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Impact of Mixed-In Polyacrylic- and Phosphonate-Based Additives on Lime Mortar Microstructure
No full textAminotris(methylene phosphonic acid) (ATMP) and poly(acrylic acid) sodium salt (PAA)
have shown favorable results in the treatment of porous building materials against weathering damage, showing promising potential as mixed-in additives during the production of
lime-based mortars. This study investigates the impact of these additives on microstructure
and mechanical properties. Additives were introduced in various concentrations to assess
their influence on CaCO3 crystallization, porosity, strength, and carbonation behavior. Results revealed significant modifications in the morphology of CaCO3 precipitates, showing
evidence of nanostructured CaCO3 aggregates and vaterite stabilization, thus indicating a
non-classical crystallization pathway through the formation of amorphous CaCO3 phase(s),
facilitated by organic occlusions. These nanostructural changes, resembling biomimetic
calcitic precipitates enhanced mechanical performance by enabling plastic deformation and
intergranular bridging. Increased porosity and pore connectivity facilitated CO2 diffusion
towards the mortar matrix, contributing to strength development over time. However,
high additive concentrations resulted in poor mechanical performance due to the excessive
air entrainment capabilities of short-length polymers. Overall, this study demonstrates
that the optimized dosages of ATMP and PAA can significantly enhance the durability
and mechanical performance of lime-based mortars and suggests a promising alternative
for the tailored manufacturing of highly compatible and durable materials for both the
restoration of cultural heritage and modern sustainable construction.European Union’s Horizon 2020 - Marie Sklodowska-Curie project SUBLime (grant agreement
no. 955986)Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds (BOF)European Union’s Horizon 2020 - Transnational Access (grant agreement no. 101005611)Spanish Government (grant PID2021-125305NB-I00)Junta de Andalucía (grant P20_00675)University of Granada (UCE-PP2016-05
A coupled non–saturated model for cohesionless sediment transport
No full textA continuous formulation and a suitable finite element numerical method are intro-
duced for simulating interactions between fluid flow and evolving bedforms. Sed-
iment transport is modeled by solving the non–equilibrium saltation dynamics of
non-cohesive grains. The approach integrates the Navier–Stokes equations for in-
compressible fluid flow, a conservation equation to track evolution of the fluid–solid
interface, and mass and momentum equations governing sediment dynamics. The
latter conservation laws are depth–integrated over the saltation layer, resulting in a
reduced–dimensional framework that improves computational efficiency. A built–in
explicit procedure enables a straightforward two–way coupling between sediment
and fluid dynamics. To stabilize flow computations and ensure the positivity of
key variables, such as saltation layer density and sediment thickness, the numerical
algorithm is a non–oscillatory finite element method (NFEM); its positive definite
characteristic is essential for flows in combined erodible/non–erodible scenarios.
Numerical experiments assess the model response for transient conditions, includ-
ing wind tunnel environments and sand dune–atmospheric boundary layer interac-
tions. Among other features, test’s setups are designed to explore advantages of
the proposed model under severe transient conditions in comparison with results of
standard saturated flow based models
High-fidelity Cas9-mediated targeting of KRAS driver mutations restrains lung cancer in preclinical models
Get PDFMissense mutations in the 12th codon of KRAS are key drivers of lung cancer, with glycine-to-cysteine (G12C) and glycine-to-aspartic acid (G12D) substitutions being among the most prevalent. These mutations are strongly associated with poor survival outcomes. Given the critical role of KRAS in lung cancer and other cancers, it remains as a major target for the development of new and complementary treatments. We have developed a CRISPR-High Fidelity (HiFi)-Cas9-based therapy strategy that can effectively and specifically target KRASG12C and KRASG12D mutants, avoiding KRASWT off-targeting and affecting KRAS downstream pathways, thereby significantly reducing tumorgenicity. The delivery of HiFiCas9 components via ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs) and adenovirus (AdV) effectively abrogates cell viability in KRAS-mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) preclinical models, including 2D and 3D cell cultures, cell-derived xenografts (CDX), and patient-derived xenograft organoids (PDXO). Our in vitro studies demonstrate that HiFiCas9-based therapy achieves superior KRAS inhibition compared to Sotorasib and effectively circumvents certain resistance mechanisms associated with Sotorasib treatment. Moreover, in vivo delivery using adenoviral particles significantly suppresses tumor growth in preclinical NSCLC models. Collectively, our findings establish HiFiCas9 as an effective therapeutic strategy with promising clinical applications, especially if in vivo delivery methods are further optimized.MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 - ERDF (PID2021-126111OB-I00, PID2024-159252OB-I00)Spanish Association Against Cancer (LAB-AECC-2018; PROYE18012ROSE)Junta de Andalucía (PI-0203-2022, PI-0228-2024)University of Granada (B-CTS480-UGR20, C-EXP-051-UGR23, C-CTS-149-UGR23)Horizon 2020 Framework Programme (MSCA-IF-EF-RI 837897)Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities (FPU17/01258, FPU17/00067, FPU19/00576)Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI22/01221)CIBERONC (CB16/12/00350
A guide to soft colloidal lithography: Advances in microgels at fluid interfaces, preparation methods and applications of 2D microgel monolayers
Get PDFNanostructured surfaces have gained significant attention over recent decades due to their diverse technological applications across multiple fields. The fabrication of artificial nanostructures typically relies on lithographic approaches, yet conventional lithography techniques face challenges related to scalability and high costs, prompting the emergence of soft colloidal lithography (SCL) as a promising alternative for designing large-scale crystalline nanostructures. SCL exploits the rapid and large scale self-assembly of microgels at fluid interfaces and their subsequent transfer to solid substrates. Despite its potential, SCL remains underused in most clean room facilities, hindering its implementation in industrial processes. This review addresses this gap by providing both soft matter and materials science communities with tools to effectively design SCL-based materials. We start presenting an updated overview of microgel behavior at fluid interfaces, which is the platform providing the better tools to tune the final monolayer pattern. We then present a comprehensive guidance on preparation procedures, encompassing both direct assembly methods and interface-assisted approaches. Finally, we review applications of SCL-fabricated materials, including those where deposited microgels serve as functional elements and those where monolayers function as either positive masks for nanowire fabrication or negative masks for nanohole production. Throughout the review, we identify promising research directions to advance the SCL technique and propose applications where this methodology could enhance existing technologies.MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Grants PID2020-116615RA-I00, PID2023-149387OB-I00, PID2023-147135OB-I00)Junta de Andalucía (EMERGIA EMC21_00008, C-ING-208-UGR23, PY20-00241, AFQM-90-UGR20)Universidad de Granada - CBUA (Open Access Funding
Modelo TRIC: Tecnologías de la Relación, Información y Comunicación. Recursos para un aprendizaje crítico, ético y creativo en el entorno digital
No full textColección alineada con el modelo IDEA+SMILEIDEA+SMILE® es un modelo metodológico registrado por sus autores Hassan H.M y Hossein H.M. Su mención en esta obra tiene fines de identificación académica.Esta Guía Didáctica de Alfabetización Mediática TRIC en Secundaria está concebida como un recurso pedagógico práctico y flexible para el profesorado. Su propósito es facilitar la planificación e implementación de actividades que fomenten el pensamiento crítico, la creatividad y la ciudadanía digital responsable en el aula. A través de esta guía, se busca integrar de manera efectiva la alfabetización mediática en la enseñanza, proporcionando estrategias didácticas alineadas con el currículo de secundaria y adaptadas a los desafíos del entorno digital.Consejería de Educación, Juventud y Deporte de la Ciudad Autónoma de Melilla
The politeness of “good wishes” and its teaching for Serbian students of Spanish as a foreign language
No full textEn este trabajo se analiza una estrategia comunicativa muy común de la cortesía valorizante hispánica: los actos de buenos deseos. Los resultados obtenidos servirán para intervenir en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de español con alumnos serbios. A partir del análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo de dos corpus digitales donde estos actos tienen representación, se ha delimitado su uso pragmalingüístico y sociopragmático en ambas culturas. El contraste de los datos obtenidos muestra dos niveles de tratamiento de este acto de habla: 1. el lingüístico, para proporcionar a los estudiantes serbios todos los recursos verbales y mecanismos sintácticos propios de la comunicación coloquial hispana 2: el sociocultural, para sensibilizarlos sobre los valores de la cultura meta que, como muestra esta investigación, condicionan en gran parte la frecuencia del uso y los contextos en el que este acto cortés surge.In this paper we analyze a very common communicative strategy of the Hispanic cortesía valorizante: the acts of good wishes. The results obtained will be used to intervene in the teaching-learning process of Spanish to Serbian students. Based on the quantitative and qualitative analysis of two digital corpora, where these acts are represented, their pragmalingustic and sociopragmatic use in both cultures has been delimited. The contrast of the data obtained indicates two levels of treatment of this speech act: 1. the linguistic one, to provide Serbian students with all the verbal resources and syntactic mechanisms common in Hispanic colloquial conversation; 2. The socio-cultural one, to make them aware of the values of the target culture, which, as this research shows, is mostly conditioning the frequency of use and the contexts in which this polite act occurs
Knowing is not enough; we must apply: the case for rigorous microRNA annotation standards
No full textMicroRNAs are by far the most extensively studied and best-characterized class of small RNAs. This depth of knowledge may partly explain the persistent eagerness in the field to classify new sequences as microRNAs—since labeling a molecule as such often implies immediate functional insight and biological relevance. However, this enthusiasm has led to the publication and deposition of thousands of spurious microRNA entries in public repositories, increasing the risk of misinterpretation—particularly when these sequences are linked to human disease. To address this, we present a concise, four-part checklist for evaluating putative microRNAs, based on structural, genomic, functional, and expression-related criteria. Applying it to “Mir-690” and nine other examples, which are not listed in the curated microRNA database MirGeneDB, but highly cited, we find no support for their classification as microRNAs. They fail to meet core microRNA annotation criteria, lack structural features, conservation of targets, and reproducible or microRNA-typical expression evidence. Our findings underscore the need for heightened scrutiny and standardized validation in microRNA research. The checklist we provide offers a practical tool for authors, editors, reviewers, and readers to critically assess microRNA claims—particularly when such sequences are proposed as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in translational studies
Tipos nomenclaturales del Herbario GDA - Plantas vasculares
No full textIsotypus of Pericallis tirmensis Marrero Rodr. & C. Santiago in Bot. Macaronés. 31: 196 (2021).Herbario de la Universidad de Granad
Revelando los recursos personales que influyen en la aceptación tecnológica de los profesores de chino como segunda lengua: Un enfoque en la flexibilidad cognitiva, la resiliencia y la autoeficacia de los docentes
No full textTechnology acceptance in language teaching is proven to be complex relying on multiple factors. Some of these factors are vital to educators’ technology acceptance like cognitive flexibility (CF), resilience, and self-efficacy. The data was collected from 415 Chinese as a second language (CSL) teachers. The collected data were analyzed and the results through running structural equation modeling (SEM) showed the strongest correlation existed between self-efficacy and technology acceptance, followed by flexibility and technology acceptance, while resilience showed the weakest correlation with technology acceptance. All three constructs were significant predictors of technology acceptance, jointly explaining 68.7% of its variance. Among these variables, self-efficacy was the best predictor, uniquely explaining 44.1% of the variation in technology acceptance. The second-best predictor of technology acceptance was cognitive flexibility, which could explain 12.7% of its variance while resilience could only explain 1.1% of it. Indeed, these internal sources notably enhanced the technology acceptance of CSL teachers. The research implications were thoroughly discussed.Este estudio examinó el papel de la flexibilidad cognitiva (FC), la resiliencia y la autoeficacia en la predicción de la aceptación tecnológica entre 415 profesores de chino como segunda lengua (CSL). Utilizando modelos de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM), los resultados revelaron que la autoeficacia tuvo la correlación positiva más fuerte con la aceptación tecnológica, seguida de la flexibilidad cognitiva, mientras que la resiliencia mostró la correlación más débil. Los tres constructos fueron predictores significativos, destacando la autoeficacia como el mejor predictor, la flexibilidad cognitiva como el segundo y la resiliencia como el tercero. Estos hallazgos resaltan la influencia crítica de los recursos psicológicos internos en la adopción de tecnología por parte de los profesores de CSL
Data-driven modelling of IRCU patient flow during the COVID-19 pandemic
No full textBackground:
Intermediate Respiratory Care Units (IRCUs) function as vital intermediaries between general wards and Intensive Care Units (ICUs), particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. A unit’s effectiveness depends on its structure, protocols, and clinical expertise. In this study, we assessed the clinical outcomes and operational dynamics of a new IRCU that implemented a specialist staffing model during the pandemic in Spain.
Methods:
We conducted a prospective cohort study at the UHVN IRCU (Granada, Spain) from April to August 2021, enrolling 249 adult patients with COVID-19-associated respiratory failure. We collected data on patient demographics, Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) use, length of stay (LOS), and outcomes, including ICU transfer, mortality, and recovery. We then analysed these outcomes stratified by NIV status. Furthermore, we developed and calibrated a compartmental Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) model and an empirical LOS-based convolution model to simulate patient flow dynamics under scenarios of admission surges and varying care efficiency.
Results:
The cohort’s median age was 51 years, and 31 % (n=77) required NIV. Patients requiring NIV were significantly older than those who did not (median 61 vs 42 years,
). Overall, 8 % of patients (n=20) were subsequently transferred to the ICU, and 3 % (n=7) died within the IRCU. Notably, no patients managed without NIV required ICU transfer or died. Among the 77 high-risk patients who received NIV, 68 % recovered within the IRCU without needing ICU escalation. Our ODE modelling accurately reproduced aggregate outcomes and demonstrated that simulated admission surges placed the system under significant strain, which enhanced recovery efficiency partially mitigated. The LOS-based modelling yielded consistent peak occupancy estimates.
Conclusion:
This IRCU, characterised by specialist clinical staffing, demonstrated effective management of severe COVID-19 respiratory failure. We observed high recovery rates, particularly among NIV patients, which eased pressure on ICU resources. Our dynamic modelling confirmed the unit’s vulnerability to admission surges but also quantified the positive impact of efficient care. These findings underscore the importance of well-structured and expertly staffed IRCUs in pandemic response and the broader provision of respiratory care.Spanish Ministerio de Universidades and Next-Generation EU (C-EXP-265-UGR23)MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 - ERDF/EU (PID2022-137228OB-I00)Modelling Nature Research Unit
(Proyecto QUAL21-011