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Introducing sspaneltvp: A Code to Estimating State-Space Time-Varying Parameter Models in Panels. An Application to Okun’s Law
No full textThis paper introduces a new code that provides researchers with a complete toolbox for estimating state-space time-varying parameter models. Our proposal extends the simple seminal framework into a panel-data one, combining both fixed (either common or country-specific) and varying components. Under specific conditions, this setting becomes a mean-reverting model, where the fixed mean parameter may include a deterministic trend. Regarding the transition equation, we allow for estimating different autoregressive alternatives and control instruments whose coefficients can be set up either common or idiosyncratic (this is particularly interesting for detecting asymmetries among individuals, i.e., countries, to common shocks). Furthermore, the GAUSS code allows for restrictions to the variances of both the transition and measurement equations. Finally, we illustrate our proposal with an empirical application to explore Okun’s Law for a panel of EU peripheral countries during the period 1965–2021
Knowledge of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus among healthcare professionals
No full textIdiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a prevalent, yet greatly underdiagnosed condition in older adults, which can cause significant disability if left untreated. Reduced knowledge among healthcare professionals could contribute to the existing mismatch between the prevalence and treatment rates of iNPH. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge on iNPH amongst healthcare professionals working in Neurology, Neurosurgery, Geriatrics and other relevant acute services, as well as primary and community care. A cross-sectional study, based on retrospectively extracted data from questionnaires about key aspects of iNPH, was completed as part of iNPH educational sessions to healthcare professionals, between November-2022 and January-2024. Frequency distribution of answers was explored using descriptive statistics. Factors affecting the likelihood of giving a correct response were analysed using multiple logistic regression. The resulting sample included 274 healthcare professionals (81.8% females, median[IQR] 7[3–13] years’ experience). There were varied, often low, levels of knowledge about iNPH. Correct answers ranged from 78.5% professionals acknowledging that iNPH can be treated surgically with a cerebrospinal-fluid shunt, to 16.8% correctly stating that iNPH can present with one or more of the symptoms’ triad. Respondent’s profession was found to be significantly related to answers. With some variation by profession, this study highlights concerningly low levels of knowledge on iNPH among healthcare professionals who may encounter patients with this condition in their daily practice. This could be improved with targeted, low-cost education and training, that could have a significant impact in improving the currently low treatment rates of this disabling condition
Bandeja biodegradable y termoformable basada en PHA con mayor tenacidad y resistencia al desgarro para aplicaciones de envasado de alimentos.
No full textCompendio de artículosEl consumo de plásticos derivados del petróleo ha generado una crisis ambiental por la acumulación de residuos en vertederos, ecosistemas y mares. Aunque existen avances en reciclaje, la mayoría de los plásticos de corta vida útil, sobre todo de envasado, se desechan inadecuadamente. Esto impulsa el desarrollo de materiales biodegradables que conserven la funcionalidad sin dañar el medioambiente. Entre los biopolímeros más prometedores destacan los polihidroxialcanoatos (PHA), de origen bacteriano, biodegradables y con propiedades comparables a plásticos convencionales, aunque limitados por fragilidad y alto coste. Esta tesis aborda dichas limitaciones mediante mezclas de PHA con elastómeros y biopolímeros dúctiles, usando extrusión reactiva y agentes compatibilizantes. Las mezclas se caracterizaron térmica, mecánica y morfológicamente. Se evaluó su procesabilidad con extrusión, moldeo por inyección y termoformado, además de ensayos de biodegradación y compostaje para comprobar la sostenibilidad. Los resultados muestran mayor ductilidad, tenacidad y buena procesabilidad, con biodegradabilidad del 70–90%. Estas formulaciones confirman el potencial de los PHA como materiales sostenibles para envases, apoyando la economía circularThis thesis addresses the environmental challenge arising from the massive use of conventional plastics through the development of biodegradable materials based on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). The main objective is to improve the toughness, ductility, and processability of these biopolymers for short-life packaging applications without compromising their biodegradability. To achieve this, compatibilization strategies based on reactive extrusion were employed, combining PHA with elastomers (TPU, bio-TPE) and biopolymers (PBSA and PCL), using reactive agents to optimize interphase adhesion. The results show that certain formulations significantly increase impact resistance and thermal stability while maintaining biodegradability. Moreover, the materials obtained exhibit good processability through industrial techniques such as injection molding and thermoforming. Overall, this research contributes to the advancement of sustainable bioplastics intended to replace petroleum-derived polymers in the food packaging sector.Programa de Doctorat en Tecnologies Industrials i Material
Improving heat-to-electricity energy conversion with thermoelectric materials by means of electrochemical strategies
No full textCompendi d'articlesApproximately 72% of global energy consumption is lost in the form of waste heat. Thermoelectric (TE) devices have gained significant attention owing to their potential to transform heat into electricity, thus contributing to mitigate the present energy crisis. The TE performance is evaluated by the figure of merit zT=S2σT/κ, where S denotes the Seebeck coefficient, σ is the electrical conductivity, T represents the absolute temperature, and κ refers the thermal conductivity. Therefore, obtaining a high zT requires a large power factor (PF=S2σ) together with low κ. This thesis explores the enhancement of the PF in PEDOT:PSS, Ag-ZnO composite, bismuth/antimony telluride alloys, and Sb-doped SnO2 through electrochemical strategies. Upon treatment with 4,4'-bipyridine or LiBF4, PEDOT:PSS exhibited over 3 times PF enhancements. Ag-ZnO combined with BMII ionic liquid resulted in a 1.5-fold increase in the PF. Sb-doped SnO2 functionalized with redox molecules produced 2.5-fold PF improvements.Programa de Doctorat en Tecnologies Industrials i Material
Actuación de enfermeras(os) de Atención Primaria en la prevención del suicidio adolescente: impacto de un programa formativo para sus necesidades.
No full textLa actuación de enfermeras y enfermeros de Atención Primaria de Salud es vital para la prevención del suicidio adolescente. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de un programa formativo, basado en necesidades de enfermeras y enfermeros de Atención Primaria de Salud, para su actuación en la prevención del suicidio adolescente. Metodología: Estudio realizado en tres fases, a través diseño fenomenológico y cuantitativa cuasi experimental. Resultados: La actuación de enfermeras, se encuentra centrada en la detección y no en la prevención, necesitan fortalecer sus competencias. A través de un programa formativo se impacta en sus conocimientos de la temática y habilidades para establecer la relación terapéutica, pero no en sus creencias actitudinales sobre este. Conclusiones: es necesario elaborar una estrategia integrada de formación continua, herramientas y recursos de gestión institucional, así como también, adecuación del modelo de atención, para potenciar su actuación en la prevención del suicidio adolescente.Adolescent suicide is a public health challenge. Primary care nurses have a key opportunity to prevent it during comprehensive health checks. This study evaluated the impact of a training program designed according to their needs. It was developed in three phases: qualitative, quasi-experimental, and questionnaire application. Initially, there was a limited view of their role, focused on case referrals, and the need to strengthen management skills and tools. The program improved knowledge and skills for establishing a therapeutic relationship, although it did not significantly change attitudinal beliefs about suicide. In the long term, only relational skills are perceived as applicable. It is concluded that it is essential to strengthen competencies at all levels of prevention and provide adequate resources for effective action.Programa de Doctorat en Ciències de la Infermeri
Maximizing the efficacy and feasibility of projection-based augmented reality exposure therapy for the treatment of cockroach phobia
No full textCompendi d'articlesIn vivo exposure therapy is the most effective treatment for specific phobias, but it presents limitations in the generalization and long-term maintenance of therapeutic gains. Augmented reality exposure therapy, particularly projection-based augmented reality exposure therapy (P-ARET), emerges as a promising alternative by enabling controlled, safe, and realistic exposure experiences. This thesis focuses on enhancing treatment efficacy through stimulus variability. The main objective is to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of varying phobic stimuli during P-ARET for cockroach phobia by comparing single-stimulus (SS) and multiple-stimulus (MS) exposure conditions in a randomized clinical trial (RCT). Four studies were conducted: a systematic review on stimulus and context variability in exposure therapy, the development of an RCT protocol, a single-case study and a RCT. Results showed significant improvements in both conditions, with MS being perceived as more effective despite higher aversiveness. These findings highlight the clinical potential of stimulus variability combined with augmented reality.Programa de Doctorat en Psicologi
Depth Error and Noise Analysis in Multi-frequency Indirect Time-of-Flight Imaging
No full textCompendi d'articles, Doctorat industrialThis PhD thesis investigates the fundamental limitations and performance factors of indirect Time-of-Flight (iToF) camera systems, with a focus on improving phase estimation accuracy and depth reliability. The global objective is to enhance the understanding of error sources in iToF systems and to develop models and methodologies that improve their robustness and precision in both academic and industrial contexts. The research is structured around three main contributions. First, a multi-objective optimization framework is proposed for selecting modulation frequencies in multi-frequency iToF systems. This model simultaneously minimizes phase unwrapping errors and maximizes depth precision, while incorporating constraints such as maximum unambiguous range and frequency limits, adapting to specific application requirements. Thanks to this multi-objective formulation, the proposed optimization model improves the performance over existing methods. Second, the thesis presents a generalized shot noise model for traditional sampling architectures. This model accounts for key system parameters including modulation frequency, signal amplitude, background illumination, integration time and the number of points in the Discrete Fourier Transform. It provides a deeper understanding of noise behaviour. A second order-order error propagation is modelled to get a more accurate phase variance estimation. Third, the analysis is extended to the differential sampling architecture used in commercial sensors, such as those developed by Analog Devices Inc (ADI). This architecture simplifies the analog front-end and removes the DC component of the received light, optimizing the use of the dynamic range of the Analog to Digital Converter. A new shot noise model is derived, showing that phase error is inversely proportional to signal amplitude and directly proportional to background illumination, while remaining independent of the number of points in the Discrete Fourier Transform. Together, these contributions form a unified framework that links frequency design and noise modelling, offering practical tools for optimizing iToF systems. The proposed methodologies have been validated through extensive simulations and experimental data, and have been integrated into the development of next-generation iToF modules at ADI. This work lays the foundation for future research in adaptive frequency selection strategies and enhanced noise mitigation, particularly in environments affected by multipath interference and dynamic scene conditions.Programa de Doctorat en Informàtic
Coaching en salud como intervención de Enfermería para mejorar control y calidad de vida en personas con Diabetes Mellitus tipo II
No full textEl aumento de prevalencia de Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) representa un gran desafío. Para evitar sus complicaciones el control y autocuidado es fundamental, ámbitos en que el rol de Enfermería es esencial para implementar intervenciones efectivas e innovadoras en DM2 como es el coaching en salud. Esta investigación evaluó la efectividad de coaching en salud realizado por Enfermera para lograr control clínico, mejorar la calidad de vida en salud y autocuidado de pacientes con DM2.Es un estudio de tipo longitudinal prospectivo, pre-post intervención, con un solo grupo de 82 participantes. Se observó que el coaching mostró ser una intervención útil para mejorar calidad de vida y promover conductas de autocuidado en pacientes con DM2. Aunque no se lograron cifras ideales de control metabólico, hubo reducciones de hemoglobina glicosilada (HbA1c) y mejoras relevantes en adherencia a tratamiento farmacológico, dieta mediterránea, actividad física y conocimiento de la enfermedad.The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) presents a significant challenge. To prevent complications, control and self-care are fundamental, areas in which the role of nursing is essential for implementing effective and innovative interventions for T2DM, such as health coaching. This research evaluated the effectiveness of health coaching delivered by a nurse in achieving clinical control, improving quality of life, and promoting self-care in patients with T2DM. It is a prospective, longitudinal, pre-post intervention study with a single group of 82 participants. Coaching proved to be a useful intervention for improving quality of life and promoting self-care behaviors in patients with T2DM. Although ideal levels of metabolic control were not achieved, there were reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and significant improvements in adherence to pharmacological treatment, the Mediterranean diet, physical activity, and knowledge of the disease.Programa de Doctorat en Ciències de la Infermeri
Guía didáctica del curso “Introducción al diseño de asignaturas en línea y semipresenciales”
No full textGuía didáctica del curso “Introducción al diseño de asignaturas en línea y semipresenciales”. Cronograma. Índice de contenidos. Criterios de evaluación y condiciones de finalización del curso
Loneliness among older adults: Detection through technology and reminiscence-based interventions
No full textCompendi d'articlesThis doctoral thesis explores loneliness in older adults through a proof-of-concept approach integrating technological detection and reminiscence-based interventions. The first aim was to develop and assess digital methodologies for detecting loneliness, including the validation of a chatbot-administered version of the 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and the exploration of machine learning models for identifying linguistic patterns associated with loneliness. The second aim focused on reminiscence as an intervention strategy, comprising a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and a pilot group intervention for adults over 60. Findings suggest that chatbot-based assessment and language models show promising potential for scalable detection, while reminiscence interventions may help reduce emotional loneliness and enhance psychological well-being. Although exploratory, the results highlight significant research gaps and point toward the value of combining technological and human-centered approaches to better address loneliness in later life.Programa de Doctorat en Psicologi