Evaluación de las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Curiosidad Epistémica de Litman en hispanohablantes

La Curiosidad Epistémica (CE) es el deseo que motiva a las personas a adquirir nuevo conocimiento. La escala de CE de Litman fue desarrollada para operacionalizar este constructo, y aunque su estructura latente ha sido validada en varios estudios, estos se han realizado en su mayoría en Alemania, EE. UU. y los Países Bajos, que son sociedades educadas, industrializadas, ricas y democráticas. Por consiguiente, el presente estudio evaluó las propiedades psicométricas de la escala de CE, en una muestra de adultos del noroeste de México (N = 334) con edades de 18 a 50 años. Al igual que en investigaciones previas, se compararon dos modelos: unidimensional y bidimensional, mediante análisis factoriales confirmatorios. Adicionalmente, se incluyeron los residuales correlacionados significativos, como parte de ambos modelos, y se examinó si el instrumento tiene invarianza de medición. Los resultados muestran que el modelo bifactorial presentó el mejor ajuste. La consistencia interna fue aceptable, y se comprobó que la escala posee invarianza configural, métrica, escalar y estricta. Usos potenciales de este constructo emergente incluyen su estudio como un factor motivacional relevante, en el nivel de involucramiento y las estrategias de formación de los estudiantes, así como su papel mediador en varios tipos de ansiedad en el aprendizaje.

Epistemic Curiosity (EC) is the desire that motivates people to acquire new knowledge. Litman's EC scale was developed to operationalize this construct, and although its latent structure has been validated in several studies, these have been conducted mostly in Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States, which are educated, industrialized, wealthy, and democratic societies. Therefore, the present study evaluated the psychometric properties of the EC scale in a sample of adults from northwestern Mexico (N = 334) aged 18 to 50 years. As in previous research, two models were compared: one unidimensional and one bidimensional, using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Additionally, significantly correlated residuals were included as part of both models, and it was examined whether the instrument has measurement invariance. The results show that the bifactor model presented the best fit. The internal consistency was acceptable, and the scale was found to have configural, metric, scalar, and strict invariance. Potential uses of this emerging construct include its study as a relevant motivational factor in students' level of engagement and study strategies, as well as its mediating role in various types of learning anxiety.

Gastric residual volume as a measure of feed intolerance/necrotising enterocolitis in very low birth weight infants: an observational cohort study

Background: To evaluate the efficacy of Gastric Residual Volume (GRV) as a measure of feed intolerance /Necrotising enterocolitis in Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) infants.Methods: This prospective observational cohort study was done in a tertiary care hospital located in rural South India for a period of 2 years. All haemodynamically stable infants born between 30-34 weeks of gestation at birth and 1000-1500 grams of birth weight, admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) within first 24 hours of life during study period were enrolled in two groups; GRV group, where pre-feed gastric residual volume' was checked and No-GRV group, where pre-feed gastric residual volume' was not checked.Results: Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. In No-GRV group, the days to reach birth weight (12.1) and days to attain full feeds (8.0) were less when compared to GRV group. In No-GRV group, average duration of NICU stay in days (16.60) and parenteral nutrition (5.25) was less when compared to GRV group. No-GRV group does not have increased incidence of sepsis or mortality compared to GRV group. In this study there was increased incidence of NEC noted in GRV group (30%) when compared to No-GRV group (p value-0.02).Conclusions: In hemodynamically stable preterm VLBW infants, it is recommended not to check gastric residual volume routinely prior to the enteral feeding.

Modelos estadísticos para las predicciones de la COVID-19 en Cuba

RESUMEN Introducción: Los estudios basados en modelos estadísticos juegan un papel importante para las predicciones sobre la COVID-19. Objetivo: Realizar un análisis de modelación estadística combinando 6 modelos de pronósticos para predecir la aparición de casos positivos diarios, activos y fallecidos por COVID-19 en Cuba. Métodos: Se utilizaron los datos reportados diariamente del 11 de marzo al 25 de mayo publicados en el sitio web CUBADEBATE. A los modelos propuestos se les calculó el desempeño mediante los estadísticos: MAE, RMSE, MAPE y ME así como el análisis de residuales. Resultados: Los modelos A y B dan una tendencia constante de 8 y 9 casos positivos respectivamente para el día 22 de julio. El modelo C indica una ligera disminución de los casos con 4 ese mismo día y el modelo D una tendencia al aumento con 19 casos. . El modelo E refleja un mínimo de 126 casos el día 3 de junio y luego un aumento de los casos hasta alcanzar el 22 de julio un valor de 374 casos activos hospitalizados. En el modelo F se apreció una tendencia a mantenerse constante el número de fallecidos por encima de 80 casos en la primera quincena de julio. Conclusiones: Los 6 modelos estudiados cumplen con las pruebas estadísticas, de desempeño y residuales. Sus datos proporcionan un pronóstico para la COVID-2019, representando una herramienta válida.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Studies based on statistical models play an important role for predictions about COVID-19. Objective: To carry out a statistical modeling analysis combining 6 forecast models to predict the appearance of daily positive cases, active and deceased by COVID-19 in Cuba. Method: Data reported daily from March 11 to May 25 from the CUBADEBATE website were used, which were processed and analyzed. The performance of the models was calculated: Mean absolute error (MAE), root of the mean square error (RMSE), percent of mean absolute error (MAPE) and the mean error (ME) as well as the residual analysis. Results: Models A and B gave a constant trend between 8 and 9 cases of until July 22. Model C indicated a decrease in cases with 4 that same day and model D indicated a raise to 19 cases. Model E indicated a minimum of 126 cases on June E and then a raise to 374 hospitalized cases. Deceases cases had a constant tendency in deceases numbers above of 80 cases in first 15 days of July. Conclusions: The 6 models studied meet the statistical , performance and residual tests. Their data provides a forecast for COVID2019, representing a valid tool.

Correlación entre residuales en análisis factorial confirmatorio: una breve guía para su uso e interpretación / Correlation between residuals in confirmatory factor analysis: a brief guide to their use and interpretation

Introducción: La inclusión de correlaciones entre residuales en modelos de medición es una práctica común en la investigación psicométrica y está orientada, predominantemente, a la mejora estadística del modelo por medio del aumento (e.g., CFI) o disminución (e.g., RMSEA) de la magnitud de determinados índices de ajuste, más a que a comprender la naturaleza de dichas asociaciones. El presente reporte metodológico tiene como objetivo presentar al lector el modelamiento, manejo e interpretación de los residuales correlacionados en un marco de análisis factorial confirmatorio y malas especificaciones. Método: Se utilizando los datos de un estudio presentado anteriormente de 521 estudiantes de psicología en una universidad privada de Lima Metropolitana (75.8% mujeres). Se utiliza la Escala de Florecimiento para realizar los análisis. Resultados y Discusión: Esas especificaciones no tendrían un impacto real en la relación de los ítems con el constructo que evalúan, por lo que no aportarían sustancialmente a la comprensión del modelo. Por tanto, especificar correlaciones entre residuales podría enmascarar un modelo mal especificado, o con falencias internas, mediante el incremento espurio de los índices de ajuste.

Introduction: The inclusion of correlations between residuals in measurement models is a common practice in psychometric research and is predominantly oriented to the statistical improvement of the model through increase (for example, IFC) or decrease (for example, RMSEA) of the magnitude of certain adjustment indices, rather than understanding the nature of these associations. This methodological report aims to present to the reader the modeling, management, and interpretation of correlated residuals in a framework of confirmatory factor analysis and poor specifications. Method: Using data from a previously presented study of 521 psychology students at a private university in Metropolitan Lima (75.8% women). The Flowering Scale is used to perform the analyses. Results and Discussion: These specifications would not have a real impact on the relationship of the elements with the construct they evaluate, so they do not contribute modifications to the understanding of the model. Therefore, specifying correlations between residuals could mask a poorly specified model, or with internal failures, by increasing spurious adjustment rates.

The Usefulness of the Evaluation of Gastric Residuals in Premature Infants / 중환자간호학회지

PURPOSE: The routine evaluation of gastric residuals (RGR) is considered standard care for premature infants. This study evaluated the usefulness of RGR in premature infants.METHODS: The study retrospectively investigated 208 premature infants (gestational aged under 34 weeks) who underwent gavage feeding in a neonatal intensive care unit at a tertiary hospital. The patients were divided into two groups: RGR (n=104) and no-RGR (n=104). Those in the no-RGR group had their gastric residuals checked only if signs of feeding intolerance were present. Clinical outcomes, including the time to reach full enteral feeding (FEF) and the incidences of gastrointestinal disorders such as feeding intolerance (FI) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), were compared. Data were analyzed with SPSS ver. 21, using a Mann-Whitney U test, chi-squared test, and Fisher's exact test.RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference for the time to FEF (z=−0.61, p =.541), incidence of FI (χ²=0.38, p =.540), and NEC (χ²=1.42, p =.234) between the two groups.CONCLUSION: No-RGR did not increase the risk for FI or NEC. These results suggest that RGR evaluation may not improve nutritional outcomes in premature infants. Recommendations for further research and practice guidelines will be provided.

Tratamiento de agua contaminada con metales pesados utilizando como medios filtrantes biorresina intercambiadora de cationes de la cáscara y tallo de guineo y carbón activado de endocarpo de coco / Treatment of contaminated water with heavy metals, utilizing as filtering media a cation exchanger bio-resin from the banana peel and bush and activated carbon from coconut endocarp

En este trabajo de desarrollo experimental, la Escuela de Ingeniería Química de ITCA-FEPADE se propuso comprobar la efectividad de las cáscaras y pseudotallo de guineo y el endocarpo de coco, previamente tratados, para remover la contaminación por metales pesados en una muestra de agua. Para tal objeto, se procesaron dichas biomasas para ser utilizadas como medios filtrantes, los cuales se caracterizaron por medio de pruebas físicas: densidad y tamaño de partícula. Se evaluó su efectividad para remover metales, filtrando agua contaminada con cantidades conocidas de metales pesados tales como hierro, cromo y níquel (Fe3+Cr6+ y Ni2+), variando el tiempo de contacto y el tipo de medio filtrante. La cuantificación de los metales en el agua tratada se llevó a cabo por espectrofotometria de absorción atómica: para el níquel (λ = 232.0 nm); hierro (λ = 24830 nm) y cromo hexavalente (λ = 357.9 nm). Además, se determinó el color en los filtrados por el método de platino-cobalto. Se llegó a la conclusión que las biomasas utilizadas en este estudio resultaron efectivas para la disminución de metales pesados y color en la muestra de agua sintética elaborada en el laboratorio.

In this experimental development work, the Escuela de Ingeniería Química ITCA-FEPADE set out to verify the effectiveness of previously treated banana peels and pseudostem and endocarp to remove heavy metal contamination in a water sample. For this purpose, said biomasses were processed to be used as filter media, which were characterized by means of physical tests: density and particle size. Its effectiveness to remove metals was evaluated, filtering water contaminated with known amounts of heavy metals such as iron, chromium and nickel (Fe3 + Cr6 + and Ni2 +), varying the contact time and the type of filter medium. The quantification of the metals in the treated water was carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometry: for nickel (λ = 232.0 nm); iron (λ = 24830 nm) and hexavalent chromium (λ = 357.9 nm). In addition, the color in the filtrates was determined by the platinum-cobalt method. It was concluded that the biomasses used in this study were effective in reducing heavy metals and color in the synthetic water sample prepared in the laboratory.

Caracterização de solos residuais para infiltração de efluente de estação de tratamento de esgoto / Characterization of residual soils for infiltration of reclaimed water

RESUMO Os efeitos das alterações climáticas e a crescente demanda de água para os variados consumos vão levar ao reúso de águas residuárias tratadas (ART). A recarga de aquíferos com ART pode constituir uma alternativa para o restabelecimento de volumes de água subterrânea que poderão ser utilizados para satisfazer parte daquelas atividades, especialmente em regiões de escassez de água ou onde sua qualidade não é adequada para uso. Uma pesquisa de dois anos realizada na estação de tratamento de esgoto de Vila Fernando (Guarda, Portugal) mostrou que as caraterísticas das ART são adequadas para que o efluente seja infiltrado no solo visando à recarga de aquífero. Como a área em estudo é vasta e dada a necessidade de considerar várias restrições técnicas, ambientais e econômicas, foi aplicada uma análise multicritério baseada em Sistemas de Informação Geográfica para encontrar o local mais adequado para a infiltração de ART. Recolheu-se uma amostra de solo para análise, na Quinta de Gonçalo Martins (Guarda, Portugal), tendo os resultados indicado que tal solo apresentava características favoráveis à infiltração de ART.

ABSTRACT The effects of climate change and the increasing demand of water for domestic, industrial and agricultural uses will lead to the use of treated wastewater (reclaimed water). The aquifer recharge with reclaimed water can be an alternative for restoring volumes of water to aquifers, which may afterwards be used to satisfy those demands, especially in regions with water scarcity or where water presents poor quality. A two-year research conducted in the sewage treatment plant of Vila Fernando (Guarda, Portugal) has shown that the characteristics of reclaimed water are adequate to be infiltrated into the soil for aquifer recharge. As the study area for infiltration was very large and it was necessary to consider several technical, environmental and economic constraints, a multi-criteria analysis based on Geographic Information Systems was used in order to find the most suitable site for reclaimed water infiltration. Soil sample was collected at Quinta Gonçalo Martins (Guarda, Portugal) for analysis, and the results have indicated that the site has favorable characteristics for reclaimed water infiltration.

Elaboración de bio-resina intercambiadora de cationes a partir de cáscara de plátano o guineo para eliminar metales pesados en agua contaminada / Manufacture of cation exchange bio-resin from banana peel to remove heavy metals in contaminated water

Esta investigación tuvo por objetivo obtener una bio-resina intercambiadora de cationes utilizando cáscaras de guineo o plátano, la cual reduzca la concentración de metales pesados en agua contaminada. A esta bio-resina se le realizaron pruebas fisicoquímicas: densidad seca aparente, pH y solubilidad en agua y solventes orgánicos. Se evaluó su efectividad filtrando agua contaminada con metales pesados, tales como hierro, cromo y níquel (Fe3+, Cr6+ y Ni2+), variando las condiciones de tiempo de contacto, temperatura y el tipo de cáscara. La cuantificación de la concentración de los metales en el agua filtrada se llevó a cabo por espectrofotometría visible. Se llegó a la conclusión que la bio-resina obtenida es efectiva para disminuir la concentración de metales pesados en agua, teniendo especial afinidad química por el cromo hexavalente; metal pesado que logró remover arriba del 90%. Las condiciones óptimas de operación de la bio-resina son a 30°C y 90 minutos de tiempo de contacto con la muestra. Además, las pruebas fisicoquímicas, permitieron tipificarla preliminarmente como una resina de intercambio catiónico débil con un grado de entrecruzamiento bajo.

The objective of this research was to obtain a cation exchange bio-resin using banana peels, which reduces the concentration of heavy metals in contaminated water. Physicochemical tests were carried out on this bio-resin: apparent dry density, pH and solubility in water and organic solvents. Its effectiveness was evaluated by filtering water contaminated with heavy metals, such as iron, chromium and nickel (Fe3 +, Cr6 + and Ni2 +), varying the conditions of contact time, temperature and the type of shell. The quantification of the metal concentration in the filtered water was carried out by visible spectrophotometry. It was concluded that the bio-resin obtained is effective in reducing the concentration of heavy metals in water, having a special chemical affinity for hexavalent chromium; heavy metal that was able to remove over 90%. The optimal operating conditions for the bio-resin are at 30 ° C and 90 minutes of contact time with the sample. Furthermore, physicochemical tests allowed it to be preliminarily typified as a weak cation exchange resin with a low degree of crosslinking.

Quantificação da produção de lodo de estações de tratamento de água de ciclo completo: uma análise crítica / Quantification of complete cycle water treatment plant sludge production: a critical assessment

RESUMO Grande parte do lodo gerado em estações de tratamento de água (ETAs) no Brasil ainda é disposta em rios ou em aterros sanitários. Contudo, principalmente em grandes centros urbanos, legislações ambientais restritivas e custos logísticos crescentes têm levantado interesse em usos benéficos para esse resíduo. Para uma avaliação dos possíveis usos, além do conhecimento das características qualitativas do lodo, operadores e projetistas de ETAs devem ser capazes de prever, com algum grau de confiabilidade, sua massa e volume. Os objetivos deste trabalho são: comparar o desempenho de dois dos principais métodos quantitativos de estimativa de produção de lodo - o método de fórmulas empíricas e o de balanço de massa; investigar a prática disseminada de se estimar a concentração de sólidos em suspensão totais na água bruta por meio de modelos de regressão linear com a turbidez como variável independente e delinear condições para a aplicação dessa correlação.

ABSTRACT Most of the water treatment plant (WTP) residuals generated in Brazil are still discharged into water bodies, or disposed in landfills. However, especially in large urban areas, ever-stringent environmental legislation and rising logistical costs have put focus into beneficial uses for those residuals. To evaluate the possible beneficial uses, beyond the knowledge of qualitative characteristics of the residuals, operators and designers should be able to predict, with some degree of certainty, its mass and volume. The objectives of this work are: to compare the performance of two of the main quantitative estimation methods for residuals production - the empirical formulas and the mass balance; to investigate the widespread practice of estimating the concentration of total suspended solids using turbidity as a surrogate; and to identify the conditions under which such procedure is acceptable.

Riesgo químico en el Laboratorio de Análisis del Centro de Estudios de Biotecnología Industrial / Chemical risk in the analysis laboratory of the Industrial Biotechnology Studies Center

Se llevó a cabo un ensayo clínico para evaluar el riesgo químico en el laboratorio de análisis del Centro de Estudios de Biotecnología Industrial de la Facultad de Ciencias Naturales de la Universidad de Oriente, con vista a lo cual se identificaron, entre otros aspectos, las características generales del local y de las 20 técnicas establecidas para el análisis de aguas residuales y residuales agroindustriales (11 de estas se aplican 200 veces al año como promedio), frecuencia de los análisis, reactivos químicos empleados y su categoría de peligro (fundamentalmente ácidos minerales, álcalis, solventes orgánicos y oxidantes fuertes), así como se evaluaron los riesgos químico-físicos y las medidas laborales de seguridad, incluido el tratamiento de los residuos antes de ser eliminados. Se observó que los analistas están expuestos a fuentes de calor y vapores de solventes y ácidos a través de la piel y el sistema respiratorio, pero en un trienio solo se produjeron 3 accidentes leves y no hubo certificados médicos por enfermedades ocupacionales en este tipo de instalación

A clinical trial to evaluate the chemical risk was carried out at the analysis laboratory of the Industrial Biotechnology Studies Center in the Natural Sciences Faculty at Oriente University. For this purpose, aspects such as the general characteristics of the site and of the 20 established techniques for the analysis of waste waters and agroindustrial residual were identified, (11 of these were applied 200 times a year as average), frequency of the analyses, chemical reagents used and their danger category (fundamentally mineral acids, alkalis, organic solvents and strong oxidizers), as well as the chemical-physical risks and the security working measures were evaluated, including the treatment of residuals before being eliminated. It was observed that the analysts are exposed to sources of heat and steam of solvents and acids through the skin and the respiratory system, but just 3 mild accidents took place in a triennium, and there were no medical certifications due to occupational diseases in this type of facility

Análisis cuantitativo y efecto de residuos en procesos esterilización química a bajas temperaturas / Quantitative analysis and effect of residuals in low temperature chemical sterilization processes

Se desarrolló un estudio comparativo donde se emplearon 3 métodos químicos que permiten cuantificar residuos del agente esterilizante y determinar su efecto acumulativo en ciclos sucesivos de esterilización. Se utilizó un esterilizador modelo 130 LF marca Matachana, de fabricación española, cuyo principio de funcionamiento se basa en el uso de temperaturas bajas, empleando formaldehído 2 % en fase de vapor, como agente esterilizante químico. La tecnología de referencia emplea una mezcla de CO2 con óxido de etileno. Las muestras fueron tomadas del área de trabajo y de catéteres compuestos químicamente por cloruro de polivinilo y fluoroetileno propileno o teflón. Los niveles de residuos obtenidos dentro del área de trabajo y en los dispositivos resultaron por debajo del valor límite permisible para la primera esterilización y las 4 reesterilizaciones realizadas. Se eliminó el agente esterilizante dentro del propio proceso, permitiendo el uso inmediato de los materiales. La compatibilidad del agente esterilizante resultó excelente, sin riesgo de pérdida de funcionalidad del material.

A comparative study was conducted by using 3 chemical methods that allow to quantify residuals of the sterilizing agent and to determine their accumulative effect on succesive cycles of sterilization. It was used a Matachana sterilizer 130 LF made in Spain, whose functioning principle is based on the use of low temperatures and steam formaldehyde 2 % as a chemical sterilizing agent. This technology uses a mixture of CO2 with ethylene oxide. The samples were taken from the working area and from catheters chemically composed of polyvynil chloride and fluoroethylene propylene or teflon. The residual levels obtained within the working area and in the devices were under the permisible limit level for the first sterilization and the 4 resterilizations performed. The sterilizing agent was eliminated in the own process, allowing the immediate use of the materials. The sterilizing agent’s compatibility was excellent, without risk for losing the material’s functionality.

Comparative Study on Pesticide Residuals in Root of Bulpleurum Chinense DC. Cultivated in Different Distract of Dingxi / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To study organ chlorine pesticide residuals of Bulpleurum chinense DC. cultivated of Dingxi. Method The contents of organ chlorine pesticide residuals was determined by chromatography. Result and Conclusion The contents of organ chlorine pesticide residuals are up to “Green Trade Standards of Importing & Exporting Medicinal plants & Preprations” (MOFTEC, 2001), but the contents are different among Bulpleurum chinense DC. cultivated in different distract of Dingxi.