Active methods in electricity and magnetism courses: Influence of degree, academic level and gender on student performance.

The performance of first-year students in electromagnetism (E&M) courses of different engineering degrees at a Spanish public university was measured using the Brief Electricity and Magnetism Assessment (BEMA), a standard research-based instrument to assess students' understanding after attending introductory courses in electricity and magnetism. In all cases, Flipped classroom (FC) built on information and communications technology was used. The objective of this paper is to analyse if the gain in the BEMA pre and post-test results is influenced by several factors such as the degree, the students' academic grade, and gender. Moreover, as some studies have shown that the students' retention of the concepts was significantly stronger in active learning than in traditional approaches, a third BEMA test was performed by the students to analyse the long-term retention gain dependence on the same factors. Students from different engineering degree programs were asked to complete two BEMA tests during the course and a third one after a few months. ANOVA tests were used to analyse the existence of significant differences in gain between student degree programs, student academic level and student gender. Results have shown no differences in the BEMA performance by degree program, but significant differences were found by academic level and gender. Retention did not depend on the degree course but on the academic level. Mean gain value by academic level, and gender was obtained and concluded that the best students presented the best gain results and that gain depends on the students' gender: males outperformed females in the BEMA tests, although there were no significant differences in the course grades. It is thus necessary to understand these differences and to implement measures in daily teaching work to improve women's performance.

Core-Shell Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Base Electrospinning Microfibers for Drug Delivery.

In this study, electrospun membranes were developed for controlled drug release applications. Both uniaxial Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and coaxial fibers with a PVA core and a poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) coating were produced with different coating structures. The best conditions for the manufacture of the fibers were also studied and their morphology was analyzed as a function of the electrospinning parameters. Special attention was paid to the fiber surface morphology of the coaxial fibers, obtaining both porous and non-porous coatings. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as the model protein for the drug release studies and, as expected, the uncoated fibers were determined to have the fastest release kinetics. Different release rates were obtained for the coated fibers, which makes this drug release system suitable for different applications according to the release time required.

Spectral Relative Attenuation of Solar Radiation through a Skylight Focused on Preventive Conservation: Museo De L'almoina in Valencia (Spain) Case Study.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relative attenuation of VIS, UV and NIR solar radiation through a large pond skylight into the interior of the l'Almoina Archaeological Museum (Valencia, Spain), and to determine how relative attenuation varied throughout the year and time of day. Measurements were taken at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. during July 2019 and January 2020. Relative attenuation values were obtained from the measurement of spectral irradiance in the exterior and at different points in the interior by means of two Ocean Optics spectrometers: HR4000CG-UV-NIR for VIS (400-700 nm) and NIR (700-1000 nm) bands, and FLAME-S-UV-VIS for UV-A (280-315 nm) and UV-A (315-400 nm) bands. The central points of the skylight had relative attenuation at 520 nm, reaching a value of 50% in summer at noon and 38% in the afternoon. At noon in winter, there were two relative attenuation peaks above 33% at 520 nm and at 900 nm. For mean relative attenuation, in the UVB range, the highest relative attenuation (20%) was inside the ruins in the morning in both summer and winter, and the UVA band relative attenuation was quite constant throughout the museum, but lower than that of the UVB band, in the range 0-3%.

Spectral transmission of solar radiation by plastic and glass materials.

It is well known that excessive exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation can have serious adverse effects. Many everyday materials influence the UV radiation received by humans, for example, those used in construction and on the exterior of buildings such as plastics and glass can reduce the UV exposure of persons exposed to solar radiation. In this paper we analyse the spectral transmission of solar radiation of widely used materials using the transmittance parameter. The measurements were performed on clear days, at 8 h and 12 solar hours, in July 2018 (five days) and in January 2019 (three days). The spectral transmittances of these materials and the integrated transmittances in the UVB from 300 nm, UVA, visible (VIS) and near infrared ranges (NIR) were calculated. In summer in the UVB range from 300 nm methacrylate and smoked glass have the highest transmittance values (56%) and polycarbonate present the lowest (30%). In the VIS and NIR ranges methacrylate (95%) and smoked glass (80%) have the highest transmittances and polycarbonate the lowest (45%). In general the 8 h transmittances are higher than those at 12 h and are also higher in winter than summer. For two biological functions (erythemal and DNA-damage) and for the UVB range from 300 nm, the transmittance for most materials (except fibreglass) is in the range 6-14%. The exposure times obtained show that erythemal damage could occur after long exposure to solar radiation through the materials studied, information which should be made available to the general public.

Influence of Polyol/Crosslinker Blend Composition on Phase Separation and Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Polyurethane Thin Films.

Polyurethanes (PUs) from Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polycaprolactone diol (PCL) and a crosslinker, Pentaerythritol (PE), were synthetized with isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI). In this study, we investigated the effect of polyol and crosslinker composition on phase separation and thermo-mechanical properties. The properties were studied through dynamic mechanical analysis, X-ray scattering, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed changes in PUs properties, microphase structure, and separation due to the composition of polyol/crosslinker blend. So, the largest concentration of PE produced multimodal loss factor patterns, indicating segment segregation while PUs with a PEG/PCL = 1 displayed a monomodal loss factor pattern, indicating a homogeneously distributed microphase separation. Additionally, the increase of the PEG concentration enhanced the damping capacity. On the other hand, agglomeration and thread-like structures of hard segments (HS) were observed through AFM. Finally, the thermal behavior of PUs was affected by chemical composition. Lower concentration of PE reduced the crosslinking; hence, the temperature with the maximum degradation rate.

Data set on the effectiveness of flip teaching on engineering students' performance in the physics lab compared to Traditional Methodology.

This paper shows the data of the Flip Teaching and Traditional Methodology on the laboratory practice in two subjects, Physics and Electricity, of a technical degree. The laboratory and final grades of these subjects were shown in four consecutive years. The characteristics of all four years were quite similar, except that the Traditional teaching Methodology (TM) was used in two, while Flip Teaching methodology (FT) was applied in the other two. For further discussion, please refer to the scientific article entitled "Effectiveness of flip teaching on engineering students' performance in the physics lab" [1]. Additional segmentation data in three levels are presented in this data in brief paper.

Contribution of sun exposure to the vitamin D dose received by various groups of the Spanish population.

Although the harmful effects of excessive exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation are well known, the recommended dose of UV radiation is beneficial for the synthesis of vitamin D by the skin, in addition to being useful in the treatment of various illnesses and mental problems. Numerous studies have shown that vitamin D performs important functions in the human organism, such as absorbing calcium and phosphorous and contributing to the immune system, among others. Several studies have found that a high percentage of various groups of the Spanish population suffer from vitamin D deficiency, and since very few natural foods contain vitamin D, it was considered important to determine whether groups such as schoolchildren, outdoor workers and athletes, receive enough solar radiation to produce adequate levels of vitamin D in their daily activities. It was found that the amount of vitamin D (in IU) produced by personal effective solar UV doses could exceed the recommended dose of 1000IU/day in spring and summer, while the winter estimate (about 220IU/day) is only one quarter of the recommended dose. These results suggest that most people would not receive the recommended daily vitamin D dose in winter from exposure to solar UV radiation, the main source of vitamin D.

Analysis of Erythemal UVB Dose Received Inside a Car in Valencia, Spain.

Continuous exposures to ultraviolet radiation can lead to harmful effects on human skin. Professional drivers may spend more than 8 h per day inside a vehicle. This study describes an analysis of the UVER (erythemal ultraviolet radiation) received by a driver and passenger inside a vehicle. A three-door Peugeot 206 was used for the study. VioSpor Blue Line dosimeters (with a response profile close to that of human skin) were used to measure the erythematic dose of UV radiation (able to produce erythema on human skin). Four dosimeters were placed in the driver's position and another four in the passenger's position. Daily irradiance was analyzed for a day in April using PMA radiometers. The measurements were obtained on relatively clear days from February to December 2009 between 9:30 A.M. and 3 P.M. Additionally, a prediction was made of the time required to produce an erythema on the driver's skin. UVER exposure, in some of the driver's positions, exceeds the Exposure Limits given by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Skin protection measures should be taken into account by professional drivers to prevent the harmful effects of UVER radiation.

Solar ultraviolet doses and vitamin D in a northern mid-latitude.

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the most important factors in the development of skin cancer in human, solar erythema and skin aging. Nevertheless, numerous studies have shown the benefits of UV solar radiation in moderate doses, such as the reduction of blood pressure and mental health, treatment of various diseases, and the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin. This paper analyses data from solar ultraviolet erythemal (UVER) irradiance in W/m2 measured in a northern mid-latitude as Valencia (Spain) for the period 2003-2010. To estimate effective solar UV radiation in the production of vitamin D (UVD) we used the relationship proposed by McKenzie et al. (2009). It was obtained for one month for each season the minimum exposure time needed around solar noon and at 9 UTC and 15 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) to obtain the recommended daily dose of 1000IU. Also, it has been calculated time for erythema induction around solar noon for the same months. The median UVER daily dose during the summer months was 4000J/m2day, and 700J/m2day in winter. With regard to UVD, the median UVD daily dose in summer season was 7700J/m2day, and in winter it was 1000J/m2day. Around noon in January it takes more than two hours of solar exposure to obtain the recommended daily dose of vitamin D, whereas the rest of the year range between 7min on July and 31min on October. For the same months around noon, exposure times to produce erythema were obtained, these being of higher value to the previous. The results show that it is difficult to obtain the recommended vitamin D doses in winter in a northern mid-latitude, as the human body is almost entirely covered in this season.

Maximum Incident Erythemally Effective UV Exposure Received by Construction Workers, in Valencia, Spain.

This article analyzes the influence of Ultraviolet Erythematic Radiation (UVER) dose received by construction workers in Valencia highlighting the upper limit of the dose received for a worker in different periods of a year. Building construction usually implies workers to stand for several hours outdoors while working until roof top is finished. In Valencia, construction carried out near the coastline has been very intense in the last few years with the construction of a great amount of summer flats. This article focuses on the maximum values UVER can reach in different seasons of the year for cities with similar latitude to Valencia (39°28'N, 0°22'W), as an important way of warning construction workers about the necessity of taking preventive actions. Viospor dosimeters placed on a mannequin have been used in this study. The measurements took place between 2012 December and 2013 July.

Ultraviolet Erythematic Radiation dose received by golfers in winter, in Valencia.

This article analyzes Ultraviolet Erythematic Radiation (UVER) dose received by several golf players in winter in Valencia. Playing golf involves spending several hours outdoors because of the length of golf matches and training. Moreover, in Valencia there are many golf players coming from northern Europe, with a phototype very sensitive (I-II). For that reason, these people have an increasing risk while playing. This article shows that harmful effects coming from UVER radiation may occur not only in summer time but also in winter, especially at these latitudes. VioSpor dosimeters have been used to develop this analysis over several golf players on January 2013 between 10:00 h and 15:00 h, local time.

Personal UV exposure for different outdoor sports.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major environmental risk factor in the development of skin cancers and it occurs mainly during outdoor activities. The purpose of this study is to quantify the UV exposure suffered by amateur athletes (tennis players, hikers and runners) in their training schedules. The study on tennis player exposure took place at a tennis club in Valencia during the month of June 2011. With respect to the hiking group, the hikes studied took place in several mountainous areas of Spain and France from June to August 2011. Finally, the exposure suffered by ten runners while participating in a running circuit in the province of Valencia, from March to November 2011, was studied. The athletes were monitored using personal dosimeters (VioSpor), with the tennis players and runners wearing them on the wrist and the hikers on the shoulder. The median daily personal UV exposure for the hikers was 8.1 Standard Erythema Dose (SED) and for the tennis players 7.5 SED per day of training. The runners received a median of 14.6 SED while participating in the running circuit and about 2 SED per competition day. Median daily UV exposure of the hikers and tennis players exceeded 5 SED, which means that, in the case of non-sun-adapted skin type III and the non-use of sun protection, erythema may be induced in these subjects. However, the exposure suffered by the runners did not exceed the maximum personal exposure of 5 SED. Accordingly, it is necessary to encourage the use of high protection sunscreens and protective clothing and to avoid UV exposure in the hottest part of the day.

Occupational UV exposure of environmental agents in Valencia, Spain.

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is considered the most important environmental risk factor in the development of melanoma and skin cancer. Outdoor workers are among those with the highest risk from exposure to solar UVR, as their daily activities constantly expose them to this radiation source. A study was carried out in Valencia, Spain, in summer 2012 and involved a group of 11 workers for a period of six 2-day recordings. Sensitive spore-film filter-type personal dosimeters (VioSpor) were used to measure erythemal UVR received by environmental agents in the course of their daily work. Median 2-day UV exposure was 6.2 standard erythema dose (SED), with 1 SED defined as effective 100 J m(-2) when weighted with the Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage's (CIE) erythemal response function. These workers were found to receive a median of 8.3% total daily ambient ultraviolet erythemal radiation. Comparison with the occupational UV exposure limit showed that the subjects had received an erythemal UV dose in excess of occupational guidelines, indicating that protective measures against this risk are highly advisable.

Description of the protocols for randomized controlled trials on cancer drugs conducted in Spain (1999-2003).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCT) on cancer drugs conducted in Spain between 1999 and 2003 based on their protocols. METHODS: We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study to identify the protocols of RCTs on cancer drugs authorized by the Agencia Española del Medicamento y Productos Sanitarios (AEMPS) (Spanish Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices) during 1999-2003. A descriptive analysis was completed and the association between variables based on the study setting and sponsorship were assessed. RESULTS: We identified a total of 303 protocols, which included 176,835 potentially eligible patients. Three-quarter of the studies were internationally-based, 61.7% were phase III, and 76.2% were sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. The most frequently assessed outcomes were response rate (24.7%), overall survival (20.7%), and progression-free survival (14.5%). Of all protocols, 10.6% intended to include more than 1000 patients (mean: 2442, SD: 2724). Compared with their national counterparts, internationally-based studies were significantly larger (p<0.001) and were more likely to implement centralized randomization (p<0.001), blinding of the intervention (p<0.001), and survival as primary outcome (p<0.001). Additionally, most internationally-based studies were sponsored by pharmaceutical companies (p<0.01). In a high percentage of protocols, the available information was not explicit enough to assess the validity of each trial. Compared to other European countries, the proportion of Spanish cancer drugs protocols registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (7%) was lower. CONCLUSION: RCTs on cancer drugs conducted in Spain between 1999 and 2003 were more likely to be promoted by pharmaceutical companies rather than by non-profit national groups. The former were more often part of international studies, which generally had better methodological quality than national ones. There are some worldwide on-going initiatives that aim to increase the transparency and quality of future research.

Erythemal ultraviolet solar radiation doses received by young skiers.

Children are a special group since epidemiological evidence indicates that excessive exposure to sunlight at an early age increases the risk of skin cancer in later life. The purpose of this study is to quantify children's UV exposure when skiing, using dosimeters (VioSpor) placed on the shoulders of 10 participants. The children received a median daily Standard Erythema Dose of 2.1 within a range of 4.9-0.71, this being approximately 35% of the calculated 24 h ambient UV radiation on the horizontal plane. According to the results obtained, young skiers are exposed to UV radiation that can potentially cause skin damage and erythema and increase the risk of skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. These findings emphasise the need for adequate protective measures against solar radiation when skiing. The results also suggest that sun-protection campaigns should be undertaken aimed at children engaged in outdoor sports, including winter activities.

Solar UV exposure in construction workers in Valencia, Spain.

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has long been recognized as the most important environmental risk factor for melanoma and skin cancer. Outdoor workers are among the groups most at risk from exposure to solar UVR in their daily activities. Sensitive spore-film filter-type personal dosimeters (VioSpor) were used to measure the biologically effective UVR received by construction workers in the course of their daily work. The study took place in Valencia, Spain, in July 2010 and involved a group of eight workers for a period of 5 days. The median UV exposure was 6.11 standard erythema dose (SED) per day, with 1 SED defined as effective 100 J/m(2) when weighted with the Commission Internationale de L'Eeclairage erythemal response function. These workers were found to receive a median of 13.9% of total daily ambient ultraviolet erythemal radiation (UVER). Comparison with the occupational UVR exposure limit showed that the subjects had received UVER exposure in excess of occupational guidelines, indicating that protective measures against this risk are highly advisable.

Solar UV exposure of children in a summer school in Valencia, Spain.

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure is the major environmental factor involved in the development of skin cancers and occurs mainly during outdoor activities. During summer schools, children receive regular and significant solar ultraviolet erythemal radiation (UVER) while practising outdoor activities. Personal dosimeters (VioSpor) were attached to the shoulders of schoolchildren and used to quantify their exposure to UVER. The study took place in Valencia, Spain, during July 2008, with three age groups (7-8, 9-10 and 11-12 years old) and involved about 15 schoolchildren. The median (25, 75 percentiles) twice-daily UV exposure values for all groups was 5.49 (3.59, 8.00) standard erythemal doses (SEDs), where 1 SED is defined as effective 100 Jm(-2) when weighted with the CIE erythemal response function. Exposure ratio (ER) is defined as the ratio between the personal dose on a selected body site and the corresponding ambient dose received on a horizontal plane during the same exposure period. The median (25, 75 percentiles) ER value for all groups in the study was 5.9% (4.1, 8.7).

Ultraviolet exposure for different outdoor sports in Valencia, Spain.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to quantify ultraviolet (UV) exposure of several groups of amateur athletes in their training or recreational schedules. METHODS: The athletes were monitored using dosimeters (VioSpor).The study took place in Valencia, Spain, from May to July 2010, and involved a group of 10 mountaineers, four tennis players and five runners. RESULTS: The mean daily personal UV exposure for mountaineers was 9.48 ± 3.23 standard erythema dose (SED). The tennis players received a mean of 10.65 ± 1.57 SED for every 2 days of training, and the runners received a mean of 7.62 ± 4.28 SED for every 5 days of training. CONCLUSION: Mountaineers received a higher dose of UV exposure and have a higher exposure ratio than the tennis players, probably because they spent more time outdoors. However, the runners received a low dose of UV exposure, perhaps because their training takes place in the evening. Mean daily UV exposure of the mountaineers and tennis players exceeded 5 SED, which means that, in the case of non-sun-adapted skin type III and the non-use of sun protection, erythema may be induced in these subjects. Accordingly, it is necessary to encourage the use of high protection sunscreens and protective clothing, and to avoid UV exposure in the hottest part of the day.

Solar UV exposure of primary schoolchildren in Valencia, Spain.

To quantify schoolchildren's exposure to ultraviolet erythemal radiation (UVER), personal dosimeters (VioSpor) were used to measure biologically effective ultraviolet (UV) radiation received in the course of their daily school activities. The study took place in two primary schools in Valencia (39°28'N), Spain, for several weeks from March 2008 until May 2009, with two age groups (6-8 years and 10-11 years) and involved about 47 schoolchildren. The median daily UV exposure values for all age groups and solar height intervals considered in the study ranged from 1.31 to 2.11 standard erythemal doses (SEDs). Individual UV exposure was analyzed as a function of age, gender and dosimeter position. Significant statistical differences were found between different age groups, with the younger age group receiving higher statistically significant UVER exposure. It was also found that boys received significantly higher UVER exposure than girls. It was also noted that shoulder dosimeters registered higher readings than wrist dosimeters. Exposure ratio (ER) is defined as the ratio between the personal dose on a selected anatomical site and the corresponding ambient dose on a horizontal plane. The median ER for all age groups and solar height intervals in the study range from 4.5% to 10.7%, with higher values at lower solar heights.

Erythemal ultraviolet exposure of cyclists in Valencia, Spain.

UV exposure is considered to be one of the most important risk factors in skin cancers, mainly in outdoor occupational or recreational activities. Outdoor athletes such as cyclists receive regular and significant solar UV erythemal radiation (UVER). The aim of this work was to quantify UVER exposure of amateur cyclists over the course of several days in their training schedules. To quantify UVER exposure of this group, dosimeters (Viospor) were attached at the top of the helmet in the course of their training. The study took place in Valencia, Spain, in June to July 2008 and February to March 2009, and involved a group of five cyclists over a period of 4 days for each period. The mean 2-day personal UV exposure was 32.24 +/- 4.14 SED (standard erythema dose) in summer and 11.30 +/- 5.36 SED in the winter period. One SED is defined as an effective radiant exposure of 100 J m(-2) when weighted with the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) erythemal response function. The mean exposure ratio (ER) of cyclists was 0.37 +/- 0.04 in summer and 0.40 +/- 0.11 in winter. The cyclists received the highest UVER exposure in the summer period, but in both training periods UVER exposure was in excess of occupational and recreational guidelines, indicating that protective measures are very necessary.