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5G technology, health and society: misconceptions, blind spots and insights from experts, non-experts, and self-identified electrosensitive individuals
No full textThe fifth-generation telecommunications standard (5G) offers advantages over previous standards (3 G/4G) such as faster data transfer, lower latency, enhanced network capacity, and increased bandwidth. Implementation of 5G requires construction of new infrastructure and the standard allows the use of higher radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). These changes have sparked concerns about potential negative effects on human health and society, but perceptions and knowledge of these vary among different groups, which has implications for communication. Using the mental models approach to risk communication (MMARC), we conducted semi-structured interviews to compare knowledge and perceptions of experts (N = 10), non-experts (N = 22), and self-identified electrosensitive (EHS) individuals (N = 3), with the objective of elucidating (1) what non-experts and EHS individuals do not know or misunderstand about the impacts of 5G, and (2) what misconceptions and ‘blind spots’ experts have regarding the perspectives of non-experts and EHS individuals. Non-experts often lacked technical knowledge about 5G and were unfamiliar with current safety standards. EHS individuals, in contrast to other non-experts, were better informed about technical aspects such as frequencies and infrastructure. Some non-experts believed that 5G could harm their health, but most reported not thinking about these effects very often. Non-experts also questioned their agency (ability to choose) in using smartphones and the need for the continued evolution of mobile phone technology; experts addressed these topics less frequently. Contrary to the experts’ expectations, non-experts focused equally on antennas/base stations and mobile phones when considering sources of RF-EMF. While experts felt that information about the effects of 5G is available, non-experts wanted to be better informed but felt this information is not readily accessible. These findings underscore the importance of building trust, addressing knowledge gaps, and considering the broader context of public concerns when communicating about impacts of 5G.This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101057262 and was partially supported by the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (No. JPMI10001). We acknowledge support from the grant CEX2023-0001290-S funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033, and support from the Generalitat de Catalunya (CERCA Program). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Health and Digital Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them
Una nova era biomèdica: fites del trasplantament cardíac
No full textQuart Premi del XX Premi PRBB al millor treball de recerca en Medicina i Ciències de la Vida
Tutor: Pedro Marañón
Institut Corbera (Corbera de Llobregat)In 2021, a total of 302 people reignited the biological engines of their heart recipients in Spain. Through these altruistic donations, second chances were granted to individuals who could be our family members, friends, or even ourselves. However, this path is not always available to restore life, underscoring the urgent need to prioritize research into biomedical alternatives.
This project delves into the field of bioengineering, examining its challenges and its potential to evolutionize heart transplants. Special emphasis is placed on the physiology and anatomy of this organ.
Notably, the creation of a functional decellularized scaffold using spinach leaves has been demonstrated, hinting at promising applications for future transplants. Additionally, the dissection of a pig heart, revealed striking similarities to the human heart, paving the way for advancements in regenerative medicine.
This work aims to enhance understanding of transplantation, promote awareness, and explore innovative techniques that could one day, bring hope to all those longing for their hearts to keep beating.El año 2021, un total de 302 personas volvieron a encender el motor biológico de sus receptores de corazón en España. Con estas altruistas donaciones se pudo dar una segunda oportunidad a gente como tú, como yo, gente que podrían ser nuestros familiares. Desgraciadamente, no siempre disponemos de este camino para recobrar la vida, por eso, es necesario hacer hincapié en la relevancia en la investigación de alternativas biomédicas.
En este trabajo se explorará el campo de la bioingeniería, qué retos se presentan ante este y cómo podrían apoyar significativamente el cautivante mundo de los trasplantes cardíacos. Cabe remarcar que se focalizará también en la fisiología y anatomía de este complejo órgano. Se ha confirmado la creación de un andamio descelularizado funcional mediante hojas de espinaca, apuntando hacia aplicaciones prometedoras en trasplantes. Además, la disección del corazón de cerdo ha revelado similitudes con el corazón humano, abriendo nuevas vías de estudio.
Por lo tanto, este se centrará en el conocimiento del trasplante, su visibilización y en la práctica de una ingeniosa técnica que podría hacer florecer, en un futuro próximo, una gran ilusión a todos aquellos que anhelan que su corazón continúe latiendo
Inside global governance: perspectives of international organization staff on autonomy and horizontal interactions
No full textAs International Organizations (IOs) have proliferated and expanded their mandates, they have become embedded in increasingly dense and interconnected regime complexes. These evolving governance structures pose new external challenges for IO secretariats, which must navigate relationships with both member states and other IOs within their sector. Yet, comparative evidence on how IO staff perceive these external influences remains scarce. This article addresses this gap in two steps. First, it introduces perceived autonomy as a new empirical variable, drawing on an original multi-IO survey. Second, it examines IO staff perceptions of interactions with other IOs. The results reveal that IO staff perceive moderate autonomy, with variations across four key global governance sectors—trade, finance, security, and climate change—as well as within them. Notably, IO staff do not view interactions with other IOs as particularly problematic, challenging common assumptions in the regime complexity literature about governance congestion. By reintroducing the perspective of IO staff into comparative global governance research, this article offers new insights into how governance complexity is experienced from within.Open Access funding provided thanks to the CRUE-CSIC agreement with Springer Nature. Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, Project: Global Governance and the European Union: Future Trends and Scenarios (GLOBE), Grant Agreement: 822654
Inferring DNA methylation in non-skeletal tissues of ancient specimens
No full textGenome-wide premortem DNA methylation patterns can be computationally reconstructed from high-coverage DNA sequences of ancient samples. Because DNA methylation is more conserved across species than across tissues, and ancient DNA is typically extracted from bones and teeth, previous works utilizing ancient DNA methylation maps focused on studying evolutionary changes in the skeletal system. Here we suggest that DNA methylation patterns in one tissue may, under certain conditions, be informative on DNA methylation patterns in other tissues of the same individual. Using the fact that tissue-specific DNA methylation builds up during embryonic development, we identified the conditions that allow for such cross-tissue inference and devised an algorithm that carries it out. We trained the algorithm on methylation data from extant species and reached high precisions of up to 0.92 for validation datasets. We then used the algorithm on archaic humans, and identified more than 1,850 positions for which we were able to observe differential DNA methylation in prefrontal cortex neurons. These positions are linked to hundreds of genes, many of which are involved in neural functions such as structural and developmental processes. Six positions are located in the neuroblastoma breaking point family (NBPF) gene family, which probably played a role in human brain evolution. The algorithm we present here allows for the examination of epigenetic changes in tissues and cell types that are absent from the palaeontological record, and therefore provides new ways to study the evolutionary impacts of epigenetic changes.This publication was made possible through the support of a grant from the John Templeton Foundation (grant ID 61739 to L.C. and E.M.). The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation. This study was also funded by the Israel Science Foundation (grant no. 2436/22 to L.C.) and by the Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology (grant no. grant 1001584586 to L.C. and E.M.). T.M.-B. is supported by funding from the European Research Council under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement no. 864203), PID2021-126004NB-100 (MICIIN/FEDER, UE), ‘Unidad de Excelencia María de Maeztu’, funded by the AEI (CEX2018-000792-M), NIH 1R01HG010898-01A1 and Secretaria d’Universitats i Recerca and CERCA Programme del Departament d’Economia i Coneixement de la Generalitat de Catalunya (GRC 2021 SGR 00177). L.C. is the Snyder Granadar chair in Genetics. E.M. is the Arthur Gutterman Family Chair for Stem Cell Research. We wish to thank Avigal Be’er for the design of Fig. 1
Does the transition to a circular economy contribute to business resilience and transformation? Evidence from SMEs
No full textThe implementation of the circular economy in companies undoubtedly requires a transition of their business systems towards more environmentally oriented ones. However, there is a lack of empirical research on the topic in the micro-level. Based on a sample of 404 managers with positions of responsibility in SMEs that are in transition towards a circular economy, this paper analyses at the micro level, through the use of structural equation modelling, how internal and external drivers contribute to this transition process and, at the same time, how the process itself impacts the resilience of the company and, consequently, its transformation process. The obtained results contribute to the literature by observing that internal factors carry more weight than external factors when implementing the CE transition. They illustrate how resilience derived from the CE transition can foster transformative change and demonstrate the CE's impact beyond environmental sustainability, extending its influence into strategic management and organizational fields
La ignorància deliberada: i el seu encaix en el sistema penal espanyol
No full textTreball de Fi de Grau en Dret. Curs 2024-2025Tutor: Ricardo Robles PlanasAquest treball analitza la figura de la ignorància deliberada, una qüestió especialment rellevant en l’àmbit de la imputació subjectiva. Partint del seu origen anglosaxó, el text examina l’evolució del concepte, la seva aplicació en casos pràctics i la seva recepció per part de la jurisprudència espanyola del Tribunal Suprem. A través d’una anàlisi doctrinal i jurisprudencial, es posa de manifest la falta d’un criteri uniforme i la coexistència de posicions contradictòries, fet que genera incertesa jurídica. El treball sintetitza les aportacions doctrinals més recents, identificant punts d’acord (com la necessitat de criteris restrictius i fonamentats) i punts de desacord (sobre la seva funció com a estructura autònoma o com a indici de dol eventual). També analitza les diferents propostes de tractament, l’afectació sobre la definició del dol que tindria la seva introducció i els riscos que això comportaria. El treball conclou que la ignorància deliberada només pot tenir cabuda si s’aplica de manera curosa, respectant els principis de legalitat, culpabilitat i presumpció d’innocència.This paper analyzes the concept of willful ignorance, a particularly relevant issue within the field of subjective imputation. Starting from its Anglo-Saxon origin, the study examines the evolution of the concept, its application in practical cases, and its reception by Spanish jurisprudence of the Supreme Court. Through doctrinal and jurisprudential analysis, it highlights the lack of uniform criteria and the coexistence of contradictory positions, which generate legal uncertainty. The paper synthesizes the most recent doctrinal contributions, identifying points of agreement (such as the need for restrictive and well-founded criteria) and points of disagreement (regarding its role as either an autonomous structure of imputation or merely an indication of eventual intent). It also examines the various proposed approaches, the impact such an introduction would have on the definition of intent (dol), and the associated risks. The study concludes that willful blindness can only be admissible if applied in a careful manner and with full respect for the principles of legality, culpability, and the presumption of innocence
MSCI: an open-source Python package for information content assessment of peptide fragmentation spectra
No full textMotivation: In mass spectrometry-based proteomics, the availability of peptide prior knowledge has improved our ability to assign fragmentation spectra to specific peptide sequences. However, some peptides exhibit similar analytical values and fragmentation patterns, which makes them nearly indistinguishable with current data analysis tools. Results: Here we developed the Mass Spectrometry Content Information (MSCI) Python package to tackle the challenges of peptide identification in mass spectrometry-based proteomics, particularly regarding indistinguishable peptides. MSCI provides a comprehensive toolset that streamlines the workflow from data import to spectral analysis, enabling researchers to effectively evaluate fragmentation similarity scores among peptide sequences and pinpoint indistinguishable peptide pairs in a given proteome. Availability and implementation: MSCI is implemented in Python and it is released under a permissive MIT license. The source code and the installers are available on GitHub at https://github.com/proteomicsunitcrg/MSCI.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities [PID2020-115092GB-I00, AEI/10.13039/501100011033], the Departament de Recerca i Universitats de la Generalitat de Catalunya [2021SGR01225]; and the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions—European Training Networks PROTrEIN: Computational Proteomics Training European Innovative Network [956148]. The CRG/UPF Proteomics Unit is part of the Spanish Infrastructure for Omics Technologies (ICTS OmicsTech). We also acknowledge support of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation through the Centro de Excelencia Severo Ochoa (CEX2020-001049-S, MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033), and the Generalitat de Catalunya through the CERCA programme
Multi-omics architecture of childhood obesity and metabolic dysfunction uncovers biological pathways and prenatal determinants
No full textChildhood obesity poses a significant public health challenge, yet the molecular intricacies underlying its pathobiology remain elusive. Leveraging extensive multi-omics profiling (methylome, miRNome, transcriptome, proteins and metabolites) and a rich phenotypic characterization across two parts of Europe within the population-based Human Early Life Exposome project, we unravel the molecular landscape of childhood obesity and associated metabolic dysfunction. Our integrative analysis uncovers three clusters of children defined by specific multi-omics profiles, one of which characterized not only by higher adiposity but also by a high degree of metabolic complications. This high-risk cluster exhibits a complex interplay across many biological pathways, predominantly underscored by inflammation-related cascades. Further, by incorporating comprehensive information from the environmental risk-scape of the critical pregnancy period, we identify pre-pregnancy body mass index and environmental pollutants like perfluorooctanoate and mercury as important determinants of the high-risk cluster. Overall, our work helps to identify potential risk factors for prevention and intervention strategies early in the life course aimed at mitigating obesity and its long-term health consequences.The study received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no. 874583 (ATHLETE project). Data were collected as part of the European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-206) under grant agreement no. 308333 (HELIX project). This project also received support from Generalitat de Catalunya through the Consolidated Group on HEALTH ANALYTICS (2021 SGR 01563). We would like to thank all the families whose data were used. BiB received core infrastructure funding from the Wellcome Trust (WT101597MA) and a joint grant from the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) and Economic and Social Science Research Council (ESRC) (MR/N024397/1). The EDEN study was supported by Foundation for medical research (FRM), National Agency for Research (ANR), National Institute for Research in Public health (IRESP: TGIR cohorte santé 2008 program), French Ministry of Health (DGS), French Ministry of Research, INSERM Bone and Joint Diseases National Research (PRO-A), and Human Nutrition National Research Programs, Paris-Sud University, Nestlé, French National Institute for Population Health Surveillance (InVS), French National Institute for Health Education (INPES), the European Union FP7 programmes (FP7/2007–2013, HELIX, ESCAPE, ENRIECO, Medall projects), Diabetes National Research Program (through a collaboration with the French Association of Diabetic Patients (AFD)), French Agency for Environmental Health Safety (now ANSES), Mutuelle Générale de l’Education Nationale a complementary health insurance (MGEN), French national agency for food security, French-speaking association for the study of diabetes and metabolism (ALFEDIAM). INMA data collections were supported by grants from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBERESP, and the Generalitat de Catalunya-CIRIT. KANC was funded by the grant of the Lithuanian Agency for Science Innovation and Technology (6-04-2014_31V-66). The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (Moba) is supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services and the Ministry of Education and Research. The RHEA project was financially supported by European projects (EU FP6-2003-Food-3-NewGeneris, EU FP6. STREP Hiwate, EU FP7 ENV.2007.1.2.2.2. Project No 211250 Escape, EU FP7-2008-ENV-1.2.1.4 Envirogenomarkers, EU FP7-HEALTH-2009- single stage CHICOS, EU FP7 ENV.2008.1.2.1.6. Proposal No 226285 ENRIECO, EU- FP7- HEALTH-2012 Proposal No 308333 HELIX), and the Greek Ministry of Health (Program of Prevention of obesity and neurodevelopmental disorders in preschool children, in Heraklion district, Crete, Greece: 2011-2014; “Rhea Plus”: Primary Prevention Program of Environmental Risk Factors for Reproductive Health, and Child Health: 2012-15). ISGlobal acknowledges support from the grant CEX2023-0001290-S funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033, and support from the Generalitat de Catalunya through the CERCA Program. Nikos Stratakis has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships (grant no. 101059245), by a Juan de la Cierva-Incorporación fellowship (IJC2020-043630-I) financed by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MCIN)/Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI)/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Union “NextGenerationEU/PRTR”, and from the Ministry of Science and Innovation and State Research Agency through the “Centro de Excelencia Severo Ochoa 2019–2023” Program (CEX2018-000806-S)
Factors associated with mortality in nosocomial lower respiratory tract infections: An ENIRRI analysis
No full textBackground: Nosocomial lower respiratory tract infections (nLRTIs) are associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes and significant healthcare costs. nLRTIs include hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and other ICU-acquired pneumonia phenotypes. While risk factors for mortality in these infections are critical to guide preventive strategies, it remains unclear whether they vary based on their requirement of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) at any point during the hospitalization. Objectives: This study aims to identify risk factors associated with short- and long-term mortality in patients with nLRTIs, considering differences between those requiring IMV and those who do not. Methods: This multinational prospective cohort study included ICU-admitted patients diagnosed with nLRTI from 28 hospitals across 13 countries in Europe and South America between May 2016 and August 2019. Patients were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and clinical data were collected from medical records. A random forest classifier determined the most optimal clustering strategy when comparing pneumonia site acquisition [ward or intensive care unit (ICU)] versus intensive mechanical ventilation (IMV) necessity at any point during hospitalization to enhance the accuracy and generalizability of the regression models. Results: A total of 1060 patients were included. The random forest classifier identified that the most efficient clustering strategy was based on ventilation necessity. In total, 76.4% of patients [810/1060] received IMV at some point during the hospitalization. Diabetes mellitus was identified to be associated with 28-day mortality in the non-IMV group (OR [IQR]: 2.96 [1.28-6.80], p = 0.01). The 90-day mortality-associated factor was MDRP infection (1.98 [1.13-3.44], p = 0.01). For ventilated patients, chronic liver disease was associated with 28-day mortality (2.38 [1.06-5.31] p = 0.03), with no variable showing statistical and clinical significance at 90 days. Conclusions: The risk factors associated with 28-day mortality differ from those linked to 90-day mortality. Additionally, these factors vary between patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation and those in the non-invasive ventilation group. This underscores the necessity of tailoring therapeutic objectives and preventive strategies with a personalized approach
Sostenibilidad de los medios de comunicación investigación conceptual y operacional sobre la relevancia y el engagement
No full textLa sostenibilidad económica de los medios de comunicación es una prioridad para las
sociedades democráticas. Ahora bien, en un entorno digital de alta competencia, es un
hecho establecido que, por un lado, los medios han perdido su anterior posición de
monopolio sobre la información pública y, por otro, se enfrentan a unos niveles
crecientes de desinterés en las noticias, arrastrados por la polarización política, la
desconfianza en las instituciones, y la desinformación que se extiende fácilmente en
las redes sociales.
En este contexto, potenciar la relevancia y el engagement de las audiencias resulta
crítico para asegurar las diferentes fuentes de financiación que los medios necesitan
para su supervivencia a largo plazo. Es por esto que el presente trabajo tiene como
objetivo entender el alcance de estos conceptos para que puedan ser mejor
interpretados y operados por parte de los profesionales de las empresas periodísticas.
Para el desarrollo de esta investigación, hemos identificado e intentado esclarecer, en
primer lugar, la visión de la academia sobre la relevancia y el engagement. De la
misma manera, hemos llevado a cabo una labor de clarificación de la perspectiva de la
industria. Para complementar los resultados obtenidos, hemos realizado una consulta a
expertos mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas. Esta triangulación de datos y de
metodologías nos ha permitido identificar una serie de estrategias y mediciones
concretas sobre las que basar un posible modelo de viabilidad económica a largo plazo
para los medios de comunicación.
De los estudios anteriores se concluye que los conceptos de relevancia y engagement
son poliédricos y solamente pueden ser abordados de manera adecuada mediante su
desagregación en tres dimensiones operativas, a saber, la reputación, la visibilidad y la
fidelización de audiencias. A partir del análisis operacional de estas dimensiones,
hemos podido obtener un total de 337 recomendaciones o buenas prácticas en forma,
o bien de acciones, o bien de métricas para mejorar la relevancia y el engagement de
un medio de comunicación. Estas recomendaciones constituyen la base de nuestra
propuesta de un marco de trabajo para estudiosos y profesionales de los medios que
denominamos Modelos de activación de la relevancia y el engagement de audiencias o
MAREA por su acrónimo.
De este modo, la MAREA, que es uno de los principales resultados de nuestra
investigación, identifica siete parámetros con 57 indicadores de acción. Los parámetros
marcan las grandes líneas de actuación para cubrir objetivos esenciales para la
sostenibilidad económica: escala o la consecución de una masa crítica, orientación al
usuario, desarrollo organizacional, abandono o atención al suscriptor, valor diferencial,
transparencia y reconocimiento. Como podemos observar, la sostenibilidad de los
medios debe ocupar niveles tanto estratégicos como tácticos para poder ser efectiva.
Aunque las acciones son la parte fundamental de la MAREA, el instrumento propuesto
se completa con 17 indicadores métricos que ayudan a establecer un punto de partida
a la hora de definir planes de mejora.
Los modelos de activación que resultan de esta investigación son un instrumento de
orientación para medios de comunicación de tamaño pequeño o mediano y, por lo
tanto, una herramienta de apoyo al emprendimiento periodístico. Asimismo, al proponer
un conjunto detallado de elementos tratados de forma sistemática, este trabajo también
aporta variables de análisis que estudiosos de la academia y profesionales del sector
pueden explorar, o bien utilizar para descubrir otras variables inspiradas en el modelo
de análisis. Así pues, la MAREA es una genuina aportación de nuestra investigación
que tiene implicaciones tanto sociales como académicas.La sostenibilitat econòmica dels mitjans de comunicació és una prioritat per a les
societats democràtiques. Tanmateix, en un entorn digital enormement competit, és un
fet que, per una banda, els mitjans han perdut la seva anterior posició de monopoli
informatiu i, per altra, s'enfronten a uns nivells creixents de desinterès en les
notícies arrossegats per la polarització política, la desconfiança en les institucions i la
desinformació que s'estén fàcilment a les xarxes socials.
En aquest context, potenciar la rellevància i l'engagement de les audiències és crític
per assegurar els ingressos a través de les diferents fonts de finançament que els
mitjans necessiten per la seva supervivència a llarg termini. És per això que aquest
treball té per objectiu entendre l'abast d'aquests conceptes perquè puguin ser millor
interpretats i portats a la pràctica per part dels professionals de les empreses
periodístiques.
Per al desenvolupament d'aquesta investigació, hem identificat i intentat dilucidar, en
primer lloc, la visió de l'acadèmia sobre la rellevància i l'engagement. De la mateixa
manera, hem portat a terme una tasca d'aclariment de la perspectiva de la indústria.
Per complementar els resultats obtinguts, hem fet una consulta a experts mitjançant
entrevistes semiestructurades. Aquesta triangulació de dades i metodologies ens ha
permès identificar una sèrie d'estratègies i mesures concretes sobre les quals basar un
possible model de viabilitat econòmica a llarg termini per a mitjans de comunicació.
Dels estudis anteriors, es conclou que els conceptes de rellevància i engagement són
polièdrics i solament poden ser abordats de manera adequada mitjançant la seva
desagregació en tres dimensions operatives: la reputació, la visibilitat i la fidelització
d'audiències. A partir de les anàlisis operacionals d'aquestes dimensions, aconseguim
un total de 337 recomanacions o bones pràctiques en forma, bé d'accions, bé
de mètriques per a poder millorar la rellevància i l'engagement d'un mitjà de
comunicació. Aquestes recomanacions han estat la base de la nostra proposta d'un
marc de treball per estudiosos i professionals dels mitjans de comunicació que
anomenem Models d'activació de la rellevància i l'engagement d'audiències o MAREA
pel seu acrònim.
Així, la MAREA, que és un dels principals resultats de la nostra investigació, identifica
set paràmetres amb 57 indicadors d'acció. Els paràmetres marquen les grans línies
d'actuació adreçades a complir objectius essencials per assolir la sostenibilitat
econòmica: escala o la consecució d'una massa crítica, orientació a l'usuari,
desenvolupament organitzacional, abandonament o atenció al subscriptor, valor
diferencial, transparència i reconeixement. Com es pot veure, perquè sigui efectiva, la
sostenibilitat dels mitjans ha de cobrir aspectes estratègics i tàctics. Tot i que les
accions constitueixen el fonament de la MAREA, el nostre instrument també incorpora
17 indicadors mètrics que ajuden a establir un punt de partida a l'hora de definir plans
de millora.
Els models d'activació que resulten del nostre treball són una eina d'orientació per als
mitjans de comunicació amb estructures petites i mitjanes. Per tant, són d'interès
principalment pels emprenedors periodístics. També, en proposar un conjunt detallat
d'elements tractats de forma sistemàtica, la MAREA aporta variables perquè
investigadors i professionals puguin explorar-les, o bé descobrir-ne d'altres inspirades
pel nostre model. D'aquesta manera, la MAREA és una aportació genuïna de la nostra
investigació que té implicacions socials i acadèmiques.Ensuring the sustainability of news media is paramount in democratic societies.
However, in today's hypercompetitive digital landscape, it is a fact that news media no
longer hold their previous monopoly over public information. Consequently, they grapple
with the daunting task of combating public disengagement, exacerbated by diminishing
interest in the news due to political polarization, distrust in institutions, and
misinformation easily spread on social media.
In such a context, boosting relevance and audience engagement is a priority task to
assure the income stability necessary for long-term viability. The motivation behind this
work is to delve into the interpretation and practical implementation of these two
concepts within the day-to-day operations of news media organizations.
We started by analyzing the state of the art of relevance and audience engagement
within academia. We proceeded similarly, clarifying the industry perspective on the
same matters. Subsequently, we sought to validate these insights by consulting with
experts through semi-structured interviews to identify the best practices around
strategies and measurement. This combination of data and methods has allowed us to
determine a series of strategies and specific measurements to base a possible longterm
economic viability model for news media.
These previous studies yield two significant results: first, the conclusion that the
concepts of relevance and engagement are multifaceted and can only be adequately
addressed by disaggregating them into three operational dimensions, namely
reputation, visibility, and audience loyalty. Second, we have compiled 337 best practices
or recommendations from the operational analysis of the abovementioned dimensions.
These recommendations form the basis of our proposed framework for scholars and
news media professionals, which we named "Relevance and Audience Engagement
Activation Models" (MAREA, for its Spanish acronym).
Our model identifies seven parameters and 57 action indicators. These parameters
encompass strategies aimed at achieving essential targets for financial viability: scale,
or the ability to reach a critical mass; user orientation; organizational development;
churn rate; differential value; transparency; and recognition.
The model shows how economic sustainability covers strategic and tactical levels that
are equally needed to attain it. Furthermore, it also reveals that, while actions are its
backbone, metrics play a significant role in establishing a starting point from which
news media organizations can define a course of action or improvement plan. This way,
MAREA is completed with 17 metric indicators.
Our model is designed to serve a dual purpose. It is a guiding resource for small-scale
news media, providing much-needed support for journalistic entrepreneurs. At the same
time, it offers a comprehensive combination of elements derived from systematic
analysis, which can aid academics and practitioners in further studying these or other
variables that our methodology can inspire. In this way, our model serves both social
and academic purposes.Programa de Doctorat en Comunicaci