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Data quality assessment and enhancement for sustainable water management in IoT-Enabled peacekeeping missions
No full textTreball de Final de Màster Universitari Erasmus Mundus en Tecnologia Geoespacial (Pla de 2022). Codi: SJL042. Curs acadèmic 2024-2025Water is a critical resource for sustaining life, and its efficient management is essential for global sustainability. In United Nations peacekeeping missions, where infrastructure monitoring is crucial for operational efficiency, IoT-based water consumption monitoring has become an indispensable tool. However, challenges such as data gaps, sensor failures, and anomalies compromise the reliability of IIoTgenerated data, ultimately affecting decision-making. This study assesses the data quality (DQ) of IoT-surveyed water consumption data in the Abyei camp and enhances data reliability through expert-driven reconstruction and a systematic evaluation of imputation techniques.
To achieve this, a Data Quality Score (DQS) framework was developed, incorporating four key dimensions: validity, accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. A comprehensive assessment of IoT-based water consumption data revealed that while most devices reported high-quality data, several exhibited systematic challenges, including device resets, outliers, and irregular reporting patterns. Based on these findings, business-rule-driven trend reconstruction was applied alongside a suite of imputation techniques, categorized into univariate (Forward Fill, Backward Fill, Mean, Median, Linear, and Cubic Interpolation) and multivariate methods (KNearest Neighbors (KNN) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR)) to reconstruct missing values and correct anomalies.
The results demonstrated that trend reconstruction significantly reduced anomalies, improving overall DQ. Additionally, all imputation methods contributed to positive improvements, with Linear Interpolation (LI) consistently yielding the highest improvement in DQS, followed closely by KNN imputation. These findings emphasize the importance of structured DQ assessment and device-specific imputation strategies for ensuring reliable water consumption monitoring in IoT-enabled peacekeeping missions
La generación burbuja: su resiliencia biopsicosocial post COVID-19 [Dataset]
No full textLa situación de confinamiento por el COVID-19 y la aplicación de medidas restrictivas han provocado cambios sin precedentes en la salud biopsicosocial de la población infanto-juvenil. Este estudio analiza el impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en la salud biopsicosocial de la población española infanto-juvenil. Materiales y Métodos: Es un estudio cuantitativo, longitudinal de tendencia en niños/as de entre 8 a 12 años y sus progenitores, 79 pre-COVID-19, 200 durante COVID-19 y 40 post-COVID-19. Los menores cumplimentan el cuestionario KIDSCREEN-52 y sus padres el SDQ. Posteriormente se aplican los análisis de Chi-cuadrado de Pearson, Kruskal-Wallis y regresión logística multinomial. Resultados: Indican diferencias en problemas emocionales (χ2=10,152; p =0,006), problemas de conducta (χ2=59,871; p =0,000), hiperactividad (χ2=13,971; p =0,001), problemas con compañeros (χ2=19,217; p =0,000), problemas totales (χ2=32,019; p=0,000) y conducta prosocial (χ2=44,413; p =0,000) en los tres periodos analizados. Así también existe peor calidad de vida durante la pandemia. El análisis multinomial arroja una asociación entre el periodo pandemia y recursos económicos (OR = 1,04) y apoyo social (OR = 0,94) en comparación de pre-pandemia. En cambio, en post-pandemia existe una asociación con autonomía (OR = 1,09), recursos económicos (OR =1,05) y entorno escolar (OR =0,94). Discusión: Existe una peor calidad de vida durante la pandemia acompañada de problemas internalizantes y prevalecen los problemas externalizantes antes y después de la pandemia. Conclusiones: La pandemia tuvo efectos adversos, pero a medida que van desapareciendo las restricciones mejora la salud mental, inclusive en niveles mejores que en pre-COVID-19
TikTok analysis criteria and encouraging participation in NGOs
No full textIntroducción: TikTok se ha posicionado como una de las principales redes sociales. Uno de los aspectos claves de esta plataforma es la participación del creador de contenido con sus públicos. En este artículo se desarrolla una propuesta de investigación para analizar el posicionamiento de las ONG en esta red social y su disposición para desarrollar una comunicación bidireccional con la ciudadanía, asumiendo la relevancia de este aspecto para la paz y la transformación social. Metodología: Como referencia se toma el estudio de las ONG de España, seleccionando las 10 con mayor presupuesto. Se estudian sus canales y los 3 vídeos con mayor número de visualizaciones. La investigación, desde el análisis de contenido, aplica los criterios para comprobar si las entidades favorecen la participación y el debate ciudadano en TikTok como una estrategia de sensibilización. Además, se evalúa su nivel de inserción en esta plataforma. Resultados: Los resultados evidencian una desigualdad en el grado de incorporación en TikTok, y un escaso desarrollo de una estrategia dialógica y participativa, planteando la necesidad de definir otra manera de posicionamiento en esta red social.Introduction:TikTok has positioned itself as one of the main social networks. One of the key aspects of this platform is the engagement of the content creator with its audiences. This article develops a research proposal to analyze the positioning of NGOs in this social network and their willingness to develop a bidirectional communication with citizens, assuming the relevance of this aspect for peace and social transformation. Methodology: The study of NGOs in Spain is taken as a reference, selecting the 10 with the largest budget. Their channels and the 3 videos with the highest number of views are studied. The research, from the content analysis, applies the criteria to check if the entities favor citizen participation and debate in TikTok as an awareness strategy. In addition, their level of insertion in this platform is evaluated. Results: The results show an inequality in the degree of incorporation in TikTok, and a scarce development of a dialogic and participatory strategy, suggesting the need to define another way of positioning in this social network
Improving the detectability of low-abundance p-cresol in biological matrices by chemical derivatization and LC-MS/MS determination
No full textGut microbiota produces a wide range of microbial metabolites with potential neuroactive properties. Among these, p-cresol, a by-product of tyrosine breakdown, has gained significant attention in various neuropsychiatric
disorders, including autism spectrum disorder. However, current methods fail to detect p-cresol at trace levels in both the systemic circulation and brain, limiting the study of its role in neuropsychiatric disorders. There, the
precise and accurate determination of p-cresol at low picogram levels is an unmet analytical need. To address this gap, we developed a highly-sensitive, validated method for quantifying p-cresol at low picogram levels in urine,
plasma, and brain using chemical derivatization and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We found that derivatization with 1,2-dimethylimidazole-5-sulfonyl chloride (5-DMIS-Cl or 5-DMISC)
increased up to 40-fold the sensitivity compared to traditional dansyl derivatization. Therefore, a method based on 5-DMISC derivatization and sum of transitions was selected for validation. The method was accurate
(recoveries 91–100 %) and precise (RSD <15 %) in all tested matrices, enabling detection down to100 pg/mL for urine, 20 pg/mL for plasma, and 0.04 pg/mg for brain tissue. The method was applied to plasma and brain
samples from control and p-cresol-treated mice, revealing significant increases in p-cresol levels in treated animals. For the first time, we successfully quantified p-cresol levels in the brain, demonstrating its ability to cross
the blood-brain barrier. In summary, this validated method offers a powerful tool for exploring the role of pcresol -and potentially other phenolic compounds-in the microbiota-gut-brain axis and neuropsychiatric
disorders
Sulfur-Centered Mechanism in Catalytic Methanolysis of Hydrosilanes Mediated by Air-Stable Mo3S4 Clusters
No full textMethanolysis of hydrosilanes is catalyzed by incomplete cubane-type Mo3(μ3-S)(μ-S)3 clusters functionalized with diamino and imidazolyl amino ligands under mild conditions. Silane activation mediated by the air-stable [Mo3(μ3-S)(μ-S)3Cl3(ImNH2)3]Cl (ImNH2 = (1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methanamine) ([3]Cl) cluster salt has been elucidated through a comprehensive experimental and theoretical study. Our results support the operation of a sulfur-centered mechanism without direct participation of the metals in clear contrast with all previously reported mechanisms catalyzed by transition metal complexes. The reaction proceeds in two steps, with the first one being the rate-determining step. The process starts with the hydrosilane Si–H bond activation, which occurs at one of the bridging sulfur atoms of the Mo3(μ3-S)(μ-S)3 cluster unit. This step takes place through a concerted and asynchronous transition state with the participation of one methanol molecule to yield the silyl ether product and a bis(hydrosulfido) intermediate. Analysis of this transition state reveals that its imaginary frequency is basically associated with the silane hydride transfer and the formation of the Si–O bond in agreement with the observed KIE results. The second step consists in the hydrogen release from the bis(hydrosulfido) intermediate, from which the cluster catalyst is recovered. The same mechanism operates for the diamino [Mo3S4Cl3(en)3]Cl (en = ethylenediamine) ([1]Cl) and [Mo3S4Cl3(dmen)3]+ (dmen = N,N′-dimethylethylenediamine) ([2]Cl) cluster salts. The calculated free energy barriers for those cluster catalysts agree with the observed catalytic activities, giving further support to our mechanistic proposal.Funding for open access charge: CRUE-Universitat Jaume
Understanding Biomass Valorization through Electrocatalysis: Transformation of Glycerol and Furan Derivatives
No full textElectrochemical conversion of underutilized biomass provides a green approach for their valorization into high-value-added products, which constitutes a mild, safe, and green procedure. Moreover, the use of an electrochemical pathway in contrast to the classical routes (thermo or biochemical) offers several advantages in terms of product selectivity, safety, catalyst stability, and reusability. The highly variable number of tunable conditions in an electrochemical reaction offers a broad space for improvement until the optimum ones are achieved, including substrates, curent and voltage, electrodes, electrolytes, and cell set-up. The present Perspective aims to provide an informative overview into the biomass and waste valorization of furan derivatives and byproducts of biofuel refineries (glycerol) by reviewing the essential aspects of this field. We cover the fundamentals of electrochemical organic transformations, emphasizing the different parameters to consider during these procedures. We highlight the potential of electrochemical methods for biomass valorization and suggest new directions for more sustainable research
Integrating pragmatic expressions in young learners' classrooms : a task-based proposal for pre-service teachers
No full textThis chapter presents a task-based proposal to develop classroom pragmatic expressions in pre-service teachers of YLs. The chapter starts with an overview of the literature on pragmatics in teacher education, examining the teachers' perspective in YLs' EFL classrooms, and classroom pragmatic expressions in classroom discourse. Then, a task-based teaching proposal is presented. Finally, concluding remarks and limitations are discussed
Working Mechanisms of Triple-Oxide Mesoporous Hole-Transport-Layer-Free Printable Perovskite Solar Cells via Impedance Spectroscopy
No full textAll-printed mesoporous perovskite solar cells (PSCs) show great potential for scalable photovoltaic technologies, yet direct identification of their key working mechanisms by impedance spectroscopy (IS) is not well-established. IS response of printable hole transport layer (HTL)-free triple mesoporous (mp) TiO2/ZrO2/ITO PSCs with varying TiO2 electron transport layer (ETL) thicknesses (500–1200 nm) reveals strong interplay between the mesoporous scaffold architecture and charge carrier dynamics, significantly impacting resistive and capacitive features of the devices. The emergence of an intermediate-frequency feature can be related to chemical capacitance of the mp-TiO2 layer, a phenomenon commonly associated with dye-sensitized solar cells, decoupling recombination, and key transport phenomena for both charge carriers. An updated equivalent circuit model, incorporating chemical capacitance and associated transport/recombination resistances can capture these effects. These findings provide valuable insights into the role of mesoporous scaffold engineering in printable PSCs and offer a robust characterization tool for optimizing scalable photovoltaic architectures.These results are part of Grant CNS2023-144270 funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR. P.F.B. acknowledges his Grant CIACIF/2022/183 funded by the Generalitat Valenciana and, as appropriate, “ESF Investing in Your Future”. This publication is part of Project PID2023-151880OB-C31 funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and ERDF/EU. The financial support by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (Grant CEX2021-001230-S funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033) is gratefully acknowledged. This work was partially funded by the Generalitat Valenciana via European Union NextGeneration EU Projects MFA/2022/020 and MFA/2022/040 and Projects TED2021-131600B-C31 and TED2021-131600B-C32, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Union “NextGeneration EU”/PRTR. L.E. acknowledges the Israel Ministry of Energy for the funding support of this project
The need for incorporating user perception into the repairability indices: Insights from an observational study on small electrical devices
No full textRepair is a key strategy in advancing a circular economy, as it extends product lifespan and reduces electronic waste. Existing Repairability Indeces assess the potential for repair, although they often focus on professional repairs, often overlooking end-user repair activities. This creates a research gap in understanding how non-professional users experience and perceive repairability. Small household electrical appliances, due to their relatively simple architecture, are sometimes repaired by users themselves rather than taken to a professional repair service. This study contributes to closing this gap by exploring users' perceptions of repairability in small electrical and electronic equipment and examining their alignment with calculated repairability indices. A user observation study (n = 26) was conducted to evaluate three critical stages of the repair process: (1) initial interaction with the fully assembled appliance, (2) the opening process, and (3) interaction with internal components once accessed. The observational study design included a protocol designed to standardise procedures across participants, and structured rubrics to ensure consistency in response interpretation. This rigorous methodological approach ensured reproducibility and enabled a detailed exploration of user behaviour. The results reveal a misalignment between users' perceptions and repairability indices, with perceived repairability scores decreasing by around 35.9 % and 58.8 % compared to the calculated ones, for two specific appliances. In addition, during the observational study, the following key barriers were identified: limited accessibility to internal components, particularly the difficulty of opening the product, and the complexity of fault identification. These findings highlight how user-centered barriers, such as design-related challenges (i.e. opening the appliance) and perceived complexity, differ significantly from the criteria considered in current repairability indices. Furthermore, findings emphasise the need to address user-centred repair challenges through design improvements that enhance accessibility and simplify disassembly, ultimately fostering greater consumer engagement in repair activities.The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the Generalitat Valenciana (CIACIF/2021/106 and CIBEFP/2023/136) for the development of this study.Funding for open access charge: CRUE-Universitat Jaume