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Human cytomegalovirus antigen presentation by HLA-G in infected cells
No full textHLA-E and -G class Ib molecules were considered unrelated to viral antigen presentation. HLA-E binds nonamers from the leader sequences of other HLA-I molecules and the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) UL40 protein, interacting with CD94/NKG2 NK cell receptors. Yet, evidence that HLA-E may present some pathogen-derived peptides to CD8+ T lymphocytes has been reported. By contrast, HLA-G binds a broad spectrum of endogenous sequences but its role in antigen presentation is unknown. An experimental approach was set up to search for HCMV antigens displayed by HLA-G in infected cells. Among the analysed peptidome, 22 sequences corresponding to 16 HCMV molecules were identified; 17 peptides were confirmed to interact in vitro with HLA-G of which 10 displayed characteristic anchor residues. As compared to the response in short-term (6 h) assays to immunodominant IE-1 and pp65 antigens, none of the HLA-G-binding peptides stimulated cytokine production by CD8+ T cells from HCMV-seropositive blood donors (n = 15). Following a 14-day peptide stimulation of PBMC and expansion with IL-2, CD8+ T cells specifically responding to a subset of these viral antigens were detected in some individuals, yet were not restricted by HLA-G in functional assays. A subset of viral peptides did bind to both HLA-G and -E but were not recognised by CD94/NKG2 NK cell receptors. Our results provide the first evidence that HLA-G may display potentially immunogenic viral peptides in HCMV-infected cells, yet do not support their ability to promote HLA-G-restricted CD8+ T cell responses nor to modulate NK cell functions.The work was supported by the Agencia Estatal de Investigación-FEDER (PID2019-110609RB-C21-C22/AEI/10.13039/501100011033) and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft: grant FOR2830, project HA 6035/2-2 (A.H.) and HE 2526/9-2 (H.H.)
The Representation of youth language in fictional dialogue in english and its translation into catalan
No full textThis dissertation describes youth language as it is represented in contemporary novels published in English and its subsequent translation into Catalan. Youth language is especially appealing for the study of written fiction as it is used for in-group bonding purposes that make it transgressive and innovative by nature. In Catalan, the evocation of youth language in fiction is negotiated with the status of real spoken youth language, since young Catalan speakers often code-switch to other languages or incorporate loanwords into their everyday speech, a practice that contrasts with the expectations of literary Catalan. The study relies on a parallel corpus of dialogues between adolescent characters from five selected novels and their corresponding target texts. By analysing structural, lexical, grammatical, and pragmatic features, I shed light on how fictional youth language in English is defined in comparison to real spoken conversation among teenagers, on the one hand, and to written fiction, on the other. Further, I contrast the Catalan translations to the source texts in order to find differences in translation. The results put forward an array of language traits that define fictional youth language as belonging to the language of immediacy, while also constituting a powerful written literary device.Aquesta tesi descriu la llengua juvenil tal com es representa en novel·les contemporànies publicades en anglès i la seva posterior traducció al català. El llenguatge juvenil és especialment interessant per a l’estudi de la ficció escrita, ja que té una funció de cohesió grupal que el fa transgressor i innovador per naturalesa. En català, l’evocació de la llengua juvenil en la ficció s’ha de negociar amb l’estatus de la llengua juvenil parlada, ja que els joves catalanoparlants sovint canvien de codi a altres llengües o incorporen manlleus en el seu discurs quotidià, una pràctica que contrasta amb les expectatives del català literari. L’estudi es basa en un corpus paral·lel de diàlegs entre personatges adolescents seleccionats de cinc novel·les i els seus corresponents textos meta. Mitjançant l’anàlisi de trets estructurals, lèxics, gramaticals i pragmàtics, descobrim com es defineix la llengua juvenil fictícia en anglès en comparació amb la conversa parlada real entre adolescents, d’una banda, i la ficció escrita, per l’altra. A més, contrastem les traduccions catalanes amb els textos d’origen per trobar diferències en la traducció. Els resultats proposen una sèrie de trets lingüístics que defineixen la llengua juvenil fictícia per pertànyer a la llengua de la immediatesa, alhora que constitueix un recurs literari potent.La presente tesis tiene como objetivo analizar la lengua juvenil tal como se representa en novelas contemporáneas publicadas en inglés y su posterior traducción al catalán. El lenguaje juvenil es especialmente atractivo para el estudio de la ficción escrita, ya que tiene una función de cohesión grupal que lo convierten en transgresor e innovador por naturaleza. En catalán, la evocación de la lengua juvenil en ficción entra en negociación con su estatus de lengua juvenil hablada, ya que los jóvenes catalanoparlantes a menudo cambian de código hacia otras lenguas o incorporan préstamos en su habla cotidiana, una práctica que contrasta con las expectativas del catalán literario. El estudio se basa en un corpus paralelo de diálogos entre personajes adolescentes en una selección de cinco novelas y sus correspondientes textos meta. Mediante el análisis de características estructurales, léxicas, gramaticales y pragmáticas, descubrimos cómo se define el lenguaje juvenil ficticio en inglés en comparación con la conversación oral real entre adolescentes, por un lado, y la ficción escrita, por otro. Asimismo, contrastamos las traducciones catalanas con los textos de origen para encontrar diferencias en su traducción. Los resultados proponen una serie de rasgos lingüísticos que definen el lenguaje juvenil ficticio como parte de la lengua de la inmediatez y, a su vez, por constituir un recurso literario eficaz.Programa de Doctorat en Traducció i Ciències del Llenguatg
Teixint el futur: de la fast fashion a la sostenibilitat: com el passaport digital de producte pot transformar la indústria de la moda
No full textTreball guanyador del XIXè Premi UPF al Millor Treball de Recerca en Economia i Empresa (Curs 2024-2025)Treball tutoritzat per Cèlia Pasadas, de l'Institut Josep Brugulat (Banyoles, Girona)El fenómeno del fast fashion no es una simple moda: es un modelo de producción pensado y dirigido al consumo masivo que degrada el medio ambiente y perpetúa las desigualdades sociales. Este trabajo analiza qué es la moda rápida, su evolución histórica y sus efectos medioambientales, sociales y culturales. Pero además, también propone una alternativa real, el Pasaporte Digital de Producto, para un futuro sostenible. En la parte práctica, se ha creado una plantilla del PDP y se ha aplicado a cuatro prendas de ropa. Se ha elaborado una encuesta a 620 personas, se han realizado cinco entrevistas a personas expertas y dos sesiones fotográficas, todo integrado en una plataforma web que centraliza toda la información.The phenomenon of fast fashion is not just a trend: it is a production model designed and aimed at mass consumption that degrades the environment and perpetuates social inequalities. This project analyzes what fast fashion is, its historical evolution, and its environmental, social, and cultural effects. Moreover, it also proposes a real alternative, the Digital Product Passport, for a sustainable future. In the practical part, a DPP template has been created and applied to four garments. A survey of 620 people has been conducted, along with five interviews with experts and two photo sessions, all integrated into a web platform that centralizes all the information
Network effects in environmental justice struggles: an investigation of conflicts between mining companies and civil society organizations from a network perspective
No full textThis paper examines conflicts that occur between mining companies and civil society organizations (CSOs) around the world and offers an innovative analysis of mining conflicts from a social network perspective. The analysis showed that, as the number of CSOs involved in a conflict increased, its outcome was more likely to be perceived as a success in terms of environmental justice (EJ); if a CSO was connected to other central CSOs, the average perception of EJ success was likely to increase; and as network distance between two conflicts increased (or decreased), they were more likely to lead to different (or similar) EJ outcomes. Such network effects in mining conflicts have policy implications for EJ movements. It would be a strategic move on the part of successful CSOs to become involved in other major conflicts and disseminate information about how they achieved greater EJ success.We acknowledge financial support from the project Environmental Justice Organisations, Liabilities and Trade (EJOLT) which received funding from the European Union's 7th Framework programme (FP7-Science in Society-2010-1) for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no: 266642 and 289374. The funders had no role in study to design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish preparation of the manuscript. Authors who received the funding: BRL, BO, CIA. URL of funder's website: http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/home.html
Political ecologies of the Green New Deal: critiques, contentions and radical appropriations
No full textThe Green New Deal (GND) emerged forcefully around 2019 as an ambitious, movement-inspired policy framework. Put forward by progressive political parties in the US and Europe, GND programs promised to tackle climate change while advancing social justice through state-led decarbonization efforts. The concrete achievements of such policies have proven disappointing. Yet, the GND framework sparked important debates and ideological and programmatic elaboration within climate justice, feminist, Indigenous, ecosocialist and degrowth movements across the global North and South. This, we argue, contributed to pushing political ecologists out of the comfort zone of abstract critique, and towards engaging with issues of strategy for radical socioecological transformation. The articles in this Special Issue provide a critical overview of, and contribute to advancing, political ecology's engagement with the GND framework. They critically unpack mainstream GND proposals, and the contentions engendered by their implementation, while at the same time exploring processes of — and providing insights for — the elaboration of alternative GNDs informed by anticolonial, anticapitalist and feminist principles. Taken together, these contributions present a comprehensive view of what a GND compatible with political ecology's radical outlook could look like.Diego Andreucci's research was supported by a Ramón y Cajal fellowship (#RYC2022-036291-I), funded by the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI), the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033), and the European Social Fund (ESF+). Christos Zografos would like to acknowledge support by the GRES research project (Contract No. CNS2022-136115) funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation MCIN/AEI/https://doi.org/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Union Next Generation/PRTR programme. Support for this research has also been provided by the Ramón y Cajal Programme (contract number RYC-2015-17372), funded by the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI), the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, and the European Social Fund (ESF). Gustavo Garcia Lopez acknowledges support by the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology (FCT), under the Individual Scientific Employment Stimulus (CEEC Individual), Contract CEECIND/04850/2017/CP1402/CT0010. Marta Conde acknowledges support by the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No. 897072
Diagnosis and management of de novo non-specific spinal infections: European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) Spine Section Delphi consensus recommendations
No full textIntroduction: The management of de novo non-specific spinal infections (spondylodiscitis - SD) remains inconsistent due to varying clinical practices and a lack of high-level evidence, particularly regarding the indications for surgery. Research question: This study aims to develop consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and management of SD, addressing diagnostic modalities, surgical indications, and treatment strategies. Material and methods: A Delphi process was conducted with 26 experts from the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS). Sixtytwo statements were developed on diagnostic workup, management decisions, surgical techniques, non-surgical treatment, and follow-up and submitted to the panel of experts. Results: Consensus was reached on 38 of 62 statements. MRI was confirmed as the gold standard for diagnosis. Regarding surgical indications, the panel agreed that any new neurological deficit, even subtle, warrants surgical consideration. Motor deficits with a motor score (MRC) below 4 and bladder or bowel dysfunction were unanimously considered clear indications for surgery. For spinal deformity and instability, thresholds such as kyphosis >20°, scoliosis >10°, and vertebral body collapse >50% were established to guide surgical decision-making. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) was endorsed whenever feasible, and a 12 week antibiotic treatment regimen was favored in cases of complicated infections. Discussion and conclusion: This EANS consensus provides updated recommendations for SD management, incorporating recent evidence on improved outcomes with surgical therapy. While these guidelines offer a more structured approach to clinical decision-making, further research is required to optimize surgical timing and validate the long-term impact of these treatment strategies
Health impacts and determinants of environmental exposures related to urban and transport planning practices in European cities
No full textThe rapid increase in urbanization underscores the need for healthy urban environments. Presently, European cities experience high levels of air pollution, noise, lack of green spaces, and increased local temperatures, all of which have detrimental impacts on the health of urban residents. Quantifying these health impacts can provide evidence for policy-makers and advocate for policies mitigating these adverse effects. This thesis aimed to assess the health impacts of air pollution and road traffic noise across nearly 1000 European cities. Additionally, it sought to investigate the determinants of environmental exposures in European cities, with a specific focus on the sources of air pollutants and urban configuration patterns. The findings from this thesis highlighted the substantial health burden associated with air pollution and road traffic noise in European cities. Furthermore, they showed a considerable variation in exposure and health impacts among cities, emphasizing the need for local policies to address these impacts. The residential, agricultural, and transport sectors emerged as primary contributors to air pollution. Moreover, it was observed that present-day compact cities perform worse in terms of environmental exposures and health compared to their greener and lower-density counterparts. Potential strategies to counteract these adverse impacts include changes in urban design to promote pedestrian and cycling areas, urban greening, and proximity to services, incentives for public and active transport, implementation of low emission zones, imposition of speed limits, and overall reductions in motorized traffic. These measures must be adapted to the local context and formulated in coordination with policies at regional, national, and European levels.El rápido aumento de la urbanización subraya la necesidad de entornos urbanos saludables. Actualmente, las ciudades europeas experimentan niveles elevados de contaminación del aire, ruido, falta de espacios verdes y calor, lo cual tiene impactos perjudiciales para la salud de los residentes urbanos. Cuantificar estos impactos en la salud puede proporcionar evidencia para los responsables políticos y abogar por medidas que mitiguen estos efectos adversos. Esta tesis tuvo como objetivo evaluar los impactos en la salud de la contaminación del aire y el ruido del tráfico en casi 1000 ciudades europeas. Además, buscó investigar los determinantes de las exposiciones ambientales en las ciudades europeas, con un enfoque específico en las fuentes de contaminantes del aire y los patrones de configuración urbana. Los hallazgos de esta tesis resaltaron la sustancial carga para la salud asociada con la contaminación del aire y el ruido del tráfico en las ciudades europeas. Además, mostraron una variación considerable en los niveles de exposición y los impactos en la salud entre las ciudades, enfatizando la necesidad de políticas locales para abordar estos impactos. Los sectores residencial, agrícola-ganadero y del transporte surgieron como contribuyentes principales a la contaminación del aire. Además, se observó que las ciudades compactas actuales tienen un desempeño peor en términos de exposiciones ambientales y salud en comparación con sus contrapartes más verdes y de menor densidad. Estrategias potenciales para contrarrestar estos impactos adversos incluyen cambios en el diseño urbano para promover áreas peatonales y carriles bici, áreas verdes urbanas y proximidad a servicios, incentivos para el transporte público y activo, implementación de zonas de bajas emisiones, imposición de límites de velocidad y reducciones generales en el tráfico motorizado. Estas medidas deben adaptarse al contexto local y formularse en coordinación con políticas a nivel regional, nacional y europeo.Programa de Doctorat en Biomedicin
El protocol del segle XXI: símbols, càmeres i narratives
No full textTutor: Jordi Xifra TriadúTreball de fi de grau en Publicitat i Relacions PúbliquesAquest treball analitza el paper del protocol institucional en la construcció d’una imatge pública sòlida en el context mediàtic i digital. A través de l’estudi de normatives, entrevistes a experts i reflexions teòriques, s’examinen els reptes als quals s’enfronten les institucions a l’hora d’organitzar actes oficials sense cap error, emfatitzant la importància d’una bona planificació, la coordinació i la gestió efectiva dels errors. L’anàlisi revela com el protocol s’ha convertit una eina estratègica per projectar professionalisme, solemnitat i legitimitat, mentre s’adapta a les noves demandes visuals i simbòliques.This research analyses the role of institutional protocol in building a solid public image in the media and digital context. Through the study of regulations, interviews with experts and theoretical reflections, the challenges faced by institutions when organising official events without error are examined, emphasising the importance of good planning, coordination and effective crisis management. The analysis reveals how protocol has become a strategic tool for projecting professionalism, solemnity, and legitimacy while adapting to new visual and symbolic demands
La veu del lector en la traducció literària : la teoria de la recepció aplicada a les traduccions de “Bliss” de Katherine Mansfield
No full textTutora: Chiara ChieregatoTreball de fi de grau en Traducció i InterpretacióAquest treball explora la teoria de la recepció aplicada a la traducció, amb un enfocament que reivindica el paper del lector, no només com a receptor passiu, sinó com a figura clau en la creació de significat. A través d’una anàlisi comparativa entre les traduccions catalana i castellana del relat “Bliss” de Katherine Mansfield, s’investiga com la lectura prèvia i les decisions del traductor poden condicionar la percepció del receptor, especialment quan limiten la llibertat interpretativa. D’aquesta manera, s’identifica la problemàtica de les estratègies domesticadores que suprimeixen els matisos culturals, clarifiquen les ambigüitats i suavitzen els aspectes estilístics propis del text original. El treball posa de manifest la necessitat de reconèixer la capacitat crítica i interpretativa del lector i preservar la complexitat de les obres literàries en la traducció.Este trabajo explora la teoría de la recepción aplicada a la traducción, con un enfoque que reivindica el papel del lector, no solo como receptor pasivo, sinó como figura clave en la creación de significado. A través de un análisis comparativo entre las traducciones catalana y castellana del relato “Bliss” de Katherine Mansfield, se investiga cómo la lectura previa y las decisiones del traductor pueden condicionar la percepción del receptor, especialmente cuando limitan la libertad interpretativa. De esta manera, se identifica la problemática de las estrategias domesticadoras que suprimen los matices culturales, clarifican las ambigüedades y suavizan los aspectos estilísticos propios del texto original. El trabajo pone de manifiesto la necesidad de reconocer la capacidad crítica e interpretativa del lector y preservar la complejidad de las obras literarias en la traducción.This thesis explores the reception theory applied to translation, focusing on the reader's role, not only as a passive receiver, but as a key figure in meaning creation. Through a comparative
analysis of the Catalan and Spanish translations of Katherine Mansfield’s short story “Bliss”, the project investigates how the translator’s prior reading and decisions can influence the
reader’s perception, especially when they limit interpretative freedom. It identifies the problems of domesticating practices that eliminate cultural nuances, clarify ambiguities, and soften the
stylistic features of the original text. The thesis highlights the need to recognise the reader’s critical and interpretative ability and to preserve the complexity of literary works in translation