97828 research outputs found
Sort by
Politics versus Economics: the case of Spanish regional financing
No full textThe relationship between fiscal autonomy and regional economic outcomes is a critical question in political science and the study of federalism. This article examines how Spain’s asymmetric fiscal system has shaped regional inequality, focusing on two opposing cases: the Basque Country, which enjoys significant fiscal autonomy through the 2002 Basque Economic Agreement, and the Valencian Community, persistently underfunded under the 2001 common financing model. While political justifications for asymmetric federalism are well-documented, the long-term economic consequences remain less explored. By analyzing these landmark fiscal arrangements, we provide evidence that asymmetric fiscal autonomy can exacerbate regional disparities. Our findings demonstrate that the Basque Country’s fiscal autonomy significantly boosted gross domestic product per capita, while the Valencian Community’s underfunding led to notable economic decline. These findings contribute to political debates on the tensions between territorial politics and economic equity, offering lessons for multilevel systems seeking to balance regional autonomy with economic cohesion
Seriously Playful Business: Game-Based Learning at Work
No full textPlay and the pursuit of entertainment are inherently human behaviors. Such behaviors extend to the work environment. This study explores how game-based learning influences learning engagement in professional settings, with a focus on digital marketing education. The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of serious games in enhancing learner engagement, strategic thinking, and teamwork. The study focuses specifically on The Ecommerce Game, a serious game that helps players learn aboutdigital marketing concepts, develop teamwork skills, improve strategic decision making,and acquirea long-term focus. Grounded in Keller’s ARCS model of motivation (attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction), the study uses fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to assess how the ARCS elements contribute to motivation during learning. The study highlights the importance of instructor presence and player–instructor interaction in fostering engagement. The findings suggest that serious games offer an effectiveand scalable tool for training and skills development in digital marketing and similar professional domains
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
Chemical tools targeting proteases: design, synthesis, and biological evaluation for therapeutic use
No full textDoctorat internacionalThis PhD thesis focuses on the design, synthesis, and evaluation of chemical compounds that inhibit proteases and degrade proteins essential for cellular recycling. It is divided into two parts: the first explores protein degradation in lysosomes, while the second examines the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System (UPS). The first part investigates cysteine proteases, their inhibition, and the use of activity-based probes (ABPs). Enzyme inhibitors are developed and converted into probes applied to cellular models related to neuroinflammation. The second part introduces the UPS, its role in protein degradation, and its therapeutic potential. Proteasome inhibitors are designed and synthesized, and PROTACs—molecules that target specific proteins for degradation—are explored. A case study investigates their application in signaling regulation in plants. This research opens new avenues for disease treatment and biotechnology.Programa de Doctorat en Cièncie
Exploring the dark side of engagement: hidden costs to job satisfaction and well-being
No full textThis thesis examines the less explored side of employee engagement, particularly how it relates to emotional labor, stress, and job satisfaction. While engagement is often seen as positive, the research shows that it can also have unintended negative effects on employee well-being. By investigating these connections in depth, the study sheds light on how emotional demands at work may influence the experience of engagement and its outcomes. The findings offer useful insights for both scholars and practitioners, highlighting the need for a more balanced approach when promoting engagement in the workplace. This research aims to open up new directions for understanding and managing engagement in a way that supports both performance and employee health.Programa de Doctorat en Economia i Empres
Choosing the right signaling pathway: hormone responses to Phytophthora cinnamomi during compatible and incompatible interactions with chestnut (Castanea spp.)
No full textInk disease caused by the hemibiotrophic root pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi (Pc) is devastating for the European chestnut (Castanea sativa), unlike Asian chestnuts and interspecific hybrids, which are resistant to Pc. The role that hormone responses play for Pc resistance remains little understood, especially regarding the temporal regulation of hormone responses. We explored the relationship between changes in tree health and physiology and alterations in leaf and root phytohormones and primary and secondary metabolites during compatible and incompatible Castanea spp.–Pc interactions. Susceptible (S) C. sativa and resistant (R) C. sativa × C. crenata ramets were inoculated with Pc in roots and assessed for disease progression, leaf physiology and biochemistry at 1, 3, 5 and 8 days after inoculation (d.a.i.). In S chestnuts, Pc increasingly deteriorated the leaf physiological functioning by decreasing leaf CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, chlorophylls content and the maximum quantum yield of the photosystem II over time, triggering aerial symptoms (leaf wilting and chlorosis) 8 d.a.i. Pc had little impact on the leaf physiological functioning of R chestnuts, which remained asymptomatic. In roots of S chestnuts, Pc transiently induced jasmonates signaling (5 d.a.i.) while impairing root carbohydrates metabolism over time. In leaves, a transient antioxidant burst (5 d.a.i.) followed by abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation (8 d.a.i.) was observed. R chestnuts responded to Pc by up-regulating root salicylic acid (SA) at early (1 d.a.i.) and late (8 d.a.i.) infection stages, in an antagonistic crosstalk with root ABA. Overall, the results pinpoint an important role of SA in mediating the resistant response of chestnuts to Pc, but also show that the specific hormone pathways induced by Pc are genotype dependent. The study also highlights that the dynamic nature of hormone responses over time must be considered when elucidating hormone-regulated responses to Pc
Taking advantage of zoophytophagous-induced plant defenses to improve pest management in horticultural crops
No full textCompendi d'articlesThe growing global demand for food and the increasing challenges posed by climate change call for the development of innovative and sustainable strategies to enhance crop resilience against biotic and abiotic stressors. Harnessing natural plant defense mechanisms presents a promising alternative to conventional pest management, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. This thesis explores the role of zoophytophagous predators and herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) in strengthening plant defenses and improving pest management. We investigate Nesidiocoris tenuis, a biological control agent, and its ability to enhance constitutive resistance in tomato plants. Our findings reveal that N. tenuis feeding induces the formation of type IV glandular trichomes and acylsugar production, mediated by jasmonic acid signaling, thereby improving resistance against whiteflies. Additionally, we assess the effects of (Z)-3-hexenyl propanoate [(Z)-3-HP], a green leaf volatile, on sweet pepper plants. Our findings reveal that (Z)-3-HP exposure upregulates key defense-related genes, enhances resistance to herbivorous pests and abiotic stress, boosts antioxidant activity, and improves plant adaptability to water-deficit conditions. By integrating natural enemies and HIPVs, this research advances sustainable pest management strategies that reinforce plant resilience while reducing environmental impact.Programa de Doctorat en Cièncie
Epidemiología y factores de riesgo de COVID-19 en centros residenciales: impacto de la pandemia, importancia de la vacunación y transmisión aérea
No full textCompendi d'articlesEsta tesis doctoral analiza la epidemiología y los factores de riesgo asociados a la COVID-19 en poblaciones vulnerables, destacando la importancia de la prevención, el control y la transmisión aérea del virus. A través de seis artículos, se abordan distintos aspectos del impacto de la pandemia. Se estudia la variante Delta en residencias con personas vacunadas, evidenciando la eficacia de la inmunidad previa e híbrida. También se examina la incidencia y mortalidad en residencias de mayores durante la primera ola, y en centros para personas con discapacidad intelectual, subrayando la necesidad de estrategias específicas. Otro estudio demuestra la presencia de SARS-CoV-2 en aerosoles, resaltando la ventilación como medida clave. El último artículo analiza cómo las medidas no farmacológicas afectaron otras enfermedades infecciosas. En conjunto, la tesis destaca el valor de la vigilancia epidemiológica y la investigación en brotes, proponiendo estrategias preventivas que orienten futuras políticas de salud pública ante pandemias.This thesis analyzes the epidemiology and risk factors of COVID-19 in vulnerable populations, with a focus on prevention measures, control strategies, and airborne transmission. It consists of six articles addressing various aspects of the pandemic. The first explores Delta variant infections in vaccinated individuals, showing reduced viral load and severity. The second examines hybrid immunity in vaccinated elderly people, highlighting its protective effect. The third investigates COVID-19 incidence and mortality in 27 nursing homes during the first wave, emphasizing the need for isolation and vaccination. The fourth evaluates hospitalizations and deaths in residential centers for people with intellectual disabilities, recommending tailored preventive strategies. The fifth analyzes the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols indoors, stressing the importance of ventilation. The sixth, a time-series study, assesses the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions on other infectious diseases. The thesis underscores the role of epidemiological surveillance in shaping effective strategies for future pandemics.Programa de Doctorat en Ciències Biomèdiques i Salu
Homogenous catalysis by molybdenum sulfide clusters and the study of their sulfur-centered mechanisms
No full textDoctorat internacionalThe present doctoral thesis is included within the homogenous catalysis field. A comprehensive study has been conducted on the catalytic activity of molybdenum sulfide cluster compounds coordinated with nitrogen-donor ligands. First, the synthesis of a novel compound containing the ethylenediamine ligand was optimized and characterized using classical spectrometric and spectroscopic techniques. Additionally, the crystalline structure of this complex was determined through single-crystal analysis using electron diffraction techniques. The catalytic activity of molybdenum clusters with the Mo3S4 unit was investigated in C–C coupling reactions for the production of esters, sulfoxide hydrogenation to obtain sulfides, and the methanolysis of hydrosilanes for the synthesis of methoxysilanes and hydrogen. Kinetic studies and control experiments demonstrated that these transformations occur via sulfur atoms, enabling an in-depth investigation of the reaction mechanisms. Finally, using DFT techniques, the reaction mechanisms for sulfoxide hydrogenation and methanolysis were elucidated based on experimental evidence obtained.Programa de Doctorat en Cièncie
Trata de seres humanos, jurisdicción universal y víctima
No full textDoctorat internacionalPara erradicar eficazmente la trata de personas, resulta imperativo reformular algunas de las instituciones del proceso penal a fin de que sean capaces de adaptarse a la naturaleza clandestina y dinámica de los grupos criminales dedicados a la captación, transporte y explotación de seres humanos, a la vez que prestar una tutela efectiva a las víctimas de este delito. Esta investigación doctoral explora la jurisdicción universal como mecanismo idóneo para perseguir los delitos de trata de personas, independientemente del lugar de comisión y de la nacionalidad de las personas involucradas, como un elemento que puede devenir fundamental para evitar la impunidad. Asimismo, se analizan los derechos ordinarios procesales de la víctima como son la información, asistencia, protección, participación y reparación. También se profundiza en la valoración de la prueba testifical de las víctimas y los criterios de incredibilidad subjetiva, corroboración objetiva y persistencia en la incriminación. Finalmente, se analizará la viabilidad y los límites de la prueba preconstituida como mecanismo para salvaguardar los derechos de las víctimas, siempre en el marco de las garantías procesales del acusado.In order to effectively eradicate human trafficking, it is imperative to reformulate some of the institutions of the criminal process so that they are able to adapt to the clandestine and dynamic nature of criminal groups dedicated to the recruitment, transportation and exploitation of human beings, while providing effective protection to the victims of this crime. This doctoral research explores universal jurisdiction as a suitable mechanism for prosecuting human trafficking crimes, regardless of the place of commission and of the involved persons’ nationality, as an element that can become fundamental in order to avoid impunity. Likewise, the ordinary procedural rights of the victim are analyzed, such as the information, assistance, protection, participation and reparation rights. The assessment of the victims' testimonial evidence and the criteria of subjective disbelief, objective corroboration and persistence in the incrimination are also discussed in depth. Finally, the viability and limits of preconstituted evidence as a mechanism to safeguard the rights of the victims are also analyzed, particularly within the framework of the procedural guarantees of the accused.Programa de Doctorat en Dre