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[EN] Thanks to the improvements experienced in technology during the last few years, most especially in virtual reality systems, the number and potential of networked virtual environments or NVEs and their users have been increasing. NVEs aim to give distributed users a feeling of immersion in a virtual world and the possibility of interacting with other users or with virtual objects inside it, just like when they interact in the real world. Being able to provide that feeling and natural interactions when the users are geographically separated is one of the goals of these systems. Nevertheless, this goal is especially sensitive to different issues, such as different connections with heterogeneous throughput or particular network latencies, which can lead to consistency and synchronization problems and, thus, to a worsening of the users' quality of experience or QoE. With the purpose of solving these issues, researchers have proposed and evaluated numerous technical solutions, in fields like network architectures, data distribution and filtering, resource balancing, computing models, predictive modeling and synchronization in NVEs. This paper gathers and classifies them, summarizing their advantages and disadvantages, using a new way of classification. With the current increase in the number of NVEs and the multiple solutions proposed so far, this paper aims to become a useful tool and a starting point not only for future researchers in this field but also for those who are new to NVEs development, in which guaranteeing a good users' QoE is essential.

Interactions between dolphins and trammel net fisheries have been described in the Mediterranean Sea as having negative consequences for both cetaceans and fishers. There is a need for studies that evaluate the economic costs caused by dolphins feeding from entangled fishes in trammel nets since most cetacean species involved in these interactions are endangered. This study aims to evaluate the economic impact of the interaction between dolphins and trammel nets fisheries in the coastal waters of the Valencian region in the western Mediterranean Sea. We conducted at-port visual inspections of nets from April 2018 to March 2019, which included 1,849 fishing operations with trammel nets, and we recorded damages to the net and catch and the value of the fishery. Thirty-two interactions were detected during the year of the study. The only observed species interacting was the common bottlenose dolphin. No bycatch of dolphins was reported. The interactions have been impacted seasonally and most of them took place in February and March. There were no significant differences in catch when comparing sets with and without depredation or damage in nets due to depredation by dolphins. Also on average, no differences were found in the value of the catch when comparing sets with or without damage caused by dolphins. The main cost to the fisher was the cost of repairing the nets. The estimated financial loss per vessel and year was €556 (95%CI: €303–€809). This represents less than 1% of the total yearly income of each vessel in our area. We suggest implementing tools to economically compensate artisanal vessels for any damage caused by dolphins in order to avoid increasing the hostile feeling of fishers towards dolphins and to apply conservation measures to protect this cetacean species.

In this study, we present the first life cycle assessment (LCA) of a self-healing styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) used in the production of marine fenders. Results show that a rubber with healing capabilities is not environmentally attractive if it cannot last for the same lifetime as a conventional product due to its lower mechanical performance and higher energy consumption. To overcome these constraints, we added a sustainable filler, ground tire rubber, which improved the mechanical properties of the self-healing SBR (x6 increase in tensile strength). Although this addition involved additional sub-processes, the additional environmental impacts were outweighed by the benefits achieved through improved material performance (28% decrease in global warming potential - GWP and 26% in primary energy demand - PED). This study used primary data on experimental healing efficiencies and healing cycles rather than conservative assumptions, which provides a more representative and trustworthy LCA of self-healing rubbers. Our findings have significant implications for the rubber industry, as self-healing rubbers offer a promising avenue for reducing the environmental impact of synthetic materials.

[EN] Thanks to the improvements experienced in technology during the last few years, most especially in virtual reality systems, the number and potential of networked virtual environments or NVEs and their users have been increasing. NVEs aim to give distributed users a feeling of immersion in a virtual world and the possibility of interacting with other users or with virtual objects inside it, just like when they interact in the real world. Being able to provide that feeling and natural interactions when the users are geographically separated is one of the goals of these systems. Nevertheless, this goal is especially sensitive to different issues, such as different connections with heterogeneous throughput or particular network latencies, which can lead to consistency and synchronization problems and, thus, to a worsening of the users' quality of experience or QoE. With the purpose of solving these issues, researchers have proposed and evaluated numerous technical solutions, in fields like network architectures, data distribution and filtering, resource balancing, computing models, predictive modeling and synchronization in NVEs. This paper gathers and classifies them, summarizing their advantages and disadvantages, using a new way of classification. With the current increase in the number of NVEs and the multiple solutions proposed so far, this paper aims to become a useful tool and a starting point not only for future researchers in this field but also for those who are new to NVEs development, in which guaranteeing a good users' QoE is essential.

[EN] Thanks to the improvements experienced in technology during the last few years, most especially in virtual reality systems, the number and potential of networked virtual environments or NVEs and their users have been increasing. NVEs aim to give distributed users a feeling of immersion in a virtual world and the possibility of interacting with other users or with virtual objects inside it, just like when they interact in the real world. Being able to provide that feeling and natural interactions when the users are geographically separated is one of the goals of these systems. Nevertheless, this goal is especially sensitive to different issues, such as different connections with heterogeneous throughput or particular network latencies, which can lead to consistency and synchronization problems and, thus, to a worsening of the users' quality of experience or QoE. With the purpose of solving these issues, researchers have proposed and evaluated numerous technical solutions, in fields like network architectures, data distribution and filtering, resource balancing, computing models, predictive modeling and synchronization in NVEs. This paper gathers and classifies them, summarizing their advantages and disadvantages, using a new way of classification. With the current increase in the number of NVEs and the multiple solutions proposed so far, this paper aims to become a useful tool and a starting point not only for future researchers in this field but also for those who are new to NVEs development, in which guaranteeing a good users' QoE is essential.

The extent of the widespread, planetary contamination by plastic waste is difficult to fully capture. Nanoplastics (NPs) are currently in the center of research concerning plastic litter, both for the analytical challenges they pose and for their potential to provoke hazardous effects in organisms. However, there are still many unanswered questions in this multidisciplinary field, with a crucial missing piece being the quantification of NPs in fish tissues after in vivo exposures. Another relevant question that is still greatly unexplored is how a chronic exposure to NPs will affect fish health. This study aims to provide answers to both of these relevant knowledge gaps. To this end, goldfish (Carassius auratus) were exposed to 44 nm polystyrene (PS)-NPs via water for 30 days. Following the exposure, gastrointestinal tract, liver and muscle were sampled for PS-NPs analysis by means of size exclusion chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry. PS-NPs were detected in all liver and muscle samples of exposed fish, with higher concentrations in liver than in muscle, whereas no PS-NPs were detected in the gastrointestinal tract. Nevertheless, exposure to PS-NPs did not induce changes in hematology parameters nor in cortisol and glucose levels in plasma. On the other hand, even a relatively low concentration of PS-NPs was able to cause DNA damage, measured by an increase in erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities, suggesting that PS-NPs can reach the cell nucleus and cause genotoxicity. These results show for the first time that PS-NPs find their way to fish muscle after chronic exposure, where they bioaccumulate, but do not alter fish survival nor hematological or physiological stress indicators. The accumulation of PS-NPs in fish muscle can represent a threat to human health as a possible route of exposure to small-sized plastics. The present results in a model fish species open windows for future studies in edible fish species.

[ES] En este trabajo se describe una metodología propuesta para la identificación semiautomática de discontinuidades y el posterior análisis cinemático y de estabilidad a través de su aplicación a una trinchera excavada en roca de una línea de ferrocarril. La adquisición de imágenes se ha llevado a cabo mediante un vehículo aéreo no tripulado de seis rotores para su posterior restitución fotogramétrica a través de la técnica digital Structure from Motion (SfM) mediante el programa Agisoft Metashape que proporciona una nube de puntos 3D. A partir de esta nube de puntos, se han identificado cuatro familias de discontinuidades (J1, J2, J3 y J4) que afectan al talud haciendo uso del programa de código abierto Discontinuity Set Extractor (DSE). Finalmente, se han llevado a cabo análisis cinemáticos y de estabilidad de las posibles roturas de bloques a favor de las discontinuidades identificadas en el talud. Los resultados muestran tres potenciales roturas por cuña y una plana que han sido validadas cualitativamente mediante el análisis de la geometría de las nubes de puntos., [EN] In this work, a methodology proposed for the semiautomatic identification of discontinuities and the later kinematic and stability analyses is described through its application to a rocky railway line cutting. Image acquisition has been performed using a six-rotors unmanned aerial vehicle for their subsequent photogrammetric restitution by means of the digital technique Structure from Motion (SfM) by means of the software Agisoft Metashape that provides a 3D point cloud. From this 3D point cloud, four discontinuity sets (J1, J2, J3 and J4) affecting the cutting have been identified using the open source software Discontinuity Set Extractor (DSE). Finally, kinematic and stability analyses of the potential block failures controlled by the discontinuities identified in the cutting. The results show three potential wedge and planar failures that have been qualitatively validated trough the geometric analysis of the 3D point cloud.

[ES] En este trabajo se describe una metodología propuesta para la identificación semiautomática de discontinuidades y el posterior análisis cinemático y de estabilidad a través de su aplicación a una trinchera excavada en roca de una línea de ferrocarril. La adquisición de imágenes se ha llevado a cabo mediante un vehículo aéreo no tripulado de seis rotores para su posterior restitución fotogramétrica a través de la técnica digital Structure from Motion (SfM) mediante el programa Agisoft Metashape que proporciona una nube de puntos 3D. A partir de esta nube de puntos, se han identificado cuatro familias de discontinuidades (J1, J2, J3 y J4) que afectan al talud haciendo uso del programa de código abierto Discontinuity Set Extractor (DSE). Finalmente, se han llevado a cabo análisis cinemáticos y de estabilidad de las posibles roturas de bloques a favor de las discontinuidades identificadas en el talud. Los resultados muestran tres potenciales roturas por cuña y una plana que han sido validadas cualitativamente mediante el análisis de la geometría de las nubes de puntos., [EN] In this work, a methodology proposed for the semiautomatic identification of discontinuities and the later kinematic and stability analyses is described through its application to a rocky railway line cutting. Image acquisition has been performed using a six-rotors unmanned aerial vehicle for their subsequent photogrammetric restitution by means of the digital technique Structure from Motion (SfM) by means of the software Agisoft Metashape that provides a 3D point cloud. From this 3D point cloud, four discontinuity sets (J1, J2, J3 and J4) affecting the cutting have been identified using the open source software Discontinuity Set Extractor (DSE). Finally, kinematic and stability analyses of the potential block failures controlled by the discontinuities identified in the cutting. The results show three potential wedge and planar failures that have been qualitatively validated trough the geometric analysis of the 3D point cloud.

[ES] En este trabajo se describe una metodología propuesta para la identificación semiautomática de discontinuidades y el posterior análisis cinemático y de estabilidad a través de su aplicación a una trinchera excavada en roca de una línea de ferrocarril. La adquisición de imágenes se ha llevado a cabo mediante un vehículo aéreo no tripulado de seis rotores para su posterior restitución fotogramétrica a través de la técnica digital Structure from Motion (SfM) mediante el programa Agisoft Metashape que proporciona una nube de puntos 3D. A partir de esta nube de puntos, se han identificado cuatro familias de discontinuidades (J1, J2, J3 y J4) que afectan al talud haciendo uso del programa de código abierto Discontinuity Set Extractor (DSE). Finalmente, se han llevado a cabo análisis cinemáticos y de estabilidad de las posibles roturas de bloques a favor de las discontinuidades identificadas en el talud. Los resultados muestran tres potenciales roturas por cuña y una plana que han sido validadas cualitativamente mediante el análisis de la geometría de las nubes de puntos., [EN] In this work, a methodology proposed for the semiautomatic identification of discontinuities and the later kinematic and stability analyses is described through its application to a rocky railway line cutting. Image acquisition has been performed using a six-rotors unmanned aerial vehicle for their subsequent photogrammetric restitution by means of the digital technique Structure from Motion (SfM) by means of the software Agisoft Metashape that provides a 3D point cloud. From this 3D point cloud, four discontinuity sets (J1, J2, J3 and J4) affecting the cutting have been identified using the open source software Discontinuity Set Extractor (DSE). Finally, kinematic and stability analyses of the potential block failures controlled by the discontinuities identified in the cutting. The results show three potential wedge and planar failures that have been qualitatively validated trough the geometric analysis of the 3D point cloud.

[ES] En este trabajo se describe una metodología propuesta para la identificación semiautomática de discontinuidades y el posterior análisis cinemático y de estabilidad a través de su aplicación a una trinchera excavada en roca de una línea de ferrocarril. La adquisición de imágenes se ha llevado a cabo mediante un vehículo aéreo no tripulado de seis rotores para su posterior restitución fotogramétrica a través de la técnica digital Structure from Motion (SfM) mediante el programa Agisoft Metashape que proporciona una nube de puntos 3D. A partir de esta nube de puntos, se han identificado cuatro familias de discontinuidades (J1, J2, J3 y J4) que afectan al talud haciendo uso del programa de código abierto Discontinuity Set Extractor (DSE). Finalmente, se han llevado a cabo análisis cinemáticos y de estabilidad de las posibles roturas de bloques a favor de las discontinuidades identificadas en el talud. Los resultados muestran tres potenciales roturas por cuña y una plana que han sido validadas cualitativamente mediante el análisis de la geometría de las nubes de puntos., [EN] In this work, a methodology proposed for the semiautomatic identification of discontinuities and the later kinematic and stability analyses is described through its application to a rocky railway line cutting. Image acquisition has been performed using a six-rotors unmanned aerial vehicle for their subsequent photogrammetric restitution by means of the digital technique Structure from Motion (SfM) by means of the software Agisoft Metashape that provides a 3D point cloud. From this 3D point cloud, four discontinuity sets (J1, J2, J3 and J4) affecting the cutting have been identified using the open source software Discontinuity Set Extractor (DSE). Finally, kinematic and stability analyses of the potential block failures controlled by the discontinuities identified in the cutting. The results show three potential wedge and planar failures that have been qualitatively validated trough the geometric analysis of the 3D point cloud.

Aim: To investigate factors that explain the spatial pattern of genetic diversity in three closely related species (Linaria glacialis, Linaria nevadensis and Chaenorhinum glareosum) endemic to a fragile high mountain ecosystem. Location: The alpine belt of Sierra Nevada, Spain. Methods: We analysed the spatial pattern of cpDNA diversity of the three species. To explain the distribution of genetic diversity, we investigated the effect of topographic features and the evolutionary history of the species (demography, habitat availability and colonization dynamics). Results: Genetic diversity was heterogeneous across the landscape. We found moderate positive correlation values between genetic diversity indices of the two Linaria species. We also observed moderate negative correlation values between genetic diversity indices of C. glareosum and those of L. glacialis and L. nevadensis. Topographic variables correlated positively with genetic diversity of the Linaria species and negatively with genetic diversity of C. glareosum. Bayesian skyline plots (BSPs) displayed a shared demographic pattern with a population size stabilization/increase since the LGM (the last 21 kyr) in all three species. Discrete phylogeographical analyses showed similar patterns of westward diffusion for L. nevadensis and C. glareosum. Species distribution models pointed to similar range dynamics in all three species, with a reduction in range size since the LGM. Main conclusions: Different dispersal abilities, demographic trends and colonization patterns can hardly explain the differences in spatial patterns of genetic diversity between the Linaria species and C. glareosum. In contrast, topographic features seem to be an important factor to explain the distribution of genetic diversity in the alpine belt of Sierra Nevada. We point to a relevant role of microniche partitioning in determining patterns of genetic diversity distribution in alpine Mediterranean ecosystems. Furthermore, we highlight the

La historia de la Psicología refleja el interés por las formas y estructura del ser humano, siendo cráneo y rostro las más estudiadas para discernir aspectos de la personalidad. Por su relevancia en numerosos trastornos psiquiátricos una conducta que ha sido objeto de numerosas investigaciones es la impulsiva, de la que han surgido distintas conceptualizaciones con cierta controversia etiológica. En este sentido, nada se ha investigado sobre la relación entre este constructo y la estructura craneofacial. No obstante, el psiquiatra francés Louis Corman (1901-1995) en sus observaciones sobre la estructura craneofacial, afirmaba que una mayor inclinación de la frente hacia atrás se relacionaba con rasgos impulsivos, observación que no ha recibido atención hasta la fecha. Por otro lado, las técnicas de neuroimagen están ayudando a clarificar que tipo de variaciones se producen en las regiones cerebrales implicadas en la impulsividad. Y aunque la investigación se ha centrado mayoritariamente en población clínica, los estudios con población sana parecen estar recibiendo mayor atención en la última década. Así, está investigación se constituyó sobre tres objetivos y cuatro hipótesis. En el primer objetivo se investigó la asociación entre la impulsividad y el grado de inclinación de la frente hacia atrás (GIF), bajo la primera hipótesis que a mayor GIF mayor impulsividad. El segundo objetivo estudió la asociación entre la impulsividad y el volumen de la materia gris (VMG) de toda la corteza cerebral. Se formuló una segunda hipótesis que a menor VMG en regiones fronto-temporales mayor impulsividad. El tercer objetivo investigó la asociación entre GIF y VMG de toda la corteza cerebral y se planteó la tercera hipótesis que a mayor GIF menor VMG en regiones fronto-temporales. Asimismo, sobre la hipótesis anterior, surgió una cuarta hipótesis para observar si un hipotético mayor GIF y menor VMG en regiones fronto-temporales, se asociaría a mayor impulsividad. Los resultados conf, The history of Psychology reflects the interest in the forms and structure of the human being, being skull and face the most studied to discern aspects of personality. Due to its relevance in numerous psychiatric disorders, a behavior that has been the objective of numerous investigations is impulsiveness, from which different conceptualizations with a certain etiological controversy have emerged. In this sense, nothing has been investigated on the relationship between this construct and the craniofacial structure. However, the French psychiatrist Louis Corman (1901-1995), in his observations on the craniofacial structure, stated that a greater slant of the forehead backwards was related to impulsive features, an observation that has not received attention to date. On the other hand, neuroimaging techniques are helping to clarify what type of variations occur in the brain regions involved in impulsiveness. And while research has focused largely on the clinical population, studies of healthy populations appear to be receiving more attention in the last decade. Thus, this research was based on three objectives and four hypotheses. In the first objective, the association between impulsivity and the degree of backward slanted forehead (GIF) was investigated, under the first hypothesis that the greater the GIF the greater the impulsiveness. The second objective studied the association between impulsiveness and gray matter volume (GMV) of the entire cerebral cortex. A second hypothesis was formulated: the lower the GMV in front-temporal regions, the greater the impulsiveness. The third objective investigated the association between GIF and GMV of the entire cerebral cortex and the third hypothesis was that the higher the GIF the lower the GMV in front-temporal regions. Also, on the previous hypothesis, a fourth hypothesis emerged to observe whether a hypothetical higher GIF and lower GMV in front-temporal regions would be associated with higher impulsiveness. The results

La historia de la Psicología refleja el interés por las formas y estructura del ser humano, siendo cráneo y rostro las más estudiadas para discernir aspectos de la personalidad. Por su relevancia en numerosos trastornos psiquiátricos una conducta que ha sido objeto de numerosas investigaciones es la impulsiva, de la que han surgido distintas conceptualizaciones con cierta controversia etiológica. En este sentido, nada se ha investigado sobre la relación entre este constructo y la estructura craneofacial. No obstante, el psiquiatra francés Louis Corman (1901-1995) en sus observaciones sobre la estructura craneofacial, afirmaba que una mayor inclinación de la frente hacia atrás se relacionaba con rasgos impulsivos, observación que no ha recibido atención hasta la fecha. Por otro lado, las técnicas de neuroimagen están ayudando a clarificar que tipo de variaciones se producen en las regiones cerebrales implicadas en la impulsividad. Y aunque la investigación se ha centrado mayoritariamente en población clínica, los estudios con población sana parecen estar recibiendo mayor atención en la última década. Así, está investigación se constituyó sobre tres objetivos y cuatro hipótesis. En el primer objetivo se investigó la asociación entre la impulsividad y el grado de inclinación de la frente hacia atrás (GIF), bajo la primera hipótesis que a mayor GIF mayor impulsividad. El segundo objetivo estudió la asociación entre la impulsividad y el volumen de la materia gris (VMG) de toda la corteza cerebral. Se formuló una segunda hipótesis que a menor VMG en regiones fronto-temporales mayor impulsividad. El tercer objetivo investigó la asociación entre GIF y VMG de toda la corteza cerebral y se planteó la tercera hipótesis que a mayor GIF menor VMG en regiones fronto-temporales. Asimismo, sobre la hipótesis anterior, surgió una cuarta hipótesis para observar si un hipotético mayor GIF y menor VMG en regiones fronto-temporales, se asociaría a mayor impulsividad. Los resultados conf, The history of Psychology reflects the interest in the forms and structure of the human being, being skull and face the most studied to discern aspects of personality. Due to its relevance in numerous psychiatric disorders, a behavior that has been the objective of numerous investigations is impulsiveness, from which different conceptualizations with a certain etiological controversy have emerged. In this sense, nothing has been investigated on the relationship between this construct and the craniofacial structure. However, the French psychiatrist Louis Corman (1901-1995), in his observations on the craniofacial structure, stated that a greater slant of the forehead backwards was related to impulsive features, an observation that has not received attention to date. On the other hand, neuroimaging techniques are helping to clarify what type of variations occur in the brain regions involved in impulsiveness. And while research has focused largely on the clinical population, studies of healthy populations appear to be receiving more attention in the last decade. Thus, this research was based on three objectives and four hypotheses. In the first objective, the association between impulsivity and the degree of backward slanted forehead (GIF) was investigated, under the first hypothesis that the greater the GIF the greater the impulsiveness. The second objective studied the association between impulsiveness and gray matter volume (GMV) of the entire cerebral cortex. A second hypothesis was formulated: the lower the GMV in front-temporal regions, the greater the impulsiveness. The third objective investigated the association between GIF and GMV of the entire cerebral cortex and the third hypothesis was that the higher the GIF the lower the GMV in front-temporal regions. Also, on the previous hypothesis, a fourth hypothesis emerged to observe whether a hypothetical higher GIF and lower GMV in front-temporal regions would be associated with higher impulsiveness. The results

Objectives To analyze the muscle architecture and the expression pattern of the myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms in the supraspinatus of Pan troglodytes and Homo sapiens in order to identify differences related to their different types of locomotion. Materials and methods We have analyzed nine supraspinatus muscles of Pan troglodytes and ten of Homo sapiens. For each sample, we have recorded the muscle fascicle length (MFL), the pennation angle, and the physiological cross?sectional area (PCSA). In the same samples, by real?time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we have assessed the percentages of expression of the MyHC?I, MyHC?IIa, and MyHC?IIx isoforms. Results The mean MFL of the supraspinatus was longer (p?=?0.001) and the PCSA was lower (p?

Objectives To analyze the muscle architecture and the expression pattern of the myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms in the supraspinatus of Pan troglodytes and Homo sapiens in order to identify differences related to their different types of locomotion. Materials and methods We have analyzed nine supraspinatus muscles of Pan troglodytes and ten of Homo sapiens. For each sample, we have recorded the muscle fascicle length (MFL), the pennation angle, and the physiological cross?sectional area (PCSA). In the same samples, by real?time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we have assessed the percentages of expression of the MyHC?I, MyHC?IIa, and MyHC?IIx isoforms. Results The mean MFL of the supraspinatus was longer (p?=?0.001) and the PCSA was lower (p?

[EN] This paper presents a web-based platform that enables the customization and synchronization of subtitles on both single- and multi-screen scenarios. The platform enables the dynamic customization of the subtitles format (font family, size, color...) and position according to the users preferences and/or needs. Likewise, it allows configuring the number of subtitles lines to be presented, being able to restore the video playout position by clicking on a specific one. It also allows the simultaneous selection of various subtitle languages, and applying a delay offset to the presentation of subtitles. All these functionalities can also be available on (personal) companion devices, allowing the presentation of subtitles in a synchronized manner with the ones on the main screen and their individual customization. With all these functionalities, the platform enables personalized and immersive media consumption experiences, contributing to a better language learning, social integration and an improved Quality of Experience (QoE) in both domestic and multi-culture environments.

[EN] This paper presents a web-based platform that enables the customization and synchronization of subtitles on both single- and multi-screen scenarios. The platform enables the dynamic customization of the subtitles format (font family, size, color...) and position according to the users preferences and/or needs. Likewise, it allows configuring the number of subtitles lines to be presented, being able to restore the video playout position by clicking on a specific one. It also allows the simultaneous selection of various subtitle languages, and applying a delay offset to the presentation of subtitles. All these functionalities can also be available on (personal) companion devices, allowing the presentation of subtitles in a synchronized manner with the ones on the main screen and their individual customization. With all these functionalities, the platform enables personalized and immersive media consumption experiences, contributing to a better language learning, social integration and an improved Quality of Experience (QoE) in both domestic and multi-culture environments.

Concern has increased in recent decades regarding processes influencing fish juvenile density distributions; indeed, juveniles determine the replenishment of populations and their habitats are often found in shallow coastal areas, where human impacts are concentrated. We aimed to measure the relative importance of seascape attributes at various spatial scales (from seascape to microhabitat) in fish settlement and post-settlement processes. Along the coast of Minorca Island (NW Mediterranean), Diplodus sargus settlement variability was higher among the southern coast compared to the variability in the northern one. Independently of coast location, sheltered nurseries presented lower settlement intensity and recruitment levels compared to exposed ones. Such patterns suggested differential larval supply according to exposure level. Furthermore, subsequent density-dependent post-settlement mortality reduced the cove-specific variability of initial settlement. In addition, inside each cove, juveniles displayed ontogenetic changes of microhabitat use: smaller juveniles were more abundant in the most heterogeneous microhabitat. Consequently, juvenile density distributions responded to seascape attributes at different spatial scales; this suggests that both lager scale attributes and microhabitat influence both settlement and post-settlement processes, and may be limiting for recruitment. Our study demonstrated the importance of a diversified seascape to promote fish population replenishment

Diarrhea episodes in dairy calves involve profound alterations in the mechanism controlling gut barrier function that ultimately compromise intestinal permeability to macromolecules, including pathogenic bacteria. Intestinal dysfunction models suggest that a key element of intestinal adaptation during the neonatal phase is the nutrient-induced secretion of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-2 and associated effects on mucosal cell proliferation, barrier function, and inflammatory response. Bioactive molecules found in Olea europaea have been shown to induce the release of regulatory peptides from model enteroendocrine cells. The ability to enhance GLP-2 secretion via the feeding of putative GLP-2 secretagogues is untested in newborn calves. The objectives of this study were to determine whether feeding a bioactive extract from Olea europaea (OBE) mixed in the milk replacer (1) can stimulate GLP-2 secretion beyond the response elicited by enteral nutrients and, thereby, (2) improve intestinal permeability and animal growth as well as (3) reduce the incidence of diarrhea in preweaning dairy calves. Holstein heifer calves (n = 60) were purchased, transported to the research facility, and blocked by body weight and total serum protein and assigned to 1 of 3 treatments. Treatments were control (CON), standard milk replacer (MR) and ad libitum starter; CON plus OBE added into MR at 30 mg/kg of body weight (OBE30); and CON plus OBE added into MR at 60 mg/kg of body weight (OBE60). The concentration of GLP-2 was measured at the end of wk 2. Intestinal permeability was measured at the onset of the study and the end of wk 2 and 6, with lactulose and d-mannitol as markers. Treatments did not affect calf growth and starter intake. Compared with CON, administration of OBE60 increased the nutrient-induced response in GLP-2 by about 1 fold and reduced MR intake during the second week of study. Throughout the study, however, all calves had compromised intestinal permeability and a high

An innovative approach to produce silver nanorod (NRs) arrays with controlled morphological parameters and surface roughness is presented. The Ag NRs were obtained using a three-stage fabrication process based on the electron beam exposure of a metal-polymer nanocomposite resist on a transparent substrate and development, a post bake and then a series of non-electrochemical metallization steps. After each step the evolution of the Ag NRs was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology and optical transmittance (T) measurements for Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR). The transmittance measurements were interpreted using models based on the Finite Element Method (FEM).

An innovative approach to produce silver nanorod (NRs) arrays with controlled morphological parameters and surface roughness is presented. The Ag NRs were obtained using a three-stage fabrication process based on the electron beam exposure of a metal-polymer nanocomposite resist on a transparent substrate and development, a post bake and then a series of non-electrochemical metallization steps. After each step the evolution of the Ag NRs was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology and optical transmittance (T) measurements for Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR). The transmittance measurements were interpreted using models based on the Finite Element Method (FEM).

Introducción: La complejidad de la esquizofrenia se encuentra en la combinación de necesidades psiquiátricas, somáticas y sociales. La importancia de controlar el síndrome metabólico (SMet) en las personas con esquizofrenia ha sido reiterada por diversos consensos. Sin embargo, la monitorización es limitada en la práctica clínica. En este contexto, la importancia de la calidad relacionada con la salud (CVRS) y de las necesidades en salud son un un tema importante para los investigadores. No obstante, mientras que las necesidades pueden ser vistas como el punto de partida para el desarrollo de intervenciones para las personas con esquizofrenia, el objetivo final debe ser la mejoría de la calidad de vida (CV). Objetivos: El objetivo general fue analizar la relación entre las necesidades, la CVRS y SMet en una muestra de pacientes con esquizofrenia o trastorno esquizoafectivo atendidos centro de salud mental público en Barcelona/Cataluña/España. Métodos: Los estudios que componen esta tesis tienen un enfoque naturalista. Los diagnósticos se confirmaron mediante la Entrevista Clínica Estructurada del DSM-IV-Eje I. Los participantes fueron entrevistados para obtener datos sociodemográficos, sus estilos de vida, sintomatología psicótica (PANSS), funcionamiento global (GAF), escala CVRS (EQ-5D), necesidades (CAN), medidas antropométricas y análisis de sangre. El SMet fue definido por los Criterios NCEP-ATP-III. mod. (2005). Para el análisis estadístico se realizó el SPSS 20.0. Resultados: La prevalencia del SMet fue de un 36.8%. Los sujetos con SMet tenían mayor peso, IMC, perímetro abdominal, presión arterial, tasa de triglicéridos, tasa de glucosa en ayunas y menor tasa de HDL-colesterol. El SMet también se asoció con la edad, situación laboral inactiva y un peor autocuidado. La EQ-VAS (EQ-5D) mostró que los sujetos con SMet que practican actividad física refieren una mejor autopercepción de salud, lo que refuerza la importancia de promover hábitos saludables y el tratam, Background: The complexity of schizophrenia lies in the combination of psychiatric, somatic and social needs requiring care. The importance of monitoring metabolic syndrome (MetS) in people with schizophrenia has been reiterated by consensus. However, health screening remains limited in clinical practice. In this context, the importance of health-related quality of life (HRQL) for treatment outcomes has been recognized as an important topic for researchers. The same is true of the needs for care assessment that. However, while needs can be seen as the starting point for developing interventions for people with schizophrenia, the ultimate goal is the improvement of quality of life (QoL). Aims: The general aim was to analyse the relationship between needs, HRQL and MetS in a sample of patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder attending a public mental health centre in Barcelona/Catalonia/Spain. Methods: The studies that compound this thesis have a naturalistic approach. Interviews were conducted in individual sessions at the mental health centre. The diagnoses were confirmed using the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV-Axis I disorders. Participants were interviewed to provide sociodemographic data and information on lifestyle habits; anthropometric measurements were taken and metabolic profiles were obtained. MetS was defined by the NCEP-ATP-III mod. Criteria (2005). Severity of psychopathology, global functioning, HRQL and needs for care were evaluated using the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale, the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale, the Euro-Qol-5 Dimensions and the Camberwell Assessment of Needs, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 20.0. Results: The prevalence of MetS was 36.8%. Subjects with MetS had greater weight, BMI, waist, blood pressure, triglycerides, fasting glucose and a lower HDL-cholesterol. The MetS is also associated with age, inactive employment status and poorer self-care. The EQ-VAS (EQ-5D

An innovative approach to produce silver nanorod (NRs) arrays with controlled morphological parameters and surface roughness is presented. The Ag NRs were obtained using a three-stage fabrication process based on the electron beam exposure of a metal-polymer nanocomposite resist on a transparent substrate and development, a post bake and then a series of non-electrochemical metallization steps. After each step the evolution of the Ag NRs was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology and optical transmittance (T) measurements for Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR). The transmittance measurements were interpreted using models based on the Finite Element Method (FEM).

An innovative approach to produce silver nanorod (NRs) arrays with controlled morphological parameters and surface roughness is presented. The Ag NRs were obtained using a three-stage fabrication process based on the electron beam exposure of a metal-polymer nanocomposite resist on a transparent substrate and development, a post bake and then a series of non-electrochemical metallization steps. After each step the evolution of the Ag NRs was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology and optical transmittance (T) measurements for Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR). The transmittance measurements were interpreted using models based on the Finite Element Method (FEM).

[EN] New optical fiber based spectroscopic tools open the possibility to develop more robust and efficient characterization experiments. Spectral filtering and light reflection have been used to produce compact and versatile fiber based optical cavities and sensors. Moreover, these technologies would be also suitable to study N-photon correlations, where high collection efficiency and frequency tunability is desirable. We demonstrated single photon emission of a single quantum dot emitting at 1300 nm, using a Fiber Bragg Grating for wavelength filtering and InGaAs Avalanche Photodiodes operated in Geiger mode for single photon detection. As we do not observe any significant fine structure splitting for the neutral exciton transition within our spectral resolution (46 mu eV), metamorphic QD single photon emission studied with our all-fiber Hanbury Brown & Twiss interferometer could lead to a more efficient analysis of entangled photon sources at telecom wavelength. This all-optical fiber scheme opens the door to new first and second order interferometers to study photon indistinguishability, entangled photon and photon cross correlation in the more interesting telecom wavelengths.

[EN] New optical fiber based spectroscopic tools open the possibility to develop more robust and efficient characterization experiments. Spectral filtering and light reflection have been used to produce compact and versatile fiber based optical cavities and sensors. Moreover, these technologies would be also suitable to study N-photon correlations, where high collection efficiency and frequency tunability is desirable. We demonstrated single photon emission of a single quantum dot emitting at 1300 nm, using a Fiber Bragg Grating for wavelength filtering and InGaAs Avalanche Photodiodes operated in Geiger mode for single photon detection. As we do not observe any significant fine structure splitting for the neutral exciton transition within our spectral resolution (46 mu eV), metamorphic QD single photon emission studied with our all-fiber Hanbury Brown & Twiss interferometer could lead to a more efficient analysis of entangled photon sources at telecom wavelength. This all-optical fiber scheme opens the door to new first and second order interferometers to study photon indistinguishability, entangled photon and photon cross correlation in the more interesting telecom wavelengths.

This study shows the first Raman Microscopy (RM) and SEM-EDX characterization of two 14th and 15th century lead-glazes and lustre ceramics from the Manises and Paterna workshops (Valencia, Spain) produced after the Aragon Christian conquest of the Iberian Peninsula (14th century). According to experts, these coetaneous ceramics were most probably involved in a process of technological transfer from the Islamic area of Southeast Spain to the Christian area of Valencia (East Spain) at the beginning of the 14th century; later on the celebrated Manises and Paterna workshops were formed. Although these ceramics have been studied widely in terms of production technology (ceramic body, glazes and lustre) using an array of diverse analytical techniques, until now a RM study has not been carried out. This paper presents results regarding the complex chemical composition of the glaze and lustre coloring agents and the quality of color manufacturing processes, elucidating firing conditions via spectral components analysis (i.e. Qn for stretching/bending components) and polymerization index (Ip), emphasizing chronology and pigment technology changes between both Valencian workshops. Coloring agents identified in glazes and lustres were cobalt present in blue glazes, copper in greenish glazes, copper and cobalt in the turquoise glaze and pyrolusite in black glazes. Tin oxyde was used as an opacifier in white glazes. Two lustre manufacture recipes were recognized mainly based on copper and silver compounds. Calculated firing temperatures were up to 1000ºC for white glazes and up to 600ºC for lustre and color glazes.

Shared media experiences between geographically distributed users are gaining momentum. Relevant examples are Social TV, synchronous e-learning and multi-player online games. This paper presents a first release of Wersync, an adaptive web-based platform that provides distributed media synchronization and social interaction (via shared navigation control commands and text chat channels) across remote users. By using Wersync, users can create or join on-going sessions for concurrently consuming the same media content with other remote users in a synchronized manner. Additionally, Wersync provides two social presence mechanisms to encourage the participation of external users in on-going sessions and two privacy mechanisms. Wersync has been developed by exclusively relying on standard web-based technologies, which ensures cross-network, cross-platform and cross-device support. The evaluation results and a link to a demo video prove the satisfactory performance of Wersync, and its functionalities, respectively.

This paper presents Wersync, which is an adaptive and accurate web-based platform that enables distributed media synchronization and social interaction across remote users. By using Wersync, users can create or join on-going sessions for concurrently consuming the same media content with other remote users in a synchronized manner. Besides, social interaction is provided by sharing the navigation control commands and by integrating synchronized text chat channels. Additionally, two social presence mechanisms have been added to stimulate the participation of external users in on-going sessions on Wersync. By exclusively relying on standard web-based technologies, this platform can guarantee cross-network, cross-platform and crossdevice support, which is a key point in the current heterogeneous media delivery ecosystem.

This paper presents Wersync, which is an adaptive and accurate web-based platform that enables distributed media synchronization and social interaction across remote users. By using Wersync, users can create or join on-going sessions for concurrently consuming the same media content with other remote users in a synchronized manner. Besides, social interaction is provided by sharing the navigation control commands and by integrating synchronized text chat channels. Additionally, two social presence mechanisms have been added to stimulate the participation of external users in on-going sessions on Wersync. By exclusively relying on standard web-based technologies, this platform can guarantee cross-network, cross-platform and crossdevice support, which is a key point in the current heterogeneous media delivery ecosystem.

Shared media experiences between geographically distributed users are gaining momentum. Relevant examples are Social TV, synchronous e-learning and multi-player online games. This paper presents a first release of Wersync, an adaptive web-based platform that provides distributed media synchronization and social interaction (via shared navigation control commands and text chat channels) across remote users. By using Wersync, users can create or join on-going sessions for concurrently consuming the same media content with other remote users in a synchronized manner. Additionally, Wersync provides two social presence mechanisms to encourage the participation of external users in on-going sessions and two privacy mechanisms. Wersync has been developed by exclusively relying on standard web-based technologies, which ensures cross-network, cross-platform and cross-device support. The evaluation results and a link to a demo video prove the satisfactory performance of Wersync, and its functionalities, respectively.

This study shows the first Raman Microscopy (RM) and SEM-EDX characterization of two 14th and 15th century lead-glazes and lustre ceramics from the Manises and Paterna workshops (Valencia, Spain) produced after the Aragon Christian conquest of the Iberian Peninsula (14th century). According to experts, these coetaneous ceramics were most probably involved in a process of technological transfer from the Islamic area of Southeast Spain to the Christian area of Valencia (East Spain) at the beginning of the 14th century; later on the celebrated Manises and Paterna workshops were formed. Although these ceramics have been studied widely in terms of production technology (ceramic body, glazes and lustre) using an array of diverse analytical techniques, until now a RM study has not been carried out. This paper presents results regarding the complex chemical composition of the glaze and lustre coloring agents and the quality of color manufacturing processes, elucidating firing conditions via spectral components analysis (i.e. Qn for stretching/bending components) and polymerization index (Ip), emphasizing chronology and pigment technology changes between both Valencian workshops. Coloring agents identified in glazes and lustres were cobalt present in blue glazes, copper in greenish glazes, copper and cobalt in the turquoise glaze and pyrolusite in black glazes. Tin oxyde was used as an opacifier in white glazes. Two lustre manufacture recipes were recognized mainly based on copper and silver compounds. Calculated firing temperatures were up to 1000ºC for white glazes and up to 600ºC for lustre and color glazes.

In this study two YBa2Cu3O7-delta bulk superconductors were evaluated, with the aim of analyzing the influence of the processing method (TSMG and Bridgman) and the test temperature on their mechanical behavior. The relationship between their mechanical properties and fracture micromechanisms has also been studied. Both materials were tested at room and at service temperature. TPB tests were carried out to determine their mechanical behavior, strength and toughness. Moreover, one of the two materials, characterized by transversal microstructural anisotropy, was tested in two directions. Hardness of both materials at nano and micro scale was studied. The results show that the mechanical behavior of the materials is controlled by the defects and cracks that have been introduced during the processing of the materials. A good degree of agreement was found between the experimental crack defects detected by means of SEM and those gathered from the fracture mechanical analysis of the experimental data. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (published version)

[EN] Photoluminescence and time resolved photoluminescence from single metamorphic InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) emitting at 1.3 micrometers have been measured by means of a novel fibre-based characterization set-up. We demonstrate that the use of a wavelength tunable fibre Bragg grating filter increases the light collection efficiency by more than one order of magnitude as compared to a conventional grating monochromator. We identified single charged exciton and neutral biexciton transitions in the framework of a random population model. The QD recombination dynamics under pulsed excitation can be understood under the weak quantum confinement potential limit and the interaction between carriers at the wetting layer and QD states.

[EN] Photoluminescence and time resolved photoluminescence from single metamorphic InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) emitting at 1.3 micrometers have been measured by means of a novel fibre-based characterization set-up. We demonstrate that the use of a wavelength tunable fibre Bragg grating filter increases the light collection efficiency by more than one order of magnitude as compared to a conventional grating monochromator. We identified single charged exciton and neutral biexciton transitions in the framework of a random population model. The QD recombination dynamics under pulsed excitation can be understood under the weak quantum confinement potential limit and the interaction between carriers at the wetting layer and QD states.

[EN] The structural and morphological features of bimodal-sized InAs/(In) GaAs quantum dots with density in the low 10(9) cm(-2) range were analyzed with transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy and were related to their optical properties, investigated with photoluminescence and time-resolved photoluminescence. We show that only the family of small quantum dots (QDs) is able to emit narrow photoluminescence peaks characteristic of single-QD spectra; while the behavior of large QDs is attributed to large strain fields that may induce defects affecting their optical properties, decreasing the optical intensity and broadening the homogeneous linewidth. Then, by using a rate-equation model for the exciton recombination dynamics, we show that thermal population of dark states is inhibited in both QD families capped by high In content InGaAs layers. We discuss this behavior in terms of alloy disorder and increased density of point defects in the InGaAs pseudomorphic layer.

This Letter presents the design, fabrication, and experimental characterization of a directional threedimensional acoustic cloak for airborne sound. The cloak consists of 60 concentric acoustically rigid tori surrounding the cloaked object, a sphere of radius 4 cm. The major radii and positions of the tori along the symmetry axis are determined using the condition of complete cancellation of the acoustic field scattered from the sphere. They are obtained through an optimization technique that combines genetic algorithm and simulated annealing. The scattering cross section of the sphere with the cloak, which is the magnitude that is minimized, is calculated using the method of fundamental solutions. The low-loss fabricated cloak shows a reduction of the 90% of the sphere scattering cross section at the frequency of 8.55 kHz.

This Letter presents the design, fabrication, and experimental characterization of a directional threedimensional acoustic cloak for airborne sound. The cloak consists of 60 concentric acoustically rigid tori surrounding the cloaked object, a sphere of radius 4 cm. The major radii and positions of the tori along the symmetry axis are determined using the condition of complete cancellation of the acoustic field scattered from the sphere. They are obtained through an optimization technique that combines genetic algorithm and simulated annealing. The scattering cross section of the sphere with the cloak, which is the magnitude that is minimized, is calculated using the method of fundamental solutions. The low-loss fabricated cloak shows a reduction of the 90% of the sphere scattering cross section at the frequency of 8.55 kHz.

[EN] The structural and morphological features of bimodal-sized InAs/(In) GaAs quantum dots with density in the low 10(9) cm(-2) range were analyzed with transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy and were related to their optical properties, investigated with photoluminescence and time-resolved photoluminescence. We show that only the family of small quantum dots (QDs) is able to emit narrow photoluminescence peaks characteristic of single-QD spectra; while the behavior of large QDs is attributed to large strain fields that may induce defects affecting their optical properties, decreasing the optical intensity and broadening the homogeneous linewidth. Then, by using a rate-equation model for the exciton recombination dynamics, we show that thermal population of dark states is inhibited in both QD families capped by high In content InGaAs layers. We discuss this behavior in terms of alloy disorder and increased density of point defects in the InGaAs pseudomorphic layer.

The emerging field of plasmonics promises the generation, processing, transmission, sensing and detection of signals at optical frequencies along metallic surfaces much smaller than the wavelengths they carry. Plasmonic technology has applications in a wide range of fields, including biophotonics, sensing, chemistry and medicine. But perhaps the area where it will have the most profound impact is in optical communications, since plasmonic waves oscillate at optical frequencies and thus can carry information at optical bandwidths.

The emerging field of plasmonics promises the generation, processing, transmission, sensing and detection of signals at optical frequencies along metallic surfaces much smaller than the wavelengths they carry. Plasmonic technology has applications in a wide range of fields, including biophotonics, sensing, chemistry and medicine. But perhaps the area where it will have the most profound impact is in optical communications, since plasmonic waves oscillate at optical frequencies and thus can carry information at optical bandwidths.

During the development of the central nervous system (CNS), oligodendrocyte precursors (OPCs) are generated in specific sites within the neural tube and then migrate to colonize the entire CNS, where they differentiate into myelin-forming oligodendrocytes. Demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) are characterized by the death of these cells. The CNS reacts to demyelination and by promoting spontaneous remyelination, an effect mediated by endogenous OPCs, cells that represent approximately 5-7 % of the cells in the adult brain. Numerous factors influence oligodendrogliogenesis and oligodendrocyte differentiation, including morphogens, growth factors, chemotropic molecules, extracellular matrix proteins, and intracellular cAMP levels. Here, we show that during development and in early adulthood, OPCs in the murine cerebral cortex contain phosphodiesterase-7 (PDE7) that metabolizes cAMP. We investigated the effects of different PDE7 inhibitors (the well-known BRL-50481 and two new ones, TC3.6 and VP1.15) on OPC proliferation, survival, and differentiation. While none of the PDE7 inhibitors analyzed altered OPC proliferation, TC3.6 and VP1.15 enhanced OPC survival and differentiation, processes in which ERK intracellular signaling played a key role. PDE7 expression was also observed in OPCs isolated from adult human brains and the differentiation of these OPCs into more mature oligodendroglial phenotypes was accelerated by treatment with both new PDE7 inhibitors. These findings reveal new roles for PDE7 in regulating OPC survival and differentiation during brain development and in adulthood, and they may further our understanding of myelination and facilitate the development of therapeutic remyelination strategies for the treatment of MS. © 2013 Springer Basel.