77823 research outputs found
Sort by
La Dimensión Emocional de los edificios y de los objetos: una aproximación didáctica en la construcción de nuevas visualidades.
No full textEste artículo es un análisis sobre cómo “la voz” de los objetos y de las estructuras arquitectónicas vehiculan nuevas visualidades permitiendo amplificar la hibridación de los lenguajes contemporáneos. Tanto en el ámbito artístico como en el funcional, son capaces de comunicar y transmitir emociones a través de su potencialidad persuasiva, capacidad comunicativa y construcción de significados. La visualidades domesticadas decodifican los significados privándoles de interpretaciones libertarias (Moxey y Hernández, 2016). Algunos de ellos generan respuestas emocionales de manera inconsciente ya que su creador tenía únicamente una intención funcional. Sin embargo, ser conscientes de la capacidad expresiva de las formas a través del estudio del entorno, nos ayuda a realizar interpretaciones tan sensibles a efectos de presencia como a efectos de significado (Gumbrecht, 2004), dotando al creador de nuevas perspectivas que completan y amplifican las posibilidades de su discurso
Surface-Driven Electron Localization and Defect Heterogeneity in Ceria
No full textThe exceptional performance of ceria (CeO2) in catalysis and energy conversion is fundamentally governed by its defect chemistry, particularly oxygen vacancies. The formation of each oxygen vacancy (VO••) is assumed to be compensated by two localized electrons on cations (Ce3+). Here, we show by combining theory with experiment that while this 1 VO••: 2Ce3+ ratio accounts for the global charge compensation, it does not apply at the local scale, particularly in nanoparticles. Hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) defect calculations, together with synchrotron X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements, show that electrons have a strong preference to localize and segregate on surfaces, which can overcome the trapping force from the VO•• sites in the bulk. At a given Fermi level, the surface VO•• tends to trap more electrons than those in bulk, resulting in a higher Ce3+ to VO•• ratio on surfaces than that in the bulk, driven by the preferential localization of electrons and enhanced VO••–Ce3+coupling. Large-scale unbiased Monte Carlo simulations on ceria nanoparticles confirmed this trend and further show that the surface segregation of electrons is more pronounced at low reduction levels and in smaller nanoparticles. In highly reduced ceria nanoparticles, however, the enhanced repulsive interactions lead to a less significant extent of defect heterogeneity or even reverse the location preference of defects in some nanoparticles. Our findings underscore the need to consider both the overall nonstoichiometry and local defect behavior in easily reducible oxides, with direct relevance to their performance in catalytic and energy applications
Integrating Citizen Science and Field Sampling into Next-Generation Early-Warning Systems for Vector Surveillance: Twenty Years of Municipal Detections of Aedes Invasive Mosquito Species in Spain
No full textThe spread of the invasive mosquitoes Aedes albopictus, Aedes aegypti, and Aedes japonicus in Spain represents an increasing public health risk due to their capacity to transmit arboviruses such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, among others. Traditional field entomological surveillance remains essential for tracking their spread, but it faces limitations in terms of cost, scalability, and labor intensity. Since 2014, the Mosquito Alert citizen-science project has enabled public participation in surveillance through the submission of geolocated images via a mobile app, which are identified using AI in combination with expert validation. While field surveillance provides high accuracy, citizen science offers low-cost, large-scale, real-time data collection aligned with open data management principles. It is particularly useful for detecting long-distance dispersal events and has contributed up to one-third of the municipal detections of invasive mosquito species since 2014. This study assesses the value of integrating both surveillance systems to capitalize on their complementary strengths while compensating for their weaknesses in the areas of taxonomic accuracy, scalability, spatial detection patterns, data curation and validation systems, geographic precision, interoperability, and real-time output. We present the listing of municipal detections of these species from 2004 to 2024, integrating data from both sources. Spain’s integrated approach demonstrates a pioneering model for cost-effective, scalable vector surveillance tailored to the dynamics of invasive species and emerging epidemiological threats
The potential of virtual reality for enhancing the efficacy and acceptability of mindfulness training in non-clinical adults: a pilot randomised controlled trial
No full textAbstract
Mindfulness-based programmes (MBPs) have proven effective in enhancing mental health outcomes among non-clinical populations, yet they face significant attrition rates. The role of virtual reality (VR) in improving engagement and effectiveness within this context remains uncertain. To explore the potential acceptability and effectiveness of VR-based mindfulness interventions for mental health outcomes in non-clinical adults, we conducted a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) with pre-treatment and post-treatment measures, alongside pre-post VR session assessments. A total of 51 participants were randomly assigned to three groups: “MBP” alone (n = 15), “MBP + VR” (n = 20) and “Relaxation” therapy (n = 16), the latter serving as the control condition. We utilised the innovative technology of the MK360 immersive experiences system, offering auditory and visual stimuli that allowed participants to immerse themselves in a virtual world. “MBP + VR” demonstrated greater acceptability compared to “Relaxation” but equal acceptability to “MBP” alone. All study conditions showed significant reductions in psychological distress, the primary outcome. Notably, “MBP + VR” outperformed “Relaxation” in reducing psychological distress (p = .0.015), with large effects. Both MBP and MBP + VR showed superior results compared to the Relaxation group. MBP demonstrated greater improvements in depressive symptoms (DASS-21), positive affect (PANAS), the Observing facet of mindfulness (FFMQ), and several self-compassion measures (total SCS, Self-Kindness, lower Self-Judgment, and Mindfulness subscale). MBP + VR was superior in the total FFMQ score, the Observing facet, and the SCS Mindfulness subscale. Participants in the “MBP + VR” group experienced significant improvements in state mindfulness (across six short sessions in mindfulness-based VR environments) and emotional states (relaxation in all VR environments, reduced sadness in VR-environment 3, increased surprise in VR-environment 5, and decreased anxiety in VR-environment 6). They reported an intermediate sense of presence in each of the VR environments. Despite these promising results, further research in this area is warranted
Human-carnivore interaction during the Quaternary
No full textEarly humans and carnivores shared numerous ecological, behavioural, and social traits, with their respective evolutionary trajectories intrinsically linked to the development of terrestrial ecosystems over the past 2.5 Ma. The substantial climatic shifts that sculpted Quaternary landscapes and environments significantly influenced the geographical distribution of the genus Homo and a wide array of large mammals, including various carnivore species. Notable examples such as saber-toothed cats, giant hyenas, cave bears, pack-hunting canids, and modern big felids all coexisted with early or modern human populations. However, the precise nature of their relationship and ecological interactions throughout our evolutionary history remains largely underexplored or ambiguou
Inversión extranjera directa, libertad económica y calidad institucional. Un análisis empírico
No full textThe economic success of East Asian countries has been linked to their capacity to Attract Foreign Direct Investment. In a globalized world in which FDI plays a decisive role in the development and modernization process of acountry, as has been seen in the Asian case,it is worth wondering about the causes that explain the attraction of FDI to a country. This paper analyzes the impact of economic freedom and institutional quality on a country’s ability to attract FDI. Based on the indexes provided by Heritage Foundation and the World Bank, new synthetic indexes are constructed for each variableand their impact on inward FDI is tested for a sample of 187 countries and territories using panel data estimation. The results show the importance of economic policy, and not merely institutional, intheeconomic success of countries. El éxito económico de los países de Asia Oriental ha estado en buena parte ligado a su capacidad de atraer Inversión Extranjera Directa (IED). En un entorno globalizado en el que la IED juega un papel determinante en el proceso de desarrollo y modernización de una economía, como se ha visto en el caso asiático, cabe preguntarse por las causas que explican la atracción de IED a un país. En el presente trabajo se analiza el impacto que tienen la libertad económica y la calidad institucional en la IED. A partir de los índices proporcionados por Heritage Foundation y el Banco Mundial, se elaboran nuevos índices sintéticos para cada variable y se comprueba su impacto en la IED inward para una muestra de 187 países y territorios mediante la estimación con datos panel. Los resultados muestran la importancia de la política económica, y no meramente institucional, en el éxito económico de los países
The Effects of Physical Activity Programs with Nutritional Supplementation in Children Until 12 Years Old Recruited from Schools: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
No full textBackground/Objectives: Combined physical activity and nutritional interventions may produce synergistic effects on child development, but evidence from school-based programs is still limited. This systematic review investigated the impact of physical activity programs with simultaneous nutritional supplementation in school-aged children. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across five databases (PubMed, ProQuest, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus) up to June 2025. Randomized controlled trials examining combined physical activity and nutritional supplementation interventions in children aged 5–12 years recruited from schools were included. Methodological quality was rated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Results: Thirteen studies (n = 3967 participants) were eligible, with program lengths ranging from 2 weeks to 24 months. Methodological quality ranged from fair to good (PEDro scores: 4 to 7/10). Combined interventions showed greater benefits than single interventions. For bone health, 2–3% higher increases in bone mineral content at loaded sites were reported with exercise combined with calcium supplementation. Body composition improvements included significant reductions in fat mass and increases in fat-free mass, with effects most pronounced in girls and slow-growing children. Motor performance, academic achievement, and sleep quality also improved with combined approaches. Effects were consistently greatest in children with baseline micronutrient deficiencies or slower growth velocity. Conclusions: School-based programs combining moderate-to-high impact physical activity with targeted nutritional supplementation yield synergistic health benefits in children. Brief interventions (2–3 sessions/week, ≤60 min) appear sufficient when adequate micronutrient provision is ensured, supporting implementation feasibility within educational settings
Differences in Kinematic and Muscle Activity Associated with ACL Injury Risk in Second Division Female Football Players: Influence of Direction Task
No full textThis study aims to analyze key knee kinematic variables and lower-limb muscle activity to identify differences in motor control and movement quality related to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury mechanism. The findings may identificate at-risk players and improve prevention strategies by assessing functional movement patterns during dynamic tasks
Questioning Standard Definitions of Trauma: Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun (2006) as a Literary Representation of Trauma in Transmodern Times
No full texthis article analyses Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun (2006) as a trauma account and transmodern narrative, highlighting the impossibility of analysing its main characters by means of the victim/perpetrator binary traditionally employed in trauma studies. Given the centrality of border crossing (physically and metaphorically) in Adichie’s narrative, and considering the present hybridity in modern societies, this essay examines the blurring of trauma categories in postcolonial scenarios where, as it will be further discussed, the individual and the collective are intrinsically connected. By addressing the novel’s diverse viewpoints, this reading of Half of a Yellow Sun emphasises the importance of a transcultural and more encompassing approach to trauma to explore the multidimensionality of war experiences in contemporary postcolonial spaces. The article concludes that Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun is a representative example of transmodern trauma fiction which responds to the destabilisation and transcending of limits that characterises present times
Establishing the hierarchy of growth-driven properties in CdS thin films and their role in CdS/PbS solar cell performance
No full textThis study establishes a hierarchy of properties in CdS thin films synthesized through an ammonia-free chemical bath deposition (CBD) process with varying OH- content. By adjusting KOH volume added to the solution reaction, a progressive influence on film growth mechanisms was observed, resulting in systematic variations in thickness, morphology, stoichiometry, crystalline structure, and optical and electrical properties. These hierarchical changes directly impacted CdS/PbS solar cell performance. Thinner hexagonal CdS films, linked to low OH- content and ion-by-ion growth, enhanced cell efficiency by improving short-circuit current density (Jsc), while thicker films, with cubic structure, resulting from hydroxide-mediated growth at higher OH- levels, exhibited reduced resistivity and bandgap energy. Among these properties, film thickness emerged as the dominant factor influencing efficiency, followed by bandgap and electrical resistivity. Notably, Voc values of up to 620 mV were achieved, correlating directly with electron mobility, which reduces recombination losses. This hierarchical analysis underscores the pivotal role of OH- content in tailoring CdS film properties for enhanced CdS/PbS solar cell efficiency