92516 research outputs found
Sort by
Sustainable Use of Volcanic Ash in Mortars as a Replacement for Cement or Sand: Shrinkage and Physical and Mechanical Properties
No full textThe eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano on 19 September 2021 resulted in the deposition
of over 20 million cubic meters of tephra, posing significant environmental and logistical
challenges in the affected areas. This study aimed to explore the valorization of volcanic
ash (VA) by evaluating its potential use in producing sustainable mortar by incorporating
it as a replacement for cement or sand. Various experimental mixtures were prepared with
different proportions of VA which substituted either cement or sand, and these mixes were
characterized through a mechanical and microstructural campaign. Additionally, shrinkage
was evaluated for the mixtures which showed good mechanical results. The results suggest
that partially replacing cement with up to 15% ground VA as well as substituting sand with
up to 25% VA are promising strategies for the production of sustainable mortar mixes. This
research contributes to the understanding of the influence of VA in cementitious matrices
and offers a novel approach for integrating locally available geomaterials into infrastructure
design in volcanic active regions.R&D Unit Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering (ISISE), reference UIDB/04029/2020Associate Laboratory Advanced
Production and Intelligent Systems ARISE, reference LA/P/0112/2020FCT—Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., project
2022.03631.PTDC (MSSHBio-Cem
Littérature, idéologie et sociocritique
No full textLa sociocrítica de Edmond Cros trata de articular tres tipos de formaciones: sociales, ideológicas y discursivas. Interesada especialmente por las mediaciones y el trabajo de la escritura, utiliza un aparato conceptual sofisticado para describir el proceso por el que la sociedad, la historia y la ideología se transforman en texto literario.Edmond Cros’s sociocriticism tries to articulate three types of formations: social, ideological and discursive. Particularly interested in mediations and the work of writing, he uses a sophisticated conceptual apparatus to describe the process by which society, history and ideology are transformed into literary text.La sociocritique d’Edmond Cros tente d’articuler trois types de formations: sociale, idéologique et discursive. Particulièrement intéressée par les médiations et le travail d’écriture, elle utilise un appareil conceptuel sophistiqué pour décrire le processus par lequel la société, l’histoire et l’idéologie sont transformées en texte littéraire
Reduced Systemic Levels of Bile Acids in Individuals with Coronary Artery Disease: Insights from a Systematic Review
No full textBile acids (BAs) play a key role in cholesterol metabolism and inflammation. Although
altered circulating BA profiles have been reported in cardiometabolic disorders such as
type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity, their relationship with coronary artery disease (CAD)
remains poorly understood. We conducted a systematic review of human studies searching
PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, assessing circulating BA concentrations in adults with
angiographically confirmed CAD compared to non-CAD (NCAD) controls. Risk of bias
was evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. From 2782 records, four observational
studies met the inclusion criteria. All reported lower circulating BA concentrations in
individuals with CAD compared to NCAD controls, with differences ranging from −5.4%
to −52.8%. Two studies found a significant inverse association between BA levels and CAD.
One study reported lower BA levels only in CAD in men, while another found the reduction
more pronounced in individuals with T2D. However, all studies were observational, and
most lacked adjustment for confounders such as sex and age. Current evidence suggests
that lower circulating BA levels are linked to CAD and may be influenced by sex and T2D
status. Further mechanistic and prospective studies are needed to clarify the relevance and
directionality of this association
Measurement of the 33S(n,α) 30Si Thermal Cross-Section with Slow Neutrons at ILL
No full textThis work is focused on an accurate experimental determination of the thermal 33S(n,α)
30Si
cross-section. This cross-section is a critical parameter for the potential use of 33S as a
cooperative target in boron neutron capture therapy or to understand its role in the stellar
nucleosynthesis of 36S. At present, there are large discrepancies in this experimental value;
therefore, in this work we measured it relative to the 10B(n,α)
7Li standard cross-section at
the high flux reactor of the Institut Laue-Langevin. The experimental setup was based on a
double-sided silicon strip detector. Two 33S samples were used. One 10B sample was used
as reference. Particular attention was taken to the characterization of the mass thickness of
the samples before and after the experiment because of the high volatility of 33S. Such work
was already published in a dedicated paper. A cross-check of the 10B sample was carried
out with the neutron flux monitor at the n_TOF-CERN facility. The obtained cross-section
of (280 ± 33) mb is significantly higher than the existing data.MICIU/AEI/ (Project No. PID2020.117969RB.i00)MICIN/AEI/ (RTI2018-098117-B-C21)Spanish
Association Against Cancer (AECC) (Grant PS16163811PORR)Junta de Andalucía (P11-FQM-8229
The diaphasic factors in the elision of the intervocalic /d/ in Ciudad Real
No full textEl objetivo del presente trabajo es intentar establecer el grado de la variación diafásica en la producción de la /d/ intervocálica en la comunidad lingüística de Ciudad Real. Para ello se han comparado los datos obtenidos en el estilo conversacional (Kapović, 2024) con los de las tareas de lectura de un texto y una lista de palabras, que, según la teoría de la atención prestada al habla (Labov ,1972, pp. 79-109), reflejan el uso de la lengua en los estilos más formales. Además de este método, se han considerado otros enfoques para el estudio práctico del estilo (Samper et al. 2021, pp. 12-13) y se ha intentado explicar las grandes diferencias que surgen con respecto al grado de la variación diafásica cuando se emplean estos métodos distintos. En el caso del modelo de atención prestada al habla, se concluye que la /d/ intervocálica estudiada de esta manera representa lo que Bell (1984, pp. 154-6) denomina una “variable hiperestilo” y se intenta explicar las razones que condicionan este tipo de comportamiento. El corpus sobre el que se basa el presente estudio se recogió durante el semestre de invierno del año académico 2011/12 en Ciudad Real.The objective of this paper is to try to establish the degree of diaphasic variation in the production of intervocalic /d/ in the linguistic community of Ciudad Real. To this end, the data from the conversational style (Author 2024) have been compared with the tasks of reading a text and a word-list, which, according to the theory of the attention paid to speech (Labov 1972, pp. 79-109), reflect language use in more formal styles. In addition to this method, other approaches to the practical study of style have been considered (Samper et al. 2021, pp. 12-13) and we have tried to explain the significant differences in the degree of the diaphasic variation depending on the method used. In the case of the model of the attention paid to speech, we have concluded that when the intervocalic /d/ is studied in this manner it exhibits the characteristics of what Bell (1984, pp. 154-6) has termed a “hyperstyle variable”, which we try to account for. The corpus on which the present study is based was collected during the winter semester of the 2011/12 academic year in Ciudad Real
Integrating mental health interventions in higher education: An evidence-based umbrella review
No full textUniversity students face increasing mental health challenges, including anxiety, stress, and depression, affecting their well-being and academic performance. This review assessed the effectiveness of physical activity interventions (PAI) combined with mindfulness-based therapy (MBT), mindfulness-based interventions (MBI), and psychoeducational interventions (PPI) in improving mental health. A systematic search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed, including recent meta-analyses. A total of 24 meta-analyses were included, encompassing a wide range of mental health outcomes in university students. Statistical analyses included the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model, heterogeneity tests (I2), and Egger's regression test for publication bias. Results showed that combined Findings indicate that had the strongest and most consistent effects, particularly for reducing stress (SMD = −1.37) and depression (SMD = −0.79). MBI produced moderate effects on anxiety (SMD = −0.45), while PPI and MBI + PPI yielded limited improvements. These findings support the prioritization of PAI + MBT programs in university mental health strategies. Future research should aim to standardize protocols and explore intervention effectiveness across diverse student subgroups.European Union - Erasmus+ RESUPERES project (2021-1-ES01-KA220-HED-000031173
Sexual desire in women with fibromyalgia: beyond the pain?
No full textBackground: Women with fibromyalgia often experience sexual dysfunction, particularly reduced sexual desire, but few studies have used
specific measures, such as the Sexual Desire Inventory, to assess this, and the predictors of sexual desire in these women remain unclear.
Aim: This study aimed to analyze sexual desire in Spanish women diagnosed with fibromyalgia (fibromyalgia group, FG) and in a control group
(CG) of healthy women and to examine the predictors (age, symptoms duration, time since diagnosis, severity of fibromyalgia, antidepressant
drugs, depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms) of sexual desire in the FG.
Methods: The sample consisted of 81 women divided into 2 groups FG (n = 46) and CG (n = 35). The average age was 47.23 years (SD = 9.22)
for the FG and 46.14 years (SD = 9.52) for the CG.
Outcomes: The main outcome measures were sexual desire, as assessed through the Sexual Desire Inventory, severity of fibromyalgia
(Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire) and anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale).
Results: Women in the FG had lower sexual desire than those in the CG. Age, time since diagnosis, and depression were associated with
different dimensions of sexual desire. In contrast, fibromyalgia severity, anxiety, and months using SSRIs were not linked to any dimensions of
sexual desire. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that age, time since of FM diagnosis, and depression predicted global sexual
desire, accounting for 30% of its variance.
Clinical Implications: Assessing sexual desire and addressing depressive symptoms early in women with fibromyalgia is essential for improving
their sexual health.
Strengths and Limitations: This is the first study to assess different dimensions of sexual desire, including sexual desire for an attractive
person, while simultaneously examining key factors associated with sexual desire in women with fibromyalgia. However, the sample size is
relatively small, and the study lacks a longitudinal design.
Conclusion: Women with FG have lower sexual desire than healthy women, primarily due to age, time since diagnosis, and depressive
symptoms.Universidad de Granada/CBU
Impact of technologies on learners with autism spectrum disorder: a bibliometric analysis
No full textHoy en día, el uso de las herramientas digitales ha permitido realizar cambios significativos en el
sistema educativo, permitiendo la igualdad de oportunidades y una mayor accesibilidad al alumnado en general. En este sentido, el alumnado con trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) necesita
aplicar estos dispositivos electrónicos para mejorar en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. El
presente estudio trata de aplicar un análisis bibliométrico sobre el impacto de las tecnologías de
la información y la comunicación (TIC) en el alumnado con TEA con el objetivo de responder a tres
preguntas de investigación planteadas. A través del análisis de dos bases de datos (Scopus y Web of
Science) se recopilaron un total de 33 artículos sobre la temática. Los resultados reflejan una mejora
significativa en el rendimiento escolar, habilidades sociales y motivación del alumnado. A modo
de conclusión, se manifiesta una evidente necesidad de formar al profesorado en competencias
digitales y de realizar más esfuerzos en esta línea de investigación, con el objetivo de proporcionar
más conocimientos a la comunidad científica.Nowadays, the use of digital tools has enabled significant changes in the educational system,
allowing equal opportunities and greater accessibility to students. In this sense, students with
autism spectrum disorder (ASD) need to apply these electronic devices to improve the teaching
and learning process. The present study tries to apply a bibliometric analysis on the impact of
information and communication technology (ICT) on students with ASD with the aim of answering
three research questions. Through the analysis of two databases (Scopus and Web of Science),
a total of 33 articles on the subject were collected. The results show a significant improvement
in school performance, social skills and student motivation. In conclusion, there is a clear need
to train teachers in digital competences and to make more efforts in this line of research, with
the aim of providing more knowledge to the scientific community
“We have aged a lot in these two years!”. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health of older people living alone
No full textAntecedentes y objetivo:
Encuestas realizadas alrededor del mundo coinciden en que la pandemia de COVID-19 ha deteriorado la salud de las personas mayores. Aquellas que viven solas se han visto especialmente afectadas. Nuestro objetivo es analizar este hecho, interpretando compresivamente las descripciones que ellas mismas transmiten.
Método:
Investigación cualitativa que sigue las directrices de la Teoría fundamentada y emplea la entrevista para recoger información. El muestreo teórico fue de 102 entrevistas, todas presenciales, realizadas en varias fases.
Resultados:
Se identifican tres temas principales. 1) la adopción de un estilo de vida inactivo y sedentario por parte de las personas mayores viviendo solas durante toda la pandemia; 2) ello se acompañó de un déficit de asistencia sanitaria, pues evitaron ir a hospitales y centros de salud al ser concebidos como espacios de alto riesgo de infección de COVID-19, es decir, por miedo al contagio; la atención telefónica no supuso una alternativa eficaz a las consultas presenciales; 3) la pérdida de salud subjetiva, que achacan a la pandemia, en forma de empeoramiento físico, relacionado sobre todo con la movilidad, problemas mentales como la ansiedad o la depresión y deterioro cognitivo percibido.
Conclusiones:
La pandemia ha afectado negativamente al estado de salud de las personas mayores viviendo solas y sus efectos no fueron solo inmediatos, sino que se prolongarían a medio y largo plazo. Nos encontramos ante un colectivo particularmente vulnerable y lo sucedido en estos años sugiere la necesidad de intervenciones sociales, urgentes y profundas, que mejoren su calidad de vida.Background and objective:
Surveys carried out around the world agree that the COVID-19 pandemic has deteriorated the health of older people. Those who live alone have been especially affected. Our objective is to analyze this fact, comprehensively interpreting the descriptions that they themselves transmit.
Method:
Qualitative research that follows the guidelines of Grounded Theory and uses interviews to collect information. The theoretical sampling consisted of 102 interviews, all in person, carried out in several phases.
Results:
Three main themes are identified. 1) The adoption of an inactive and sedentary lifestyle by older people living alone throughout the pandemic. 2) This was accompanied by a deficit in health care, since they avoided going to hospitals and health centers as they were conceived as spaces with a high risk of COVID-19 infection, that is, for fear of contagion. Telephone support was not an effective alternative to face-to-face consultations. 3) The loss of subjective health, which they attribute to the pandemic, in the form of physical worsening, especially related to mobility, mental problems such as anxiety or depression and/or perceived cognitive impairment.
Conclusions:
The pandemic has negatively affected the health status of older people living alone, and its effects were not only immediate, but would last in the medium and long term. We are faced with a particularly vulnerable group and what has happened in recent years suggests the need for urgent and profound social interventions that improve their quality of life.Fundación Pública Andaluza Centro de Estudios Andaluce
Microencapsulation of Bacillus subtilis by spray-drying using starch hydrolysates with different dextrose equivalent values
No full textSustainable agricultural practices require innovative solutions to enhance productivity while reducing environmental impact. The use of plant growth-promoting microorganisms, such as Bacillus subtilis, as biofertilizers is
a promising strategy. However, ensuring cell viability during storage and under field conditions remains a
challenge. This study investigates the encapsulation of B. subtilis via spray-drying using starch hydrolysates with
different dextrose equivalent (DE) values (DE-8, DE-18, and DE-38) as wall materials. Encapsulation efficiency
was approximately 80 % for all formulations. The DE values influenced microcapsule morphology and cell
release profiles, with higher DE materials producing smoother, smaller, and more homogeneous particles. The
microcapsules effectively protected cells against high salinity and acidic pH stresses. Thermal stability was
significantly improved with DE-18 and DE-38, maintaining over 95 % viability after 72 h at 50 ◦C. Under UV
exposure, DE-18 demonstrated superior protection. Storage stability tests confirmed enhanced longevity for
encapsulated cells compared to free bacteria, with higher DE microcapsules demonstrating better resilience to
elevated temperatures. These findings highlight the potential of starch-based microencapsulation to improve
biofertilizer performance, ensuring microbial survival and efficacy in diverse environmental conditions.Ministerio de Ciencia e
Innovación (PID2023-146901OB-I00)São Paulo State Research Foundation (FAPESP, grant 2024/09631-8)Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development
(CNPqgrants 441573/2023-1, 402713/2023-0 and 406925/2022-4-
INCT