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Fire use and waste management in an Iberian Iron Age village: Geoarchaeological insights into midden formation processes
No full textMiddens, commonly found in archaeological sites across different chronologies, serve as rich sedimentary archives of daily life by capturing the refuse and discarded artifacts of past human groups. This study focuses on the midden deposits of the Early Iron Age settlement site of Cerro de San Vicente (Central Iberia). We applied a high-resolution, microcontextual geoarchaeological approach, integrating soil micromorphology —including phytolith and charcoal analyses on thin sections—, sedimentary lipid biomarker analysis, X-Ray fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and magnetic properties analysis to investigate the formation processes and past functionality of the site’s midden deposits. Our findings reveal that the targeted sequences are primarily composed of wood ash and charred plant refuse, as well as trampled and disintegrated earth-based construction materials. These deposits are interpreted as the result of multiple hearth rake-out events, maintenance and construction activities, and possible spatially-related communal storage practices within the village. Stratigraphic connections between deposits from inside and outside the dwellings are proposed, linking the middens to an intermediate phase (ca. 600 BCE) of the village’s history. These results offer relevant insights into the spatial and temporal dynamics of refuse disposal, maintenance practices and space use at Cerro de San Vicente, highlighting the value of microcontextual geoarchaeological methods in unveiling domestic practices. This study contributes to enhancing our understanding of Early Iron Age socio-cultural and daily life practices in Central Iberia.This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (Project PID2019-104349GA-I00, AEI/https://doi.org/10.13039/501100011033) and a predoctoral contract awarded to LT (TESIS2021010119), co-funded by the Agencia Canaria de Investigación, Innovación y Sociedad de la Información de la Consejería de Universidades, Ciencia e Innovación y Cultura, and by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) Integrated Operational Program of the Canary Islands 2021–2027, Axis 3 Priority Theme 74 (85 %). AC acknowledges the project PID2019105796GB-I00 of the Agencia Estatal de Investigación and project BU037P23 of Junta de Castilla y León and the European Regional Development Fund
Improving archaeomagnetic interpretations by reusing magnetically oriented samples for micromorphological analysis
No full textHere we present a novel approach that combines soil micromorphology with the analysis of magnetically oriented samples to improve the interpretation of archaeomagnetic results. The aim is to test whether irregular archaeomagnetic data can be examined with micromorphological soil analysis in a single sample methodology, allowing said archaeomagnetic data to contribute to more meaningful archaeological interpretation. Experimental work included reusing oriented magnetic samples previously treated with sodium silicate resin, which were then re-impregnated with polyester or epoxy resins to produce thin sections. Initial experimentation was conducted to understand the potential effects of sodium silicate treatment on the optical and mechanical qualities of the thin sections. When no significant optical anomalies were identified, the methodology was tested using samples gathered from hearths at level X (ca. 52 ky BP) at the Middle Palaeolithic site of El Salt, Spain. Thin section analysis was conducted on archaeological hearth samples to identify syn- and post-depositional processes influencing the magnetic data. Micromorphological analysis of magnetic samples can identify the causes of anomalous magnetic direction, attributing them to specific sedimentary features rather than sampling or measurement errors. Discrepancies in magnetic signatures are linked to the presence or absence of certain combustion layers, such as black and white layers, as well as the impact of bioturbation and mechanical deformation. This integrative approach improves the interpretive potential of archaeomagnetic studies by not only validating the magnetic data as representative of the deposit but also providing a visual understanding of the sedimentary structure creating the magnetic signature. Our findings advocate for the routine inclusion of thin section inspection in archaeomagnetic research, particularly when dealing with complex sedimentary sequences and ambiguous magnetic data.We would like to acknowledge the entire El Salt excavation staff and team members, as well as the Direccion General de Cultura y Patrimonio of the Generalitat Valenciana for the authorization to excavate at El Salt site. Furthermore, we would like to acknowledge the help provided by Aspen Cooper in conception of the original experiments and advice provided during the development of its theoretical frameworks, as well as the work conducted by Amiel Arguinzones in sample preparation and the initial experimentation. This work was supported by the Municipality of Alcoy, Spanish Government project HAR2015- 68321-P (MINECO FEDER/UE), and a Spanish Government FPI predoctoral grant to A.D. A.C acknowledges the project PID2019105796GB-I00 of the Agencia Estatal de Investigacion and Junta de Castilla y León and the European Regional Development Fund (project BU037P23). A. H-L also acknowledges a post-doctoral contract associated with the latter project
Clayey Soil Improvement: Sustainable Solutions with Ladle Furnace Slag and Recycled Fibers from Wind Turbine Blades
No full textResumen de la comunicación presentada en: XII European Slag Conference 2024, durante los días 23-25 de octubre, en Bilbao (España)This research delves into the utilization of industrial by-products as stabilizers
to enhance soil bearing capacity, aiming to offer more sustainable
alternatives to conventional lime or cement stabilization methods. In this
study, the feasibility of using ladle furnace slag (LFS) as a binder for
stabilizing clayey soils instead of lime is investigated, verifying compliance
with the technical specifications of Spanish standards.This research work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Universities, MICINN, AEI, EU, ERDF and NextGenerationEU/PRTR [grant numbers PID2023-146642OB-I00; 719 10.13039/501100011033; TED2021-129715 B–I00]; the Junta de Castilla y León (Regional Government) and ERDF [grant number UIC-231; BU033P23
Mechanical Properties of Small Quasi-Square Graphene Nanoflakes
No full textThe rise of straintronics—the possibility of fine-tuning the electronic properties of nanosystems by applying strain to them—has enhanced the interest in characterizing the mechanical properties of these systems when they are subjected to tensile (or compressive), shear and torsion strains. Four parameters are customarily used to describe the mechanical behavior of a macroscopic solid within the elastic regime: Young’s and shear moduli, the torsion constant and Poisson’s ratio. There are some relations among these quantities valid for elastic continuous isotropic systems that are being used for 2D nanocrystals without taking into account the non-continuous anisotropic nature of these systems. We present in this work computational results on the mechanical properties of six small quasi-square (aspect ratio between 0.9 and 1.1) graphene nanocrystals using the PM7 semiempirical method. We use the results obtained to test the validity of two relations derived for macroscopic homogeneous isotropic systems and sometimes applied to 2D systems. We show they are not suitable for these nanostructures and pinpoint the origin of some discrepancies in the elastic properties and effective thicknesses reported in the literature. In an attempt to recover one of these formulas, we introduce an effective torsional thickness for graphene analogous to the effective bending thickness found in the literature. Our results could be useful for fitting interatomic potentials in molecular mechanics or molecular dynamics models for finite carbon nanostructures, especially near their edges and for twisted systems.This work was supported by the European Union NextGenerationEU (PRTR C17.I1)
Study of occupational performance and validation of measuring instruments in Huntington's disease
Get PDFLa enfermedad de Huntington (EH) es una patología neurodegenerativa que afecta la función motora, cognitiva y psiquiátrica, con inicio entre la quinta y sexta década con una supervivencia media de 15-20 años. Actualmente no hay cura, y los tratamientos son sintomáticos, destacando la importancia de continuar participando en ocupaciones para lograr bienestar físico y emocional. Investigaciones sugieren que factores epigenéticos, como la actividad física y nutrición, pueden influir en la progresión de la enfermedad. Nuestro objetivo fue identificar dificultades en el desempeño ocupacional, y validar medidas específicas de evaluación en la EH. Se concluyó que presentan dificultades en el autocuidado; se han establecido unos puntos de corte para medir la actividad física pueden promover un estilo saludable; se ha determinado la precisión de dispositivos que miden el gasto energético y la composición corporal. La investigación proporciona información para desarrollar intervenciones no farmacológicas proporcionando una medicina de precisión y que mejore la calidad de vida de los pacientes y familiares.Huntington's Disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease characterized by a triad of motor symptoms, cognitive impairment, and personality disorders. The onset age of the disease ranges from 35 to 50 years with a slow although relentless decline over 15 to 20 years, leading to a loss of autonomy and independence in Activities of Daily Living. Occupational therapists believe that engagement in occupation is crucial as they consider it essential for achieving physical, emotional, and social wellbeing of individuals. To assess occupational performance, a specific evaluation process must be undertaken using tools that enable the identification of day-to-day challenges and the impact that the illness has on their life. Up to the present moment, there is no cure for the disease, and pharmacological treatment adopts a symptomatic approach, not without various side effects. In recent decades, several studies have concluded that epigenetic factors such as physical activity and nutrition can produce changes in the clinical manifestations of genetic diseases, influencing the progression of the disease. In order to quantify these changes, the use of reliable and validated measures of assessment within the study population is essential. This thesis provides information about different aspects influencing HD progression. This might facilitate the development of patient-centred non-pharmacological interventions and treatments that delay the disease and help to improve the quality of life and well-being of HD patients and their families
Phase variation modulates the multi-phenotypes displayed by clinical Campylobacter jejuni strains
Get PDFThe high incidence and prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in the food supply chain entail the importance to understand their mechanisms developed to withstand harsh environmental conditions encountered. Different stress conditions and phenotypic approaches were evaluated to study the behaviour of five clinical C. jejuni isolates with different genotypes, including the tolerance to oxygen and the oxidants hydrogen peroxide and cumene hydroperoxide, the motility and the ability to form biofilm on polystyrene and stainless steel at different temperatures and atmospheres. Whole Genome Sequencing was performed to analyse the occurrence of 216 genes involved in these mechanisms plus phase variation. The isolates showed high tolerance to oxygen and peroxide stress with different swimming motility performances and biofilm formation abilities. Aerotolerance was related with a reduced sensitive to peroxide stress and a loss of motility that promotes biofilm formation depending on the material surface. Comparative genomics did not reveal any clear gene pattern, although phase variation occurring during host infection was observed to be crucial for the modulation of the different survival mechanisms adopted by the bacteria. These findings reveal that the bacteria can combine diverse and complex strategies in an efficient manner to survive and persist in the environment.This work was supported by “La Caixa” Foundation and Caja Burgos Foundation, under agreement LCF/PR/PR18/51130007. Ortega-Sanz I received a predoctoral grant from the Junta of Castile and León, cofinanced by the Ministry of Education of the Government of Castile and León and the European Social Fund
Are the BPA analogues an alternative to classical BPA? Comparison between 2D and alternative 3D in vitro neuron model to assess cytotoxic and genotoxic effects
Get PDFBPA is used in a wide range of consumer products with very concern toxicological properties. The European Union has restricted its use to protect human health. Industry has substituted BPA by BPA analogues. However, there is a lack of knowledge about their impacts. In this work, BPA and 5 BPA analogues (BPS, BPAP, BPAF, BPFL and BPC) have been studied in classical SH-SY5Y and the alternative 3D in vitro models after 24 and 96 h of exposure. Cell viability, percentage of ROS, cell cycle phases as well as the morphology of the spheroids were measured. The 2D model was more sensitive than the 3D models with differences in cell viability higher than 60% after 24 h of exposure, and different mechanisms of ROS production. After chronic exposure, both models were more affected in comparison to the 24 h exposure. After a recovery time (96 h), the spheroids exposed to 2.5–40 µM were able to recover cell viability and the morphology. Among the BPs tested, BPFL>BPAF>BPAP and >BPC revealed higher toxicological effects, while BPS was the only one with lower effects than BPA. To conclude, the SH-SY5Y 3D model is a suitable candidate to perform more reliable in vitro neurotoxicity tests.Marta Sendra thanks to the Juan de la Cierva Incorporación (IJC 2020–043162-I) contract funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033, European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR. The authors are grateful to Natalia Gallo for her support in the Lab facilities
Ex-ante life cycle assessment of directed energy deposition based additive manufacturing: A comparative gearbox production case study
Get PDFAs new technologies emerge is necessary to assess if they can actually contribute to sustainable improvement of industrial processes. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a valuable tool to determine environmental impacts and compare systems. However, this comparison raises challenges when they have different maturity. This paper performs ex-ante LCA of an additive manufacturing (AM) technology, based on a step-wise approach built with parametrized modelling, allowing fair comparison with its conventional counterpart, for the study case of a gearbox component. Results show that AM technology generates higher impacts than conventional manufacturing (CM) casting process, using baseline values. These impacts can be reduced by 94% with best operating performances from literature, with emissions from 4520 to 264 kg CO2 eq./kg piece, and non-significant difference with CM (demonstrated by Monte Carlo sampling). A 58% weight reduction is necessary for the AM process to improves its environmental sustainability. This research provides eco-design recommendations supporting decision making for further development of new technology.This research has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant Agreement No. 814552) in the context of the LightMe project. In this context, authors especially acknowledge the help from IRIS and DIAD. It has also received funds from Board of Education of Junta de Castilla y León and the European Social Fund (EDU/1508/2020). The authors want to acknowledge the support of the Environmental Research and Innovation department from the Luxembourg Institute of Science & Technology for facilitate the research stay that made this work possible
Síndrome de Brugada
No full textAdemás del archivo Caso clínico Síndrome de Brugada, se incluye también la Infografía Síndrome de Brugada.El Síndrome de Brugada es reconocida como enfermedad muy rara, con baja
incidencia en la población general, lo que causa que exista un gran desconocimiento.
Se trata de un trastorno genético que provoca anomalías en la conducción eléctrica
del corazón, que finalmente conlleva la muerte súbita de la persona que lo padece
IX Jornadas de doctorandos de la Universidad de Burgos
No full textEste libro recoge el contenido de las IX Jornadas de Doctorandos, organizadas por la Escuela de Doctorado de la Universidad de Burgos. Estas jornadas son punto de encuentro de alumnos de diferentes áreas de conocimiento que intercambian diferentes enfoques y puntos de vista. Estas jornadas, además, ayudan a poner en relieve la investigación promovida desde la Universidad de Burgos. Este año se presentan 22 trabajos, que evidencian el interés de estas jornadas.
La conferencia invitada “Salud Mental en la Infancia y Adolescencia: Un Tema Crucial”, corre a cargo de Gabriela Garrido Candela, directora de la Clínica de Psiquiatría Pediátrica de la Universidad de la República en Montevideo (Uruguay). En ella se aborda problemáticas relacionadas con el autismo, la ansiedad o la depresión