Artículos

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://docta.ucm.es/handle/20.500.14352/15

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A New Approach to Measure Absorptive Capacity and Appropriability: a Case of Study in Emerging Markets
(Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2023) Cuéllar, Sergio; Fernández Bajón, M. Teresa; de Moya Anegón, Felix
Absorptive capacity (AC) and appropriability (KA) are crucial elements in generating competitive advantages and improving innovation performance in different countries and organizations. Moreover, the relationship between AC and KA has not been sufficiently studied, and there is still not a clear understanding of the impact they have on in the generation of rents and value. This research proposes a methodology to analyze AC and KA at a country level using the scientific capabilities of a country as base. We identified the Colombian scientific literature SKL (1680 record) from the Patents Lens database, which have been cited at least once or more per patent (3066 records), and we identified the papers that were cited by this SKL (50,697) in order identify the flows between forward citations (FC) and backward citations (BC) at a country level. We associated BC to the AC acquisition stage, SKL to assimilation, and FC to transformation and exploitation AC phases. The patents were also associated with KA. In addition, we focused on the KA process, analyzing the organizations involved in the SKL and KA process by studying when KA was done by local organizations, by international organizations in the SKL development, or when knowledge was leaked -knowledge spillovers- KS. Finally, we identified when the SKL organization was the corresponding author to analyze whether KA changes in these situations. Our main conclusion was that KA and the last stages of AC of native scientific development rarely happen in Colombia. The primary outcome of this absorption is a KS.
Host Genetic Analysis Should Be Mandatory for Proper Classification of COVID-19 Reinfections
(Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2021) Pérez-Lago, Laura; de la Villa, Sofía; López Herranz, Marta; Muñoz García, Patricia Carmen; Bouza Santiago, Emilio; Burillo Albizua, Almudena; Catalán Alonso, Pilar; Cercenado Mansilla, Emilia; Marín Arriaza, María De Las Mercedes; Escribano Subías, María Pilar
Esta carta al editor subraya la importancia de incorporar el análisis genético del huésped como requisito indispensable para la correcta clasificación de las reinfecciones por SARS-CoV-2. Los autores describen un caso clínico que cumplía inicialmente los criterios clínicos y virológicos de reinfección, basado en la identificación de linajes virales distintos en dos episodios separados por seis meses. Sin embargo, el análisis de identidad genética humana mediante STR (short tandem repeats) reveló que las muestras de ambos episodios no pertenecían al mismo individuo, evidenciando un error de etiquetado o manejo de las muestras. Este hallazgo demuestra que, sin confirmación genética del huésped, los estudios de reinfección pueden estar sujetos a errores de clasificación. Los autores concluyen que el análisis genético humano debería ser obligatorio en los estudios de reinfección por SARS-CoV-2 para garantizar la validez de los resultados y evitar interpretaciones erróneas en vigilancia genómica y epidemiológica.
Transparencia editorial en revistas científicas mexicanas de educación: hacia una gestión integral de las políticas editoriales en las publicaciones periódicas científicas
(Investigación Bibliotecológica: Archivonomía, Bibliotecología e Información, 2021) Fernández Bajón, M. Teresa; Guerra González, Jenny Teresita
El objetivo principal de esta contribución se enmarca en el estudio sobre la transparencia editorial en las 18 revistas mexicanas de educación indizadas en el Sistema de Clasificación de Revistas Mexicanas de Ciencia y Tecnología del Conacyt. El análisis se sustenta en la comprobación del cumplimiento total, parcial o nulo de 15 criterios definidos por las autoras a partir de la revisión de los Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing, publicado en 2018 por el Comitte on Publication Ethics (COPE), y de las Directrices para autores y traductores de artículos científicos publicados en inglés, propuesto en el mismo año por la European Association of Science Editors (EASE). De los resultados obtenidos destacamos los siguientes: sólo una de las 18 revistas analizadas cumple con los 15 criterios establecidos; cinco publicaciones presentan una alta transparencia editorial al cumplir con 14 criterios, y dos revistas cumplieron únicamente nueve de los criterios de transparencia editorial. Se concluye advirtiendo sobre la necesidad de que la transparencia editorial sea un estándar de cumplimiento obligatorio para la indización o permanencia en sistemas de publicaciones como el de Conacyt.
A multicomponent positive psychology group intervention for people with severe psychiatric conditions; a randomized clinical trial.
(Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 2022) Valiente Ots, M. Carmen; Espinosa, Regina; Contreras, Alba; Trucharte Martínez, Almudena; Caballero, Rocío; Peinado Tena, Vanesa; Calderón, Lara; Perdigón, Antonio
Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of a theory-driven multicomponent positive psychology intervention to improve well-being for individuals with severe psychiatric conditions in comparison to treatment as usual. This intervention moves away from the traditional psychiatric perspectives that focused on symptoms and deficits, promoting a broader view of outcomes such as non-critical self-acceptance, strengths, and positive relationships with others, among other things. Method: A two-arm randomized and outcome-blinded trial with pre-post and 6-month follow-up evaluations was conducted to assess the efficacy of the intervention. A total of 141 participants were allocated to either the experimental condition or the waiting-list group receiving their treatment as usual. A mixed-effect model was used to examine the efficacy of the intervention and a repeated-measures Student's t-test for the follow-up effectiveness analysis. Results: The intervention protocol was highly acceptable for participants, showing very high participant satisfaction as well as good attendance and adherence rates. At the end of the group therapy, participants reported a significant improvement in self-acceptance and environmental mastery and, these changes were maintained in the follow-up assessment after 6 months. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: The results of this randomised control trial provide further evidence supporting that positive psychology approaches can be a powerful complementary strategy to promote more comprehensive psychiatric rehabilitation services for people with severe psychiatric conditions.
The feasibility and acceptability study of a positive psychology group intervention for people with severe psychiatric conditions
(Journal of Positive Psychology, 2022) Valiente Ots, M. Carmen; Espinosa, Regina; Contreras, Alba; Trucharte Martínez, Almudena; Caballero, Rocío; Peinado Tena, Vanesa
The process of recovery from mental health can be improved by promoting wellness. Third-generation perspectives promote non-judgmental acceptance of problems as well as the development of a person’s well-being and strengths. The aim of this study is to test the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of a group intervention to improve well-being in people with severe psychiatric conditions. Results showed that the protocol was feasible and highly acceptable, showing high attendance and adherence rates as well as high satisfaction. On completion of group therapy, participants reported a significant improvement in self-acceptance and significant decreases in interpersonal sensitivity and depression. The results indicate that positive psychology group therapy may be a powerful complementary strategy among people with severe psychiatric conditions. Though the validity of the study is limited by the lack of comparison group, the present study will allow for the optimisation of trial processes and a future definitive randomised control trial.
Transmission problems for simply connected domains in the complex plane
(Journal of Differential Equations, 2025) Carro Rossell, María Jesús; Naibo, Virginia; Soria Carro, María
We study existence and uniqueness of a transmission problem in simply connected domains in the plane with data in weighted Lebesgue spaces by first investigating solvability results of a related novel problem associated to a homeomorphism in the real line and domains given by the upper and lower half planes. Our techniques are based on the use of conformal maps and Rellich identities for the Hilbert transform, and are motivated by previous works concerning the Dirichlet, Neumann and Zaremba problems.
Twenty years of road ecology: a topical collection looking forward for new perspectives
(European Journal of Wildlife Research, 2018) D’Amico, Marcello; Ascensão, Fernando; Fabrizio, Mauro; Barrientos Yuste, Rafael; Gortázar, Christian
The European Journal of Wildlife Research introduces a new Topical Collection focused on Road Ecology. This Topical Collection aims to be a useful tool for the development of generalized principles and applications concerning wildlife-related aspects of Road Ecology. Submissions exploring new or lesser-known costs and potential benefits for wildlife coexisting with road networks are encouraged.
Rellich identities for the Hilbert transform
(Journal of Functional Analysis, 2024) Carro Rossell, María Jesús; Naibo, Virginia; Soria Carro, María
We prove Hilbert transform identities involving conformal maps via the use of Rellich identity and the solution of the Neumann problem in a graph Lipschitz domain in the plane. We obtain as consequences new weighted estimates for the Hilbert transform, including a sharp bound for its norm as a bounded operator in weighted in terms of a weight constant associated to the Helson-Szegö theorem.
Ultrasound-Based Anatomical Assessment of the Most Common Shoulder Soft Tissue Injuries in Young Adults
(Healthcare, 2025) Palomeque-Del-Cerro, L; García-Mata, R; Rodríguez-Isarn, M; Arráez-Aybar, L.A.; García De Pereda Notario, Carlos Miguel; Arráez Aybar, Luis Alfonso
Abstract Introduction: Shoulder pain is one of the leading causes of medical consultation, high- lighting the need to identify the most frequently affected tissues to improve diagnosis. This study aims to determine the most common shoulder soft tissue injuries in young adults using musculoskeletal ultrasound (US). Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted with 66 individuals aged 18 to 45 years; 35 participants reported shoulder pain and 31 did not. All participants received shoulder US by a specialist. Struc- tures analyzed included the rotator cuff tendons, the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT), and the subacromial–subdeltoid bursa. Results: The supraspinatus tendon was the most frequently affected structure, accounting for 65.1% of clinical findings, and its involvement was strongly associated with subscapularis tendinitis (OR = 18.45). The sub- scapularis tendon represented 31.8%, tenosynovitis of the LHBT occurred in 7.6%, and the subacromial–subdeltoid bursa was affected in 1.5%. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct profiles based on age, pain status, and tendon involvement: Cluster 1 (n = 23; mean age 21.6 ± 3.8 years) included younger individuals with minimal pain and tendinopathy (21.7%); Cluster 2 (n = 21; mean age 33.6 ± 2.6) consisted of intermediate-age participants with moderate pain and predominant supraspinatus tendinitis (71.4%); and Cluster 3 (n = 22 mean age 42.1 ± 1.6) comprised older individuals with the highest prevalence of pain and combined tendon lesions (81.8%). Conclusions: This study confirms the clinical value of musculoskeletal US in detecting soft tissue injuries, including subclinical findings. The supraspinatus tendon was the most frequently affected structure, often associated with subscapularis tendinitis and other combined lesions in older individuals. US proved useful in identifying distinct injury profiles based on age and pain status, supporting its role in early diagnosis and tailored management strategies.
Paranoid beliefs and conspiracy mentality are associated with different forms of mistrust: A three-nation study
(Frontiers in Psychology, 2022) Martínez, Anton P.; Shevlin, Mark; Valiente Ots, M. Carmen; Hyland, Philip; Bentall, Richard P.
Paranoia and conspiracy are terms typically used interchangeably. However, although the underlying content of these types of beliefs might be similar (e.g., seeing others as powerful and threatening), recent research suggests that these constructs differ in important ways. One important feature shared by both constructs is excessive mistrust but this aspect might play different roles in each belief system. In this study we explored the strength of associations of different trust predictors (i.e., trust in institutions, trust in sources of information, perceptual trust, and interpersonal trust) between conspiracy mentality and paranoid beliefs. We tested this association in a large representative multinational sample (United Kingdom n = 2025; Spain n = 1951; and Ireland n = 1041). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor model of conspiracy and paranoid beliefs in each nation sample. Path and equality of constraints analysis revealed that paranoia was more strongly associated with perceptual mistrust (bias towards mistrusting unfamiliar faces) whereas conspiracy was more strongly associated with mistrust in political institutions. Although interpersonal mistrust and trust in social sources of information were associated significantly with conspiracy their association with paranoid beliefs was stronger. These findings clarify the role of different trust processes in both belief systems. Limitations of this study are discussed.
A robust method for fast exploration of environments with moving obstacles
(Journal of Computational Physics, 2025) Oleaga Apadula, Gerardo Enrique; Ortega Lozano, Daniel; Makarov Slizneva, Valeriy
Exploring environments with static and moving obstacles is a fundamental problem with numerous applications in physics and engineering. The Fast Marching Method (FMM) offers a computationally efficient numerical solution to the Eikonal equation, which describes a wavefront propagating through a medium. The FMM is effective in media with static obstacles, but, as we show, it fails in the presence of moving ones. We introduce a novel, robust method for wave exploration of environments of arbitrary dimension and complexity, and prove its convergence numerically. The method accurately handles both dynamic and static obstacles while preserving the computational efficiency of the FMM, ensuring a fast and reliable global search for collisionfree trajectories. The algorithm can also serve as an interception strategy for catching a moving target among many obstacles.
Factores pronósticos en el adenocarcinoma de ampolla duodenal
(Revista Española de Patologia, 2018) Fernández Aceñero, María Jesús; Martinez Useros, Javier; Díez Valladares, Luis Ignacio; Ortega Medina, Luis; Pérez Aguirre, María Elia; De la-Serna Esteban, Sofía Cristina; García Botella, Alejandra María; Díaz Del Arco, Cristina
Introducción: El adenocarcinoma de ampolla duodenal (ampolla de Vater) parece un tumor de comportamiento menos agresivo que otros de la región pancreatobiliar. Nuestro estudio busca definir factores que condicionan el pronóstico de este tipo de neoplasia. Material y métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de los pacientes operados por adenocarcinoma de ampolla duodenal en un solo centro. Se ha valorado el intervalo libre de progresión y la supervivencia global como variables de resultado. Resultados: Un total de 24 pacientes fueron sometidos a una duodenopancreatectomía cefálica por un adenocarcinoma de ampolla duodenal. Un 54,2% eran mujeres y la edad media fue 72,5 (45-85). El principal tipo histológico fue el intestinal (50%), seguido del biliopancreático (37,5%). El resto fueron mucinosos. Solo el 8,3% de los casos fueron poco diferenciados. Se detectó invasión vascular e infiltración perineural en el 31,8 y 20,8% de los casos, respectivamente. Un 54,1% de los casos no tenían afectación ganglionar al diagnóstico y la mayoría de los tumores eran T1 o T3 (39,1 y 43,5%, respectivamente). Un 34,8% de los pacientes recayeron, sobre todo a nivel ganglionar local (62,5% de las recaídas) y todos ellos fallecieron por el tumor, en su mayoría en el primer a˜no tras el diagnóstico. El estudio multivariable mediante regresión de Cox demostró que el único factor que condicionaba un menor intervalo libre de progresión y supervivencia global de forma independiente era el estadio N. Conclusiones: La afectación ganglionar es el factor más importante como predictor de pronóstico en esta neoplasia.
A temporal network approach to paranoia: A pilot study
(Frontiers in Psychology, 2020) Contreras, Alba; Valiente Ots, M. Carmen; Heeren, Alexandre; Bentall, Richard
Paranoid beliefs have been conceptualized as a central psychological process linked to schizophrenia and many mental disorders. Research on paranoia has indicated that it is pivotal to consider not only levels but also dynamic aspects of incriminated related mechanisms over time. In the present study, we conceptualized paranoia as a system of interacting elements. To do so, we used temporal network analysis to unfold the temporal dynamics between core psychological paranoia-related mechanisms, such as self-esteem, sadness, feeling close to others, and experiential avoidance. Time-series data of 23 participants with high scores in paranoia and/or interpersonal sensitivity were collected via experience sampling methodology (ESM). We applied a multilevel vector autoregressive (mlVAR) model approach and computed three distinct and complementary network models (i.e., contemporaneous, temporal, and between-subject) to disentangle associations between paranoia-related mechanisms in three different time frames. The contemporaneous model indicated that paranoia and sadness co-occurred within the same time frame, while sadness was associated with both low self-esteem and lack of closeness to others. The temporal model highlighted the importance of feeling close to others in predicting low paranoia levels in the next time frame. Finally, the between-subject model largely replicated an association found in both contemporaneous and temporal models. The current study reveals that the network approach offers a viable data-driven methodology for elucidating how paranoia-related mechanisms fluctuate over time and may determine its severity. Moreover, this novel perspective may open up new directions toward identifying potential targets for prevention and treatment of paranoia-related problems.
Spatial Properties of STDP in a Self-Learning Spiking Neural Network Enable Controlling a Mobile Robot
(Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2020) Lobov, Sergey; Mikhailov, Alexey N.; Shamshin, Maxim; Makarov Slizneva, Valeriy; Kazantsev, Victor B.
Development of spiking neural networks (SNNs) controlling mobile robots is one of the modern challenges in computational neuroscience and artificial intelligence. Such networks, being replicas of biological ones, are expected to have a higher computational potential than traditional artificial neural networks (ANNs). The critical problem is in the design of robust learning algorithms aimed at building a “living computer” based on SNNs. Here, we propose a simple SNN equipped with a Hebbian rule in the form of spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP). The SNN implements associative learning by exploiting the spatial properties of STDP. We show that a LEGO robot controlled by the SNN can exhibit classical and operant conditioning. Competition of spike-conducting pathways in the SNN plays a fundamental role in establishing associations of neural connections. It replaces the irrelevant associations by new ones in response to a change in stimuli. Thus, the robot gets the ability to relearn when the environment changes. The proposed SNN and the stimulation protocol can be further enhanced and tested in developing neuronal cultures, and also admit the use of memristive devices for hardware implementation.
Body and diet as sales pitches: Spanish teenagers’ perceptions about influencers’ impact on ideal physical appearance
(Profesional de la información, 2022) Feijoo, Beatriz; Adela López-Martínez; Núñez Gómez, Patricia
This project sits at the intersection of three axes: (a) influencers as the increasing focus of minors’ attention and trust online, (b) sponsored content about eating habits and physical appearance produced by these influencers, and (c) minors’ ability to discern and identify the persuasive intent of said content. The usefulness of analyzing the interplay of these three axes lies in the impact that consumption of this content has on minors’ self-esteem and on the adoption of certain habits that can directly impact their personal well-being. For this reason, this project seeks to provide insight into the social imaginary that influencers’ sponsored speech creates in minors regarding their physical appearance. To this end, a qualitative study with 12 focus groups of minors aged 11–17 years of age who reside in Spain was proposed. Notable among the key results was that the interviewees recognize that they primarily receive commercial messages about food and products related to physical appearance, such as makeup or clothing, from influencers; likewise, they are aware of persuasive tactics used on social networks, such as the construction of a perfect, aspirational world, which minors absorb and accept as part of the digital environment and end up incorporating into their behavior on social networks. This research aims to help demonstrate that teaching critical thinking is a long-term cultural investment that would make the citizens of tomorrow aware, engaged, and active.
Correlation dimension of high-dimensional and high-definition experimental time series
(Chaos, 2023) Makarov Slizneva, Valeriy; Muñoz, Ricardo; Herreras, Oscar; Makarova, Julia
The correlation dimension (CD) is a nonlinear measure of the complexity of invariant sets. First introduced for describing low-dimensional chaotic attractors, it has been later extended to the analysis of experimental electroencephalographic (EEG), magnetoencephalographic (MEG), and local field potential (LFP) recordings. However, its direct application to high-dimensional (dozens of signals) and high-definition (kHz sampling rate) 2HD data revealed a controversy in the results. We show that the need for an exponentially long data sample is the main difficulty in dealing with 2HD data. Then, we provide a novel method for estimating CD that enables orders of magnitude reduction of the required sample size. The approach decomposes raw data into statistically independent components and estimates the CD for each of them separately. In addition, the method allows ongoing insights into the interplay between the complexity of the contributing components, which can be related to different anatomical pathways and brain regions. The latter opens new approaches to a deeper interpretation of experimental data. Finally, we illustrate the method with synthetic data and LFPs recorded in the hippocampus of a rat.
Rilke y la pintura a través de su correspondencia con Zuloaga, Modersohn-Becker y Balthus
(EU-topías : Revista de Interculturalidad, Comunicación y Estudios Europeos, 2025) García Adánez, Isabel
RESUMEN: Las cartas fueron una vía de comunicación fundamental a lo largo de toda la vida de Rainer Maria Rilke, que escribió en torno a 13.000. Este artículo examina sus cartas a tres pintores contemporáneos con los que se relacionó de maneras distintas: Ignacio Zuloaga, admirado maestro y mediador en la estancia en España; Paula Modersohn-Becker, la «amiga» de años tempranos, y, por último, el joven Balthasar Kłossowski —Balthus—, cuya pintura recogerá motivos de la literatura de Rilke. A través de esta correspondencia se hace patente su estrecha relación con la pintura, sea por la recepción o afinidad con determinados pintores, sea por el papel clave de lo visual como vía de renovación del lenguaje poético. Esta nueva poesía de Rilke, a su vez, no solo es representativa de la estética rompedora de las primeras décadas del siglo XX, sino que también influye enormemente a otros artistas y pintores.
Acromiohumeral Distance as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker for Shoulder Disorders: A Systematic Review—Acromiohumeral Distance and Shoulder Disorders
(Journal of Functional Morphology, 2025) Luis Palomeque-Del-Cerro; Arráez Aybar, Luis Alfonso; García De Pereda Notario, Carlos Miguel; Montoya Miñano, Juan José
Abstract Objectives: The acromiohumeral distance (AHD) is widely used to evaluate subacromial pathology, particularly rotator cuff–related disorders. However, substantial heterogene- ity exists across studies in imaging protocols, measurement definitions, and diagnostic thresholds. This systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence on AHD measure- ment methods, assess reliability and diagnostic performance across imaging modalities, and examine the clinical relevance of AHD as both a structural and functional biomarker. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and SciELO (January 2006– May 2025) was conducted following PRISMA 2020. Eligible studies reported quantitative AHD measurements using ultrasound, MRI, or radiography in adults. Two reviewers independently conducted screening, extraction, and QUADAS-2 assessments. Due to heterogeneity, results were narratively synthesized. Results: Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Definitions of AHD and imaging procedures varied substantially. Ultrasound showed the most consistent intra- and inter-observer reliability, whereas MRI and radiography demonstrated greater protocol-dependent variability. Reduced AHD values were frequently associated with full-thickness rotator cuff tears, while larger values typically characterized asymptomatic individuals. Several studies also reported reductions in AHD during arm elevation, supporting its interpretation as a functional parameter influenced by scapular motion and neuromuscular control. Conclusions: AHD is a reliable and clinically informative measure when acquired using standardized protocols, with Ultrasound demonstrating the highest reproducibility. Its sensitivity to positional and dynamic factors supports its role as both a structural and functional biomarker. Further research should prioritize standardized imaging procedures, dynamic assessment methods, and evaluation of emerging technologies to improve the diagnostic and prognostic value of AHD.
La política entre los fastos: reflexiones sobre una visita de la duquesa de Bracciano a Nápoles en 1686
(Artigrama, 2021) Goulet, Anne Madeleine; Domínguez Rodríguez, José María
Durante la Edad Moderna, las visitas entre nobles de distintas cortes constituyeron uno de los momentos privilegiados de contacto entre los miembros de cada “nación”. Desde hace tiempo, la historia de las relaciones entre los estados se ha centrado en el papel de los embajadores y de los diplomáticos. La estancia de Marie-Anne de la Trémoille, duquesa de Bracciano y futura princesa de los Ursinos en la ciudad de Nápoles en junio de 1686, cuando el virreinato estaba ocupado por el marqués del Carpio, constituye un caso de estudio representativo donde entran en juego, más allá de las apariencias, complejas cuestiones políticas, jurídicas, ceremoniales y estéticas. Característica de las prácticas de sociabilidad que eran habituales en estos encuentros, la música (y en particular unas cantatas en español de Alessandro Scarlatti documentadas aquí por primera vez) se presenta como un componente esencial de la realidad política y la civilización de la sociedad cortesana.
Sperm functional and morphometric differences between Iberian and European ecotypes of capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.)
(Animal Reproduction Science, 2026) Gómez-Delgado, J.; Martínez Madrid, Carmen Belén; Toledano-Díaz, A.; Castaño, C.; Gómez-Crespo, A.; Aguilar, G. de Pedro; Cubero, D.; Kowalczyk, A.; Łukaszewicz, E.; Santiago-Moreno, J.
The capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) is a threatened forest bird with distinct Iberian and European ecotypes. This study examines the functional and morphometric differences between the sperm of these ecotypes. In a first experiment, semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, viability, and DNA integrity were assessed in 'Iberian' and 'European' capercaillies, both maintained at breeding centres in Spain. In a second experiment, morphometric traits were measured in Iberian capercaillies maintained at a breeding centre in Spain, and in European capercaillies also maintained at breeding centres in Spain (EmS birds) and in Poland (EmP birds). In the first experiment, the European males produced larger ejaculate volumes (39.80 ± 3.56 µL) than the Iberian males (29.68 ± 4.64 µL). However, the Iberian males returned significantly higher sperm concentrations (501.99 ± 83.90 × 10⁶ spz/mL vs. 77.66 ± 26.09 × 10⁶ spz/mL). In the second experiment, the origin of the birds also affected (P < 0.001) sperm head dimensions. These were smaller in the EmP birds compared to the EmS birds (P < 0.01), and compared to Iberian males (always maintained in Spain) (P < 0.001). Within each of these groups, three sperm subpopulations were identified according to head dimensions, with differences (P < 0.001) between these groups in terms of the proportion of each subpopulation. This is the first comprehensive study of sperm morphometric characteristics in these capercaillie ecotypes. These results may provide critical insights into the reproductive and evolutionary strategies of capercaillies and contribute to improving the success of reproductive technologies across different ecotypes and populations.

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