97828 research outputs found
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Synthesis and biological evaluation of new cis-restricted triazole analogues of combretastatin A-4
No full textThe natural products combretastatins A-1 and A-4 are potent antimitotic and vascular-disrupting agents through their binding at the colchicine site in tubulin. However, these compounds suffer from a low water solubility and a tendency to isomerize to the inactive trans stilbenes. In this study, we have prepared a series of 18 cis-restricted triazole analogues of combretastatin A-4 (CA-4), maintaining, in all cases, the 3,4,5-trimethoxy phenyl ring A, with the aim of investigating the substitution pattern on the B-ring in a systematic way. To this end, cytotoxic activities of the cis-restricted analogues of CA-4 prepared were determined in two tumor cell lines, namely, HT-29 and A-549, as well as in the non-tumor cell line HEK-293, to pre-evaluate the selectivity profile of the compounds for the tumor cell lines. The main conclusion was the essential presence of methoxyl or ethoxyl groups at the para position of the B-ring in order to obtain good antitumor activities. Thus, the more active compounds in our study displayed IC50 values in the nanomolar range for the tumor cell lines but not for the normal cells. Consequently, these triazole analogues of CA-4 could serve as promising alternatives to the natural product, although further studies about their biological activity are essential in order to fully determine their viability as therapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer
Ayacucho, más allá de la conmemoración
No full textEl 9 de diciembre de 1824, en la Pampa de Ayacucho, se produjo la última gran batalla del
proceso independentista americano. Un enfrentamiento corto, apenas tres horas, que dio al
traste con la hegemonía de la antigua metrópoli, iniciando una nueva era marcada por el republicanismo de los nuevos estados, la degradación de España como actor político en el tablero
continental y un cambio de contexto marcado, entre otros factores, por la incertidumbre, la
divergencia de intereses y la inestabilidad. [...
Inflation, inequality and financial vulnerability: Monetary vs. fiscal policy in the face of an energy shock
No full textThe energy shock caused by the conflict in Ukraine has exacerbated inflation, prompting central banks to respond by raising interest rates. This study uses an agent-based stock-flow consistent (AB-SFC) model to assess the impact of energy shocks, as well as monetary and fiscal policy, on inflation, inequality, and household financial vulnerability. The results show that energy shocks increase nominal spending for households and non-financial firms, leading to higher inflation, unemployment, inequality, household indebtedness and financial vulnerability. Furthermore, while monetary policy is effective in reducing inflation, it does so at the cost of exacerbating inequality and household financial vulnerability. In contrast, fiscal measures, such as energy price caps, can reduce inflation without exacerbating the economic crisis caused by the energy shock; indeed, compared to the monetary approach, fiscal policy reduces inflation and inequality and also improves household financial stability
On the impact of next generation EU funds : A regional synthetic control method approach
No full textThe European Union’s Next Generation EU (NGEU) program and its implementation through the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) were conceived with the premise of promoting a coordinated fiscal response within the European Union to address the challenges arising from the COVID-19 crisis. The program provides Member States with access to grants and concessional loans aimed at supporting their recovery and resilience plans, which must incorporate coherent packages of reforms and investments. We evaluate the regional economic impact of the NGEU program in Spain, as one of the European countries most affected by the pandemic and, therefore, one of the program’s main beneficiaries. To do so, we employ counterfactual techniques, which are particularly useful when considering alternative scenarios, such as the existence or absence of NGEU funds. According to our results, the economic impact led to an increase in GDP per capita in 2022, a perspective that is projected in 2023, 2024, and 2025 compared to a scenario without NGEU funds. This result is robust to various robustness checks. This analysis sheds light on the economic transformations attributable to the implementation of these exceptional measures
Implementation of the STEPPS program for the treatment of self-harm behaviors in Catalonia’s prisons: barriers and facilitators
No full textBackground: The Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving (STEPPS) is an evidence-based program that has been shown to be effective in reducing self-harm behaviors in Correctional Settings (CS). However, there is limited understanding of the contextual factors that impact the implementation of this intervention within such complex environments. A comprehensive understanding of the implementation process is crucial for the successful adoption of this program. This study aims to examine the factors that influence the implementation of the STEPPS program in CS, specifically regarding the management of self-harm behaviors. Method: A hybrid implementation effectiveness type III study was conducted in penitentiary centers in Catalonia (Spain). Eight Focus Group Discussions based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) were conducted with 17 professionals who implemented the STEPPS program. Additionally, quantitative data were gathered using an open-closed questionnaire based on a CFIR questionnaire. Results: The results indicated that the scientific evidence and knowledge acquired during the implementation process were seen as facilitators. Also, meetings and support from the external research team were considered positive factors. Conversely, implementation barriers of the STEPPS program in CS included the complexity of the intervention format and the mobility of inmates between modules and centers during the duration of the program. Conclusions: These findings represent the first attempt to address self-harm behaviors within CS while considering the implementation process. They provide valuable insight into adapting evidence-based interventions, such as STEPPS, for implementation in CS.(1) R.L.-C. is holder of PhD grant from “Consellería de Innovación, Universidades, Ciencia y Sociedad Digital, Generalitat Valencia (Spain). Subvenciones para la contratación de personal investigador de carácter predoctoral (ACIF/2020)”. Reference: ACIF/2020/332. (2) Agreement University of Jaume I (Castelló, Spain)—"GENERALITAT DE CATALUNYA—CENTRE FOR LEGAL STUDIES AND SPECIALIZED TRAINING. Adaptation of the Systems Training for Emotional Predictability & Problem Solving (STEPPS) program for group treatment of emotional dysregulation and self-injurious behaviors in the Penitentiary Centers of Catalonia." (3) Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades (Spain). Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Convocatoria de Ayudas a la accion estrategica de salud. Reference: P19/00723
Novel neutral and ionic metal-organic frameworks for sustainable catalytic processes
No full textThis thesis explores new strategies for designing and enhancing the chemical reactivity of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to convert waste into valuable chemical products. MOFs were synthesized in combination with 3D-printed polymers and ionic liquids, forming composite materials with improved catalytic performance due to the high dispersion of active sites. Functionalization was achieved by anchoring amino acids to the MOFs, creating multifunctional materials under mild, environmentally friendly conditions using non-toxic, abundant metals and bio-based ligands. Various synthesis methods based on classical, solvent-assisted, and rapid green, onepot approaches were used to develop and characterize these materials. The resulting MOFs were effective in reactions relevant to waste valorization, such as CO₂ fixation and carbonyl activation, operating under mild conditions without additives. The materials demonstrated superior activity, stability, and reusability, aligning with principles of green and circular chemistry, and contributing to the development of advanced heterogeneous catalysts for sustainable chemical processes.Programa de Doctorat en Química Sostenibl
La receptividad de la traducción al italiano de autores latinoamericanos en el público juvenil hispanófono: estudio de la Scuola Italiana di Montevideo
No full textEsta investigación doctoral analiza cómo estudiantes hispanohablantes de la Scuola Italiana di Montevideo reciben la literatura latinoamericana traducida al italiano. A partir de un estudio de caso, se examinan los factores que inciden en esta receptividad, como el origen del autor, las decisiones docentes y el marco institucional. Se estudian antologías escolares, enfoques didácticos empleados (como el CLIL y la traducción pedagógica) y trayectorias del profesorado. La tesis propone el concepto de “literatura traducida de reinserción”, una categoría original para pensar textos que, mediante la traducción, regresan al contexto donde fueron producidos, a través de una lengua de estudio. Los resultados muestran que los estudiantes valoran más los textos cuando se vinculan con sus intereses y experiencias, y que la nacionalidad del autor tiene un peso menor. Aunque el entorno normativo favorece el uso de literatura traducida, su integración didáctica no siempre se explicita. El trabajo combina análisis documental, entrevistas y encuestas a estudiantes.This doctoral research analyzes how Spanish-speaking students at the Scuola Italiana di Montevideo engage with Latin American literature translated into Italian. Using a case study approach, it examines the factors influencing this reception, such as the author’s origin, teachers’ decisions, and the institutional framework. The study explores school anthologies, teaching approaches employed (such as CLIL and pedagogical translation), and teachers’ trajectories. The dissertation introduces the concept of “reinsertion translated literature,” an original category for considering texts that, through translation, return to the context in which they were produced, via a study language. The findings show that students value texts more when they are connected to their interests and experiences, and that the author’s nationality carries less weight. Although the regulatory framework supports the use of translated literature, its didactic integration is not always made explicit. The research combines documentary analysis, interviews, and student surveys.Programa de Doctorat en Llengües Aplicades, Literatura i Traducci
Pre-Service Teachers’ Views of the Value of Cooperative Learning: How Can it Shape 21st-Century Skills?
No full textTeacher education should provide pre-service teachers with the opportunity to use pedagogical approaches aligning with 21st-century skills, such as cooperative learning. This present, mixed-methods study aims to examine how cooperative learning may promote (or not) the development of the abilities that are needed for this era (i.e., collaboration, creativity, interest, engagement, and self-regulation), according to the participant pre-service teachers who attended a general-didactics course, completed a survey, and carried out a SWOT analysis. The quantitative results show that each of the 21st-century skills was developed, but to a different extent. The qualitative data, along with its integration with the quantitative data, provided a more comprehensive understanding of how and why each of the aforementioned proficiencies was developed, either confirming, or further explaining, the quantitative results. In conclusion, cooperative learning may foster the development of 21st-century skills, which are essential in the pursuit of quality education. Although no claims are made regarding the generalization of the findings, this study supports the idea that integrating cooperative learning in teacher education may promote relevant abilities and competencies among pre-service teachers, while providing them with experiences that may shape their future teaching practices
Impacto de la divulgación sobre sostenibilidad en la dimensión medioambiental en los informes no financieros de las empresas europeas que utilizan la metodología GRI para su elaboración y publicación
No full textEsta tesis investiga el impacto de la divulgación ambiental en los informes no financieros de empresas europeas que utilizan la metodología GRI para su elaboración, centrándose en el tono narrativo y el nivel de divulgación en relación con los riesgos ambientales, en cumplimiento con la Directiva 2014/95/UE. Para ello, se han analizado informes no financieros de empresas de sectores contaminantes (químico, energético y servicios eléctricos) para el año 2018. Utilizando el análisis computacional DICTION y el Índice de Divulgación Ambiental (IDA), se encontró que las empresas divulgan estrictamente lo requerido, en un tono neutral y baja certeza. Esta ambigüedad dificulta evaluar el desempeño ambiental y cuestiona la transparencia. Solo se observó una relación significativa y positiva entre el nivel de divulgación y el riesgo de operaciones. La investigación resalta la necesidad de normativas más exigentes para promover la sostenibilidad y la transparencia.This dissertation examines the impact of environmental disclosure in the non-financial reports of European companies that adhere to the GRI methodology, focusing on the narrative tone and disclosure level in relation to environmental risks, in compliance with Directive 2014/95/EU. To achieve this, non-financial reports from companies in pollutant-intensive sectors (chemical, energy, and electric utilities) for the year 2018 were analyzed. Using the DICTION computational analysis and the Environmental Disclosure Index (IDA), the findings indicate that companies disclose only what is strictly required, adopting a neutral tone with low certainty. This ambiguity hinders the assessment of environmental performance and raises concerns about transparency. A significant and positive relationship was found only between disclosure levels and operational risk. The study underscores the need for stricter regulatory frameworks to foster sustainability and transparency.Programa de Doctorat en Economia i Empres