Long-Term Impact of an Educational Antimicrobial Stewardship Program on Hospital-Acquired Candidemia and Multidrug-Resistant Bloodstream Infections: A Quasi-Experimental Study of Interrupted Time-Series Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The global crisis of bacterial resistance urges the scientific community to implement intervention programs in healthcare facilities to promote an appropriate use of antibiotics. However, the clinical benefits or the impact on resistance of these interventions has not been definitively proved. METHODS: We designed a quasi-experimental intervention study with an interrupted time-series analysis. A multidisciplinary team conducted a multifaceted educational intervention in our tertiary-care hospital over a 5-year period. The main activity of the program consisted of peer-to-peer educational interviews between counselors and prescribers from all departments to reinforce the principles of the proper use of antibiotics. We assessed antibiotic consumption, incidence density of Candida and multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria bloodstream infections (BSIs) and their crude death rate per 1000 occupied bed days (OBDs). RESULTS: A quick and intense reduction in antibiotic consumption occurred 6 months after the implementation of the intervention (change in level, -216.8 defined daily doses per 1000 OBDs; 95% confidence interval, -347.5 to -86.1), and was sustained during subsequent years (average reduction, -19,9%). In addition, the increasing trend observed in the preintervention period for the incidence density of candidemia and MDR BSI (+0.018 cases per 1000 OBDs per quarter; 95% confidence interval, -.003 to .039) reverted toward a decreasing trend of -0.130 per quarter (change in slope, -0.029; -.051 to -.008), and so did the mortality rate (change in slope, -0.015; -.021 to -.008). CONCLUSIONS: This education-based antimicrobial stewardship program was effective in decreasing the incidence and mortality rate of hospital-acquired candidemia and MDR BSI through sustained reduction in antibiotic use.

[Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT): elements for construct validity in Portuguese adolescents]. / Tests de pensamiento creativo de Torrance (TTCT): elementos para la validez de constructo en adolescentes portugueses.

The aim of this work is to study the unidimensional and multidimensional nature of creativity when assessed through divergent thinking tasks, as proposed in Torrance's battery (Torrance Creative Thinking Test, TTCT). This battery is made up of various tasks with verbal and figurative content, aimed at estimating the level of creativity according to the dimensions or cognitive functions of fluency, flexibility, originality and elaboration of the individuals' ideas. This work used a sample of 595 Portuguese students from 5th and 6th grade. The results of confirmatory factor analysis reveals that the unidimensional model (a general factor of creativity) and the model of factors as a function of the cognitive dimensions of creativity, based on task content, do not fit well. The model with the best fit has a hierarchical factor structure, in which the first level comprises the factors for each of the subtests applied and the second level includes verbal or figurative content. The difficulty to verify the structural validity of the TTCT is noted, and the need for further studies to achieve, in practice, better individual creativity scores.

Influence of Emotional Intelligence, Motivation and Resilience on Academic Performance and the Adoption of Healthy Lifestyle Habits among Adolescents.

Included among the basic objectives of Physical Education (PE) classes is the consolidation of habits of a healthy lifestyle among adolescents. However, the main studies in this field have focused on cognitive aspects related to students during these classes, yet they ignore the role that emotions can play in the adoption of future habits. OBJECTIVES: To analyze how emotions (emotional intelligence and emotional state) can influence the resilience and motivation of adolescents, as well as academic performance and adoption of healthy lifestyle habits. METHODOLOGY: 615 secondary school students between the ages of 14 and 19 participated (M = 16.02; SD = 1.57) in the study. A structural equations model was developed using the main variables and by applying some of the principles of Self-Determination Theory. The results show that emotional intelligence is positively related to positive emotions and negatively related to negative emotions. Positive emotions positively predict both self-motivation towards physical education classes and resilience. Resilience positively predicts self-motivation. Finally, self-motivation acts as a predictor of both academic performance and regular participation in physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: This study successfully shows the importance of focusing on emotions in PE classes inasmuch as emotion increases the tendency to get good grades and maintain active lifestyle habits. In this sense, focusing on the emotions of students in PE could prove quite beneficial.

[Internal structure and standardised scores of the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking]. / Estructura interna y baremación del Test de Pensamiento Creativo de Torrance.

The present work sets out to study the internal structure of the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT) and to establish standardised scores that will enable the test to be used in both a diagnostic and educational context. 649 students (319 girls and 330 boys), aged 5 to 12 years from various schools in Murcia and Alicante (SE Spain), took part in the study. The findings suggest that the psychometric characteristics of TTCT are satisfactory, and its internal structure can be attributed to three factors that are responsible for a high percentage of the variance (73.8%). The standardised score tables, which are provided for first time in this context, will be useful in the evaluation of creativity and the identification of students with high intellectual abilities.

Validación de la Escala de Resiliencia en Educación Física / Validation of the resilience scale to Physical Education classes

Las clases de Educación Física se caracterizan por la continua exposición por parte del alumnado de una serie de circunstancias adversas y estresantes ante las cuales en mayor o menor medida deben de enfrentarse en algún momento. Por ello, el objetivo de este estudio fue validar y adaptar la Escala de Resiliencia en el contexto Deportivo de Trigueros, Álvarez, Aguilar-Parra y Rosado (2017) al contexto de la Educación Física. En el estudio participaron 515 estudiantes de secundaria con edades comprendidas entre los 13 y 19 años (M = 15.65; DT = 1.28) pertenecientes a varios centros educativos del sur-este de España. El análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio reveló unos índices de ajuste adecuados para la nueva versión de la escala, mostrándose la estructura factorial invariante respecto al generó. Los dos factores que integran la escala, competencia personal y aceptación de uno mismo y de la vida, obtuvieron una alta consistencia interna y estabilidad temporal. La versión española de la Escala de Resiliencia en el contexto Educación Física se mostró como un instrumento con adecuadas propiedades psicométricas para medir la resiliencia en el contexto de la Educación Física en adolescentes

Physical Education classes are characterized by the continuous exposure of students to a series of adverse and stressful circumstances which they must face at some point. Therefore, the objective of this study was to validate and adapt the Resilience Scale in the Sport context of Trigueros, Álvarez, Aguilar-Parra and Rosado (2017) to the context of Physical Education. The study involved 515 high school students aged between 13 and 19 (M = 15.65, SD = 1.28) belonging to several educational centers in the south-east of Spain. The exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis revealed adequate adjustment indices for the new version of the scale, showing the factorial structure invariant with respect to the generated one. The two factors that make up the scale, personal competence and acceptance of oneself and life, obtained a high internal consistency and temporary stability. The Spanish version of the Resilience Scale in the Physical Education context was shown as an instrument with adequate psychometric properties to measure resilience in the context of Physical Education in adolescents

Divergent thinking and its dimensions: what we talk about and what we evaluate? / Pensamiento divergente y sus dimensiones: ¿de qué hablamos y qué evaluamos?

This paper examines the role of latent cognitive process and the contents of task (verbal and figural) in divergent thinking. The sample was composed of 260 students, attending different public and semi-public schools in the Murcia Region (Spain), with ages ranging from 8 to 15 years old. Creativity was assessed with the Torrance Test of Creativity Thinking (TTCT) and the Test of Creative Imagination (PIC). Results suggest that, even though both tests are based on the psychometric approach and Guilford's theory of creativity, their scores are not significantly correlated. Results from confirmatory factor analysis suggest two independent factors (one for each test), more related to tasks’ demands and contents than with the cognitive processes traditionally considered in the definition and measurement of creativity

Este artículo analiza el papel de los procesos cognitivos subyacentes en el pensamiento divergente y los contenidos sobre los que se aplican dichos procesos (verbal y figurativo). La muestra utilizada es de 260 alumnos con edades comprendidas entre los 8 y los 15 años. Para la evaluación del pensamiento divergente, se utilizó el Test Figurativo de Pensamiento Creativo de Torrance (TTCT), y la Prueba de Imaginación Creativa (PIC) de contenido verbal. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que, aunque ambas pruebas evalúen el pensamiento divergente y tengan el referencial psicométrico de Guilford, sus puntuaciones no están significativamente correlacionadas. Los resultados de los análisis factoriales confirmatorios muestran que el modelo que mejor explica las puntuaciones en estas pruebas refleja la existencia de dos factores autónomos que se corresponden con cada una de las pruebas, por tanto, identificándose más con los contenidos, dominios y demandas de la tarea que con los procesos cognitivos que tradicionalmente se consideran en la definición y medida de la creatividad

Successful intelligence and giftedness: an empirical study / Inteligencia exitosa y superdotación: un estudio empírico

The aim of our research is to look into the diversity within gifted and talented students. This is important to better understand their complexity and thus offer a more appropriate educational programs. There are rather few empirical works which attempt to identify high abilities profiles (giftedness and talent) that actually exist beyond the theoretical level. The present work intends to single out the different patterns or profiles resulting from the combination of the successful intelligence abilities (analytical, synthetic and practical), as defined by Stenberg. A total of 431 students from the Region of Murcia participated in this study. These students performed the Aurora Battery tasks (Chart, Grigorenko, & Sternberg, 2008), designed to measure the analytical, practical and creative intelligence. Analytically gifted students (n=27), practically gifted (n=33) and creatively gifted (n= 34) were identified, taking as criteria scores equal to or higher than 120 IQ on each intelligence. Different Q-factor analyses were carried out for the three groups of students, in such a way that students were grouped according to their similarities. A total of 10 profiles showing how successful intelligence abilities are combined were obtained, something that has made possible to support the theory put forward by Sternberg (2000): the analytical, practical and creative talent profiles, as well as the resulting combinations, the analytical-practical, analytical-creative, practical-creative profiles, along with the consummate balance talent (high performance in the three types of intelligence)

Ahondar en el estudio de la alta habilidad es importante para conocer los distintos tipos de superdotación y talento y poder ofrecer una mejor atención a nuestros alumnos. Existen pocos trabajos empíricos que traten de buscar los perfiles de alta habilidad que se dan en la realidad, más allá del nivel teórico. El presente trabajo trata de identificar los patrones de combinación de las habilidades de inteligencia triárquica definidas por Sternberg en alumnos superdotados. Han participado un total de 431 chicos y chicas de distintos centros de la Región de Murcia. Estos alumnos completaron las tareas de la Batería Aurora (Chart, Grigorenko & Sternberg, 2008), diseñada para medir la inteligencia analítica, práctica y creativa. De ellos se seleccionaron a los superdotados analíticos (n=27) a los superdotados prácticos (n=33) y a los superdotados creativos (n= 34), tomando como criterio que su puntuación en dichas inteligencias fuera mayor de CI 120. Se realizaron diferentes Q-factor análisis sobre los tres grupos de alumnos, de forma que los alumnos se agruparon según sus semejanzas. En total se extrajeron 10 perfiles que muestran cómo se combinan las habilidades de la inteligencia triárquica y que han permitido corroborar la teoría propuesta por Sternberg (2000): el perfil del talento analítico; el perfil práctico, el perfil creativo; el perfil analítico-práctico, el perfil analítico-creativo; el perfil practico-creativo y el perfil de equilibrio sumo

Structural invariance of multiple intelligences, based on the level of execution.

The independence of multiple intelligences (MI) of Gardner's theory has been debated since its conception. This article examines whether the one- factor structure of the MI theory tested in previous studies is invariant for low and high ability students. Two hundred ninety-four children (aged 5 to 7) participated in this study. A set of Gardner's Multiple Intelligence assessment tasks based on the Spectrum Project was used. To analyze the invariance of a general dimension of intelligence, the different models of behaviours were studied in samples of participants with different performance on the Spectrum Project tasks with Multi-Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis (MGCFA). Results suggest an absence of structural invariance in Gardner's tasks. Exploratory analyses suggest a three-factor structure for individuals with higher performance levels and a two-factor structure for individuals with lower performance levels.

The theory of multiple intelligences in the identification of high-ability students / La teoría de las inteligencias múltiples en la identificación de alumnos de altas habilidades (superdotación y talento)

This study provides a framework to implement the theory of multiple intelligences (MI) in the identification of high-ability students in secondary education. The internal structure of three scales to assess students’ MI (students, parents and teachers’ ratings) was analyzed in a sample of 566 students nominated as gifted by their teachers. Participants aged 11 to 16 years (M = 14.85, SD = 1.08). The results indicated differentiated intellectual profiles depending on the informant estimating students’ MI. This study provided evidence for two components that allow us to analyze the cognitive competence of high-ability students beyond the areas commonly assessed at school: an academic component composed by the linguistic, logical-mathematical, naturalistic, and visual-spatial intelligences; and a non-academic component statistically loaded by the bodily-kinesthetic, musical and social intelligences. Convergence of the two components in the three scales was evidenced; and correlations between these components and students’ objective performance on a psychometric intelligence test were found to be low. Finally, the utility of the MI scales to identify high-ability students in secondary education is discussed

Este trabajo ofrece una propuesta para implementar la teoría de las inteligencias múltiples (IM) en la identificación de alumnos de altas habilidades en Educación Secundaria. Para ello se analizó la estructura interna de tres escalas para la evaluación de las IM destinadas a alumnos, padres y profesores en una muestra de 566 alumnos nominados con altas habilidades de edades comprendidas entre los 11 y los 18 años (M = 14.85, DT = 1.08). Los resultados indicaron perfiles intelectuales diferenciados dependiendo del informante estimando las IM de los alumnos. Este estudio proporcionó evidencia de la existencia de dos componentes que permiten analizar la competencia cognitiva de los alumnos más allá de las dimensiones generalmente valoradas en la escuela: un componente académico que engloba las inteligencias lingüística, lógico-matemática, naturalista y viso-espacial; y un componente no académico que comprende las inteligencias corporal, musical y social. Finalmente, se discute la utilidad de las escalas de IM para identificar alumnos de altas habilidades en educación secundaria

Manejo del estrés como competencia de la inteligencia emocional en alumnos / Stress management as an emotional intelligence competence in students

El trabajo analiza la autopercepción del manejo del estrés atendiendo al nivel de inteligencia (baja, media y alta) en una muestra de 679 alumnos (46,50% chicos y 53,50% chicas), con edades comprendidas entre los 12 y 18 años (M= 13,90; DT= 1,28). Todos ellos cursan sus estudios de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria en distintos centros concertados de la Comunidad Valenciana (España). El manejo del estrés se valoró mediante el "Inventario de inteligencia emocional de Bar-On" (EQ-i:YV; Bar-On y Parker, 2000) y las aptitudes intelectuales mediante el "Test de aptitudes diferenciales" (DAT-5; Bennett, Seashore y Wesman, 2000). Además, un total de 406 padres y 103 profesores informaron sobre el manejo del estrés de dichos alumnos utilizando el EQ-i:YV-O (Bar-On y Parker, en prensa). Los datos apuntan a la existencia de diferencias estadísticamente significativas en autopercepción del manejo del estrés según el nivel intelectual manifestado por los participantes (AU)

This study analyzes the self-perception of stress management depending on the intelligence level (low, medium, and high) in a sample of 679 students (46.50% boys and 53.50% girls) aged between 12 and 18 years of age (M= 13.90; SD= 1.28). All the students were attending semi-private schools of Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO) in the community of Valencia (Spain). Stress management self-perception was assessed using the Bar-On test of Emotional intelligence (EQ-i:YV, Baron & Parker, 2000); and intelligence was assessed using the Test of Differential Attitudes (DAT-5; Bennett, Seashore & Wesman, 2000). In addition, a total of 406 parents and 103 teachers also informed about their perception of the students’ stress management using the EQ-i:YV-O (Bar-On & Parker, in press). The data show statistically significant differences in the self-perception of stress management according to the participants’ intellectual level

Structural invariance of multiple intelligences, based on the level of execution / Invarianza estructural de las inteligencias múltiples en función del nivel de ejecución

The independence of multiple intelligences (MI) of Gardner’s theory has been debated since its conception. This article examines whether the one- factor structure of the MI theory tested in previous studies is invariant for low and high ability students. Two hundred ninety-four children (aged 5 to 7) participated in this study. A set of Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence assessment tasks based on the Spectrum Project was used. To analyze the invariance of a general dimension of intelligence, the different models of behaviours were studied in samples of participants with different performance on the Spectrum Project tasks with Multi-Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis (MGCFA). Results suggest an absence of structural invariance in Gardner’s tasks. Exploratory analyses suggest a three-factor structure for individuals with higher performance levels and a two-factor structure for individuals with lower performance levels (AU)

La independencia de las inteligencias múltiples (IM) de la teoría de Gardner ha sido objeto de controversia desde su concepción. Este artículo analiza si la estructura unifactorial de la teoría de las IM manifestada en estudios anteriores es invariante para alumnos de baja y alta habilidad. En el estudio participaron doscientos noventa y cuatro alumnos, con edades comprendidas entre los cinco y los siete años, que completaron un conjunto de tareas de rendimiento para la evaluación de la teoría de las IM recogidas en el Proyecto Spectrum. Para analizar la invarianza de la estructura unifactorial se estudiaron los diferentes modelos de comportamiento en muestras de sujetos con diferentes niveles de rendimiento en las tareas para la evaluación de las IM a través de un análisis factorial confirmatorio multigrupo. Los resultados sugieren la ausencia de una invarianza estructural de las tareas de Gardner. Análisis exploratorios sugieren la existencia de una estructura con tres factores para los sujetos de mayor rendimiento y dos factores para la muestra de alumnos con rendimiento más bajo (AU)

Tests de pensamiento creativo de Torrance (TTCT): elementos para la validez de constructo en adolescentes portugueses / Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT): Elements for construct validity in Portuguese adolescents

El objetivo es estudiar la naturaleza unidimensional o multidimensional de la creatividad cuando se evalúa a través de tareas de pensamiento divergente como se propone en la batería de Torrance (Torrance Thinking Creative Test, TTCT). En esta batería se utilizan diferentes subtests de contenido verbal y figurativo orientadas a estimar el nivel de creatividad según las dimensiones o funciones cognitivas de fluidez, flexibilidad, originalidad y elaboración de las ideas de los individuos. La muestra ha sido de 595 alumnos portugueses de 5º y 6º curso. Los resultados del análisis factorial confirmatorio permiten verificar que el modelo unidimensional (un factor general de creatividad) o el modelo de factores en función de las dimensiones cognitivas de la creatividad según el contenido de las tareas no son los más ajustados. El modelo más ajustado pone de relieve una estructura factorial jerárquica, donde en el primer nivel se sitúan los factores por cada uno de los subtests aplicados, en un segundo nivel se incluye el contenido verbal o figurativo. En este sentido, se apunta la dificultad de verificar la validez estructural de los TTCT y la necesidad de realizar más estudios en orden a obtener, en la práctica, puntuaciones individuales de la creatividad (AU)

The aim of this work is to study the unidimensional and multidimensional nature of creativity when assessed through divergent thinking tasks, as proposed in Torrance’s battery (Torrance Creative Thinking Test, TTCT). This battery is made up of various tasks with verbal and figurative content, aimed at estimating the level of creativity according to the dimensions or cognitive functions of fluency, flexibility, originality and elaboration of the individuals’ ideas. This work used a sample of595 Portuguese students from 5th and 6th grade. The results of confirmatory factor analysis reveals that the unidimensional model (a general factor of creativity) and the model of factors as a function of the cognitive dimensions of creativity, based on task content, do not fit well. The model with the best fit has a hierarchical factor structure, in which the first level comprises the factors for each of the subtests applied and the second level includes verbal or figurative content. The difficulty to verify the structural validity of the TTCT is noted, and the need for further studies to achieve, in practice, better individual creativity scores (AU)

Estudio del razonamiento lógico-matemático desde el modelo de las inteligencias múltiples / A study of logical-mathematical thinking from multiple intelligences framework

El objetivo del trabajo es estudiar el razonamiento lógico-matemático de una muestra de alumnos de educación infantil y primaria. Se diseñará el perfil cognitivo de los participantes en las distintas inteligencias, se estudiará la relación entre la inteligencia lógico-matemática en el modelo de Gardner y la inteligencia valorada desde una perspectiva psicométrica; finalmente, se establecerán las diferencias en inteligencia lógico-matemática en función del género y edad. En el trabajo participaron 294 alumnos de Educación Infantil y Primaria (edades comprendidas entre 5 y 8 años) pertenecientes a tres centros educativos de las provincias de Murcia y Alicante. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron: a) siete actividades orientadas a valorar las inteligencias múltiples (lingüística, lógico-matemática, espacial, musical, naturalista y corporal-cinestésica); b) el BADyG o Batería de Aptitudes Diferenciales y Generales con el fin de evaluar la inteligencia académica. Los resultados mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en inteligencia lógico-matemática a favor de los alumnos de Educación Primaria. Sin embargo, no resultaron significa-tivas las diferencias en inteligencia lógico-matemática según el sexo de los participantes. Finalmente, quisiéramos destacar la utilidad de evaluar el razonamiento lógico-matemático utilizando dos tipos de medidas (psicométrica y dinámica, mediante las inteligencias múltiples), porque nos ofrece una información amplia y valiosa para asesorar a los maestros y padres

The aim of this work is two fold: a) to study the mathematical-logic reasoning of a sample of Preschool and Primary education pupils; and b) to study the relationship between logical-mathematical intelligence and academic intelligence. In addition, we study gender and age differ-ences. Two hundred and ninety-four pupils (aged 4 to 8) from three different schools in Murcia and Alicante (Spain) took part in this research. The instruments used were: a) seven activities oriented towards assessing multiple intelligences (linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinaesthetic, musical and naturalist intelligence; and b) BADyG (Battery of Differential and General Aptitudes), the aim of which is to assess the academic intelligence. The results showed statistically significant differences in mathematical-logical intelligence, with primary school pupils attaining higher scores. However, the data did not show statistically significant differences according to gender. Finally, it is necessary to pointed out that to assess logical reasoning using two different measures (dynamic, using multiple intelligences, versus psychometric) it very useful in order to achieve more complete information

Estructura interna y baremación del Test de Pensamiento Creativo de Torrance / Internal structure and standardised scores of the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking

Con el presente trabajo se pretende, por una parte, estudiar la estructura interna del TTCT (Torrance Thinking Creative TTCT), y, por otra, establecer los baremos con el fin de poder utilizar el test en el diagnóstico y ambientes educativos. En el trabajo han participado 649 alumnos (319 niñas y 330 niños) cuyas edades oscilan entre 5 y 12 años de edad, pertenecientes a diferentes colegios de Murcia y Alicante. Los datos apuntan a que el TTCT reúne las características psicométricas exigibles a este tipo de pruebas y su estructura interna responde a tres factores que explican un elevado porcentaje de varianza (73,8%). Los baremos que se ofrecen, por primera vez, en nuestro contexto educativo serán de gran utilidad para la evaluación de la creatividad y la detección de alumnos con altas habilidades intelectuales

The present work sets out to study the internal structure of the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT) and to establish standardised scores that will enable the test to be used in both a diagnostic and educational context. 649 students (319 girls and 330 boys), aged 5 to 12 years from various schools in Murcia and Alicante (SE Spain), took part in the study. The findings suggest that the psychometric characteristics of TTCT are satisfactory, and its internal structure can be attributed to three factors that are responsible for a high percentage of the variance (73.8%). The standardised score tables, which are provided for first time in this context, will be useful in the evaluation of creativity and the identification of students with high intellectual abilities