Alberto Sols Biomedical Research Institute
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ATLAS searches for additional scalars and exotic Higgs boson decays with the LHC Run 2 dataset
No full textThis report reviews the published results of searches for possible additional scalar particles and exotic decays of the Higgs boson performed by the ATLAS Collaboration using up to 140 fb−1 of 13 TeV proton–proton collision data collected during Run 2 of the Large Hadron Collider. Key results are examined, and observed excesses, while never statistically compelling, are noted. Constraints are placed on parameters of several models which extend the Standard Model, for example by adding one or more singlet or doublet fields, or offering exotic Higgs boson decay channels. Summaries of new searches as well as extensions of previous searches are discussed. These new results have a wider reach or attain stronger exclusion limits. New experimental techniques that were developed for these searches are highlighted. Search channels which have not yet been examined are also listed, as these provide insight into possible future areas of explorationSpain: Generalitat Valenciana (Artemisa, FEDER, IDIFEDER/2018/048 ), Ministry of Science and Innovation ( MCIN & NextGenEU PCI2022-135018-2 , MICIN & FEDER PID2021-125273NB , RYC2019-028510-I , RYC2020-030254-I , RYC2021-031273-I , RYC2022-038164-I ), PROMETEO and GenT Programmes Generalitat Valenciana ( CIDEGENT/2019/023 , CIDEGENT/2019/027
Dissecting molecular mechanisms underlying the inhibition of β-glucuronidase by alkaloids from Hibiscus trionum: Integrating in vitro and in silico perspectives
No full textThis manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/β-Glucuronidase, a crucial enzyme in drug metabolism and detoxification, represents a promising target for therapeutic intervention due to its potential to modulate drug pharmacokinetics and enhance therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we assessed the inhibitory potential of phytochemicals from Hibiscus trionum against β-glucuronidase. Grossamide and grossamide K emerged as the most potent β-glucuronidase inhibitors with IC50 values of 0.73 ± 0.03 and 1.24 ± 0.03 μM, respectively. The investigated alkaloids effectively inhibited β-glucuronidase-catalyzed PNPG hydrolysis through a noncompetitive inhibition mode, whereas steppogenin displayed a mixed inhibition mechanism. Molecular docking analyses highlighted grossamide and grossamide K as inhibitors with the lowest binding free energy, all compounds successfully docked into the same main binding site occupied by the reference drug Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). We explored the interaction dynamics of isolated compounds with β-glucuronidase through a 200 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Analysis of various MD parameters revealed that grossamide and grossamide K maintained stable trajectories and demonstrated significant energy stabilization upon binding to β-glucuronidase. Additionally, these compounds exhibited the lowest average interaction energies with the target enzyme. The MM/PBSA calculations further supported these findings, showing the lowest binding free energies for grossamide and grossamide K. These computational results are consistent with experimental data, suggesting that grossamide and grossamide K could be potent inhibitors of β-glucuronidaseThe authors acknowledge Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Researchers Supporting Project number (PNURSP2024R458), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Also, this work was carried out with support from the project PID2023-150717NB-I00 from Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades in Spain and the project Y2020/EMT-6290 (PRIES-CM) of the Comunidad de Madri
Growth differentiation factor 15 predicts physical function impairment in Spanish older adults: A real-world prospective study
No full textGrowth diferentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is an emerging biomarker of disease burden, but few studies explore its association with physical function impairment using validated objective measures. We evaluated the cross-sectional and longitudinal association between GDF15 and impaired physical function in older adults, assessed with fve validated tools. Data were collected from 2481 individuals≥65 years-old in the Seniors-ENRICA-2 cohort. Serum GDF15 was measured once, at baseline, and physical function was assessed at baseline and after 2.2 years using the following measures: lower extremity performance (Short Physical Performance Battery), agility (Nagi scale), mobility (Nagi and Rosow & Breslau questionnaires), weakness (measured grip strength) and frailty (Deficit Accumulation Index). Analyses were performed with logistic regression and adjusted for relevant potential confounders. The odds ratios (95% confidence interval) per 25% increment in GDF15 in cross-sectional and prospective analyses were: 1.06 (1.01–1.12) and 1.18 (1.08– 1.30) for reduced lower-extremity performance; 1.18 (1.12–1.26) and 1.21 (1.08–1.35) for impaired agility; 1.19 (1.11–1.27) and 1.21 (1.08–1.35) for impaired mobility; 1.15 (1.09–1.22) and 1.13 (1.02–1.25) for weakness; and 1.24 (1.16–1.33) and 1.18 (1.06–1.31) for frailty. Results were similar among participants without cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Higher levels of serum GDF15 are associated with prevalent and incident impaired physical function in older adults. GDF15 could serve as a convenient biomarker to identify older adults at risk of functional decline. Further studies should elucidate the underlying mechanisms, explore its potential to improve risk prediction, and assess the therapeutic value of modifying GDF15This work was supported by the Carlos III Health Institute, the Secretary of R+D+I, the European Regional Development Fund/European Social Fund (FIS grant 22/1111); the EU NextGenerationEU/Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia (PLEC2022-009352 grant); and the Carlos III Health Institute and Center for Technological Development and Innovation and EU NextGenerationEU/Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia (PMPTA22/00107, PMPTA23/00012, and CPP2022-009718 grants
Diseñando tecnologías de aprendizaje para niños con condición autista: superando brechas en HCI
No full textTesis Doctoral inédita leída en la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Departamento de Ingeniería Informática. Fecha de Lectura: 30-05-2025Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition marked by unique cognitive, sensory, and social communication patterns, alongside consistent, repetitive behaviours. Its increasing global prevalence underscores the need for technological approaches that genuinely support skills development. While learning technologies have the potential to significantly enhance digital learning for children on the spectrum, failing to carefully consider their cognitive profiles during design risks further marginalizing this population.
This dissertation addresses these gaps through a multi-phase Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) project, grounded in Human-Centered Design (HCD), aimed at designing a digital learning ecosystem centered on children on the spectrum. Spanning three high-impact publications, this research uncovers critical shortcomings in current learning technologies and proposes actionable design guidelines to enhance children’s learning experiences and autonomy.
The first publication presents a cross-sectional survey conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic to gain a comprehensive understanding of the needs of children on the spectrum within the context of HCI. Responses from 295 participants offered insights into the role of technology in addressing both educational and daily life needs, identified key challenges in existing technologies, and informed initial considerations for enhancing effective learning technology design.
The second publication evaluates the limitations and opportunities of interactive learning systems, assessing the design of a first-hand acquired multiplatform dataset through heuristic evaluation and thematic analysis. The findings revealed primary characteristics of these systems and identified areas for improvement, refining design guidelines to foster the development of more accessible technologies.
The third publication details a pilot study of the student profile module within the digital learning ecosystem, designed and implemented to address the challenges identified in previous phases, particularly those related to attentional focus. A single case study with a multiple-baseline design demonstrated the potential of customised attention strategies aligned to each child’s profile to enhance engagement with digital activities while reducing reliance on educator interventions.
The comprehensive design principles and valuable lessons derived from this dissertation enable researchers to better understand the autism perspective in HCI, promoting the effective design of learning technologies tailored to the needs of children on the spectrum. Furthermore, this research advances HCI practices by bridging theoretical insights with real-world applications and expanding engagement with neurodiverse communitiesThis work was co-funded by the Project Indigo! (Ministry of Science and Innovation with reference number PID2019-105951RB-I00 / AEI / 10.13039 / 501100011033) and by the Madrid Regional Government through the e-Madrid-CM Project under Grant S2018/TCS-4307, co-funded by the European Structural Funds (FSE and FEDER
Glucosyl OPE-modified halloysite nanotubes and their potential as phototherapy agents for bacterial infections
No full textBacterial infections pose a significant health threat, worsened by the growing issue of antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation. Phototherapies, particularly photodynamic therapy (PDT), offer promising non-invasive alternatives due to their high efficacy and minimal side effects. These therapies utilize photosensitizers (PSs), which, when activated by light, generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that lead to bacterial cell death. Recent advancements have focused on enhancing PDT by integrating PSs with nanomaterials. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), a natural clay mineral, are of particular interest due to their unique properties, including intrinsic antibacterial activity and the ability to integrate into bacterial biofilms. By combining HNTs with photosensitizers, we aimed to improve treatment efficacy. In this study, we synthesized a novel glucosyl OPE derivative and covalently attached it to HNTs, forming the composite HNTs@Glu-OPE. This system was thoroughly characterized, and its ROS generation capabilities were tested under 365 nm light irradiation using uric acid as a probe. Loaded with vancomycin, HNTs@Glu-OPE represents a multifunctional approach to PDT, enhancing both the delivery and effectiveness of therapeutic agents against resistant bacterial strainsThe authors thank the University of Messina for financial support (FFABR). The publication was created with the co-financing of the European Union-FSE-REACT-EU, PON Research and Innovation 2014–2020 DM.1062/2021. F.L. is gratefully to Avviso 01/2022 Borse regionali di ricerca in Sicilia A.A 2022/2023 – CUP: G71I22001190006 for funding her PhD scholarship. This work was supported by National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), funded by the European Union– Next Generation EU-DD 1409 Progetti di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale (PRIN) 2022 PNRR published on 14-09-2022 by the italian MUR, Missione 4 (Istruzione e Ricerca) Component 2, Investment 1.1. Project Title: Small Molecule Anticancer Ligands Library from mediterranean plants (SMALL) – CUPB53D23025910001 – Code P2022YJZ5F. Authors are also thankful for the support offered by the Spanish Project PID2022-137603013-100 (Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades
Well posedness of fluid-solid mixture models for biofilm spread
No full textTwo phase solid-fluid mixture models are ubiquitous in biological applications. For instance, models for growth of tissues and biofilms combine time dependent and quasi-stationary boundary value problems set in domains whose boundary moves in response to variations in the mechano- chemical variables. For a model of biofilm spread, we show how to improve its stability properties by characterizing the time derivatives of relevant quasi-stationary magnitudes in terms of additional boundary value problems. We also give conditions for well posedness of time dependent submodels set in moving domains depending on the motion of the boundary. After constructing solutions for transport, diffusion and elliptic submodels for volume fractions, displacements, velocities, pressures and concentrations with the required regularity, we are able to handle the full model of biofilm spread in moving domains assuming we know the dynamics of the boundary. These techniques are general and can be applied in models with a similar structure arising in biological applicationsThis research has been partially supported by the FEDER/Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovaciónn y Universidades - Agencia Estatal de Investigación grant PID2020-112796RB-C2
Herramientas predictivas para el suministro de componentes aeronáuticos aplicado a aerolíneas
No full textTrabajo Fin de Grado. Curso Académico 2024-2025. Grado en Gestión AeronáuticaEste trabajo de fin de grado (TFG) aborda el uso de técnicas y herramientas predictivas en la gestión del suministro de componentes aeronáuticos, con un enfoque particular en aerolíneas y el contexto español. La industria aeronáutica, caracterizada por su alta dependencia de proveedores internacionales y la necesidad constante de disponibilidad de componentes críticos, requiere soluciones tecnológicas avanzadas para optimizar la operatividad y minimizar los costes asociados a interrupciones en la cadena de suministro. El estudio utiliza un enfoque metodológico mixto, combinando una revisión exhaustiva de la literatura académica con encuestas realizadas a profesionales del sector aeronáutico. Se analizan las principales herramientas tecnológicas aplicables, como la inteligencia artificial, el machine learning y el blockchain, evaluando tanto su base teórica como su posible aplicación práctica. Los resultados muestran un amplio consenso sobre los beneficios de las herramientas predictivas para optimizar la cadena de suministro aeronáutica. Sin embargo, también se identifican desafíos importantes, como la falta de infraestructura tecnológica adecuada y la resistencia al cambio dentro de las organizaciones. Para superar estas barreras, se propone un conjunto de recomendaciones prácticas, incluyendo la automatización de procesos logísticos clave y la integración de sistemas ERP con algoritmos predictivos. En definitiva, este trabajo busca contribuir al ámbito de la gestión aeronáutica y la logística, ofreciendo una visión integral sobre las oportunidades y limitaciones de las tecnologías predictivas. Además, establece un marco de referencia práctico para mejorar la eficiencia logística y la competitividad de las aerolíneas en un sector altamente regulado y exigent
Can you learn Geometry with clay and fishing line?
No full textEste kit se diseña para trabajar la visión espacial del alumnado haciendo uso del sentido del tacto además del de la vista. Se elabora un set que consiste principalmente en unas piezas geométricas creadas en impresión 3d, un molde para crear cubos de arcilla y un fanzine con instrucciones y dibujos explicativos. En un primer lugar el alumnado tiene que combinar las piezas geométricas impresas en 3d entre ellas para resolver los puzles tridimensionales. Posteriormente, con la ayuda del molde tiene que crear cubos de arcilla que al recortar con el hilo de pescar permiten crear formas tridimensionales incluidas en el volumen del cubo como el tetraedro o el cuboctaedro entre otras. Las formas resultantes por los cortes en la arcilla son las mismas que el kit incluye en impresión 3d, así el alumnado realiza manualmente en un material agradable la misma operación que se ha realizado previamente en el programa de dibujo asistido por ordenador. Se crea así una interconexión entre las diferentes técnicas y materiales - tradicionales y contemporáneas – de forma que se puedan complementar entre ellas para facilitar y enriquecer el aprendizaje y la comprensión combinando procesos mentales, digitales y manipulativos.
Este kit didáctico es un experimento que pone en práctica la teoría desarrollada por la autora Sarah Kuhn en su libro “Transforming Learning through Tangible Instruction. The Case for Thinking with Things” publicado por la editorial Routledge en 2021.
En este libro la autora sostiene que el aprendizaje no se limita a la mente, sino que involucra activamente el cuerpo, las manos y el entorno inmediato. El núcleo de su propuesta es el concepto de “pensar con las cosas” que implica utilizar los objetos físicos y la elaboración con las manos (hands-on making) para enriquecer la experiencia de aprendizaje. Se posiciona a favor de estas prácticas no solo en la educación básica, sino también en la educación superior. Observa que la abstracción teórica con la que se aborda el aprendizaje en este nivel a menudo desconecta a muchas personas del objeto de su estudio.
Este Kit se ha puesto en práctica en la asignatura de Artes Visuales y Expresión Plástica en Educación Primaria en la Facultad de Formación de Profesorado y Educación, en una clase de tercero de educación primaria donde se practicaron algunos de los cortes más sencillos y en una actividad extraescolar para niños y niñas de altas capacidadesThis kit is designed to work on students’ spatial vision by using the sense of touch as well as sight. The set consists mainly of geometric pieces created in 3D printing, a mold to create clay cubes and a fanzine with instructions and explanatory drawings. First, the students must combine the 3D printed geometric pieces to solve the three-dimensional puzzles. Subsequently, with the help of the mold they must create clay cubes that when cut with the fishing line allow them to create three-dimensional shapes included in the volume of the cube such as the tetrahedron or the cuboctahedron among others. The shapes resulting from the cuts in the clay are the same that the kit includes in 3D printing, so the students perform manually in a nice material the same operation that has been previously performed in the computer-aided drawing program. This creates an interconnection between the different techniques and materials - traditional and contemporary - so that they can complement each other to facilitate and enrich learning and understanding by combining mental, digital and manipulative processes.
This didactic kit is an experiment that puts into practice the theory developed by author Sarah Kuhn in her book “Transforming Learning through Tangible Instruction. The Case for Thinking with Things” published by Routledge in 2021. In this book the author argues that learning is not limited to the mind, but actively involves the body, the hands and the immediate environment. At the core of her proposal is the concept of “thinking with things” which involves using physical objects and hands-on making to enrich the learning experience. She argues in favor of these practices not only in basic education, but also in higher education. She notes that the theoretical abstraction with which learning is approached at this level often disconnects many people from the object of their study.
This Kit has been put into practice in the subject of Visual Arts in Primary Education at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, in a third grade class where some of the simplest cuts were practiced, and in an extracurricular activity for children with intellectual giftednes
Seguridad aérea en tiempos de conflicto
No full textTrabajo Fin de Grado. Curso Académico 2024-2025. Grado en Gestión AeronáuticaEste Trabajo de Fin de Grado analiza cómo los conflictos armados influyen en la aviación civil, poniendo de manifiesto su papel estratégico más allá del transporte de pasajeros. En tiempos de guerra, la aviación civil se convierte en un recurso clave para la logística, la evacuación, entre otras cosas, es decir, un elemento estratégico nacional, lo que subraya la importancia de su análisis para estudiar aspectos como la protección y la regulación de este campo. El trabajo comienza examinando los conceptos básicos del espacio aéreo, su definición y la evolución de la legislación internacional. De esta forma, se repasan los principales hitos normativos, desde la Convención de París de 1919, que estableció la soberanía estatal sobre el espacio aéreo, pasando por la Convención de La Habana de 1928, hasta el Convenio de Chicago de 1944, que introdujo las libertades del aire y creó la Organización de Aviación Civil Internacional (en adelante, OACI) como organismo de referencia mundial. Estos acuerdos han ido adaptándose a las lecciones aprendidas en conflictos bélicos, permitiendo a los Estados restringir o prohibir vuelos por razones de seguridad nacional. Por último, se analiza la respuesta de la normativa internacional ante los conflictos actuales, como la guerra de Ucrania o el conflicto en Oriente Medio, destacando la necesidad de adaptar continuamente la regulación que afecta a este ámbito y la gestión de riesgos en zonas de conflicto. Además, se estudian las consecuencias de los conflictos bélicos en la aviación civil a raíz de distintos accidentes y de las situaciones de guerra que se viven actualmente en diversas partes del mundo. Finalmente, y cómo conclusiones de este trabajo, se propone la mejora de protocolos, la creación de sistemas de alerta temprana y la revisión de normativa internacional para garantizar la seguridad operacional y minimizar el impacto de los conflictos armados sobre la aviación civilThis Final Degree Project analyzes how armed conflicts influence civil aviation, highlighting its strategic role beyond passenger transportation. In times of war, civil aviation becomes a key resource for logistics, evacuation, and other critical operations, in short, a national strategic asset. This underscores the importance of analyzing civil aviation in the context of conflict, particularly regarding its protection and regulatory framework. The study begins by reviewing fundamental concepts of airspace, its definition, and the evolution of international aviation law. Key regulatory milestones are examined, from the 1919 Paris Convention, which established state sovereignty over national airspace, to the 1928 Havana Convention, and the 1944 Chicago Convention, which introduced the “freedoms of the air” and established ICAO as the global regulatory body. These agreements have been progressively adapted in response to the lessons learned from armed conflicts, allowing states to restrict or prohibit flights for reasons of national security. Finally, the thesis analyzes the response of international regulations to current conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for continuous regulatory adaptation and effective risk management in conflict zones. It also explores the consequences of armed conflicts on civil aviation through the examination of various accidents and ongoing war scenarios around the world. In conclusion, this study proposes improvements to current protocols, the development of early warning systems, and the revision of international regulations to ensure operational safety and minimize the impact of armed conflicts on civil aviatio