Influence of two educational Escape Room- Breakout tools in PSTs' affective and cognitive domain in STEM (science and mathematics) courses.

During the last decade, there has been a strong emphasis on developing new instruction methodologies for the effective teaching of different contents. Here, it is important to teach Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, specially, in scientific and mathematical concepts. In the context of active learning and gamification, educational Escape Room - Breakout (ERB) could be a useful strategy to improve students' affective and cognitive domain towards STEM (science and mathematics). Thus, two didactic tools, based on an ERB, have been designed to teach science and mathematics contents. This research compares the influence of two ERBs (Science ERB and Mathematics ERB) in Pre-Service Teachers' (PSTs) affective domain (emotions, attitudes, and self-efficacy towards STEM) and cognitive domain (performance). Non-parametric statistical tests were used, the Mann-Whitney U test was applied to measure significant differences between the variables in the two ERBs. Spearman correlation coefficient was implemented to measure the correlations between the study variables. The results show that there is a significant increase in positive emotions in both ERBs. The emotions "joy", "fun", and "nervousness" are significantly higher after the Science ERB, and the emotion "fear" is lower with respect to the Mathematics ERB. In the self-efficacy and attitudes analysis, a significant increase of 8 items of the questionnaire is observed in the Mathematics ERB with respect to the Science ERB. According to performance analysis, PST grades have been increased after each ERB. Finally, the correlation analysis between variables indicates that positive emotions, high self-efficacy, and positive attitudes increase the PSTs' performance. Here, high values of these variables are related to high values on the theoretical content test after both ERBs. According to these results, the two ERBs used could have several advantages in the PSTs' affective and cognitive domain.

Mathematics self-belief comparison and examination of pre-service teacher (PST) through a flipped-open calculation based on numbers (ABN) learning method.

Teaching mathematics in higher education has been followed traditionally by teacher-centered methodology. With this methodology, there are always certain difficulties in mathematics learning, revealing students are not capable of dealing properly with calculations and/or problems. This research presents the comparison and examination of two different instruction methodologies, traditional-classroom methodology (TCM) and flipped-classroom methodology (FCM) about self-belief of pre-service teacher (PST) in a mathematics course. Here, an open calculation based on numbers (ABN) method originally from the Spanish teaching methodology (abierto basado en números) was used in both teaching methodologies. The 274 PSTs participated in the course: 131 students to T-ABN and 143 students to F-ABN. The results after applying the questionnaire (Cronbach's α = 0.897) showed F-ABN had significant influences in PSTs' self-belief toward the course and made classes more interactive based on parametric-statistical tests. PSTs' self-belief for four studied groups (pre- and post-test in control and experimental group) indicated significant differences found by ANOVA test. Additionally, significant differences were only observed in educational background not in gender of PSTs' self-belief according to factorial ANVOA. In all cases, when significant differences were found, effect size and post-hoc tests were conducted. Therefore, more student-centered methodology allowed to build positive teaching/learning environment for PSTs as future teachers, which consequently expects better learning outputs for children as their future students.

A STEM Course Analysis During COVID-19: A Comparison Study in Performance and Affective Domain of PSTs Between F2F and F2S Flipped Classroom.

Due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, university education has faced a significant challenge that requires adaptation to virtual and online education. Here, a fruitful flipped methodology with increased popularity can support adaption to and improvement of the current pandemic situation. This research presents a comparison of two different instruction situations with an identical teaching methodology, face-to-face (F2F) and face-to-screen (F2S) flipped methodology, in terms of students' performance and affective domain in a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) course. It was considered and designed as an examination of 132 pre-service teachers (PSTs), with 68 and 64 PSTs respectively for each group. The first group before the pandemic was applied by F2F flipped classroom and the second group after the pandemic was applied by F2S flipped classroom. The results after pertaining various data analyses of class activities and questionaries showed that performance had been improved for both groups toward the course. In addition, F2F had a significant difference in PSTs' emotion and perception toward the course and made classes more interactive. The mean score values of students' emotion and perception between two groups showed that the difference between these mean values were significant, suggesting a very large effect. Particularly, the effect size (ES) showed that positive emotions were more significant with different variables and the items Q7-Q9 of questionnaires indicated more significant different perceptions for both F2F and F2S after completing the course. Finally, the principal component analysis (PCA) test described that F2F answers were located mainly in the positive emotion, while F2S answers were grouped in the negative emotion, while no differences were observed for PSTs perceptions to the flipped methodology. Consequently, although F2F-F2S transition was an effective process, instructors and PSTs faced difficulties in the platform usage for online lectures reflecting emotions' results in F2S group. Thus, by solving the problems raised, it will allow PSTs to be more interactive in a virtual and online context for their future implementation by giving them active instruction methodology and educating future students to teach STEM contents.

Assessment of sustainability science education criteria in online-learning through fuzzy-operational and multi-decision analysis and professional survey.

Sustainable development in education is growing a public awareness and is gaining an increasing importance to improve a long-term learning program. However, a higher sustainability education is an initial phase as ever in many universities. E-learning systems in science education based on innovative information and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have close relationship in effective long-standing learnings of sustainability and numerous criteria. Also, the technological challenge integrated to sustainability science education has been focused on e-learning programs, which can fill current educational niche. This paper presents a combined application, Fuzzy-DEcision-MAking Trial and Evaluation Laboratory/Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (F-DEMATEL/MCDA) technique, identifying and analyzing e-learning systems' the most essential criteria for sustainability science education. The main criteria to accomplish this goal proposed are delineated, weighted, appraised and assigned into four groups such as sustainability, science education, e-learning and technology criteria. Sixteen sub-criteria were analyzed by the participatory F-DEMATEL technique on the basis of coefficients' value and computation in the context of impact and examination. For the final decision problem, the most important criteria are acquired with the help of Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) assessed by six implementation strategies' sensitivity analysis (A to F) and the sub-criteria by a professional online survey. Analysis on F-DEMATEL/MCDA shows sustainability criteria (Strategy A, 0.54 with 84% most likely and likely professional perception survey) that is the most essential criteria in sustainability and e-learning systems science education. Also, it indicates information environmental (0.57 with 77% most likely and likely professional perception survey) is the most essential variable among sub-criteria. Strategy F considering the most important criteria as equal (0.25) got 19% positively perception professional assessment. Consequently, fuzzy-operational and multi-decision analysis and professional survey could be utilized to find out the most essential sustainability science e-learning criteria that also could be engaged to make pliable and pertinent decision features.

The influence of teaching methodologies in the assimilation of density concept in primary teacher trainees.

Density is one of the most misunderstood concepts amongst the most basic scientific ones, although it is studied even from the earlier academic stages. This is the reason teachers must know its implications as well as possible, including not only the classical definition or what students called "formula" (density is equal to mass divided by volume) but also the concept itself (that is, an intensive matter property). According to this concern, the current research focuses its interest in studying how different teaching methodologies have different outputs in the learning process of pre-service primary teachers. The main aim of this research is to compare the learning results of a control group (n = 84), where mainly oral-based expositions were used as the teaching instrument, with an experimental group (n = 109), where the main educative tool were laboratory activities. The results show statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between both methodologies and reveal the existence of difficulties in the conceptual and experimental understanding of the concept of density. Although those students that were submitted to hands-on activities presented a significant better comprehension of the density idea, the persistence of misconceptions regarding this scientific relevant concept is also confirmed at university level.

Tempranillo-derived grape seed extract induces apoptotic cell death and cell growth arrest in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells.

Although grape seed extract (GSE) has proven to be effective against various cancers, few studies have investigated the effects of GSE on human leukemia. In this study, we analysed the mechanisms involved in the apoptotic effects induced by GSE on human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. Thus, GSE treatment succeeded in activating caspase-3 (P < 0.05), the activation being dose-dependent and time-dependent. Activation of caspase-3 induced by GSE was accompanied by mitochondrial membrane depolarization (P < 0.05). Moreover, disruption of mitochondrial integrity caused by GSE treatment subsequently led to activation of caspase-9 (P < 0.05), and also produced a slight increase in ROS levels (P < 0.05). Cytotoxic effects elicited by GSE treatment ultimately resulted in extensive S-phase arrest (P < 0.05) and a substantial increase in the intrinsic rate of apoptosis (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that the GSE induces apoptotic cell death and cell growth inhibition in human leukemic HL-60 cells, which seems to be dependent on mitochondrial damage. Therefore, the GSE obtained from Tempranillo cultivars could be an effective approach to restrain uncontrolled cell proliferation and survival in leukemia cells.

The consumption of a Jerte Valley cherry product in humans enhances mood, and increases 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid but reduces cortisol levels in urine.

PURPOSE: Jerte Valley cherries contain high levels of tryptophan, serotonin, and melatonin. These molecules have been shown to be involved in mood regulation. It has been suggested that a complex inter-relationship between brain serotonin, circulating levels of cortisol (the major stress hormone), and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis exists in the regulation of stress responses, where cortisol and serotonin act as markers of mood disturbances. Moreover there is growing evidence that altered HPA activity is associated with various age-related pathologies. The present study evaluated the effect of the ingestion of a Jerte Valley cherry-based product, compared to a placebo product, on urine cortisol and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels, and on mood in young, middle-aged, and elderly participants. METHODS: Cortisol and 5-HIAA acid levels were measured by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The mood state profile was analysed using a visual analogue scale and the state-trait anxiety inventory. RESULTS: Our findings showed that the ingestion of the Jerte Valley cherry product decreased urinary cortisol and increased urinary 5-HIAA levels in all the experimental groups. Moreover, the cherry product was able to lessen anxiety status in the middle-aged and elderly participants, and enhanced subjective mood parameters, particularly family relationships in young participants, and frame of mind and fitness in both middle-aged and elderly subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of the Jerte Valley cherry product may protect against stress and act as a mood enhancer by increasing serotonin availability to the organism, particularly with advancing age.

Micro-encapsulation of refined olive oil: influence of capsule wall components and the addition of antioxidant additives on the shelf life and chemical alteration.

BACKGROUND: Although refined olive oils (ROOs) exhibit lower quality and less stability toward thermal stress than extra-virgin olive oils, these types of oil are gaining importance in the food industry. The inclusion of ROOs in processed food may alter the oxidative stability of the manufactured products, and therefore having technological alternatives to increase oil stability will be an important achievement. For this reason the main goal of this study was to assess the influence of the micro-encapsulation process on the ROO chemical composition and its oxidative stability. Factors such as microcapsule wall constituents and the addition of the antioxidant butyl hydroxytoluene were investigated in order to establish the most appropriate conditions to ensure no alteration of the refined olive oil chemical characteristics. RESULTS: The optimised methodology exhibited high encapsulation yield (>98%), with micro-encapsulation efficiency ranging from 35 to 69% according to the nature of the wall components. The encapsulation process slightly altered the chemical composition of the olive oil and protected the oxidative stability for at least 11 months when protein components were included as wall components. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the presence of proteins constituents in the microcapsule wall material extended the shelf life of the micro-encapsulated olive oil regardless the use of antioxidant additives.

In vitro assays of the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of aqueous leaf extracts from different Prunus salicina Lindl. cultivars.

The growing interest in the substitution of synthetic food antioxidants and antimicrobial additives by natural ones has fostered research on vegetable sources and on the screening of raw materials, for identifying new antioxidants and antimicrobial natural agents. The aim of the present study was to assess total phenolic contents and determine polyphenolic composition, related antioxidative and antimicrobial properties of plum leaves extracts from six cultivars. It was observed that the content of total phenolic compounds was cultivar dependent. High antioxidant capacity has been observed and related to the relative amounts of polyphenolic compounds with good antioxidant properties. The antimicrobial activity was confirmed against Listeria innocua and Escherichia coli, and it has found to be related with the high phenolic contents. Our results suggest that the use of plum leaf extracts is a feasible alternative as antibacterial and antioxidant agents to prevent the deterioration of stored foods by bacteria and oxidation.

Improvement in protein separation in Barretts esophagus samples using two-dimensional capillary electrophoresis analysis in presence of cyclodextrins as buffer additives.

In two-dimensional capillary electrophoresis (2DCE) components are separated based on their size and hydrophobicity. A preliminary run separates analytes in the first capillary based on size (CSE). Following that, fractions are electrokinetically transferred across an interface into a second capillary, where components are further resolved according to hydrophobicity. In order to succeed in this analysis, two orthogonal methods should be selected for the different modes. The transfers from the first to the second capillary must be efficient in order to reduce tailing effects and lost of resolution. We report a new method to improve the resolution with our 2DCE instrumentation using CD doped buffers. When methyl beta cyclodextrin (mbetaCD) is added to the 2DCE interface buffer a stacking effect is described in the transfers from the first to the second dimension. In addition to that, changes in retention times are observed when proteins form complex with CD's helping in the separation. Protein fingerprints were obtained from BE homogenates using this method in presence of methyl beta cyclodextrin (mbetaCD). Within-day and between-day precision has been studied in order to establish the reproducibility of the methodology proposed.

HPLC determination of ciprofloxacin, cloxacillin, and ibuprofen drugs in human urine samples.

This paper reports, for the first time, a liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of three frequently co-administered active principles, two antibiotics, ciprofloxacin (CIPRO) and cloxacillin (CLOXA) belonging to the fluoroquinolones and beta-lactam families, respectively, and ibuprofen (IBU), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The chromatographic separation was performed on a C-18 analytical column, using isocratic elution with methanol-acetonitrile-pH 3 formate buffer (CT = 0.1 M) (15:12:73, v/v/v) for 3 min and, after that, a linear gradient with methanol-acetonitrile (88:12, v/v) for 8 min. Several absorption spectra were obtained for each peak using a DAD detector. Chromatograms at the maximum absorption wavelength for each analyte, 220 nm for both IBU and CLOXA, and 280 nm for CIPRO were selected as the most suitable. The proposed chromatographic method requires about 15 min per sample. The presence of a urine background was tested and no interference was found. The method was satisfactorily applied to the determination of CIPRO, CLOXA, and IBU, in fortified urine, and in urine samples from a patient undergoing treatment with these three active principles, among others. Limits of quantification in urine were 1.00, 1.70, and 2.87 microg/mL for CIPRO, CLOXA, and IBU, respectively.

Interference-free analysis using three-way fluorescence data and the parallel factor model. Determination of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in human serum.

Three-way fluorescence data and multivariate calibration based on parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) are combined for the simultaneous quantitation of three fluoroquinolone anitibiotics (norfloxacin, enoxacin, and ofloxacin) in human serum samples. The three analytes can be adequately determined with limits of detection of 0.2, 3.0, and 0.5 microg L(-1), respectively, with minimum experimental effort. The selected analytical methodology fully exploits the so-called second-order advantage of the employed three-way data, allowing obtaining individual concentrations of calibrated analytes in the presence of any number of uncalibrated (serum) components. In contrast to PARAFAC, less satisfactory results were obtained with a multidimensional partial least-squares (nPLS) model trained with the same calibration set.