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The Challenges of Resilience: an Analysis of Coping Strategies and Adaptation of Immigrant Women with Family Responsibilities in A Coruña
Get PDF[Resumen] En el presente trabajo de investigación se pretende comprender la capacidad de
resiliencia de las mujeres inmigrantes con responsabilidades familiares que residen en A
Coruña. Para ello se aborda cómo las mujeres enfrentan y superan desafíos relacionados con
la búsqueda de empleo y vivienda, así como la regularización de su situación jurídica. El
estudio pretende también analizar las barreras y desafíos específicos que enfrentan,
especialmente en relación con las responsabilidades de trabajo de cuidados no remunerado,
desde la perspectiva de la corresponsabilidad. Para lograr este cometido, se emplearon
entrevistas en profundidad, que permitieron recoger testimonios detallados sobre los recursos
y estrategias que estas mujeres movilizan para construir una vida estable y digna en un
contexto migratorio. La mayoría de las entrevistadas demuestran una notable resiliencia al
enfrentarse a los diversos desafíos relacionados con la migración. A pesar de que existen
aspectos que podrían mejorarse, especialmente en cuanto a la seguridad económica y legal, su
habilidad para adaptarse, perseverar y mantener una actitud positiva hacia su nueva vida en A
Coruña es indiscutible.[Resumo] No presente traballo de investigación preténdese comprender a capacidade de
resiliencia das mulleres inmigrantes con responsabilidades familiares que residen na Coruña.
Para iso abórdase como as mulleres afrontan e superan desafíos relacionados coa procura de
emprego e vivenda, así como a regularización da súa situación xurídica. O estudo pretende
tamén analizar as barreiras e desafíos específicos que enfrontan, especialmente en relación
coas responsabilidades de traballo de coidados non remunerado, desde a perspectiva da
corresponsabilidade. Para lograr este cometido, empregáronse entrevistas en profundidade,
que permitiron recoller testemuños detallados sobre os recursos e estratexias que estas
mulleres mobilizan para construír unha vida estable e digna nun contexto migratorio. A
maioría das entrevistadas demostran unha notable resiliencia ao enfrontarse aos diversos
desafíos relacionados coa migración. A pesar de que existen aspectos que poderían
mellorarse, especialmente en canto á seguridade económica e legal, a súa habilidade para
adaptarse, perseverar e manter unha actitude positiva cara á súa nova vida na Coruña é
indiscutible.[Abstract] This research study aims to understand the resilience capacity of immigrant
women with family responsibilities residing in A Coruña. It examines how these women face
and overcome challenges related to finding employment and housing, as well as regularizing
their legal status. The study also aims to analyze the specific barriers and challenges they
encounter, particularly concerning unpaid caregiving responsibilities, from the perspective of
co-responsibility. To achieve this goal, in-depth interviews were conducted, allowing for the
collection of detailed testimonies about the resources and strategies these women mobilize to
build a stable and dignified life in a migratory context. The majority of the interviewees
demonstrate notable resilience when facing the various challenges related to migration.
Although there are areas that could be improved, especially regarding economic and legal
security, their ability to adapt, persevere, and maintain a positive attitude towards their new
life in A Coruña is undeniable.Traballo fin de grao (UDC.SOC). Socioloxía. Curso 2023/202
Unveiling Barocaloric Potential in Organometallic-Sandwich Compounds [Cp₂M][PF₆] (M: Fe³⁺, Co³⁺)
No full text[Abstract] Organometallic-sandwich salts are well-known materials that undergo order–disorder phase transitions, leading to a high-temperature phase characterized by the total or partial disorder of ionic species. Their potential for barocaloric applications has not previously been explored. Here, we focus on two salts derived from metallocenes with the formula [Cp₂M][PF₆] where Cp: cyclopentadienyl anion (C₅H₅)‾ and M: Fe³⁺ or Co³⁺. These molecular salts exhibit two solid–solid phase transitions, shifting from a well-ordered crystalline phase at low temperatures to an orientationally disordered phase in the case of the Fe-compound, and a partially disordered phase in the case of the Co-compound above room temperature. We find a significant entropy change (∼40 J K‾¹ kg‾¹) and a moderate volume change (∼2%) associated with these phase transitions. Additionally, we observe that these transitions are highly sensitive to external applied pressure, leading to substantial barocaloric effects (exceeding 20 K kbar‾¹). Very interestingly, we obtain substantial values for reversible adiabatic temperature change (ΔTᵣₑᵥ > 10 K) under an applied pressure as low as 1 kbar, comparable to those observed in the most promising barocaloric materials. We prove that the unique structure and chemical bonding of these sandwich organometallic cations are responsible for their interesting and unusual barocaloric response. These findings position the metallocenium family as promising candidates for eco-friendly solid-state refrigeration technologies.The authors thank financial support from grant PID2021-122532OB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and ERDF A way of making Europe, the project PDC2021-121076-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by the European Union Next GenerationEU/PRTR, and the projects ED431C 2022/39 and ED431F 2023/33 funded by Xunta de Galicia. This publication is part of the grant RYC2021-033040-I, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and from European Union «NextGenerationEU»/PRTR». J. G. B. thanks Xunta de Galicia for postdoctoral fellowship ED481B/2024. J. M. B. G. is grateful for the support received by UDC-Inditex InTalent Programme. R. J. C. D. and A. E. P. would like to thank the financial support of EPSRC throughout provision of the funding (EP/S03577X/1). The authors thank Diamond Light Source for the award of beamtime (CY30448-1 on I11), and Eamonn Connolly for his assistance on the experiment.Xunta de Galicia; ED431C 2022/39Xunta de Galicia; ED431F 2023/33Xunta de Galicia; ED481B/2024Reino Unido. Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC); EP/S03577X/
Noise Exposure and Mitigation on High-Speed Craft: Assessing Acoustic Environment and Regulatory Compliance
Get PDF[Abstract] High-speed craft (HSC) present unique challenges regarding on-board noise levels, affecting crew safety, comfort, and operational efficiency. This study investigates noise exposure and mitigation strategies aboard three Ro-Pax HSC vessels operating in southern Spain, with a focus on noise sources, regulatory compliance, and crew health. Full-scale experimental measurements were conducted in critical on-board locations, and noise maps were developed to identify areas where sound levels exceed International Maritime Organization (IMO) and European Directive 2003/10/EC thresholds. Results highlight that engine rooms and propulsion systems are the primary sources of excessive noise, with significant transmission to passenger and crew accommodation areas. Noise exposure calculations reveal that several crew roles, particularly engineers and deckhands, face exposure to hazardous noise levels during routine operations. Mitigation strategies, including improved insulation, noise mapping, and the implementation of hearing protection, are recommended to enhance on-board acoustic conditions. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of noise pollution on HSC vessels and proposes practical interventions to reduce exposure, improving overall maritime safety and occupational health
Market Competition and Strategic Interaction in the Spanish FinTech Industry
Get PDFFinanciado para a publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade da Coruña/CISUG[Abstract] Financial technology (FinTech) is driving innovation in the financial industry worldwide, but it also poses a threat to traditional banks by the new FinTech start-ups. This article contributes by analysing whether incumbent financial institutions, through their FinTech ventures, compete or collaborate with the new FinTech firms. As a case study, we use the emergent FinTech industry in Spain during the decade of 2010s – a country with a world-leading banking sector before the global financial crisis and now third in Europe by number of FinTech firms. Competition among FinTech firms is measured using the Herfindahl–Hirschman index, the Panzar-Rosse H statistic, the Lerner index, and the Boone indicator, while an oligopolistic conjectural variation model tests interaction between bank-owned and independent FinTech start-ups. The results show that traditional banks use their FinTech ventures to compete against the new players in the industry. The process has led to sharp reductions in concentration but moderate, albeit increasing, market competition in the context of a twentyfold increase in revenues during the decade. Authorities can draw lessons for policy-making in favour of regulation that promotes a level playing field in which independent FinTech start-ups can compete.The authors acknowledge funding for open access charge by Universidade da Coruña/CISUG, as well as financial support from Consellería de Cultura, Educación e Ordenación Universitaria (Xunta de Galicia) through Grant GRC 2023 GI-2060 AEMIXunta de Galicia; GRC 2023 GI-2060 AEM
Economics of Social Relations: Critical Perspectives on Social Capital
No full text[Abstract] Starting from the idea that economic relations are social relations, and every economic fact is first a social fact, this book explores one of the crucial problems within economic science: how to embody the social dimension into the study of economic reality from a critical perspective. This book opens with an examination of the concept of social capital, incorporating all the approaches from the last 30 years of analysis. It reviews the two main orientations of existing research programmes in social capital: the macro or culturalist perspective and the micro or individual social capital. Furthermore, it proposes a reconstruction of the theory from a micro perspective. Finally, taking this approach, this book explores the link between social capital and the negative aspects of social reality, such as corruption or inequality, and, through the study of so-called relational goods, the influence of social capital on subjective well-being. The analysis of the concept of social capital not only involves economists but also requires a necessary bridge with sociology, anthropology, political science, and even psychology. This book will, therefore, be crucial reading for anyone engaged in the problem of the interrelation between economy and society
No obesity paradox for health-related quality of life in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: insights from the VIDA multicenter study
Get PDF[Abstract] Background and Objectives: Previous studies showed that, paradoxically, obese patients with heart failure (HF) have better clinical outcomes compared to overweight, normal, or underweight patients. Scientific societies emphasize the importance of integrating quality of life (QoL) assessment in cardiovascular care. However, the association between QoL and weight remains understudied. Given the significant correlation between HF survival and QoL, it is essential to assess how obesity impacts patient-reported outcomes in this clinical setting. Methods: This cross-sectional multicenter study in 1028 HF patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) aims to evaluate the association between obesity and QoL, and whether the obesity paradox holds for HF patients regarding QoL. Specific and generic QoL questionnaires were administered alongside clinical parameters like body mass index (BMI) and body adiposity estimator (BAE). Results: Obese compared to non-obese reported worse QoL. In the adjusted linear regression models, neither BMI nor obesity were associated with QoL. Generalized additive models confirmed a strong non-parametric association between BMI, subdomain scores from Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) (OSS p = 0.004, CSS p = 0.006, TSS p = 0.02), and summary measurements of EQ-5D (EQ-5D index p = 0.003, visual analogue scale (VAS) p = 0.01). In contrast, BAE showed a statistically significant linear relation among QoL (OSS p ≤ 0.001, CSS p ≤ 0.001, TSS p ≤ 0.001) and EQ-5D summary measurements (EQ-5D index p ≤ 0.001, VAS p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: Overall, obese patients have worse QoL; therefore, obesity cannot be considered a protective factor in terms of QoL in established HF
Uncovering the Potent Antiviral Activity of the Sesterterpenoids from the Sponge Ircinia Felix Against Human Adenoviruses: from the Natural Source to the Total Synthesis
Get PDFFinanciado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade da Coruña/CISUG.[Abstract] Human Adenovirus (HAdV) infections in immunocompromised patients can result in disseminated diseases with high morbidity and mortality rates due to the absence of available treatments for these infections. The sponge Ircinia felix was selected for the significant anti-HAdV activity displayed by its organic extracts. Its chemical analysis yielded three novel sesterterpene lactams, ircinialactams J−L, along with three known sesterterpene furans which structures were established by a deep spectrometric analysis. Ircinialactam J displayed significant antiviral activity against HAdV without significant cytotoxicity, showing an effectiveness 11 times greater than that of the standard treatment, cidofovir®. Comparison of the antiviral evaluation results of the isolated compounds allowed us to deduce some structure-activity relationships. Mechanistic assays suggest that ircinialactam J targets an early step of the HAdV replicative cycle before HAdV genome reaches the nucleus of the host cell. The first total synthesis of ircinialactam J was also accomplished to prove the structure and to provide access to analogues. Key steps are a regio- and stereoselective construction of the trisubstituted Z-olefin at Δ7 by iron-catalyzed carbometallation of a homopropargylic alcohol, a stereoselective methylation to generate the stereogenic center at C18, and the formation of the (Z)-Δ20 by stereoselective aldol condensation to introduce the tetronic acid unit. Ircinialactam J is a promising chemical lead to new potent antiviral drugs against HAdV infections.We gratefully acknowledge the help of colleagues, Daniel Catzim Pech, Carlos González-Salas, Gabriel González Mapen, Jorge Peniche Pérez, Melissa llanes López and Rodrigo Garcia Uribe for collecting the marine samples. We thank Patricia Gomez (ICMyL-UNAM) for helping with taxonomic identification. J.R. and C.J. acknowledge Xunta de Galicia and CESGA for the computational resources. Funding for open access charge: Universidade da Coruña/CISUG. This work was supported by grants PID2021-122732OB−C22 from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/ 501100011033/ FEDER “A way to make Europe” (AEI, Spanish State Agency for Research and FEDER Program from the European Union) and by Plan Nacional de I+D+i 2013–2016 and Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Proyectos de Desarrollo Tecnológico en Salud (DTS20/00010). Work in University of A Coruña was also supported by grant ED431 C 2022/39 from Xunta de Galicia. JS−C (CB21/13/00006) was supported by CIBERINFEC - Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and Unión Europea – NextGenerationEU. J.S.C. is also supported by the program “Nicolás Monardes” (C-0059–2018) Servicio Andaluz de Salud, Junta de Andalucía. DP−P received a postdoctoral fellowship from the National Council of Humanities, Sciences and Technologies (CONAHCYT) of Mexico. L.A. thanks Xunta de Galicia (Spain) for a post-doctoral fellowship, ref: ED481B-2024-076Xunta de Galicia; ED431 C 2022/39Servicio Andaluz de Salud; C-0059–2018Xunta de Galicia; ED481B-2024-07
Emergence of carbapenemase genes in gram-negative bacteria isolated from the wastewater treatment plant in A Coruña, Spain
Get PDF[Abstract] Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are recognized as important niches of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can be easily spread to the environment. In this study, we collected wastewater samples from the WWTP of A Coruña (NW Spain) from April 2020 to February 2022 to evaluate the presence of Gram-negative bacteria harboring carbapenemase genes. Bacteria isolated from wastewater were classified and their antimicrobial profiles were determined. In total, 252 Gram-negative bacteria carrying various carbapenemase genes were described. Whole-genome sequencing was conducted on 55 selected carbapenemase producing isolates using Oxford Nanopore technology. This study revealed the presence of a significant population of bacteria carrying carbapenemase genes in WWTP, which constitutes a public health problem due to their risk of dissemination to the environment. This emphasizes the usefulness of WWTP monitoring for combating antibiotic resistance. Data revealed the presence of different types of sequences harboring carbapenemase genes, such as blaKPC-2, blaGES-5, blaGES-6, blaIMP-11, blaIMP-28, blaOXA-24, blaOXA-48, blaOXA-58, blaOXA-217, and blaVIM-2. Importantly, the presence of the blaKPC-2 gene in wastewater, several months before any clinical case was detected in University Hospital of A Coruña, suggests that wastewater-based epidemiology can be used as an early warning system for the surveillance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.The present study received funding from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Spain, through the project PI20/00413, co-funded by the European Union (EU) to M.P. and by CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas: CIBERINFEC, ISCIII (CB21/13/00055) to G.B and M.P.info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ISCIII/Programa Estatal de Generación de Conocimiento y Fortalecimiento del Sistema Español de I+D+I/PI20%2F00413/ES/FARMACOMICROBIOMICA Y MEDICINA PERSONALIZADA EN LA TERAPIA DEL CANCER COLORECTALInstituto de Salud Carlos III; CB21/13/0005
Epidemiological and clinical characterization of community, healthcare-associated and nosocomial colonization and infection due to carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli in Spain
Get PDF[Abstract]
Background: Community-acquired (CA) and healthcare-associated (HCA) infections caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are not well characterized. The objective was to provide detailed information about the clinical and molecular epidemiological features of nosocomial, HCA and CA infections caused by carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (CP-Kp) and Escherichia coli (CP-Ec).
Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed in 59 Spanish hospitals from February to March 2019, including the first 10 consecutive patients from whom CP-Kp or CP-Ec were isolated. Patients were stratified according to acquisition type. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify the impact of acquisition type in 30-day mortality.
Results: Overall, 386 patients were included (363 [94%] with CP-Kp and 23 [6%] CP-Ec); in 296 patients (76.3%), the CPE was causing an infection. Acquisition was CA in 31 (8.0%) patients, HCA in 183 (47.4%) and nosocomial in 172 (48.3%). Among patients with a HCA acquisition, 100 (54.6%) had been previously admitted to hospital and 71 (38.8%) were nursing home residents. Urinary tract infections accounted for 19/23 (82.6%), 89/130 (68.5%) and 42/143 (29.4%) of CA, HCA and nosocomial infections, respectively. Overall, 68 infections (23%) were bacteremia (8.7%, 17.7% and 30.1% of CA, HCA and nosocomial, respectively). Mortality in infections was 28% (13%, 14.6% and 42.7% of CA, HCA and nosocomial, respectively). Nosocomial bloodstream infections were associated with increased odds for mortality (adjusted OR, 4.00; 95%CI 1.21-13.19).
Conclusions: HCA and CA infections caused by CPE are frequent and clinically significant. This information may be useful for a better understanding of the epidemiology of CPE.Funding for open access publishing: Universidad de Sevilla/CBUA. This study was supported by grants from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación): grant PI21CIII/00039 and Personalized and precision medicine grant (MePRAM project, PMP22/00092 funded by NextGeneration EU funds. It was also supported by Plan Nacional de I + D + i 2013–2016, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Subdirección General de Redes y Centros de Investigación Cooperativa, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (grants RD16CIII/0004/0002, RD16/0016/0001, RD16/0016/0003, RD16/0016/0004, RD16/0016/0006, RD16/0016/0007, RD16/0016/0008, RD16/0016/0010, and RD16/0016/0011), co-financed by the European Development Regional Fund “A way to achieve Europe,” Operative Program Intelligent Growth 2014–2020, and CIBERINFEC (CB21/13/00095, CB21/13/00012, CB21/13/00049, CB21/13/00054, CB21/13/00055, CB21/13/00068, CB21/13/00081, CB21/13/00084, and CB21/13/00099).Instituto de Salud Carlos III; PI21CIII%2F00039info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ISCIII/Programa Estatal Para Afrontar las Prioridades de Nuestro Entorno/PMP22%2F00092/ES/La medicina de precisión contra la resistencia a antimicrobianos: Proyecto MePRAMEspaña. Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad; RD16CIII/0004/0002info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/MINECO/Programa Estatal de I+D+I Orientada a los Retos de la Sociedad/RD16%2F0016%2F0001/ES/RED ESPAÑOLA DE INVESTIGACIÓN EN PATOLOGÍAS INFECCIOSASinfo:eu-repo/grantAgreement/MINECO/Programa Estatal de I+D+I Orientada a los Retos de la Sociedad/RD16%2F0016%2F0003/ES/RED ESPAÑOLA DE INVESTIGACIÓN EN PATOLOGÍAS INFECCIOSASinfo:eu-repo/grantAgreement/MINECO/Programa Estatal de I+D+I Orientada a los Retos de la Sociedad/RD16%2F0016%2F0004/ES/RED ESPAÑOLA DE INVESTIGACIÓN EN PATOLOGÍAS INFECCIOSASinfo:eu-repo/grantAgreement/MINECO/Programa Estatal de I+D+I Orientada a los Retos de la Sociedad/RD16%2F0016%2F0006/ES/RED ESPAÑOLA DE INVESTIGACIÓN EN PATOLOGÍAS INFECCIOSASinfo:eu-repo/grantAgreement/MINECO/Programa Estatal de I+D+I Orientada a los Retos de la Sociedad/RD16%2F0016%2F0007/ES/RED ESPAÑOLA DE INVESTIGACIÓN EN PATOLOGÍAS INFECCIOSASinfo:eu-repo/grantAgreement/MINECO/Programa Estatal de I+D+I Orientada a los Retos de la Sociedad/RD16%2F0016%2F0008/ES/RED ESPAÑOLA DE INVESTIGACIÓN EN PATOLOGÍAS INFECCIOSASinfo:eu-repo/grantAgreement/MINECO/Programa Estatal de I+D+I Orientada a los Retos de la Sociedad/RD16%2F0016%2F0010/ES/RED ESPAÑOLA DE INVESTIGACIÓN EN PATOLOGÍAS INFECCIOSASinfo:eu-repo/grantAgreement/MINECO/Programa Estatal de I+D+I Orientada a los Retos de la Sociedad/RD16%2F0016%2F0011/ES/RED ESPAÑOLA DE INVESTIGACIÓN EN PATOLOGÍAS INFECCIOSASCentro de Investigación Biomédica en Red; CB21/13/00095Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red; CB21/13/00012Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red; CB21/13/00049Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red; CB21/13/00054Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red; CB21/13/00055Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red; CB21/13/00068Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red; CB21/13/00081Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red; CB21/13/00084Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red; CB21/13/0009
Study and numerical simulation of Ginzburg-Landau model for superconductivity problems
Get PDF[Resumen] El presente trabajo se centra en el estudio y resolución numérica de la ecuación en derivadas
parciales de Ginzburg-Landau, que permite, entre otras aplicaciones, el estudio de los materiales superconductores.
En la memoria se comienza haciendo una breve introducción y descripción de los materiales superconductores,
así como de los diferentes modelos físicos que se han propuesto en la literatura para
modelizar este tipo de materiales, centrándonos en particular en la ecuación de Ginzburg-Landau.
En este trabajo se han estudiado los modelos unidimensional y bidimensional de Girbutz-Landau
y se ha llevado a cabo su resolución numérica empleando distintos métodos numéricos, los cuales se
comparan con el objetivo de determinar el esquema más robusto y que proporcione mejores resultados.[Resumo] O presente traballo céntrase no estudo e resolución numérica da ecuación en derivadas parciais de
Ginzburg-Landau, que permite, entre outras aplicacións, o estudo dos materiais superconductores.
Na memoria comézase por facer unha breve introdución e descrición dos materiais superconductores,
así como dos diferentes modelos físicos que se propuxeron na literatura para modelar este tipo de
materiais, centrando a atención en particular na ecuación de Ginzburg-Landau.
Neste traballo estudáronse os modelos unidimensional e bidimensional de Girbutz-Landau e realizouse
a súa resolución numérica empregando distintos métodos numéricos, os cales se comparan co
obxectivo de determinar o esquema máis robusto e que proporcione mellores resultados.[Abstract] The current work is based on the study and numerical solution of the Ginzburg-Landau partial
differential equation, which allows, among other applications, the study of superconducting materials.
In this report we start by making a brief introduction and description of superconducting materials,
as well as the various physical models that have been proposed in the literature to model this type of
materials, focusing particularly on the Ginzburg-Landau equation.
In this work, the one-dimensional and two-dimensional Girbutz-Landau models have been studied
and their numerical resolution has been carried out using different numerical methods, which are
compared with the aim of determining the most robust scheme that provides the best results.Traballo fin de grao (UDC.CIE). Nanociencia e Nanotecnoloxía. Curso 2023/202