Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
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Low-uncertainty measurement of the 239Pu(n,f) cross section at n_TOF in a very broad energy range from 0.02 eV up to 10 MeV
No full textThe 239Pu(n,f) cross section was measured with uncertainties below 4 % from 20 meV up to 10 MeV of neutron energy at CERN’s n_TOF facility using a novel fission fragment detector with a 185.59 m flight path. Measured cross section was normalized to 1059(6) eV¿·¿b in the 9–20 eV energy range, and is consistent within uncertainties with the standard thermal value and the IAEA reference 239Pu(n,f) cross section. Experimental key values include the integral ratio defined by Duran et al. 2024 and the spectrum averaged cross section in 252Cf(sf) reference neutron field of 1802(40) mb.In memory of Koen Vanaken, whose invaluable contributions and dedication to the Fuel Materials laboratories of SCK CEN will always be remembered. We wish to acknowledge André Moens (formerly member of the JRC-Geel Target Preparation laboratory, now retired) for his important contribution to the preparation of the 239Pu samples. Funding for this project was provided by the Euratom research and training program 2014–2018 under grant agreement no 847594 (ARIEL). Additional support came from the European Commission through the H2020 Framework Programme under grant agreement no 847552 (SANDA) and the project 36225/2/2021-1-RD-EUFRAT-GELINA (CHARPU), as well as from I+D+i grants PGC2018-096717-B-C21, PID2021-123100NB-I00, PID2022-142589OB-I00, and PDC2021-120828-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033. Furthermore, this research received partial funding from the National Science Centre in Poland (grant no UMO-2021/41/B/ST2/00326). The support of the funding agencies of all other participating institutes is also appreciated.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version
Análisis del potencial de impacto y transformación de la industria espacial en el sector productivo catalán
No full textThis study assesses, between 2020 and 2025, how multilevel governance and the competitive structure of the European space economy influence value capture and productive transformation in Catalonia. The objective is to identify constraints and levers in a sector dominated by public procurement. The research combines a literature review, an expert panel, and PESTEL/Porter's Five Forces analysis, and is organized around three axes: (1) rules of the game, (2) market and power structure, and (3) the gap between ambition and results in terms of value and autonomy. The EU-ESA-Spain analysis shows that contract allocation is the central channel for capacity building and distribution. The ESA's geographical return and European industrial policy promote cohesion but introduce inertia that hinders the entry and scaling up of new players. At the same time, the market is concentrated in a few integrated prime sectors, with high public buyer power and persistent barriers (heritage, certification, minimum size, and consortia). The direct economic impact remains modest, while the indirect impact via satellite services is greater, especially in the downstream sector; autonomy is strained by critical dependencies. Applied to Catalonia, the framework defines a map of "levers vs. constraints": the region operates as a submarket dominated by prime players and positions itself as a provider and developer of applications. Axis 3 maintains temporal coherence: ex post for EU/Spain and ex ante, conditional for the Estratègia Catalunya Espai 2030 (October 2025). The strategy is more credible if it prioritizes midstream/downstream (ground segment, data, and Earth observation applications) and demonstrates traction beyond pilot projects through scaling-up instruments and coordination with the ESA and EU/ESA programs. The report concludes with recommendations to improve SME access and reduce frictions, gradually reviewing incentives such as georeturn and integrating sustainability and resilience.Este trabajo evalúa, entre 2020 y 2025, cómo la gobernanza multinivel y la estructura competitiva de la economía espacial europea condicionan la captura de valor y la transformación productiva en Cataluña. El objetivo es identificar restricciones y palancas en un sector dominado por contratación pública. La investigación combina revisión documental, panel de expertos y PESTEL/Cinco Fuerzas de Porter, y se organiza en tres ejes: (1) reglas del juego, (2) estructura de mercado y de poder, y (3) brecha entre ambición y resultados en términos de valor y autonomía. El diagnóstico UE/ESA-España muestra que la asignación de contratos es el principal canal para la creación y distribución de capacidades. El retorno geográfico de la ESA y la política industrial europea favorecen la cohesión, pero introducen inercias que dificultan la entrada y el escalado de nuevos actores. En paralelo, el mercado se concentra en pocos primes integrados, con un alto poder del comprador público y barreras persistentes (heritage, certificación, tamaño mínimo y consorcios). El impacto económico directo sigue siendo modesto, mientras que el impacto indirecto vía servicios satelitales es mayor, especialmente en el downstream; la autonomía se ve tensionada por dependencias críticas. Aplicado a Cataluña, el marco delimita un mapa de "palancas vs restricciones": la región opera como submercado dominado por primes y se posiciona como proveedor y desarrollador de aplicaciones. El Eje 3 mantiene la coherencia temporal: ex post para UE/España y ex ante, condicionado por la Estratègia Catalunya Espai 2030 (octubre de 2025). La estrategia es más creíble si prioriza midstream/downstream (segmento terreno, datos y aplicaciones de observación de la Tierra) y si demuestra tracción más allá de pilotos mediante instrumentos de escalado y de coordinación con la Agencia Espacial Española y con programas de la UE/ESA. El trabajo concluye con recomendaciones para mejorar acceso de pymes y reducir fricciones, revisando gradualmente incentivos como el georretorno e integrando sostenibilidad y resiliencia9 - Indústria, Innovació i Infraestructur
MODELS PER A LA GESTIÓ DEL TRÀNSIT AERI (Examen final, 1r quadrimestre)
No full textResolved2025/20261r quadrimestr
Estudi de viabilitat d’un parc eòlic marí flotant a la Costa Brava
No full textEl present estudi té com a objectiu avaluar la viabilitat d’un parc eòlic marí flotant situat a la Costa Brava, integrant aspectes tècnics, econòmics, ambientals i socials. Es parteix d’una exhaustiva recopilació de dades històriques de vent, que inclou l’estudi de la
distribució del vent, la configuració de la rosa dels vents, l’extrapolació de dades fins a l’altura del aerogenerador i l’ús de la distribució de Weibull per definir el potencial energètic de la zona. Complementàriament, es realitza un estudi batimètric que examina la
morfologia del fons marí i caracteritza el fons del llit marí, identificant els obstacles tecnològics i determinats paràmetres necessaris per seleccionar la tecnologia flotant més adient.
La metodologia adoptada combina la recerca documental i la modelització informàtica mitjançant softwares com WasP i Windographer per avaluar el rendiment energètic i definir el layout òptim del parc. A més, s’integra un anàlisi detallat de les condicions ambientals que engloba el context geològic, hidrològic, biòtic i socioeconòmic, la qual cosa permet plantejar mesures de mitigació, correctores i compensatòries per minimitzar l’impacte sobre la biodiversitat marina i costanera.
Els resultats preliminars dels models indiquen un potencial eòlic significatiu i una viabilitat tècnica que poden ser reforçats amb estratègies d’implementació de tecnologies flotants i un paper més actiu per part de l’administració per establir mesures i normatives que afavoreixin el desplegament d’aquesta tecnologia.
L’estudi suggereix que un projecte de parc eòlic marí flotant a la Costa Brava representa una aposta estratègica per a la sostenibilitat i la transició cap a les energies renovables a Catalunya, sempre que es gestioni adequadament el risc ambiental i es mantingui un diàleg constructiu constant amb les administracions i la comunitat local. Aquest estudi serveix com a base sòlida per a futures inversions i projectes similars en altres zones costaneres amb potencial renovable.This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a floating offshore wind farm located off the Costa Brava, integrating technical, economic, environmental, and social aspects. It is based on an exhaustive collection of historical wind data, including the study of wind distribution, wind rose configuration, data extrapolation up to the height of the wind turbine, and the use of the Weibull distribution to define the area's energy potential. In addition, a bathymetric study is conducted that examines the morphology of the seabed and characterizes the seafloor, identifying technological obstacles and certain parameters necessary to select the most appropriate floating technology.
The methodology adopted combines documentary research and computer modeling using software such as WasP and Windographer to evaluate energy performance and define the optimal layout of the farm. In addition, a detailed analysis of environmental conditions encompassing the geological, hydrological, biotic, and socioeconomic context is integrated, allowing for the development of mitigation, corrective, and compensatory measures to minimize the impact on marine and coastal biodiversity.
Preliminary model results indicate significant wind potential and technical feasibility that can be strengthened with floating technology implementation strategies and a more active role on the part of the administration in establishing measures and regulations that favor the deployment of this technology.
The study suggests that a floating offshore wind farm project on the Costa Brava represents a strategic commitment to sustainability and the transition to renewable energy in Catalonia, provided that environmental risk is adequately managed, and a constant constructive dialogue is maintained with the administrations and the local community. This study serves as a solid foundation for future investments and similar projects in other coastal areas with renewable energy potential
Impact of KRAS-G12 mutations on the KRAS-GTP bound conformational dynamics: structure, free energy barriers and drugging pockets
No full textKRAS is among the most frequently mutated oncogenes in human cancers, with codon 12 representing a dominant hotspot. Despite decades of study, the atomic-level conformational dynamics of KRAS and its G12 mutations remain insufficiently resolved, posing a central barrier to rational drug discovery. Elucidating these dynamics is critical for revealing hidden druggable pockets and enabling the development of mutation-specific inhibitors. Here, we delineate the impact of KRAS G12 mutations on conformational dynamics and GTP binding by performing microsecond-scale, well-tempered metadynamics simulations. This approach yielded precise free energy landscapes that expose mutation-specific alterations to structural states. By introducing biologically meaningful collective variables, including key angles (ϕ) and distances (d1, d2) defining Switch-I, Switch-II, and the P-loop, we identified distinct local and global minima as well as their transition states. Analysis of these transitions reveals how G12 mutations reshape GTP affinity and drive aberrant KRAS activation. We further demonstrated the convergence of the simulations and discussed the physiological relevance of the calculation results in comparison to previously published experimental and theoretical data. Importantly, our analyses uncovered druggable pockets unique to nonpolar G12 mutants, offering novel entry points for inhibitor design. Collectively, this work provides an atomic-level framework for understanding KRAS G12 mutations, establishes transferable collective variables for broader RAS family studies, and opens new avenues for mutation-specific therapeutic development.S.T. acknowledges the financial support provided by the Fourteenth Five-Year National Key Research and Development Program of China (No. 2023YFC2307200), the R&D Program of Guangzhou National Laboratory (No. GZNL2023A01005), the Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 92374110) and the funding ”Medical Engineering Interdisciplinary Research Fund” provided by Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2023. We also acknowledge financial support provided by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. This publication is a part of the I+D+i projects with references PID2021-124297NB-C32 and PID2024-157478NB-C32, founded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and “FEDER Una manera de hacer Europa”. J.M. thanks the Generalitat de Catalunya for the support through the grant Grup de Recerca SGR-Cat2021 Condensed, Complex and Quantum Matter Group reference 2021SGR-01411 and to the Polytechnic University of Catalonia-Barcelona Tech through the funding AGRUPS. The computational resources provided by the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, project BCV-2025-2-0006, are also acknowledged.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version
Disseny d’un sistema d’anàlisi per a la gestió de canvis d’etiquetes en projectes Private Label del sector de l’automoció
No full textDesign of a hybrid ECSS-Agile framework for newspace technological development
No full textThis Master's Thesis conducts applied research in space systems engineering and project management, investigating how ECSS standards can be integrated into the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) to enable faster, reliable, and traceable development in the NewSpace sector. The central hypothesis is that ECSS guidelines can be adapted within an agile framework while maintaining technical quality and traceability, significantly reducing management cost and development time. The main objective is to design and validate a hybrid ECSS-Agile framework that enables emerging risk detection through a data-driven automated framework, which integrates several working methodologies without compromising space compliance. A proof-of-concept is provided to materialize it and empirically validate this new approach. The methodology combines documentary analysis of current methodologies in space hardware and exploration of industry opportunities, case selection, and framework automation through an artifact. Expected outcomes include a replicable methodology,measurable reduction in management overhead and documentation for fast,traceable, and risk-controlled hardware development in European NewSpace initiatives
Optimització i disseny d'una planta pilot per un procés d'extracció vegetal
No full textAquest Treball de Fi de Màster se centra en l’estudi i el disseny d’una planta pilot industrial per escalar un procés d’extracció vegetal que, fins ara, s’ha treballat a escala de laboratori i transformar-lo en un procés en continu. El projecte sorgeix d’una necessitat real de l’empresa, amb l’objectiu de desenvolupar un nou producte a partir del reaprofitament d’un residu vegetal generat en un procés productiu previ a l’Àfrica, seguint criteris d’economia circular i de residu zero. Al llarg del treball s’explica la importància de dissenyar processos industrials més eficients i sostenibles, capaços d’integrar-se dins d’instal·lacions ja existents sense interferir en el funcionament diari de l’empresa. També es presenta la teoria necessària per entendre l’escalat de processos, les diferències entre processos batch i continus i els principals aspectes energètics associats. En una primera etapa, s’analitza la planta de laboratori, descrivint les diferents etapes del procés, els consums energètics, els paràmetres de treball i les seves limitacions. Aquesta anàlisi permet definir les bases del disseny de la planta pilot i identificar els punts clau a millorar per garantir un funcionament estable i continu. La part central del projecte és el disseny de la planta pilot. En aquest apartat es defineixen les condicions inicials, les limitacions d’espai, la selecció i el dimensionament de la maquinària i la seva distribució dins la nau. També es tenen en compte aspectes com les necessitats energètiques, la seguretat, la ventilació, la il·luminació, l’automatització i la simulació del procés per detectar possibles colls d’ampolla. Finalment, es realitzen els estudis econòmic, ambiental i social per avaluar la viabilitat global del projecte. L’estudi econòmic mostra que la inversió es recupera en poc temps, amb un període de retorn de 1,77 anys i un VAN positiu, cosa que indica que el projecte és rentable. Pel que fa a l’estudi ambiental, s’analitza principalment la petjada de carboni associada al consum d’electricitat i gas natural. A nivell social, el projecte posa en valor el reaprofitament d’un residu vegetal procedent d’un producte recol·lectat a l’Àfrica, utilitzant-lo com a matèria primera per a un nou procés industrial, fet que contribueix a millorar les condicions de vida i laborals dels recol·lectors implicats, així com a la creació de nous llocs de treball. En conclusió, el treball demostra que el disseny de la planta pilot és viable des del punt de vista tècnic, econòmic i ambiental, i que pot servir com a base per a una futura implantació del procés a escala industrial
Overcoming barriers to circular economy adoption in Ghana construction industry
No full textThis study addresses the critical challenge of transitioning Ghana's construction industry from a linear economic model to a Circular Economy (CE) to mitigate its significant environmental footprint. The primary objective was to develop a strategic framework for overcoming the key barriers hindering CE adoption. Employing a qualitative research design, the study conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with ten key stakeholders across Ghana's construction value chain, including private contractors, engineers, architects, consultants, local and central government officials, and waste management experts. Thematic analysis, supported by NVivo software, revealed a significant paradox: while conceptual awareness of CE principles is high among professionals, a profound implementation gap persists.
The findings identify a complex ecosystem of interconnected barriers that collectively sustain the linear status quo. Financial risks, characterized by high upfront costs and uncertain returns, are exacerbated by the absence of a structured market for secondary materials and weak client demand. These are compounded by significant technical barriers, most critically the lack of national standards for recycled materials, which creates professional liability concerns. Furthermore, regulatory inertia, fragmented institutional frameworks, and deeply embedded cultural conservatism create a self-reinforcing system that resists transformation.
Despite these challenges, the research identifies a foundation of cautious willingness across the industry. Stakeholders recognize CE's dual value as both an environmental imperative and an economic strategy for addressing material scarcity and waste management crises. This willingness, however, remains conditional on the establishment of clear drivers: strong client demand (particularly through public procurement mandates), supportive regulatory frameworks with tangible incentives, and the development of technical standards that assure material performance and safety. The study concludes by proposing a multi-stakeholder strategic framework that prioritizes the development of national standards, targeted fiscal incentives, regulatory enforcement, and collaborative partnerships. The successful transition to a circular construction sector in Ghana depends on translating existing conceptual awareness into actionable policies and market mechanisms, representing not merely an environmental imperative but a comprehensive sustainable development opportunity
FONAMENTS MATEMÀTICS (Examen reavaluació, 1r quadrimestre)
No full textResolved2025/20261r quadrimestr