy and Baermann in a total of 10/192 (5.2%) and 18/192 (9.4%) stool samples, respectively. Other helminth and protozoan species were also identified. The Strong-LAMP-positive results were visually detected in 69/192 (35.9%) stool samples. The comparison of Strong-LAMP results in field conditions and at a reference laboratory matched in a total of 146/192 (76.0%) samples. A total of 24/192 (12.5%) stool samples tested positive by qPCR. Conclusions: This is the first study in which colorimetric Strong-LAMP has been clinically evaluated in a resource-poor strongyloidiasis endemic area. Strong-LAMP has been shown to be more effective in screening for strongyloidiasis than parasitological methods under field conditions and qPCR in the laboratory. Our Strong-LAMP has proven to be a field-friendly and highly accurate molecular test for the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria is a globally distributed infectious disease. According to the World Health Organization, Angola is one of the six countries that account for over half the global malaria burden in terms of both malaria cases and deaths. Diagnosis of malaria still depends on microscopic examination of thin and thick blood smears and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), which often lack analytical and clinical sensitivity. Molecular methods could overcome these disadvantages. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time to our knowledge, the performance of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for the diagnosis of malaria in an endemic area in Cubal, Angola, and to assess the reproducibility at a reference laboratory. Methods: A total of 200 blood samples from patients attended at Hospital Nossa Senhora da Paz, Cubal, Angola, were analysed for Plasmodium spp. detection by microscopy, RDTs, and LAMP. LAMP assay was easily performed in a portable heating block, and the results were visualized by a simple colour change. Subsequently, the samples were sent to a reference laboratory in Spain to be reanalysed by the same colorimetric LAMP assay and also in real-time LAMP format. Results: In field tests, a total of 67/200 (33.5%) blood samples were microscopy-positive for Plasmodium spp., 98/200 RDT positive, and 112/200 (56%) LAMP positive. Using microscopy as reference standard, field LAMP detected more microscopy-positive samples than RDTs (66/67; 98% vs. 62/67; 92.5%). When samples were reanalysed at a reference laboratory in Spain using both colorimetric and real-time assays, the overall reproducibility achieved 84.5%. Conclusions: This is the first study to our knowledge in which LAMP has been clinically evaluated on blood samples in a resource-poor malaria-endemic area. The colorimetric LAMP proved to be more sensitive than microscopy and RDTs for malaria diagnosis in field conditions. Furthermore, LAMP showed an acceptable level of reproducibility in a reference laboratory. The possibility to use LAMP in a real-time format in a portable device reinforces the reliability of the assay for molecular diagnosis of malaria in resource-poor laboratories in endemic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spain is one of the main producers of black truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vittad.), a fungus of great economic importance. Black truffles are usually cultivated in Quercus ilex orchards, as water availability is one of the most important factors influencing truffle production. Optimizing watering systems is essential to reduce the amount of water wasted. Nevertheless, up to now, no study has been carried out comparing the efficiency of different irrigation systems in truffle plantations. The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of two different irrigation systems, namely a drip irrigation system and a micro-sprinkler system, in a Quercus ilex plantation situated in Burgos, Spain. Our data showed that there were no differences between the two irrigation systems in terms of truffle yields, the number of truffles, quality (based on truffle size), or the date of truffle harvesting. However, when other parameters were taken into consideration, such as the economic and environmental impact of installing and running these systems, drip irrigation was deemed the superior irrigation system because it uses less water. This study validates for the first time the use of drip irrigation rather than a micro-sprinkler system (the most commonly used in truffle plantations) because of its greater water use efficiency, which is an increasingly important consideration given future climate change scenarios marked by global water scarcity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bullying is a problem that affects children and teenagers around the world and its repercussions can endure throughout adult life. The main objective of this research is to study the incidence of bullying on the academic performance of students in schools in the Madrid Region. The databases used are those of Competency Tests, a census evaluation carried out on all 10th grade students in Madrid during the year 2017 (almost 32.000 students). To analyze these data, we carry out a multilevel methodological approach to identify the quantitative association of bullying with academic performance and to estimate the probability that performance is affected by the level of bullying that exists in the school. The results indicate that bullying has a negative correlation with all the competencies evaluated and that bullying can affect students with low or high academic achievement in different ways, depending on what competency is evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils (EOs) obtained from Juniperus communis L. are frequently used in the production of bioproducts. However, there are no studies regarding industrial crops' production, allowing for better control of the quality and production of juniper EOs. To select the plant material for developing future crops of this species in northern Spain, four locations where this shrub species grows in the wild were selected and samples of both genera were collected. The EOs were obtained by steam distillation, and their chemical composition and bioactivity were evaluated. The results showed that the yield of EOs from male and female samples were within the usual reported ranges, varying between 0.24 and 0.58% (dry basis, d.b.). However, limonene content in three locations varied between 15 and 25%, which is between 100% and 200% higher than the values usually reported for other European countries. The antibacterial activity was determined by broth microdilution and showed that gram-positive bacteria were more susceptible to the tested EOs since, in general, lower MIC values were obtained compared to gram-negatives. The EOs from location 1 (L1F) and 2 (L2M) inhibited the growth of six out of the eight clinical strains tested. Samples from location 1 were particularly effective, exhibiting MBC against two gram-negative (E. coli and P. mirabilis) and one gram-positive bacteria (E. faecalis). Moreover, the majority of the EOs tested showed anti-inflammatory activity. Cytotoxic effect has been demonstrated in tumor cell lines, with the best results observed against gastric carcinoma (AGS) cells (GI50 between 7 to 77 µg/mL). Although generally presenting higher GI50, most samples also inhibited the growth of non-tumoral cells, particularly hepatocytes (PLP2 cells). Therefore, its use for their anti-proliferative activity should consider specific conditions to avoid damaging normal cells. Finally, the results and conclusions obtained led to the selection of the female shrubs from location 1 (L1F) as the plant material to be propagated in order to produce plants for a future juniper crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juniperus communis L. is a species commonly grown in regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and is a good candidate to be cultivated in marginal lands. Plants coming from a pruning performed in a natural population located in Spain were used to assess the yield and quality of different products obtained following the cascade principle. A total of 1050 kg of foliage biomass were crushed, steam-distilled, and separated into fractions to produce biochar and absorbents for the pet industry using pilot plants. The obtained products were analysed. The essential oil, with a yield of 0.45% dry basis and a qualitative chemical composition similar to that described for the berries in international standards or monographs, showed antioxidant activity with promising CAA results (inhibition of 89% of the cell's oxidation). However, regarding antibacterial and antifungal activities, it only inhibited the growth of microorganisms at the maximum concentration tested, 2.5%. Concerning the hydrolate, it did not show bioactivity. Regarding the biochar, whose yield was 28.79% dry basis, interesting results were obtained for its characterisation as a possible soil improver for agronomic purposes (PFC 3(A)). Finally, promising results were obtained regarding the use of common juniper as absorbent, taking into account the physical characterisation and odour control capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Tuber melanosporum (Ascomycota, Pezizales) is an ectomycorrhizal fungus that produces highly appreciated hypogeous fruiting bodies called black truffles. The aim of this paper was to research the composition of ectomycorrhiza-associated fungal and bacterial communities in T. melanosporum oak plantations. Results of this paper showed the competitive effect of T. melanosporum on other fungal species, especially other mycorrhizal and pathogenic species. T. melanosporum was shown to be associated mainly with bacteria, some of them important for their properties as mycorrhizal helper bacteria. A dendrogram analysis of co-occurrence showed that T. melanosporum tended to co-occur with the following bacteria species: Singulisphaera limicola, Nannocistis exceedns and Sporosarcina globispora. In addition, it was linked to fungal species such as Mortierella elongata, M. minutissima, Cryptococcus uzbekistanensis, C. chernovii and C. aerius. This study provides an exhaustive analysis of the diversity, structure and composition of fungal and bacterial communities associated with T. melanosporum to enhance understanding of the biology, composition and role of these communities in truffle plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microborings produced by euendolithic photoautotrophic microorganisms— cyanobacteria, chlorophytes and rhodophytes—are ubiquitous in recent and fossil marine mollusc shells. Photoautotrophic attacks in freshwater shells are also common, but the boring fossil record is very scarce. For this reason, we studied Upper Pleistocene and Upper Jurassic freshwater bivalve shells having tunnels less than 50 μm in diameter, with penetration depths less than 1 mm, produced probably by cyanobacteria. By using SEM and thin-section observations, we identified two types of microborings showing different morphology and tunnel size. Jurassic and Pleistocene type 1 microborings (Scolecia) are fluorescent but Pleistocene type 2 (Saccomorpha) is not. Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) shows that the inner walls of type 1 microborings are fluorescent under violet light excitation (405 nm) recorded in the blue-yellow spectral region (420–600 nm), suggesting the introduction of pigments in crystalline or intercrystalline aragonite during the bioerosion. In addition, the Jurassic microborings emit in the red spectral region (620–740 nm), with 633 nm of laser excitation due to chlorophyll traces derived from ancient cyanobacteria that pierced the shell. This novel approach—analysis of microboring autofluorescence—opens new lines for palaeontological research, with taxonomic, palaeoecological and palaeoenviromental implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims We compared vein and stomatal traits of seedlings and adults of three Mediterranean Quercus species. Previous work suggests that gas-exchange rates tend to be higher at the seedling stage than in adults. Our objective was to determine whether vein and stomatal traits vary throughout whole-plant ontogeny in parallel with the changes in gas-exchange rates. We addressed the following alternative hypotheses: hypothesis 1—seedlings show higher vein and stomatal densities than adults; and hypothesis 2—seedlings have lower investments in vascular tissues to reduce construction costs. Methods Ten specimens from each growth stage were randomly sampled for each species in a location in central-western Spain. We measured mean stomatal and vein traits (size and number of stomata per unit of leaf area, vein density, vein volume, vein to epidermis distance), leaf mass per area and lamina thickness. Important Findings Minor vein density and vein volume per area increased with tree age, which seems inconsistent with the ontogenetic trends in gas-exchange rates. This discrepancy is in support of our hypothesis 2, and it suggests that, at the seedling stage, reducing investments in vascular tissues in benefit of maximizing growth rates is a priority. Larger interveinal distances in seedlings were compensated by smaller vein to epidermis distances. The thin leaves of the seedlings may thus constitute as a necessary trait for achieving shorter path length distances for the transport of water to evaporation sites without the need for a strong investment in costly vascular tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During the initial COVID-19 outbreak, organizational changes were required to ensure adequate staffing in healthcare facilities. The extent to which organizational changes impacted the mental wellbeing of healthcare workers (HCWs) remains unexplored. Here we analyzed the association between three work-related stressors (reported access to protective equipment, change in job functions, and patient prioritization decision-making) and mental health outcomes (depression symptoms, psychological distress, suicidal thoughts, and fear of infection) in a large sample of Spanish HCWs during the initial COVID-19 outbreak.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study including HCWs from three regions of Spain between April 24th and June 22nd, 2020. An online survey measured sociodemographic characteristics, work-related stressors, fear of infection, and mental health outcomes (depression [PHQ-9], psychological distress [GHQ-12], death wishes [C-SSRS]). We conducted mixed-effects regression models to adjust all associations for relevant individual- and region-level sources of confounding.Results: We recruited 2,370 HCWs. Twenty-seven percent screened positive for depression and 74% for psychological distress. Seven percent reported death wishes. Respondents were more afraid of infecting their loved ones than of getting infected themselves. All work-related stressors were associated with depression symptoms and psychological distress in adjusted models.Limitations: Non-probabilistic sampling, potential reverse causation.Conclusions: Modifiable work-related stressors are associated with worse mental health among HCWs. Our results suggest that workplace prevention strategies for HCWs should provide sufficient protective equipment, minimize changes in job functions, favor the implementation of criteria for patient triage and on-call bioethics committees, and facilitate access to stepped-care, evidence-based mental health treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the 2023--2024 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season, Spain became one of the first countries to introduce universal RSV prophylaxis, during which all infants born at this time were eligible to receive nirsevimab. Locally, most Spanish regions also immunized infants younger than age 6 months at the start of the season (extended catch-up). The aim of this study was to assess how RSV prophylaxis affected the number of infants presenting to pediatric emergency departments with acute respiratory infections. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 15 Spanish pediatric emergency departments from 9 different regions between the 2018 and 2024 epidemic seasons (November-January). We compared the seasons occurring in 2018-2023 and the 2023-2024 season regarding the number of episodes of lower respiratory tract infection and acute bronchiolitis, acute bronchiolitis- related hospital admissions, and PICU admissions. RESULTS: A comparison with the average rates for the previous epidemic seasons revealed a 57.7% decrease in episodes of lower respiratory tract infection in 2023-2024 (95% CI, 56.5-58.8; P < .001; range among hospitals, 4.8-82.8), a 59.2% decrease in episodes of acute bronchiolitis (95% CI, 57.9-60.4; P < .001; range, 6.9-84.1), a 63.1% reduction in acute bronchiolitis- related hospital admissions (95% CI, 60.9-65.2; P < .001; range, 31.4-86.8), and a 63.1% reduction in PICU admissions (95% CI, 58.1-67.9; P < .001; range, 18.2-81.8). Hospitals in regions applying extended catch-up showed better results. CONCLUSIONS: Nirsevimab can protect a broad infant population against RSV infection with high effectiveness. Approaches including extended catch-up are the most effective, although costeffectiveness must be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teacher training and innovation in the academic field are basic processes for improving the quality of education. This paper presents an innovative didactic experience for students of the Master’s Degree in Teacher Training in Secondary Education and bachelor’s degree, of an online university, in the specialty of mathematics. The educational innovation arises after the detection of difficulties in the assimilation of the contents taught in the subject of Teaching Innovation and Initiation to Educational Research by the participating students. The experience consists of a real simultaneous interaction (online) between the students of the Master’s Degree in Mathematics and the students of bachelor’s degree of a public center of Secondary Education, in Spain, while they receive classes in their center in a face-to-face way. The didactic methodology used in this experience is based on the principles of the Flipped Classroom and, at all times, the material necessary for its understanding and assimilation has been shared with the Master’s students. To analyze this experience, a questionnaire was used to collect information before and after the experience, a satisfaction survey and a focus group. The results indicate that the students of the online Master’s program consider this experience very necessary, since it favors the perception of the environment to which they must adapt and, in addition, the visualization of real cases provides a significant vision that completes and complements the theoretical training received. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cupressus sempervirens L., Juniperus communis L. and Cistus ladanifer L. are Mediterranean arboreal and shrub species that possess essential oils (EO) in their leaves and branches. This study aimed at characterizing the EOs obtained by steam distillation from the three species collected in different locations from Spain (Almazán, Andévalo, Barriomartín, Cerezal, Ermitas and Huéscar). For this purpose, volatiles composition was determined by GC-MS, and different bioactivities were evaluated. The highest content in terpenes was observed in C. sempervirens (Huéscar origin) followed by J. communis (Almazán origin), corresponding to 92% and 91.9% of total compounds, respectively. With exception of C. ladanifer from Cerezal that presented viridiflorol as the most abundant compound, all the three species presented in common the α-pinene as the major compound. The EOs from C. ladanifer showed high antibacterial potential, presenting MIC values from 0.3 to 1.25 mg/mL. Concerning other bioactivities, C. ladanifer EO revealed an oxidation inhibition of 83%, while J. communis showed cytotoxicity in the MCF-7 cell line, and C. sempervirens and C. ladanifer EOs exhibited the highest potential on NCI-H460 cell lines. Nevertheless, some EOs revealed toxicity against non-tumoral cells but generally presented a GI50 value higher than that of the tumor cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Metabarcoding study of soil fungi in Cistus ladanifer ecosystems. • Diverse edible species in the genera of Boletus , Lactarius , and Laccaria were found. • The total fungi diversity values were higher under a meso-Mediterranean climate type. • ECM taxa followed particular succession patterns in this short life cycle host. • Appropriate specific management can promote diversity conservation. Cistus ladanifer-dominated ecosystems are widely distributed in the Western Mediterranean basin and are affected by recurrent fires. Although these scrublands were traditionally considered unproductive, these systems provide significant ecological benefits via mushroom production, which has increased interest in better understanding these ecosystems to restore and promote productivity. We analyzed 48 plots located in Supra- and MesoMediterranean regions in western Spain to assess the soil fungal community and their ecological drivers using ITS2 rDNA Illumina Miseq. The study plots comprised young (early-stage successional stands), middle- (middle-stage successional stands), and late-stage stands. Shannon diversity index values for total fungi were higher under a MesoMediterranean than under a SupraMediterranean climate type, whereas the richness values for ectomycorrhizal (EcM) taxa were higher in late-stage stands than in the younger stands. EcM community composition was influenced by stand age, climatic variables and edaphic parameters. These C. ladanifer-dominated ecosystems support diverse fungi, including edible species such as Boletus , Lactarius , and Laccaria , under specific precipitation, temperature, and late-stage stand factor conditions. Although forest management cannot modify temperature and precipitation, management strategies that consider mosaic landscapes to reduce the severity of potential fires and that retain late successional stands could provide suitable habitats for promoting fungal diversity, production, and function in these scrubland systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the world becoming increasingly digitalized, determining the relationship between the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and educational outcomes takes on special relevance for guiding educational policy decisions in a reasoned way. The objective of this research is to explore the relationship between different types of ICT use at school and at home, students' attitudes towards ICT, and academic performance, as well as to see if these associations differ according to the level of performance of the students. For this purpose, we apply multilevel regression models and quantile regression models with data from the Programme for International Student assessment survey (PISA) 2015. The results show differences in the sign of the association according to the ICT variable analysed. The positive association between ICT use and academic performance is related with its use for entertainment at home, the students' interest in ICT and an earlier starting age for using ICT. Results also show that higher availability of computers per student in the schools is associated with higher levels of academic performance. However, the use of ICT for schoolwork at home, the use of ICT by students in schools and the importance of ICT as a topic in social interaction for students, are factors negatively associated with academic performance. Finally, our quantile regressions by ability levels suggest that certain types of ICT use appear to be particularly associated with the academic performance of students in the lowest percentiles of performance. These results highlight the need to consider and include ICT as an input into the educational production function. Moreover, public policies should consider the interaction between ICT and the educational performance of underperforming students. • There is an association between the use of ICT and academic performance. • The use of ICT in schools is negatively associated with academic performance. • ICT could help to improve the educational performance of underperforming students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides a brief review of the adaptation of the short MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (CDI) instruments into Basque. The study aims to provide the scientific community with several standardized instruments designed to measure the vocabulary size of young children (aged 8-50 months) who are learning Basque, a language spoken in Spain and France. Data from over 2,400 children, obtained using the Basque adaptations of the short CDI parental questionnaires, the BCDI-1s(hort), BCDI-2s, and BCDI-3, revealed the capacity of these instruments to identify the effect of age on the language development of preschool-age children exposed to this language, as has been attested in other (minority and non-minority) languages. The study also examined the effect size of age, sex, and language input. The results showed that sex had a null or very small effect on both lexical development and the rest of the scales, whereas the effect of language input increased as children grew older and was even stronger than the effect of age from 30 months onwards. These findings provide solid ground for discussing the relevance of various factors that affect young children's language acquisition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare workers (HCWs) from COVID-19 pandemic hotspots across the globe have reported mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, or sleep problems. Many studies have focused on identifying modifiable risk factors, such as being afraid of getting infected or reporting shortage of personal protective equipment, but none have explored the role of protective factors. This cross-sectional study used an online survey to describe the association between three potentially protective factors (self-reported resilience, self-perceived social support from colleagues at work, and self-perceived social support from relatives and friends) and three mental health outcomes, namely psychological distress, depression symptoms, and death thoughts in a large sample of Spanish HCWs during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We recruited 2372 respondents between April 26th and June 22nd, 2020. Resilience and self-perceived social support were inversely associated with mental health problems (psychological distress, depression symptoms, and death thoughts), after adjusting for potential sources of confounding. Resilience and self-perceived social support might protect HCWs against negative mental health outcomes. Public health strategies targeting these modifiable determinants might help to reduce the impact of the pandemic on HCWs' mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Childhood and adolescence are important stages of life for acquiring healthy habits. There is a high prevalence of sedentary lifestyles worldwide during these ages, which negatively impacts health. This is attributed, in part, to excessive time spent engaging in sedentary behaviors. The aim of this study was to assess the time spent on sedentary behaviors and their relationship with physical activity levels in children and adolescents in the Community of Madrid. Methods:A total of 26,729 participants aged 10–17 from various schools and institutes took part in this study. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) was used, and they were asked about the time they spent on different leisure time habits (specific sedentary behaviors and organized physical activity). A generalized linear model was used to analyze the association between the time spent in sedentary activities and the time spent in physical activity. Results: The results revealed that children and adolescents engage in low levels of physical activity and most of them spend considerable time in sedentary behaviors such as studying, watching television, or using social media. Completing school homework (Coef: 1.23, 95% CI: −0.51 to 2.97, p = 0.167) or using social media for more than 2 h (Coef: 1.29, 95% CI: −2.98 to 0.40, p = 0.133) compared to not dedicating time to them did not show a significant association with daily physical activity time. Watching television for more than 2 h was associated with a decrease of 2.60 min (95% CI: −4.41 to −0.78, p = 0.005). Thus, no or only irrelevant associations were found between time spent in sedentary activities and physical activity time. Conclusions: Despite the drawbacks of spending time engaging in sedentary behaviors, they seem to be compatible with physical activity levels. Therefore, it is important to continue research on physical activity adherence strategies to promote overall health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated whether there are significant differences in the climatic response of resin-tapped and untapped maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) trees in four forest stands in the central mountains of Spain, where the species is of natural origin. The stands are located in different provenance regions, with the westernmost site located on the northern slopes of Sierra de Gredos and the easternmost in the transition to the middle Duero basin, with altitudes ranging from 900 to 1350 m a.s.l. Dominant trees were sampled and standard dendrochronological methods were used to compare tree growth of both types of trees at each site. Climate-tree growth relationships were assessed using bootstrap correlations and response functions between tree-ring growth indices and climate variables, for both partials and full local chronologies of each stand, selecting climatic data from the most complete and closest meteorological stations. Our results showed that the trees selected for resin extraction were older, on average, and when site characteristics were favorable enough for maritime pine growth and resin extraction, all trees were resintapped. Contrastingly, when site characteristics were unfavorable for resin extraction, only the largest and the best-developed trees were tapped. No major differences were found between the climatic responses of resin-tapped and untapped trees, and it was therefore possible to use all the available tree-ring width series per site, both resin-tapped and untapped trees, to identify the main climatic drivers of maritime pine growth in central Spain. In addition, we have expanded the chronologies network of Pinus pinaster in Spain in number and length. This work may provide valuable information to improve forest management strategies for sustainable resin production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myotonic dystrophy type I (MDI) is the most common muscular dystrophy in adults. The main objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of MDI in the Community of Madrid (CM) (Spain) and to analyze the use of public healthcare services; a population-based cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on patients with MDI in CM and data were obtained from a population-based registry (2010–2017). A total of 1101 patients were studied (49.1% women) with average age of 47.8 years; the prevalence of MDI was 14.4/100,000 inhabitants. In the women lineal regression model for hospital admissions, being in the fourth quartile of the deprivation index, was a risk factor (regression coef (rc): 0.80; 95%CI 0.25–1.37). In the overall multiple lineal regression model for primary health care (PHC) attendance, being a woman increased the probability of having a higher number of consultations (rc: 3.99; 95%CI: 3.95–5.04), as did being in the fourth quartile of the deprivation index (rc: 2.10; 95%CI: 0.58–3.63); having received influenza vaccines was a protective factor (rc: −0.46; 95%CI: −0.66–(−0.25)). The prevalence of MDI in the CM is high compared to other settings. Moreover, having any level of risk stratification of becoming ill (high, medium or low) has a positive association with increased PHC consultations and hospital admissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Spain. Hypercholesterolemia is not only a cardiovascular risk factor, but also underlies the etiopathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Therefore, reducing LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) to the goals recommended by clinical practice guidelines, is essential to decrease the risk of vascular complications. Despite this, current LDL-C control is scarce, even in subjects with high and very high risk. This is mainly due to an insufficient intensification of lipid-lowering treatment. In this context, it is essential to prescribe the appropriate therapy, adjusted to patient's needs based on their LDL-C and their vascular risk. Rosuvastatin, alone or in combination with ezetimibe, provides intensive LDL-C reductions (up to 50–55% and 60–75%, respectively), with a low risk of side effects and in an efficient manner, in patients both without and with established atherosclerotic vascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital competence, the ability to use and understand technology effectively, is fundamental in today's society. For this reason, several programs have been launched in recent years to develop and improve it. DigiCraft, an educational program of the Vodafone-Spain Foundation that aims to give Spanish children access to quality training in digital literacy, is one of the most important initiatives to develop this skill among students aged 6-12 in Spain. In addition to developing digital competence, it contributes to meeting the challenges of educational sustainability, which is particularly in line with Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all". The purpose of this study is to explore and understand the results of the DigiCraft educational program, taking into account the perspective of the different agents who participated in it, after three years of development. In this research, a qualitative methodology was chosen, using a semi-structured interview with open-ended questions as a tool to collect the evaluation of students and teachers involved in the program. Sixteen centres from different contexts and Autonomous Communities were selected. The results obtained show the success of this program in developing digital competence in children aged 6-12. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Poor metabolic control and excess body weight are frequently present in people with type 2 diabetes (PwT2D). Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to identify observational studies reporting clinical, economic, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes associated with poor metabolic (according to HbA1c, blood pressure [BP] and low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] levels) and/or weight control (defined by a body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2) in adults with T2D in Spain, including articles published in either Spanish or English between 2013 and 2022 and conference abstracts from the last 2 years. Results: Nine observational studies were included in the analysis. Poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7%) was associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), increased requirements for antidiabetic medications, higher and more frequent weight gain, a greater probability of hypoglycemia and dyslipidemia, and worse health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Uncontrolled BP in PwT2D was related with the presence of CVD, worse metabolic control, and higher BMI and abdominal perimeter values. Poor LDL-C control or dyslipidemia was associated with CVD, hypoglycemia, and elevated HbA1c and triglycerides levels. The presence of a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 was related to CVD and hypoglycemia, a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome and worse BP control. Direct medical costs were found to be higher in PwT2D when coexisting with HbA1c levels ≥ 7%, uncontrolled BP or obesity. Increased total costs, including productivity losses, were also detected in those who presented uncontrolled BP and a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, and when poor weight control existed together with HbA1c ≥ 8% and poorly controlled BP. Conclusion: Gathered evidence supports the high clinical, economic and HRQoL burden of poor metabolic and/or weight control in PwT2D in Spain and reinforces the importance of prioritizing its control to reduce the associated burden, at both the individual and healthcare system levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the continental Mediterranean mountains of the Iberian Peninsula is located a landscape characterized by the presence of enclosed land parcels delimited by dry stone walls or vegetation, or by both these elements. This landscape has been included, since 2018, in UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity under the name of Art of dry stone walling, knowledge and techniques. However, today's territorial dynamics jeopardize the maintenance of this landscape heritage. This work set out to understand their origins, dynamics, and evolution from the 11th century (Middle Ages) to the present using historical documentation from different sources and diachronic cartography from aerial photographs. The fieldwork was designed to identify natural, cultural features and recent dynamics, in particular those related to urbanization changes of the last 70 years. Finally, we delved into the new dynamics of exploitation that were based on extensification and a loss of productive diversity. The results obtained lead us to consider that the loss of this agro-landscape must be prevented, with a reasonable livestock grazing criteria and a rational management of its heritage features. This requires regional, national, and European policies that recognize the enclosed landscape as a heritage ecosystem in which biodiversity and agriculture are closely linked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide is a significant public health concern, with one million lives lost to it every year. Suicidal ideation and attempts are markers of high risk. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative psychological impact on the population. This study aims to describe and analyze the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients who have received medical attention for self-harm attempts in a hospital emergency department, comparing the period before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a descriptive, retrospective study that collected data from medical records of patients who received care for self-harm attempts in the emergency department. The data included cases from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2022. In total, 529 cases of self-harm attempts were identified, of which 62.8% were female. The number of post-pandemic self-harm attempts significantly increased compared to the period before the pandemic. The most used method for self-harm was medication ingestion. This study revealed that over one-third of the participants had previously attempted suicide. Most self-harm attempts were made by women in the 10–20 or 41–50 age groups, with a history of psychiatric illness and multiple medications. The study results also highlighted an increase in self-harm attempts during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Investigaciones Historicas is the property of Universidad de Valladolid, Facultad de Filosofia y Letras and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Drought is a common climate risk in the Mediterranean region, but in connection to climate change, its frequency and severity are predicted to increase during the next century. In order to better manage future scenarios in which global warming will be superimposed to natural climate variability, the nature of droughts before industrial times should be analysed in depth. This approach takes into account a broader time scale to the study of severe droughts, allowing the identification of lower frequency droughts that happened before the instrumental period. The objective of this study is to analyse the occurrence and magnitude of the extreme droughts, with durations of more than a year, in Spain during the Dalton Solar Minimum period (1790–1830). To achieve this objective, the study takes into account the use of instrumental observations and information obtained from historical documentary sources from daily to monthly resolution. The results reveal that drought episodes were more frequent and severe during the Dalton Solar Minimum period than during the second half of the nineteenth century. Furthermore, drought episodes of similar severity were hardly seen throughout the twentieth century. Only in the current context of climate change, for the last two decades, a similar pattern of high drought severity has been identified that resembles the severity found during the Dalton Solar Minimum period (especially between 1812 and 1825). This study highlights the presence of a high variability in drought patterns during the last centuries, justifying more efforts of research on drought episodes at high temporal resolution for long time periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cuaternario y Geomorfología is the property of Cuaternario y Geomorfologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In 2014–2015, the main CTX-M-15- and OXA-48-producing clone in our region was ST15. Recently, K. pneumoniae ST15 isolates co-producing VIM-1 and CTX-M-15 were detected in several hospitals. The aim was to study the emergence and acquisition of this carbapenemase. Between 2017 and 2019, four hospitals submitted twenty-nine VIM-1- and CTX-M-15-producing K. pneumoniae ST15 isolates to our laboratory. Seven representatives of each XbaI PFGE pulsotype were sequenced using short- and long-read technologies. RAST, CGE databases, and Pathogenwatch were used for resistance determinants and capsule-type analysis. Plasmid comparison was performed with Easyfig2.1. Phylogenetic analysis included other contemporary ST15 isolates from Spain. The 29 isolates were clustered into seven different pulsotypes. The selected genomes, from three hospitals in two different provinces, were clustered together (fewer than 35 alleles) and differed by more than 100 alleles from other ST15 isolates obtained in the region. These seven isolates harbored one IncR plasmid (200–220 kb) with a common backbone and four regions flanked by IS26: one contained blaVIM-1, another contained blaCTX-M-15, the third contained blaOXA-1, and the fourth harbored heavy-metal-tolerance genes. The two initial plasmids, from two different centers, were identical, and rearrangement of four regions was observed in the five subsequent plasmids. Our findings showed the first intercenter dissemination of IncR plasmids carrying blaVIM-1, blaCTX-M-15, and metal-tolerance genes mediated by a new lineage of K. pneumoniae ST15. Two different capture events of the blaVIM-1 gene or different IS26-mediated plasmid rearrangements from a common ancestor may explain plasmid variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Cyberbullying is a growing problem among adolescents, and deeper knowledge of this phenomenon could facilitate the implementation of adequate prevention and intervention strategies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between victimization and aggression patterns in cyberbullying and physical fitness levels in Spanish adolescents. (2) Methods: A total of 741 adolescents aged 12 to 19 years from two high schools in Andalusia, Spain (mean = 14.52 ± 1.96 years; 50.9% girls, 49.1% boys) participated in the study. The participants underwent the EUROFIT battery test and completed the Spanish version of the European Cyberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire (ECIPQ) scale. T-test, bivariate correlations and a linear regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. (3) Results: The study results indicated positive relationships between cyberbullying patterns, especially cybervictimization, and age, as well as several physical fitness measures, including BMI, sit-ups, sit-and-reach, and handgrip tests. On the other hand, cyberperpetration was positively related only to age and the specific grip strength test. Further statistical analysis revealed that cybervictimization was primarily influenced by age, while cyberperpetration was mainly influenced by age and performance in a functional test (sit-and-reach). (4) Conclusions: Cyberbullying roles, both as victims and perpetrators, may not be strongly influenced by isolated physical fitness factors. Thus, in order to reach a more comprehensive understanding and better explanations of individual involvement in cyberbullying behavior, future studies should analyze psychological and social factors along with the variables considered in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular ecology of Staphylococcus aureus in migratory birds (such as white storks) is necessary to understand their relevance in the "One Health" ecosystems. This study determined the nasotracheal carriage rates of S. aureus from white storks in Southern Spain and genetically characterized the within-host diversity. A collection of 67 S. aureus strains, previously obtained from 87 white stork nestlings (52 nasal and 85 tracheal samples) fed by their parents with food foraged in natural and landfill habitats, were tested for their antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotypes. Moreover, the AMR genotypes, immune evasion cluster (IEC), virulence genes and the detection of CC398 lineage were studied by PCR. The spa types and multilocus-sequencing-typing (MLST) were also determined by PCR and sequencing. Staphylococcus aureus carriage was found in 31% of storks (36.5%/11.9% in nasal/tracheal samples). All isolates were methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) and 8.8% of them were also susceptible to all tested antibiotics. The AMR phenotype/percentage/genes detected were as follows: penicillin/79.1%/blaZ; erythromycin-clindamycin-inducible/19.1%/ermA, ermT; tetracycline/11.9%/tetK; clindamycin/4.5%/lnuA and ciprofloxacin/4.5%. Twenty-one different spa types, including 2 new ones (t7778-ST15-CC15 and t18009-ST26-CC25), were detected and ascribed to 11 clonal complexes (CCs). MSSA-CC398 (8.2%), MSSA-CC15 (7.1%) and MSSA-ST291 (5.9%) were the most prevalent lineages in storks. Moreover, tst-positive (MSSA-CC22-t223 and MSSA-CC30-t1654), eta-positive (MSSA-CC9-t209) and etb-positive strains (MSSA-CC45-t015) were detected in four storks. The 18.5% of storks harboured distinct MSSA strains (with different lineages and/or AMR genes). Nestlings of storks foraging in landfills (10 CCs) had more diverse S. aureus strains than those of parents foraging in natural habitats (3 CCs). Low level of AMR was demonstrated among S. aureus strains. The predominance of MSSA-CC398 (an emergent clade) and toxigenic MSSA strains in stork nestlings highlight the need for continuous surveillance of S. aureus in wild birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cost overruns are a common problem for public works projects, often due to modifications to the original design. While the causes of these modifications have been studied, the legal framework's impact and limitations on these modifications have received extensive treatment, with no specific case studies from different countries. This paper explores the relationship between modifications in Spanish public works projects and their compliance with legal limits, investigating the alignment between base bidding prices and eventual costs after adjustments. The study also delves into the strategic behaviour of construction companies in Spain, which frequently involves manipulating project costs to match the initially proposed bidding price. Statistical methods, such as the Spearman correlation test and graphical analysis, confirm a nearly exact relationship between base bid price and final price. Also, a modification costs comparison for two different legal periods highlights the legal framework's influence, as a less restrictive framework leads into higher average cost overruns. It provides valuable information to avoid malpractice for tendering institutions, practitioners, and legal developers, as well as those interested in the Spanish public works sector, and opens the door for future research on solving this problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: During the pandemic, nurses have undergone a high level of professional burnout, suffering emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal realization. Objective: The object of this study is to understand in depth, through a phenomenological study of Giorgi, the perceptions on commitment and professional development of frontline nurses during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Qualitative study designed and analyzed using Giorgi's phenomenological focus. For data collection, semi-structured interviews were utilized in a theoretical sample of frontline nurses who worked in public hospitals of Extremadura and Madrid, Spain, until saturation of data. The interviews were conducted between the months of May and December 2020 following an outline of topics. The analysis was based on the phenomenological focus of Giorgi and was supported by the software Atlas-Ti 8.0. Results: A total of 14 nurses participated in this study. Two main themes emerged to explain the perceptions of the nurses: (1) the professional commitment of the nurses during the pandemic and (2) the effects of the pandemic on professional development; seven subcategories were also identified. Conclusion: The social and professional development of nurses is important. If nurses feel that they are quality professionals, this will enable them to protect their psychosocial health and increase professional commitment toward their patients in difficult situations such as pandemics. The results of this study may serve as a guide for better understanding the problems and needs of nurses as healthcare providers. This may help administrators in the generation of solutions for the establishment of a safe and reliable work environment, which will in turn promote a healthcare system that can efficiently respond to future catastrophes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An updated and complete landslide inventory is the starting point for an appropriate hazard assessment. This paper presents an improvement for landslide mapping by integrating data from two well-consolidated techniques: Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) and Landscape Analysis through the normalised channel steepness index (ksn). The southwestern sector of the Sierra Nevada mountain range (Southern Spain) was selected as the case study. We first propose the double normalised steepness (ksnn) index, derived from the ksn index, to remove the active tectonics signal. The obtained ksnn anomalies (or knickzones) along rivers and the unstable ground areas from the DInSAR analysis rapidly highlighted the slopes of interest. Thus, we provided a new inventory of 28 landslides that implies an increase in the area affected by landslides compared with the previous mapping: 33.5% in the present study vs. 14.5% in the Spanish Land Movements Database. The two main typologies of identified landslides are Deep-Seated Gravitational Slope Deformations (DGSDs) and rockslides, with the prevalence of large DGSDs in Sierra Nevada being first revealed in this work. We also demonstrate that the combination of DInSAR and Landscape Analysis could overcome the limitations of each method for landslide detection. They also supported us in dealing with difficulties in recognising this type of landslides due to their poorly defined boundaries, a homogeneous lithology and the imprint of glacial and periglacial processes. Finally, a preliminary hazard perspective of these landslides was outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is focused on the Almonte‐Marismas aquifer located within Doñana Natural Space (SW Spain); this aquifer is threatened by droughts, irrigation‐driven groundwater overexploitation, urban use, and the potential reactivation of gas extraction and storage projects. We present ground deformation measurements from Sentinel‐1 Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data ranging from 1 to 2.5 cm, covering ∼2,500 km2 from 2014 to 2020. Detecting spatially distributed ground deformation over this agricultural area is challenging due to the low‐coherence radar signals; consequently, the ground movement results are on the same order of magnitude as the errors associated with InSAR data. We have approached this issue by considering auxiliary information such as groundwater levels, climatic time series, and pumping rates and analyzing their spatio‐temporal connections to ground displacements. We correlate InSAR and hydrogeological information through wavelet analysis, developing a Python package that allows applying the same methodology in other similar study areas. For the first time in the Doñana area, a significant relationship between distances to pumping wells and the displacement extent is detected. Moreover, other subsidence‐related triggering factors are identified, such as the soil moisture balance, clay shrinking‐swelling processes, and creep of geological formations. These results are highly valuable to support aquifer management decisions in the Doñana Natural Space; in this border region, three groundwater bodies were officially declared overexploited in 2020. Our findings provide a ground motion baseline assessment to help differentiate historical variations from any future anthropogenic effect in this complex marsh land ecosystem. Plain Language Summary: This work is focused on Doñana Natural Space (SW Spain), which integrates the Doñana National Park and the Doñana Natural Park in a single space. Doñana has acquired the highest protected area categories that a natural area can receive from international conservation organizations. However, Doñana's ability to support biodiversity is under constant threat due to droughts, groundwater overexploitation for irrigation, urban use, and the reactivation of a gas extraction and storage project. This study presents ground deformation measurements in the Doñana area derived from Earth observation data ranging from 1 to 2.5 cm from 2014 to 2020. The work relates ground displacement, groundwater and climatic information through mathematical tools. For the first time in the Doñana area, a significant relationship between distances to pumping wells and the displacement extent is detected. These results are highly valuable to support aquifer management decisions in the Doñana Natural Space. Our findings provide a ground motion baseline assessment that will help differentiate historical variations from any future anthropogenic effect in this complex marsh land ecosystem. Key Points: Integrated Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar and hydrogeological analysis has shown displacements up to 2.5 cm/year on the aquifer that hosts the Doñana Natural SpaceWavelet method with a new Python package allows for integrated displacement, groundwater level, climatic and pumping time series analysesThe results provide a ground motion baseline to differentiate natural variations from future anthropogenic effects in the Doñana area [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In recent years, seasonal wildfires have become more frequent and intense. The impact on soils can cause a critical loss for the ecosystems, and the early stages after the events are especially relevant to their recovery. Emerging plants enhance soil stabilization, and the presence of a healthy microbial population is important for aggregating soil particles. In this present study, we analyzed the changes in the microbial population in the early stages, and the relevance of the disappearance of these species due to wildfires. Here, we defined how a treatment combining early colonizing plants and a consortium of bacteria can enhance soil structure and accelerate the soil recovery process. During 2022, intense heat waves, together with particularly extreme dry conditions, created a propitious scenario for wildfires, resulting in the area of vegetation consumed in Europe doubling. Mediterranean countries have been particularly affected, reaching 293,155 hectares in Spain, the worst data in the last 15 years. The effects on the vegetation and the soil are devastating, so knowing the recovery factors is essential for after-fire management. Resilient microorganisms play a fundamental role in rapid nutrient recycling, soil structure, and plant colonization in fire-affected soils. In this present work, we have studied emergent microbial communities in the case of the Los Guájares (Granada, Spain) fire, one of the most extensive of the year, to evaluate their role in the recovery of soil and vegetation cover. We aim to discern which are the main actors in order to formulate a new treatment that helps in the ecosystem recovery. Thus, we have found the relevant loss in phosphorous and potassium solubilizers, as well as siderophores or biofilm producers. Here, we decided to use the strains Pseudomonas koreensis AC, Peribacillus frigoritolerans CB, Pseudomonas fluorescens DC, Paenibacillus lautus C, Bacillus toyonensis CD, and Paenarthrobacter nitroguajacolicus AI as a consortium, as they showed most of the capacities required in a regenerative treatment. On the other hand, the microcosm test showed an enhanced pattern of germination of the emerging model plant, Bituminaria bituminosa, as well as a more aggregated structure for soil. This new approach can create a relevant approach in order to recover fire-affected soils in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we utilized three different indices to assess drought conditions in the Doñana National Park (DNP) located in southern Spain. These indices included the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), which is based on precipitation statistics, the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), which incorporates both precipitation and air temperature data, and the Groundwater Recharge Drought Index (GRDI), a newly developed index specifically designed to evaluate groundwater drought. The analysis covered the time period from 1985 to 2015, and future projections were made for the years 2030–2060 under different climate scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5). Our findings revealed a significant decrease in total precipitation of approximately 13–14% compared to historical records (1985–2015). Moreover, severely to extremely wet periods exhibited a reduction ranging from 25% to 38%. A key contribution of this study is the application of the GRDI index, which allowed us to assess groundwater recharge rates. We observed a decline in the simulated mean recharge rates during the 21st century when compared to the historical period spanning from 1950 to 2009. This decline can be attributed to increased evapotranspiration. The results of this research provide valuable insights for the Spanish water resources administration. The observed reductions in precipitation and groundwater recharge rates emphasize the need for appropriate mitigation measures. The findings will aid the administration in formulating an integrated water resources management strategy in the Doñana National Park and its surrounding basin. By understanding the projected changes in drought conditions, the administration can make informed decisions to ensure sustainable water resource management in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cuadernos Geograficos is the property of Cuadernos Geograficos and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Data from international studies reveal that the mathematics literacy of Spanish students is significantly lower than that of students from nearby countries. Therefore, in recent years, interest in identifying the factors that influence students’ mathematics results in Spain has grown considerably. Often, these factors are sought among the socioeconomic characteristics of the students or among variables related to the schools, ignoring the psychological and emotional factors of the students. This paper analyzes the impact of certain psychoemotional characteristics of Spanish students on their literacy in mathematics. For this purpose, multilevel regression models are applied to the data of the Spanish sample of the 2018 edition of PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment), which is composed of 35,943 15-year-old students. The instruments for data collection are the mathematics literacy tests and the contextual questionnaires on students’ personal situation and well-being used by PISA. As dependent variable, students’ mathematics literacy has been considered, measured through the plausible values provided by PISA, and as independent variables, different indices measuring students’ psychoemotional well-being obtained from the contextual information collected by PISA. Results indicate that resilience, motivation for the achievement of learning objectives, competitiveness, perceived cooperation at school, and social connectedness with parents have a positive impact on students’ mathematics literacy, while experiences related to bullying, physical self-concept, meaning in life and perceived competitiveness at school have a negative impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 affected the regular development of education. Academic trips were officially suspended in the whole of Spain, and university students had to give up the possibility of going abroad. The School of Architecture and Design of Universidad de Navarra (Spain) sought an alternative to these regular trips that could provide students with an experience as meaningful as traveling can be. This article explores the concept of travel as a transformative life experience and a tool for redesigning and creating frames for thinking. Drawing from a range of theoretical perspectives, it narrates the different phases, results, and reflections on a project developed by the faculty. Students were asked to bring their suitcases to the University Museum (MUN), which served as a platform for a different kind of journey. The project aims to reframe the concept of travel to help students navigate their own creative trajectories and approaches with an explorer's perspective and to make them aware of their patterns and limitations; this article argues for the importance of experiential learning and reflection in the classroom, with students actively involved from the start. Throughout the article, the authors provide diagrams, illustrations, and testimonies from students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zerbitzuan is the property of Zerbitzuan and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In recent decades, forest fires in the Mediterranean basin have been increasing in frequency, intensity, and the area burnt. Simultaneously, insects, a group with extraordinary biodiversity that provides vital ecosystem services such as pollination and decomposition, are undergoing a precipitous decline. Unfortunately, the impact of fire on arthropod communities has been poorly addressed despite the high diversity of taxonomic and functional arthropod groups. Responses to fire can differ considerably, depending on the life history and functional traits of the species. In the present study, we investigate the short-term impact of fire (three years after a blaze) on the abundance and species composition of soil arthropods in a burnt pine forest located in Ceuta (Spain, northwestern Africa). Soil arthropods were collected from pitfall traps in burnt and unburnt pine forest sampling points. In terms of total abundance per taxonomic order, Blattodea and Diptera were the only orders seemingly affected by the fire, whereas other arthropod groups (e.g., Araneae, Coleoptera, and Isopoda) showed no differences. In terms of species composition, Coleoptera and Formicidae (Hymenoptera) communities differed between burnt and unburnt sampling points, having more species associated with burnt areas than with unburnt ones. In burnt areas, some species from open areas built nests, fed in/on the ground, and dispersed over longer distances. Within the unburnt plots, we found more species in vegetated habitats, particularly those with shorter dispersal distances. We conclude that arthropod communities differ between burnt and unburnt sites and that the response of each taxon appears to be related to particular functional traits such as habitat preference (from open to forested landscapes) and ecological specialization (from generalist to specialist species). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]