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Ensayos sobre desajustes espaciales en la localización de los factores productivos regionales y evolución económica regional
Programa de doctorado en Economía de la Empresa (R020)El objetivo general es analizar la relación entre la localización de los factores productivos regionales y el crecimiento económico regional, focalizando en la evolución de las poblaciones regionales. En primer lugar, se estudia la existencia de desajustes espaciales entre factores productivos y población en las economías regionales europeas, examinando si ambas distribuciones convergen o divergen, así como el impacto de este desajuste sobre las disparidades regionales y el crecimiento regional. En segundo lugar, se estudian los componentes de los cambios demográficos en las regiones españolas. En tercer lugar, un modelo econométrico permite analizar las influencias de los porcentajes de población urbana y semiurbana sobre el crecimiento económico provincial. Por último, se analizan los determinantes de los cambios en la población y en el empleo en los municipios extremeños aplicando un modelo econométrico de ecuaciones simultáneas. Los resultados indican que el desajuste espacial entre población y empleo desempeña un papel clave en el trade-off entre crecimiento económico europeo y desigualdad. Además, los análisis provinciales revelan problemas estructurales en los grupos de población de menores de 16 años y en edad de trabajar, proporcionándose. La investigación muestra que los porcentajes de población urbana influyen negativamente en el crecimiento económico a partir de ciertos umbrales, mientras que los porcentajes de población semiurbana influyen positivamente en el crecimiento. Por último, el modelo muestra que el crecimiento del empleo impulsa el aumento de la población, destacando el papel de las entidades de economía social para estimular el crecimiento de la población y del empleo.The general objective is to analyze the relationship between the location of regional productive factors and regional economic growth. First, we study the existence of spatial mismatches between productive factors and population in European regional economies, examining whether the two distributions converge or diverge, as well as the impact of this mismatch on regional disparities and regional growth. Second, the components of population changes in Spanish regions are studied. Third, considering that the distribution of the population in the territory gives rise to different levels of urbanization and effects on regional growth, an econometric analysis of the impacts of different population distributions on provincial economic growth is carried out. Finally, the determinants of population changes in Extremadura's municipalities are studied by applying an econometric model in which employment and population become the key variables. The results indicate that the spatial mismatch between population and labour plays a key role in the trade-off between European economic growth and inequality. The findings suggest that eliminating spatial mismatches between the spatial distribution of population and labour could lead to an increase in both regional economic growth and inequality. Besides, provincial analyses reveal the need to develop comprehensive demographic policies to support the young and working-age population. Additionally, urban population shares negatively impact economic growth beyond certain thresholds, while semi-urban population shares positively influence growth. Finally, the econometric model shows that employment growth drives population increases, but not vice versa, emphasizing the role of social economy entities in supporting both population and employment growth
Guessing Human Intentions to Avoid Dangerous Situations in Caregiving Robots
The integration of robots into social environments necessitates their ability to interpret human intentions and anticipate potential outcomes accurately. This capability is particularly crucial for social robots designed for human care, as they may encounter situations that pose significant risks to individuals, such as undetected obstacles in their path. These hazards must be identified and mitigated promptly to ensure human safety. This paper delves into the artificial theory of mind (ATM) approach to inferring and interpreting human intentions within human–robot interaction. We propose a novel algorithm that detects potentially hazardous situations for humans and selects appropriate robotic actions to eliminate these dangers in real time. Our methodology employs a simulation-based approach to ATM, incorporating a “like-me” policy to assign intentions and actions to human subjects. This strategy enables the robot to detect risks and act with a high success rate, even under time-constrained circumstances. The algorithm was seamlessly integrated into an existing robotics cognitive architecture, enhancing its social interaction and risk mitigation capabilities. To evaluate the robustness, precision, and real-time responsiveness of our implementation, we conducted a series of three experiments: (i) A fully simulated scenario to assess the algorithm’s performance in a controlled environment; (ii) A human-in-the-loop hybrid configuration to test the system’s adaptability to real-time human input; and (iii) A real-world scenario to validate the algorithm’s effectiveness in practical applications. These experiments provided comprehensive insights into the algorithm’s performance across various conditions, demonstrating its potential for improving the safety and efficacy of social robots in human care settings. Our findings contribute to the growing research on social robotics and artificial intelligence, offering a promising approach to enhancing human–robot interaction in potentially hazardous environments. Future work may explore the scalability of this algorithm to more complex scenarios and its integration with other advanced robotic systems.This work was partially funded by TED2021-131739-C22, supported by Spanish MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Union’s NextGenerationEU/PRTR, by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation PDC2022-133597-C41 and by FEDER Project 0124 EUROAGE MAS 4 E (2021–2027 POCTEP Program).peerReviewe
Prevención cuaternaria, ¡el estado del arte!
La prevención cuaternaria, iniciada hace aproximadamente 30 años por el médico belga Marc Jamoulle, es actualmente un referente obligatorio en la gestión de la ecuación salud/enfermedad de nuestro tiempo. Sin embargo, en la práctica, convive con numerosos paradojos de difícil resolución, ya que los diferentes actores comparten intereses difíciles de conciliar. La sobremedicalización, la sobreinformación, el sobrediagnóstico y el sobretratamiento representan realidades que exigen esfuerzos significativos de conocimiento y control, ya que las formulaciones existentes de tantas variables con interrelaciones conocidas y desconocidas no son fáciles de operacionalizar de manera satisfactoria para todos. Ivan Illich, Geoffrey Rose, Marc Jamoulle y muchos otros interpretaron las realidades de su tiempo con impacto en el futuro, y hoy intentamos comprender por qué no se implementaron medidas adecuadas y coherentes con sus ideas. La prevención cuaternaria es, sin duda, un pilar de la Medicina no generalizado, pero restringido a aquellos fieles que, comprendiendo su esencia, se oponen a la medicalización de la sociedad y a las cascadas infinitas de diagnósticos surrealistas que contribuyen al crecimiento de los Laboratorios Farmacéuticos. ¿Cuál es el estado del arte? Nuevos rumbos se presentan, impulsados por nuevas esperanzas en este caso de la IA (Inteligencia Artificial).Quaternary prevention, initiated approximately 30 years ago by the Belgian doctor Marc Jamoulle, is currently an obligatory reference in the management of the health/disease equation of our time, however, coexisting in practice with numerous paradoxes that are difficult to resolve as the different actors share different interests that are difficult to resolve. reconcile in practice. Overmedicalization, overinformation, overscreening, overdiagnosis, overtretment, represent realities that require knowledge and control efforts marked, because the existing formulations of so many variables with interrelations. Known and unknown are not easy to operationalize to everyone’s satisfaction. Ivan Illich, Geoffrey Rose, Marc Jamoulle and many others interpreted realities of its time with an impact on future times and today we try to understand why not. Have appropriate measures been implemented that are consistent with your ideas? Quaternary prevention is certainly a pillar of Medicine that is not widespread but restricted to those faithful who, understanding its essence, oppose the medicalization of society, to the infinite cascades of surreal diagnoses that contribute to the growth of Pharmaceutical Laboratories. How is the state of the art? New directions are filled with new hopes in this case of AI (Artificial Intelligence)A prevenção quaternária iniciada sensivelmete há 30 anos pelo médico belga Marc Jamoulle, é atualmente um referencial obrigatório na gestão da equação saúde / doença do nosso tempo, porém, convivendo na prática com inúmeros paradoxos de dificil resolução pois os diferentes atores partilham diferentes interesses dificeis de conciliar na prática. Overmedicalization, overinformation, overscreening, overdiagnosis, overtretment, representam realidades que exigem esforços de conhecimento e controle marcados, pois as formulações existentes de tantas variáveis com interrelações conhecidas e desconhecidas não são fáceis de operacionalizar a contento de todos. Ivan Illich, Geoffrey Rose, Marc Jamoulle e tantos outros interpretaram realidades do seu tempo com impacto nos tempos futuros e hoje tentamos compeender porque não foram implementadas medidas adequadas coerentes com as suas ideias ? A prevenção quaternária, é certamente um pilar da Medicina não generalizado mas restrito áqueles fiéis que compreendendo a sua essência, se opoêm á medicalização da sociedade, ás cascatas infinitas de diagnósticos surreais que contribuem para o crescimento dos Laboratórios Farmacêuticos. Como está o estado da arte? Novos rumos se apresentam embalados por novas esperanças neste caso da IA (Inteligência Artificial)peerReviewe
Calibrated models for effective clustering: Discriminating operation schedules in occupied buildings
Open Access funding provided thanks to the CRUE-CSIC agreement with Springer Nature.Las directivas europeas abogan por que los usuarios finales sean conscientes de su consumo de energía. Sin embargo, las herramientas individuales de control energético, como los contadores de energía o los asignadores de costes, no siempre son asequibles o técnicamente viables de instalar. Por ello, es necesario desarrollar herramientas virtuales que permitan estudiar el consumo de energía en los edificios existentes. Los sensores virtuales, basados especialmente en modelos de caja blanca, ofrecen la oportunidad de recrear estos comportamientos. Cuando se calibran con datos medidos, los modelos de caja blanca, que incorporan la física detallada de los edificios, resultan cada vez más valiosos para diseñar edificios energéticamente eficientes. Esta investigación explora un enfoque novedoso para identificar el periodo de carga del edificio directamente a partir de los datos energéticos generados por estos modelos calibrados. El volumen de datos generados por los modelos de caja blanca puede resultar abrumador para el análisis visual, pero la hipótesis aquí planteada es que el análisis de estos datos mediante técnicas de agrupación puede revelar patrones relacionados con el comportamiento de los ocupantes y los horarios de funcionamiento. Mediante la introducción de datos de temperatura interior en el modelo calibrado y el análisis de la producción energética resultante, la investigación propone un método para identificar el horario de funcionamiento del sistema de calefacción, ventilación y aire acondicionado (HVAC), los periodos de oscilación libre y los eventos no recurrentes. La validación se consigue comparando los periodos identificados con los datos reales medidos. Esta metodología permite desarrollar un sensor virtual para la asignación de costes, lo que minimiza la necesidad de desplegar sensores físicos al tiempo que se cumplen las directivas de la Unión Europea. La investigación no sólo demuestra una gran precisión, sino también el potencial de superar el programa medido. Esto sugiere la capacidad del método para identificar la falta de datos del sensor u otros factores que afectan a las curvas de temperatura, lo que permite la detección y el diagnóstico de fallos (FDD). En consecuencia, esto abre las puertas a la definición de programas de funcionamiento optimizados que equilibren la eficiencia energética con el confort de los ocupantes.European directives advocate for end-users to be aware of their energy consumption. However, individual energy monitoring tools, such as energy meters or cost allocators, are not always affordable or technically feasible to install. Therefore, the development of virtual tools that enable the study of energy consumption in existing buildings is necessary. Virtual sensors, particularly based on white-box models, offer the opportunity to recreate these behaviours. When calibrated with measured data, white-box models, which incorporate detailed building physics, become increasingly valuable for designing energy-efficient buildings. This research explores a novel approach to identifying building’s load period directly from energy data generated by these calibrated models. The volume of data generated by white-box models can be overwhelming for visual analysis, but the hypothesis here is that analysing this data through clustering techniques can reveal patterns related to occupant behaviour and operational schedules. By feeding indoor temperature data into the calibrated model and analysing the resulting energy outputs, the research proposes a method to identify the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system operation schedule, free oscillation periods and non-recurrent events. Validation is achieved by comparing the identified periods with actual measured data. This methodology enables the development of a virtual sensor for cost allocation, which minimises the need for physical sensor deployment while complying with European Union directives. The research not only demonstrates high accuracy but also the potential to outperform measured schedule. This suggests the ability of the method to identify missing sensor data or other factors affecting temperature curves, enabling fault detection and diagnostics (FDD). Consequently, this opens doors for setting optimised operation schedules that balance energy efficiency with occupant comfort.The researcher Karla Guerrero Ramírez has been funded by the Catedra Sanitas de Salud y Medio Ambiente of Universidad de Navarra. The researcher Cristina Nuevo-Gallardo has been funded by the Agencia Estatal de Investigatión under the project “Gemelo Digital de Nueva Generatión de Edificios Inteligentes” (DigiTwin) (ref. CPP2021-008909). We would like to thank School of Technology of Cáceres (Spain), for providing us with both the building documentation and the sensor data to perform the necessary tests for this paper. Additionally, the authors wish to acknowledge that the weather data was elaborated by the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología, Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentatión y Medio Ambiente.peerReviewe
Plan técnico de ordenación del monte de utilidad pública n. 63 "Dehesa boyal" ubicado en el término municipal de Villar del Rey (Badajoz)
El monte de utilidad pública número 63, denominado «Dehesa Boyal», en el término municipal de Villar del Rey es propiedad de este municipio. Se desarrolla un Plan Técnico de Ordenación, en aplicación de la legislación estatal y en coordinación con el Servicio de Ordenación y Gestión Forestal de la Dirección General de Gestión Forestal, Caza y Pesca, de la Consejería de Gestión Forestal y Mundo Rural (Junta de Extremadura). El aprovechamiento de la dehesa boyal es el pasto. La ganadería introducida es vacuna, excepto en las zonas repobladas, dónde se introduce ganadería lanar. Los adjudicatarios de los aprovechamientos disponen de dos naves ganaderas. Se analiza la situación legal, natural y forestal del monte, y se plantea una planificación de aprovechamientos para conseguir el objetivo de “monte ordenado”, que cumplan los criterios de conservación, protección, aprovechamiento sostenible y su uso social; y se asegure la persistencia y estabilidad de sus masas forestales, de su ecosistema y biodiversidad.In the municipality of Villar del Rey, the communal pasture number 63, called 'Dehesa Boyal', is owned by the municipality. A technical management plan is being drawn up, in accordance with national legislation and in coordination with the Forestry Service of the General Directorate of Forestry, Hunting and Fisheries of the Department of Forestry and Rural Affairs (Government of Extremadura). The use of the Boyal pasture is grazing. The livestock introduced is cattle, except in the resettled areas where sheep are introduced. The beneficiaries of the exploitation have two livestock sheds. The legal, natural and silvicultural situation of the forest is analysed and a management plan is proposed to achieve the objective of an "orderly forest" that meets the criteria of conservation, protection, sustainable use and social use, ensuring the continuity and stability of the forest, its ecosystem and its biodiversity.Memoria del proyecto, 248 p. (.pdf) + 72 tablas (.word); 56 figuras (.jpg)Grado en Ingeniería Forestal y del Medio Natura
Optimización de la calidad de vida post-iictus: Evaluación de efectividad de la Terapia en Espejo
El ictus es la enfermedad neurológica más prevalente y una de las principales causas de discapacidad a largo plazo. La pérdida de calidad de vida después de un ictus es una preocupación significativa debido a las diversas secuelas físicas, cognitivas y emocionales que pueden surgir. Además, los cambios emocionales, como la depresión y la ansiedad, pueden afectar negativamente la salud mental y social. La rehabilitación post ictus es crucial para ayudar a los pacientes a adaptarse a estas nuevas circunstancias y mejorar su calidad de vida. El objetivo es comprobar la efectividad de la Terapia en Espejo (TE) sobre los pacientes con ictus para la mejora de la calidad de vida (CV). Se ha realizado un estudio longitudinal con una muestra de 44 personas con ictus a los que se les valoró el nivel de calidad de vida antes de la intervención, después de la intervención y a largo plazo. Se dividió la muestra de forma aleatoria en grupo control y grupo experimental al que se aplicó la TE. Se llevó a cabo un análisis bivariado mediante un ANCOVA para determinar la existencia de mejoras existentes. Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas tras la aplicación del tratamiento (p=0.009) y a largo plazo (p=0.022), mostrando el grupo experimental una mejora superior en su CV respecto al grupo control. La TE puede ser una herramienta efectiva para mejorar la CV en pacientes que han sufrido un ictus. Dada la prevalencia del ictus y sus consecuencias debilitantes en la calidad de vida, es crucial encontrar intervenciones terapéuticas que ayuden a los pacientes a adaptarse y recuperar funciones perdidas. Los resultados indicaron que los participantes que recibieron TE experimentaron mejoras significativas en su CV tanto inmediatamente después del tratamiento como a largo plazo, en comparación con el grupo de control.Stroke is the most prevalent neurological disease and one of the leading causes of long term disability. The loss of quality of life after a stroke is a significant concern due to the various physical, cognitive, and emotional sequelae that may arise. Additionally, emotional changes such as depression and anxiety can negatively impact mental and social health. Post stroke rehabilitation is crucial to help patients adapt to these new circumstances and improve their quality of life. The aim is to assess the effectiveness of Mirror Therapy (MT) on stroke patients for improving quality of life (QoL). A longitudinal study was conducted with a sample of 44 stroke patients who were assessed for their level of quality of life before intervention, after intervention, and long term. The sample was randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group to which MT was applied. A bivariate analysis using ANCOVA was conducted to determine the existence of improvements. Statistically significant differences were observed after treatment application (p=0.009) and long-term (p=0.022), with the experimental group showing greater improvement in their QoL compared to the control group. MT can be an effective tool for improving QoL in stroke patients. Given the prevalence of stroke and its debilitating consequences on quality of life, it is crucial to find therapeutic interventions that help patients adapt and regain lost functions. The results indicated that participants who received MT experienced significant improvements in their QoL both immediately after treatment and long term, compared to the control group.peerReviewe
Ombres el lumiéres de la traduction pédagogique
El objetivo de este estudio es apoyar el uso de la traducción en la enseñanza de lenguas extranjeras, haciendo especial hincapié en su utilidad como una herramienta válida en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de una lengua. En no pocas ocasiones se ha acusado a la traducción de ser un método que obstaculiza la competencia comunicativa; sin embargo, en estas páginas se sostiene que, siempre y cuando se implemente de forma adecuada, puede convertirse en un instrumento didáctico muy valioso. El presente artículo analiza diferentes aplicaciones de la traducción en el aula de idiomas centradas en el léxico, la gramática y el conocimiento intercultural, entre otras. Asimismo, examina los desafíos a los que se enfrenta el profesorado al integrar la práctica traductora en el ejercicio de su docencia. En esta línea, la investigación subraya los beneficios y el valor pedagógico de la traducción al tratarse de un medio eficaz que fomenta tanto la conexión lingüística como la cultural en el proceso de aprendizaje de una lengua extranjera, aunque también recomienda un uso equilibrado y moderado de la labor traductora.The aim of this study is to support the use of translation in foreign language teaching, emphasizing its usefulness as a valid tool in the language teaching-learning process. Translation has often been accused of hindering communicative competence; however, this paper argues that, when implemented appropriately, it can become a very valuable didactic instrument. This article analyzes different applications of translation in the language classroom, focusing on vocabulary, grammar, and intercultural knowledge, among others. It also examines the challenges faced by teachers when integrating translation practice into their teaching. In this regard, the research highlights the benefits and pedagogical value of translation as an effective means of fostering both linguistic and cultural connections in the process of learning a foreign language, while also recommending a balanced and moderate use of translation work.L'objectif de cette étude est de soutenir l'utilisation de la traduction dans l'enseignement des langues étrangères, en mettant particulièrement l'accent sur son utilité en tant qu'outil valide dans le processus d'enseignement-apprentissage d'une langue. La traduction a souvent été accusée d'entraver la compétence communicative ; cependant, cet article soutient que, tant qu'elle est mise en œuvre de manière appropriée, elle peut devenir un instrument didactique très précieux. Cet article analyse différentes applications de la traduction en classe de langue, centrées sur le lexique, la grammaire et la connaissance interculturelle, entre autres. Il examine également les défis auxquels les enseignants sont confrontés lorsqu'ils intègrent la pratique de la traduction dans leur enseignement. À cet égard, la recherche souligne les avantages et la valeur pédagogique de la traduction en tant que moyen efficace de favoriser à la fois les connexions linguistiques et culturelles dans le processus d'apprentissage d'une langue étrangère, tout en recommandant également une utilisation équilibrée et modérée du travail de traductionpeerReviewe
Multiple close-range geomatic techniques for the kinematic study of the La Paúl Rock Glacier, Southern Pyrenees
Rock glaciers are one of the most representative elements of mountain permafrost. Their study can contribute to modelling climate change and its effect on natural and anthropogenic environments. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the evolution and quantify the changes in these periglacial landforms at a global level. This study aims to present the monitoring work carried out on the Pyrenean rock glacier of La Paúl (42°39ʹ40ʺN, 0°26ʹ34ʺE) from 2013 to 2020, employing in situ geomatics techniques to determine the landform surface kinematics accurately. For this purpose, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), terrestrial laser scanners (TLS), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) photogrammetry techniques were used simultaneously to evaluate their compatibility in quantifying displacements. Based on 2D and 3D analyses, the results demonstrate the high surface activity of the rock glacier, with mean variations reaching 36 cm/year (GNSS) and a distribution of deformations that, although intensified on its western side, are present on the entire surface of La Paúl. This study uses state-of-the-art geomatics techniques to present dependable and updated quantitative data on a periglacial landform’s recent development in under-researched areas, such as the Pyrenean temperate high mountain.This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness projects CGL2015-68144-R and PID2020-113247RB-C21.peerReviewe
Analysis of Gender Issues in Computational Thinking Approach in Science and Mathematics Learning in Higher Education
In the contemporary era, Computational Thinking has emerged as a crucial skill for
individuals to possess in order to thrive in the 21st century. In this context, there is a need to develop
a methodology for cultivating these skills within a science and mathematics content education
framework, particularly among pre-service teachers. This study aimed to investigate the impact
of Educational Robotics on the development of Computational Thinking skills, with a particular
focus on the role of gender, through a scientific and mathematical content teaching approach. A
pre-experimental design with a quantitative approach was employed, and it was implemented with
a total of 116 pre-service teachers, 38 males and 78 females. The results demonstrated a notable
enhancement between the pre-test (8.11) and post-test (9.63) scores, emphasising specific concepts
such as simple functions, while, and compound conditional. With respect to gender, statistically
significant differences were identified prior to the intervention, but not following its implementation.
The high level of Computational Thinking exhibited by both genders was comparable (53.85% in
females and 55.26% in males) following the intervention. This indicates that the intervention is a
promising approach for enhancing Computational Thinking proficiency, independent of gender and
initial proficiency levels. The implementation of Educational Robotics in the teaching of science
and mathematics enables the enhancement of Computational Thinking abilities among pre-service
teachers, while reducing the observed gender disparity in this area of skill developmentThis research was funded by Ministry of Science and Innovation (MCIN/AEI/10.13039/50110001103), grant number PID2020-115214RB-I00peerReviewe
Melatonin derivative-conjugated formulations of Pd(II) and Pt(II) thiazoline complexes on mesoporous silica to enhance cytotoxicity and apoptosis against HeLa cells
The search for alternatives to cisplatin has led to the development of new metal complexes where thiazoline derivatives based on platinum(II) and palladium(II) stand out. In this sense, the Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes coordinated with the thiazoline derivative ligand 2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)imino-N-(2-thiazolin-2-yl)thiazolidine (TdTn), with formula [PtCl2(TdTn)] and [PdCl2(TdTn)], have previously shown good results against several cancer lines; however, in this work, we have managed to improve their activity by supporting them on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN). The incorporation of metal compounds with a melatonin derivative (5-methoxytryptamine, 5MT), which is a well-known antioxidant and apoptosis inducer in different types of cancer, has been able to increase the cytotoxic activity of both MSN-supported and isolated complexes with only a very low amount (0.35% w/w) of this antioxidant. The covalently functionalized systems that have been synthesized are able to increase selectivity as well as accumulation in HeLa cells. The final materials containing the metal complexes and 5MT (MSN-5MT-PtTdTn and MSN-5MT-PdTdTn) required up to nine times less metal to achieve the same cytotoxic activity than their corresponding non-formulated counterparts
did, thus reducing the potential side effects caused by the use of the free metal complexes.The present work was funded through the research grant PID2022-136417NB-I00 financed by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/ and “ERDF A way of making Europe”, and by the Research Thematic Network RED2022-134091-T financed by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033, and Junta de Extremadura grants (ref. GR21042 and GR21075).peerReviewe