bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Riemerella anatipestifer from Domesticated Ducks of Assam, India
Authors: Doley M.K. , Das S. , Sharma R.K. , Borah P. , Sarma D.K. , Buragohain L. , Hazarika R. , Baruah N.
Published: April 2021

Background: Riemerella anatipestifer (R. anatipestifer) is a gram negative, microaerophilic, non-motile, bipolar bacteria. High genetic diversity and molecular differentiation were reported among field isolates. Although the bacterium causes one of the most economically important duck diseases in the north-eastern region of India, little work has been done on isolation, identification and molecular characterization of the bacteria. Hence, the present investigation was undertaken with a view to characterize the R. anatipestifer isolates from ducks of Assam. Methods: Phenotypic and molecular identification of R. anatipestifer isolates from domesticated ducks of Assam, India were carried out during the period from February, 2019 to January 2020. A total of 624 samples (Ocular swab, throat swab, liver, spleen, kidney, brain, heart, lung) from ducks comprising of apparently healthy, ailing and dead ducks were collected from five districts of Assam, India were processed to isolate and identify the bacteria. The tentative identification of the bacteria was done based on phenotypic characteristics viz., colony morphology, growth characteristics and biochemical reactions. All the phenotypically positive isolates were further subjected to molecular identification based on PCR assay targeting 16S rRNA gene and ERIC sequence. Result: The bacteria could be isolated from different field samples. The highest percentage of the samples that yielded the bacteria are from brain (76%) followed by spleen (74%) of dead ducks and less number of ocular swab (33%) from apparently healthy ducks were found positive. Sequencing of the amplified product of the selected R. anatipestifer isolates targeting 16S rRNA gene revealed homology percentage of 96.5-100%. Further, sequences representing five geographical locations were submitted to NCBI gene bank. Phylogenetic studies of the isolates indicated that there is prevalence of at least two genetically different strains of R. anatipestifer in the study area. The study suggested that the R. anatipestifer infection is endemic in Assam causing varying rate of morbidity (39%) and mortality (53%) and molecular based confirmation is necessary besides phenotypic identification.
Changes in Physiological and Relative Genes Expression Response of Mandarin Citrus (Citrus reticulata Blanco) cv Rimau Gerga Lebong (RGL) Grafted onto Different Citrus Rootstocks
Authors: Yulianti Farida , Adiredjo Afifuddin Latif , Soetopo Lita , Ashari Sumeru
Published: April 2021

Background: RGL mandarin is one of the important mandarin citrus varieties in Indonesia. The tolerance of RGL mandarin citrus to water deficit can be induced by the rootstock. This study aimed to characterize the physiological responses and transcriptional gene expression of RGL mandarin citrus grafted onto three rootstock genotypes during the dry and the rainy seasons. Methods: Three-years-old mandarin citrus trees cv. Rimau Gerga Lebong (RGL) grafted onto three citruses (JC, Cit and K) were planted at the experimental field of the ICISFRI. The experiment was conducted with a randomized block design and each scion-rootstock combination contained five replications. All of the physiological and relative gene expression parameters observed were conducted at the last of the dry season (September 2019) and the mid of the rainy season (January 2020). Water deficit was induced by no watering plants during the dry season. Result: The results of physiological responses and relative gene expression analyses showed that RGL-Cit combination had better than RGL-JC combination and RGL-JC combination had better than RGL-K combination. RGL-Cit combination showed less wilt than RGL-JC and RGL-K combinations. The RGL-Cit combination had the highest stomatal density, stomatal aperture, stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate in the dry season. Different plant combinations showed different gene expressions. RGL-JC and RGL-K combinations were upregulated in almost all the primers related to drought responses tested in the dry season. RGL-Cit combination only upregulated the PIP1, PIP2 and ACS2 and unregulated the others in the dry season. Therefore, citrumelo seems to be a valuable type of rootstock.
Simultaneous Production of Both Lac and Pulse from Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp.] for Doubling Farmers’ Income
Authors: Patidar Rahul , Vajpayee Shivam , Kakade Sumit , Thomas Moni , Tripathi Niraj , Upadhyay Anubha , Namdev Brajesh Kumar , Kurmi Anil , Sharma H.L. , Kulhare P.S.
Published: April 2021

Background: Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is an important deep-rooted pulse crop, predominantly cultivated in rainfed areas by both Indian and South African countries by small and marginal farmers. Incidentally, this group of farmers are malnourished and socio-economically backward. Methods: A low input technology-‘Jawahar model for doubling income of resource constrained marginal farmers’ was evaluated once again with different combination of soil microbes in a substrate filled in used Polypropylene bags. Conclusion: Total C. cajan seed yield per plant in 3 hand pickings varied from 1066.66g to 1254.83g in different treatment combination of soil microbes in a substrate. Lac- the next produce, from the plant varied from a mean of 327.47g to 386.07g per C. cajan plant. Two premium crops from the same plant with same effort and resources per unit area may help C. cajan growers to double their income, improve their household nourishment as well as soil nutrient status.
Outbreak of Catopsilia pyranthe L. on Senna (Cassia angustifolia Vahl) and Migration in Western Arid Region of India
Authors: Meena Sugan Chand , Patel Nisha , Sanyal Archana , Patidar Mavji , Kumar Dilip
Published: April 2021

Background: Cassia angustifolia Vahl, senna, known for medicinal properties belongs to family fabacea is a hardy plant, suitable for saline and rainfed conditions serving as a host for caterpillars of Catopsilia pyranthe L. butterflies suffering up to 90 per cent defoliation. An attempt was made to record butterfly migrations due to an outbreak of the lepidopteron pest on senna which is the first report on butterfly migration in western arid region. Methods: Surveys made in different districts for accurate quantification of butterflies passing within 5 minute through a 10 meter wide strip. For diurnal pattern, observations were taken on hourly basis. Correlation of butterfly density with weather parameters was worked out. Result: Migration was mainly in South West direction in a steady line connecting Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Pali, Sirohi and Ajmer. The highest density (1360 butterflies/10m/5 minute) accounting for 16,320.0 butterflies/10m/hour and 97,920.0 butterflies/10m/day recorded in Keru (Jodhpur) representing bell shape curve of diurnal movement with a maximum activity between 12.00 noon and 1.00 PM.
Advances in guide RNA design for editing plant genomes using CRISPR-Cas systems
Authors:   Huazhong Agricultural University, China, Chen Kaiyuan , Liu Hao ,   Huazhong Agricultural University, China, Xie Kabin ,   Huazhong Agricultural University, China, ul Qamar Muhammad Tahir ,   Huazhong Agricultural University, China,   Guangxi University, China, Chen Ling-Ling ,   Huazhong Agricultural University, China,   Guangxi University, China
Published: April 2021

This chapter discusses the general rules for selecting target sites for genome editing using the CRISPR-Cas technology and summarizes the bioinformatic tools that can be used to design sgRNA sequences.
Genome editing in sorghum
Authors:   Shandong University, China, Li Aixia , Holding David R. ,   University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA
Published: April 2021

Genetic engineering plays a key role in plant functional research and genetic improvement. A novel and powerful gene editing technique, CRISPR/Cas9, which was developed from a type II bacterial immune system, opened up a new era in precision genetic engineering in plants. This technique is based on a non-permanent transgene system and is starting to be adopted for precise gene editing in major cereal crops. It offers tremendous potential to accelerate crop improvement in a way that potentially reduces or eliminates the cumbersome and expensive regulatory processes associated with traditional transgenic crops. This chapter describes the advance of gene editing applied to sorghum, a drought tolerant C4 crop, and a successful strategy of CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene family editing to improve sorghum digestibility and protein quality. It also discusses future prospects of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing for sorghum genetic improvement.
Genome editing of tomatoes and other Solanaceae
Authors:   The Boyce Thompson Institute, USA, Van Eck Joyce ,   Cornell University, USA
Published: April 2021

To ensure populations have sufficient, safe, and nutritious food requires a concerted effort that involves politics, economics, farming practices, and enhancement of crops to withstand abiotic and biotic pressures yet remain productive. Keeping pace with population size and stresses imposed by climate change make it critical for plant scientists to have access and the freedom to apply all the tools available for crop improvement. The advent of gene editing increased the options for achieving desired traits and has been shown to be effective across a broad range of species including those in the Solanaceae, which contains some of the most relied upon food crops, such as tomato and potato. Traits related to disease resistance, fruit and tuber quality have been modified and improved through the use of editing in tomato and potato. Application and effectiveness of different editing approaches based on CRISPR/Cas of solanaceous species are outlined in this chapter.
Alzheimer's disease: family structure and dynamics
Authors: Álvarez-Ormazábal Juan A.
Published: April 2021

This research focused on the study of structure, and dynamic of families
containing one member diagnosed with Alzheimer´s disease. The interest in
the changes during the cycle life and the study in the family psychology
area have brought about new instruments whose objective is to obtain a
better understanding of the systemic phenomena. One of these is the fourth
version of a questionnaire created by Olson, Gorall y Tiesel (2006):
FACES-IV, a test whose purpose is to evaluate a family´s cohesion and
adaptability. The investigation was based on two central objectives: one was
to examine the psychometric properties of a translated version of FACES-IV.
The other was to observe to what extent the disease has influenced the
cohesion and adaptability of the family in function of its structure and
type. These objectives were realized by administering the test to 135 family
members, coming from 69 families. The psychometric properties revealed a
lack of validity in the unbalanced scales, but satisfactory in the cohesion
and flexibility scales. The Olson’s model did not adequately fit the data.
It was observed that the diagnosis of Alzheimer´s affected the family´s
cohesion, satisfaction, and general functioning, in accordance with the
family´s type and the caregiver.
The quality of life in the relatives of Wolfram’s syndrome
patients
Authors: Esteban Gema , Ruano Mónica , Motero Isabel
Published: April 2021

Wolfram Syndrome (WS) is a rare disease (RD) with an estimated
prevalence of 1/770,000 inhabitants. It is considered a multisystemic,
chronic and progressive disease.WS diagnosis implies devastating
consequences at physical, educational and emotional levels. WS is also known
by the acronym DIDMOAD, derived from the first letters of the main clinical
symptoms: Diabetes Insipidus, Diabetes Mellitus, Optic Atrophy, and
Deafness. Rare diseases are characterized by their low prevalence and the
lack of knowledge on the pathophysiology and treatment of them.
Interestingly, around 80% of RD have a genetic basis, and this fact causes
doubts and uncertainties in the couples, about the idea of having another
child. The existence of a RD in a family, alters significantly the
relationships and the quality of life within the family. The present work
remarks the huge value of psychosocial aspects in order to pay an adequate
attention to these patients, not only taking care of the clinical aspects.
The main purpose of this study has been to ascertain the quality of life of
Wolfram’s syndrome affected patients, and its impact in the daily
life.
Quality Assurance Systems in Nursing. A turning point in the world of
nursing homes
Authors: Andreo Pedro , Gómez Carmelo , Carrasco Elena , Martínez-Escámez Inmaculada , Alguazas Inmaculada , Andreo Francisca
Published: April 2021

Developing and trying to achieve a high quality in the service nursing
personnel provide at nursing homes by means of implementing quality
assurance systems is a topic of general interest nowadays. These systems
have already proved to be effective in other fields. That is why the focus
of this study is to analyse the most relevant effects due to the
implementation of a quality assurance method based on standard UNE EN ISO
9001:2008 in the nursing service of four nursing homes. An analysis of more
than 200 answers of a satisfaction survey about the nursing service at four
nursing homes has been carried out. A study on the available bibliography
about the results obtained after having implemented a quality assurance
system in the nursing service at nursing homes has also been carried out.
Very positive results can be appreciated in the daily nursing practice at
nursing homes as a consequence of using a quality assurance system. Clinical
practice has improved considerably as a consequence. The study shows quality
assurance systems to be a useful tool at the service of nursing practice at
nursing homes. Positive effects resulting from the implementation of such
quality assurance systems are evident as it can be seen from satisfaction
surveys and health indicators.
The generativity as a way of successful aging. Study of the mediating
effect of social relationships
Authors: Arias Ana V. , Iglesias Sergio
Published: April 2021

In this paper are analyzed the effects of generativity on both perceived
and objective health as well as the possible mediating role in this model of
the structure of social relations. The participants are 168 people over 60
years old (83 men and 85 women). Obtained results indicate direct effects on
health generativity. This influence persists even when is controlled the
effect of structural aspects of social relations classified by the Convoy
Relationship Model. Additionally, our results indicate a significant
mediating effect of the relationship structure on the generativity-health
axis. However, this mediating effect does not occur uniformly and
consistently in the different circles of convoy relationships. Our data
converge with previous research suggesting the importance of the
relationship between generativity and health but going further because our
simultaneous study of the structural aspects of social networks. Our results
allow going further in the understanding of generativity-health
relationship.
Assessment of aging by cortical functional connectivity estimated through
synchronization electroencephalographic measurements
Authors: González Julián J. , González Almudena
Published: April 2021

This work was aimed to study the physiological cerebral aging from the
analysis of functional electroencephalographic (EEG) connectivity between
different cortical areas in two groups of healthy subjects between 50-65
years and between 66-80 years. With this purpose, digital monopolar EEG
recordings were carried out at rest and closed eyes, taking as sampling
rate, 256 Hz and as reference, the average of the 16 channels recorded
(6-frontals, 4-temporals, 2-centrals, 2-parietal, 2-occipital). The
functional cortical connectivity was estimated from the interdependence
between channels using the coherence function in the frequency bands
delta/theta/alpha/beta, and an index (L) of nonlinear generalized
synchronization. The pairwise connectivity between all possible channels and
a global connectivity between each channel and all others was computed. The
results show that certain local interdependencies measured by the index L
and by the delta band coherence, decreased with age; these were especially
significant for the temporal-occipital-central connections. Moreover, a
significant linear decrease with age of the interdependence indices
aforementioned for the pair and local averages was observed. Also global
interdependencies, especially those of nonlinear type, for certain
central-lateral and posterior areas, decline with age. It is concludes that
individual and global measures of EEG functional connectivity between
certain brain areas can help to objectively evaluate the neurophysiological
aging.
Cognitive mechanisms of decision making in older women
Authors: Alameda Jose R. , Salguero María P. , Merchán Ana
Published: April 2021

The Damasio's somatic marker hypothesis focuses on the possible
influence of the emotional states on the decision making processes. An
assessment tool derived form this theory is the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT).
The aim of this study was to detect decision-making alterations in relation
to the cognitive impairment associated to age (GDS 2). The data analysis was
conducted from two perspectives: quantitative, by computing the advantageous
versus disadvantageous choices; and qualitative, according to the PVL model
parameters. Two groups were analyzed: one consisting of elderly women with
cognitive impairment, and another, with no impairment. Regarding the
quantitative analysis, the results show significant differences between both
groups, indicating that women with cognitive impairment have less
advantageous choices than women without impairment; however, from a
qualitative point of view, the results show no significant differences
between groups in any of the four parameters of the PVL, indicating that
execution of women with and without cognitive impairment are similar. In
conclusion, it can be argued that the decision-making processes in women
with and without cognitive impairment are quantitatively different but
qualitatively similar.
Relationship between Plasticity and Cognitive Performance: the Potential
of Learning in Cognitively Impaired Elderly
Authors: Navarro-González Elena , Calero Dolores
Published: April 2021

Old age is an extended period of life characterized by major
inter-individual differences and different life trajectories which have been
synthesized in three modalities of ageing: usual, pathological and
successful (Rowe and Khan, 1997). Analysis of the variables associated with
these patterns and with cognitive evolution in old age has generated a large
number of studies, many of which involve the analysis of learning potential
or cognitive plasticity as an assessment tool which enables us to establish
differences between old adults with greater precision than static
assessments (Schreiber and Schneider, 2006). The present study analysed the
performance of an initial sample of 312 old adults with different cognitive
profiles in the AVLT-PA learning potential assessment task, with the
objective of determining which components of the task may be used to
classify participants most correctly, and which may be used to predict the
long-term cognitive evolution of old adults. Results indicate that the most
appropriate marker of the AVLT-PA task for classifying old adults and
determining their cognitive evolution is the Delayed Recall
measure.
Personality and Dementia: an Approach to Differential Profile of the
Caregiver
Authors: de Andrés-Jiménez Elena , Limiñana-Gras Rosa Mª , Fernández-Ros Encarna
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study is to determine the existence of a characteristic
personality profile of family carers of people with dementia. The correct
knowledge and use of psychological variables which affect the carer, helps
to promote appropriate actions to mitigate the impact of care and improve
the carer’s quality of life and likewise the one of the person cared for.
The study population consists of 69 family carers of people with dementia,
members of various associations and care centers. The results allow us to
identify a characteristic personality profile for these carers and it
reveals a specific psychological working in this sample, although we cannot
directly relate it with the tasks of caring for people with this disease,
this profile gives us very relevant information to pay more attention to the
needs of this group. Moreover, the analysis of personality styles depends on
the sex of the family carer, showing, once again, that the woman is in a
situation of most vulnerability.
Aggressors in Bullying and Disocial Behaviours
Authors: Cerezo Fuensanta , Méndez Inmaculada
Published: April 2021

Several studies relate antisocial and aggressive behavior in
adolescents. This work explores the relationship between aggression in
bullying and other antisocial behaviors and analyzes de differences among
bullying roles. A sample of 1239 Secondary School pupils from the Region of
Murcia (Spain) completed an adaptation of the Drugs State Scale (ESTUDES)
and the BULL-S Test for the sociometric evaluation of aggressiveness among
pupils. Around 30% of the sample indicated that had consumed some type of
drug and there were no differences by gender and more than 50% made some
kind of dissocial behavior. Significant differences were found among the
roles in bullying, highlighting a positive correlation among bully pupils,
consume and antisocial behaviours. Those behaviours were related to
personal, scholar and family risk actions as driving under alcohol effects,
taking part in fights, being arrested by the police, running away from home
for more than a full day or being thrown out of school for a full day or
more. Meanwhile “having a conflict or an important quarrel with parents or
siblings” do not showed significant differences. There were differences in
the type of drug consumed between aggressors and victims.
Assessment of students’ learning outcomes in the EHEA: their practices,
preferences and evolution
Authors: Argos Javier , Ezquerra Pilar , Osoro José Manuel , Salvador Laurentino , Castro Ana
Published: April 2021

The European Higher Education Area implies, at least theoretically,
substantial changes in the developed educational approaches specified in
several areas. Among these the assessment of students’ learning is the focus
of this article. The approaches and results that are exposed here are framed
in an Educational Research Project entitled “Learning approaches of the
university students, teaching strategies and institutional contexts to the
beginning, half and end of career in the process of implantation of the new
degrees”. Specifically, we focus on the learning assessment, analyzing both
the formats or modalities of this kind of evaluation as well as the
preferences which the students have concerning them in the context of
different courses and university degrees. Furthermore, we try to somewhat
clarify how these preferences could vary depending on the learning approach
of each student (deep or superficial) and, also, on the students' evolution
along the different courses of their degree.
Beliefs about gender violence. Sexism in adolescent relationships
Authors: de la Osa Escudero Zoraida , Andrés Gómez Soledad , Pascual Gómez Isabel
Published: April 2021

This paper explores the relationships in adolescence, examining beliefs
about gender violence from a cognitive-developmental perspective. The sample
consists of 297 students from 3 different state-subsidized schools, between
the ages of 13-18 (2nd and 4th years of Secondary Education and 2nd year of
High School). The students’ representations of relationships are analyzed
from the point of view of both genders and the degree to which they consider
violence to be justified. The study is based upon a transversal design
(quasi-experimental) with survey. The instrument used is an adaptation of
the Cuestionario de Actitudes hacia la Diversidad y la Violencia
(Questionnaire of Attitudes towards Diversity and Violence). The results
demonstrate a partial relationship between moral-evolutionary development
and the degree of justification applied to different situations in which
there is violence. The data shows that the acceptance of sexist beliefs and
the justification of violence decrease as students get older. However, from
15-16 years old (4th ESO) is the age at which students most justify gender
stereotypes. The study indicates middle- adolescence as the ideal time to
carry out psycho-educational interventions, taking into account the values
related to equality and respect between genders.
The daily climate in the classroom. Relational context of
socialization
Authors: Jesús Comellas i Carbó María
Published: April 2021

Socialization occurs not consciously through a complex process of
interactions where emotions, values, attitudes, feelings and own context
cultural patterns are integrated. This process generates a relational
climate that should be conducive to learning and well-being for all people
in the group. The school, educational institution, favors the relationships
within the group framework and reconstructs previous learning with a variety
of models and the educational action led by the faculty. The amplitude of
the classroom group creates situations of great complexity and offers many
opportunities to prevent the violence from the knowledge of situations that
may involve risks and relational vulnerability and relational difficulties
especially for some people. The factors that can hinder relations and create
an improper relational climate include the social and learning difficulties
and cultural differences. The climate cannot be changed individually but it
is modified from the dynamics led by the adult person who has the
responsibility to help the group learn to relate and that each individual
has their space of belonging. We present data from a population of 10891
students in primary and secondary education and the analysis of some factors
affecting the climate of the group.
Relation between parental Educational Style and level of adaptation of
minors at social risk
Authors: Rodríguez Góngora Josefina , del Carmen Pérez-Fuentes María , Jesús Gázquez Linares José
Published: April 2021

As a result of the growing number of minors with disruptive behavior and
adaptation problems, more research is being published focusing on the
analysis of aspects that influence the onset of these problems. Thus, the
main goal of this work is to analyze the relation between parental
Educational Style and the Level of Adaptation (Personal, Family, and Social)
in minors at social risk. For this purpose, a descriptive, cross-sectional
study was carried out, with a sample made up of 17 families, selected as a
function of the children's age (between 11 and 15 years), with a total of 31
fathers/mothers and 17 minors. The results show low levels of personal and
school adaptation, dissatisfaction with the family environment, and
educational discrepancies, both in the minors' perception and in the
parents' styles. Minors' school maladjustment is related to a Permissive
Educational Style in the mother, whereas the minors were dissatisfied with
their siblings and displayed Personal Maladjustment when the mother employed
a Democratic Educational Style. However, when the parents employ an
Authoritarian Educational Style, a greater presence of Personal and Social
Maladjustment is observed in their children.
Burnout in Professional Caregivers and Quality of Life in
Institutionalized Center Residents
Authors: Martínez Juan P. , Méndez Inmaculada , Secanilla Esther , Benavente Ana , García Sevilla Julia
Published: April 2021

Starting from previous studies in professional caregivers of people with
dementia and other diseases in institutionalized centers of different
regions, the aim of this study was to compare burnout levels that workers
present depending on the center, to create a caregiver profile with high
professional accomplishment and to describe the quality of life that
residents perceive Murcia and Barcelona. The instruments used were the
Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Professional Caregiver Survey developed
ad hoc and the Brief Questionnaire of Quality of Life (CUBRECAVI in Spanish)
on residents. The results show, on the one hand, that levels of professional
accomplishment may be paradoxically higher in the case of catastrophe and,
on the other hand, the 98.2% of users are satisfied with the residence in
which is located and 81.8% with the manner in which occupy the time. The
conclusions that are extrapolated from the study shed light on the current
situation of workers and residents and the influence that an earthquake can
have on them.
The Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Alzheimer’s Stimulation (Mbas) in the
Progression of Cognitive Impairment: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical
Trial
Authors: Quintana Hernández Domingo Jesús , Quintana Montesdeoca María del Pino
Published: April 2021

We conducted a randomized, controlled study in order to investigate the
feasibility, security as well as the effects of the practice of mindfulness
upon the evolution of AD. The efficacy of a Mindfulness-based Cognitive
Stimulation program for Alzheimer’s patients was tested in this
double-blind, randomized clinical trial, using repeated measures of CAMDEX
(CAMCOG y MMSE) every six months during two years. A total of 168 patients,
presenting a Probable Alzheimer Disease according to NINCDS-ADRDA criteria
and treated with donepezil, were randomly assigned to the four following
non-pharmacological treatments: standard cognitive stimulation, progressive
muscular relaxation, mindfulness-based Alzheimer stimulation and control
group, which received no intervention. Each experimental group worked in
90-minute sessions, three times per week during two years (a total of 96
weeks). Results indicated that the Mindfulness-based Alzheimer Stimulation
group did not show as much a significant decline of cognitive function as
the other groups did. Therefore, it seems that mindfulness practice, as
implemented in this program, can have a preventive role against the
progression of cognitive impairment in AD. These results support the use of
mindfulness as a non-pharmacological treatment.
Daily Stimulation and Cognitive Functioning: The Importance of the
Participation of Healthy Older People in Cognitively Demanding Everyday
Activities
Authors: Labra Pérez José Antonio , Menor Julio
Published: April 2021

The participation of the elderly in cognitively demanding activities is
considered an enhancing factor of cognitive function. However, the life
cycle psychosocial variables such as education and type of profession also
influence in cognitive functioning. The objective of this study is to
analyze the relationship between daily stimulation and cognitive functioning
in a sample of healthy older adults, controlling the effects of education
and the type of profession. The study involved 164 adults over 60 years,
from rural and urban areas, with different levels of education and
professional level which were assessed with an extensive battery of
neuropsychological measures, as well as in an inventory of everyday
activities built ad hoc. The results show that different cognitively
demanding everyday activities are related to with cognitive processes, both
fluids and crystallized. Furthermore, it was found that daily stimulation
plays an important role in cognitive functioning outside of education and
the type of profession performed. Overall, the results of this study shows
the importance of everyday activity as a protective mechanism against
cognitive decline, as well as the need to adopt a model of active
aging
Strengths in the elderly as a factor that increases wellbeing
Authors: Ramírez Encarnación , Ortega Ana R. , Martos Rafael
Published: April 2021

In the last decades there has been increased the study of the
psychological strengths as factor that concerns the well-being. They are
considered as a subset of features of personality to which a moral value is
added, being defined as natural qualities that the persons are intrinsically
motivated to use as they increase the quality of life. The investigations
demonstrate that they act as factors of protection and prevention of the
psychopathology and of the problems of behavior in the different stages of
life. There are strengths that are more relevant in older people and their
training would try to influence the behavior and the emotional functioning
to increase the satisfaction with the life. In the present work we analyze
the strengths that predominate in older and we propose a program of
intervention to promote the improve their health and quality of life. This
is a new proposal because, until now, interventions in this area have been
aimed at palliate various problems or as a complement to traditional therapy
but not to prevent the onset of common disorders in the elderly.
Prevalence of depression in Spain: Analysis of the last 15 years
Authors: Cardila Fernando , Martos África , Barragán Ana B. , del Carmen Pérez-Fuentes Mª , del Mar Molero Mª , Gázquez José J.
Published: April 2021

Depression in Spain in recent years has become an important problem of
public health which is the cause of heavy government healthcare spending.
The various depressive disorders have commonly been associated with other
psychopathological disorders, especially anxiety, and with physical
diseases. Its prevalence varied depending on the study because of the
characteristics of the samples, the instruments used or the type of disorder
studied. A systematic review was done in several national and international
databases, in which a total of 63 publications were found, with only nine
remaining after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data
analyzed concerning the nine publications use a diversity of samples:
patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, university students, children
clinical population, preschool children, elderly population, general
population, hospitalized patients and smokers. The data on prevalence varied
in the studies examined from 1.12% in preschool children, 8.56% in the
general population and up to 55.6% in university students. After analysis of
results, a constant pattern was observed in gender with a higher proportion
of women who suffer from depression), although the data on prevalence varied
from one study to another and their comparison was complicated.
Changes during aging in the electroencephalographic cortical
synchronization under visual stimulation
Authors: Alba Guzmán , González Almudena , González Julián J.
Published: April 2021

This paper analyzes changes during aging in the electroencephalographic
(EEG) synchronization between different areas of the cerebral cortex in
healthy elderly subjects under visual stimulation. Two groups were selected:
one (A) of 10 adults aged 50-65 years and another (B) of 15 subjects aged
66-80 years. EEG recordings of 16 "monopolar" channels were carried out
(digitized at 256 Hz), all referenced to the mean and following the standard
10-20 system, and were performed at rest with eyes closed under visual
stimulation. From an index (L) of nonlinear generalized synchronization, the
average cortical synchronization (ACS) of each channel with the rest and the
corresponding average asymmetry in the synchronization (ACM) was estimated.
Changes with age (A vs. B) in cortical synchronization and in average
interhemispheric asymmetry for all cortical areas were estimated via a
repeated measures MANOVA. The results show that under visual stimulation,
the SCM decreases with age for most channels (p < 0.01) except for the
frontals. The channels that showed asymmetry in the synchronization (p <
0.01) were the frontals F3, F4 y Fp2, the parietal P3 and the temporal T5,
in all of them a significant reduction in asymmetry with age (p < 0.01)
was observed.
Socially prescribed perfectioism and personality
Authors: Vicent María , Inglés Cándido J. , Gonzálvez Carolina , Sanmartín Ricardo , García-Fernández José Manuel
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between Socially
Prescribed Perfectionism (SPP) and the Big Five personality traits in a
sample of 804 Primary School students between 8 and 11 years old (M=9.57;
SD=1.12). The SPP subscale of the Child and Adolescent Perfectionism Scale
(CAPS) and the Big Five Questionnaire for Children (BFQ-N), which evaluate
the traits of Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and
Conscientiousness, were used. The mean difference analysis showed that
students with high levels of SPP scored significantly higher on
Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, Extraversion and Openness, with small
effect sizes for all cases. In contrast, no significant differences were
observed in Neuroticism. Logistic regression analysis revealed that all
personality traits, except neuroticism, whose results didn’t reach the
statistical significance, significantly and positively predicted higher
scores on PSP, with OR levels ranging from 1.01 (for Conscientiousness and
Agreeableness) to 1.03 (for Openness and Extraversion).
Underachievement in Compulsory Secondary Education: a comparison of
statistical methods for identification in Spain
Authors: Veas Alejandro , Gilar Raquel , Castejón Juan Luis , Miñano Pablo
Published: April 2021

This study compares the statistical methods employed for detecting
underachievement, specifically the simple difference method, the regression
method and the Rasch method. A sample of 1182 first- and second-year
secondary students from 8 high schools in the province of Alicante
participated in the study. The results showed a percentage of underachieving
students that varies from 14.55% to 30.37%, depending on the statistical
method employed. The Rasch method identified the highest number of
underachieving students. Statistically significant differences were found
between gender and type of student-underachieving and non-underachieving;
however, no significant differences were detected between the course and
type of student. This study confirms the importance of knowing the
measurement properties of the statistical methods, how they affect the
detection of underachieving students, and the main educational
implications.
Confirmatory factor analysis of Mathematics Progress Indicators (IPAM) in
first-grade students
Authors: Jiménez Juan , del Cristo de León Sara
Published: April 2021

This study analyses the factorial structure of Mathematics Progress
Indicators (IPAM), by using Confirmatory Factorial Analysis (CFA)
techniques. For this purpose, a longitudinal study was carried out with a
sample of 176 first-grade students from the Canary Islands, IPAM was
administered to the study sample three times throughout the scholar year.
The IPAM is a Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM) instrument composed of
three alternative or parallel measures (A, B and C) that try to measure the
same latent structure (i.e., number sense). The IPAM measures were
administered three times per year (i.e., fall, winter, spring). Its main
objective is the universal screening and evaluation of students' mathematics
learning progress in the elementary grades through the evaluation of fluency
for different tasks (i.e., magnitude comparison, one-digit operations,
two-digit operations, missing number, and position value). Fluency is
measured by counting the number of correct answers given by the student at a
given time. The results of the CFA confirm a good fit of the proposed model
for the different moments of measurement.
Effects of an intervention to improve the psychological strengths in
early childhood education, assessed through the Family Drawing Test
Authors: Piñero Ruiz Eugenia , Arense González Julián , Moñino García Miriam
Published: April 2021

Positive psychology aims to improve the quality of life and prevent the
occurrence of mental disorders and pathologies. Focus of interest is
prevention and thus avoid traditional and exclusive concern for repairing
the negative aspects of life. It looks for the construction of positive
qualities (Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi, 2000), in base of the positive
psychological features we all have. The objective of this study is to
improve the psychological strengths in early childhood education trought the
use of activities. Sample is composed by 52 preschool students at 2nd cycle
of Pre-primary Education in Caravaca de la Cruz, north west of Murcia
(Spain). Strengths and psychological virtues were evaluated though the use
of the Family Drawing Test (Corman, 1967), to assess if there were
differences or improvements after the intervention.
The intergenerational transmission of loneliness between parents and their adult children
Authors: Augustijn Lara
Published: April 2021

Objective: This study examined the relationship between loneliness in parents and in their adult children, and took into account the role of gender differences in the intergenerational transmission of loneliness.

Background: Although it is well documented that loneliness has negative effects on a person’s physical and mental health, only a relatively small number of empirical studies have investigated the intergenerational transmission of loneliness between parents and their children, including the potential long-term effects of transmission processes. Moreover, the findings of the few existing studies have been inconsistent and contradictory, particularly with regard to gender differences.

Method: The statistical analysis drew on data from the German Socio-Economic Panel Study (SOEP). Based on data from 2013 and 2017, stepwise multilevel linear regression models were estimated for 4,457 respondents between the ages of 18 and 40 and their parents.

Results: Significant associations were found between loneliness in parents and in their adult children. The analysis also revealed that the relationship between loneliness in mothers and in their children did not depend on whether mothers and children were living in the same household. However, no significant differences were found between same-sex and opposite-sex parent-child dyads.

Conclusion: This study provided moderate evidence for the intergenerational transmission of loneliness between parents and their adult children, as well as indirect evidence for the long-term effects of transmission processes between mothers and children.
Whitehead, la Mécanique Quantique et les relations esprit-matière
Authors: Lestienne Rémy
Published: April 2021

La philosophie de la Nature et du Temps chez Alfred North Whitehead (1861-1947) n’a peut-être pas assez retenu l’attention des scientifiques, en particulier en France. On sait que ce mathématicien-philosophe collaborant avec Bertrand Russell pour l’écriture des Principia Mathematica (1910-1913) a insisté sur le caractère abstrait des points d’espace dans la fondation de la géométrie. A partir de 1911, il étend cette observation aux instants de temps, et développe progressivement, à partir de là, une vision de l’ontologie du monde comme une succession de « concrescences d’entités actuelles » dont chacune apporte avec elle une brique de temps finie. Ces concrescences ne sont pas sans rappeler les réductions du paquet d’ondes dans les opérations de mesure en mécanique quantique ; en fait, Whitehead a suivi de près le développement de cette théorie, comme il a suivi de près le développement de la relativité. Par ailleurs, sa philosophie de la Nature, ou comme il le dit sa philosophie de l’organisme, prévoit une solidarité globale des entités actuelles qui par certains côtés rappelle l’intrication quantique. On examine plus en profondeur cette similarité et ses limites, et aborde les relations esprit-matière chez cet auteur. Malgré ses défauts, la métaphysique de Whitehead, en en particulier la négation de l’instant a mis en lumière, à mon sens, la complexité du temps de la nature (chez Whitehead le process), bien au-delà de la variable continue t des physiciens. Une large part de cet article est basée sur mon livre Whitehead, Philosophe du Temps (auteur, 2020, à paraître).
Time series model for forecasting the number of COVID-19 cases in Turkey
Authors: AKAY Serhat , AKAY Huriye
Published: April 2021

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had an unprecedented effect on bothnations and health systems. Time series modeling using Auto-Regressive IntegratedMoving Averages (ARIMA) models have been used to forecast variables extensively instatistics and econometrics. We aimed to predict the total number of cases for COVID19using ARIMA models of time-series analysis in Turkey.Methods: We used timeseries analysis to build an ARIMA model of the total number of cases from March 11,2020 to August 24, 2020 and used the model to predict cases in the following 14 days,from August 25, 2020 to September 7, 2020. Hyndman and Khandakar algorithm wasused to select components of ARIMA models. Percentage error was used to evaluateforecasting accuracy.Results: During the model building period, 259692 cases werediagnosed and during 14 days of validation period additional 21817 new cases wereadded. ARIMA model with (p,d,q) components of (4, 2, 0) was used for forecasting.The mean percentage error of forecast was 0.20% and forecast accuracy was highestin the two weeks of forecasting. Conclusion: ARIMA models can be used to forecastthe total number of cases of COVID-19 patients for the upcoming two weeks in Turkey
Effects of Touch on Students’ Stress, Happiness, and Well-Being During Animal-Assisted Activities
Authors: Sokal Laura , Bartel Brianne , Martin Taylor
Published: April 2021

Post-secondary institutions across North America have adopted animal-assisted activities as a way to promote better mental health in their students. The current research study of 242 Canadian college and university students sought to contribute to our collective understanding of the aspects of the programs and characteristics of students that are related to promotion of better mental health in post-secondary students including decreased stress, and increased happiness and well-being. Results of a repeated measures design showed that students demonstrated greater positive effects on stress, happiness, and well-being when they touched dogs as compared to when they observed them. Furthermore, positive mental health outcomes were correlated with greater durations of contact as well as with higher levels of animal affiliation in students. Implications for post-secondary institutions are discussed.
Effects of Calorie Restriction on Health Span and Insulin Resistance: Classic Calorie Restriction Diet vs Ketosis-Inducing Diet
Authors: Napoleão Ana , Fernandes Lívia , Miranda Cátia , Marum Ana Paula
Published: April 2021

As Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (CNCD) increase, preventive approaches become more crucial. In this review, Calorie Restriction (CR) effects on human beings were evaluated, comparing benefits and risks of different CR diets: classic CR vs ketosis-inducing diets, including Intermittent Fasting (IF), Classic Ketogenic Diet (CKD), Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD), Very-Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD) and Spanish Ketogenic Mediterranean Diet (SKMD). Special emphasis on Insulin Resistance (IR) was placed, as it mediates Metabolic Syndrome (MS), a risk factor for CNCD, and predicts MS diagnosis. CR is the most robust intervention known to increase lifespan and health span, with high evidence and known biochemical mechanisms. CR improves cardiometabolic risk parameters, boosts exercise insulin sensitivity response, and there may be benefits of implementing moderate CR on healthy young and middle-aged individuals. However, there is insufficient evidence to support long-term CR. CKD is effective for weight and MS management, and may have additional benefits such as prevention of muscle loss and appetite control. SKMD has extreme significance benefits for all the metabolic parameters studied. Studies show inconsistent benefits of IF compared to classic CR. More studies are required to study biochemical parameters, reinforce evidence, identify risks, and seek effective and safe nutritional CR approaches.