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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
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
Los inicios de la automoción en la provincia de Castellón (1909-1953). Desarrollo y elementos decisivos.
No full textLa historia de la automoción en la provincia de Castellón, desde sus orígenes hasta el triunfo del vehículo utilitario (1909-1953), había sido completamente soslayada por los investigadores. La presente tesis viene llenar un hueco en el conocimiento y la visión de la evolución social de dicha provincia en aquella época. Es un período no muy lejano en términos históricos, pero sí en términos vitales, por lo que muchos aspectos claves que ayudarían a su exégesis aún permanecen oscuros. Esta investigación esclarece los condicionantes previos al fenómeno de la automoción, entendidos como compendio del marco físico, el marco humano, la superestructura y la infraestructura provinciales propias. Posteriormente aborda la llegada del automovilismo a los municipios provinciales, la extensión y la pervivencia del fenómeno, así como su arraigo; y la naturaleza de los vehículos matriculados en la provincia estudiando sus tipologías, su uso, sus marcas y sus modelos.When it comes to the history of the automotive in the province of Castellon, since its origins to the trump of utility vehicle (1909-1953), this subject has been totally overlooked by investigators as something worth of being attended. I feel strongly that, for this reason, the current doctoral thesis fills a gap in our understanding concerning of the social evolution of this province, and offers information that will help in order to complete the view that, from today's perspective, can be gained of that period. The time studied was particularly turbulent and traumatic, “age of catastrophes”, to quote Eric Hobsbawm. These are times that, although not so far removed from the present in historical terms, are certainly so in vital terms, and many key aspects that would aid to their exegesis still remain obscure.Programa de Doctorat en Història i Estudis Contemporani
El efecto prescripción de los medios sociales digitales en la decisión de compra de productos farmacéuticos OTC en España. La influencia del boca a boca electrónico sobre el consumo de productos farmacéuticos sin prescripción médica.
No full textEste estudio analiza la influencia del boca a boca electrónico (eWOM) en la compra de medicamentos OTC en España, destacando el papel prescriptor de las redes sociales, los blogs y videoblogs especializados en salud. Mediante una encuesta a 336 usuarios de estas plataformas, se evidencian factores clave como la credibilidad, calidad del eWOM, reputación del emisor y percepción del riesgo que afectan a la intención de compra. Casi la mitad de los encuestados compró medicamentos OTC tras la exposición al eWOM, mientras que un 24% lo utilizó para descartar la compra. Los blogs especializados se perciben como la fuente más fiable, seguidos de YouTube e Instagram. Estos resultados reflejan la importancia del entorno digital para la comunicación farmacéutica y sugieren implicaciones relevantes para el sector, los profesionales sanitarios y los organismos reguladores en la elaboración de estrategias para garantizar una información veraz y mitigar los riesgos asociados con la automedicación.This study examines the influence of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) on the purchase of OTC medicines in Spain and the prescriptive role of social media, blogs, and health videoblogs. A survey of 336 users identified key factors affecting purchase intention: eWOM credibility and quality, sender reputation, and risk perception. Nearly half of the participants purchased medicines after exposure to eWOM, while 24% decided against a purchase based on it. Specialized blogs were perceived as the most reliable source, followed by YouTube and Instagram. The findings highlight the relevance of the digital environment in pharmaceutical communication and suggest important implications for the industry, healthcare professionals, and regulatory authorities. Strategies should focus on ensuring accurate, trustworthy information and reducing risks associated with self-medication. This study contributes to understanding how digital word-of-mouth shapes consumer behavior regarding non-prescription medicines in Spain and informs future research on online health communication.Programa de Doctorat en Màrquetin
Clinical and genetic determinants of glioblastoma survival: a retrospective study
No full textBackground: This study analyzed 57 patients with glioblastoma treated at the General University Hospital of Castellon, Spain, focusing on clinical, tumor-specific and genetic factors influencing disease outcome. Variables included age, sex, BMI, extent of surgical resection, and use of radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Tumor characteristics assessed included location, size, proximity to the ventricular system and surgical approach. Genetic mutations in the EGFR, TP53 and CDKN2A genes were also analyzed.
Methods: Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to assess the impact of clinical, tumor-related, treatment, lifestyle and genetic variables on overall survival and progression-free survival, with group differences evaluated using log-rank tests. Given the exploratory nature of the study and the sample size, multivariable modeling was not performed. Patients with IDH1/2-mutant tumors were excluded in accordance with the 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) classification, which no longer defines IDH-mutant grade 4 astrocytomas as glioblastoma.
Results: A significant finding was the strong association between extent of resection, tumor proximity to the ventricular system and survival: patients with tumors closer to the ventricles had significantly shorter survival, highlighting the critical role of spatial tumor characteristics in glioblastoma outcomes.
Conclusion: These results suggest that integrating clinical, genetic and spatial tumor data into personalized treatment approaches could improve prognosis
Configuraciones críticas de las (in)seguridades y la violencia en Colombia después de la firma del Acuerdo de Paz con las FARC-EP: transeguridad y tiempo para la paz transicional
No full textLa terminación del conflicto entre el Estado colombiano y las FARC-EP abrió nuevos escenarios de inseguridad y violencia, manteniendo la paz como un asunto intangible e inconcluso. Esta tesis doctoral propone un marco analítico innovador para comprender estas dinámicas y plantear rutas hacia una gobernanza para la paz. Con una metodología ecléctica, se desarrollan conceptos originales sobre la relación entre violencia, crimen, inseguridad y paz. La investigación se guía por la pregunta: ¿cómo se configuran los estadios de la seguridad y la violencia en Colombia tras el Acuerdo de Paz (2017-2022)? Los hallazgos incluyen los conceptos de polipaces, seguridad transicional, transeguridad y paz transicional, útiles para explicar la complejidad del posconflicto. Como conclusión, se formulan propuestas de gobernanza para la paz orientadas a la inclusión territorial, la cohesión social y la desviolentización del país.The end of the armed conflict between the Colombian State and the FARC-EP opened new scenarios of insecurity and violence, leaving peace as an intangible and unfinished endeavor. This doctoral thesis proposes an innovative analytical framework to understand these dynamics and to outline pathways toward governance for peace. Using an eclectic methodology, it develops original concepts on the relationship between violence, crime, insecurity, and peace. The research is guided by the question: How are the stages of security and violence configured in Colombia after the Peace Agreement (2017–2022)? The findings introduce the concepts of polypeaces, transitional security, transecurity, and transitional peace, which contribute to explaining the complexity of the post-conflict context. In conclusion, the thesis formulates proposals for peace governance aimed at fostering territorial inclusion, social cohesion, and the de-violentization of the country.Programa de Doctorat en Estudis Internacionals de Pau, Conflictes i Desenvolupamen
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
Low-fidelity simulation in the approach to patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms: A quasi-experimental study
No full textBackground
About 30% of primary care consultations are for somatic disorders derived from psychological causes. We have not found any research on the effectiveness of role play in the training of nursing students in addressing these disorders.
Aim
To analyze whether the use of role play in the training of nursing students improves their skills to communicate with patients who present medically unexplained symptoms.
Methods
The research is a quasi-experimental study. Fifty-seven nursing students participated in low-fidelity simulation. The measurement instruments used were the Health Professionals Communication Skills Scale (HP-CSS) and the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (SE-12).
Results
Self-efficacy and overall perceived communication skills score have improved after the simulation. The t-test showed statistically significant differences for both results, t (56) = 3.148; p = 0.003; CI = (1.81-8.12); t (56) = 3.149; p = 0.003; CI (1.68-7.55) respectively. There were also significant positive changes in three of the four subscales of the EHC-PS questionnaire.
Conclusions
Low-fidelity simulation is an effective teaching-learning strategy in improving communication skills of nursing students with patients with psychosomatic symptoms
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
Interpolating sequences for Banach spaces of holomorphic functions
No full textThis work studies interpolating sequences for Banach spaces of analytic functions, such as Hardy spaces of bounded holomorphic functions on domains of \C^N. New results are obtained on minimal sets of bounded sequences whose interpolation by functions in H^\infty(\D) guarantees that a sequence is interpolating for such spaces. The first sufficient condition, in terms of the Gleason distance, is also provided for a sequence in to be interpolating for a dual uniform algebra , together with a simple characterization of interpolating sequences for those bidual uniform algebras that are regular.Programa de Doctorat en Cièncie