Open University of Catalonia

About: Open University of Catalonia is a education organization based out in Barcelona, Spain. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Context (language use) & Higher education. The organization has 1943 authors who have published 4646 publications receiving 64200 citations. The organization is also known as: Universitat Oberta de Catalunya & UOC.

Dimensionality, Reliability, and Validity of the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire in Two Spanish Samples

Abstract: Objective The present study attempted to fill a research gap by performing the first dimensionality analysis of the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) using exploratory and confirmatory techniques. A second objective was to report on the reliability and construct validity of the FIQR in Spanish patients. Methods FIQR data from a sample of adult fibromyalgia patients (n = 113) were analyzed using principal components analysis (PCA). Subsequently, a set of confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) was conducted in another sample (n = 179) to analyze the goodness of fit of various factor models. FIQR reliability was assessed by computing Cronbach's alpha and coefficient H. Construct validity was evaluated by comparing the FIQR scores of participants categorized by employment status. Results According to the PCA, the FIQR structure might be described as having 1 global factor of functional impairment. Although subsequent CFAs confirmed that 1 factor accounted for the greatest proportion of common variance in the FIQR items, a confirmatory bifactor analysis indicated that the items were multidimensional because of their simultaneous significant loading on specific factors. The Cronbach's alpha values of the FIQR domains were very good (>0.80) and the H estimate for the FIQR total score was excellent (0.93). Overall, the FIQR domains were able to distinguish between patients differing in employment status (working outside the home versus on sick leave). Conclusion Our results indicate that the Spanish version of the FIQR has a complex factor structure, has excellent reliability, and shows good construct validity.

MAPT H1 Haplotype is Associated with Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Risk in APOEɛ4 Noncarriers: Results from the Dementia Genetics Spanish Consortium.

Abstract: Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation SAF 2006-10126 (2006–2009) and SAF2010-22329-C02-01 (2011–2013) to P.P and by the UTE project FIMA to P.P. Grants from the Ministry of Science (SAF2010-15558) and CIBERNED. Agust´in Ruiz is supported by grant PI13/02434 (Accion Estrategica en Salud. Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad, Spain). Grant: Consolider (CSD2010-00045).

Nuevas formas de aprendizaje informales: ¿O estamos formalizando lo informal?

Abstract: En l’actualitat, alguns autors veuen l’aprenentatge informal com un canvi en els sistemes educatius actuals. Basant-se en una tendencia instigada pel connectivisme, pel qual es creen xarxes informals entre persones que s’ajuden les unes a les altres a aprendre, l’aprenentatge informal sembla ser una alternativa a formes tradicionals d’ensenyament i aprenentatge. Les noves tecnologies son fonamentals per al desenvolupament d’aquests models d’aprenentatge informal. Aixi, els recursos educatius oberts (OER) digitals i, mes recentment, els cursos oberts en linia i massius (MOOC) son dos metodes diferents, tot i que relacionats, per a fer possible aquest desenvolupament. Si be encara estan en emergencia i creixement, alguns d’aquests nous metodes semblen intents de formalitzar l’informal. Basats en models de transmissio tradicional, alguns dels models que s’han desenvolupat son nomes transformacions dels antics models, encara que utilitzen noves tecnologies per a assolir els objectius. Aquest article presenta una revisio critica dels ultims desenvolupaments en l’aprenentatge informal, i assenyala la necessitat de realitzar recerca basada en proves per a establir quin aprenentatge real pot assolir-se informalment.

La responsabilidad social en las organizaciones (RSO): análisis y comparación entre guías y normas de gestión e información

Abstract: Hoy son multiples las iniciativas internacionales y nacionales que existen para promover, concretar y comunicar la Responsabilidad Social en las Organizaciones (RSO). Esta dispersion de criterios reclama una sistematizacion metodologica. De tal manera, el presente articulo plantea cuatro niveles para clasificar esas iniciativas: (1) directrices y compromisos de caracter universal; (2) guias de produccion y metodologias de evaluacion de informes y acciones de RSO; (3) normas o criterios de gestion y ajuste en la implantacion de la RSO; y por ultimo, (4) tecnicas y herramientas para medir y gestionar. El articulo tiene como objetivo presentar, comparar y sistematizar las iniciativas internacionales y nacionales que tratan sobre normas y guias en los niveles 2 y 3. Concluimos que la RSO comienza a entenderse y aplicarse de forma mas integrada en las empresas y en la sociedad, trascendiendo el simple cumplimiento legal, la creacion de utilidades, y la filantropia que se manifiesta en el patrocinio de actividades de caridad o de inversion en asistencia social. Esta conclusion se obtiene luego de contrastar y sistematizar las guias y normas estudiadas en el documento.

A methodological review of mixed methods research in palliative and end-of-life care (2014–2019)

Abstract: Mixed methods research has been increasingly recognized as a useful approach for describing and explaining complex issues in palliative care and end-of-life research. However, little is known about the use of this methodology in the field and the ways in which mixed methods studies have been reported. The purpose of this methodological review was to examine the characteristics, methodological features and reporting quality of mixed methods articles published in palliative care research. The authors screened all articles published in eight journals specialized in palliative care between January 2014 and April 2019. Those that reported a mixed methods study (n = 159) were included. The Good Reporting of a Mixed Methods Study (GRAMMS) criteria were used to assess reporting quality. Findings showed that 57.9% of the identified studies used a convergent design and 82.4% mentioned complementarity as their main purpose for using a mixed methods approach. The reporting quality of the articles generally showed a need for improvement as authors usually did not describe the type of mixed methods design used and provided little detail on the integration of quantitative and qualitative methods. Based on the findings, recommendations are made to improve the quality of reporting of mixed methods articles in palliative care.