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Introducing Phylogenetics in Search-based SoftwareEngineering: Phylogenetics-aware SBSE
Full text linkPhylogenetics studies the relationships, in terms of biological history and kinship, of a set of taxa (e.g., species). We argue that in Search-based Software Engineering (SBSE), the individuals of an evolutionary computation-driven population could be considered as taxa for which the leverage of Phylogenetic Inference might be beneficial. In this work, we present our Phylogenetics-aware SBSE approach. Our approach introduces a novel Phylogenetic Operation to promote results which are sufficiently aligned (in terms of lineage) with a certain reference given by the domain expert. Our approach is evaluated in two heterogeneous industrial case studies: Procedural Content Generation from Game Software Engineering, and Feature Location from Software Maintenance. The results are analyzed using quality-of-the-solution and acceptance-by-developers measurements. We performed a statistical analysis to determine whether the impact on the results is significant compared to baselines that do not leverage Phylogenetics. The results show that our approach significantly outperforms two baselines in both case studies. Furthermore, two focus groups confirmed the acceptance of our approach and stressed that solution acceptance may make the difference in industrial environments. Our work has the potential to motivate a new breed of research work on Phylogenetics awareness to produce better results in Software Engineering
Clave Adolescente: un programa lúdico basado en Escape Rooms para promover la salud mental
Full text linkThis Master’s Dissertation presents an educational innovation programme based on Escape Rooms as a tool to enhance the mental health of adolescent pupils within the school context. The work stems from the alarming rise in conditions such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders (EDs) among young people, exacerbated by factors such as the fast-paced lifestyle, academic pressure, intensive use of digital technologies, social isolation, and the emotional aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. From an educational standpoint, it highlights the urgent need to implement active and engaging methodologies that foster pupils’ emotional and personal development.
The theoretical framework provides an in-depth exploration of the clinical features, prevalence, and consequences of anxiety, depression, and EDs, alongside the legal and institutional frameworks governing child and adolescent mental health in Spain and the region of Aragón. Schools are regarded as key agents in prevention and in promoting the holistic development of students, with emphasis on the significance of the Guidance and Tutorial Action Plan (POAT).
The proposal comprises a series of educational Escape Rooms designed to develop socio-emotional competencies through cooperative dynamics, immersive storytelling, and challenges linked to emotional wellbeing. The feasibility study, involving teachers and school counsellors, indicates a high level of acceptance of the programme, viewing it as useful, realistic, and applicable. Thus, the dissertation supports the use of playful resources as an effective strategy for addressing adolescent mental health through a preventive, inclusive, and innovative pedagogical approach.Este Trabajo Fin de Máster propone un programa de innovación educativa basado en Escape Rooms como herramienta para mejorar la salud mental del alumnado adolescente en el contexto escolar. El trabajo parte del aumento preocupante de trastornos como la ansiedad, la depresión y los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) entre los jóvenes, agudizado por factores como el ritmo acelerado de vida, la presión académica, el uso intensivo de tecnologías digitales, el aislamiento social y las secuelas emocionales derivadas de la pandemia por COVID-19. Desde una perspectiva educativa, se argumenta la urgencia de implementar metodologías activas y motivadoras que favorezcan el desarrollo emocional y personal del alumnado.
El marco teórico aborda en profundidad las características clínicas, prevalencia y consecuencias de la ansiedad, depresión y TCA, así como el marco legal e institucional que regula la salud mental infanto-juvenil en España y en Aragón. La escuela se concibe como un agente clave de prevención y promoción del desarrollo integral del estudiante, destacando la importancia del Plan de Orientación y Acción Tutorial (POAT).
La propuesta consiste en una serie de Escape Rooms educativos diseñados para trabajar competencias socioemocionales mediante dinámicas cooperativas, narrativa inmersiva y retos vinculados al bienestar emocional. El estudio de viabilidad, con participación de docentes y orientadores, muestra una alta aceptación del programa, considerándolo útil, realista y aplicable. Así, el trabajo defiende el uso de recursos lúdicos como estrategia eficaz para abordar la salud mental adolescente desde una pedagogía preventiva, inclusiva e innovadora
Self-Assessment Tool in Soft Skills Learning During Clinical Placements in Physiotherapy Degree Programs: A Pilot Validation Study
Full text linkPhysiotherapy is challenged to be a profession with competencies in humanized skills and aptitudes. The need to integrate the learning of sustainable soft skills and humanistic education into higher education curricula has recently been emphasized to improve the capabilities of future healthcare professionals. Our objective was to psychometrically evaluate the Invisible Care, Well-being, Security, and Autonomy (CIBISA) scale in the context of physiotherapy through a pilot study involving students undertaking a degree in physiotherapy. The Delphi method was used over two rounds, and a focus group was convened to achieve a consensus on the adaptation of the CIBISA nursing scale to assess physiotherapy (CIBISA-F). For the psychometric validation of the CIBISA-F scale, the data-collection instruments used were the adapted CIBISA-F scale and two more validated scales related to soft skills. The scales were answered by 25 students at three different times, twice before the start of the clinical placements and once after. The results showed high internal consistency (α = 0.911), adequate reliability according to a Brand–Altman plot, and an adequate construct validity and sensitivity in comparison to other tools. The results of the present study suggest that this version of the CIBISA-F scale is a useful and reliable tool for measuring humanization skills in healthcare and physiotherapy students during their clinical placements, ensuring high-quality education
Phenolic compounds and epigenetic mechanisms regulating gene expression: effects on human health
Full text linkPhenolic compounds are a large class of phytochemicals with relevant physiological effects that are naturally found in plant-origin foods and derived products. Beneficial effects associated with polyphenol consumption are related to their ability to prevent and/or counteract disease features: they exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer effects, as well as protective actions against metabolic diseases. Phenolic compounds and their metabolites can modulate cell function by regulating gene expression. These effects are partially mediated through specific changes in epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNA (miRNA) expression. Some polyphenols affect DNA methylation and are effective in counteracting deleterious actions induced by inflammatory/pro-oxidant factors, both in in vitro and in vivo settings. Specific mechanisms include modulation of methyl-transferases, whose levels are inhibited upon polyphenols treatment. Some polyphenols are histone deacetylase inhibitors, which prevent transcriptional repression and suppress tumor and inflammation genes by affecting selective regulation of miRNA expression. Their mostly recognized actions as anti-inflammatory and antioxidants seem to be partially mediated through regulation of individual miRNAs. Due to these actions, polyphenols and polyphenol-derived metabolites are under study in clinical and interventional trials for their benefits on inflammation and/or metabolic disorders. In conclusion, phenolic compounds might be an interesting approach to contribute to human homeostasis given their capacity to dynamically regulate epigenetic factors at cellular and systemic level. The present review aims to study available evidence regarding regulatory effects of polyphenols on gene expression, specifically mediated through epigenetic mechanisms.Open Access funding provided thanks to the CRUE-CSIC agreement with Springer Nature. Authors are supported by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Spain, Gobierno de Aragón and Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e Inovação do Espírito Santo (Brazil)
Perceptions about oncological physiotherapy among health and social care professionals and cancer care managers: a co‑design approach for implementation strategies
No full textPurpose. This study aims to explore the knowledge and perceptions of health and social care professionals (HSCP) as well as cancer care managers and administrators (CCMA) in Spain regarding oncological physiotherapy. It seeks to identify barriers and propose strategies to enhance its integration into comprehensive cancer care.
Methods. The World Café co-design methodology was employed to facilitate discussions among HSCP and CCMA. This approach, known for its dynamic, inclusive, and engaging nature, encouraged a wide range of perspectives and deeper insights through collaborative and adaptable conversations. The sessions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed qualitatively using inductive thematic analysis.
Results. Nineteen participants were involved, including 11 HSCP and 8 CCMA. The analysis revealed three primary themes: “Supportive Services,” “Physiotherapy Along the cancer continuum,” and “What Now?”. Key findings highlight the lack of awareness about the role of physiotherapy in oncology, significant barriers to its integration, and the need for more humanized healthcare. Participants emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary work, the inclusion of physiotherapy in all phases of the oncological process, and the role of case managers in coordinating care.
Conclusions. These findings underscore significant gaps in the integration of physiotherapy into oncological care, including unmet needs due to lack of information, resources, and effective communication. Future efforts should focus on increasing the visibility of physiotherapy, integrating specialized physiotherapists into oncology teams, and enhancing the emotional education of professionals to provide more humanized care
Procesos de diseño y construcción para la reapropiación ciudadana de los vacíos urbanos. El Proyecto Machi Hata en Nagano, Japón
No full textEl artículo desarrolla una metodología activa de aprendizaje-servicio como proceso de enseñanza en las facultades de arquitectura a través de la apropiación del espacio público por parte de la comunidad vecinal. Esta visión se ha puesto en práctica a través del Proyecto Machi Hata, enfocado a revitalizar tres áreas abandonadas en Nagano —Sukeroku Garden, La Rencontre Backyard y A Goat Garden— cercanas al Zenkoji Temple, transformándolas en "jardines ciudadanos". La investigación abarca las secuencias de análisis, proyecto y autoconstrucción de huertos comunitarios que hacen evidente el potencial de estos procesos, tanto en su dimensión pedagógica como en la regeneración urbana
A Systematic Review of Pharmacokinetic Models of Vancomycin in Adult Patients (2020-2024): Trends, Variability, and Key Covariates
No full textAbstract: Introduction: This systematic review aimed to identify, evaluate, and critically an-alyze pharmacokinetic models of vancomycin in adult populations published in PubMed and EMBASE between 2020 and 2024.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-two studies were included, describing 24 models character-ized by substantial heterogeneity in terms of study populations, methodological design, and covariate selection. Most models were developed in Asia and focused on hospitalized patients, particularly those in intensive care units (ICUs). Data from 2150 patients were analyzed, with an average of 93 patients per model.
Results: The models demonstrated high variability in pharmacokinetic parameters, such as vancomycin clearance (Cl) and volume of distribution (Vd), influenced by factors, such as renal function, weight, age, and comorbidities. The meta-analysis conducted on clearance and interindividual variability in clearance (IIV Cl) revealed high heterogeneity among the ana-lyzed studies. The average vancomycin clearance was 4.23 L/h, with higher values observed in neurosurgical, oncohematologic patients, and those with increased renal function. The vol-ume of distribution showed greater variability in obese patients and those undergoing continu-ous renal replacement therapy. Creatinine clearance (ClCr) was identified as a significant co-variate in 66% of the models, while weight was significant in 33%. Other important covariates included age, sex, serum creatinine, serum urea, and the hospital admission unit. The meta-analysis of Cl and IIV Cl showed high heterogeneity among the studies, with I² values of 0.83 for Cl and 0.98 for IIV Cl, indicating substantial variability.
Discussion: The limitations of this study included the diversity of the analyzed populations, which made it challenging to assess the model's suitability. While the models showed advances in precision, challenges, such as the lack of external validation and discrepancies in dosing recommendations, remain.
Conclusion: This review paper has highlighted the need to validate models in diverse popula-tions and clinical settings to optimize personalized vancomycin therapy in adults. The findings have highlighted the importance of validating or adapting pharmacokinetic models to the spe-cific characteristics of each hospital population.TEVA and the INDIVO group supported the study financially (Grant no. SIGES 44440)
Jasonia glutinosa (L.) DC.: Back in Our Pantries? A Review of Its Pharmacological Activity and Mechanisms of Action
Full text linkJasonia glutinosa (L.) DC., commonly known in Spain as “Rock Tea”, is a medicinal plant native to the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, and Morocco. It has traditionally been used as a digestive, analgesic, antimicrobial, antidepressant, or for respiratory diseases. This narrative review aims to scientifically validate the ethnopharmacological uses of J. glutinosa as a medicinal plant, emphasizing the relationship between its traditional applications, pharmacological activities, and mechanisms of action based on experimental evidence. A comprehensive search was conducted in various electronic databases to gather information on its traditional uses, phytochemical composition, and in vitro, ex vivo, and
in vivo studies related to pharmacological properties. The literature review uncovered significant findings regarding the pharmacological and molecular mechanisms of this medicinal plant in various experimental models, particularly highlighting its spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.Phyto-Pharm group is funded by the Government of Aragon (reference B44_23R). We also acknowledge Universidad San Jorge for funding Proyecto Interno 2425013 through Convocatoria de Proyectos Internos de Investigación. Curso 2024–2025
ECONOMIC PROFILE OF THE JEWISH AND JUDEOCONVERSO COMMUNITIES IN THE KINGDOM OF ARAGON IN THE LATE MIDDLE AGES
Full text linkThis research is based on the premise that the three confessional communities –Christians, Jews and Mudejars– were economically complementary, allowing for pragmatic coexistence. This balance was broken with the mass conversions that took place after the Disputation of Tortosa (1413-14), which affected all social strata of the Jewish community. Nevertheless, a micro-society of New Christians was soon established, characterized by a new mentality. Its elites would become citizens, comprising notaries, commercial brokers, jurists, and merchants. In contrast to other territories of the Crown of Aragon, these lineages were integrated into society without significant disruption in the major cities of the kingdom. The expansion was only partially truncated with the establishment of the Inquisition, as the main families were supported by the monarch Ferdinand II, forming part of his closest circle.This work has been carried out with the support of the research project “Minorías religiosas y especialización laboral en la Edad Media” (MIREL) [PID2020-113885GB-C21], funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation
Diversidad entre viñetas: el uso de los fundamentos del arte para una propuesta de cómic sobre la diversidad y las conductas humanas
Full text linkEste Proyecto Fin de Grado se enfoca en la creación de una propuesta de cómic que aborda temáticas relacionadas con la diversidad. Por ello, se han analizado previamente los fundamentos del arte como la luz y el color que facilitan el resultado coherente con la propuesta. Además, también se han estudiado diferentes tipos de cómic según el origen geográfico y aspectos que reflejan la diversidad desde la discriminación étnica. Los resultados muestran el análisis de todos los apartados tratados en el marco teórico, que empieza en el capítulo segundo. El apartado conclusivo de este proyecto refleja el duro trabajo de investigación realizado y la importancia de conocer los fundamentos del arte para las creaciones visuales