University of Extremadura

About: University of Extremadura is a education organization based out in Badajoz, Spain. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Hyperspectral imaging. The organization has 7856 authors who have published 18299 publications receiving 396126 citations. The organization is also known as: Universidad de Extremadura.

Educación a distancia en tiempos de COVID-19: Análisis desde la perspectiva de los estudiantes universitarios

Abstract: This paper focuses on the students of traditional face-to-face universities and on the implemented distance learning models during the lockdown period caused by the COVID-19’ crisis. We aim here to analyze the impact of the personal and family context on digital equity, to identify the teaching model received, and to know their assessment and perception of this model. The research is a mixed study of descriptive scope in which qualitative and quantitative methods are combined. Firstly, a survey was carried out with students from the University of Extremadura (n=548) and, then, online interviews were conducted to members of the university governance. The results indicate that students from families with a low educational level have fewer opportunities to use digital technologies. Virtual lessons, which students have received, have essentially been based on presentations uploaded to the virtual campus with asynchronous interactions. The negative assessment of distance learning is explained by the apparent reverse relationship between time spent studying and academic performance and by the lack of teachers’ adaptation to students’ personal and academic circumstances. In conclusion, the university must move towards more collaborative and student-centered models.

Improved detection of Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria by multiplex PCR

Abstract: The presence of coliform bacteria is routinely assessed to establish the microbiological safety of water supplies and raw or processed foods. Coliforms are a group of lactose-fermenting Enterobacteriaceae, which most likely acquired the lacZ gene by horizontal transfer and therefore constitute a polyphyletic group. Among this group of bacteria is Escherichia coli, the pathogen that is most frequently associated with foodborne disease outbreaks and is often identified by β-glucuronidase enzymatic activity or by the redundant detection of uidA by PCR. Because a significant fraction of essential E. coli genes are preserved throughout the bacterial kingdom, alternative oligonucleotide primers for specific E. coli detection are not easily identified. In this manuscript, two strategies were used to design oligonucleotide primers with differing levels of specificity for the simultaneous detection of total coliforms and E. coli by multiplex PCR. A consensus sequence of lacZ and the orphan gene yaiO were chosen as targets for amplification, yielding 234 bp and 115 bp PCR products, respectively. The assay designed in this work demonstrated superior detection ability when tested with lab collection and dairy isolated lactose-fermenting strains. While lacZ amplicons were found in a wide range of coliforms, yaiO amplification was highly specific for E. coli. Additionally, yaiO detection is non-redundant with enzymatic methods.

Dynamic capabilities and SME performance: The moderating effect of market orientation

Abstract: We investigate how the four dimensions of the dynamic capabilities (DC) construct (sensing, learning, integrating, and coordinating) individually affect firm performance and the moderating role of ...