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Centre Cultural de Dénia
No full text[EN] This Master’s Thesis addresses the design of an Auditorium and Cultural Center in Dénia, located on the large site facing the dock, an emblematic space that has hosted collective activities over the years, such as the summer fair, and maintains a direct relationship with both the sea and the castle, two of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
The proposal arises from the need to provide Dénia with a contemporary cultural facility capable of accommodating a wide range of programs: from concerts and theatrical performances to social, educational, and multidisciplinary activities. It is a space that not only responds to the city’s cultural demand but also seeks to strengthen its presence within the Mediterranean context.
The project is based on a reading of the site and the incorporation of material and landscape references characteristic of Dénia: the stone of the castle and breakwater, the memory of the fishermen and their sails, the boats’ canvas, as well as the native coastal vegetation. All of this translates into architecture that engages with its surroundings and reinforces local identity.
The report is structured in several phases: an urban, social, and demographic analysis of Dénia; a description of the architectural project; and the technical solutions adopted, including acoustics and the auditorium’s stage flexibility, the building envelope, and landscaping. The aim is to demonstrate a coherent process in which context, culture, and architecture integrate to shape a public facility that aspires to become a new cultural landmark for the city.[ES] El presente Trabajo Fin de Máster aborda el diseño de un Auditorio y Centro Cultural en Dénia, ubicado en el gran solar frente a la dársena, un espacio emblemático que ha albergado a lo largo de los años actividades colectivas como la feria de verano y que mantiene una relación directa tanto con el mar como con el castillo, dos de los hitos más reconocibles de la ciudad.
La propuesta parte de la necesidad de dotar a Dénia de un equipamiento cultural contemporáneo, capaz de acoger una amplia diversidad de programas: desde conciertos y representaciones teatrales hasta actividades sociales, educativas y multidisciplinares. Se trata de un espacio que no solo responde a la demanda cultural de la ciudad, sino que también busca consolidar su proyección dentro del ámbito mediterráneo.
El proyecto se fundamenta en la lectura del lugar y en la incorporación de referencias materiales y paisajísticas propias de Dénia: la piedra del castillo y de la escollera, la memoria de los pescadores y sus telas, las velas de los barcos, así como la vegetación autóctona de la costa. Todo ello se traduce en una arquitectura que dialoga con su entorno y refuerza la identidad local.
La memoria se estructura en distintas fases: un análisis urbano, social y demográfico de Dénia, la descripción del proyecto arquitectónico y las soluciones técnicas adoptadas, entre ellas la acústica y la flexibilidad escénica del auditorio, la envolvente y el paisajismo. El objetivo es mostrar un proceso coherente en el que contexto, cultura y arquitectura se integran para dar forma a un equipamiento público que pretende convertirse en un nuevo referente cultural para la ciudad.Cerdá Portolés, T. (2025). Centro Cultural en Denia. https://riunet.upv.es/handle/10251/232315TFG
Public insights into the Plus-15: Perspectives of Calgary's Grade-Separated Pedestrian Network
No full text[EN] Designing pedestrian-friendly environments with a focus on human-centered placemaking is crucial for creating vibrant, inclusive, and safe urban spaces, conducive to promoting wellbeing and health. There is a dearth of rigorous evidence concerning user experiences of Grade-Separated Pedestrian Networks (GSPNs). GSPNs encompass infrastructure including bridges and tunnels designed to improve pedestrian mobility (i.e., convenience), separate pedestrians from motor vehicle traffic (i.e., safety), and protect pedestrians from inclement weather (i.e., comfort). Applying a placemaking lens, we explored user perceptions and experiences of the “Plus-15” – an elevated GSPN in downtown Calgary (Canada). Recognizing that interpretations of quality in the built environment are subjective, context-dependent, and socially constructed, we utilized qualitative descriptions to explore public comments on the Plus-15 posted on the Reddit social media platform. We searched posts from the r/Calgary subreddit from October 2008 to September 2023, extracting comments concerning the Plus-15. Using a placemaking framework, we conducted deductive coding of relevant posts. We interpreted and translated coded comments into descriptive summaries based on 10 placemaking dimensions, including density, land uses and destinations, accessibility, connectedness and permeability, legibility, attractiveness, inclusiveness, maintenance, safety, and character. Our analysis of 28 relevant subreddit posts revealed that Plus-15 users shared a strong connection with its distinctive destinations, invoking feelings of nostalgia and fostering a sense of belonging. Users voiced concerns about the presence of homeless populations affecting the Plus-15’s character and safety. There was positive sentiment towards the Plus-15’s role in enhancing pedestrian connectivity and providing shelter from adverse weather. Users highlighted maintenance issues as adversely affecting their experience and perceived safety. Users also noted that ongoing renovations and the unclear responsibility for network maintenance negatively affected pedestrian movement within the Plus-15. Our findings highlight opportunities for improving the quality of the built environment related to the Plus-15 to enhance user convenience, safety, and comfort.This study was undertaken as part of a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Partnership Grant (#895-2022-1003; Quality in Canada’s Built Environment: Roadmaps to Equity, Social Value + Sustainability).Eng, J.;Mccormack, G. (2026). Public insights into the Plus-15: Perspectives of Calgary's Grade-Separated Pedestrian Network. En Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València, (pp. 698-709). https://doi.org/10.4995/VIBRArch2024.2024.18168OCS69870
Estudi de materials ceràmics lliures de plom obtingudes mitjançant la sinterització per microones
No full text[ES] Este trabajo presenta un estudio sobre materiales cerámicos piezoeléctricos libres de plomo basados en la solución sólida KNbO3 -NaNbO3 obtenidos mediante la sinterización por microondas. Por un lado, estas cerámicas son atractivas para su estudio ya que ofrecen alternativas amigables frente al Titanato-Zirconato de Plomo, Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (denominado PZT). Por otro lado, la sinterización por microondas se emplea con el propósito de disminuir el consumo energético y el tiempo de procesamiento empleado en el método convencional. Se han estudiado en específico las cerámicas K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (denominadas KNN) y KNN modificadas - (K0.44Na0.52Li0.04)(Nb0.84Ta0.10Sb0.06)O3 (denominadas KNL-NTS). Las cerámicas se han obtenido tras un paso previo de homogenización de precursores y mezcla seguido por la calcinación en un horno convencional. Se ha estudiado el efecto de la temperatura de sinterización y tiempo de estacionamiento sobre las propiedades de las cerámicas obtenidas mediante microscopia electrónica de barrido con electrones de alta resolución, espectroscopia de rayos X y densimetría por el método de Arquímedes.[EN] This work investigates the synthesis and sintering of lead-free piezoelectric ceramics based on KNN and KNLNTS, with a particular focus on microwave sintering. Special attention is given to powder processing and green body preparation, as the homogeneity, particle size distribution and compression quality of the green pellets are shown to be critical for achieving efficient densification and microstructure control. The influence of calcination parameters on powder morphology and phase formation is first evaluated, revealing strong dependence on heating rate and evidence of secondary phases at insufficient temperatures. Microwave sintering is then optimized by varying temperature, dwell time and heating rate, showing significantly reduced grain growth and improved densification efficiency compared to conventional sintering. XRD et SEM-EDX analyses confirm the successful formation of the perovskite structure, highlight alkali volatility effects and reveal clear correlations between processing conditions, microstructure evolution and chemical composition. Overall, the study demonstrates the potential of microwave sintering to produce dense, chemically stable KNN-based ceramics with refined microstructure while reducing processing time and thermal budget.Goyet, A. (2026). Study of lead-free ceramics obtained by microwave sintering. https://riunet.upv.es/handle/10251/232811TFG
Bioclimatic performance of two different building envelopes in a cold/temperate climate
No full text[EN] Adaptation and mitigation for climate change are fundamental to ensure a viable future both for the planet and for the people. More specifically, increasing sustainability in the built environment would have a significant effect in this direction. In addition, the wellbeing of all occupants could be enhanced by paying a special care to indoor environmental quality. Increasing the use of passive strategies could in turn promote energy and resource efficiency, thus reducing operational costs and improving comfort. In this line, high-performance building envelopes tend to focus on insulation and airtightness, but could also provide thermal mass and moisture buffering at their inner surface. By storing excess heat and moisture, they can stabilize indoor temperature and relative humidity, restricting their daily and seasonal variability. This article investigates therefore the effect of two different envelope solutions, in relation to the hygrothermal behaviour of an office building in a cold/temperate climate. Following this, a comparison is made between a typical layered configuration with conventional insulation, and an innovative one that includes thermal mass and moisture buffering. Then, the hygrothermal performance of the two envelopes is simulated using EnergyPlus with DesignBuilder. Next, the analysis is divided into two parts. The first one examines the resulting indoor climate under normal operation with occupants, to show its psychrometric and dynamic behaviour. The second one is restricted to a fully passive operation, to explore its thermal autonomy, resilience and habitability. The objective of this work is to explore the effect of different envelope materialities on the bioclimatic performance of the building. This can in turn reflect its energy efficiency, thermal comfort and thermal safety. The consequent increase in thrivability, resilience and sustainability may produce a more ethical architecture, with higher respect both for the user and for the environment.This research has been financed by the Department of Architecture and Technology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and The Research Centre on Zero Emission Neighbourhoods in Smart Cities (FME-ZEN).Albelda-Estellés Ness, MC. (2026). Bioclimatic performance of two different building envelopes in a cold/temperate climate. En Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València, (pp. 830-840). https://doi.org/10.4995/VIBRArch2024.2024.18466OCS83084
Ensuring agriculture's future: How to foster generational renewal in semi-arid Mediterranean region
No full text[EN] The ageing rural population and the decline in generational renewal in agriculture pose structural challenges. This study examines how farm-internal factors (farm structure and income generation) and contextual socioeconomic conditions (business dynamism, urban proximity, digital connectivity and public services) influence the attraction of young farmers. The study is based on fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) of 542 Spanish municipalities in a semi-arid region. This analysis identifies configurations of conditions that jointly help or hinder the entry of young farmers to the sector. A combination of internal and contextual conditions is required to explain regional differences in attracting youths to farming. The presence of large-scale farms is a recurrent condition in configurations leading to high attraction. This finding reflects their prominent role in generational renewal. In contrast, the role of income generation varies depending on the economic context. Among contextual factors, local business dynamism is the only essential condition to attract young farmers. Other contextual factors, such as urban proximity, digital connectivity, and public services, do not directly lead to the attraction of youths to farming. This finding suggests that although these contextual factors create a more favourable environment, they are not decisive on their own. The study provides guidance for policymakers, emphasising the need to combine structural and economic measures with regional development strategies to promote generational renewal in agriculture. Most importantly, youth attraction is feasible under the right conditions. This crucial finding justifies a holistic approach to support farms' continuity.The authors acknowledge the support offered by the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion (MCIN) and the Agencia Estatal de Investigacion (AEI) of the Spanish Government. This paper is part of the Project PID2023-150150OA-C32, funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and "ERDF/EU".Calafat Marzal, Consuelo;Roig-Tierno, Norat;Cervera Ferrer, Francesc Josep;Gallego Salguero, Aurea Cecilia;García Alvarez-Coque, José María (2026). Ensuring agriculture's future: How to foster generational renewal in semi-arid Mediterranean region. Cities. 168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2025.106422S168Alamá-Sabater, L., Budí, V., Roig-Tierno, N., & García-Álvarez-Coque, J. M. (2021). Drivers of depopulation and spatial interdependence in a regional context. Cities, 114, 103217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2021.103217Alonso, M. P., Gargallo, P., López-Escolano, C., Miguel, J., & Salvador, M. (2023). 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Development of Functional Hybrid Materials for Advanced Antimicrobial Applications
Get PDFTesis por compendio[ES] Las infecciones microbianas asociadas a biopelículas y el aumento de la resistencia a los antimicrobianos representan un desafío crítico, tanto en entornos clínicos como industriales. En este contexto, esta tesis doctoral, titulada "Desarrollo de materiales híbridos funcionales para aplicaciones antimicrobianas avanzadas", explora nuevas estrategias para la prevención y erradicación de biopelículas, mediante el uso de materiales funcionalizados con compuestos antimicrobianos naturales. El primer capítulo se centra en el desarrollo de superficies de acero inoxidable modificadas con un recubrimiento antimicrobiano basado en vainillina, anclado a una capa intermedia de sílice. Las pruebas realizadas sobre Staphylococcus epidermidis, uno de los principales patógenos responsables de infecciones nosocomiales, demostraron una reducción del 100% en la viabilidad bacteriana y una disminución del 75% en la formación de biopelículas, en comparación con superficies no tratadas. El segundo capítulo presenta un nuevo enfoque para la prevención de infecciones asociadas a implantes, ya que las infecciones postquirúrgicas en ortopedia siguen siendo un grave problema clínico. En este estudio, se funcionalizaron materiales regenerativos basados en fosfato de calcio (CaP) con vainillina (CaP-Vainillina), con el fin de combinar sus propiedades regenerativas, con una acción antimicrobiana prolongada. La letalidad promedio sobre S. epidermidis en biopelícula, cuando se trató con CaP-Vanillin, fue del 98,9% y superior al 99,9% en concentraciones de 50 mg/mL y 100 mg/mL, respectivamente, en comparación con el CaP. Los estudios in vivo en modelos animales confirmaron que el uso de estos biomateriales no interfiere con la osteointegración, lo que los convierte en candidatos prometedores para aplicaciones clínicas. En el tercer capítulo, se abordan las limitaciones asociadas a diversos compuestos naturales mediante la aplicación de la nanotecnología, utilizada como herramienta para mejorar la eficacia y funcionalidad de estos agentes naturales. Este capítulo presenta dos artículos de investigación, que describen el desarrollo de nanodispositivos avanzados. El primer artículo explora una tecnología prometedora para la industria alimentaria, donde la contaminación por biopelículas bacterianas representa un riesgo grave para la seguridad alimentaria y provoca importantes costes económicos. Se diseñó un sistema basado en nanopartículas de tipo Janus, formado por una combinación de nanopartículas de platino con sílice mesoporosa funcionalizada con vainillina. Estos nanosistemas muestran movimiento autónomo en presencia de peróxido de hidrógeno (H¿O¿) y, con ello, una alta capacidad para penetrar biopelículas de Staphylococcus aureus y eliminar eficazmente las células patógenas, abriendo nuevas vías para soluciones de desinfección industrial. El segundo artículo del tercer capítulo investiga una estrategia innovadora basada en la Terapia Fotodinámica Antimicrobiana (aPDT), que aprovecha la acción combinada de fotosensibilizadores y luz a longitudes de onda específicas para generar especies reactivas de oxígeno e inducir la muerte bacteriana. Se diseñó un sistema basado en nanopartículas de sílice mesoporosa cargadas con curcumina y funcionalizadas con polimixina B (actuando como puerta molecular). Los resultados mostraron una reducción significativa en la viabilidad bacteriana y hasta un 99% de inhibición en la formación de biopelículas.
Así, esta tesis doctoral demuestra el potencial de las superficies funcionalizadas, los nanomateriales motorizados y la Terapia Fotodinámica como estrategias avanzadas y eficaces para combatir infecciones por biopelículas y la resistencia antimicrobiana. Las aplicaciones abarcan desde el ámbito biomédico hasta la seguridad alimentaria, proponiendo nuevas soluciones para el control de infecciones y la reducción del uso de antibióticos o biocidas.[CA] Les infeccions microbianes associades a biofilms i l'augment de la resistència als antimicrobians representen un desafiament crític tant en entorns clínics com industrials. En aquest context, aquesta tesi doctoral, titulada "Desenvolupament de materials híbrids funcionals per a aplicacions antimicrobianes avançades", explora noves estratègies per a la prevenció i eradicació de biofilms mitjançant l'ús de materials funcionalitzats amb compostos antimicrobians naturals. El primer capítol se centra en el desenvolupament de superfícies d'acer inoxidable modificades amb un recobriment antimicrobià a base de vainillina, ancorat a una capa intermèdia de sílice. Les proves realitzades sobre Staphylococcus epidermidis, un dels principals patògens responsables d'infeccions nosocomials, van demostrar una reducció del 100% en la viabilitat bacteriana i una disminució del 75% en la formació de biofilms en comparació amb superfícies no tractades. El segon capítol presenta un nou enfocament per a la prevenció d'infeccions associades a implants, ja que les infeccions postquirúrgiques en ortopèdia continuen sent un problema clínic greu. En aquest estudi, es van funcionalitzar materials regeneratius a base de fosfat de calci (CaP) amb vainillina (CaP-Vanillin), amb l'objectiu de combinar les seues propietats regeneratives amb una acció antimicrobiana prolongada. La letalitat mitjana sobre S. epidermidis en biofilm, quan es tractava amb CaP-Vainillina, fou del 98,9% i superior al 99,9% a concentracions de 50 mg/mL i 100 mg/mL, respectivament, en comparació amb el CaP. Els estudis in vivo en models animals van confirmar que l'ús d'aquests biomaterials no interfereix amb l'osteointegració, la qual cosa els converteix en candidats prometedors per a aplicacions clíniques. Al tercer capítol, s'aborden les limitacions associades a diversos compostos naturals mitjançant l'aplicació de la nanotecnologia, utilitzada com a eina per a millorar l'eficàcia i funcionalitat d'aquests agents naturals. Aquest capítol presenta dos articles d'investigació que descriuen el desenvolupament de nanodispositius avançats. El primer article explora una tecnologia prometedora per a la indústria alimentària, on la contaminació per biofilms bacterians representa un risc greu per a la seguretat alimentària i provoca importants costos econòmics. Es va dissenyar un sistema basat en nanopartícules de tipus Janus, compost per una combinació de nanopartícules de platí amb sílice mesoporosa funcionalitzada amb vainillina. Aquests nanosistemes mostren moviment autònom en presència de peròxid d'hidrogen (H¿O¿) i, amb això, una gran capacitat per a penetrar biofilms de Staphylococcus aureus i eliminar eficaçment les cèl·lules patògenes, obrint noves vies per a solucions de desinfecció industrial. El segon article del tercer capítol investiga una estratègia innovadora basada en la Teràpia Fotodinàmica Antimicrobiana (aPDT), que aprofita l'acció combinada de fotosensibilitzadors i llum a longituds d'ona específiques per a generar espècies reactives d'oxigen i induir la mort bacteriana. Es va dissenyar un sistema basat en nanopartícules de sílice mesoporosa carregades amb curcumina i funcionalitzades amb polimixina B (actuant com a porta molecular). Els resultats van mostrar una reducció significativa en la viabilitat bacteriana i fins a un 99% d'inhibició en la formació de biofilms. Així, aquesta tesi doctoral demostra el potencial de les superfícies funcionalitzades, els nanomaterials motoritzats i la Teràpia Fotodinàmica com a estratègies avançades i eficaces per a combatre infeccions per biofilms i la resistència antimicrobiana. Les aplicacions abasten des del sector biomèdic fins a la seguretat alimentària, proposant noves solucions per al control d'infeccions i la reducció de l'ús d'antibiòtics o biocides.[EN] Microbial biofilm infections and increasing antimicrobial resistance represent a critical challenge in both clinical and industrial settings. In this context, this doctoral thesis, entitled "Development of Functional Hybrid Materials for Advanced Antimicrobial Applications", explores new strategies for biofilm prevention and eradication through the use of functionalized materials with natural antimicrobial compounds. The first chapter focuses on the development of stainless steel surfaces modified with an antimicrobial coating based on vanillin, anchored to an intermediate silica layer. The tests performed on Staphylococcus epidermidis, one of the main pathogens responsible for nosocomial infections, showed a 100% reduction in bacterial viability and a 75% decrease in biofilm formation, compared to untreated surfaces. The second chapter presents a new approach for preventing infections associated with implants, as post-surgical infections in orthopedics remain a serious clinical problem. In this study, regenerative materials based on calcium phosphate (CaP) were functionalized with vanillin (CaP-Vanillin) in order to combine their regenerative properties with prolonged antimicrobial action. The average lethality on S. epidermidis in biofilm, when treated with CaP-Vanillin, was 98.9% and over 99.9% at concentrations of 50 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL, respectively, compared to CaP. In vivo studies in animal models confirmed that the use of these biomaterials does not interfere with osteointegration, making them promising candidates for clinical applications. In the third chapter, the limitations associated with various natural compounds are addressed through the application of nanotechnology, used as a tool to enhance the efficacy and functionality of these natural agents. Two research articles are presented in this chapter, describing the development of advanced nanodevices. The first article explores a promising technology for the food industry, where bacterial biofilm contamination poses a serious risk to food safety and results in significant economic costs. A system based on Janus nanoparticles was designed, consisting of a combination of platinum nanoparticles with vanillin-functionalized mesoporous silica. These nanosystems exhibit autonomous movement in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H¿O¿) and, with that, show a high capacity to penetrate Staphylococcus aureus biofilms and effectively eliminate pathogenic cells, paving the way for new industrial disinfection solutions. The second article of the third chapter investigates an innovative strategy based on Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT), which exploits the combined action of photosensitizers and light at specific wavelengths to generate reactive oxygen species and induce bacterial death. A system based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with curcumin and functionalized with polymyxin B (acting as a molecular gate) was designed. The results showed a significant reduction in bacterial viability and up to 99% inhibition in biofilm formation. Thus, this doctoral thesis demonstrates the potential of functionalized surfaces, motorized nanomaterials, and Photodynamic Therapy as advanced and effective strategies to combat biofilm infections and antimicrobial resistance. The applications range from biomedical sectors to food safety, suggesting new approaches for infection control and the reduction of antibiotic or biocide use.The Spanish Government (projects PID2021-126304OB-C41, PID2021-128141OB-C22 and TED2021-132114B-I00, MCUI/FEDER, EU and CIBER-Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CB06/01/2012), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación) and the Generalitat Valenciana (CIPROM/2021/007) funded this research. This work was also supported by the European Research Council (ERC) via Advanced Grant (101052997, EDISON). This study formed part of the Advanced Materials program (MFA/2022/053) and the AGROALNEXT program (AGROALNEXT/2022/032), supported by MCIN with funding from the European Union NextGenerationEU (PRTR-C17.I1) and by Generalitat Valenciana. S.M. thanks the Generalitat Valenciana for her Grisolía fellowship (GRISOLIAP/2018/149). Á.M.-A. thanks the Universitat Politècnica de Valencia (UPV) for her Ph.D. grant (DOCEMPR22). F.J.H thanks Ministerio de Universidades (MIU, Spanish Government) for his FPU grant (FPU20/06021). M.R.-T. thanks MIU for his FPU grant (FPU21/03142). A.B. thanks the MIU for her Beatriz Galindo contract (BG20/00020). P.D. thanks the Instituto de Salud Carlos III and the European Social Fund for financial support “Sara Borrell” (CD20/00120) and “Miguel Servet” (CP24/00043).Medaglia, Serena (2025). Development of Functional Hybrid Materials for Advanced Antimicrobial Applications [Tesis doctoral]. Universidad Politécnica de Valencia. https://riunet.upv.es/handle/10251/230807TESISCompendi
Bias correction and statistical transfer in satellite-based annual maximum precipitation series in the Piura River
No full text[EN] This paper analyzes bias correction in satellite-derived annual maximum precipitation series and reanalyses in the Piura River basin, Peru. Quantile Mapping, Polynomial Regression Linear Transformation, Multiplicative Delta, and other techniques were applied to satellite products (CHIRPS, ERA5, MERRA-2, PERSIANN-CDR, PISCO, and RAIN4PE), evaluating their statistical performance using NSE, RMSE, MAE, PBIAS, and KS. Observed data from six official stations were used, after homogeneity and completion tests using Random Forest. The results showed that Quantile Mapping and PISCO offer the best statistical fit, even at stations with gaps. Furthermore, the transfer of correction parameters between stations with similar climates was explored, finding that statistical similarity best fits geographic proximity as a selection criterion. This approach is useful for improving data quality in ungauged basins and supporting hydrological design in areas with limited monitoring.[ES] El presente trabajo analiza la corrección de sesgo en series de precipitación máxima anual derivadas de productos satelitales y reanálisis en la cuenca del río Piura, Perú. Se aplicaron las técnicas de Mapeo de Cuantiles, Regresión Polinomial Transformación Lineal, Delta Multiplicativo y sobre los productos satelitales (CHIRPS, ERA5, MERRA-2, PERSIANN-CDR, PISCO y RAIN4PE), evaluando su desempeño estadístico mediante NSE, RMSE, MAE, PBIAS y KS. Se usaron datos observados de seis estaciones oficiales, tras pruebas de homogeneidad y completación con Random Forest. Los resultados mostraron que Mapeo de Cuantiles y PISCO ofrecen el mejor ajuste estadístico, incluso en estaciones con vacíos. Asimismo, se exploró la transferencia de parámetros de corrección entre estaciones con climas similares, encontrando que la similitud estadística se ajusta mejor a la proximidad geográfica como criterio de selección. Este enfoque resulta útil para mejorar la calidad de datos en cuencas no aforadas y apoyar el diseño hidrológico en zonas con escaso monitoreo.Berrocal-Tito, BF.;Ramirez-Muñoz, JI. (2026). Corrección de sesgo y transferencia estadística en series de precipitación máxima anual satelital en el río Piura. Ingeniería del Agua. 30(1):48-62. https://doi.org/10.4995/ia.24476OJS486230
Understanding Congolese Students' Behavioural Intentions Toward Learning Management Systems: An Extended TAM Approach
Get PDF[EN] This study empirically validates a technology acceptance model (TAM)-based framework for predicting technology adoption, integrating core constructs perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), and social norms (SN) to examine their influence on behavioural intention and actual usage. Using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), the measurement model demonstrated strong reliability and validity, while the structural model confirmed all hypothesised relationships. PU emerged as the most influential predictor of intention, and behavioural intention fully mediated the link between perceptual antecedents and usage. The model explained 42.3% of the variance in intention and 34.3% in usage, with Q² values confirming substantial predictive relevance. These findings contribute to the literature by reaffirming the centrality of intention in technology adoption and by highlighting the complementary role of social norms in shaping user behaviour. The study offers theoretical and practical insights for designing inclusive digital strategies, particularly in emerging economies.Kalumendo, R.;Vagheni, PN.;Pierre, NM.;Tandele Rufin, T. (2026). Understanding Congolese Students Behavioural Intentions Toward Learning Management Systems: An Extended TAM Approach. Journal of Applied Research in Technology & Engineering. 7(1):47-57. https://doi.org/10.4995/jarte.2026.25061OJS47577
Risk mitigation through noise reduction in hierarchical portfolio selection
Get PDF[EN] Risk parity portfolio methods rely solely on covariance estimates to minimize risk, ignoring expected returns due to their high estimation error. This approach can be unstable when dealing with a reduced number of observations. We address this limitation by improving the signal-to-noise ratio in covariance and correlation matrix estimation within hierarchical portfolio selection models. Our approach combines shrinkage covariance estimation, a backbone network extraction, and density-based clustering method. We test two workflows: one for covariance and one for correlation matrices across four real-world market datasets (S&P, Dow Jones, Euro Stoxx 50, Ibex 35) and a synthetic dataset. Results show improved out-of-sample performance in terms of value-at-risk and conditional value-at-risk, offering a more robust alternative to standard hierarchical risk parity.Salas-Molina, Francisco;Nin, J. (2026). Risk mitigation through noise reduction in hierarchical portfolio selection. Expert Systems with Applications. 299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2025.130304S29
Optimisation of maritime routes: An intelligent approach to logistics efficiency
No full text[EN] Efficient maritime route planning is pivotal for optimising global logistics operations in an increasingly competitive environment. This study aims to determine the optimal number of clusters among 90 georeferenced ports across six continents, minimizing distances and enhancing operational efficiency through advanced clustering techniques. Methods such as geographic k-means, Gaussian Mixture Models (GMM), and hierarchical clustering were implemented and evaluated using quality metrics like the Calinski-Harabasz, Silhouette, and Davies-Bouldin indices. The results identified 13 optimal clusters that reflect logical and geographically coherent segmentation, highlighting geographic k-means for its consistency and replicability. Additionally, integrating an intelligent routing model enabled the design of optimised routes within each cluster, reducing distances and maximizing logistical efficiency. The proposed methodology, developed in Python, demonstrates not only its applicability to maritime operations but also its potential for extrapolation to other contexts, showcasing robustness and relevance for global strategic planning. This approach represents a significant advancement in integrating clustering and optimisation techniques to enhance maritime supply chain management.Universidad de CaldasAlzate, P.;Guevara, A.;Isaza, GA.;Toro, EM.;Jaramillo-Garzón, JA. (2026). Optimisation of maritime routes: An intelligent approach to logistics efficiency. International Journal of Production Management and Engineering. 14(1):71-83. https://doi.org/10.4995/ijpme.2026.23227OJS718314