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From textual abstracts to video abstracts on health sciences: towards multimodality in the RA genre
No full textDoctorat internacionalThis doctoral thesis investigates the educational value and communicative affordances of Video Abstracts (VAs) as emerging multimodal genres in health sciences education. While originally developed to summarise scholarly articles for broader dissemination, VAs are gaining increased relevance as instructional tools capable of engaging diverse learners through multimodal strategies. Grounded in genre theory (Swales, 1990; Bhatia, 2002) and multimodal discourse analysis (Kress, 2010; O’Halloran, 2011), the study examines how VAs support comprehension, engagement, and retention of scientific content among undergraduate students in medicine, nursing, and psychology. Adopting a mixed-methods design that combines both qualitative and quantitative approaches, the study analyses VAs as socially situated communicative artefacts. The methodological framework is dual-layered: first, a qualitative multimodal analysis of four carefully selected VAs (drawn from an initial corpus of 104 videos) was conducted using ELAN software (Wittenburg et al., 2006) to annotate semiotic features such as gesture, gaze, prosody, visual elements, and editing. In parallel, a quantitative empirical reception study was carried out with 180 undergraduate students at Universitat Jaume I, who viewed the VAs, read the corresponding Textual Abstracts (TAs), and completed structured questionnaires via Qualtrics software (Qualtrics, 2025). These instruments assessed dimensions such as comprehension, affective-cognitive engagement, and perceived usefulness, allowing for the integration of textual analysis with user perceptions (Creswell & Poth, 2016; Lin & Lei, 2021). The findings indicate that VAs significantly enhance comprehension when verbal narration is meaningfully synchronised with visual, gestural, and prosodic cues (Mayer, 2009). Additionally, students demonstrated a marked preference for audiovisual formats over TAs, particularly with regard to clarity, retention, and emotional resonance (Curtis et al., 2019; Finkler & Leon, 2019). Multimodal sequences characterised by dynamic prosody, embodied gestures, and strong visual coherence were perceived as most effective for promoting understanding. The study also highlights how learner engagement is mediated by prior digital literacy and linguistic background, with implications for equitable access to scientific knowledge (Hamel, 2007; Lillis & Curry, 2011). The research supports the pedagogical principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) (Rose & Meyer, 2002; Ferreira, 2023) and aligns with global educational priorities, especially the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 9: Innovation; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities). Consequently, VAs emerge not only as tools for scientific communication, but also as inclusive learning artefacts that foster learner autonomy, multimodal literacy, and epistemic justice. Importantly, the study engages with the epistemic and linguistic asymmetries perpetuated by the dominance of English in scientific publishing (Curry & Lillis, 2004; Lillis & Curry, 2011). While not erasing these inequalities, VAs provide alternative semiotic resources for researchers and learners navigating across linguistic and cultural boundaries, thus expanding the communicative repertoire of scientific discourse. By integrating multimodal analysis with user-centred empirical inquiry, this dissertation contributes to science communication, digital genre studies, and educational practice in higher education. It ultimately calls for a reimagining of academic communication—one that is not only rigorous and technologically innovative, but also educationally grounded, inclusive, and socially engaged.Programa de Doctorat en Llengües Aplicades, Literatura i Traducci
Validación externa de modelo predictivo de cirugía subóptima en cáncer de ovario avanzado
No full textEl objetivo de esta tesis ha sido validar el modelo predictivo de cirugía subóptima en cáncer de ovario avanzado descrito en 2019 con datos recogidos de varios hospitales colaboradores: un total de 83 pacientes. Existen diferencias entre esta población y la que se usó para realizar el modelo, obteniendo significación estadística en: citorreducción conseguida, presencia de ascitis y presencia de suboclusión intestinal. Al no hallar homogenidad en las características de las pacientes de ambos grupos, y la falta de datos de pacientes de cirugía subóptima, no se ha podido realizar la validación externa. Algunos hospitales no han incluido ninguna cirugía subóptima, y la nueva muestra presenta un número menor de suboclusiones, siendo un factor de riesgo importante en el modelo. No presenta riesgos altos, cosa que nos hace pensar que no se han incluido en la recogida pacientes con alto riesgo de cirugía subóptima, incurriendo en un sesgo de selección.Despite advancements in treatments, ovarian cancer remains the leading cause of death among gynecologic cancers, accounting for 5% of female cancers, with an incidence of 8 per 100,000 women annually in Spain. Up to 80% of these cancers are diagnosed at advanced stages (III and IV), with a survival rate of less than 20-30% at five years. The standard treatment has remained unchanged for decades and involves primary cytoreductive surgery to remove as much tumor tissue as possible, followed by platinum-based chemotherapy. A key factor influencing the survival of these patients is achieving complete cytoreduction during the primary surgery, which entails resecting all visible tumor tissue. Thus, a critical aspect of surgical treatment is predicting whether the surgical team can achieve complete cytoreduction based on the patient’s preoperative characteristics. In this context, several predictive models for cytoreduction have been developed in recent years. Based on data from cytoreductive surgeries performed in the abdominal-pelvic oncologic surgery unit of the General Hospital of Castellón between 2013 and 2019, Drs. Escrig and Llueca developed a predictive model for suboptimal cytoreduction. This model classifies patients preoperatively by predicting the likelihood of not achieving complete surgery. The model includes two predictive approaches: the R3 model, which uses predictive information from preoperative assessments (CT-based PCI, laparoscopic PCI, and the presence of bowel subocclusion), and the R4 model, which also incorporates intraoperative evaluation (intraoperative PCI). The R3 model showed a sensitivity of 45% and a specificity of 91%, while the R4 model demonstrated a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 75%. The objective of this thesis was to validate this model using prospectively collected data from various collaborating Spanish hospitals, all of which are reference centers for such surgeries. Data were collected for 83 patients and their corresponding surgeries. Differences were observed between this new population (experimental group) and the population used to develop the model (control group), with statistically significant differences in: achieved cytoreduction (p-value = 0.049, favoring the experimental group), presence of ascites (p-value = 0.002, favoring the experimental group), and presence of bowel subocclusion (p-value = 0.002, favoring the control group). Only three suboptimal surgeries were recorded in the experimental group, compared to an a priori prediction of at least 13 suboptimal cases based on the sample size. Due to these results, indicating non-homogeneity in the clinical characteristics of the experimental and control groups, and the lack of suboptimal surgery cases, external validation of the model was not feasible. The proportion of suboptimal surgeries reported by many collaborating hospitals was 0%, and the experimental group had significantly fewer cases of bowel subocclusion compared to the control group—an important risk factor in the R3 and R4 models. Applying the two predictive models to the experimental group yielded predictions of low to intermediate risk, suggesting that patients with a high risk of suboptimal surgery were not included in the sample. This likely reflects a selection bias, as such patients were appropriately referred for neoadjuvant therapy.Programa de Doctorat en Ciències Biomèdiques i Salu
La pràctica de la subtitulació per a persones sordes: una mirada des de la professió
No full textDoctorat internacionalLa present tesi doctoral té com a objectiu contribuir a la visibilitat dels problemes de la pràctica professional de la Subtitulació per a Persones Sordes i amb pèrdua auditiva (SPS). Una de les hipòtesis clau de la tesi és que la normativa UNE 153010:2012, que regula la subtitulació per a persones sordes, no cobreix totes les possibles problemàtiques que es poden donar en la pràctica professional, especialment en aspectes com la posició dels subtítols, la identificació dels personatges, els efectes sonors o les qüestions lingüístiques vinculades a contextos de convivència de llengües, com el valencià i el castellà. A través de l'estudi, que consta d’una part descriptiva i una part experimental, es pretén reflexionar sobre la possible ampliació de la norma, incidint en aspectes com l’adequació dels colors per a identificar personatges en programes amb múltiples oradors, la representació dels silencis o els canvis de llengua en territoris bilingües. També s’analitzarà si les estratègies de resolució de problemes divergeixen o coincideixen entre professionals i alumnes en formació.This doctoral thesis aims to shed light on the challenges faced in the practice of Subtitling for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (SDH). The main hypothesis is that the UNE 153010:2012 standard does not fully address real-world issues, particularly regarding subtitle positioning, character identification, sound effects, and linguistic considerations in contexts of language coexistence, such as Valencian and Spanish. Through a descriptive and experimental approach, the study explores potential expansions to the standard, including the use of colours to identify characters in programs with multiple speakers, the representation of silences and the management of language changes in bilingual regions. Additionally, it examines whether problem-solving strategies differ between professionals and students in training, aiming to improve the standard and promote more inclusive and contextually adapted subtitling in multilingual settings.Programa de Doctorat en Llengües Aplicades, Literatura i Traducci
Insights into the Catalytic Activity of a Metagenome-Derived Urethanase
No full textThe discovery of urethanases shows an opportunity to access the biotechnological recycling of polyurethane-based plastics (PURs), widely used in the manufacture of everyday materials. However, the mechanistic understanding of these enzymes remains under debate. In this work, we report a QM/MM-based mechanistic study of the metagenome-derived urethanase UMG-SP2 catalyzing the degradation of a urethane-like model compound, 4-nitrophenyl benzylcarbamate (pNC). A high-quality structural model generated with AlphaFold2, prior to the availability of the crystal structure, accurately captured the Ser-Ser-Lys catalytic triad characteristic of amidase signature enzymes. Highly accurate constant-pH nonequilibrium molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo (neMD/MC) simulations provided the full titration curve of active site Lys, explaining the need for alkaline media for the enzyme to be active. The generation of the free energy landscape, obtained by means of free energy perturbation methods with the M06-2X DFT functional describing the QM region of the full system, reveals an esterase-like three-step mechanism of UMG-SP2, i.e., acylation, hydrolysis, and decarboxylation, with all steps being kinetically feasible. Our computational results show very good agreement with experimental kinetic data, with a calculated free energy barrier of 21.2 kcal·mol–1 for the rate-determining step compared to 22.9 kcal·mol–1 derived from the experimentally measured turnover frequency (TOF). The present results also open the door for the final decarboxylation occurring in the solution after the release of the product of the hydrolysis step or within the active site. These findings provide an atomistic insight into the urethanase function and establish a robust framework for the future design of biocatalysts targeting polyurethane degradation
Interrelación entre la gestión del cliente y la cultura organizacional: Un estudio para optimizar las micro experiencias y maximizar el retorno de la inversión.
No full textLa tesis doctoral analiza la interrelación entre la gestión de la experiencia del cliente (CXM) y la cultura organizacional, con el objetivo de optimizar las micro-experiencias del cliente y maximizar el retorno de la inversión (ROI). El estudio se estructura en tres partes: primero, un análisis bibliométrico confirma el creciente interés académico en Customer Experience (CX) y Customer Engagement (CE); segundo, se evalúa empíricamente el impacto de variables operativas en servicios de atención al cliente —como el tiempo de espera, la duración de la llamada y la resolución en el primer contacto— sobre la satisfacción y recomendación del cliente, destacando el rol mediador de la permanencia del cliente (Customer Tenure); tercero, se demuestra que la gestión de CX influye positivamente en elementos de la cultura organizacional (roles, selección, evaluación y reconocimiento), relacionándose directamente con el ROI. Finalmente, se subraya la necesidad de establecer un departamento específico de CX para institucionalizar su gestión.In a competitive and dynamic business environment, customer experience (CX) has emerged as a key strategic factor for fostering loyalty and differentiation. This dissertation examines customer experience management (CXM) and its connection with organizational culture, highlighting how both elements contribute to the creation of lasting emotional bonds and the optimization of the Customer Journey (CJ). The research underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, well-defined processes, and the effective use of technology to deliver personalized and positive experiences at critical moments of interaction. Furthermore, it analyzes the role of micro-experiences and how their proper management can enhance perceived value, customer loyalty, and return on investment. An integrated framework is proposed, aligning organizational culture with customer expectations, thereby enabling organizations to achieve sustainable competitive advantages through a robust and consistent CX.Programa de Doctorat en Màrquetin
Novel neutral and ionic metal-organic frameworks for sustainable catalytic processes
No full textThis thesis explores new strategies for designing and enhancing the chemical reactivity of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to convert waste into valuable chemical products. MOFs were synthesized in combination with 3D-printed polymers and ionic liquids, forming composite materials with improved catalytic performance due to the high dispersion of active sites. Functionalization was achieved by anchoring amino acids to the MOFs, creating multifunctional materials under mild, environmentally friendly conditions using non-toxic, abundant metals and bio-based ligands. Various synthesis methods based on classical, solvent-assisted, and rapid green, onepot approaches were used to develop and characterize these materials. The resulting MOFs were effective in reactions relevant to waste valorization, such as CO₂ fixation and carbonyl activation, operating under mild conditions without additives. The materials demonstrated superior activity, stability, and reusability, aligning with principles of green and circular chemistry, and contributing to the development of advanced heterogeneous catalysts for sustainable chemical processes.Programa de Doctorat en Química Sostenibl
Gitanos en Castellón de la Plana: Avecindamiento forzoso, control y desigualdad (1739-1978)
No full textEl presente trabajo realiza un recorrido por la historia del Pueblo Gitano desde lo general -España- hasta lo particular -Castellón de la Plana-. La historia de los gitanos en Castellón ha transcurrido de manera paralela al resto del territorio: el peregrinaje, asentamiento, control y persecución, fueron consustanciales a la región. La tesis indaga en las causas del persistente rechazo y discriminación, amparados desde el punto de vista legal, pero con un trasfondo socioeconómico, que han alimentado los estereotipos e imagen negativa de la etnia gitana: nómada, trapacero, vago, embaucador, etc. que aún persiste. La historia de los gitanos en España se puede resumir afirmando que fueron aceptados como peregrinos, rechazados como vecinos y discriminados como españoles. Las campañas emprendidas en el siglo XXI por el Secretariado Gitano han puesto el énfasis en el conocimiento de su cultura. Nuevos tiempos y nuevas miradas a las que esperemos contribuir con nuestro estudio.This work takes a journey through the history of the Gypsy People from the general aspects –Spain– to the particular –Castellón de la plana–. The history of the gypsies in Castellón has happened parallel to the rest of the territory: pilgrimage, settlement, control and chase were consubstantial to the region. This thesis investigates the causes of persistent repulse and discrimination, protected from a legal point of view but with a social and economic background that has fed stereotypes and negative image of gypsy ethnic group: wandering, cheaters, lazy… which still remain today. The Gypsies history in Spain can be summed up saying that they were accepted as pilgrims, rejected as neighbours and discriminated like a Spaniards. The campaigns started in the 21st century by Gypsy Organisation has emphasized understanding their culture. These are new times and new perspectives, to which we hope to contribute through our study.Programa de Doctorat en Història i Estudis Contemporani
Neuropeptidergic Modulation and Neural Pathways in Contextual Fear Conditioning and Extinction: Insights from the Retrosplenial Cortex and Nucleus Incertus
No full textDoctorat internacionalThis work examines the mechanisms underlying contextual fear conditioning and the role of neural networks in memory processing. We assessed how different procedural factors influence the acquisition and extinction of contextual fear in rats, revealing that spaced sessions of conditioning enhance extinction, while minimal shocks produce context-specific fear. More intense conditioning, however, leads to fear generalization across contexts, which can be extinguished similarly to the conditioned context. Additionally, we explored the role of the the neuropeptide relaxin-3 (RLN3) signaling via the RXFP3 receptor in the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) in contextual fear conditioning. Modulation of RXFP3 in the RSC delayed fear extinction without affecting acquisition, suggesting that RLN3/RXFP3 signaling enhances memory strength, making extinction more resistant. Anatomical studies confirmed a strong presence of RLN3-immunoreactive fibers in the RSC, particularly co-localizing with inhibitory circuits. Finally, we investigated the connectivity between the RSC and other brain regions, particularly the bidirectional projections between the RSC, prefrontal cortex, and nucleus incertus. These connections were confirmed using anterograde and retrograde tracers, highlighting a broader cortical and subcortical network that involves key regions such as the prelimbic and orbitofrontal cortices, the medial septum habenula, interpeduncular, and the supramammillary nucleus. All together, these findings provide a more integrated understanding of the circuitry involved in contextual fear and memory processing, emphasizing the long-loop interactions between the retrosplenial cortex, prefrontal areas, and subcortical structures in regulating fear acquisition and extinction processes.Programa de Doctorat en Ciències Biomèdiques i Salu
Environmental complaints in the business field in Spain: a paradoxically blurry right
No full textLa denuncia de daños en el medioambiente en el marco de la empresa se ha canalizado tradicionalmente, tanto en el ámbito supranacional como nacional, y a falta de mecanismos específicos, a través de los derechos de libertad de expresión y de libertad de información. Sin embargo, estos presentan importantes carencias que determinan que la protección que dispensan a las personas trabajadoras que los ejercitan sea poco garantista. La Directiva 2019/1937 prevé vías de protección específicas para las personas vinculadas laboral o profesionalmente a la empresa que denuncien acciones u omisiones constitutivas de infracciones en un amplio elenco de materias, entre las que se incluye el medioambiente, que parece colocarse en un plano singular. Esta particularidad no se mantiene, o queda diluida, en la Ley 2/2023, que la traspone.The reporting of damages in the medium environment in the company has been channeled traditionally, in the supranational and national sphere, through specific mechanisms, through the rights of freedom of expression and freedom of information. But these present important flaws that determine that the protection they provide to hard-working people who exercise is not guaranteed. Directive 2019/1937 provides specific ways of protection for persons involved in work or professionally with the company who report actions or omissions constitutive of infringements in a broad list of matters, including the environment, which appears to be located in a single plane. This particularity is not maintained, or diluted, in Ley 2/2023, which transposes it
Analytical approaches for volatile organic compounds to understand plant communication
No full textPlants use volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as one of several signaling mechanisms to interact with each other and their environment. These chemical messages play a vital role in plant survival, influencing stress responses, defense mechanisms, and interactions with other organisms. However, the precise chemical composition and functional diversity of these volatile blends remain largely unknown. Metabolomic profiling through advanced analytical techniques based on chromatography hyphened to mass spectrometry has become a powerful approach for deciphering this complex chemical dialogue. Choosing the correct methodology is critical for conducting a successful analysis and this review aims to bridge the gap in our understanding by critically analyzing the main factors influencing VOCs analysis. Additionally, we will explore the strengths and limitations of different sampling methodologies, focusing on their effectiveness in profiling complex VOCs mixtures. By optimizing VOCs analytical methodologies, we can improve our understanding of plant-plant communication and stress responses, which may contribute to insights into ecosystems functioning and potential resilience under environmental change.This work was supported by a Research Grant RGY0052/2022 from Human Frontier Science Program https://doi.org/10.52044/HFSP.RGY00522022.pc.gr.15358