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Molecular transport in ion channels beyond electrostatics: nanoscale confinement, interfacial effects and ligand recognition
No full textDoctorat internacionalThis thesis aims to elucidate the mechanisms governing ionic and molecular transport through ion channels beyond the scope of oversimplified classical electrostatic models. By combining electrophysiological, biochemical and theoretical approaches, different biological and synthetic systems are investigated, including the bacterial porin OmpF, the mitochondrial channel VDAC, the peptide Dynorphin A and a synthetic polyimide nanopore. The results reveal that under nanoconfinement, interfacial effects, charge regulation and specific molecular interactions become dominant, leading to transport behaviors that deviate from traditional continuum predictions. In concentrated solutions, a biphasic dependence of transport properties on electrolyte concentration is observed, whereas in dilute regimes, membrane and pore charges critically modulate conductance and selectivity, breaking canonical permeability–selectivity relationships. Furthermore, isoform-specific recognition between VDAC2 and the pro-apoptotic protein BAX is demonstrated, as well as the dual transport behavior of Dynorphin A. Overall, this work shows that nanoscale transport requires an integrated physical perspective, providing new insights for biomimetic nanofluidics and therapeutic strategies.Programa de Doctorat en Cièncie
Estudio de la figura del héroe en China a través de los relatos audiovisuales en la cultura oriental: investigación aplicada a las películas de “Sorgo rojo” y “Héroe” de Zhang Yimou
No full textDoctorat internacionalEsta investigación analiza las tensiones culturales entre China y Occidente y su impacto en la transformación de la figura del héroe en el cine de Zhang Yimou. Para ello, se aborda el relato cinematográfico como un mito contemporáneo, donde el héroe – entendido como arquetipo – funciona como reflejo del imaginario colectivo chino. La metodología combina el análisis de elementos no verbales con trabajo de campo antropológico, lo que permite explorar no solo los textos fílmicos, sino también su recepción en contexto espacio temporales-específicos. Aunque los resultados evidencian la complejidad del fenómeno, se identifican tres aspectos clave: 1) rasgos distintivos del relato heroico chino frente al occidental, 2) la coexistencia de múltiples discursos en torno al héroe, y 3) una evolución clara en su representación, vinculada a cambios sociohistóricos en China.This research analyzes the cultural tensions between China and the West and their impact on the transformation of the hero figure in Zhang Yimou’s cinema. To this end, the cinematic narrative is approached as a contemporary myth, in which the hero—understood as an archetype—serves as a reflection of the Chinese collective imagination. The methodology combines the analysis of non-verbal elements with anthropological fieldwork, allowing for an exploration not only of the films themselves but also of their reception within specific spatial and temporal contexts. Although the findings highlight the complexity of the phenomenon, three key aspects are identified: (1) distinctive traits of the Chinese heroic narrative compared to its Western counterpart, (2) the coexistence of multiple discourses surrounding the hero, and (3) a clear evolution in its representation, linked to sociohistorical changes in China.Programa de Doctorat en Ciències de la Comunicaci
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
La Justicia Transicional “desde abajo” como enfoque de transformación pacífica del conflicto armado en Colombia
No full textLa continuidad del conflicto armado en Colombia a pesar de la implementación de dos modelos de Justicia Transicional (JT), obliga a la revisión del sistema y su enfoque. La pregunta de este trabajo, aunque obvia, no es fácil de responder: ¿qué explica la paradoja de una JT sin transición? Las evidencias apuntan a que el enfoque retributivo explica el limitado éxito del sistema. Éste, hasta ahora, no ha abordado las causas estructurales del conflicto. La JT tiene necesidad de una perspectiva “desde abajo” que ponga en diálogo criterios jurídicos y sociales, para garantizar la resolución pacífica del conflicto. Este enfoque pone en el centro del sistema a las víctimas y se propone plantear las causas estructurales del conflicto en función de una solución jurídica y social que sea eficaz. Esta investigación, metodológicamente documental, se ajusta a los principios de verdad, justicia, reparación y garantías de no repetición.The Transitional Justice system implemented in Colombia faces widespread criticism because it has failed to generate a transition toward peace and development. The paradox of Transitional Justice without transition justifies the adoption of a "bottom-up" approach, in which victims and grassroots activism acquire the centrality they deserve within the system. The findings of this doctoral research, obtained through qualitative research methods, indicate that this practical perspective facilitates the collective construction of peaceful solutions to the armed conflict by addressing its structural causes, while also ensuring territorial, differential, and gender perspectives. The first section structurally examines the conflict, ultimately proposing a causal theory. The second section critiques "top-down" Transitional Justice and describes the "bottom-up" perspective in detail. The third section practically develops this critical approach, highlighting the grassroots activism of several initiatives.Programa de Doctorat en Estudis Internacionals de Pau, Conflictes i Desenvolupamen
Impact of early life experiences on effort-based decision-making and mesolimbic CDNF: studies in mice of both sexes
No full textDoctorat internacionalMotivation involves processes that regulate the direction and intensity of behavior, with impairments in its activational component (anergia) being central to several neuropsychiatric disorders. Dopamine signaling in the mesolimbic system, particularly in the nucleus accumbens, plays a key role in effort-related behavior, and vulnerability to motivational dysfunctions may be shaped by early-life experiences, sex, and age. This dissertation uses translational rodent models to examine how early-life manipulations affect effort-based decision-making and related behaviors in male and female mice across the lifespan. Behavioral tasks assessed willingness to exert effort, preference for active reinforcers, and depression-related symptoms. Additionally, the work provides a detailed characterization of the cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) within dopaminergic pathways, focusing on its role in motivation. Overall, the findings highlight how developmental experiences and biological variables influence motivational processes, with implications for identifying vulnerability and resilience and for developing more personalized treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.Programa de Doctorat en Psicologi
Diseño e implementación de la estrategia Aula Invertida Gamificada para el desarrollo del pensamiento computacional en la formación inicial docente
No full textCompendi d'articlesEsta tesis doctoral diseña, implementa y evalúa una estrategia didáctica innovadora basada en el modelo de Aula Invertida Gamificada (AIG) para fomentar el pensamiento computacional (PC) en la formación inicial docente. Estructurada como un compendio de cinco publicaciones y sustentada en la Investigación Basada en el Diseño (DBR), la tesis aborda desde la revisión sistemática de la literatura hasta la aplicación empírica del modelo. La estrategia, validada por expertos y aplicada en contextos universitarios reales, combina aula invertida y gamificación mediante recursos digitales y dinámicas activas. Los resultados del diseño cuasiexperimental muestran mejoras significativas en las habilidades de pensamiento computacional, así como una alta motivación y valoración positiva del alumnado respecto a la metodología. Se concluye que el modelo AIG es eficaz para potenciar el aprendizaje y la implicación de los estudiantes proponiéndose como líneas futuras el análisis longitudinal y la transferencia del aprendizaje a la práctica profesional.This doctoral thesis presents the design and evaluation of a Gamified Flipped Classroom (GFC) strategy to develop Computational Thinking (CT) in pre-service teacher education. Structured as a compendium of five publications under a Design-Based Research approach, the intervention was validated by experts and applied iteratively to Early Childhood and Primary Education students. Using a quasi-experimental design, results were contrasted between a control and an experimental group. Findings confirm a significant increase in CT skills within the experimental group, highlighting high motivation and perceived utility among students. The research concludes that the GFC model is highly effective for teaching CT, suggesting future lines of work regarding its longitudinal impact and transfer to professional practice.Programa de Doctorat en Educaci
β2-Adrenergic Receptor Modulation of Astrocyte-Neuron Lactate Shuttle During Recognition Memory Formation: Behavioral and Molecular Studies
No full textDoctorat internacionalThis thesis proposes an integrative framework linking noradrenergic neurotransmission with astrocyte-mediated metabolic mechanisms in long-term declarative memory, focusing on object recognition memory (ORM). Recognition memory relies on recollection and familiarity, supported primarily by the hippocampus and perirhinal cortex, respectively. Using the Novel Object Recognition task, the study demonstrates that noradrenaline (NA) critically modulates ORM through β₂-adrenergic receptors (β₂-AR). Behavioral experiments reveal sex-dependent encoding strategies and show that enhancing NA facilitates, while β₂-AR blockade impairs, ORM. At the cellular level, NA induces astrocytic lactate production via β₂-AR signaling, linking neuromodulation to the astrocyte–neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS). Disruption of lactate transport abolishes NA-mediated memory enhancement, whereas exogenous lactate rescues β₂-AR blockade-induced deficits. Collectively, these findings establish astrocytic metabolism as an essential mediator of NA-dependent, non-emotional memory formation.Programa de Doctorat en Psicologi
The dual role of borohydride salts in enhancing perovskite solar cell performance and stability
No full textA key problem for materials that form lead-based perovskite is the part of organic iodide that is oxidized and forms molecular I2, which negatively affects the efficiency and stability of the solar cell. Herein, we explored adding special compounds, two borohydride salts, potassium borohydride (KBH4) and sodium borohydride (NaBH4), into the perovskite precursor solution. These borohydride salts help prevent the oxidation process by acting as reducing agents, preventing the defects caused by I2 by converting it back to I−. Also, I3− is generated from I2 and I−, which has a strong binding affinity to FA+, leading to deprotonation and decomposition of the perovskite. Borohydride salts can prevent this degradation and help stabilize the precursor solution. Furthermore, borohydride salts have a second role, enhancing film crystallinity and defect passivation and increasing humidity resistance, which improves overall stability and device performance. As a result, a promising efficiency of 20% is achieved, exhibiting long-term stability
The Ghosts of Arthurian Romance: A Study of the Influence of the Exemplum in the Middle English Romances Stanzaic Morte Arthur, Sir Amadace, and The Awntyrs off Arthure
No full textDoctorat internacionalBy analysing the ghosts in the Stanzaic Morte Arthur, Sir Amadace, and The Awntyrs off Arthure, this thesis argues that, through hybridisation, the exemplum is capable of transforming didactic materials into romance, entering this genre in the form of framed episodes. Combining intertextual and codicological analysis with scholarship on ghosts and the supernatural, this thesis maps how the ghosts in these romances become part of a shared code, allowing authors and audiences to navigate both pious and social issues. Findings show that romance ghosts expand the didactic import of the exemplum by reframing it as supernatural encounters, and the manuscript contexts of the romances reveal how audiences actively shaped their meaning(s). Moreover, these romance ghosts reveal the maturation of English as a language suitable for more than entertainment. Finally, through the lens of hybridisation, this thesis offers a critical framework transferable to the analysis of other medieval literary works.Programa de Doctorat en Llengües Aplicades, Literatura i Traducci
La Justicia Transicional “desde abajo” como enfoque de transformación pacífica del conflicto armado en Colombia
No full textLa continuidad del conflicto armado en Colombia a pesar de la implementación de dos modelos de Justicia Transicional (JT), obliga a la revisión del sistema y su enfoque. La pregunta de este trabajo, aunque obvia, no es fácil de responder: ¿qué explica la paradoja de una JT sin transición? Las evidencias apuntan a que el enfoque retributivo explica el limitado éxito del sistema. Éste, hasta ahora, no ha abordado las causas estructurales del conflicto. La JT tiene necesidad de una perspectiva “desde abajo” que ponga en diálogo criterios jurídicos y sociales, para garantizar la resolución pacífica del conflicto. Este enfoque pone en el centro del sistema a las víctimas y se propone plantear las causas estructurales del conflicto en función de una solución jurídica y social que sea eficaz. Esta investigación, metodológicamente documental, se ajusta a los principios de verdad, justicia, reparación y garantías de no repetición.The Transitional Justice system implemented in Colombia faces widespread criticism because it has failed to generate a transition toward peace and development. The paradox of Transitional Justice without transition justifies the adoption of a "bottom-up" approach, in which victims and grassroots activism acquire the centrality they deserve within the system. The findings of this doctoral research, obtained through qualitative research methods, indicate that this practical perspective facilitates the collective construction of peaceful solutions to the armed conflict by addressing its structural causes, while also ensuring territorial, differential, and gender perspectives. The first section structurally examines the conflict, ultimately proposing a causal theory. The second section critiques "top-down" Transitional Justice and describes the "bottom-up" perspective in detail. The third section practically develops this critical approach, highlighting the grassroots activism of several initiatives.Programa de Doctorat en Estudis Internacionals de Pau, Conflictes i Desenvolupamen