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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
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
Improving heat-to-electricity energy conversion with thermoelectric materials by means of electrochemical strategies
No full textCompendi d'articlesApproximately 72% of global energy consumption is lost in the form of waste heat. Thermoelectric (TE) devices have gained significant attention owing to their potential to transform heat into electricity, thus contributing to mitigate the present energy crisis. The TE performance is evaluated by the figure of merit zT=S2σT/κ, where S denotes the Seebeck coefficient, σ is the electrical conductivity, T represents the absolute temperature, and κ refers the thermal conductivity. Therefore, obtaining a high zT requires a large power factor (PF=S2σ) together with low κ. This thesis explores the enhancement of the PF in PEDOT:PSS, Ag-ZnO composite, bismuth/antimony telluride alloys, and Sb-doped SnO2 through electrochemical strategies. Upon treatment with 4,4'-bipyridine or LiBF4, PEDOT:PSS exhibited over 3 times PF enhancements. Ag-ZnO combined with BMII ionic liquid resulted in a 1.5-fold increase in the PF. Sb-doped SnO2 functionalized with redox molecules produced 2.5-fold PF improvements.Programa de Doctorat en Tecnologies Industrials i Material
Noninvasive voiding devices for bedridden women with urinary continence; usability, acceptability and safety : a scoping review
No full textBackground :
Noninvasive female urination devices are widely used for bedridden women with urinary continence, yet concerns persist about usability, dignity and safety—especially in the supine position.
Objective :
To map and synthesise evidence on usability, acceptability and safety of noninvasive devices for supine female urination and to contextualise safety with handling/reprocessing practices.
Methods :
A scoping review following JBI and PRISMA-ScR used a PCC framework and comprehensive searches (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase, CUIDEN; Google Scholar/OpenGrey; March 2025), plus handsearching. Records were screened in duplicate; data were charted with a piloted form and narratively synthesised by device type and experience/safety domains.
Results :
Twenty-one records met inclusion criteria: 17 core device-focused studies and 4 contextual safety/handling sources. Core studies consistently reported discomfort, awkward posture, pain, embarrassment and dependence with traditional bedpans, alongside caregiver burden. Comparative evidence showed a clear preference for female urinals in eligible patients and greater acceptability for some alternative designs (e.g., disposable or inflatable variants); interventions that mobilised to the toilet or promoted respectful, skilled bedpan use were associated with reduced catheterisation. Safety findings indicated low adherence to education/reprocessing protocols and mixed signals regarding manual wiping versus automated disinfection. Contextual evidence documented persistent metal bedpan use in some health systems, wide variability in washer–disinfector/macerator availability and validation, and frequent manual emptying/rinsing—conditions linked to environmental contamination and antimicrobial-resistant organism risk.
Conclusions :
Improving care for bedridden women requires a dual approach: (1) woman-centred device redesign explicitly for supine use (fit, comfort, leakage control, dignity) with robust clinical validation and (2) system-level implementation that minimises manual handling and assures validated, documented reprocessing (or fit-for-purpose disposable pathways), supported by staff training, zoning, PPE and auditing.
Implications :
Standardised outcome measures for comfort, dignity, leakage and contamination proxies, along with comparative effectiveness studies in supine populations, are needed to guide safe, dignified and sustainable practice
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
Downhill Running-Induced Muscle Damage in Trail Runners: An Exploratory Study Regarding Training Background and Running Gait
No full textThis study aimed to assess the effect of a downhill-running (DR) bout on muscle damage biomarkers. It also examined whether training background and gait kinematics may influence DR-induced muscle damage and strength loss. Thirty-six experienced trail runners (25 men, 11 women), participants of a 106 km ultra-trail, performed a 5 km DR bout at 15% decline and at an intensity equivalent to their first ventilatory threshold. Muscle damage biomarkers (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and myoglobin) were analyzed before and 30 min after the DR protocol, and also before and after the UT race. Isometric strength was assessed before and after DR, and gait parameters were recorded during DR. All muscle damage biomarkers increased following DR (d = 0.19 to 1.85). Lactate dehydrogenase concentrations after the race and DR were associated (r = 0.64). Athletes who habitually performed downhill repetitions showed reduced creatine kinase (182 ± 73 U/L vs. 290 ± 192 U/L; p < 0.05; d = 0.64) and greater squat strength retention (4 ± 10% vs. −9.1 ± 16.8%; p <0.05; d = 0.87). Ankle plantar flexion and squat strength retention were inversely correlated with vertical oscillation (r = −0.44) and step length (r = −0.37), respectively. In summary, lactate dehydrogenase response to a short DR bout could indicate an athlete’s readiness to handle ultra-trail-induced muscle damage, although further research is needed to confirm it. In addition, despite the exploratory nature of the study, regularly performing downhill intervals and adopting a more terrestrial gait pattern appear to soften strength loss and muscle damage response to DR
Estudio prospectivo para evaluar el papel de la valoración geriátrica en pacientes con carcinoma no microcítico de pulmón estadio III irresecable
No full textLa quimiorradioterapia concurrente es el tratamiento estándar para el cáncer de pulmón de células no pequeñas localmente avanzado irresecable. La valoración geriátrica permite seleccionar pacientes aptos para tratamiento activo y detectar aquellos vulnerables o frágiles que requieren cuidados paliativos o intervenciones específicas. Este estudio prospectivo exploratorio incluyó pacientes ≥ 70 años sometidos a valoración geriátrica. Los objetivos secundarios fueron describir la población, evaluar la valoración geriátrica como factor pronóstico, determinar el perfil de toxicidad y explorar un biomarcador de fragilidad. Se incluyeron 51 pacientes; el 35% fueron clasificados como frágiles, presentando menor supervivencia global y mayor toxicidad severa. Los resultados confirman que la valoración geriátrica puede identificar pacientes frágiles no aptos para tratamiento activo, con mayor riesgo de toxicidad. Los resultados de los análisis de sangre sugieren la posibilidad de nuevas hipótesis sobre biomarcadores de fragilidad.Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the standard approach for locally advanced, unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As the cancer population increasingly consists of older adults, the role of Geriatric Assessment (GA) in identifying patients suitable for intensive treatment becomes relevant. Although GA has demonstrated value in multiple tumor types, its application in advanced unresectable NSCLC remains limited. This prospective, non-interventional exploratory study evaluated the ability of GA to identify frail patients who may not benefit from active treatment. Patients aged ≥70 years with unresectable locally advanced NSCLC underwent GA. Secondary objectives included population characterization, assessment of the prognostic value of GA, toxicity evaluation, and exploration of potential frailty biomarkers. Between June 2017 and June 2020, 51 patients were enrolled; 35% were classified as frail. Frailty was associated with reduced overall survival and higher grade 3–4 toxicities. Findings suggest that GA effectively identifies older patients unsuitable for intensive treatment and highlights potential biological markers warranting further investigation.Programa de Doctorat en Ciències Biomèdiques i Salu
Resource Optimization with MPI Process Malleability for Dynamic Workloads in HPC Clusters
No full textDynamic resource management is essential for optimizing computational efficiency in modern high-
performance computing (HPC) environments, particularly as systems scale. While research has
demonstrated the benefits of malleability in resource management systems (RMS), the adoption of
such techniques in production environments remains limited due to challenges in standardization,
interoperability, and usability. Addressing these gaps, this paper extends our prior work on the
Dynamic Management of Resources (DMR) framework, which provides a modular and user-friendly
approach to dynamic resource allocation. Building upon the original DMRlib reconfiguration runtime,
this work integrates new methodology from the Malleability Module (MaM) of the Proteo framework,
further enhancing reconfiguration capabilities with new spawning strategies and data redistribution
methods. In this paper, we explore new malleability strategies in HPC dynamic workloads, such as
merging MPI communicators and asynchronous reconfigurations, which offer new opportunities for
dramatically reducing memory overhead. The proposed enhancements are rigorously evaluated on
a world-class supercomputer, demonstrating improved resource utilization and workload efficiency.
Results show that dynamic resource management can reduce the workload completion time by 40%
and increase the resource utilization by over 20%, compared to static resource allocation
IntGenSim_Interactive-Genetic-Simulacions (v2.0)
No full textEste repositorio contiene archivos de Excel (.xlsm) con código VBA y macros diseñados para realizar simulaciones de procesos genéticos con fines educativos. También encontrarás materiales multimedia explicativos (videos, imágenes o documentos) para facilitar su comprensión y uso en el aula
Biodegradation of PHBV-based biocomposites in two different marine environments of the Mediterranean Sea
No full textPlastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues worldwide, with large amounts of conventional plastics accumulating in terrestrial and marine ecosystems due to their persistence and ineffective waste management. Developing and understanding the biodegradation behavior of environmentally friendly alternatives, such as bioplastics, is therefore crucial to mitigate this problem. In this context, the degradation of PHBV-based biocomposites containing purified cellulose (TC), wood flour (WF), and almond shell (AS) fibers have been investigated and compared with neat PHBV in two Mediterranean marine locations—a port and the open sea, within the same geographic region. Changes in weight, surface morphology, surface roughness, surface chemistry, and mechanical properties were monitored and periodically evaluated over 18 months of seawater exposure at the two sites. After 18 months of immersion, PHBV/AS showed the highest disintegration degree (88% for 150 µm films and 33% for 500 µm sheets), with the port environment promoting up to a two- to three-fold higher biodegradation rate compared to the open sea. Additionally, mineralization was studied in lab-simulated marine conditions by tracking CO2 release in order to study the actual effect of the fibers on the biodegradation rate of the PHBV. The research highlighted the significant influence of habitat-specific factors on biodegradation, with the port environment exhibiting a more pronounced impact on bacterial adhesion, weight loss, and the deterioration of mechanical properties compared to the open sea. Lignocellulosic fillers, regardless of type, promoted PHBV biodegradation in both conditions. In particular, PHBV/AS exhibited the highest disintegration degree, followed by PHBV/TC and PHBV/WF. Fiber characteristics such as size, shape, and porosity predominantly governed biocomposite disintegrability. Almond shell was revealed as the most favorable fiber for PHBV biodegradation during mineralization test. Under laboratory-simulated marine conditions, the composites reached 50% mineralization between 55 and 70% faster than neat PHBV, confirming the accelerating effect of the fibers on the biodegradation kinetics. This study aims to shed light on the understanding of the biodegradation mechanism of biodegradable polymers and the effect of cellulosic fillers on this natural process. Additionally, the study includes tests and measurements of biodegradation under real conditions, which will provide further insights into the kinetics of this process. This knowledge is of interest for designing biodegradable products and predicting their biodegradation time.This research was supported by projects PID2021-128749OB-C32 and TED2021-130211B-C31 funded by MCIN/AEI/https://doi.org/10.13039/501100011033 and FEDER, UE, and by MCIN/AEI/https://doi.org/10.13039/501100011033 and European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR respectively.Funding for open access charge: CRUE-Universitat Jaume IFunding for open access charge: CRUE-Universita