Abstract

The undisputed presence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in our lives has led to the development of new forms of social, interactive and critical relationships. This study aims to compare the level of media competencies, in relation to six established categories, of two population groups: adults (aged 18-55) and elders (aged over 55). The sample was composed of 714 people from the eight provinces making up the Spanish region of Andalusia. The study conducted was based on the selection and comparison of results of specific items drawn from two separate questionnaires, directed to both population groups. The data were statistically processed in accordance with the distribution of the sample proportions. The objective was to identify and contrast the degree of digital literacy of these two groups, in terms of their use, productivity and interaction with technological tools. The results highlight the needs and demands of both groups in terms of technology, critical reading and audio-visual production. It is notable that adults aged 18 to 30 have a higher level of expertise in the interaction and language dimensions, while those aged 30 and above perform better in critical and participative dimensions offered by such media, such as reflection, analysis and creation. In the over-55 group, there is a direct correlation between income bracket and level of media skills, the latter significantly diminishing with age.

Abstract

Intestinal parasitosis are widely distributed in the world, constituting a public health problem. To evaluate whether the geographical and ecological conditions of the island municipality Almirante Padilla of Zulia State influence the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis of its inhabitants, 87 fecal samples corresponding to individuals of any age and sex were analyzed. Each sample was subjected to direct coproparasitological methods (SSF 0.85% and lugol), formalin-ether concentration method (Ritchie), Kinyoun stain and agar plate technique (Arakaki) for recovery and diagnosis Strongyloides stercoralis larvae. The prevalence of intestinal parasites in the study population was 50.57% (44/87), which prevailed monoparasitism with 52.27% (23/44). Among the parasitized individuals, 29.89% (26/87) of cases corresponded to Chromista Blastocystis sp., followed by Entamoeba  complex (13.79%), Endolimax nana (13.79%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (13,79%). Strongyloides stercoralis or intestinal coccidia was not detected. The age group most affected were children aged 2 to 6 years of age (p <0.05). The prevalence and variety of intestinal parasites detected is similar to that reported for other areas of Zulia state where sanitary conditions are similar.

Abstract

This report presents available evidence on adult education and training in Europe and Central Asia (ECA), differentiating two separate types: continuing vocational education and training (CVET) for the employed, sought either by employers or individuals, and retraining and second chance education for the non?employed. This paper presents available evidence on the extent and patterns of lifelong learning in ECA. It argues that advancing adult education and training in ECA is important not only to meet the new skills demands but also to respond to a rapidly worsening demographic outlook across most of the region. While it is not equally important for all ECA countries, adult education and training should be high on the agenda of those ECA economies that are closest to the technological frontier and facing a demographic decline, such as the new European Union (EU) member States and Russia. The paper lays out a framework for government action to advance adult learning in ECA through a mix consisting of policy coordination between government and the enterprise sector, a sound regulatory regime and appropriate financial incentives. Document type: Book