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Abstract Background Violence against women (VAW) perpetrated by men is a public health problem of significant magnitude that negatively affects the whole society. Unequal gender relations produce differentiated positions in the social structure; gender roles that position men and women differently are defined and which are at the root of VAW. Framed within the European PositivMasc project, the aim of this study was to identify the areas for action to promote positive masculinities in preventing VAW in Spain, based on community stakeholders’ perceptions on their importance and applicability. Methods A concept mapping study was carried out, involving a comprehensive and systematic approach that employs both a qualitative and quantitative methodology, between September 2019 and February 2022 in Spain. The research was conducted with a diverse sample of young people, both feminist activists and non-activists, as well as various professionals in the field under study. Results The results of this study showed that the lines of action in order of importance are: prevention through formal and informal education, general skills for the population, personal work with men, media and social campaigns, governmental and legal measures, activism and support to social organizations. In turn, the order of these lines of action according to applicability in the Spanish context was: media and social campaigns, prevention through formal and informal education, general skills for the population, support to social organizations, activism, personal work with men and governmental and legal measures. Consensus was observed among the participants of different socio-demographic profiles, both at a quantitative level in the scores obtained and at a qualitative level with the interpretations that reinforced the results. Conclusions There is a need for a comprehensive multisectoral response involving different spaces to strengthen the scale, impact and sustainability of the efforts around anti-VAW masculinities. The evidence produced throughout this concept mapping study can contribute to inform policies to effectively prevent VAW by focusing on positive masculinities, ensuring they align with the perceptions and experiences of key community actors involved in the policy implementation process.

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to explore the perceptions of Roma women about their experience of menarche and reproductive health considering the principles of reproductive justice. Design Qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with Roma women ages 18 through 67 in different neighborhoods in the southeast of Spain. Using a thematic analysis, we analyzed experiences related to menarche and menstruation and their significance for reproductive health, the preparation for the phase of menarche and intergenerational support. Results The Roma women interviewed shared their approach to the experiences of menarche and menstruation as children in their family environments with a focus on access to information provided by other women in the family and community for reproductive health management. In their discourses we observed that the onset of menstruation supposes a rupture in the public and private spaces of girls and women. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that women and girls do not gain access to information that contributes to their reproductive wellbeing through their experience of menarche. Access to resources and skills to manage biological changes in adolescents could contribute to reducing the impact of cultural myths, false ideas and taboos that prevent advocacy and empowerment on issues of reproductive justice.

The digitization process is widespread and unrelenting. Compared with other European countries, Spain has a good position in the latest data compiled in the Digital Economy and Society Index. Direct use of communication and information technologies is high among the regions in Spain, where the national average in the region of Valencia stands out. However, despite this context, differences between population groups continue to be observed in different dimensions of the digital divide. This article explores this multidimensional gap among the midlife and older adult population. The research design adopts a mixed-method sequential design (questionnaire-based survey, follow-up with semi-structured interviews) to explore social positions in relation to access and use of technologies and the meanings that people ascribe to such positions and actions. A telephone survey was conducted with 1,800 people over 54 years of age residing in Valencia in September 2021, followed by 67 in-depth interviews. The results suggest that demographic and socioeconomic characteristics (level of education, age, and gender) determine people’s position in the digital divide. Qualitative discourses qualify these results by elucidating key aspects that could be acting as protectors of digital and social exclusion. They are related to the social and family context and the characteristics of digital service providers. The findings are useful to guide both public policies to promote digital inclusion and private market actors when designing their digital strategies.

Resumen: Objetivo: Cuantificar la pobreza energética en población gitana y población general de España, en 2016, y observar la asociación de este fenómeno con la salud autopercibida, ajustando por los principales determinantes socioeconómicos. Método: La pobreza energética fue definida como la incapacidad económica para mantener el calor dentro del hogar, la presencia de humedad en la vivienda y tener retrasos en el pago de facturas de suministros, con datos de dos encuestas europeas para España en 2016: la Encuesta sobre Ingresos y Condiciones de Vida (EU-SILC) y la Segunda Encuesta sobre Minorías y Discriminación (EU-MIDIS II). Se calcularon modelos de regresión logística jerárquica con la salud autopercibida como variable resultado, ajustando progresivamente por variables demográficas (género y edad), ambientales (temperatura del hogar, humedad y retrasos en las facturas) y socioeconómicas (nivel educativo, estado civil y situación ocupacional). Resultados: El 45% de la población gitana mostró niveles moderados o altos de pobreza energética. La odds ratio (OR) de mala salud autopercibida era mayor en la población gitana (OR: 3,11; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 2,59-3,74). No poder mantener una temperatura adecuada en el interior del hogar incrementó considerablemente el riesgo de mala salud (OR: 2,10; IC95%: 1,90-2,32). Tras ajustar por variables demográficas, ambientales y socioeconómicas, no observamos asociación entre población de adscripción y salud autopercibida. Conclusiones: Considerando los principales determinantes sociales, indicadores de pobreza energética incluidos, ser una persona gitana no se asocia con declarar mala salud. Este resultado señala la relevancia de abordar los factores socioeconómicos, la pobreza energética entre ellos, para reducir las desigualdades en salud. Abstract: Objective: To quantify energy poverty in Roma population and in general population in Spain, in 2016, as well as to observe the association of this phenomenon with self-rated health, adjusted according to the main socio-economic determinants. Method: Energy poverty has been defined as the financial inability to keep a home warm, the presence of dampness in the dwelling and falling into arrears in utility bills, using data from two European surveys from Spain in 2016: the Survey on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) and the Second Survey on Minorities and Discrimination (EU-MIDIS II). Hierarchical logistic regression models were estimated with self-rated health as the outcome variable, progressively adjusted according to demographic (gender and age), environmental (household temperature, humidity and arrears in utility bills) and socio-economic (level of education, marital status and employment status) variables. Results: Our results show that 45% of the Roma population had moderate or high levels of energy poverty. The odds ratio (OR) of poor self-rated health was higher in the Roma population (OR: 3.11; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 2.59–3.74). The inability to maintain an adequate indoor temperature significantly increased the risk of poor health (OR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.90–2.32). After adjusting according to demographic, environmental and socio-economic variables, no association was observed between the population of ascription and self-rated health. Conclusions: Taking into account the main social determinants, including energy poverty indicators, being Roma is not associated with reporting poor health. This result points to the importance of tackling socio-economic factors, including energy poverty, to reduce health inequalities.

Water quality affected by polluted surface runoff from agricultural settings, storm-water as well as sewage from urban locations, and mining in the North West Province are reasons for concern. Similar situations may exist in areas elsewhere that have similar water issues and impacts. This study aimed to evaluate the water quality of the Loopspruit River by analysing the physico-chemical and microbiological parameters of the water. Bacterial diversity was the highest in less polluted areas of the Loopspruit River. Dominating at all the sites tested were Proteobacteria, followed by Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia. Predicted metagenome analysis revealed a correlation between the physico-chemical parameters and observed taxonomic units (OTU). Temperature had a negative correlation with Patescibacteria, Nanoarchaeaeota and Firmicutes (p < 0.05). The negative correlation was strongest with Patescibacteria. Sulphate had a strong correlation with Fusobacteria (p < 0.05). There was also evidence of faecal and agricultural pollution. Analysing and visually representing the water quality of the Loopspruit River demonstrated the value of combining physico-chemical, microbiology and geospatial data for an overview of understanding the potential environmental health risks. Such data could potentially be used for management strategies. HIGHLIGHTS Nutrient and faecal pollution from various sources impact water quality.; Diversity indices and an abundance of bacteria that are impacted by physico-chemical parameters.; Agricultural and sewage pollution impact levels of nitrates (fertilizer).; Network analysis highlights the impacts of nutrients on bacterial diversity.; Call for integrated water quality management to protect a peri-urban river system.;

Water chemistry conditions in freshwater and marine environments can change rapidly over both space and time. This is especially true in environments that are exposed to anthropogenic impacts such as sedimentation, sewage, runoff and other types of pollution. It is critical in studying these systems that researchers have tools capable of accurately collecting water samples across relevant spatial and temporal scales. Here we present an inexpensive, open-source Programmable Autonomous Water Sampler (PAWS) that is open source, compact, robust, highly adaptable and submersible to 40 m. PAWS utilizes a time-integrated sampling approach by collecting a single sample in a syringe slowly over minutes to days. Once analyzed, data from the sample collected represents and integrated average of water chemistry conditions over time. Due to its adaptability and low cost, PAWS has the potential to improve the spatial and temporal coverage of many freshwater and marine studies.

Resumen: Las estrategias, los programas y las acciones en salud han sido históricamente el resultado de prácticas institucionales con un componente participativo limitado. La acción institucional ha venido determinada sobre todo por el criterio de actores políticos y, en el mejor de los casos, por el criterio de profesionales de la salud. Nuevas formas de gobernanza para la equidad en salud abogan por la inclusión de la comunidad en el diseño de estrategias, programas y actividades en salud. Por ello, una preocupación creciente en el campo de la participación en salud es la medición de la calidad participativa de los nuevos diseños de prácticas institucionales. Este artículo tiene como objetivo desarrollar una propuesta operativa para diseñar, medir o describir el alcance en términos participativos de los procesos de planificación en salud. La propuesta elabora seis dimensiones para la medición y la evaluación del proceso participativo: inclusividad, flujo de información, calidad deliberativa, toma de decisiones, compromiso institucional y empoderamiento comunitario. Abstract: Health strategies, programs and activities have historically been the result of institutional practices with a limited participatory component. Traditionally, institutional action is mainly determined by the criteria of the political actors and, in the best of cases, by the criteria of healthcare professionals. New forms of governance for health equity advocate for the inclusion of the community in the design of strategies, programmes and activities in health. For this reason, a growing concern in the field of participation in health is the measurement of the participatory quality of new designs of institutional practices. This article aims to develop an operational proposal to design, measure or describe the scope in participatory terms of the health planning processes. The proposal elaborates six dimensions for the measurement and assessment of participatory process: inclusivity, information flow, deliberative quality, decision making, institutional commitment and community empowerment.

Masculinities and femininities are often characterized by social inequalities and mainly studied from the perspectives of adult, heterosexual and non-activist people. This study explores the discourses on masculinities and femininities of young cisgender men and women, involved or not in feminist activism and of different sexual orientations (heterosexual, bisexual and homosexual) in Spain. Between 2019 and 2020, we conducted a qualitative study with 20 semi-structured interviews and 8 discussion groups in which 73 people participated. A socially dominant gender discourse was identified, which establishes a dichotomous understanding of masculinity in constant confrontation with femininity, as well as of heterosexuality against homosexuality, in a heteronormative context. Young people discursively position themselves differently from said discourse according to their sexual orientation and involvement in feminist activism. We encounter discursive positions that reproduce the socially dominant gender discourse, especially detected among non-activist heterosexuals. We also observe others that try to transgress it, mainly among activists of all sexual orientations and non-activist homosexuals and bisexuals. This study empirically adds to the knowledge of the configuration of inequalities in gender relations and how interactions with sexuality take place. The results also provide guidance for future gender-transformative interventions to promote gender equality and social justice.

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar cómo se mide el estatus migratorio en la población infantil y juvenil en la literatura científica sobre salud y desigualdades sociales en salud en Europa. Método: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de publicaciones entre 2007 y 2017 en PubMed y Social Sciences Citation Index, en español, inglés y francés. Se incluyeron artículos realizados en Europa en los que se analizaran la salud o las desigualdades sociales en salud de la población menor de 18 años según su origen migratorio. Se realizó una descripción de las variables usadas para la medición del estatus migratorio. Resultados: Se incluyeron 50 artículos. Veinte estudios analizaban alguna variable de salud perinatal, once de salud mental, nueve de salud dental y diez de otras variables. Las principales variables para definir el estatus migratorio fueron el país de nacimiento (32 estudios), tanto del niño o la niña como de la madre o de alguno de los progenitores, y en ocasiones de forma complementaria. Menos frecuente fue la utilización de la nacionalidad (15 estudios) del niño o la niña, o de los progenitores, especialmente la materna. El estatus migratorio se denomina de muy diferentes maneras, no siempre equiparables, y en ocasiones no se explicita claramente la variable utilizada. Conclusiones: Existe una gran diversidad de formas de medir el estatus migratorio en la población infantil y juvenil. Son necesarios una mejor definición y un consenso para mejorar la comparabilidad temporal y geográfica del conocimiento en esta área, que ayude al diseño de políticas públicas encaminadas a reducir las desigualdades sociales en salud desde la infancia. Abstract: Objective: To analyse how the migration status of the child and young population is measured in the scientific literature on health and social inequalities in health in Europe. Method: A systematic search of the literature published in Spanish, English and French between 2007 and 2017 in PubMed and Social Sciences Citation Index was carried out. The included studies analysed health and social inequalities in health of a population under 18 years old according to its migration origin in Europe. The variables used to measure the migration status were described. Results: 50 articles were included. Twenty studies analysed perinatal health, eleven mental health, nine dental health, and ten studies other variables. The main variables to define migration status were the country of birth (32 studies), either of the child, the mother, or one of the parents, and sometimes in a complementary way. Less frequent was the use of nationality (15 studies), of the child, or of the parents, especially the mother. Migration status is referred to in very different ways, not always comparable and sometimes the variable used is not clearly explained. Conclusions: There is a great diversity of ways to measure migration status in the child and young population. A better definition and consensus is needed to improve the temporal and geographical comparability of knowledge in this area, which will help to design public policies aimed at reducing social inequalities in health from childhood.

Designing antiviral therapeutics is of great concern per current pandemics caused by novel coronavirus or SARS-CoV-2. The core polymerase enzyme in the viral replication/transcription machinery is generally conserved and serves well for drug target. In this work we briefly review structural biology and computational clues on representative single-subunit viral polymerases that are more or less connected with SARS-CoV-2 RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), in particular, to elucidate how nucleotide substrates and potential drug analogs are selected in the viral genome synthesis. To do that, we first survey two well studied RdRps from Polio virus and hepatitis C virus in regard to structural motifs and key residues that have been identified for the nucleotide selectivity. Then we focus on related structural and biochemical characteristics discovered for the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. To further compare, we summarize what we have learned computationally from phage T7 RNA polymerase (RNAP) on its stepwise nucleotide selectivity, and extend discussion to a structurally similar human mitochondria RNAP, which deserves special attention as it cannot be adversely affected by antiviral treatments. We also include viral phi29 DNA polymerase for comparison, which has both helicase and proofreading activities on top of nucleotide selectivity for replication fidelity control. The helicase and proofreading functions are achieved by protein components in addition to RdRp in the coronavirus replication-transcription machine, with the proofreading strategy important for the fidelity control in synthesizing a comparatively large viral genome.

Marula wine is traditionally produced through a spontaneous fermentation process and has a huge economic potential in Africa. The current study investigated the contributing microbiota and the metabolites produced during the wine fermentation process. Microbial communities were analyzed by selective cultivation and identified by biotyping and rDNA sequencing. Sugars and volatile compounds were determined with the high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography, respectively. Different Lactobacillus spp. were present throughout the fermentation process but dominated the earlier stages of fermentation, together with non-Saccharomyces yeasts, whereas Saccharomyces cerevisiae and acetic acid bacteria dominated the latter stages. Sucrose, glucose and fructose were detected during the early stages, while ethanol and butanol were present during the latter stages of fermentation. Interestingly, acetic acid and formic acid were detected in relatively high amounts at the latter stages of fermentation. Lactobacillus spp. and S. cerevisiae were identified as the primary contributing microbiota, and Acetobacter aceti and Acetobacter pasteuriannus were associated with the off taste and spoilage of the marula wine.

Socioeconomic crisis and humanitarian disasters can cause increased stress for women who experience inter-partner violence (IPV). This study analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on this important issue, their related health and social services and working conditions from the perspectives of professionals in different sectors. Forty-three semi-structured interviews were carried out with 47 professionals (44 women and 3 men) from 40 different entities (September 2020-April 2021). This content analysis suggests that the pandemic and its associated prevention measures have had a negative impact on women exposed to IPV and their children, which affected their social wellbeing. Professionals described burnout, difficult and slow administrative processes, and problems with coordination and access to information. These negative impacts were mitigated, in part, by the work of professionals, but this suggests that a series of key strategies are needed to improve the response capacity of the service sector to IPV in situations of crisis. These improvements are related to the availability of human and material resources; an efficient coordination network between the professionals from different sectors; existence of informal support networks in the community; protocols/procedures and prior training for better implementation; and greater flexibility and accessibility of basic services that benefit women who experience IPV.

The aim of this study is to analyse the impact that COVID-19 has had on the Roma population, showing results of a telephone interview on a sample of 592 Roma households in phase 0 of confinement. This study has been developed by means of an alliance in which researchers from the public universities of Alicante and Navarre and the Health Institute Carlos III have participated, as well as several Roma associations. The results reflect the significant impact that the pandemic has caused in households that were already affected by social exclusion and inequality. This impact goes beyond health and affects all dimensions of social inclusion, from employment to education, including income, meeting basic needs and discrimination.

Abstract Background With an explicit focus on Roma women in Spain (Kale/Spanish Gypsies), this study aims to integrate key informants’ opinions about the main actions needed to improve primary health care services’ and professionals’ responses to Roma women in an Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) situation. Methods Concept mapping study. A total of 50 (brainstorming phase), 36 (sorting and rating phase) and 16 (interpretation phase) participants from Roma civil society groups, primary health care professionals and other related stakeholders (social services, academic experts and other IPV NGOs representatives) from different cities in Spain were involved in the different study phases. Results Among the 55 action proposals generated, ten priority actions were identified through consensus as most important for improving primary health care’s response to Romani women in an IPV situation, and these included primary, secondary and tertiary prevention activities. Conclusion Results indicated that efforts to address this challenge should take an integrated approach that reinforces the primary health care response to IPV in general, while also promoting more specific actions to address barriers to access that affect all Roma women and those who experience IPV in particular.

Objetivo: Explorar la opinión del profesorado de educación primaria de la ciudad de Alicante sobre las actividades de salud realizadas en la escuela. Método: Estudio exploratorio mediante análisis de contenido cualitativo. Se formaron tres grupos de discusión (8-9 participantes) con profesorado de educación primaria (14 mujeres y 11 hombres) procedentes de 14 escuelas públicas y 7 concertadas de la ciudad de Alicante. La información se obtuvo preguntando a los/las participantes sobre las actividades de salud realizadas en el aula o en el centro escolar. Resultados: El profesorado diferenció las actividades que forman parte de las programaciones escolares de educación para la salud de las que proceden de programas de otras instituciones públicas o privadas. Consideró que los programas externos son impuestos, no tienen continuidad y responden a modas pasajeras. Aunque mostró una actitud más favorable y comprometida con las actividades y programaciones escolares, identificó la educación para la salud como una tarea secundaria. En su opinión, incrementar su formación en salud, implicar a los padres y las madres, profesionales sanitarios y la administración educativa fomentaría la educación para la salud en la escuela. Conclusiones: El profesorado muestra una opinión más favorable y un mayor compromiso hacia las actividades de salud que complementan y facilitan su tarea educativa. Su programación docente y opinión deben tenerse en cuenta para maximizar la eficiencia de las actividades de promoción y educación para la salud promovidas por instituciones, compañías y fundaciones externas a la escuela.

Objetivo: Describir los cambios percibidos por la población y los profesionales en relación con la salud y el uso de servicios tras la intervención RIU con agentes comunitarios en un barrio vulnerable. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo cualitativo con entrevistas individuales y grupales y observación participante de octubre de 2008 a julio de 2009. Emplazamiento: Barrio Raval (Algemesí-Valencia). Participantes: Selección por muestreo opinático de 7 mujeres agentes de salud, todas las que finalizaron la intervención, y 10 profesionales implicados en la misma. Método: Con las mujeres se mantuvo una entrevista grupal a los 6 meses, y una entrevista grupal y 7 individuales a los 9 meses de intervención. Se realizó un análisis temático de tipo descriptivo desde el modelo de promoción de salud. Con los profesionales se utilizó observación participante en una reunión a los 9 meses, analizándose las notas de campo según: valoración del proyecto, cambios detectados, dificultades y recomendaciones. Resultados: Las mujeres adquirieron información sobre salud, anticoncepción, embarazo y servicios sanitarios; señalaron cambios en autocuidados y habilidades sociales y liderazgo; interiorizaron el rol de agente de salud difundiendo lo aprendido y manifestando mejor autoestima y reconocimiento social. Provocaron cambios en su entorno relativos al cuidado de la salud y el acceso a los servicios. Los profesionales no incorporaron a su trabajo la perspectiva comunitaria; valoraron el proyecto, coincidieron con las mujeres en la mejora del acceso y uso de servicios y en el acercamiento población-profesionales. Conclusiones: RIU aumenta las capacidades de las personas participantes, su reconocimiento social y mejora el acceso y uso de servicios sanitarios.

Objetivo: Las encuestas de salud constituyen la principal fuente para el conocimiento del estado de salud de la población inmigrante en España. Este artículo pretende analizar la representatividad de esta población en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud de España (ENSE) 2011-2012. Métodos: Se analizaron las publicaciones metodológicas y los microdatos de la ENSE 2011-2012, y los datos del Padrón Municipal de Habitantes. Se analizaron las diferencias en la tasa de participación y sus causas entre la población nacional y extranjera, así como la representación de 11 países de nacimiento en la encuesta respecto a la de la población general, con y sin utilizar los ponderadores de la encuesta. Resultados: Los hogares con alguna persona extranjera presentaron una menor tasa de participación, tanto por mayores errores en el marco muestral como por una mayor falta de respuesta. En todos los países de nacimiento la muestra era menor de lo que correspondería según la población empadronada, en especial entre la población china. Al utilizar la ponderación en los 11 casos, la estimación del tamaño de la población se acercó más al tamaño estimado con el Padrón, aunque globalmente se mantuvo la infrarrepresentación y no se eliminó el sesgo intranacional. Conclusiones: La menor participación de la población inmigrante y su carácter diferencial por país de origen sugieren la existencia de un potencial sesgo de la ENSE que debe tenerse en cuenta en los estudios que analicen la salud de esta población. Es necesario estudiar en mayor profundidad esta menor participación para tomar las medidas adecuadas que aumenten la representatividad de las encuestas de salud.

Se identifica y se caracteriza en términos de: cantidad, tipo, localización y manifestación, los transportes, tiempos de espera, movimientos y procesos innecesarios en nueve pymes manufactureras de la ciudad de Medellín. El procedimiento constó de las etapas: selección de procesos a estudiar (uno por empresa), capacitación al personal operativo (7 mudas, 5S y gerencia visual), sesión en profundidad con administración de formulario de identificación del muda, verificación en el gemba, y resultados y análisis. Consolidando los hallazgos para las nueve empresas, 151 trabajadores fueron capacitados, los cuales contribuyeron a identificar 1.085 actividades que no aportan valor al cliente, con un promedio de 121 por proceso-empresa, la mayoría fueron transportes (31%) y movimientos innecesarios (29%). Se brindan elementos metodológicos que facilitan la comunicación entre el nivel operativo y los demás, así como la capacitación y la participación activa del mismo, posibilitando identificar oportunidades de mejora para las empresas. Se ofrece información de interés para la academia, el gobierno, los centros de desarrollo tecnológico y el sector productivo.Is identified and characterized in terms of: quantity, type, location and expression, transportation, waiting times, movements, and unnecessary processes, in nine manufacturing SMEs in the city of Medellin. The procedure consisted of the stages: selection of processes to be studied (one per company), operating personnel training (7 Wastes (Muda), 5S and visual management), deep session with management of the Muda identification form, verifying in the shop floor (Gemba), results and analysis. Consolidating the findings for the nine companies, 151 workers were trained, which helped to identify 1.085 activities that do not add value to the customer, with an average of 121 per process-company, most were transportation (31%) and unnecessary movements (29%). Methodological elements are provided to facilitate communication between the operational level and others, as well as training and active participation of the same, making it possible to identify opportunities for business improvement. It offers information of interest to academia, government, technology development centers and the productive sector.

Objetivo: Comparar los resultados de la medición del tiempo de trabajo reproductivo de la Encuesta de Empleo del Tiempo 2002-2003 (EET) y la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2006 (ENS). Métodos: Se estudia el tiempo dedicado al cuidado de menores, de personas adultas dependientes y de tareas domésticas. Se compara la proporción de personas cuidadoras y el tiempo medio dedicado a cada una de las actividades en ambas encuestas, según sexo, edad y tipo de hogar. Resultados: En la ENS se multiplica entre cuatro y seis veces el tiempo estimado para el cuidado de adultos y menores, mientras que la EET contabiliza mayores proporciones de personas dedicadas a las tareas domésticas y de cuidado de menores. Los resultados de la ENS y de la EET únicamente tienden a converger al medir la proporción de personas dedicadas al cuidado de adultos y el tiempo medio dedicado a las tareas domésticas.Objective: To compare time spent on unpaid work as measured by the Time Use Survey (TUS) 2002-2003 and the National Health Survey (NHS) 2006. Methods: The time spent on childcare, care of dependent adults, and housework was studied. The proportion of caregivers and the average amount of time spent on each activity, as measured by both surveys, was compared by gender, age and household size. Results: The estimated time spent on adult and childcare is four to six times higher in the NHS, whereas the TUS shows higher percentages of people devoted to housework and childcare. The results of the NHS and the TUS tend to converge only when they measure the proportion of people caring for dependent adults and the average amount of time spent on housework.

Fundamento, La salud mental de las personas cuidadoras se ve perjudicada por las tareas de cuidado. Son necesarios estudios que especifiquen la influencia de diversas variables en la asociación entre cuidado informal y salud mental. El objetivo del trabajo es analizar los efectos del tiempo dedicado al cuidado informal en la salud mental por sexo según el tipo de personas dependientes . Métodos, Los datos que se utilizaron fueron los de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2006, cuya muestra estaba compuesta por 29.478 participantes. Variables, salud mental (GHQ-12), tiempo de cuidado, edad, clase social y apoyo funcional (Duke-UNC). Se realizó análisis de regresión logística para determinar la probabilidad de contar con mala salud mental según horas de cuidado, ajustado por edad, clase social y apoyo funcional. Resultados, Las mujeres presentan peor salud mental a partir de 97 horas semanales en el cuidado a menores (OR=1,372), de 25 horas en el cuidado a personas mayores de 74 años (OR=1,602 entre 25 y 48 horas, OR=1,467 49-96h, OR=1,874 97-168h) y cuando dedican alguna hora al cuidado de personas adultas con discapacidad (OR=1,996 0-24h, OR=2,507 25-48h, OR=3,016 49-96h, OR=1,651 97-168h). Los varones muestran deterioro de la salud psicológica cuando dedican un elevado número de horas al cuidado de personas mayores de 74 años (OR=2,810 97168h.) y personas con discapacidad (OR=3,411 97-168h.) y cuando dedican de 0 a 24h al cuidado de menores (OR=1,595). Conclusiones, El efecto del número de horas de cuidado en la salud mental de las personas cuidadoras está influido por el tipo de persona dependiente y por el sexo de la persona cuidadora.

El propósito de este trabajo es elaborar un mapa con la representación del mundo y de los países árabes tal como la observan los países de esta región. Para ello, hemos analizado las noticias (4,093 recogidas entre febrero y agosto de 2005) producidas por los gobiernos de los Estados árabes a través de sus agencias de noticias nacionales. Se presentan diferentes mapas mundiales y regionales para mostrar la representación oficial árabe del mundo, la agenda de los países árabes en conflicto, la persistencia de los lazos coloniales (con la metrópoli europea) y la aparición de nuevas relaciones (países asiáticos). Se observa una concentración de interés en algunos países (EE.UU., Irak y el conflicto Israel-Palestino, Reino Unido, Francia e Irán), y cómo la importancia de los poderes regionales (Arabia Saudí y Egipto) y así como el pasado colonial (bloques anglófono y francófono) determina la estructura actual de la comunicación.

Objective: This study analyzes the discourse of some members of the Spanish parliament (MPs) in the 2 years before the Gender Violence Act was passed in 2004 to examine how gender-based violence is construed when legal measures are proposed. Methods: Ten members of six different parties of the Spanish parliament were interviewed between November 2002 and March 2003. Each interview was recorded and transcribed. A discourse analysis was performed with Atlas.ti 4.2. Results: Analysis of the interviews showed a discourse that revolved around the victim's report as the main mechanism for the public authorities to intervene and try to end gender-based violence. The interviewees proposed the following steps to help victims to escape from violence: reporting violence to the police, the provision of victim protection, punishment of the perpetrator, and avoidance of problems and death through different measures (law, police, support services). Conclusions: Our analysis shows how a major social problem and the mobilization of women and mass media have had several effects. One of these effects is that lawmakers have turned their attention to this social concern. A solution to this phenomenon is being sought through the mechanisms of the Spanish parliament (promoting changes in the law) and government (making more economic resources available). The public action proposed by the MPs interviewed focuses on reporting; their discourse does not include alternative options (or includes only vague options) for victims not reporting violence.Objetivo: El estudio analiza el discurso de algunos miembros del Parlamento español en los 2 años previos a la aprobación de la Ley de Protección Integral contra la violencia de género para explorar cómo la violencia de género es percibida durante el proceso de institucionalización de medidas legales. Métodos: Fueron entrevistados 10 miembros de 6 partidos políticos con representación en el Parlamento español entre noviembre de 2002 y marzo de 2003. Cada entrevista fue grabada y transcrita. Se realizó un análisis de discurso con el Atlas.ti 4.2. Resultados: Se observó en el análisis de las entrevistas un discurso en torno a la denuncia de las mujeres afectadas como el principal medio para las instituciones políticas para intervenir e intentar combatir la violencia de género. Los entrevistados proponen los siguientes pasos a realizar por las víctimas con el fin de acabar con la violencia: denunciar a la policía, proteger a las víctimas, castigar a los maltratadores, y evitar los problemas y las muertes mediante las diferentes medidas existentes (ley, policía, servicios de atención). Conclusiones: Se ponen de manifiesto los efectos de la construcción de un problema social y la movilización de grupos de mujeres y medios de comunicación. Uno es la creciente preocupación de los parlamentarios por este tema. La solución es identificada mediante los instrumentos del Parlamento (promoción de cambios en la legislación) y el Gobierno (incrementar la disponibilidad de recursos económicos). Las propuestas de actuación pública de las parlamentarias entrevistadas se centran en la denuncia, y resultan inexistentes o imrpecisas las alternativas para las víctimas que no denuncian.

Objetivo: Conocer las características de las intervenciones destinadas a la educación y la promoción de la salud en la educación infantil y primaria en España, a través de los estudios publicados en las revistas científicas. Método: Revisión de estudios sobre educación y promoción de la salud en la escuela española, publicados entre 1995 y 2005. Se consultaron las bases de datos internacionales Medline mediante Pubmed, Cinhal, Eric, Sociological Abstracts, Science Citation Index e Isooc. Se seleccionaron estudios de salud en la escuela española en infantil y primaria que incorporasen actividades de educación y/o promoción de salud. Se analizaron las características, el tema, la metodología, las intervenciones desarrolladas y su adecuación a los criterios para escuelas saludables. Resultados: Cumplían los criterios de inclusión 26 de los 346 artículos identificados. Los programas de educación para la salud tienen una perspectiva más preventiva de la enfermedad que de promoción de la salud y no son frecuentes en las etapas de infantil y primaria. Los criterios de escuelas saludables se incluyen en 5 artículos (19,2%). Destacan las instituciones sanitarias (n = 7; 26,9%) y universitarias (n = 8; 30,8%) en el impulso de los programas. El tabaquismo (n = 11; 42,3%) es el tema más tratado. Conclusiones: El protagonismo del profesorado en el impulso de la promoción de la salud en la escuela es menor que el de las instituciones sanitarias en la implementación y la difusión de los programas. La investigación sobre el desarrollo de la promoción de la salud en la escuela en las etapas de infantil y primaria es escasa.Objective: To identify the characteristics of health education and promotion interventions in Spanish nursery and primary schools, through the studies published in scientific journals. Method: We performed a review of studies on health education and promotion interventions in Spanish nursery and primary schools, published from 1995 to 2005. The information sources were Medline (through Pubmed), Cinhal, Eric, Sociological Abstracts, Science Citation Index, and Isooc (CSIC). Studies performed in Spanish nursery and primary schools that incorporated health education and promotion interventions were selected. The studies' general features, main subject and aims, methodology, the kind of intervention described, and compliance with the criteria for Healthy Schools were analyzed. Results: Only 26 of the 346 articles identified met the inclusion criteria. Health education programs focussed more on disease prevention than on health promotion and only a few studies were performed in nursery and primary schools. The criteria for health promotion in schools were included in 5 articles (19.2%). The importance of health institutions (n = 7; 26.9%) and universities (n = 8; 30.8%) as promoters of programs was notable. The most frequent subject was smoking (n = 11; 42.3%). Conclusions: Teachers play a lesser role in health promotion in schools than health institutions in the implementation and dissemination of health programs. Research into health promotion in nursery and primary schools is scarce.

Este trabajo conecta dos dimensiones de la violencia que están presentes en los estudios sobre Investigación para la Paz. A partir de la conocida clasificación de Galtung, en este ensayo abordamos dos tipos de violencia: la estructural (exclusión, desigualdad) y la cultural (o legitimación de la violencia). Del cruce entre tres ámbitos de exclusión comunicativa y los tres modelos que abordan la desigualdad en la comunicación, se obtienen las líneas de investigación que se proponen para el estudio de la desigualdad en el ámbito comunicativo. Es una reflexión teórica que atiende a las diferentes metodologías empleadas en el estudio del fenómeno comunicativo y que pueden ser productivas para el estudio de la desigualdad en el ámbito cultural.

The article analyses a total of 1,133 news items published in the Francophone Moroccan press (Le Matin du Sahara et du Mahgreb, Maroc Hebdo International and L’Économiste) and the nationally-distributed Spanish press (El País, ABC and El Mundo) during the territorial dispute over the isle of Leyla/Perejil in July 2002. The authors embark upon an analysis of published discourse, structuring it according to the distinction between the principles of pro-conflict and pro-peace journalism, as developed by Jake Lynch et al. (1997). The researching authors obtained high indications of pro-conflict journalism, and from both sides: i.e. paying priority attention to armed action, polarisation, narrative hyperbole, orientation towards elites, propaganda, and even dehumanisation. Even so, there was also the occasional example of pro-peace journalism: a sense of humour, playing down the importance of the incident, and monitoring the declarations from both sides, sometimes extensively.

Objetivos: Analizar con enfoque de género el contenido de las noticias sobre los problemas de salud que afectan a ambos sexos (cáncer, infarto y tabaco), o principalmente a mujeres (anorexia, malos tratos y aborto), publicadas en los medios de comunicación escritos durante los años noventa, y desarrollar algunas recomendaciones para la elaboración de noticias de salud con enfoque de género. Material y métodos: Análisis del contenido de las noticias de los temas mencionados de El País, ABC y El Mundo (1991-1999). Fuentes de información: bases de datos informatizadas de los periódicos. Muestra de 1.358 noticias que contenían los términos seleccionados en la edición Nacional (malos tratos [57], anorexia [79], infarto [118], aborto [330], tabaco [350], cáncer [422]). Conceptos estudiados: «visibilidad», atribución de poder y paridad, y estudio con informadores claves. Resultados: Un 38% de las noticias que identificaban el sexo de los periodistas fueron firmadas por mujeres. Como actores de las noticias, los hombres (73%) fueron más «visibles» que las mujeres (40%). La mayor presencia de las mujeres fue como pacientes (14%) y la de los hombres como políticos (29%) y médicos (24%). Conclusiones: Pese a los esfuerzos realizados en los noventa, falta fortalecer el enfoque de género en las noticias sobre la salud.Objectives: To use a gender approach to analyze the content of health-related articles affecting both sexes (cancer, heart attack and smoking) or mainly women (anorexia, domestic violence and abortion), published in newspapers in the 1990s. To provide recommendations for writing news with a gender-sensitive approach. Material and methods: Analysis of the above-mentioned topics in articles published in the national Spanish daily newspapers El País, ABC and El Mundo (1991-1999). Data sources: computerized databases of the newspapers. Sample of 1358 articles published in the national edition containing selected terms (battering [57], anorexia [79], heart attack [118], abortion [330], smoking [350], cancer [422]). Concepts studied: visibility, empowerment and equality. Interview with key informers. Results: Thirty-eight percent of newspaper articles that identified the sex of journalists were signed by women. As the main protagonists of the feature, men (73%) were more visible than women (40%). Women mainly appeared as patients (14%) whereas men mainly appeared as politicians (29%) and physicians (24%). Conclusions: Despite the efforts made in the 1990s, the gender approach in health-related newspaper articles should be increased.

El método de evaluación tradicional bajo modelos de excelencia se ve influenciado, entre otros, por el modelo mental del evaluador, quien con base en informes producidos por la entidad y en evidencias solicitadas, juzga el funcionamiento global de la firma. Este método no garantiza reproducibilidad de los resultados, tampoco hace viable el escrutinio objetivo por terceros, acrecienta la subjetividad en el proceso y en consecuencia, puede restar validez a los resultados. Se propone un modelo de cuantificación del nivel de excelencia de los agentes facilitadores EFQM, que aísla la subjetividad implícita en el evaluador, y garantiza reproducibilidad de los resultados con base en modelación matemática y cuestionarios auto-administrados, bajo un escalamiento tipo Likert de 1 a 5. Igualmente, posibilita incorporar la importancia relativa de diferentes miradas al interior de la firma a evaluar. Incorpora adicionalmente dos indicadores que orientan las oportunidades de mejoramiento para la entidad. El modelo es aplicado al servicio de hospitalización de una firma de salud de Colombia, obteniendo, entre otros, los siguientes resultados: Excelencia global en Agentes Facilitadores (3,86), Liderazgo (3,77), Personas (3,78), Estrategia (3,9), Alianzas y recursos (4,12) y Procesos y servicios (3,96).

El estudio de las diferencias de género a lo largo del ciclo de vida proporciona numerosas claves para la comprensión de las desigualdades sociales entre hombres y mujeres. Los años de paso del sistema educativo al mundo del trabajo y de la familia de origen a la independencia familiar influyen en la posterior situación profesional de las mujeres y en el tipo de responsabilidades familiares (actividades reproductoras) que irán asumiendo las nuevas generaciones de mujeres españolas. La investigación analiza la importancia de los padres y las madres en la definición de las trayectorias de género e introduce toda una serie de sugerencias sobre cómo las determinaciones familiares son interdependientes con otros procesos sociales, en concreto, la evolución del sistema educativo y del mercado de trabajo.

Abstract Esports refers to competitive video gaming where individuals compete against each other in organized tournaments for prize money. Here, we present the Competitive Esports Physiological, Affective, and Video (CEPAV) dataset, in which 300 male Counter Strike: Global Offensive gamers participated in a study aimed at optimizing affect during esports tournament1. The CEPAV dataset includes (1) physiological data, capturing the player’s cardiovascular responses from before, during, and after over 3000 CS: GO matches; (2) self-reported affective data, detailing the affective states experienced before gameplay; and (3) video data, providing a visual record of 552 in-laboratory gaming sessions. We also collected (affect-related) individual differences measures (e.g., well-being, ill-being) across six weeks in three waves. The self-reported affective data also includes gamers’ natural language descriptions of gaming affective situations. The CEPAV dataset provides a comprehensive resource for researchers and analysts seeking to understand the complex interplay of physiological, affective, and behavioral factors in esports and other performance contexts.

Abstract In the aim of designing and developing a novel saponin-based adjuvant system, we combined the QS21 saponin with low microgram amounts of the fully synthetic TLR4 agonist, E6020, in cholesterol-containing liposomes. The resulting adjuvant system, termed SPA14, appeared as a long-term stable and homogeneous suspension of mostly unilamellar and a few multilamellar vesicles, with an average hydrodynamic diameter of 93 nm, when formulated in citrate buffer at pH 6.0-6.5. When compared in an in vitro human innate immunity construct to AS01B, the QS21/MPL® liposomal adjuvant system of GSK, and with QS21-Liposomes used as benchmarks, SPA14 displayed the strongest immunostimulatory potential based on antigen-presenting cell (APC) activation and cytokine secretion, which was essentially driven by the highly active E6020 agonist in this assay. When tested as an adjuvant in vivo with human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B (gB) and pentamer complex (PC) as test antigens, SPA14 was generally well tolerated and as active as AS01B for the induction of long-lasting CMV-neutralizing antibodies in mice and non-human primates (NHPs). Both adjuvants promoted the induction of Th-1 responses based on IgG2c production in mice and IFN-γ production in mice and NHPs, but in mice, a higher level of Th-2 cytokines (IL-5) and higher IgG1 over IgG2c secreting cells ratios were obtained with SPA14 indicating that the adjuvant profile of SPA14 could be less Th-1 biased than that of AS01B. From a developability standpoint, SPA14 could be manufactured by a simple and scalable ethanol injection method, owing to the high solubility in ethanol of all its lipidic components, including E6020. Furthermore, E6020 is a single molecule, well-characterized fully synthetic TLR4 agonist constructed in eight synthetic steps from entirely crystalline starting materials and intermediates via an optimized high-yield synthetic route. Overall, our data suggest that SPA14 is a viable, easy-to-manufacture, potent novel adjuvant system that could be broadly applicable as a ready-to-mix adjuvant in the form of a long-term stable liquid formulation.

Abstract Background Emergency Medical Service crews are equipped with comprehensive emergency kits for routine care and to provide life-saving interventions in severely ill patients. While guidelines on contents and packing strategies of emergency kits for specific tasks and specialized situations exist, data for the design of out-of-hospital emergency kits in a general urban population is lacking. It may be possible to transfer the promising results of modern in-hospital packing strategies such as task-based package organization (TPO) to an Emergency Medical Service setting. Methods Four types of emergency kit were used in this study: two novel backpack emergency kits were acquired for this study (one packed using a TPO approach (PAX bags) and the other a traditional non-TPO approach (inter-rescue)); the existing emergency kit; and a TPO-repack of the existing kit. We recruited 80 paramedics who each performed four different tasks in a simulated setting: preparation for endotracheal intubation; preparing an intravenous access and a crystalloid infusion; preparing intraosseous access with medication; and preparing for a forearm splint. Questionnaires were completed before starting, after each task, and at the end of each study session. Results There was no overall difference for the primary outcome of task completion between the novel TPO and novel non-TPO kit (p = 0.11). However, for selected tasks (forearm splint) completion time was significantly different between these kits. Overall, participants performed fastest when using the existing emergency kit. Participants frequently omitted items required for critical procedures, regardless of kit type. Conclusion TPO has been previously investigated in an in-hospital setting using participants with low exposure to medical emergencies, and with promising results. In our prehospital simulation setting with paramedics, equipment retrieval was neither faster nor more complete compared to non-TPO kits.

Background and Aim: Enzootic bovine leukemia is highly prevalent in most dairy farms, and strategies to reduce both vertical and horizontal transmission are being investigated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the rate of in utero infection, transmission of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) to calves through colostrum and milk, and the effectiveness of colostrum and milk pasteurization in reducing BLV transmission to calves. Materials and Methods: This study included four groups of calves from seropositive and seronegative cows. Group 1: Calves from BLV-positive cows (n = 11) were fed pasteurized colostrum and milk; Group 2: Calves from BLV-negative cows (n = 9) were fed pasteurized colostrum and milk; Group 3: calves from BLV-positive cows (n = 16) were fed unpasteurized colostrum and milk; and Group 4: calves from BLV-negative cows (n = 9) were fed unpasteurized colostrum and milk. In utero infection was evaluated using blood samples collected from calves before colostrum ingestion (day 0), and BLV transmission through colostrum and/or milk was evaluated by collecting blood samples after colostrum ingestion (days 1, 7, and 30). Samples seropositive on days 0 and/or 30 were also analyzed for the presence of viral DNA by nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). Results: All calves born to BLV seronegative cows (Groups 2 and 4) tested negative on days 0 and 30, indicating a lack of virus transmission via tank milk. Among the calves from Group 1, we found one in utero infection, and among the nine calves serologically positive on day 30, we found four positives by nPCR. Within Group 3, we found one in utero infection, and among the 10 calves serologically positive on day 30, we found 7 also positive by nPCR. Conclusion: The transmission of BLV through colostrum is central to the persistence of this virus in dairy cattle. Molecular detection of BLV in seropositive calves during the 1st month of life, followed by culling, may be a valuable eradication strategy.

Recently, a series of 8(meso)-pyridyl-BODIPYs (2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, and 4-pyridyl) and their 2,6-substituted derivatives were synthesized and their structure and photophysical properties were studied both experimentally and computationally. One of the main observed trends was that the 2-pyridyl-BODIPYs were consistently less fluorescent than their 3-pyridyl and 4-pyridyl analogs, regardless of the 2,6-substituents. Herein, we extend our previous computational studies and model not only the ground but also the excited states of the entire series of previously synthesized meso-pyridyl-BODIPYs with the aim of explaining the observed differences in the emission quantum yields. To better understand the trends and the effect of 2- and 2,6-substitution on the photophysical and electron-density-related properties, we also model the ground and excited states of BODIPYs that were not synthesized experimentally, however represent a logical part of the series. We calculate a variety of molecular properties and propose that the experimentally observed low quantum yields for all 2-pyridyl-BODIPYs could be due to the very flat potential energy surfaces with respect to the rotation of the 2-pyridyl ring in the excited states, and the stability of a non-planar and significantly less fluorescent meso-2-pyridyl-BODIPY structure.

Wastewater testing can inform public health action as a component of polio outbreak response. During 2022–2023, a total of 7 US jurisdictions (5 states and 2 cities) participated in prospective or retrospective testing of wastewater for poliovirus after a paralytic polio case was identified in New York state. Two distinct vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 viruses were detected in wastewater from New York state and New York City during 2022, representing 2 separate importation events. Of those viruses, 1 resulted in persistent community transmission in multiple New York counties and 1 paralytic case. No poliovirus was detected in the other participating jurisdictions (Connecticut, New Jersey, Michigan, and Illinois and Chicago, IL). The value of routine wastewater surveillance for poliovirus apart from an outbreak is unclear. However, these results highlight the ongoing risk for poliovirus importations into the United States and the need to identify undervaccinated communities and increase vaccination coverage to prevent paralytic polio.