Search

Student engagement is associated with various aspects of students' school experiences, including student achievement, high school completion, and post-secondary success. As measurement of student engagement has grown in countries around the world, few studies have been conducted in South America. This study examined a translated version of the Student Engagement Instrument, widely used in the U.S. and other countries, in a study of 2337 adolescents in Chile. Consistent with prior research, confirmatory factor analyses revealed a six-factor solution as the best fit for the data. However, fewer items were retained than on the studies of the SEI with students in the U.S. The Future Goals and Aspirations and Extrinsic motivation subscales were associated, in expected directions, with achievement 1 year later.

Electronic portfolios have become popular in teacher education programs as they allow learners to document and reflect upon their work and learning process. This cross-sectional study examines data gathered from 19 primary and secondary EFL teachers enrolled in a postgraduate program. The study aims at understanding these teachers' learning experiences while developing an electronic portfolio. A survey questionnaire with Likert-type, checkboxes-type and open-ended questions were used to collect data. The results indicated that teachers valued e-portfolios as an authentic and process-oriented assessment tool that involves reflection, documentation, and dissemination of their work.

Objective: The aim of the study is to compare the surface electromyographic amplitude, activation ratio, and onset latency of the main scapular stabilizing muscles between five typical rehabilitative exercises. Design: Twenty-seven healthy participants performed five scapular exercises (wall slide, wall push-up plus, prone horizontal abduction with external rotation, external rotation in side lying, and lowrow)while simultaneously recording surface electromyographic of serratus anterior, middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and upper trapezius. Surface electromyographic amplitudes, onset latencies, and activation ratios were calculated. Results: Prone horizontal abduction with external rotation showed an excellent upper trapezius/middle trapezius (0.43) and upper trapezius/lower trapezius (0.30) muscle balancewith high (>50% maximum voluntary isometric contraction) middle trapezius and lower trapezius amplitudes, a low (<20% maximum voluntary isometric contraction) upper trapezius amplitude, and an early activation of the scapular stabilizing muscles (-474.7 to 89.9 ms) relative to upper trapezius. External rotation in side lying showed excellent upper trapezius/serratus anterior (0.26), upper trapezius/middle trapezius (0.32), and upper trapezius/lower trapezius (0.21) activation ratios and, along with low row and wall slide, showed early activation of the scapular stabilizing muscles (-378.1 to -26.6 ms). Conclusions: Prone horizontal abduction with external rotation presented optimal scapular neuromuscular control. Although external rotation in side lying, low row, and wall slide did not meet all the criteria associated with optimal scapular neuromuscular control, these exercises could be used in early stages of shoulder rehabilitation because they favor early activation of the scapular stabilizing muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

Using carbon and nitrogen stable isotope values, we analyzed the trophic position (TP) and the isotopic niche width of lanternfishes from three different areas in the Southern Pacific Ocean. Fishes from Perú had slightly higher δ13C values compared with fish from Chilean areas. In contrast, δ15N values increased with latitude (North to South). Myctophids TP differed between the three study areas (highest in Central Chile, lowest in Peru). Peruvian fishes had a smaller isotopic niche than the lanternfishes of those from Chile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Alcoholism is a worldwide public health problem with high economic cost and which affects health and social behavior. It is estimated that alcoholism kills 3 million people globally, while in Chile it is responsible for around 9 thousand deaths per year. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand-gated ion channels expressed in the central nervous system, and they were suggested to modulate the ethanol mechanism involved in abuse and dependence. Previous work demonstrated a short-term treatment with UFR2709, a nAChRs antagonist, which reduced ethanol intake using a two-bottle free-choice paradigm in University of Chile bibulous (UChB) rats. Here, we present evidence of the UFR2709 efficacy in reducing the acquisition and long-term ethanol consumption. Our results show that UFR2709 (2.5 mg/kg i.p.) reduces the seek behavior and ethanol intake, even when the drug administration was stopped, and induced a reduction in the overall ethanol intake by around 55%. Using naïve UChB bibulous rats, we demonstrate that UFR2709 could delay and reduce the genetically adaptive impulse to seek and drink ethanol and prevent its excessive intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hazelnut unsaponifiable compounds are promising geographical and varietal markers. • Untargeted profiling and fingerprinting both successfully authenticated hazelnuts. • Fingerprinting extracted more information from chromatographic data. • Untargeted profiling enabled easier chemical interpretability than fingerprinting. This study compares two data processing techniques (fingerprinting and untargeted profiling) to authenticate hazelnut cultivar and provenance based on its unsaponifiable fraction by GC–MS. PLS-DA classification models were developed on a selected sample set (n = 176). As test cases, cultivar models were developed for "Tonda di Giffoni" vs other cultivars, whereas provenance models were developed for three origins (Chile, Italy or Spain). Both fingerprinting and untargeted profiling successfully classified hazelnuts by cultivar or provenance, revealing the potential of the unsaponifiable fraction. External validation provided over 90 % correct classification, with fingerprinting slightly outperforming. Analysing PLS-DA models' regression coefficients and tentatively identifying compounds corresponding to highly relevant variables showed consistent agreement in key discriminant compounds across both approaches. However, fingerprinting in selected ion mode extracted slightly more information from chromatographic data, including minor discriminant species. Conversely, untargeted profiling acquired in full scan mode, provided pure spectra, facilitating chemical interpretability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers in Chile of private and semi-private pension systems are not selecting the pension providers that give them the largest Net Present Value. Regulators present retirees with a comparison report of pension plan offerings ranked by the amount offered and the risk classification of the provider. A field experiment implemented in Chile explores alternative presentations of provider performance. We treat respondents by modifying the status quo information 'package' (that exactly replicate what is currently provided by the regulator). Two design choices clearly enhanced consumer welfare in this experiment: Reducing the amount of information improved choice – specifically eliminating the risk profiles of providers leads to better decisions by our respondents. Second, adopting a loss frame also resulted in respondents selecting providers that generated higher returns. These gains from modifying information presentation were considerably higher for those with lower levels of financial literacy. This study is conducted in association with the Superintendencia de Pensiones (SP) and the Comisión para el Mercado Financiero (CMF), two of the public offices that oversee the pensions market in Chile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of a scapular exercise programme in addition to a physical therapy treatment in patients with distal radius fracture. Design: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted. Setting: Clinical Hospital San Borja Arriaran, Santiago, Chile. Participants: A total of 102 patients above 60 years of age with extra-articular distal radius fracture were randomly divided into two groups. Interventions: The control group (n = 51) received a six-week physical therapy treatment; the intervention group (n = 51) received the same treatment plus a scapular exercise programme. Outcome measures: The two groups were assessed at baseline and after the six-week treatment. The arm function was assessed with the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire; secondary outcomes were measured by the patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) questionnaire and visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: A total of 102 patients, 51 in the control group (40 women; mean age of 65.3 ± 4.8 years) and 51 in the intervention group (42 women; mean age of 67.2 ± 5.4 years), were analysed. At the end of the treatment, the difference between groups for the DASH was 16.7 points (P < 0.001), 1.5 points (P = 0.541) for the PRWE, 0.2 cm (P = 0.484) for the VAS at rest, and 1.7 cm (P < 0.001) for the VAS at movement. All differences were in favour of the intervention group. Conclusion: In the short term, adding a scapular exercise programme provides a significant clinical benefit in arm function and pain relief with movement in patients above 60 years of age with extra-articular distal radius fracture treated conservatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal habitats, in particular sandy beaches, are becoming increasingly exposed to artificial light pollution at night (ALAN). Yet, only a few studies have this far assessed the effects of ALAN on the species inhabiting these ecosystems. In this study we assessed the effects of ALAN on Tylos spinulosus , a prominent wrack-consumer isopod living in sandy beaches of north-central Chile. This species burrows in the sand during daylight and emerges at night to migrate down-shore, so we argue it can be used as a model species for the study of ALAN effects on coastal nocturnal species. We assessed whether ALAN alters the distribution and locomotor activity of this isopod using a light system placed in upper shore sediments close to the edge of the dunes, mimicking light intensities measured near public lighting. The response of the isopods was compared to control transects located farther away and not exposed to artificial light. In parallel, we measured the isopods' locomotor activity in the laboratory using actographs that recorded their movement within mesocosms simulating the beach surface. Measurements in the field indicated a clear reduction in isopod abundance near the source of the light and a restriction of their tidal distribution range, as compared to control transects. Meanwhile, the laboratory experiments showed that in mesocosms exposed to ALAN, isopods exhibited reduced activity and a circadian rhythm that was altered and even lost after a few days. Such changes with respect to control mesocosms with a natural day/night cycle suggest that the changes observed in the field were directly related to a disruption in the locomotor activity of the isopods. All together these results provide causal evidence of negative ALAN effects on this species, and call for further research on other nocturnal sandy beach species that might become increasingly affected by ALAN. Image 1 • Artificial light pollution (ALAN) is a growing concern for coastal species. • We assessed ALAN effects on a marine isopod in the field and the laboratory. • ALAN disrupted the intertidal distribution of the isopod in the field. • ALAN disrupted the locomotor activity and circadian rhythm in the laboratory. Field and laboratory experiments showed that Artificial Light Pollution at Night (ALAN) disrupts the distribution and locomotor activity of a prominent costal isopod. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Obesity is associated with a mild chronic inflammatory response, which has been suggested to be pivotal in the development of cardiometabolic alterations of obesity. However, little is known about the involvement of acute inflammation. Objective To evaluate whether circulating neutrophils, markers of acute inflammation, are associated (quantitatively and qualitatively) with adolescent obesity and whether leptin modulates these associations. Subjects and methods We assessed 528 adolescents (16.8 yr old, 47% females), without chronic/acute illness. We measured anthropometry and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and calculated fat mass percentage ( FM%). Fasting serum glucose, high-density lipoprotein ( HDL)-cholesterol, and triglycerides were used with blood pressure and waist circumference to compute a metabolic z-score. Leukocyte and neutrophil counts were obtained, together with levels of serum leptin. In a subsample of 23 males, flow cytometry was used to assess degranulation ( CD66b expression) of neutrophils. Results Female sex and obesity were positively related to mean neutrophil counts (p < 0.05). When accounting for sex and weight status, leptin was associated with neutrophil counts (p < 0.05), partially explaining the association between obesity and neutrophil counts. Neutrophil counts were related to metabolic risk z-scores, controlling for fat mass. Participants with elevated FM% showed more neutrophil degranulation than controls (p < 0.05). Conclusions Participants with increased adiposity had higher circulating neutrophil counts, suggesting acute inflammation. Furthermore, the neutrophils showed more degranulation, indicating inflammation. Obesity-induced alteration of the adipose secretory pattern (i.e., changes in leptin levels) could be involved in acute inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we describe the perception and identification of ecosystem services (ES) by people from traditional cultures (Huilliches) living in the Yaldad bay (Chiloé, southern Chile). We analyzed the temporal changes of ES through their description by children, their parents' memories, and current perceptions. We conducted the analysis using a transdisciplinary approach, employing four methods (qualitative: children's cognitive cartography, teacher's survey, parent's focus group, and quantitative: a social-ecological survey). Results show a loss of cultural services in the adults and the perception that natural resources are scarcer than five years ago. We discuss our findings in terms of current Chilean coastal zone policies, proposing that although there have been some advances, they still are insufficient to ensure a contextual socio-cultural development in coastal areas of southern Chile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entre 1936 y 1952 se produjeron en la región continental de Aysén (440- 480 S.) los mayores incendios de bosques conocidos en Chile. Colonos y pioneros venidos desde las regiones chilenas de La Araucanía y de Los Lagos, como también provenientes desde el territorio argentino, entran a colonizar esta región. Para habilitar terrenos agrícolas y ganaderos, se queman grandes extensiones de bosque nativo. Según información regional de CONAF Aisén, se habrían quemado, hasta 1952, alrededor de 3.500.000 ha de vegetación. Transcurrido más de medio siglo desde estos desastres, la regeneración de la vegetación es muy lenta, escasa e incluso nula en algunos sectores. Hemos constatado que ello se debe a varios agentes como: los graves procesos erosivos o el continuo pastoreo de ganado bovino, que ocupa extensas praderas antiguamente pertenecientes al bosque. Se acrecientan los procesos geomórficos de montaña que destruyen importantes masas forestales. Luego se constata, como del escaso bosque nativo o de renuevo, los habitantes obtienen leña y madera. La introducción y avance de especies alóctonas, particularmente de arbustos, que van alterando la composición del matorral arbóreo. El repoblamiento incluso en sectores de praderas de coníferas extranjeras, es un fenómeno en expansión. También recientemente se observan instalaciones de industrias en algunas cuencas hidrográficas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SOLIDARITY PROJECT USING TECHNOLOGY IN RURAL COMMUNITIES is the result of a pilot initiative for a continuous learning process and educational methodology innovation focused on recreating educational work, interconnecting the general Elementary School curriculum (specifically in the areas of language and communication, mathematics and science) with multiple creative and communicative possibilities provided by information and communication technologies (ICT). With a clear pedagogical intention, ICT are linked to the development of elementary prosocial attitudes, which are part of an active citizenship whose methods favour the school-community relationship by means of a "service-learning" project. At the same time, a type of intervention research was carried out in order to find out how ICT use in the classroom, from a service-learning methodological perspective, may contribute to acquire and develop new cognitive competencies (curriculum), procedures (use of technological tools) and attitudes that strengthen elementary school students and staffs identity in these rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes a deer fern hybrid, Blechnum corralense x B. mochaenum subsp. mochaenum, on the basis of macro- and micromorphological characters. The study excludes previous reports of the hybrid combination. The article also reports on data on the distribution of B. corralense, including its presence in Argentina.

A total of 228 salmonids (90 Oncorhynchus mykiss, 48 Oncorhynchus kisutch, and 90 Salmo salar) from 8 intensive aquaculture centers in the south of Chile were examined for endohelminths parasites between December 2008 and May 2009. The body cavities of 2 O. mykiss were infected by Diphyllobothrium sp. plerocercoids (prevalence: 6.7%, mean intensity: 1.0, mean abundance: 0.07) from the Lake Tarahuin hatchery on the south of Chiloé Island. Also, tetraphyllidean plerocercoids (prevalence: 3.3%, mean intensity: 1, mean abundance: 0.03) and fourth-stage larvae of Hysterothylacium aduncum (prevalence: 6.7%, mean intensity: 1, mean abundance 0.07) were observed in O. kisutch from a marine hatchery in Chiloé. The occurrences of Diphyllobothrium sp. in a lake and a tetraphyllidean plerocercoid from marine cultured salmonid in Chiloé are reported for first time. No muscular infection by helminths was recorded in the fish examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritional formulations of high protein content, provided by a flour mixture from two Andean cultures, quinua (Chenopodium quinua Willd) and lupino (Lupinus albus L), with two traditional cereals, maize (Zea mays L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L), entailed to the preparation of a "sweet mixture" for the elaboration of "queques" and another "dessert mixture" flavoured with banana, that can be prepared with water or milk, constituted a good alternative as food supplement for the nutrition of children aged 6 -24 months who suffer from celiac disease, since they contribute to the quality improvement of the protein, by essential amino acids compensation, they are of low cost and allow an increase in availability of products for gluten-intolerant children. Some physical, chemical, rheological, mechanical and fluidity properties, as well as the color of these mixtures for a period of conservation of 90 days were evaluated. At the end of the storage, the sweet mixture turned out to be of "little flow" and the dessert mixture changed from "little flow" to "easy flow". Viscosity for the dessert mixture, with its two types of dilutions, water and milk, presented a behavior of pseudoplastic fluid. It was possible to guess that the time of shelf life of the mixtures would be of 9 months before achieving the rancidity limit (10 mEq of oxigen/kg of fat, which would disqualify the product for consumption). The CIEL*a*b* color coordinates did not show significant differences keeping the colour in "a beige" tonality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The revaluation of the Andean cultivations, quinua (Chenopodium quinua Willd) and lupin (Lupinus albus L.), to be used in nutritional mixtures, with traditional cereals like corn (Zea mays L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.), originate mixtures without gluten which constitute a good alternative for the nutrition of children under 24 months that suffer from celiac disease, since they improve the quality of the protein, by essential amino acids compensation, and also impacts in the product's diversification strategy. In the present work, the percentage composition of each flour in the mixture was determined by means of Linear Programming by means of the Solver form from the Excel spreadsheet. Prolamines were determined in the quinua and lupin flours by the ELISA test and the HPLC technique was used in both products obtained called "sweet mix" and "dessert mix", to define the quantity of amino acids with the purpose of providing around the 15% of the proteins required in the day. The flour mixtures selected as optimum, sweet mix, suitable for the preparation of sweet pancakes, as well as for the dessert mix, that by addition of water or milk produce a semi solid dessert, were evaluated after three months of storage, being acceptable their microbiological, bromatological and sensorial requirements, corroborating the results with the good acceptance of the products, prepared from the formulated mixtures, by the children of two Day Care centers of the City of Antofagasta-Chile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]