University of Extremadura

This article presents the results of a systematic literature review on student contributions to quality assurance processes in higher education. The research had three main outcomes: the first identified relevant studies on the subject under investigation. The second, more innovative, analysed the main issues related to student participation, involvement/ engagement and commitment as a stakeholder in QA processes. The analysis revealed that students participate in QA processes, both internally and externally, in three distinct dimensions: – Participation: the importance of student participation associated with the teaching and learning process is recognised, emphasising aspects such as feedback, assessment, satisfaction and partnerships. – Involvement: centred on governance and partnerships, with students acting as partners in governance and decision-making processes, in an active and involved participation in QA processes. – Commitment: refers to the deepest level of involvement, where students demonstrate a commitment to QA. The third outcome focused on the results of the three research questions posed, which made it possible to analyse and characterise the selected studies, define a comprehensive framework of student contributions in the field of QA and point out areas requiring further investigation that could guide future research.

The development of sporting talent in team sports has traditionally been based on talent identification programmes focused on the individualisation of the athlete in a single sport from childhood. These models have often been unsuccessful due to their lack of scientific evidence, as well as not taking into account factors such as the Relative Age Effect or the role of coaches in the early stages of training. The aim of the present research is to analyse whether the Relative Age Effect exists in Spain and to associate the debut in non-competitive national teams and the attainment of the status of high performance player. A total of 358 national players were analysed taking into account variables related to month of birth and debut in professional leagues or national teams. The results reveal that there is a relative effect of age in all national teams in Spain, essentially affecting professional status. Only early specialization from 18 years onwards predicts performance in professional leagues and national teams. Diversification in the early sporting stages improves the long-term development of the athlete.

Rice is traditionally cultivated worldwide under continuous flooding irrigation. However, in Mediterranean environments, there has recently been a decline in the area of rice cultivation in several producing regions where water supplies for this crop cannot always be guaranteed. Therefore, it is necessary to identify alternative crop management strategies that improve water-use efficiency in order to ensure the sustainability of rice production. It has been postulated that rice production under alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation requires less water than flooding. However, the effects of the AWD system on rice yield components remain unclear, with different trends observed. It has been suggested that the soil properties are a crucial factor in this regard. In fact, drops in rice yields under AWD have been attributed to the low soil organic matter content. Consequently, the incorporation of organic amendments could offset this organic matter deficit, and the subsequent enhancement in rice productivity might also ensure its sustainability in areas where water availability is scarce. This study is the first to analyse how the soils properties, rice yields components, and water productivity were influenced by fresh and field aged biochar applied to rice soils under conventional flooding and AWD using two-threshold (mild and severe). The results showed that the transition from flood management to AWD management has had a significant impact on soil properties and rice yields, though this was dependent on the threshold. Consequently, yield losses occurred under severe AWD conditions in comparison to the flooded systems. Nevertheless, the use of holm oak biochar was found to enhance rice yields under AWD systems, particularly under severe conditions and following the field ageing process. Thus, the combined use of biochar and AWD may be a sustainable strategy to enhance water productivity, which is one of the main objectives in the rice crop.

Isomer discrimination is of paramount importance across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and the food industry, owing to their unique physicochemical characteristics. Because of their extremely similar characteristics, traditional analytical methods fail or encounter severe limitations in isomer discrimination. To overcome this grand challenge, a novel sensing strategy is proposed based on surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates (i.e., plasmonic platforms) combined with machine learning algorithms. These plasmonic platforms exhibit exceptional signal uniformity across wide regions and sensitivity, enabling the discrimination of structural isomers (hydroquinone, resorcinol, pyrocatechol), geometric isomers ((Z/E)‐stilbene, (Z/E)‐resveratrol), and optical isomers (R/S‐ibuprofen). Notably, for the analysis of optical isomers, 1‐naphthalenethiol is employed as a probe to facilitate specific isomer orientation on the surface of the plasmonic platform through, for the first time, π–π interactions. The integration of machine learning methodologies, such as Partial Least Squares Regression and Artificial Neural Networks, significantly enhances both quantitative analysis and classification accuracy, achieving detection limits as low as 2 × 10⁻⁸ m. Validation with commercially available ibuprofen samples shows excellent agreement with traditional circular dichroism results, highlighting the method's robustness and precision. The strategy provides a versatile, ultrasensitive, and reliable solution for isomer discrimination, with broad applications in pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, and clinical diagnostics.

LiDAR data are quite commonly used for the analysis of archaeological landscapes over large areas in order to identify a wide range of cultural features. Open access datasets provided by regional or national services are very suitable for this medium/large scale exploration, but they often fail in the identification of more subtle microtopographical features at a site scale. Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) with higher resolution LiDAR coverage can fill this gap, offering valuable clues about the internal spatial organization of ancient settlements. In this paper, we offer a representative example of this casuistry focused on Iron Age fortified sites (hillforts) in the Southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. The process of capture and processing of LiDAR data combined with results of photogrammetric flights is explained. An analysis based on the application of visualization methods designed for archaeological investigation was made, in order to extract as much information as possible. From this point onwards, automatic and semiautomatic detection techniques were developed in order to recognize regular patterns that could eventually help in the reconstruction of the urban landscape of the sites. Finally, the results are combined with other nondestructive methods in order to provide a reliable diagnostic about the cultural interpretation of the features we have detected.

We consider a pair $({\mathfrak {A}},{{\mathcal {B}}})$ where ${\mathfrak {A}}$ is an algebra over a base field ${\mathbb F}$, and ${{\mathcal {B}}}=\{e_{i}\}_{i \in I}$ a basis of ${\mathfrak {A}}$ satisfying the following property: for any $i,j \in I$ we have $e_ie_j \in {\mathbb {F}} e_k$ for some $k \in I$. We show that ${\mathfrak {A}}$ decomposes as ${\mathfrak {A}}={\mathfrak {s}} \oplus {\mathfrak {d}}$ where ${\mathfrak {s}}$ is a semisimple ideal of ${\mathfrak {A}}$, (a direct sum of simple ideals), and ${\mathfrak {d}}$ is the direct sum of non-simple indecomposable ideals of ${\mathfrak {A}}$. Moreover, this decomposition is unique. We show that the ideals ${\mathfrak {s}}$ and ${\mathfrak {d}}$ are characterized by a new linear property. An interpretation of this result in terms of graph theory is also provided.

Plant sphingolipids are lipophilic membrane components essential for different cellular functions but they also act as signaling molecules in various aspects of plant development. However, the interaction between plant sphingolipids and abscission remains largely uncharacterized. Here, the possible role of sphingolipids in regulating fruit abscission was examined in the abscission zone (AZ) of olive fruit. To this end, sphingolipid levels were manipulated through the application of exogenous sphingoli-pid long-chain bases (LCBs) or biosynthesis inhibitors, and their effects on fruit abscission as well as sphingolipid LCB/gene expression, hormones, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death levels were examined in the AZ of olive fruit. Our data indicated that exogenous sphinganine (d18:0) induced fruit abscission, whereas the application of sphingosine (d18:1) or phytosphingosine (t18:0) or their phosphorylated derivatives did not have an effect on fruit abscission. Moreover, inhibition of LCB kinase or ceramide synthase, which increases sphingolipid LCB levels in the AZ, reduced fruit break strength. This induction of fruit abscission is associated with elevated ROS levels and cell death in the AZ enriched in salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA). Along the same line, programmed cell death (PCD) was particularly evident on the distal side of the AZ. These data suggest that endogenous d18:0 plays a key cellular role as signaling molecule functioning upstream of the SA/JA signaling pathway in mediating PCD spatially regulated in the AZ during fruit abscission. Overall, the findings reported here provide insight into the complex connection between PCD and plant sphingolipid LCBs, uncovering their interaction in the abscission process.

Background: A growing body of evidence suggests a potential link between the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and menstrual changes in women who were menstruating at the time of vaccination. Nevertheless, the prevalence of this event in those with secondary amenorrhea for different causes, i.e. formerly menstruating women, remains unclear. It is plausible that, analogous to those observed in currently menstruating women, they experienced some degree of alteration in their reproductive health, defined here as menstrual-related disturbances. Objective: The aim was to analyze this phenomenon and identify the factors associated with the occurrence of menstrual-related disturbances in this subpopulation. Study design: A retrospective observational cross-sectional study was conducted among adult Spanish in December 2021 using an online survey (N = 17,512). The present analysis includes a subpopulation of vaccinated and formerly menstruating women (N = 548). General characteristics, medical history, and adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination were recorded. Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U and McNemar mid-P tests were performed. Bivariate logistic regression was then used to identify the key factors influencing this unexpected event. Results: In comparison with the first dose, significantly higher percentages of respondents experienced menstrual-related disturbances (dose 1: 38.5 percent vs. dose 2: 44.8 percent) after receiving the second one. Among them, those related to the length and flow stand out, being of long-term nature in about 17–20 percent of cases. Interindividual factors influencing this unexpected event after receiving the dose 1 may include weight, perimenopause, preexisting diagnoses of non-autoimmune rheumatic/articular conditions, use of hormonal contraceptives, suffering from other vaccine side effects − such as arm pain and the number of previous pregnancies; for dose 2, these factors may include suffering from menstrual-related alterations after receiving dose 1, as well as the use of hormonal contraceptives and perimenopause. Conclusion: Formerly menstruating women might experience long-term menstrual-related disturbances following COVID-19 vaccination. Potential influencing factors include weight, perimenopause, rheumatic/articular conditions, hormonal contraceptives, vaccine side effects and previous pregnancies.

Key message The effects of MJ on pine trees are species-specific and trigger a resistant phenotype to the PWN. A more dynamic response of hormones and gene expression in Pinus pinea explains the high resistance to Bursaphelenchus xylophilus of this species. Abstract Knowledge on hormonal and genetic mechanisms of pine trees in response to the pinewood nematode (PWN; Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) is limited. To describe tree defence strategies against B. xylophilus, this study used the plant stress hormone methyl jasmonate (MJ) on four pine species with different susceptibility (Pinus pinaster < P. radiata ≈ P. sylvestris < P. pinea). Three-year-old trees were sprayed with MJ at 0, 25, and 50 mM, and 2 months later challenged with the PWN. Multiple samples were taken to assess nematode content, oxidative stress, secondary metabolites, phytohormone levels, and stress-related gene expression. Nematode infestation in trees correlated negatively with the water content of needles and phenolics of stems, and positively with the concentration of indole-3-carboxylic acid in stems. MJ spray reduced in a dose-dependent manner the nematode content in P. pinaster and P. sylvestris. The effects of MJ were species-specific, although a more pronounced impact was observed in the susceptible P. pinaster species, leading to a decrease of chlorophyll and water loss and to the upregulation of the gene involved in the biosynthesis of terpenoids (AFS). After MJ spray, increased levels of JA-Ile were observed in P. pinea only. Hormone profiling, predisposition to activate antioxidant response, and gene expression in P. pinea trees provide evidence of why this species is highly resistant to B. xylophilus. On the contrary, the lack of effective hormonal changes in P. pinaster explained the lack of defence responses to B. xylophilus of this susceptible species. This study is a first approach to explore biochemical, molecular, and hormonal interactions between Pinus species and the PWN, and presents unprecedented insights into alterations induced by exogenous MJ in regulating defence mechanisms in pine trees.

Monitoring the dynamics of contaminants in ecosystems helps understand their potential effects. Seabirds have been used as biomonitors of marine ecosystems for this purpose. However, exposure and vulnerability to pollutants are understudied in tropical species, and the relationships between various pollutants and the trophic ecology of seabirds are poorly understood. In this study, we quantified mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and organochlorine pesticide (OC) concentrations in the blood of Laughing Gulls and Magnificent Frigatebirds breeding in Bahía Santa María, México. Using carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N), we examined the interaction between contaminants and trophic ecology. Laughing Gulls exhibited higher concentrations of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (ΣDDTs), endrins (ΣDrins), and chlordanes, while Magnificent Frigatebirds had elevated levels of Hg and hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (ΣHCHs). Both species displayed temporal and sex-related variations in isotopic signatures. Some blood pollutant concentrations in Laughing Gulls were explained by diet: ΣOCs in plasma were directly related to trophic levels, indicating biomagnification, whereas higher Hg levels were associated with changes in habitat use. In contrast, the differences in sex-related isotopic signatures in Magnificent Frigatebirds did not reflect pollutant accumulation patterns, possibly due to their opportunistic feeding habits.

The social identity approach to leadership contends that the most effective leaders represent, advance, create, and embed a shared social identity (i.e., a sense of ‘we’ and ‘us’) within the groups they lead. Building on previous research, our study examines whether the perceived identity leadership of coaches and athlete leaders is associated with a range of key performance indicators (notably team and individual performance and effort) through team identification and team cohesion. We also examine if these relationships are generalisable across WEIRD (Westernised, Educated, Industrialised, Rich, and Democratic) and non‐WEIRD countries while looking at whether they vary as a function of national culture (i.e., ingroup collectivism). To this end, we collected data from 3,135 football players across 211 teams in nine countries who engaged in an average of 4.02 sessions per week ( SD = 2.03). Data were analysed using multilevel (multigroup) regressions and indicated that coaches' and athlete leaders' perceived identity leadership was associated with all performance indicators via both team identification and cohesion. For the most part, these relationships held across WEIRD and non‐WEIRD countries. However, we also found some evidence that the relationships between identity leadership and performance varied cross‐culturally and were generally stronger in countries high on ingroup collectivism. Together, these data suggest that identity leaders—across geographical and cultural borders—can make teams more effective and that they achieve this by leveraging ‘our’ strength in ways that make ‘us’ more cohesive.

This study investigates the impact of interactive science workshops participation on primary school children's emotions and attitudes towards science. The sample consisted of 186 students aged 9 to 13 from five different schools. The interactive science workshops consisted of a series of practical, active, and hands-on workshops where primary school students could learn about different aspects of science. These workshops, designed and conducted by prospective teachers from the Primary Education degree program, were non-competitive and did not involve participants in competitive activities. Using pre-and post-event questionnaires, changes in emotions and science-related attitudes were assessed. Results indicated a significant increase in positive emotions such as joy and enthusiasm, alongside a reduction in negative emotions like boredom and anxiety. Specifically, the post-test results showed a higher interest in discussing science, greater appreciation for experiments, and an increased desire for science-related careers. These changes were statistically significant, accentuating the transformative potential of interactive, hands-on learning experiences. The findings highlight the importance of integrating such activities into primary education curricula to enhance students' engagement and promote positive perceptions of science.

Livestock grazing and trampling have been shown to reduce arthropod populations. Among arthropods, defoliating lepidopterans are particularly important for their impact on trees, the keystone structures of agroforestry systems. This study investigates the impact of livestock on the community of defoliating lepidopterans in agroforestry systems. We conducted both experimental and observational studies in the mid‐west and western regions of the Iberian Peninsula. In our field experiment, we sampled lepidopteran caterpillars in areas with livestock and in areas where livestock had been excluded for short and long periods. To validate our experimental results, we conducted a field survey across seven areas with and without livestock in the western Iberian Peninsula. Our findings revealed that after 2 years from the start of the experiment, the exclusion of livestock led to an increase in the abundance and species richness of lepidopterans, as well as shifts in their community composition. Our experimental findings were corroborated by our field survey. Interestingly, we found that the differences in community composition among exclusions were primarily due to species nestedness. Livestock exclusion consistently favored species that pupate in the ground, suggesting that livestock can alter the lepidopteran community by predating or accidentally trampling these species. This study underscores the significant role livestock play in modifying the community of defoliating lepidopterans in Mediterranean agroforestry systems (oak savannahs), with important implications for food webs and species interactions.

Objectives: This study uniquely examines the evolution of match running performance in official matches over four consecutive seasons (2019/2020–2022/23) within Spain’s top two professional soccer leagues (LaLiga). By analyzing differences between competitive league standards (First Division vs. Second Division), this research provides critical insights into how competition levels influence physical performance trends over time. Methods: A total of 6784 match observations were recorded from 95 teams competing in the First and Second Divisions (LaLiga). Performance metrics included total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSR, >21 km·h−1), very high-speed running (VHSR, 21.1–24 km·h−1), sprint distance (Sprint, >24 km·h−1), the number of HSR efforts (Nº. Sprints > 21 km·h−1), and sprint efforts (Nº. Sprints > 24 km·h−1), all analyzed using a computerized tracking system (TRACAB, ChyronHego, New York, NY, USA). Results: The primary findings indicated significantly higher match running performance in First Division matches compared to Second Division matches across all variables (p < 0.001). Furthermore, match running performance significantly increased over the four seasons in both leagues, with notably higher values during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons for all physical performance metrics (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study contributes to understanding the temporal evolution of soccer match performance across competition levels. The findings emphasize the importance of periodic performance monitoring and adapting training loads increasing high-intensity distances to align with escalating physical demands in modern soccer, offering valuable guidance for coaches and performance analysts.