DAU - Digital Archive of URL (Ramon Llull University)
Not a member yet
5388 research outputs found
Sort by
Influence of the Stick Grasping in Sprint and Change of Direction Performance in Elite Youth Rink Hockey Players
Get PDFThis study aimed to investigate the influence of stick grasping on the performance
of elite youth rink hockey players in 10 m linear sprints and 180◦ change of direction (COD)
tasks. Forty-nine rink hockey players (age = 18.40 ± 2.12 year; body mass = 73.52 ± 6.02 kg;
height = 1.82 ± 0.07 m; BMI = 23.61 ± 1.69; sports experience = 6.42 ± 1.41 years; 4.89 ± 0.68 years’
post-peak height velocity) participated in this cross-sectional study. Measurements included 10 m
sprint time and COD 180◦ performance with and without stick grasping. Results revealed nonsignificant
differences when carrying a stick in the 10 m linear sprint (1.90 s ± 0.08 with stick vs.
1.89 s ± 0.08 without stick; p = 0.71; d = 0.05), neither did COD 180◦ for the left limb (2.75s ± 0.11
with stick vs. 2.76 s ± 0.11 without stick; p = 0.91; d = 0.02). However, for the right limb, significantly
better performance in COD 180◦ was found when players held the stick (2.72 s ± 0.11 with stick vs.
2.75 s ± 0.09 without stick; p = 0.03; d = 0.32). These findings imply that the distinctive biomechanics
and requirements of rink hockey, especially the lateral movements inherent in skating, might alleviate
the negative impacts associated with implement grasping observed in other sports. This study
highlights that stick grasping did not hinder COD ability and may even have a facilitating effect on
certain movements, emphasizing the importance of considering sport-specific biomechanics in rink
hockey performance analysis.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Brain energy metabolism: A roadmap for future research
Get PDFAlthough we have learned much about how the brain fuels its functions over the last decades, there remains much still to discover in an organ that is so complex. This article lays out major gaps in our knowledge of interrelationships between brain metabolism and brain function, including biochemical, cellular, and subcellular aspects of functional metabolism and its imaging in adult brain, as well as during development, aging, and disease. The focus is on unknowns in metabolism of major brain substrates and associated transporters, the roles of insulin and of lipid droplets, the emerging role of metabolism in microglia, mysteries about the major brain cofactor and signaling molecule NAD+, as well as unsolved problems underlying brain metabolism in pathologies such as traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, and metabolic downregulation during hibernation. It describes our current level of understanding of these facets of brain energy metabolism as well as a roadmap for future research.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in severe obesity and concordance between Invasive (Biopsy) and noninvasive (OWLiver®) diagnoses
Get PDFIntroduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now termed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is an escalating health concern linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Despite liver biopsy being the gold standard, its invasiveness underscores the need for noninvasive diagnostic methods. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to assess MASLD using the noninvasive OWLiver® serum lipidomics test in a cohort of 117 patients with severe obesity undergoing bariatric surgery, comparing outcomes with liver biopsy. Exclusions (n = 24) included insufficient data, liver disease etiology other than MASLD, corticosteroid treatment, excessive alcohol consumption, low glomerular filtration rate, and declination to participate. Comprehensive laboratory tests, demographic assessments, and liver biopsies were performed. Serum metabolites were analyzed using OWLiver®, a serum lipidomic test that discriminates between healthy liver, steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and MASH with fibrosis ≥2 by means of three algorithms run sequentially. Results: Liver biopsy revealed a MASLD prevalence of 95.7%, with MASH present in 28.2% of cases. OWLiver® demonstrated a tendency to diagnose more severe cases. Body mass index (BMI), rather than the presence of type 2 diabetes, emerged as the sole independent factor linked to the probability of concordance. Therefore, the all-population concordance of 63.2% between OWLiver® and liver biopsy notably raised to 77.1% in patients with a BMI <40 kg/m2. These findings suggest a potential correlation between lower BMI and enhanced concordance between OWLiver® and biopsy. Conclusion: This study yields valuable insights into the concordance between liver biopsy and the noninvasive serum lipidomic test, OWLiver®, in severe obesity. OWLiver® demonstrated a tendency to amplify MASLD severity, with BMI values influencing concordance. Patients with BMI <40 kg/m2 may derive optimal benefits from this noninvasive diagnostic approach.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Life-course transitions: a categorisation proposal for the training and intervention of social action professionals
Get PDFIntroducción. Las transiciones vitales clásicas asociadas a un ciclo ternario, que tenía el trabajo como referente (la infancia, como tiempo de preparación para el trabajo, la adultez, como tiempo de actividad laboral, y la jubilación) han dado paso a itinerarios mucho menos estandarizados, marcados por la biografización y la incertidumbre. Transitar por vidas más inciertas supone retos para todas las personas, pero especialmente para aquellas que viven situaciones de mayor desigualdad de derechos u oportunidades. Acompañar en esos procesos también implica retos y oportunidades para los profesionales que intervienen en ellos. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer, desde la perspectiva de los profesionales actuales y futuros de la acción social, cuáles son las transiciones vitales más relevantes y en qué tipos de situaciones se concretan. Metodología. Para ello, hemos realizado un estudio cualitativo con las aportaciones de 129 estudiantes, profesorado y profesionales del Trabajo Social y la Educación Social, recogidas a través de un cuestionario telemático y analizadas siguiendo las orientaciones de la teoría fundamentada. Resultados. Los resultados nos han permitido, por una parte, identificar siete grandes grupos de ámbitos transicionales vinculados a: la familia y relaciones interpersonales, los procesos de pérdida y duelo, el empleo y la situación económica, el binomio salud-enfermedad, el ciclo vital, la educación y, por último, el contexto, territorio o sociedad. En relación a las diferentes poblaciones, el estudiantado ha mostrado menos preferencia por los ámbitos transicionales relacionados con el empleo y situación económica y más por los que hacen referencia al ciclo vital. Por otra parte, la investigación nos ha aportado una visión más microscópica sobre procesos que pueden pasar desapercibidos en esos ámbitos transicionales. En cada ámbito hemos identificado los escenarios situacionales descritos. Eso nos permite tener una visión más concreta del tipo de situaciones que, desde la perspectiva de las transiciones vitales, afrontan los profesionales que acompañan a las personas que las experimentan. Todo ello configura un catálogo orientativo de situaciones en las que hoy actúan los profesionales de la acción social y que se convierten en oportunidades para repensar la práctica profesional. Además, estos aspectos son susceptibles de ser incorporados en la formación inicial y posterior de los profesionales y también abrir líneas de trabajo para futuras investigaciones. Como novedad, la investigación nos permite identificar un número importante de circunstancias que pueden ser cruciales para el bienestar de las personas a las que atienden los profesionales de la acción social. Discusión. En general, las transiciones vitales continúan especialmente marcadas por los ciclos evolutivos socialmente reconocidos. Junto a ellas, aparecen transiciones emergentes asociadas a circunstancias personales, económicas o sociales que no encajan en los ciclos evolutivos clásicos, que implican cargas emocionales complejas para las personas que las viven y para las que las acompañan y que están marcadas por la incertidumbre y la vulnerabilidad. Conclusión. Los resultados nos ayudan a ser conscientes de las diferentes tipologías de situaciones que debemos tener en cuenta cuando abordamos el trabajo con las personas a las que atendemos. El dinamismo social actual nos lleva a entender que acompañar los procesos de transición vital es tanto o más importante que situarnos bien en los escenarios de partida o de llegada en los que se desarrolla la práctica profesional de la acción social.Introduction. Classical life-course transitions, linked to a three-part, work-based cycle (childhood, as a work-preparation period; adulthood, as the active work period; and retirement) have now been superseded by much less standardised pathways marked by biographisation and uncertainty. More uncertain life journeys present challenges to everyone, but particularly to those affected by greater inequalities in terms of rights and opportunities. For the professionals who intervene in these processes, providing guidance also entails challenges and opportunities. The purpose of this study was to determine the most significant life-course transitions and the circumstances that characterise them from the perspective of both present and future social action professionals. Methodology. A qualitative study was conducted based on the contributions of 129 Social Work and Social Education students, teachers and professionals. The information was gathered through an online survey that was collected and analysed following grounded theory. Results. First, seven large groups of life-course transitions were identified: family and interpersonal relationships; loss and grief processes; employment and economic situation; the health-illness binomial; life cycle; education; and, finally, the context, territory, or society. In terms of population differences, the student body had a lesser preference for transitional areas related to employment and economic situation, and a greater preference for life cycle areas. On the other hand, the study provided a more microscopic view of processes that can go unnoticed in these transitional domains. In each domain, we identified the described situational scenarios, thus providing a more concrete, life-transition perspective on the type of situations faced by professionals who accompany individuals who experience them. All this forms an indicative catalogue of situations in which social action professionals act today and they represent opportunities to rethink professional practice. In addition, these aspects are likely to be incorporated into the initial and subsequent training of professionals and they also open lines of work for future research. A novel study finding was the significant number of circumstances that can be crucial for the well-being of the individuals attended to by social action professionals. Discussion. In general, life transitions continue to be marked by socially recognised developmental cycles. Other transitions are emerging alongside them. The latter are associated with personal, economic, or social circumstances that do not fit into classical developmental cycles. They involve complex emotional burdens for both those experiencing them and those providing support, and they are all marked by uncertainty and vulnerability. Conclusion. The results help us to build awareness around the different types of situations to consider when addressing work with the individuals we serve. Today’s social dynamism leads us to understand that it is as important, if not more so, to accompany life transition processes than to position ourselves effectively in the starting or destination scenarios of social work professional practice.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Programmatic business formulas for the media: new ways of monetization
Get PDFLa sostenibilidad financiera de los medios de comunicación es el principal reto que afronta la industria periodística desde la irrupción de Internet y el cambio en el modelo de negocio periodístico. De una fuente de ingresos centrada en la publicidad se está evolucionando de forma decidida hacia fórmulas diversas de modelos de pago, tanto en la versión online de los medios tradicionales como en los surgidos de forma exclusivamente digital. No obstante, los resultados en forma de ingresos no son los esperados, ya que los medios en España acumulan en total un millón de suscriptores de pago, por debajo de las previsiones. La evolución de la audiencia y de los tipos de consumo obliga a innovar sobre posibles vías alternativas de ingresos y de fidelización de las audiencias. En la investigación se sigue una metodología cuantitativa (estadística) y cualitativa (entrevistas en profundidad y teoría fundamentada), en una dinámica de triangulación. Los resultados indican que el lector busca mecanismos alternativos de acceder a los contenidos, y que los medios de comunicación tratan de responder a ese reto adaptando las propuestas publicitarias. Se concluye que los medios deben promover y aprovechar canales alternativos para alcanzar al lector (como las redes sociales o la mensajería instantánea), y explorar y explotar anuncios programáticos directos a públicos concretos y la compra programática como nueva fuente de financiación que complemente las ya existentes.The financial sustainability of the media is the main challenge facing the journalism industry since the emergence of the Internet and the change in the journalistic business model. There is a decisive evolution from a source of income focused on advertising towards diverse formulas of payment models, both in the online version of traditional media and in those that have emerged exclusively digitally. However, the results in the form of income are not as expected, since the media in Spain accumulate one million paying subscribers, below forecasts. The evolution of the audience and types of consumption forces us to innovate on possible alternative means of income and audience loyalty. The research follows a quantitative (statistical) and qualitative methodology (in-depth interviews and grounded theory), in a dynamic of triangulation. The results indicate that the reader seeks alternative mechanisms to access content, and that the media try to respond to this challenge by adapting advertising proposals. It is concluded that the media must promote and take advantage of alternative channels to reach the reader (such as social networks or instant messaging), and explore and exploit direct programmatic advertisements to specific audiences and programmatic purchasing as a new source of financing that complements the already existing ones.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Strengths and weaknesses of PhD training to develop alternative careers. Insights from PhD holders working beyond academia
Get PDFPurpose – This study aims to critically assesses how Spanish PhD holders working outside academia
perceive and value their past PhD training experiences within academic PhD programs, addressing the
growing need for skills applicable in various sectors.
Design/methodology/approach – Using a retrospective interpretative design, the authors collected
qualitative data from 35 PhD holders who have transitioned to non-academic careers. Through multimodal
interviews, the authors gathered in-depth perceptions to understand the strengths and weaknesses of existing
PhD training in relation to non-academic employability.
Findings – The findings highlight a significant disconnect between academic-oriented training and the practical
demands of non-academic jobs, particularly in non-research roles. While PhD training was valued in researchrelated non-academic positions, especially in STEM fields, it was considered insufficient for those in managerial or
other non-research roles unless the training included specific industry-related projects. Participants suggested a
cultural shift in PhD programs towards a more balanced academic and non-academic focus, integrating societal
concerns and broader competencies like effective communication and managerial skills. These changes are seen as
crucial for better-preparing PhD candidates for diverse professional environments, emphasising the need for PhD
programs to evolve continually in response to the changing dynamics of the labour market and societal needs.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
How to catch the investor’s eye when going green in the Spanish hospitality industry
Get PDFThe growing integration of environmental sustainability within the hospitality industry, driven by both ethical and financial motivations, underscores the need to understand the investment criteria valued by stakeholders. However, limited research exists on how investors specifically evaluate sustainable investments in this sector. Drawing on existing literature that highlights the positive financial and operational impacts of sustainability initiatives, this study investigates factors influencing sustainable investment decisions in the Spanish hospitality sector. Grounded in focus group interviews conducted with a representative sample of investors aligned with the current structure of investment practices in the Spanish hospitality industry, this study employs an adapted concept mapping methodology enhanced by consensus analysis using the global index of consensus indicator. This approach enables the quantitative measurement of consensus among investors, providing a structured view of the criteria shaping sustainable investment choices. Findings reveal that while financial motivations continue to dominate investment decisions, environmental considerations are becoming increasingly significant, particularly those aligning with consumer expectations and stakeholder engagement in sustainable practices. Results suggest that environmentally friendly initiatives must demonstrate clear economic benefits to attract investment; sustainability must be financially viable. By aligning environmental goals with profitability, sustainable investments can appeal to a broader range of investors, promoting responsible practices in the hospitality sector while ensuring long-term returns.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio
Tackling adversity with open minds: Team personality composition facilitates shared leadership and team resilience
Get PDFResilient teams can efficiently resolve disruption and overcome adversity. Despite growing interest in building and maintaining resilient teams, our understanding of the factors that promote team resilience necessitates further theorizing and empirical testing. Based on conservation of resources and shared leadership theories, we propose that team member personality (i.e., mean openness to experience) serves as a resource that facilitates team resilience via shared leadership. Further, we argue that the strength of influence of shared leadership on team resilience is contingent on the variance of openness to experience scores among team members. We draw our conclusions from three studies (i.e., two recall experiments and a multi-source field study) involving working professionals in virtual teams. Our findings shed light on the interactive role of team member personality in explaining team resilience, thereby extending our knowledge of the personality predictors of shared leadership and team resilience.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
The association between political orientation and political knowledge in 45 nations
Get PDFPolitical knowledge is crucial for well-functioning democracies, with most scholars assuming that people at the political extremes are more knowledgeable than those at the center. Here, we adopt a data-driven approach to examine the relationship between political orientation and political knowledge by testing a series of polynomial curves in 45 countries (N = 63,544), spread over 6 continents. Contrary to the dominant perspective, we found no evidence that people at the political extremes are the most knowledgeable about politics. Rather, the most common pattern was a fourth-degree polynomial association in which those who are moderately left-wing and right-wing are more knowledgeable than people at the extremes and center of the political spectrum. This pattern was especially, though not exclusively, prevalent in Western countries. We conclude that the relationship between political orientation and political knowledge is more context-dependent and complex than assumed, and caution against (implicit) universal conclusions in social sciences.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Exploring the Implications of Working Conditions for Corporate Sustainability in Last-Mile Delivery Platform Companies
Get PDFLast-mile delivery platforms have recently emerged as effective business models to match supply and demand, even though they have been criticized for potentially exploiting their workers. This paper investigates the corporate sustainability and socio-economic trade-offs of platform companies in relation to working conditions (i.e., work relationships, social subsystems, and technical subsystem). A survey of 392 paid-per-order workers from six food delivery platforms across Spain was conducted to validate our research framework. Our findings provide a nuanced understanding of the impact of working conditions on corporate sustainability in platform companies. On the one hand, there are positive implications for both social and economic sustainability in the presence of higher earnings, rights and protections, and empowerment for workers. Conversely, prolonged work relationships between workers and platform companies are negatively related to workers’ perceived stress and individual performance. Based on these insights, we advance our understanding of how platform companies can deal with conflicting objectives regarding working conditions by adopting an instrumental approach in the case of short-term workers and an integrative approach with long-term workers.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio