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Electrocatalytic reactions are sensitive to the catalyst surface structure. Therefore, finding methods to determine active surface sites with different geometry is essential to address the structure-electrocatalytic performance relationships. In this work, we propose a simple methodology to tune and quantify the surface structure on copper catalysts. We tailor the distribution and ratio of facets on copper by electrochemically oxidizing and reducing the surface in chloride-rich aqueous solutions. We then address the formation of new facets with voltammetric lead (Pb) underpotential deposition (UPD). We first record the voltammetric lead UPD on different single facets, which have intense peaks at different potential values. We use this data to decouple each facet peak-contribution in the lead (Pb) UPD curves of the tailored and multifaceted copper surfaces and determine the geometry of the active sites. We combine experiments with density functional theory (DFT) calculations to assess the ligand effect of chloride anions on the copper facet distribution during the surface oxidation/electrodeposition treatment. Our experiments and Wulff constructions suggest that chloride preferentially adsorbs on the (310) facet, reducing the number of (111) sites and inducing the growth of (310) or n(100) × (110) domains. Our work provides a tool to correlate active sites with copper geometries, which is needed to assess the structure-performance relationships in electrocatalysis. We also demonstrate an easy method for selectively tailoring the facet distribution of copper, which is essential to design a well-defined nanostructured catalyst.

Electrocatalytic reactions are sensitive to the catalyst surface structure. Therefore, finding methods to determine active surface sites with different geometry is essential to address the structure-electrocatalytic performance relationships. In this work, we propose a simple methodology to tune and quantify the surface structure on copper catalysts. We tailor the distribution and ratio of facets on copper by electrochemically oxidizing and reducing the surface in chloride-rich aqueous solutions. We then address the formation of new facets with voltammetric lead (Pb) underpotential deposition (UPD). We first record the voltammetric lead UPD on different single facets, which have intense peaks at different potential values. We use this data to decouple each facet peak-contribution in the lead (Pb) UPD curves of the tailored and multifaceted copper surfaces and determine the geometry of the active sites. We combine experiments with density functional theory (DFT) calculations to assess the ligand effect of chloride anions on the copper facet distribution during the surface oxidation/electrodeposition treatment. Our experiments and Wulff constructions suggest that chloride preferentially adsorbs on the (310) facet, reducing the number of (111) sites and inducing the growth of (310) or n(100) × (110) domains. Our work provides a tool to correlate active sites with copper geometries, which is needed to assess the structure-performance relationships in electrocatalysis. We also demonstrate an easy method for selectively tailoring the facet distribution of copper, which is essential to design a well-defined nanostructured catalyst.

Electrocatalytic reactions are sensitive to the catalyst surface structure. Therefore, finding methods to determine active surface sites with different geometry is essential to address the structure-electrocatalytic performance relationships. In this work, we propose a simple methodology to tune and quantify the surface structure on copper catalysts. We tailor the distribution and ratio of facets on copper by electrochemically oxidizing and reducing the surface in chloride-rich aqueous solutions. We then address the formation of new facets with voltammetric lead (Pb) underpotential deposition (UPD). We first record the voltammetric lead UPD on different single facets, which have intense peaks at different potential values. We use this data to decouple each facet peak-contribution in the lead (Pb) UPD curves of the tailored and multifaceted copper surfaces and determine the geometry of the active sites. We combine experiments with density functional theory (DFT) calculations to assess the ligand effect of chloride anions on the copper facet distribution during the surface oxidation/electrodeposition treatment. Our experiments and Wulff constructions suggest that chloride preferentially adsorbs on the (310) facet, reducing the number of (111) sites and inducing the growth of (310) or n(100) × (110) domains. Our work provides a tool to correlate active sites with copper geometries, which is needed to assess the structure-performance relationships in electrocatalysis. We also demonstrate an easy method for selectively tailoring the facet distribution of copper, which is essential to design a well-defined nanostructured catalyst.

Electrocatalytic reactions are sensitive to the catalyst surface structure. Therefore, finding methods to determine active surface sites with different geometry is essential to address the structure-electrocatalytic performance relationships. In this work, we propose a simple methodology to tune and quantify the surface structure on copper catalysts. We tailor the distribution and ratio of facets on copper by electrochemically oxidizing and reducing the surface in chloride-rich aqueous solutions. We then address the formation of new facets with voltammetric lead (Pb) underpotential deposition (UPD). We first record the voltammetric lead UPD on different single facets, which have intense peaks at different potential values. We use this data to decouple each facet peak-contribution in the lead (Pb) UPD curves of the tailored and multifaceted copper surfaces and determine the geometry of the active sites. We combine experiments with density functional theory (DFT) calculations to assess the ligand effect of chloride anions on the copper facet distribution during the surface oxidation/electrodeposition treatment. Our experiments and Wulff constructions suggest that chloride preferentially adsorbs on the (310) facet, reducing the number of (111) sites and inducing the growth of (310) or n(100) × (110) domains. Our work provides a tool to correlate active sites with copper geometries, which is needed to assess the structure-performance relationships in electrocatalysis. We also demonstrate an easy method for selectively tailoring the facet distribution of copper, which is essential to design a well-defined nanostructured catalyst.

A new cathode material, FeS2-decorated carbon nanofiber (CNF), is proposed for Li-S batteries. The structure and physicochemical properties of the material have been engineered to enhance the poor cycling stability typically displayed by sulfur composites. The composite material shows a complex architecture with a matrix of CNF hosting the sulfur and core-shell FeS2 nanoparticles acting as a catalyst for a solid phase conversion-type reaction. This cathode delivers high discharge capacities of 864, 798, 689, 595 and 455 mAhg−1 at C/10, C/5, C/2, 1C and 2C, respectively, with a stable capacity retention of 87% at 2C after 300 cycles. FeS2-decorated CNF has been characterised using several techniques, including in-situ battery measurements at the ALBA synchrotron facility and high-throughput microscopy, giving valuable insights into its charge/discharge reaction mechanism. The excellent performance obtained is combined with the use of just low-cost and abundant elements such as iron, sulfur and carbon, which makes this battery highly promising for the next generation of electrochemical energy storage devices.

El siguiente trabajo de fin de grado se centra en un amplio estudio sobre como evoluciona el fenómeno fandom y cómo afecta a la publicidad. Después de realizar un pequeño recorrido a través de su historia y como la publicidad se abrió un hueco en dicho fenómeno, se llevará a cabo un análisis sobre el caso de estudio elegido y su competencia. En dicho análisis, se tendrá en cuenta el público objetivo, el posicionamiento en la mente del consumidor, así como su visión acerca del producto. La función final es poder detectar los errores de comunicación, una solución a los mismos y una propuesta de mejora de cara al año 2024., Grado en Publicidad y Relaciones Públicas

El siguiente trabajo de fin de grado se centra en un amplio estudio sobre como evoluciona el fenómeno fandom y cómo afecta a la publicidad. Después de realizar un pequeño recorrido a través de su historia y como la publicidad se abrió un hueco en dicho fenómeno, se llevará a cabo un análisis sobre el caso de estudio elegido y su competencia. En dicho análisis, se tendrá en cuenta el público objetivo, el posicionamiento en la mente del consumidor, así como su visión acerca del producto. La función final es poder detectar los errores de comunicación, una solución a los mismos y una propuesta de mejora de cara al año 2024., Grado en Publicidad y Relaciones Públicas

Electrocatalytic reactions are sensitive to the catalyst surface structure. Therefore, finding methods to determine active surface sites with different geometry is essential to address the structure–electrocatalytic performance relationships. In this work, we propose a simple methodology to tune and quantify the surface structure on copper catalysts. We tailor the distribution and ratio of facets on copper by electrochemically oxidizing and reducing the surface in chloride-rich aqueous solutions. We then address the formation of new facets with voltammetric lead (Pb) underpotential deposition (UPD). We first record the voltammetric lead UPD on different single facets, which have intense peaks at different potential values. We use this data to decouple each facet peak-contribution in the lead (Pb) UPD curves of the tailored and multifaceted copper surfaces and determine the geometry of the active sites. We combine experiments with density functional theory (DFT) calculations to assess the ligand effect of chloride anions on the copper facet distribution during the surface oxidation/electrodeposition treatment. Our experiments and Wulff constructions suggest that chloride preferentially adsorbs on the (310) facet, reducing the number of (111) sites and inducing the growth of (310) or n(100) × (110) domains. Our work provides a tool to correlate active sites with copper geometries, which is needed to assess the structure–performance relationships in electrocatalysis. We also demonstrate an easy method for selectively tailoring the facet distribution of copper, which is essential to design a well-defined nanostructured catalyst.

The idea of the project is a continuation and taking a step further a previous project, the twizy line project, which is a car-sharing service project. Users through a mobile application can request a car and it shall drive itself (guided by lines on the ground) to the pick up zone, and they are done with the car, they park it at the leaving zone and again it shall drive itself from the leaving zone to an appropriate place in the park zone., Departamento de Teoría de la Señal y Comunicaciones e Ingeniería Telemática, Grado en Ingeniería de Tecnologías de Telecomunicación

La investigación sobre el desarrollo de vehículos autónomos está evolucionando rápidamente y, con ello, las tecnologías involucradas. Los sistemas integrados en el vehículo son esenciales para percibir el entorno que rodea a la plataforma en movimiento, es decir, que el vehículo pueda percibir el entorno y actúe en consecuencia. En este Trabajo Fin de Grado se ha explorado las posibilidades que ofrece uno de estos sistemas, llamado Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). El principal propósito es integrar uno de estos dispositivos en un prototipo desarrollado en trabajos anteriores para obtener un guiado mediante el sensor LiDAR. Para ello, se ha estudiado las diferentes técnicas SLAM (Simultaneous Localization And Mapping) desarrolladas para hallar la localización y creación de mapa del entorno al mismo tiempo con la innovadora tecnología LiDAR. La técnica requerida proporciona una navegación fluida al vehículo. El otro objetivo principal de este proyecto es modificar el diseño de una arquitectura eléctrica y electrónica del prototipo para su correcto funcionamiento, añadiendo recursos necesarios para cumplir las finalidades propuestas., Research into the development of autonomous vehicles is evolving fast and, with it, the technologies engaged. Integrated systems in vehicles are essential for sensing the environment surrounding the moving platform, it means the vehicle can perceive the environment and response accordingly. This Final Degree Project has explored the possibilities offered by one of these systems, called Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). The main purpose is to integrate one of these devices in a prototype developed in previous works in order to achieve the LiDAR sensor guided. For this purpose, the different SLAM (Simultaneous Localization And Mapping) techniques developed to find the location and create a map of the environment at the same time with the innovative LiDAR technology have been studied. The required technique provides a smooth navigation to the vehicle. The other main objective of this project is to modify the design of an electrical and electronic architecture of the prototype for its correct operation, adding the necessary resources to fulfil the proposed purposes., Departamento de Teoría de la Señal y Comunicaciones e Ingeniería Telemática, Grado en Ingeniería de Tecnologías Específicas de Telecomunicación

La investigación sobre el desarrollo de vehículos autónomos está evolucionando rápidamente y, con ello, las tecnologías involucradas. Los sistemas integrados en el vehículo son esenciales para percibir el entorno que rodea a la plataforma en movimiento, es decir, que el vehículo pueda percibir el entorno y actúe en consecuencia. En este Trabajo Fin de Grado se ha explorado las posibilidades que ofrece uno de estos sistemas, llamado Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). El principal propósito es integrar uno de estos dispositivos en un prototipo desarrollado en trabajos anteriores para obtener un guiado mediante el sensor LiDAR. Para ello, se ha estudiado las diferentes técnicas SLAM (Simultaneous Localization And Mapping) desarrolladas para hallar la localización y creación de mapa del entorno al mismo tiempo con la innovadora tecnología LiDAR. La técnica requerida proporciona una navegación fluida al vehículo. El otro objetivo principal de este proyecto es modificar el diseño de una arquitectura eléctrica y electrónica del prototipo para su correcto funcionamiento, añadiendo recursos necesarios para cumplir las finalidades propuestas., Research into the development of autonomous vehicles is evolving fast and, with it, the technologies engaged. Integrated systems in vehicles are essential for sensing the environment surrounding the moving platform, it means the vehicle can perceive the environment and response accordingly. This Final Degree Project has explored the possibilities offered by one of these systems, called Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). The main purpose is to integrate one of these devices in a prototype developed in previous works in order to achieve the LiDAR sensor guided. For this purpose, the different SLAM (Simultaneous Localization And Mapping) techniques developed to find the location and create a map of the environment at the same time with the innovative LiDAR technology have been studied. The required technique provides a smooth navigation to the vehicle. The other main objective of this project is to modify the design of an electrical and electronic architecture of the prototype for its correct operation, adding the necessary resources to fulfil the proposed purposes., Departamento de Teoría de la Señal y Comunicaciones e Ingeniería Telemática, Grado en Ingeniería de Tecnologías Específicas de Telecomunicación

The idea of the project is a continuation and taking a step further a previous project, the twizy line project, which is a car-sharing service project. Users through a mobile application can request a car and it shall drive itself (guided by lines on the ground) to the pick up zone, and they are done with the car, they park it at the leaving zone and again it shall drive itself from the leaving zone to an appropriate place in the park zone., Departamento de Teoría de la Señal y Comunicaciones e Ingeniería Telemática, Grado en Ingeniería de Tecnologías de Telecomunicación

La investigación sobre el desarrollo de vehículos autónomos está evolucionando rápidamente y, con ello, las tecnologías involucradas. Los sistemas integrados en el vehículo son esenciales para percibir el entorno que rodea a la plataforma en movimiento, es decir, que el vehículo pueda percibir el entorno y actúe en consecuencia. En este Trabajo Fin de Grado se ha explorado las posibilidades que ofrece uno de estos sistemas, llamado Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). El principal propósito es integrar uno de estos dispositivos en un prototipo desarrollado en trabajos anteriores para obtener un guiado mediante el sensor LiDAR. Para ello, se ha estudiado las diferentes técnicas SLAM (Simultaneous Localization And Mapping) desarrolladas para hallar la localización y creación de mapa del entorno al mismo tiempo con la innovadora tecnología LiDAR. La técnica requerida proporciona una navegación fluida al vehículo. El otro objetivo principal de este proyecto es modificar el diseño de una arquitectura eléctrica y electrónica del prototipo para su correcto funcionamiento, añadiendo recursos necesarios para cumplir las finalidades propuestas., Research into the development of autonomous vehicles is evolving fast and, with it, the technologies engaged. Integrated systems in vehicles are essential for sensing the environment surrounding the moving platform, it means the vehicle can perceive the environment and response accordingly. This Final Degree Project has explored the possibilities offered by one of these systems, called Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). The main purpose is to integrate one of these devices in a prototype developed in previous works in order to achieve the LiDAR sensor guided. For this purpose, the different SLAM (Simultaneous Localization And Mapping) techniques developed to find the location and create a map of the environment at the same time with the innovative LiDAR technology have been studied. The required technique provides a smooth navigation to the vehicle. The other main objective of this project is to modify the design of an electrical and electronic architecture of the prototype for its correct operation, adding the necessary resources to fulfil the proposed purposes., Departamento de Teoría de la Señal y Comunicaciones e Ingeniería Telemática, Grado en Ingeniería de Tecnologías Específicas de Telecomunicación

The idea of the project is a continuation and taking a step further a previous project, the twizy line project, which is a car-sharing service project. Users through a mobile application can request a car and it shall drive itself (guided by lines on the ground) to the pick up zone, and they are done with the car, they park it at the leaving zone and again it shall drive itself from the leaving zone to an appropriate place in the park zone., Departamento de Teoría de la Señal y Comunicaciones e Ingeniería Telemática, Grado en Ingeniería de Tecnologías de Telecomunicación

SARS-CoV-2 is a new coronavirus characterized by a high infection and transmission capacity. A significant number of patients develop inadequate immune responses that produce massive releases of cytokines that compromise their survival. Soluble factors are clinically and pathologically relevant in COVID-19 survival but remain only partially characterized. The objective of this work was to simultaneously study 62 circulating soluble factors, including innate and adaptive cytokines and their soluble receptors, chemokines and growth and wound-healing/repair factors, in severe COVID-19 patients who survived compared to those with fatal outcomes. Serum samples were obtained from 286 COVID-19 patients and 40 healthy controls. The 62 circulating soluble factors were quantified using a Luminex Milliplex assay. Results. The patients who survived had decreased levels of the following 30 soluble factors of the 62 studied compared to those with fatal outcomes, therefore, these decreases were observed for cytokines and receptors predominantly produced by the innate immune system—IL-1a, IL-1a, IL-18, IL-15, IL-12p40, IL-6, IL-27, IL-1Ra, IL-1RI, IL-1RII, TNFa, TGFa, IL-10, sRAGE, sTNF-RI and sTNF-RII—for the chemokines IL-8, IP-10, MCP-1, MCP-3, MIG and fractalkine; for the growth factors M-CSF and the soluble receptor sIL2Ra; for the cytokines involved in the adaptive immune system IFN¿, IL-17 and sIL-4R; and for the wound-repair factor FGF2. On the other hand, the patients who survived had elevated levels of the soluble factors TNFß, sCD40L, MDC, RANTES, G-CSF, GM-CSF, EGF, PDGFAA and PDGFABBB compared to those who died. Conclusions. Increases in the circulating levels of the sCD40L cytokine; MDC and RANTES chemokines; the G-CSF and GM-CSF growth factors, EGF, PDGFAA and PDGFABBB; and tissue-repair factors are strongly associated with survival. By contrast, large increases in IL-15, IL-6, IL-18, IL-27 and IL-10; the sIL-1RI, sIL1RII and sTNF-RII receptors; the MCP3, IL-8, MIG a, Peer Reviewed, Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::3 - Salut i Benestar, Postprint (published version)

Antecedentes y objetivos: Internet es una herramienta indispensable en el presente y el futuro de los individuos. En los últimos años, se ha publicado una gran cantidad de literatura describiendo sintomatología tanto física como psicopatológica asociada al uso inadecuado de Internet, constituyendo los adolescentes y adultos jóvenes la población más vulnerable en relación con lo anterior. A pesar de ello, la adicción a Internet no está reconocida como categoría diagnóstica en las clasificaciones internacionales. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron describir las alteraciones psicopatológicas, las comorbilidades y los factores de riesgo y protección asociados al uso problemático de Internet, así como conocer la prevalencia global y la trayectoria de la investigación científica alrededor del problema. Metodología: se ha llevado a cabo una revisión sistemática utilizando las palabras clave “internet addiction” OR “problematic internet use” AND “adolescents” en las bases de datos PsycInfo, PubMed, Embase y Google Académico. Resultados: un total de 38 estudios fueron seleccionados, incluyendo estudios transversales, casos y controles y prospectivos, así como 4 revisiones sistemáticas y 9 metaanálisis. Los resultados se dividieron en base a los objetivos del trabajo, clasificando las asociaciones descritas en los artículos entre síntomas psicopatológicos, comorbilidades y factores de riesgo y protección. Conclusiones: el uso problemático de Internet es un problema sanitario que puede afectar a la salud física y psíquica de los adolescentes en una etapa crítica del desarrollo del individuo. Por ello, serían necesarios esfuerzos en la comunidad científica para conceptualizar la identidad nosológica y establecer criterios y escalas diagnósticas, así como medidas de salud pública centradas en la prevención y la intervención precoz en los individuos vulnerables., Antecedentes e obxectivos: Internet é unha ferramenta indispensable no presente e futuro dos individuos. Nos últimos anos, publicouse unha grande cantidade de literatura describindo sintomatoloxía tanto física como psicopatolóxica asociada ao uso inadecuado de Internet, constituíndo os adolescentes e adultos novos a poboación máis vulnerable en relación co anterior. Porén, a adicción a Internet non está recoñecida como categoría diagnóstica nas clasificacións internacionais. Os obxectivos deste traballo foron describir as alteracións psicopatolóxicas, as comorbilidades e os factores de risco e protección asociados ao uso problemático de Internet, así como coñecer a prevalencia global e o rumbo da investigación científica arredor do problema. Metodoloxía: realizouse unha revisión sistemática utilizando as palabras clave “internet addiction” OR “problematic internet use” AND “adolescents” nas bases de datos PsycInfo, PubMed, Embase e Google Académico. Resultados: un total de 38 estudos foron seleccionados, incluíndo estudos transversais, casos e controis e prospectivos, así como 4 revisións sistemáticas e 9 metaanálises. Os resultados dividíronse en base aos obxectivos do traballo, clasificando as asociacións descritas nos artigos entre síntomas psicopatolóxicos, comorbilidades e factores de risco e protección. Conclusións: o uso problemático de Internet é un problema sanitario que pode afectar á saúde física e psíquica dos adolescentes nunha etapa crítica do desenvolvemento do individuo. Por tanto, son necesarios esforzos na comunidade científica para conceptualizar a identidade nosolóxica e establecer criterios e escalas diagnósticas, así como medidas de saúde pública centradas na prevención e a intervención precoz nos individuos vulnerables., Background and aims: The Internet is an essential tool in the present and the future of individuals. In recent years, a large amount of literature has been published describing both psychological and physical symptoms associated to inadequate use of the Internet, being adolescents and young adults the most vulnerable groups. However, internet addiction is not recognized as a diagnostic category in international classifications. The aims of this project were to describe the psychopathological disorders, comorbidities and risk and protective factors associated to problematic use of Internet, as well as to know about the global prevalence and the path of scientific research about this issue Methods: a systematic review has been performed using the key words “internet addiction” OR “problematic internet use” AND “adolescents” in PsycInfo, PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar. Results: 38 studies have been selected, including cross-sectional case-control and prospective studies, as well as 4 systematic reviews and 9 meta-analysis. The results have been divided based on our aims, classifying the described asssociations in psychopathological symptoms, comorbidities and risk and protective factors. Conclusions: problematic use of Internet is a sanitary issue that can disturb both the physical and mental health of adolescents in a critical stage of individual development. Thus, efforts in the scientific community will be required to conceptualize the nosological identity and establish diagnostic criteria and scales, as well as public health measures focused on prevention and early intervention in vulnerable individuals.

This study aimed to create an individualized analysis model of the risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission or death for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients as a tool for the rapid clinical management of hospitalized patients in order to achieve a resilience of medical resources. This is an observational, analytical, retrospective cohort study with longitudinal follow-up. Data were collected from the medical records of 3489 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 using RT-qPCR in the period of highest community transmission recorded in Europe to date: February–June 2020. The study was carried out in in two health areas of hospital care in the Madrid region: the central area of the Madrid capital (Hospitales de Madrid del Grupo HM Hospitales (CH-HM), n = 1931) and the metropolitan area of Madrid (Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias (MH-HUPA) n = 1558). By using a regression model, we observed how the different patient variables had unequal importance. Among all the analyzed variables, basal oxygen saturation was found to have the highest relative importance with a value of 20.3%, followed by age (17.7%), lymphocyte/leukocyte ratio (14.4%), CRP value (12.5%), comorbidities (12.5%), and leukocyte count (8.9%). Three levels of risk of ICU/death were established: low-risk level (<5%), medium-risk level (5–20%), and high-risk level (>20%). At the high-risk level, 13% needed ICU admission, 29% died, and 37% had an ICU–death outcome. This predictive model allowed us to individualize the risk for worse outcome for hospitalized patients affected by COVID-19., ProA Capital, Depto. de Medicina, Fac. de Medicina, TRUE, pub

Two fundamental steps are needed to halt or at least slowdown climate change. One is the reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), and two is developing more efficient renewable energy storage solutions. The electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 toward fuels or valuable chemicals is a promising candidate to solve both problems. Copper (Cu) is a unique catalyst capable of the electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 into a variety of carbon products like methane (CH4), ethylene (C2H4), or formic acid (HCOOH). However, the low selectivity towards C2 and C2+ products and the low stability of the bulk Cu catalyst complicate the economic viability of the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2. The use of Cu nanostructures as a catalyst has been shown to enhance the selectivity and the faradaic efficiency (FE) of the electrocatalysis due to the increased catalyst’s surface area and the control of the exposed Cu facets. Exposure of the Cu (100) facets in the catalyst’s surface has been demonstrated to enhance the FE for C2 products, especially ethylene. During our research, we used a colloidal approach to synthesize Cu nanowires (NWs) with exposed (100) facets. However, a side nucleation of nanoparticles (NPs) was observed in all cases. Adjusting the synthesis parameters, we were able to control not only the length and thickness of the NWs but also the size and structure of the side nucleation. Little to no research has been done on the impact on selectivity and stability of combining different Cu nanocrystals, nanocrystals with different shape, size, and exposed facets. By controlling the concentration of ligands during the colloidal synthesis, we were able to produce three different Cu catalysts: NWs with a diameter of 30 nm and multi–shaped NPs, 30 nm NWs with nanopyramids and 40 nm NWs with multi–shaped NPs. After modifying the NP’s concentration of the three different catalysts and comparing its electrocatalytic performance, we were able to show the impact of the NPs over the s

Two fundamental steps are needed to halt or at least slowdown climate change. One is the reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), and two is developing more efficient renewable energy storage solutions. The electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 toward fuels or valuable chemicals is a promising candidate to solve both problems. Copper (Cu) is a unique catalyst capable of the electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 into a variety of carbon products like methane (CH4), ethylene (C2H4), or formic acid (HCOOH). However, the low selectivity towards C2 and C2+ products and the low stability of the bulk Cu catalyst complicate the economic viability of the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2. The use of Cu nanostructures as a catalyst has been shown to enhance the selectivity and the faradaic efficiency (FE) of the electrocatalysis due to the increased catalyst’s surface area and the control of the exposed Cu facets. Exposure of the Cu (100) facets in the catalyst’s surface has been demonstrated to enhance the FE for C2 products, especially ethylene. During our research, we used a colloidal approach to synthesize Cu nanowires (NWs) with exposed (100) facets. However, a side nucleation of nanoparticles (NPs) was observed in all cases. Adjusting the synthesis parameters, we were able to control not only the length and thickness of the NWs but also the size and structure of the side nucleation. Little to no research has been done on the impact on selectivity and stability of combining different Cu nanocrystals, nanocrystals with different shape, size, and exposed facets. By controlling the concentration of ligands during the colloidal synthesis, we were able to produce three different Cu catalysts: NWs with a diameter of 30 nm and multi–shaped NPs, 30 nm NWs with nanopyramids and 40 nm NWs with multi–shaped NPs. After modifying the NP’s concentration of the three different catalysts and comparing its electrocatalytic performance, we were able to show the impact of the NPs over the s

Two fundamental steps are needed to halt or at least slowdown climate change. One is the reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), and two is developing more efficient renewable energy storage solutions. The electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 toward fuels or valuable chemicals is a promising candidate to solve both problems. Copper (Cu) is a unique catalyst capable of the electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 into a variety of carbon products like methane (CH4), ethylene (C2H4), or formic acid (HCOOH). However, the low selectivity towards C2 and C2+ products and the low stability of the bulk Cu catalyst complicate the economic viability of the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2. The use of Cu nanostructures as a catalyst has been shown to enhance the selectivity and the faradaic efficiency (FE) of the electrocatalysis due to the increased catalyst’s surface area and the control of the exposed Cu facets. Exposure of the Cu (100) facets in the catalyst’s surface has been demonstrated to enhance the FE for C2 products, especially ethylene. During our research, we used a colloidal approach to synthesize Cu nanowires (NWs) with exposed (100) facets. However, a side nucleation of nanoparticles (NPs) was observed in all cases. Adjusting the synthesis parameters, we were able to control not only the length and thickness of the NWs but also the size and structure of the side nucleation. Little to no research has been done on the impact on selectivity and stability of combining different Cu nanocrystals, nanocrystals with different shape, size, and exposed facets. By controlling the concentration of ligands during the colloidal synthesis, we were able to produce three different Cu catalysts: NWs with a diameter of 30 nm and multi–shaped NPs, 30 nm NWs with nanopyramids and 40 nm NWs with multi–shaped NPs. After modifying the NP’s concentration of the three different catalysts and comparing its electrocatalytic performance, we were able to show the impact of the NPs over the s

Objective: To describe the capacity of a broad spectrum of cytokines and growth factors to predict ICU admission and/or death in patients with severe COVID-19. Design: An observational, analytical, retrospective cohort study with longitudinal follow-up. Setting: Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias (HUPA). Participants: 287 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 admitted to our hospital from 24 March to 8 May 2020, followed until 31 August 2020. Main outcome measures: Profiles of immune response (IR) mediators were determined using the Luminex Multiplex technique in hospitalized patients within six days of admission by examining serum levels of 62 soluble molecules classified into the three groups: adaptive IR-related cytokines (n = 19), innate inflammatory IR-related cytokines (n = 27), and growth factors (n = 16). Results: A statistically robust link with ICU admission and/or death was detected for increased serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-15, soluble (s) RAGE, IP10, MCP3, sIL1RII, IL-8, GCSF and MCSF and IL-10. The greatest prognostic value was observed for the marker combination IL-10, IL-6 and GCSF. Conclusions: When severe COVID-19 progresses to ICU admission and/or death there is a marked increase in serum levels of several cytokines and chemokines, mainly related to the patient’s inflammatory IR. Serum levels of IL-10, IL-6 and GCSF were most prognostic of the outcome measure.

This study aimed to create an individualized analysis model of the risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission or death for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients as a tool for the rapid clinical management of hospitalized patients in order to achieve a resilience of medical resources. This is an observational, analytical, retrospective cohort study with longitudinal follow-up. Data were collected from the medical records of 3489 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 using RT-qPCR in the period of highest community transmission recorded in Europe to date: February–June 2020. The study was carried out in in two health areas of hospital care in the Madrid region: the central area of the Madrid capital (Hospitales de Madrid del Grupo HM Hospitales (CH-HM), n = 1931) and the metropolitan area of Madrid (Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias (MH-HUPA) n = 1558). By using a regression model, we observed how the different patient variables had unequal importance. Among all the analyzed variables, basal oxygen saturation was found to have the highest relative importance with a value of 20.3%, followed by age (17.7%), lymphocyte/leukocyte ratio (14.4%), CRP value (12.5%), comorbidities (12.5%), and leukocyte count (8.9%). Three levels of risk of ICU/death were established: low-risk level (<5%), medium-risk level (5–20%), and high-risk level (>20%). At the high-risk level, 13% needed ICU admission, 29% died, and 37% had an ICU–death outcome. This predictive model allowed us to individualize the risk for worse outcome for hospitalized patients affected by COVID-19.

Cities are undergoing a change in mobility due to factors such as climate change, high urban air pollution, the economic crisis, high population density in urban centres, or the COVID-19 crisis. Some of the proposals that seek to provide a solution to this new mobility paradigm are car sharing platforms or electric vehicles. This Final Degree Project combines these two concepts together with the autonomous vehicle, presenting an app for an electric vehicle carsharing service based on autonomous parking. This application has been developed in Flutter, Google's framework for creating multi-platform applications, so that the app can be released in the two most important mobile operating systems of the moment, Android, and iOS. In addition, the style guides of Material design have been followed as well as the design trends of other similar car sharing services apps. The app allows users to access the car sharing service, allowing users to find the nearest parking lot and obtain a vehicle from it, and also serves as a tool for service administrators, so that it allows them to maintain, develop and improve the system more easily., Las ciudades están sufriendo un cambio en la movilidad debido a factores como el cambio climático, la elevada contaminación del aire de las ciudades, la crisis económica, la alta densidad de población en núcleos urbanos, o la crisis del COVID-19. Algunas de las propuestas que buscan aportar una solución a este nuevo paradigma de movilidad son las plataformas de carsharing o los vehículos eléctricos. Este Trabajo de Fin de Grado aúna estos dos conceptos junto con el de vehículo autónomo, presentando una app para un servicio de carsharing de vehículos eléctricos basado en aparcamiento autónomo. Esta aplicación ha sido desarrollada en Flutter, el framework de Google para crear aplicaciones multiplataforma, de forma que la aplicación pueda ser lanzada para los dos sistemas operativos móviles más importantes del momento, Android e iOS. Además, se han seguido las guías de estilo de Material Design asi como las tendencias de otras aplicaciones similares de servicios de carsharing. La app permite, por una parte acceder a los usuarios al servicio de carsharing, permitiendo a los usuarios encontrar el parking más cercano y obtener un vehículo de este, y por otra parte, sirve como herramienta para los administradores del servicio, de forma que permite mantener, desarrollar y mejorar el sistema de manera más fácil., Grado en Ingeniería de Tecnologías Específicas de Telecomunicación

Cities are undergoing a change in mobility due to factors such as climate change, high urban air pollution, the economic crisis, high population density in urban centres, or the COVID-19 crisis. Some of the proposals that seek to provide a solution to this new mobility paradigm are car sharing platforms or electric vehicles. This Final Degree Project combines these two concepts together with the autonomous vehicle, presenting an app for an electric vehicle carsharing service based on autonomous parking. This application has been developed in Flutter, Google's framework for creating multi-platform applications, so that the app can be released in the two most important mobile operating systems of the moment, Android, and iOS. In addition, the style guides of Material design have been followed as well as the design trends of other similar car sharing services apps. The app allows users to access the car sharing service, allowing users to find the nearest parking lot and obtain a vehicle from it, and also serves as a tool for service administrators, so that it allows them to maintain, develop and improve the system more easily., Las ciudades están sufriendo un cambio en la movilidad debido a factores como el cambio climático, la elevada contaminación del aire de las ciudades, la crisis económica, la alta densidad de población en núcleos urbanos, o la crisis del COVID-19. Algunas de las propuestas que buscan aportar una solución a este nuevo paradigma de movilidad son las plataformas de carsharing o los vehículos eléctricos. Este Trabajo de Fin de Grado aúna estos dos conceptos junto con el de vehículo autónomo, presentando una app para un servicio de carsharing de vehículos eléctricos basado en aparcamiento autónomo. Esta aplicación ha sido desarrollada en Flutter, el framework de Google para crear aplicaciones multiplataforma, de forma que la aplicación pueda ser lanzada para los dos sistemas operativos móviles más importantes del momento, Android e iOS. Además, se han seguido las guías de estilo de Material Design asi como las tendencias de otras aplicaciones similares de servicios de carsharing. La app permite, por una parte acceder a los usuarios al servicio de carsharing, permitiendo a los usuarios encontrar el parking más cercano y obtener un vehículo de este, y por otra parte, sirve como herramienta para los administradores del servicio, de forma que permite mantener, desarrollar y mejorar el sistema de manera más fácil., Grado en Ingeniería de Tecnologías Específicas de Telecomunicación

Cities are undergoing a change in mobility due to factors such as climate change, high urban air pollution, the economic crisis, high population density in urban centres, or the COVID-19 crisis. Some of the proposals that seek to provide a solution to this new mobility paradigm are car sharing platforms or electric vehicles. This Final Degree Project combines these two concepts together with the autonomous vehicle, presenting an app for an electric vehicle carsharing service based on autonomous parking. This application has been developed in Flutter, Google's framework for creating multi-platform applications, so that the app can be released in the two most important mobile operating systems of the moment, Android, and iOS. In addition, the style guides of Material design have been followed as well as the design trends of other similar car sharing services apps. The app allows users to access the car sharing service, allowing users to find the nearest parking lot and obtain a vehicle from it, and also serves as a tool for service administrators, so that it allows them to maintain, develop and improve the system more easily., Las ciudades están sufriendo un cambio en la movilidad debido a factores como el cambio climático, la elevada contaminación del aire de las ciudades, la crisis económica, la alta densidad de población en núcleos urbanos, o la crisis del COVID-19. Algunas de las propuestas que buscan aportar una solución a este nuevo paradigma de movilidad son las plataformas de carsharing o los vehículos eléctricos. Este Trabajo de Fin de Grado aúna estos dos conceptos junto con el de vehículo autónomo, presentando una app para un servicio de carsharing de vehículos eléctricos basado en aparcamiento autónomo. Esta aplicación ha sido desarrollada en Flutter, el framework de Google para crear aplicaciones multiplataforma, de forma que la aplicación pueda ser lanzada para los dos sistemas operativos móviles más importantes del momento, Android e iOS. Además, se han seguido las guías de estilo de Material Design asi como las tendencias de otras aplicaciones similares de servicios de carsharing. La app permite, por una parte acceder a los usuarios al servicio de carsharing, permitiendo a los usuarios encontrar el parking más cercano y obtener un vehículo de este, y por otra parte, sirve como herramienta para los administradores del servicio, de forma que permite mantener, desarrollar y mejorar el sistema de manera más fácil., Grado en Ingeniería de Tecnologías Específicas de Telecomunicación

Cities are undergoing a change in mobility due to factors such as climate change, high urban air pollution, the economic crisis, high population density in urban centres, or the COVID-19 crisis. Some of the proposals that seek to provide a solution to this new mobility paradigm are car sharing platforms or electric vehicles. This Final Degree Project combines these two concepts together with the autonomous vehicle, presenting an app for an electric vehicle carsharing service based on autonomous parking. This application has been developed in Flutter, Google's framework for creating multi-platform applications, so that the app can be released in the two most important mobile operating systems of the moment, Android, and iOS. In addition, the style guides of Material design have been followed as well as the design trends of other similar car sharing services apps. The app allows users to access the car sharing service, allowing users to find the nearest parking lot and obtain a vehicle from it, and also serves as a tool for service administrators, so that it allows them to maintain, develop and improve the system more easily., Las ciudades están sufriendo un cambio en la movilidad debido a factores como el cambio climático, la elevada contaminación del aire de las ciudades, la crisis económica, la alta densidad de población en núcleos urbanos, o la crisis del COVID-19. Algunas de las propuestas que buscan aportar una solución a este nuevo paradigma de movilidad son las plataformas de carsharing o los vehículos eléctricos. Este Trabajo de Fin de Grado aúna estos dos conceptos junto con el de vehículo autónomo, presentando una app para un servicio de carsharing de vehículos eléctricos basado en aparcamiento autónomo. Esta aplicación ha sido desarrollada en Flutter, el framework de Google para crear aplicaciones multiplataforma, de forma que la aplicación pueda ser lanzada para los dos sistemas operativos móviles más importantes del momento, Android e iOS. Además, se han seguido las guías de estilo de Material Design asi como las tendencias de otras aplicaciones similares de servicios de carsharing. La app permite, por una parte acceder a los usuarios al servicio de carsharing, permitiendo a los usuarios encontrar el parking más cercano y obtener un vehículo de este, y por otra parte, sirve como herramienta para los administradores del servicio, de forma que permite mantener, desarrollar y mejorar el sistema de manera más fácil., Grado en Ingeniería de Tecnologías Específicas de Telecomunicación

[Abstract] We tested peripheral, spinal and cortical excitability during 3 minutes of unresisted finger tapping at the maximal possible rate, which induced fatigue. Subsequently, we studied the temporal dynamics of muscle fatigue, expressed in the tapping movement profile, and its relationship to neural systems using mixed model analyses. The tapping rate decreased by 40% over the duration of the task. The change in the amplitude of the range of motion was not significant. The excitability of the flexor and extensor muscles of the index finger was tested via evoked potentials obtained with various types of stimulation at various levels of the motor system. The change in spinal excitability with time was evaluated considering the simultaneous changes in muscle excitability; we also considered how spinal excitability changed over time to evaluate cortical excitability. Excitability in the flexor and extensor muscles at the different levels tested changed significantly, but similar excitability levels were observed at notably different tapping rates. Our results showed that only 33% of the decrease in the tapping rate was explained by changes in the excitability of the structures tested in the present work.

Introduction: This article fact-checks the statements made in the televised debates that took place during the Spanish general elections of 2015, between Mariano Rajoy (PP) and Pedro Sánchez (PSOE), and 2016, between Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría (PP), Pedro Sánchez (PSOE), Albert Rivera (Ciudadanos) and Pablo Iglesias (Podemos). Methods: A total of 335 and 382 factual assertions were extracted from two thematic blocks of the 2015 and 2016 debates, respectively, and subsequently factchecked in order to determine their veracity. Results: More than 85% of the factual assertions made by participants were accurate. In fact, data accuracy was very high in the case of government representatives (95.4% in the case of Mariano Rajoy and 84.38% in the case of Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría), followed by Pablo Iglesias (92%), Albert Rivera (88.89%) and Pedro Sánchez (58.1% and 69.23% in the 2015 and 2016 debates, respectively). Discussion and conclusions: Participants in televised debates use a significant amount of factual assertions that reveal their more technical or political profiles. However, they hardly cite their sources, which complicates fact-checking by the audience., Introducción: Se analizan y comparan, en términos de fact-checking, los debates electorales televisados correspondientes a las elecciones generales en España de 2015, entre Mariano Rajoy (PP) y Pedro Sánchez (PSOE), y 2016, entre Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría (PP), Pedro Sánchez (PSOE), Albert Rivera (Ciudadanos) y Pablo Iglesias (Podemos). Metodología: Se extrajeron un total de 335 afirmaciones con datos en el debate del año 2015 y otras 382 en el correspondiente a 2016, con la intención de comprobar, en los bloques analizados, la veracidad y exactitud de los datos aportados y sus fuentes. Resultados: Los resultados muestran que más del 85% de los datos aportados por los participantes son contrastables. La exactitud de los datos fue muy alta en el caso de los representantes del gobierno (del 95,4% en el caso de Mariano Rajoy y el 84,38% de Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría), seguidos de Pablo Iglesias (92%), Albert Rivera (88,89%) y Pedro Sánchez (58,1% en el debate de 2015 y 69,23% en el correspondiente a 2016). Discusión y conclusiones: Los participantes de los debates televisados utilizan una cantidad estimable de datos y en la utilización de los mismos revelan sus perfiles, más técnicos o políticos. Sin embargo, apenas citan las fuentes, impidiendo el acceso a las mismas y su comprobación por parte de los espectadores.

Introduction: This article fact-checks the statements made in the televised debates that took place during the Spanish general elections of 2015, between Mariano Rajoy (PP) and Pedro Sánchez (PSOE), and 2016, between Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría (PP), Pedro Sánchez (PSOE), Albert Rivera (Ciudadanos) and Pablo Iglesias (Podemos). Methods: A total of 335 and 382 factual assertions were extracted from two thematic blocks of the 2015 and 2016 debates, respectively, and subsequently factchecked in order to determine their veracity. Results: More than 85% of the factual assertions made by participants were accurate. In fact, data accuracy was very high in the case of government representatives (95.4% in the case of Mariano Rajoy and 84.38% in the case of Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría), followed by Pablo Iglesias (92%), Albert Rivera (88.89%) and Pedro Sánchez (58.1% and 69.23% in the 2015 and 2016 debates, respectively). Discussion and conclusions: Participants in televised debates use a significant amount of factual assertions that reveal their more technical or political profiles. However, they hardly cite their sources, which complicates fact-checking by the audience., Introducción: Se analizan y comparan, en términos de fact-checking, los debates electorales televisados correspondientes a las elecciones generales en España de 2015, entre Mariano Rajoy (PP) y Pedro Sánchez (PSOE), y 2016, entre Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría (PP), Pedro Sánchez (PSOE), Albert Rivera (Ciudadanos) y Pablo Iglesias (Podemos). Metodología: Se extrajeron un total de 335 afirmaciones con datos en el debate del año 2015 y otras 382 en el correspondiente a 2016, con la intención de comprobar, en los bloques analizados, la veracidad y exactitud de los datos aportados y sus fuentes. Resultados: Los resultados muestran que más del 85% de los datos aportados por los participantes son contrastables. La exactitud de los datos fue muy alta en el caso de los representantes del gobierno (del 95,4% en el caso de Mariano Rajoy y el 84,38% de Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría), seguidos de Pablo Iglesias (92%), Albert Rivera (88,89%) y Pedro Sánchez (58,1% en el debate de 2015 y 69,23% en el correspondiente a 2016). Discusión y conclusiones: Los participantes de los debates televisados utilizan una cantidad estimable de datos y en la utilización de los mismos revelan sus perfiles, más técnicos o políticos. Sin embargo, apenas citan las fuentes, impidiendo el acceso a las mismas y su comprobación por parte de los espectadores.

Introduction: This article fact-checks the statements made in the televised debates that took place during the Spanish general elections of 2015, between Mariano Rajoy (PP) and Pedro Sánchez (PSOE), and 2016, between Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría (PP), Pedro Sánchez (PSOE), Albert Rivera (Ciudadanos) and Pablo Iglesias (Podemos). Methods: A total of 335 and 382 factual assertions were extracted from two thematic blocks of the 2015 and 2016 debates, respectively, and subsequently fact-checked in order to determine their veracity. Results: More than 85% of the factual assertions made by participants were accurate. In fact, data accuracy was very high in the case of government representatives (95.4% in the case of Mariano Rajoy and 84.38% in the case of Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría), followed by Pablo Iglesias (92%), Albert Rivera (88.89%) and Pedro Sánchez (58.1% and 69.23% in the 2015 and 2016 debates, respectively). Discussion and conclusions: Participants in televised debates use a significant amount of factual assertions that reveal their more technical or political profiles. However, they hardly cite their sources, which complicates fact-checking by the audience., Introducción: Se analizan y comparan, en términos de fact-checking, los debates electorales televisados correspondientes a las elecciones generales en España de 2015, entre Mariano Rajoy (PP) y Pedro Sánchez (PSOE), y 2016, entre Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría (PP), Pedro Sánchez (PSOE), Albert Rivera (Ciudadanos) y Pablo Iglesias (Podemos). Metodología: Se extrajeron un total de 335 afirmaciones con datos en el debate del año 2015 y otras 382 en el correspondiente a 2016, con la intención de comprobar, en los bloques analizados, la veracidad y exactitud de los datos aportados y sus fuentes. Resultados: Los resultados muestran que más del 85% de los datos aportados por los participantes son contrastables. La exactitud de los datos fue muy alta en el caso de los representantes del gobierno (del 95,4% en el caso de Mariano Rajoy y el 84,38% de Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría), seguidos de Pablo Iglesias (92%), Albert Rivera (88,89%) y Pedro Sánchez (58,1% en el debate de 2015 y 69,23% en el correspondiente a 2016). Discusión y conclusiones: Los participantes de los debates televisados utilizan una cantidad estimable de datos y en la utilización de los mismos revelan sus perfiles, más técnicos o políticos. Sin embargo, apenas citan las fuentes, impidiendo el acceso a las mismas y su comprobación por parte de los espectadores.

[Abstract] Fatigue is a very limiting condition in many activities of the daily living and is present in different neurological pathologies. Although the underlying mechanisms are not well understood, it is considered to have a great impact on the different functional capacities of the people who suffer from it. From a motor system perspective, fatigue is divided as central and peripheral. Central fatigue has been related to the inability to execute or maintain muscle force. Notwithstanding, there are many activities of the daily living, like rhythmic repetitive movements such as walking, typing, mouse-clicking, or movements in assembly lines, which can be executed with very low levels of muscle force and also induce fatigue, likely of central origin. For this reason, it seems paradoxical that central expressions of fatigue induced by repetitive movements have hardly been explored. This PhD Thesis presents results from three different studies. We used noninvasive brain stimulation techniques to characterize central expressions of fatigue induced by movements performed repeatedly. All studies enrolled young healthy participants. In the first study, we evaluated the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on arm reaching movements, performed repeatedly as fast as possible in a reaction time protocol. In the sham stimulation session, we observed the development of fatigue with task progression, which was absent in the case of real stimulation sessions. Regretfully, the methodology used in this study did not permit us to understand physiological mechanism behind this observation. For the second and third studies, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation, stimulation at the level of the cervicomedullary junction (electric and magnetic) and percutaneous nerve stimulation to explore the central expressions of fatigue induced by repetitive movements. We compared its profile to the central manifestations of fatigue during isometric contractions, which is considere, Resumen La fatiga en una condición limitante en múltiples actividades de la vida diaria y está presente en distintas patologías neurológicas. A pesar de no estar suficientemente definida se considera que afecta a distintos planos funcionales del individuo. Desde el punto de vista motor, la fatiga se ha definido como fatiga central y periférica, y en el caso de la fatiga central la misma ha sido clásicamente vinculada a la merma experimentada por las personas a la hora de realizar fuerza muscular. Sin embargo, existen en las actividades de la vida diaria múltiples acciones, como movimientos repetitivos rítmicos ejecutados al caminar, durante el uso de teclados y ratones, o en cadenas de montaje, que pueden ser realizadas con bajos niveles de fuerza, y a pesar de ello ser susceptibles de generar fatiga, posiblemente de tipo central. Es por ello paradójico que las bases de la fatiga central producida por movimientos repetitivos apenas hayan sido exploradas. En esta tesis doctoral presentamos los resultados de tres estudios en los que, mediante el uso de técnicas de estimulación cerebral no invasiva, hemos caracterizado las expresiones centrales de la fatiga producida por movimientos realizados repetidamente. Todos los estudios se llevaron a cabo en participantes jóvenes sin patologías. En el primer estudio, hemos evaluado el efecto de la estimulación con corriente directa en las características de los movimientos de alcance realizados de manera repetida a la máxima velocidad en un protocolo de tiempo de reacción. Durante la sesión de estimulación placebo se observó un desarrollo de la fatiga conforme la tarea progresaba, que no se manifestó en el caso de las sesiones de estimulación real. Desafortunadamente, la metodología utilizada en el primer estudio no nos permitió explorar los posibles mecanismos fisiológicos que explicasen dicha observación. En el segundo y tercer estudio, se utilizó la estimulación magnética transcraneal, la estimulación a la altura de la decusa, [Resumo] A fatiga é una condición que limita múltiples actividades da vida diaria e está presente en distintas patoloxías neurolóxicas. Maila non estar suficientemente definida, coñécese que afecta a distintos planos funcionais da persoa. Dende o punto de vista motor, a fatiga tense definido como fatiga central e periférica, e no caso da fatiga central a mesma ten sido clasicamente vencellada á diminución experimentada polas persoas na capacidade de facer forza muscular. Porén, existen nas actividades da vida diaria múltiples accións, como movementos repetitivos rítmicos executados ao camiñar, durante o uso de teclados e ratos, ou en cadeas de montaxe, que poden ser realizados con baixos niveis de forza, e malia elo ser susceptibles de xerar fatiga, posiblemente de tipo central. É por elo un paradoxo que as bases da fatiga central producida por movementos repetitivos apenas se teñan exploradas. Nesta tese doutoral presentamos os resultados de tres estudos nos que, mediante o uso de técnicas de estimulación cerebral non invasivas, ternos caracterizado as expresión centrais da fatiga producida por movementos realizados repetidamente. Todos os estudos foron levados a cabo en persoas novas sen patoloxías. No primeiro estudo avaliamos o efecto da estimulación con corrente directa nas características dos movementos de alcance realizados de maneira repetida á máxima velocidade nun protocolo de tempo de reacción. Durante a sesión de estimulación placebo observouse un desenrolo da fatiga co progreso da tarefa, que non se manifestou no caso das sesións de estimulación real. Desafortunadamente a metodoloxía utilizada neste primeiro estudo non permitiu explorar os posibles mecanismos fisiolóxicos que explicasen dita observación. No segundo e terceiro estudo utilizouse a estimulación magnética transcraneal, a estimulación á altura da decusación piramidal, e a estimulación eléctrica do nervio (aplicada de maneira percutánea) para explorar as expresións centrais da fatiga inducida

[Resumen] Introducción: Se analizan y comparan, en términos de fact-checking, los debates electorales televisados correspondientes a las elecciones generales en España de 2015, entre Mariano Rajoy (PP) y Pedro Sánchez (PSOE), y 2016, entre Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría (PP), Pedro Sánchez (PSOE), Albert Rivera (Ciudadanos) y Pablo Iglesias (Podemos). Metodología: Se extrajeron un total de 335 afirmaciones con datos en el debate del año 2015 y otras 382 en el correspondiente a 2016, con la intención de comprobar, en los bloques analizados, la veracidad y exactitud de los datos aportados y sus fuentes. Resultados: Los resultados muestran que más del 85% de los datos aportados por los participantes son contrastables. La exactitud de los datos fue muy alta en el caso de los representantes del gobierno (del 95,4% en el caso de Mariano Rajoy y el 84,38% de Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría), seguidos de Pablo Iglesias (92%), Albert Rivera (88,89%) y Pedro Sánchez (58,1% en el debate de 2015 y 69,23% en el correspondiente a 2016). Discusión y conclusiones: Los participantes de los debates televisados utilizan una cantidad estimable de datos y en la utilización de los mismos revelan sus perfiles, más técnicos o políticos. Sin embargo, apenas citan las fuentes, impidiendo el acceso a las mismas y su comprobación por parte de los espectadores., [Abstract] Introduction: This article fact-checks the statements made in the televised debates that took place during the Spanish general elections of 2015, between Mariano Rajoy (PP) and Pedro Sánchez (PSOE), and 2016, between Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría (PP), Pedro Sánchez (PSOE), Albert Rivera (Ciudadanos) and Pablo Iglesias (Podemos). Methods: A total of 335 and 382 factual assertions were extracted from two thematic blocks of the 2015 and 2016 debates, respectively, and subsequently fact-checked in order to determine their veracity. Results: More than 85% of the factual assertions made by participants were accurate. In fact, data accuracy was very high in the case of government representatives (95.4% in the case of Mariano Rajoy and 84.38% in the case of Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría), followed by Pablo Iglesias (92%), Albert Rivera (88.89%) and Pedro Sánchez (58.1% and 69.23% in the 2015 and 2016 debates, respectively). Discussion and conclusions: Participants in televised debates use a significant amount of factual assertions that reveal their more technical or political profiles. However, they hardly cite their sources, which complicates fact-checking by the audience.

En el contexto del enfrentamiento político y mediático de las últimas elecciones presidenciales de los Estados Unidos de América, esta investigación compara el impacto y alcance de la opinión política de los medios tradicionales de referencia (The New York Times y The Washington Post), frente a dos medios nativos digitales (The Huffington Post y Politico.com), a través del análisis de un total de 162 editoriales y artículos de opinión publicados en sus respectivos espacios digitales y en las redes sociales. El resultado muestra que los medios nativos digitales analizados no amenazan el liderazgo de los medios tradicionales en la red, aunque el impacto y alcance de los editoriales de ambos es bajo y se observa la ausencia de una estrategia y criterio a la hora de posicionarse en la red, donde no consiguen ganar espacio, además de un escaso interés de los lectores online por la opinión política, In the context of the political and media confrontation of the last presidential elections of the United States of America, this research compares the impact and scope of the traditional media's political opinion (The New York Times and The Washington Post) against two digital native media (The Huffington Post and Politico.com), through the analysis of a total of 162 publishers and opinion pieces published in their respective digital spaces and social networks. The result shows that the digital native media analyzed do not threaten the leadership of the traditional media on the net, although the impact and scope of the publishers of both are low and it is observed the absence of a strategy and criterion when it is positioned on the net, where they do not manage to gain space, and also it is proved a little interest of the online readers in the political opinion

[Resumen] Esta tesis doctoral pretende responder dos cuestiones relacionadas con la interacción de los campos magnéticos dinámicos y estáticos con el córtex motor. En los dos primeros experimentos se estudiaron factores que influyen en la reproducibilidad de la estimulación magnética transcraneal (TMS). Estas investigaciones demostraron que los efectos y la reproducibilidad de la TMS se ven afectados por dos tipos de factores relevantes: (1) factores técnicos o modificables, en particular la forma de onda y dirección de corriente de los pulsos de la TMS; y (2) factores fisiológicos, en concreto la influencia del envejecimiento fisiológico y de enfermedades relacionadas con el envejecimiento, como la demencia por enfermedad de Alzheimer y la Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2. En un segundo tipo de estudio se observó que la estimulación magnética estática transcraneal (tSMS) produce una reducción de la excitabilidad y reactividad del sistema motor. Sin embargo, esta reducción sólo se pudo captar por un tipo específico de forma de onda de TMS, indicando que la acción de la tSMS se centra sobre redes interneurales específicas. En los registros electroencefalográficos se cuantificó un aumento de las frecuencias del rango beta en regiones fronto-centrales, que está inversamente correlacionado con la disminución de la excitabilidad., [Resumo] Esta tese de doutoramento pretende responder dúas cuestións relacionadas coa interacción dos campos magnéticos dinámicos e estáticos co córtex motor. Nos dous primeiros experimentos estudáronse factores que inflúen na reproducibilidade da estimulación magnética transcraneal (TMS). Estas investigacións demostraron que tanto os efectos como a reproducibilidade da TMS vense afectados por dous tipos de factores relevantes: (1) factores técnicos ou modificables, en particular a forma de onda e a dirección da corrente dos pulsos da TMS; e (2) factores fisiolóxicos, en concreto a influencia do envellecemento fisiolóxico e as enfermidades relacionadas co envellecemento, coma a demencia por enfermidade de Alzheimer e a Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2. Nun segundo tipo de estudo observouse que a estimulación magnética estática transcraneal (tSMS) produce unha redución da excitabilidade e reactividade do sistema motor. Porén, esta redución só puido ser capturada por un tipo específico de forma de onda de TMS, o que indica que a acción da tSMS céntrase en redes interneurais específicas. Nos rexistros electroencefalográficos cuantificouse un aumento das frecuencias do rango beta nas rexións fronto-centrais, que está inversamente correlacionado coa diminución da excitabilidade., [Abstract] This doctoral thesis intended to answer two questions in relation to the interaction between dynamic and static magnetic fields, and the motor cortex. During the first two experiments, we studied factors that influence the reproducibility of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). These investigations have shown that two types of relevant factors impact the effects and the reproducibility of the TMS: (1) technical or modifiable factors, in particular the TMS pulse waveform and current direction; and (2) physiological factors, specifically the influence of physiological aging and age-related diseases, such as Dementia due to Alzheimer's disease and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. In a second type of study, a reduction of motor cortex excitability and reactivity was observed after applying transcranial static magnetic stimulation (tSMS). However, this reduction was only captured by a specific type of TMS waveform, indicating that the action of the tSMS is centered on specific cortical interneuron networks. Electroencephalographic recordings quantified an increase in the range of beta frequencies in fronto-central regions, this increase was negatively correlated with the reduction in cortical excitability.

[Resumen] La enfermedad cerebrovascular o ictus es uno de los motivos más frecuentes de asistencia neurológica urgente, representa una de las primeras causas de muerte e invalidez en los adultos y supone un enorme coste tanto humano como económico. Los avances en el tratamiento del ictus tienen como ejes fundamentales la atención neurológica precoz, el ingreso en las unidades de ictus y el tratamiento rehabilitador en unidades especializadas. Entre los diferentes tratamientos, la neurorehabilitación presenta una ventana terapéutica más amplia, puede aplicarse tanto en ictus isquémicos como hemorrágicos y puede mejorar el pronóstico funcional incluso meses después del ictus. El objetivo de este proyecto es determinar qué variables afectan al pronóstico funcional del accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) isquémico y del hemorrágico; para ello realizamos un estudio observacional ambispectivo donde se analizan todos los pacientes con ACV ingresados en el Servicio de Rehabilitación del Hospital Marítimo de Oza durante los últimos cinco años. Se pretende valorar en ambos grupos el grado de discapacidad al inicio del tratamiento rehabilitador y al alta mediante dos escalas de valoración funcional; la escala FIM (Medida de la Independencia Funcional) y el Índice de Barthel (IB). En muchas ocasiones los profesionales de rehabilitación nos planteamos qué factores sociales afectan al tratamiento rehabilitador durante el ingreso en nuestra planta. En la práctica clínica habitual nos olvidamos de identificar aquellas familias con problemas de conflictos o disfunciones familiares. Por ello, parece necesaria la utilización de una escala validada, como el cuestionario APGAR Familiar, con el propósito de darles seguimiento y orientación para una remisión oportuna y adecuada en los casos que sea necesario. Con este estudio queremos determinar que variables afectan al grado de discapacidad tras el ingreso en nuestro Servicio de Rehabilitación, [Resumo] A enfermidade cerebrovascular ou ictus é un dos motivos máis frecuentes de asistencia neurolóxica urxente, representa unha das primeiras causas de morte e invalidez nos adultos e supón un enorme custo tanto humano coma económico. Os avances no tratamento do ictus teñen como eixes fundamentais a atención neurolóxica precoz, o ingreso nas unidades de ictus e o tratamento rehabilitador en unidades especializadas. Entre os diferentes tratamentos, a neurorehabilitación presenta unha ventá terapéutica máis ampla, pode aplicarse tanto en ictus isquémicos como hemorráxicos e pode mellorar o prognóstico funcional mesmo meses despois do ictus. O obxectivo deste proxecto é determinar que variables afectan ao pronóstico funcional do accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) isquémico e do hemorráxico; para iso realizamos un estudo observacional ambispectivo onde se analizan todos os pacientes con ACV ingresados no Servizo de Rehabilitación do Hospital Marítimo de Oza durante os últimos cinco anos. Preténdese valorar en ambos os dous grupos o grao de minusvalidez ao inicio do tratamento rehabilitador e á alta mediante dúas escalas de valoración funcional; a escala FIM (Medida de la Independencia Funcional) e o Índice de Barthel (IB). En moitas ocasións os profesionais de rehabilitación formulámonos que factores sociais afectan ao tratamento rehabilitador durante o ingreso na nosa planta. Na práctica clínica habitual esquecémonos de identificar aquelas familias con problemas de conflitos ou disfuncións familiares. Por iso, parece necesaria a utilización dunha escala validada, como o cuestionario APGAR Familiar, co propósito de darlles seguimento e orientación para unha remisión oportuna e adecuada nos casos que sexa necesario. Con este estudo queremos determinar que variables afectan ao grao de minusvalidez tras o ingreso no noso Servizo de Rehabilitación., [Abstract] Cerebrovascular disease or stroke is one of the most common reasons for urgent neurological assistance, represents one of the leading causes of death and disability in adults and is a huge cost both human and economic. Advances in the treatment of stroke victims have as fundamental early neurological care, income in stroke units and rehabilitation treatment in specialized units. Between the different treatments, the neurorehabilitation presents a therapeutic window wider, you can apply to both ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic as can improve functional outcome even months after the stroke. The objective of this project is to determine which variables affect the functional outcome of the cerebrovascular accident (CVA) ischemic and hemorrhagic; for this purpose, we conducted an observational ambispective study. We analyzed all patients with stroke admitted to the Rehabilitation Service in the Hospital Marítimo de Oza during the past five years. It is intended to assess in both groups the degree of disability at the beginning of the rehabilitation treatment and discharge through two rating scales functional; the FIM scale (a measure of functional independence) and the Barthel Index (IB). In many occasions the rehabilitation professionals we thought that social factors affect the rehabilitation treatment during admission in our unit. In the normal clinical practice we forget to identify those families with problems of conflict or family dysfunction. Therefore seems necessary the use of a validated scale, such as the family APGAR questionnaire, with the purpose of providing follow-up and an appropriate referral when it is necessary. With this study we want to determine which variables affect the degree of disability after admission to our rehabilitation unit.

The use of supercritical water as a coolant in nuclear reactors is a challenge for its design and operation, it is necessary to consider the strong dependence between the thermodynamic properties of supercritical water and the properties as moderator of neutrons. This paper presents a methodology based on a Monte-Carlo code for neutronic calculation and a computational fluid dynamics code for thermohydraulic calculation, with the aim of making the coupled neutronic-thermohydraulic analysis of a High Performance Light Water Reactorfuel assembly. Using the developed methodology, temperature profiles and power released in the fuel rods, the cladstemperature distribution and the temperature and water density profiles in the cooling and moderator zone were obtained. The results, accurately, describe the behavior of these parameters in the average fuel assembly., El uso del agua supercrítica como refrigerante en los reactores nucleares es un reto para su diseño y operación, pues es necesario tener en cuenta la fuerte influencia de las propiedades termodinámicas del agua supercrítica enlas propiedades moderadoras de los neutrones. En este trabajo se desarrolló una metodología basada en un código de Monte-Carlo para el cálculo neutrónico y un código de dinámica de fluido computacional para el cálculo termohidráulico, con el objetivo de realizar el cálculo acoplado neutrónico-termohidráulico de un conjunto combustible de un reactor de agua supercrítica de alto desempeño. Empleando la metodología desarrollada fueron obtenidos los perfiles de temperatura y potencia liberada en las barras combustibles del conjunto, los de temperatura en la envoltura de los elementos combustibles y los perfiles de temperatura y densidad del agua en la zona refrigerante y en la zona moderadora del conjunto. Los resultados describen acertadamente el comportamiento de dichos parámetros en el conjunto combustible promedio.

The use of supercritical water as a coolant in nuclear reactors is a challenge for its design and operation, it is necessary to consider the strong dependence between the thermodynamic properties of supercritical water and the properties as moderator of neutrons. This paper presents a methodology based on a Monte-Carlo code for neutronic calculation and a computational fluid dynamics code for thermohydraulic calculation, with the aim of making the coupled neutronic-thermohydraulic analysis of a High Performance Light Water Reactorfuel assembly. Using the developed methodology, temperature profiles and power released in the fuel rods, the cladstemperature distribution and the temperature and water density profiles in the cooling and moderator zone were obtained. The results, accurately, describe the behavior of these parameters in the average fuel assembly., El uso del agua supercrítica como refrigerante en los reactores nucleares es un reto para su diseño y operación, pues es necesario tener en cuenta la fuerte influencia de las propiedades termodinámicas del agua supercrítica enlas propiedades moderadoras de los neutrones. En este trabajo se desarrolló una metodología basada en un código de Monte-Carlo para el cálculo neutrónico y un código de dinámica de fluido computacional para el cálculo termohidráulico, con el objetivo de realizar el cálculo acoplado neutrónico-termohidráulico de un conjunto combustible de un reactor de agua supercrítica de alto desempeño. Empleando la metodología desarrollada fueron obtenidos los perfiles de temperatura y potencia liberada en las barras combustibles del conjunto, los de temperatura en la envoltura de los elementos combustibles y los perfiles de temperatura y densidad del agua en la zona refrigerante y en la zona moderadora del conjunto. Los resultados describen acertadamente el comportamiento de dichos parámetros en el conjunto combustible promedio.

Ponència presentada a: Session 3: Laboratorios de diseño innovador basado en la interacción humana / Laboratories for human centered innovative design interaction

Person identification, especially in critical environments, has always been a subject of great interest. However, it has gained a new dimension in a world threatened by a new kind of terrorism that uses social networks (e.g., YouTube) to broadcast its message. In this new scenario, classical identification methods (such as fingerprints or face recognition) have been forcedly replaced by alternative biometric characteristics such as voice, as sometimes this is the only feature available. The present study benefits from the advances achieved during last years in understanding and modeling voice production. The paper hypothesizes that a gender-dependent characterization of speakers combined with the use of a set of features derived from the components, resulting from the deconstruction of the voice into its glottal source and vocal tract estimates, will enhance recognition rates when compared to classical approaches. A general description about the main hypothesis and the methodology followed to extract the gender-dependent extended biometric parameters is given. Experimental validation is carried out both on a highly controlled acoustic condition database, and on a mobile phone network recorded under non-controlled acoustic conditions.

Person identification, especially in critical environments, has always been a subject of great interest. However, it has gained a new dimension in a world threatened by a new kind of terrorism that uses social networks (e.g., YouTube) to broadcast its message. In this new scenario, classical identification methods (such as fingerprints or face recognition) have been forcedly replaced by alternative biometric characteristics such as voice, as sometimes this is the only feature available. The present study benefits from the advances achieved during last years in understanding and modeling voice production. The paper hypothesizes that a gender-dependent characterization of speakers combined with the use of a set of features derived from the components, resulting from the deconstruction of the voice into its glottal source and vocal tract estimates, will enhance recognition rates when compared to classical approaches. A general description about the main hypothesis and the methodology followed to extract the gender-dependent extended biometric parameters is given. Experimental validation is carried out both on a highly controlled acoustic condition database, and on a mobile phone network recorded under non-controlled acoustic conditions.

[Resumen]Las técnicas de neuromodulación con campos magnéticos son una herramienta fundamental para estudiar los mecanismos de activación e inhibición cortical y la influencia que tiene la corteza sobre las estructuras subcorticales. En este trabajo se han utilizado las dos técnicas de neuromodulación con campos magnéticos desarrolladas hasta el momento: la estimulación magnética transcraneal con campos magnéticos estáticos (SMS) y la estimulación magnética transcraneal con pulsos de campo(TMS). Mediante la ejecución de un conjunto de experimentos que combinaron registros extracelulares unitarios y estimulación visual, se demostró que la SMS produce un decremento de la actividad cortical que se reflejó en un déficit en la realización de una tarea psicofísica de detección de estímulos. Estos resultados ampliaron el potencial de la SMS como herramienta neuromoduladora. La TMS se utilizó de manera repetitiva (rTMS) para deprimir la actividad de la Corteza Visual Primaria (V1) y estudiar el papel de las conexiones feedback en el procesamiento visual. La inactivación de una zona de V1 mostró, principalmente, una disminución de la respuesta, tanto visual como espontánea, en el Núcleo Geniculado Lateral (NGL). Además, la “lesión” transitoria creada por la rTMS en V1 provocó una reorganización topológica en el NGL desplazando la posición de los campos receptores (CR) talámicos una distancia media de 4,53o. Estos resultados demostraron que los CR poseen una naturaleza dinámica controlada en todo momento por V1 a través del feedback corticotalámico., [Resumo]As técnicas de neuromodulación con campos magnéticos son unha ferramenta fundamental para estudar os mecanismos de activación e inhibición cortical e a influenza que ten a corteza sobre as estructuras subcorticais. Neste traballo usáronse as dúas técnicas de neuromodulación con campos magnéticos desenvoltas ata o momento: a estimulación magnética transcranial con campos magnéticos estáticos (SMS) e a estimulación magnética transcranial con pulsos de campo (TMS). Mediante a execución dun conxunto de experimentos que combinaron rexistros extracelulares unitarios e estimulación visual, demostrouse que a SMS produce un decremento da actividade cortical que se veu reflectida nun déficit na realización dunha tarefa psicofísica de detección de estímulos. Estes resultados ampliaron o potencial da SMS como ferramenta neuromoduladora. A TMS usouse de maneira repetitiva (rTMS) para deprimir a actividade da Cortiza Visual Primaria (V1) e estudar o papel das conexións cara atrás no procesamento visual. A inactivación dunha zona de V1 mostrou, principalmente, unha diminución da resposta, tanto visual como espontánea, no Núcleo Xeniculado Lateral (NXL). Ademáis, a “lesión” transitoria creada pola rTMS en V1 provocou unha reorganización topolóxica no NXL desprazando a posición dos campos receptores (CR) talámicos unha distancia media de 4,53o. Estes resultados demostraron que os CR posúen unha natureza dinámica controlada en todo momento por V1 a través da vía corticotalámica., [Abstract]Neuromodulatory techniques using magnetic fields are a fundamental tool for studying the mechanisms of both cortical activation and inhibition and the influence of cortical feedback on subcortical structures. In this work, we have used two neuromodulatory tools using magnetic fields: transcranial static magnetic stimulation (SMS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation using pulsed magnetic fields (TMS). In a series of experiments combining single-unit extracellular recordings in the Primary Visual Cortex (V1) and visual stimulation, we demonstrated that the SMS produces a decrease of cortical activity, detectable also as a deficit in the performance of a stimuli detection task. These results expand the potential of SMS as a neuromodulator tool. Low frequency repetitive TMS (rTMS) was used in order to depress V1 activity. This allow us to study the role of feedback connections in visual processing in awake animals. Inactivation of V1 produced, mainly, a decreased in visual and spontaneous activity at the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). Furthermore, this cortical “virtual lesion” caused by the rTMS over V1, produced a topological reorganization at the LGN that modifies the position of the thalamic receptive fields (RF) an average distance of 4,53o. These results demonstrated that RF have a dynamic nature, under cortical control through corticothalamic feedback.

[Resumen] La reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior (RLCA) persigue recuperar la estabilidad tras una lesión del ligamento para permitir el retorno a la actividad deportiva. S in embargo, los pacientes a menudo presentan déficits funcionales incluso después de la rehabilitación, y la reincorporación deportiva se dificulta y conlleva riesgo de recaída. Se han investigado pocos test funcionales que reproduzcan las exigencias del deporte para considerar cuándo es seguro para los pacientes de' RLCA reincorporarse al deporte. El propósito de este estudio fue analizar la asimetría del miembro inferior en pacientes operados del LCA para la práctica deportiva, utilizando test funcionales específicamente deportivos, y evaluar el efecto de la fatiga y de la dominancia lateral en la ejecución. Los sujetos (pacientes y controles) completaron una batería de test antes y después de realizar un protocolo de fatiga. Los resultados sugirieron que la recuperación funcional del miembro inferior en pacientes fue satisfactoria, mostrando un valor de asimetría funcional similar al del grupo control. Ni la fatiga ni la dominancia lateral afectaron a la asimetría funcional, independientemente del grupo muestra!. Sin embargo, considerando el valor del Limb Symmetry Index (índice de simetría entre miembros) recomendado para la práctica deportiva, numerosos pacientes y controles no mostraron un nivel funcional aceptable, especialmente en los test de salto. Por lo tanto, se debería reconsiderar el uso del LSI como único índice para expresar la recuperación funcional tras la RLCA, así como el valor de LSI aceptado como óptimo, para determinar una reincorporación deportiva segura., [Resumo] A reconstrución do ligamento cruzado anterior (RLCA) persegue recuperar a estabilidade tras unha lesión do ligamento para permitir o retomo á actividade deportiva. Sen embargo, os pacientes frecuentemente presentan déficits funcionais incluso despois da rehabilitación, e a reincorporación deportiva dificúltase e implica risco de recaída. Investigáronse poucos test funcionais que reproduzan as esixencias do deporte para considerar cando é seguro para os pacientes de RLCA reincorporarse ó deporte. O propósito deste estudio foi analizar a asimetría do membro inferior en pacientes operados do LCA para a práctica deportiva, utilizando test funcionais especificamente deportivos, e avaliar o efecto da fatiga e da dominancia lateral na execución. Os suxeitos (pacientes e controis) completaron unha batería de test antes e despois de realizar un protocolo de futiga. Os resultados suxeriron que a recuperación funcional do membro inferior en pacientes foi satisfuctoria, mostrando un valor de asimetría funcional similar ó do grupo control. Nin a fatiga nin a dominancia lateral afectaron á asimetría funcional, independentemente do grupo de mostra. Sen embargo, considerando o valor do Limb Symmetry Index (índice de simetría entre membros) recomendado para a práctica deportiva, numerosos pacientes e controis non mostraron un nivel funcional aceptable, especialmente nos test de salto. Polo tanto, deberíase reconsiderar o uso do LSI como único índice para expresar a recuperación funcional despois dunha RLCA, así como o valor de LSI aceptado como óptimo, para determinar unha reincorporación deportiva segura., [Abstract] The anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) aims to resto re stability after a ligament injury to allow retum to sporting activity. However, patients often show functional deficits even after the rehabilitation, and retum to sport carries risk of reinjury. Few functional tests that mimic sport demands have been investigated in order to judge when it is safe for ACLR patients to retum to sport. The purpose ofthis study is to analyze lower extremity asymmetry in patients after ACLR for sports practice, by applying sport-specific functional testing, and evaluate the effect of fatigue and limb dominance on performance. The subjects (patients and controls) completed tbe test battery before and after performing a fatigue protocoL The results suggested that functional recovery of the lower limb on ACLR patients was satisfactory, showing a functional asymmetry value similar to the control group. Neither fatigue nor lateral dornioance affected functional asymmetry, in al! groups. However, taking ioto consideration the Lirnb Syrnmetry Index (LSI) value recornmended for sports participation, rnany patients and controls did not present an acceptable functionalleve~ especially in hop tests. Thus, the use ofLSI should be reconsidered as the only criteria to express the functional recovery after ACLR, together with the LSI value accepted as optimum, to determine a safe return to play.

Phonation distortion leaves relevant marks in a speaker's biometric profile. Dysphonic voice production may be used for biometrical speaker characterization. In the present paper phonation features derived from the glottal source (GS) parameterization, after vocal tract inversion, is proposed for dysphonic voice characterization in Speaker Verification tasks. The glottal source derived parameters are matched in a forensic evaluation framework defining a distance-based metric specification. The phonation segments used in the study are derived from fillers, long vowels, and other phonation segments produced in spontaneous telephone conversations. Phonated segments from a telephonic database of 100 male Spanish native speakers are combined in a 10-fold cross-validation task to produce the set of quality measurements outlined in the paper. Shimmer, mucosal wave correlate, vocal fold cover biomechanical parameter unbalance and a subset of the GS cepstral profile produce accuracy rates as high as 99.57 for a wide threshold interval (62.08-75.04%). An Equal Error Rate of 0.64 % can be granted. The proposed metric framework is shown to behave more fairly than classical likelihood ratios in supporting the hypothesis of the defense vs that of the prosecution, thus ofering a more reliable evaluation scoring. Possible applications are Speaker Verification and Dysphonic Voice Grading.

Phonation distortion leaves relevant marks in a speaker's biometric profile. Dysphonic voice production may be used for biometrical speaker characterization. In the present paper phonation features derived from the glottal source (GS) parameterization, after vocal tract inversion, is proposed for dysphonic voice characterization in Speaker Verification tasks. The glottal source derived parameters are matched in a forensic evaluation framework defining a distance-based metric specification. The phonation segments used in the study are derived from fillers, long vowels, and other phonation segments produced in spontaneous telephone conversations. Phonated segments from a telephonic database of 100 male Spanish native speakers are combined in a 10-fold cross-validation task to produce the set of quality measurements outlined in the paper. Shimmer, mucosal wave correlate, vocal fold cover biomechanical parameter unbalance and a subset of the GS cepstral profile produce accuracy rates as high as 99.57 for a wide threshold interval (62.08-75.04%). An Equal Error Rate of 0.64 % can be granted. The proposed metric framework is shown to behave more fairly than classical likelihood ratios in supporting the hypothesis of the defense vs that of the prosecution, thus ofering a more reliable evaluation scoring. Possible applications are Speaker Verification and Dysphonic Voice Grading.

The 6th IAPR International Conference on Biometrics, 04 juni 2013, Contains fulltext : 119428.pdf (author's version ) (Open Access)

The 6th IAPR International Conference on Biometrics, 04 juni 2013, Contains fulltext : 119428.pdf (author's version ) (Open Access)

The 6th IAPR International Conference on Biometrics, 04 juni 2013, Contains fulltext : 119428.pdf (author's version ) (Open Access)

L'objectiu d'aquest projecte és analitzar tant des d'un punt teòric com aplicat el models de sèries temporals multivariants VARMA. la identificació i diagnosis d'aquests models no és trivial donada la seva complexitat, induïda per les relacions que existeixen entre les series a analitzar. Per a dur a terme l'estimació dels paràmetres d'aquests models VARMA caldrà conèixer i implementar numèricament els algorismes de mínims quadrats i màxima-versemblança. Aquests procediments s'hauran d'aplicar a l'estudi d'un cas real de series temporals multivariants.. L¿objectiu d¿aquest projecte és analitzar tant des d¿un punt teòric com aplicat el models de series temporals multivariants VARMA. la identificació i diagnosis d¿aquests models no és trivial donada la seva complexitat, induïda per les relacions que existeixen entre les series a analitzar. Per a dur a terme l¿estimació dels paràmetres d¿aquests models VARMA caldrà conèixer e implementar numèricament els algorismes de mínims quadrats i màxima-versemblança. Aquests procediments s¿hauran d¿aplicar a l¿estudi d¿un cas real de series temporals multivariants.