This study examined regular education teachers' perceptions of inclusion in elementary and secondary schools in Spain and how these perceptions may differ depending on teaching experience, skills, and the availability of resources and supports. Stratified random sampling procedures were used to draw a representative sample of 336 general education teachers (68 kindergarten, 133 elementary, and 135 secondary teachers) from the province of Alicante. Results indicated acceptance of the principles of inclusion, although teacher skills, time, material resources, and personal supports for inclusion were deemed insufficient.Kindergarten and elementary teachers showed more positive perceptions of inclusion than secondary education teachers. So did teachers with more personal supports and material resources compared to those with less supports and resources. Results are discussed in terms of its implications for practice in order to promote more inclusive classrooms in Spain.
Contribution of tropical upland forests to carbon storage in Colombia.The tropical montane forests in the Colombian Andean region are located above 1 500m, and have been heavily deforested. Despite the general presumption that productivity and hence carbon stocks in these ecosystems are low, studies in this regard are scarce. This study aimed to i) to estimate Above Ground Biomass (AGB) in forests located in the South of the Colombian Andean region, ii) to identify the carbon storage potential of tropical montane forests dominated by the black oak Colombobalanus excelsa and to identify the relationship between AGB and altitude, and iii) to analyze the role of tropical mountain forests in conservation mechanisms such as Payment for Environmental Services (PES) and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+). Twenty six 0.25ha plots were randomly distributed in the forests and all trees with D≥10cm were measured. The results provided important elements for understanding the role of tropical montane forests as carbon sinks. The information produced can be used in subnational initiatives, which seek to mitigate or reduce the effects of deforestation through management or conservation of these ecosystems, like REDD+ or PES. The AGB and carbon stocks results obtained were similar to those reported for lowland tropical forests. These could be explained by the dominance and abundance of C. excelsa, which accounted for over 81% of AGB/carbon. The error associated with the estimates of AGB/carbon was 10.58%. We found a negative and significant relationship between AGB and altitude, but the higher AGB values were in middle altitudes (≈1 700-1 800m), where the environmental conditions could be favorable to their growth. The carbon storage potential of these forests was higher. However, if the historical rate of the deforestation in the study area continues, the gross emissions of CO 2 e to the atmosphere could turn these forests in to an important emissions source. Nowadays, it is clear that tropical montane forests are vulnerable to deforestation, especially black Oak forests due to their commercial value. Given their high carbon storage potential, the presence of endemic species and the strategic functions of these ecosystems, we recommend that they should be considered relevant during REDD+, PES or any other conservation assessment. Rev. Biol. Trop. El monitoreo del ciclo del carbono en los bosques tropicales continúa siendo un tema de interés para la comunidad científica. Por un lado, se busca entender el papel de éstos en el ciclo global de este elemento y los posibles impactos causados por el cambio climático; y por otro lado, los países en desarrollo requieren implementar sistemas nacionales de monitoreo,
This study examined Spanish consumer knowledge and perceptions of fat content in minced meat products, as well as the most relevant aspects considered to accept or reject these products. The majority of respondents overestimated the fat content of different minced meat types. Most consumers would not detect fat variations between ±2 g fat/100 g. The word association task evidenced different perceptions of minced meat according to both meat types (beef-pork or chicken-turkey) and packaging (on trays, bulk). The colour and appearance of the products were very important for consumers, who did not attach much importance to the presence of additives. Unpackaged beef-pork meat was perceived as more natural, but fattier and less healthy. Chicken-turkey meat was associated with health and low-fat, but also with dislike. This study provides relevant information to develop or reformulate new meat products.
The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which teachers use inclusive practices to respond to students' special needs in their classrooms and to determine whether some variables (grade level taught, training, and availability of resources and support) affect to the implementation of these practices.
The aim of this work was to determine the main sensory and non-sensory attributes that influence choice of meat and meat products, and to review the latest trends in sensory analysis techniques and consumer opinion studies. For this purpose, a literature review was carried out. Taste/flavour, texture, appearance, colour and odour were identified as the most relevant intrinsic attributes to influence acceptance. The presence of fat was very important for consumers. Of the most relevant extrinsic attributes, price, origin, production methodology, and certified control measures to preserve food safety and quality, are worth highlighting. Some studies also show interest in healthy natural products with some type of quality certification (credence attributes). Factors directly linked with individuals, such as age, gender or level of education, affect their perception. Women and people with a higher level of education are more aware of the diet-health relation, and older people are also concerned. For sensory analysis and consumer opinion techniques, a wide variety of methodologies is applied depending on studies’ objective. Classic methods, newer quantitative techniques and/or qualitative techniques are often used alone or combined.
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