ABSTRACT
The aim objective of this study was to analyze the incorporation procedure for the Portal 2 video game in the subject Mathematical Knowledge in Early Childhood Education. Two specific objectives were proposed: (a) to consider whether the inclusion of a video game is a motivating educational resource, and (b) to determine the degree of knowledge related to visuospatial perception acquired through interaction with the video game. A total of 170 students from the Faculty of Education Sciences of the University of Cádiz participated in this study. Three variables were analyzed: the use of the video game as a resource, the degree of motivation towards mathematics-related learning, and the acquisition of visuospatial skills. The results show that the students affirmed the video game's suitability as a learning resource, although as a supplementary resource to the dynamics of the subject, highlighting the strong motivational factor and the set of knowledge acquired.
ABSTRACT
This article reflects the opinion of future Early Childhood Education teachers at the Universidad de Cádiz on the usefulness and degree of satisfaction of SketchUp, a 3D modelling software programme, after they participated in a workshop for didactic-mathematical training. They had to use the software to design and model their ideal nursery school in 3D, supported by clearly stated and well-defined educational pillars. This study aims to ascertain the students' perceptions of the use of this resource with the intention of assessing its suitability to offer more appropriate initial training regarding mathematics education. It seeks to make the most of using the software programme and minimise the obstacles encountered. Opinions were collected from a sample of 203 students who responded to two questionnaires designed ad hoc. The results are organised around a SWOT analysis and show a satisfactory global evaluation.
ABSTRACT
Preclinical studies in cardiovascular medicine are necessary to translate basic research to the clinic. The porcine model has been widely used to understand the biological mechanisms involved in cardiovascular disorders for which purpose different closed-chest models have been developed in the last years to mimic the pathophysiological events seen in human myocardial infarction. In this work, we studied hematological, biochemical and immunological parameters, as well as Magnetic resonance derived cardiac function measurements obtained from a swine myocardial infarction model. We identified some blood parameters which were significantly altered after myocardial infarction induction. More importantly, these parameters (gamma-glutamyl transferase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, red blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, platelet count and plateletcrit) correlated positively with cardiac function, infarct size and/or cardiac enzymes (troponin I and creatine kinase-MB). Thus several blood-derived parameters have allowed us to predict the severity of myocardial infarction in a clinically relevant animal model. Therefore, here we provide a simple, affordable and reliable way that could prove useful in the follow up of myocardial infarction and in the evaluation of new therapeutic strategies in this animal model.
