Alberto Sols Biomedical Research Institute
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Boron toxicity modulates hypocotyl growth through brassinosteroid and thermomorphogenic-like mechanisms
No full textBoron toxicity (BT) is a significant environmental stressor that negatively affects plant development, yet its molecular
mechanisms remain poorly understood. Interestingly, certain toxic concentrations of boron trigger hypocotyl elongation, suggesting a complex hormonal response. In this study, we focus on the role of brassinosteroids (BRs) in mediating this atypical growth. Our findings demonstrate that BT stimulates BR biosynthesis while simultaneously suppressing its inactivation, resulting in sustained BR activity throughout seedling development. Furthermore, we provide evidence that BT disrupts the normal BR negative feedback regulation, potentially converting it into a positive feedback mechanism thatamplifies the elongation response. We also show that this response shares mechanistic similarities with thermomorphogenesis, particularly in its reliance on COP1, PIF4, and BR signalling pathways. Loss‐of‐function mutants of COP1 and PIF4 exhibited reduced hypocotyl elongation, underscoring their essential roles in this process. Although further research is needed to fully clarify the molecular details, our work reveals a previously unrecognised connection between BT responses and thermomorphogenic growth. We also propose a working model to better understand how BR signalling contributes to plant adaptation under BT stress conditionsThis study was funded by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (Grant PID2020‐118327GB‐I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033), Spai
An expert-aware Markovian system for end-user proactive troubleshooting in the Network and Security Operations Center
No full textCompanies’ Network Operations Centers continuously monitor network health to keep activity fully operational in the current scenario of decentralization of digital workplaces. In this task, network managers have a diverse set of tools to proactively troubleshoot network changes that could potentially lead to network outages. Unfortunately, these tools primarily focus on servers and high-volume services, while changes in end-users’ traffic can also be a symptom of relevant issues such as the misuse and misconfiguration of resources, service slowdowns, and cybersecurity breaches. End-user behavior, in particular, tends to be more erratic and chaotic than server traffic, especially when different users may share the same IP address over time (e.g., DHCP and Wi-Fi environments). To address these challenges, we propose modeling end-user behavior as an unordered collection of activities (i.e., pieces of regular behavior) rather than as time series. These activities, such as downloading a file or browsing the Internet, yield an identifiable sequence of measurements in terms of network metrics over time (e.g., throughput or number of connections). Deviations from typical sequences of measurements are flagged as irregular behaviors, with higher priority assigned to increasingly uncommon patterns. This methodology leverages Markov chains to represent activities as sequences of expert-aware discrete states of network metrics. When applied to a multi-year dataset from a global enterprise, our proposal has been able to cope with the chaotic and challenging environment of end-user behavioral modeling, identifying critical issues such as DNS misconfigurations, compromised printers, and cybersecurity threatsThis work was supported in part by Naudit High Performance Computing and Networking under art. 60 (LOSU) project through the Cátedra UAM-Naudit and by the Comunidad de Madrid, Spain under the project LINO (SI4/PJI/2024-00221) through the direct grant agreement for the promotion of research and technology transfer at Universidad Autónoma de Madri
Active learning in environmental engineering: Combining interactive platforms and project-based approaches to boost engagement and academic performance
No full textThis work examines the application of active learning methodologies, including interactive platforms and project-based learning (PBL), in the subject “Bases de la Ingeniería Ambiental” (Fundamentals of Environmental Engineering, FEE) at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Over five academic years (2019/20–2023/24), student response systems (SRSs) such as Kahoot! and Edpuzzle were implemented to foster participation and improve conceptual understanding through gamified quizzes and video-based problem-solving. Additionally, PBL was introduced to promote hands-on learning, teamwork, and critical thinking. The intervention involved approximately 130 students per academic year. Comparative analysis of academic performance showed an increase in average final grades from 4.81 (pre-intervention period) to 5.62 in the two most recent academic years, along with higher scores in continuous assessment activities. Student satisfaction indicators remained consistently high, with institutional surveys showing no negative deviations even during pandemic-related disruptions. Professors reported a positive perception of the methodology, highlighting improved student engagement without loss of control over class dynamics. These findings support the value of combining SRS tools and PBL as a robust framework to enhance motivation and academic achievement in environmental engineering educatio
Modeling user behaviour through interaction with devices: application to e-learning
No full textTesis Doctoral inédita leída en la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Departamento de Tecnología Electrónica y de las Comunicaciones. Fecha de Lectura: 03-07-2025The project was supported by BIBECA (RTI2018-101248-BI00,MINECO/FEDER) and BBforTAI (PID2021-127641OB-I00, MICINN/FEDER
SANTOS VARA, Juan: El Nuevo Pacto de la Unión Europea sobre Migración y Asilo (Tirant lo Blanch, Valencia, 2024
No full textCOFs on MOFs: Layer-by-layer synthesis of MOF@COF nanoparticles with synergistic adsorption
No full textSynergistic effects between porous materials offer a powerful route to enhance key functionalities such as adsorption, catalysis, and molecular transport. In this context, the combination of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) provides a promising platform for engineering hybrid adsorbents with synergistic sorption behavior. Here, a versatile layer-by-layer strategy is presented for the controlled growth of crystalline COF shells on MOF nanoparticles, yielding uniform MOF@COF nanocomposites as stable aqueous colloids. This approach enables precise tuning of shell thickness and porosity under mild conditions. The resulting core–shell hybrids exhibit enhanced water adsorption, driven by the formation with the intrinsic micropores of the COF shell
of interfacial mesopores. Modeling studies indicate that a minimum number of COF growth cycles is necessary to induce these mesopores, which nterconnect and facilitate synergistic uptake. This work presents a scalable and modular approach to creating porous hybrid nanoparticles with programmable interfacial
architectures and enhanced sorption performanceFinancial support from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, through the Grant Nos. TED02021-129886B-C42, TED02021-129886BC44, PID2022-138908NB-C31 and through the “María de Maeztu” Programme for Units of Excellence in R&D CEX2023-001316-M. The authors acknowledge support from the European Innovation Council under Grant AgreementNo. 101047081 (EVA). The authors also acknowledge the support from the “(MAD2D-CM)-UAM” and TEC-2024/ECO-332 projects funded by Comunidad de Madrid, by the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, and by NextGenerationEU from the European Union. This work has also been funded by the Catalan AGAUR (Project No. 2021 SGR 00458), and the CERCA Programme/Generalitat de Catalunya. ICN2 is
supported by the Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence program, Grant No. CEX2021-001214-S, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039.50110001103
Modeling the evolution of laser-induced electronic coherences with trajectory surface hopping
No full textCurrent attosecond XUV/X-ray pulses and few-fs UV pulses, with bandwidths up to several eV, can excite molecules in a coherent superposition of electronic states. Theoretical modeling of the ensuing dynamics requires accounting for the coupled motion of electrons and nuclei to capture the subtle interplay between the initial electronic coherence, decoherence induced by nuclear motion, and additional coherences that may emerge at conical intersections. In this work, we introduce Trajectory Surface Hopping with Projected Forces and Momenta (TSH-PFM), which accounts for these effects in a numerically inexpensive way and, therefore, is particularly suited to describe molecular dynamics arising from an initial coherent superposition of electronic states. We demonstrate its performance by comparing with previously reported quantum mechanical results for the BMA[5,5], para-xylene, and fulvene molecules by working in full dimensionality. Application of the TSHPFM method to the glycine molecule shows that the initial electronic coherences can have a dramatic impact in the charge distribution over the molecule at the very early stages of the dynamicsWeacknowledge financial support from the European Research Council (ERC) under theEuropean Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement no. 951224, TOMATTO), the Spanish Ministryof Science and Innovation under grants PID2022-138288NB-C31 and PID2022-138288NB-C32, the “Severo Ochoa ”Programme for Centres of Excellencein R&D(CEX2020-001039-S), and the “María de Maeztu ”Programme for Units of Excellence in R&D (CEX2023-001316-M
Integration of digital tools for the efficient management of tasks in the implementation of Project-Based Learning
No full textLa implementación de una metodología de aprendizaje colaborativo con dinámicas de trabajo en equipo no está exenta de dificultades, especialmente cuando la actividad a realizar presenta mayor complejidad —v. gr. Aprendizaje Basado en Proyectos—, y la interacción entre los agentes implicados —docentes y estudiantes— se produce en entornos híbridos —presencial y digital—. Como respuesta a tales dificultades, se propone en este estudio la aplicación de herramientas digitales de gestión de proyectos. Con ciertas adaptaciones, las metodologías y aplicaciones diseñadas para dotar de mayor eficacia a las dinámicas de trabajo en equipo en entornos digitales empresariales pueden convertirse en una estrategia de enseñanza-aprendizaje válida en la educación superior. Esta propuesta metodológica facilita, además, el logro de los objetivos descritos en la competencia 6.2 del Marco de Competencia Digital Docente Universitario, al promover el desarrollo por el alumnado de las competencias de comunicación y colaboración digital. La introducción de Microsoft Planner en el contexto de un Aprendizaje Basado en Proyectos ha sido valorada positivamente por docentes y estudiantes, que han destacado su utilidad como herramienta de gestión y seguimiento del proyectoThe implementation of a collaborative learning methodology with teamwork dynamics is not without difficulties, especially when the activity to be carried out is more complex —e.g., Project-Based Learning—, and the interaction between the involved agents —teachers and students— occurs in hybrid environments —both in-person and digital. In response to such difficulties, this study proposes the application of digital project management tools. With certain adaptations, the methodologies and applications designed to enhance the effectiveness of teamwork dynamics in digital business environments can become a valid teaching-learning strategy in higher education. This methodological proposal also facilitates the achievement of the objectives described in competency 6.2 of the University Digital Teaching Competence Framework, by promoting the development of digital communication and collaboration skills among students. The introduction of Microsoft Planner in the context of Project-Based Learning has been positively evaluated by teachers and students, who have highlighted its usefulness as a project management and tracking too
School success for migrant and refugee children: a systematic literature review
No full textIn less than a decade, conflicts have driven two massive waves of refugees to the European Union, mainly from Syria and Ukraine but not only. Many of these refugees are children whose education has been disrupted. This article aims to identify the elements that foster school success for migrant and refugee children in their host societies. To investigate this, we conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA statement, focusing on three databases: Elsevier’s Scopus®, Clarivate’s™ Social Sciences Citation Index™, and Emerging Sources Citation Index™. Our search yielded 651 articles, with no restriction on publication date. After a rigorous inclusion and exclusion process conducted independently by different researchers, 38 articles related to the education of refugee and migrant children and families were fully screened. Ultimately, 30 articles were included in the review, and their methodological quality was assessed independently by two researchers. The analysis, conducted deductively, highlights the importance of establishing interactive learning environments for students, involving the community in the educational process, and designing effective training for teachers and other professionals to manage the educational trajectories of these young people. In the final section, we discuss the limitations of this study and suggest areas for further exploratio
Chalcolithic fortification systems in the Lower Almanzora river basin. Almizaraque, Zájara, Campos and Puente de Santa Bárbara (Almería, Southeast Iberian Peninsula)
No full textLos poblados de Campos (1881) y Almizaraque (1905-06) en el Bajo Almanzora y Los
Millares (1892) en el Bajo Andarax permitieron a Luis Siret sistematizar el Calcolítico del Sureste
de la península ibérica. En la década de los años setenta y ochenta del siglo XX se retomaron las
excavaciones en Campos (1976-77, 1985-86) por la Universidad de La Laguna y de Almizaraque
(1979-83) por la Universidad Complutense y de Valladolid, que contribuyeron a clarificar significativos
aspectos de las excavaciones de Siret. Sin embargo, por la intensidad de las excavaciones de
Siret en Almizaraque y la destrucción parcial de Campos, dificultaron una adecuada comprensión
de los sistemas de fortificación en ambos poblados, generándose incluso dudas sobre la
presencia o no de sistemas de fortificación. Por esos años también se amplió la investigación
de la Universidad de La Laguna a dos nuevos poblados fortificados, del Bajo Almanzora, Zájara
(1987, 1990), también excavado por Siret en 1904, y Puente de Santa Bárbara (1991). A partir del
estudio de la documentación Siret en el Museo Arqueológico Nacional, parcialmente inédita, de
Almizaraque y Zájara, de la documentación publicada por Siret en sus excavaciones en Campos
y Almizaraque (1890 y 1908) y de las campañas más recientes, se plantea una reevaluación de los
sistemas de fortificación calcolíticos en el Bajo Almanzora. Almizaraque y Campos debieron tener
recintos concéntricos, de los que conocemos dos en Almizaraque y el más interno con doble
muralla en Campos, mientras que los asentamientos más pequeños, Zájara y Puente de Santa
Bárbara tienen murallas perimetrales, al menos en los sectores más accesibles. Respecto a las
dimensiones reales de sus dos poblados más importantes, Almizaraque y Campos, pudieron tener
entre 6 y 12 ha, unas dimensiones comparables a Las Pilas y Los Millares, e incluso superarlas. En
cambio, Zájara con 1,88 ha y Puente de Santa Bárbara con 1,50 ha, tuvieron funciones de apoyo,
el primero de control visual de la desembocadura del río Almanzora para Campos y el segundo
vigilando el vado del río Almanzora para acceder a la mina de cobre de Cerro MinadoThe settlements of Campos (1881) and Almizaraque (1905-06) in the Lower Almanzora
and Los Millares (1892) in the Lower Andarax allowed Luis Siret to systematise the Chalcolithic
of the South-East of the Iberian Peninsula. In the seventies and eighties of the 20th century,
excavations were resumed in Campos (1976-77, 1985-86) by the University of La Laguna and
in Almizaraque (1979-83) by Complutense and Valladolid University, which contributed to
clarifying significant aspects about the excavations of Siret. However, due to the intensity of
Siret’s excavations in Almizaraque and the partial destruction of Campos, they made difficult to
properly understand the fortification systems in both settlements, even generating doubts about
the presence or not of fortification systems. During those years, the University of La Laguna’s
research was extended to two new fortified settlements in the Lower Almanzora, Zájara (1987,
1990), also excavated by Siret in 1904, and Puente de Santa Bárbara (1991). Based on the study
of the Siret documentation in the National Archaeological Museum, partially unpublished,
on Almizaraque and Zájara, the documentation published by Siret about his excavations in
Campos and Almizaraque (1890 and 1908) and the most recent campaigns, a re-evaluation
of the Chalcolithic fortification systems in the Lower Almanzora is proposed. Almizaraque and
Campos must have had concentric enclosures, of which we know of two in Almizaraque and the
innermost one with a double wall in Campos, while the smaller settlements, Zájara and Puente
de Santa Bárbara, have perimeter walls, at least in the most accessible sectors. Regarding the
actual dimensions of its two largest settlements, Almizaraque and Campos, they could have
been between 6 and 12 hectares, dimensions comparable to Las Pilas and Los Millares, or even
larger. In contrast, Zájara, with 1.88 hectares, and Puente de Santa Bárbara, with 1.50 hectares,
had support functions: the former providing visual control of the mouth of the Almanzora River
for Campos, and the latter monitoring the Almanzora River ford to access the Cerro Minado
copper min