Artículos

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Rapid microwave hydrothermal synthesis of rare Earth-modified ZnO photocatalysts: Enhanced activity and comprehensive structural analysis
(Surfaces and Interfaces, 2025) Bazta, Otman; Ramos Justicia, Juan Francisco; Urbieta Quiroga, Ana Irene; Trasobares, Susana; Fernández Sánchez, Paloma; Calvino, Jose Juan; Hungría, Ana Belén
This study demonstrates that, under the specific synthesis conditions applied, the addition of rare earth ions (Ce³⁺, Y³⁺, Eu³⁺) to ZnO does not lead to their incorporation into the lattice as dopants but instead results in their surface decoration, as revealed by advanced nanoscale characterization. ZnO and rare earth-modified ZnO photocatalysts (ZnO:RE = ZnO:Eu, ZnO:Y, ZnO:Ce) with a rare earth (RE) concentration of 2 at.% were synthesized via a rapid and environmentally friendly microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The effect of adding different RE elements on the structural, morphological, and photocatalytic properties of the samples was systematically investigated. A thorough characterization was conducted using Xray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-angle annular dark field (HAADF)-scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) at various excitation wavelengths and temperatures. XRD analysis confirmed that all ZnO:RE samples retained the hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure of ZnO. FESEM images revealed that pure ZnO consisted of randomly distributed smooth nanosheets, while the addition of RE elements led to the formation of small particles dispersed over the nanosheet surfaces. A detailed structural analysis using STEM revealed that the rare earth elements formed structures decorating the surface of ZnO nanosheets rather than being fully incorporated into the ZnO lattice, indicating a dispersion of RE species over the ZnO matrix. This unique distribution significantly influenced the material’s properties. The photocatalytic performance of the ZnO:RE samples was evaluated through the degradation of methylene blue (MB), demonstrating superior activity compared to pure ZnO and TiO2-P25. Among the modified samples, the cerium-modified ZnO (ZnO:Ce) exhibited the highest MB degradation efficiency. Furthermore, PL spectroscopy combined with TEM analysis provided critical insights into the relationship between defect characteristics and photocatalytic activity, offering a deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving performance enhancement. These findings highlight the potential of rare earth surface structures-ZnO nanosheets heterojunctions as a strategy for optimizing the photocatalytic properties of ZnO-based materials.
¿Un alegato contra el derecho de conquista? La «Plática del villano del Danubio» de fray Antonio de Guevara
(e-Spania : Revue Interdisciplinaire d’Études Hispaniques Médiévales et Modernes, 2021) Blanco Gómez, Emilio Francisco
RESUMEN: El artículo revisa las distintas teorías emitidas sobre el pasaje más famoso de toda la producción literaria de fray Antonio de Guevara, el discurso del villano del Danubio. Se llama la atención sobre tres momentos de la recepción del texto: por un lado, los cortesanos del ambiente español coetáneo y quienes lo leen en América poco después de su publicación, a partir de 1535; por otro, los lectores modernos: hasta la segunda revisión de Américo Castro, el discurso no encontró referentes ultramarinos. Se repasan las distintas teorías sobre el posible significado y la intención de la arenga, y se apuesta de forma clara por la identificación del villano con el hombre salvaje de la literatura medieval, cuyas características iconográficas coinciden mayoritariamente con las de Mileno. Todo ello revela un texto polisémico en el que las críticas a la administración de justicia parecen predominar sobre otros considerandos relativos a América.
Hypothalamic orexinergic neuron changes during the hibernation of the Syrian hamster
(Frontiers in Neuroanatomy, 2022) López Redondo, Jesús María; Carballeira, Paula; Pozo, Javier; León Espinosa, Gonzalo; Muñoz Céspedes, Alberto
Hibernation in small mammals is a highly regulated process with periods of torpor involving drops in body temperature and metabolic rate, as well as a general decrease in neural activity, all of which proceed alongside complex brain adaptive changes that appear to protect the brain from extreme hypoxia and low temperatures. All these changes are rapidly reversed, with no apparent brain damage occurring, during the short periods of arousal, interspersed during torpor—characterized by transitory and partial rewarming and activity, including sleep activation, and feeding in some species. The orexins are neuropeptides synthesized in hypothalamic neurons that project to multiple brain regions and are known to participate in the regulation of a variety of processes including feeding behavior, the sleep-wake cycle, and autonomic functions such as brown adipose tissue thermogenesis. Using multiple immunohistochemical techniques and quantitative analysis, we have characterized the orexinergic system in the brain of the Syrian hamster—a facultative hibernator. Our results revealed that orexinergic neurons in this species consisted of a neuronal population restricted to the lateral hypothalamic area, whereas orexinergic fibers distribute throughout the rostrocaudal extent of the brain, particularly innervating catecholaminergic and serotonergic neuronal populations. We characterized the changes of orexinergic cells in the different phases of hibernation based on the intensity of immunostaining for the neuronal activity marker C-Fos and orexin A (OXA). During torpor, we found an increase in C-Fos immunostaining intensity in orexinergic neurons, accompanied by a decrease in OXA immunostaining. These changes were accompanied by a volume reduction and a fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus (GA) as well as a decrease in the colocalization of OXA and the GA marker GM-130. Importantly, during arousal, C-Fos and OXA expression in orexinergic neurons was highest and the structural appearance and the volume of the GA along with the colocalization of OXA/GM-130 reverted to euthermic levels. We discuss the involvement of orexinergic cells in the regulation of mammalian hibernation and, in particular, the possibility that the high activation of orexinergic cells during the arousal stage guides the rewarming as well as the feeding and sleep behaviors characteristic of this phase.
Biodiversity, Traditional Uses, and Pharmacological Potential of Medicinal Plants of Mozambique
(Agriculture, 2024) Henriques Razão, Emílio; Sánchez Gómez-Serranillos, Marta; Naval López, María Victoria; Gavilán García, Rosario Gloria; Gómez-Serranillos Cuadrado, María Pilar
Mozambique possesses great biological diversity, with approximately 5500 plant species. Around 90% of its population uses natural resources for food and traditional medicine, being miombo forests serving as key providers for rural communities. The trade of medicinal plants also constitutes a significant economic activity for both rural and urban households. This study aims to review ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological studies on medicinal plants in Mozambique and explore their agricultural and conservation potential. Articles published between 2010 and 2024 were included and identified 472 medicinal plant species, 400 of which were classified to species or genus level, spanning 277 genera and 93 botanical families. The most cited families include Leguminosae (61 species), Euphorbiaceae (20), and Combretaceae (17). Notable species are Momordica balsamina, Sclerocarya birrea, Annona senegalensis, and Cassia abbreviata. Sixteen in vitro studies explored medicinal plants’ antibacterial, antimycobacterial, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antimalarial properties. Prominent results were shown by Maerua edulis (tuberculosis), Tabernaemontana elegans (malaria), and Momordica balsamina (cancer). This work underscores the critical role of natural resources in Mozambique’s primary healthcare system and highlights their agricultural and economic potential. As the first comprehensive compilation of commonly used medicinal plants in the country, it calls for sustainable cultivation practices and further research to enhance their use and benefits.
El cuento musical: otra forma de contar un cuento
(Revista Padres y Maestros = Journal of Parents and Teachers, 2007) Toboso Ontoria, Susana; Viñuales, Natividad
Los seres humanos empleamos diferentes lenguajes, entre los que destacan el literario, el musical y el corporal. La unión de música y literatura se da en las canciones, pero también en los cuentos. En este artículo se exponen algunos tipos de cuentos musicales y los beneficios que tienen para los niños.
Metabolomic Profiling, Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibition Properties and Molecular Docking Analysis of Antarctic Lichens
(Molecules, 2022) Torres-Benítez, Alfredo; Ortega-Valencia, José Erick; Sánchez Gómez-Serranillos, Marta; Dulare Devi, Pradeep Divakar; Simirgiotis; Mario J.; Gómez-Serranillos Cuadrado, María Pilar
The lichen species Lecania brialmontii, Pseudephebe pubescens, and Sphaerophorus globosus are part of the prominent lichenoflora of the Antarctic territory. In this work, we report the metabolomic identification of ethanolic extracts of these species, their antioxidant and cholinesterase enzyme inhibitory activity, and conduct a molecular docking analysis with typical compounds. Eighteen compounds were identified by UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS in L. brialmontii, 18 compounds in P. pubescens, and 14 compounds in S. globosus. The content of phenolic compounds was variable among the species, ranging from 0.279 to 2.821 mg AG/g, and all three species showed high inhibition potential on the cholinesterase enzymes. Molecular docking showed important interactions between AChE and BChE with the selected compounds. This study evidences the chemical fingerprint of three species of the order Lecanorales that support the continuation of the study of other biological activities and their potential for medical research.
Comparative Analysis of the Chelating Capacity of Two Solutions Activated with Sonic and Ultrasonic Systems: HEBP Versus EDTA
(Applied Sciences, 2025) Lefevre, Chloé; Mena Gómez, Julia Mª; Martín Vacas, Andrea; Vera González, Vicente; Mena Álvarez, Jesús
The success of root canal treatment depends on the proper execution of each phase. However, the instrumentation and irrigation phase is especially important. During this phase the interior of the root canal system must be removed to facilitate the next phase, obturation, achieving the most airtight seal possible, resulting in the success of the endodontic treatment. This study aimed to compare the chelating capacity and smear layer removal effectiveness of two irrigants—17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 9% hydroxyethylidene bisphosphonate (HEBP)—when activated using two different irrigant activation systems: sonic and ultrasonic. Additionally, the study assessed the relationship between these variables and the average diameter of dentinal tubules in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds of the root canal. A total of 105 single-rooted human teeth were decoronated and instrumented using a rotary system. Teeth were randomly assigned to four experimental groups based on the irrigant (EDTA or HEBP) and the activation method (sonic or ultrasonic). Final irrigation was performed with the corresponding protocol. Samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Smear layer removal was quantified using the Carvalho method, and dentinal tubule diameter was measured with image analysis software. Data were statistically analyzed using Kolmogorov–Smirnov and non-parametric tests, with a significance level set at α = 0.05. EDTA showed superior smear layer removal in the coronal and middle thirds, particularly when activated ultrasonically. In contrast, HEBP was more effective in the apical third, especially when used with sonic activation. There were no statistically significant differences in the overall tubule diameter between the two chelating agents; however, HEBP resulted in significantly larger tubule openings in the apical third. Activation systems played a critical role, with ultrasonic irrigation being more effective for EDTA and sonic irrigation favoring HEBP in specific canal regions. The combination of chelating agent and activation system influences both smear layer removal and dentinal tubule morphology. HEBP demonstrated promising results in the apical third with minimal structural damage, supporting its use as a viable alternative to EDTA in continuous chelation protocols.
Assessing the Heat Tolerance of Meiosis in Spanish Landraces of Tetraploid Wheat Triticum turgidum
(Plants, 2022) Naranjo Pompa, Tomás; Cuñado Rodríguez, Nieves; Santos Coloma, Juan Luis
Heat stress alters the number and distribution of meiotic crossovers in wild and cultivated plant species. Hence, global warming may have a negative impact on meiosis, fertility, and crop productions. Assessment of germplasm collections to identify heat-tolerant genotypes is a priority for future crop improvement. Durum wheat, Triticum turgidum, is an important cultivated cereal worldwide and given the genetic diversity of the durum wheat Spanish landraces core collection, we decided to analyse the heat stress effect on chiasma formation in a sample of 16 landraces of T. turgidum ssp. turgidum and T. turgidum ssp. durum, from localities with variable climate conditions. Plants of each landrace were grown at 18–22 °C and at 30 °C during the premeiotic temperature-sensitive stage. The number of chiasmata was not affected by heat stress in three genotypes, but decreased by 0.3–2 chiasmata in ten genotypes and more than two chiasmata in the remaining three ones. Both thermotolerant and temperature-sensitive genotypes were found in the two subspecies, and in some of the agroecological zones studied, which supports that genotypes conferring a heat tolerant meiotic phenotype are not dependent on subspecies or geographical origin. Implications of heat adaptive genotypes in future research and breeding are discussed.
Estudio exploratorio sobre las dificultades y/o barreras para la educación inclusiva a nivel de aula, desde la perspectiva de docentes en servicio de Educación Infantil y Primaria
(Revista Electrónica Interuniversitaria de Formación del Profesorado: REIFOP, 2024) Silva-Laguardia, María Martina; Alba Pastor, María Del Carmen
El objetivo del estudio es describir las dificultades y barreras percibidas por los docentes uruguayos en el aula y limitan la instrumentación de sus prácticas inclusivas. Para recoger la información, se utilizó un cuestionario ad hoc diseñado para ello. La muestra no probabilística, por conveniencia, incluyó a 116 docentes de educación inicial y primaria que trabajan en instituciones públicas y privadas. El análisis de los datos se realizó desde un enfoque cuantitativo, utilizando estadísticas descriptivas e inferenciales, de acuerdo con variables sociodemográficas definidas. Los resultados revelaron que las percepciones sobre las barreras varían en función del género, nivel de formación docente y del tipo de centro en el que se desempeñan. Asimismo, se destacó que una mayor formación profesional fortalece las competencias docentes para afrontar los desafíos de la educación inclusiva. En conclusión, se evidencia la necesidad de implementar estrategias que aborden estas diferencias y dirijan los esfuerzos en proporcionar mayor apoyo institucional, formación continua y recursos adecuados para permitir a los docentes desempeñar su labor de manera inclusiva y efectiva. Los hallazgos del estudio ofrecen valiosa información sobre los retos y las oportunidades para avanzar en la mejora de la formación del profesorado parala educación inclusiva en Uruguay.
In vitro mechanistic studies and potential health benefits of a standardized bilberry extract in low mood and cognitive enhancement
(Frontiers in Nutrition, 2025) Kara, Methap; Hasbal-Celikok, Gozde; Wilson, Jacob; Gómez-Serranillos Cuadrado, María Pilar; Yilmaz-Ozden, Tugba; Öztas, Ezgi; Özhan, Gul; Zengin, Özge Sultan; Sánchez Gómez-Serranillos, Marta; Owsianik, Claudia; Rabbani, Fazle; Tunç, Merve; Arda, Nazli; Memon, Nazia M.; Ujjan, Ikram; Hawkins, Kenny; Davis, Justine; Wilson, Gabriel; Petrangolini, Giovanna; Khan, Amjad
Background: Low mood and cognitive impairments are multifactorial conditions often linked to oxidative stress, neurotransmitter imbalances, and neuroinflammation. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) extract, particularly rich in anthocyanins, has shown promising neuropharmacological properties in recent studies. Aims of the study: This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the biochemical, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties of a standardized bilberry extract (Mirtoselect™), alongside assessing its potential health benefits on mood and cognitive enhancement in a clinical setting. Methods: In vitro assays were conducted to explore the neuromodulatory, antioxidant, and cytoprotective properties of Bilberry extract. Enzyme inhibition assays targeted γ-Aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T), monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), while GABAA receptor binding was also evaluated. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, ORAC, HORAC, and TAS assays. Neuroprotection was investigated using SH-SY5Y cells exposed to H2O2, assessing cell viability (MTT), membrane integrity (LDH release), and BDNF expression. Cytotoxicity was determined through the MTT assay in SH-SY5Y cells. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical study was conducted on healthy adult subjects (n = 33) (aged 25–55 years) to evaluate the effects of Bilberry extract on mood (POMS) and cognitive function. Results: Bilberry extract demonstrated significant inhibition of GABA-T, MAO-A, and AChE, alongside moderate GABAA receptor binding. It exhibited robust antioxidant activity in DPPH (EC50: 9.24 ± 0.22 μg/mL), ABTS (EC50: 12.70 ± 0.11 μg/mL), FRAP, ORAC, HORAC, and TAS assays. Neuroprotective effects included enhanced cell viability, reduced LDH release, and upregulation of BDNF in SH-SY5Y cells under oxidative stress. Cytotoxicity tests confirmed a favorable safety profile. In the pilot study, Bilberry extract supplementation significantly improved mood parameters, including reduced tension, depression, and confusion scores (p < 0.05) compared to placebo, with minimal adverse effects. Conclusion: Bilberry extract exhibits potent antioxidant, neuromodulatory, and neuroprotective properties, supporting its potential as a natural intervention for managing low mood and cognitive health. The favorable safety profile and preliminary clinical benefits warrant further research.
Electrospun nanofibers for localized drug release of a neuroprotective natural extract of Usnea ghattensis
(European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2024) Fernández Fernández, María De La Cabeza; Sánchez Gómez-Serranillos, Marta; Lozano-Chamizo, Laura; Abreu, Ana Cristina; Anguis-Morillas, Ana; Dulare Devi, Pradeep Divakar; Marciello, Marzia; Filice, Marco; Gonzalez-Rumayor, Victor; Fernandez, Ignacio; Contreras Cáceres, Rafael; Gómez-Serranillos Cuadrado, María Pilar
This research is based on the incorporation of the methanolic extract of the Usnea ghattensis into poly (caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers (NFs) to investigate the capacity in reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). PCL-NFs were fabricated by the electrospinning technique and are investigated as potential dressing material focused on the release of usnic acid (PCL-USNIC NFs), and its encapsulation efficiency and kinetic release were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This investigation was performed by analyzing the usnic acid concentration as a function of the distance from the mat center point. The kinetic release analysis is also developed with the usnea ghattensis extract (PCL-USNEA NFs), performing a metabolomic analysis of the released molecules as a function of time by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Usnic acid was revealed as the most relevant compound together with other molecules, such as sucrose, mannitol, arabitol or glycerol that generate a positive matrix effect on the release of usnic acid. Finally, we analize the cytotoxicity and the neuroprotective effect of PCL-USNEA and PCL-USNIC NFs using a human neuroblastoma cell line model. Negligible toxicity was appreciated for both polymeric systems, showing high protective effects in presence of highly oxidative environment (e.g. in presence of H2O2).
Antecedents of the intention to use implantable technologies for nonmedical purposes: a mixed-method evaluation
(Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 2024) Andrés Sánchez, Jorge de; Arias Oliva, Mario; Souto Romero, Mar
This study investigated the rise of implantable or cyborg technologies, also known as insideables, which offer the potential to improve health-related conditions and enhance the capabilities of healthy individuals. This research focused on the acceptance of insideables among university students in Spain, utilizing the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) framework along with analytical tools such as partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The PLS-SEM analysis revealed that factors such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence positively influenced the intention to use insideables. However, the fsQCA revealed that no single variable is a necessary condition for explaining technology acceptance or rejection. Instead, a combination of constructs is needed to understand both intention to use and rejection. Configurational analysis emphasized the importance of factors such as performance expectancy, social influence, and hedonic motivation in explaining technology acceptance, whereas effort expectancy and perceived risk were less conclusive in their impact on behavioral intention. Moreover, the research revealed that the configurations related to the acceptance and rejection of insideables are asymmetrical. This study sheds light on the complex dynamics of implantable technology acceptance and provides valuable insights into the factors influencing its adoption. From a theoretical perspective, the sequential use of both correlational and configurational methods within the UTAUT framework allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the reasons behind the adoption of emerging technology rather than using only one data analysis methodology.
Quantitative analysis of the GABAergic innervation of the soma and axon initial segment of pyramidal cells in the human and mouse neocortex
(Cerebral cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991), 2022) Ostos, Sandra; Aparicio, Guillermo; Fernaud Espinosa, Isabel; DeFelipe, Javier; Muñoz Céspedes, Alberto
Perisomatic GABAergic innervation in the cerebral cortex is carried out mostly by basket and chandelier cells, which differentially participate in the control of pyramidal cell action potential output and synchronization. These cells establish multiple synapses with the cell body (and proximal dendrites) and the axon initial segment (AIS) of pyramidal neurons, respectively. Using multiple immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy and 3D quantification techniques, we have estimated the number and density of GABAergic boutons on the cell body and AIS of pyramidal neurons located through cortical layers of the human and mouse neocortex. The results revealed, in both species, that there is clear variability across layers regarding the density and number of perisomatic GABAergic boutons. We found a positive linear correlation between the surface area of the soma, or the AIS, and the number of GABAergic terminals in apposition to these 2 neuronal domains. Furthermore, the density of perisomatic GABAergic boutons was higher in the human cortex than in the mouse. These results suggest a selectivity for the GABAergic innervation of the cell body and AIS that might be related to the different functional attributes of the microcircuits in which neurons from different layers are involved in both human and mouse.
Endothelial Dysfunction: An Intermediate Clinical Feature between Urolithiasis and Cardiovascular Diseases
(International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2022) Saenz-Medina, Javier; Muñoz Picos, Mercedes; Rodríguez Prados, Claudia; Sánchez Pina, Ana Alejandra; Contreras Jiménez, Cristina; Carballido-Rodríguez, Joaquín; Prieto Ocejo, Dolores
An epidemiological relationship between urolithiasis and cardiovascular diseases has extensively been reported. Endothelial dysfunction is an early pathogenic event in cardiovascular diseases and has been associated with oxidative stress and low chronic inflammation in hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke or the vascular complications of diabetes and obesity. The aim of this study is to summarize the current knowledge about the pathogenic mechanisms of urolithiasis in relation to the development of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular morbidities. Methods: A non-systematic review has been performed mixing the terms “urolithiasis”, “kidney stone” or “nephrolithiasis” with “cardiovascular disease”, “myocardial infarction”, “stroke”, or “endothelial dysfunction”. Results: Patients with nephrolithiasis develop a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease with a relative risk estimated between 1.20 and 1.24 and also develop a higher vascular disease risk scores. Analyses of subgroups have rendered inconclusive results regarding gender or age. Endothelial dysfunction has also been strongly associated with urolithiasis in clinical studies, although no systemic serum markers of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation or oxidative stress could be clearly related. Analysis of urine composition of lithiasic patients also detected a higher expression of proteins related to cardiovascular disease. Experimental models of hyperoxaluria have also found elevation of serum endothelial dysfunction markers. Conclusions: Endothelial dysfunction has been strongly associated with urolithiasis and based on the experimental evidence, should be considered as an intermediate and changeable feature between urolithiasis and cardiovascular diseases. Oxidative stress, a key pathogenic factor in the development of endothelial dysfunction has been also pointed out as an important factor of lithogenesis. Special attention must be paid to cardiovascular morbidities associated with urolithiasis in order to take advantage of pleiotropic effects of statins, angiotensin receptor blockers and allopurinol.
Are key audit matter disclosures useful in assessing the financial distress level of a client firm?
(The British Accounting Review, 2024) Camacho Miñano, Juana María Del Mar; Muñoz Izquierdo, Nora; Wellmeyer, Patricia; Pincus, Morton
This study examines the usefulness of new expanded audit report key audit matters (KAM) disclosures in assessing the level of financial distress present at a client firm. Using six years of KAM disclosures for U.K. Premium-listed firms beginning in 2013, we investigate the relation between firm financial distress and the number, risk level, financial statement impact, and individual nature of auditor-disclosed KAMs. We expand on literatures examining audit report disclosures in gauging financial distress assessments as well as the utility of expanded audit reporting. We find the greater the number of KAMs disclosed, the higher a firm's financial distress level. Additionally, results show entity-level KAMs, account-level KAMs with a primary impact on profitability and solvency, and certain types of individual KAMs are more likely to be disclosed when client firms face higher levels of financial distress. The results are robust to alternative measures of financial distress and to endogeneity tests. Our findings also indicate KAMs have predictive ability in assessing subsequent periods' financial distress levels. In all, evidence from this study suggests a way financial statement users can use independent auditor disclosures to assess one of the main risks associated with a firm - the risk of failure.
Consumer acceptance of robotic surgeons in health services
(Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 2024) Souto Romero, Mar; Pelegrín Borondo, Jorge; Arias Oliva, Mario; Almahameed, Ala Ali
Over the course of the preceding half-century, specific advancements in robotic technologies have been assimilated into the continuum of human life in a seamless manner, demonstrating the profound impact of robotics on society. Nevertheless, the actual consumer response to service robots remains a subject of ongoing research, with scant attention paid to it thus far. This study focuses on the potential factors influencing the acceptance of robots in the realm of health services. Specifically, a model has been developed to explain individuals’ willingness to use a robot as a surgeon to correct visual impairment in one eye. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLSc-SEM) technique is deployed to validate the proposed hypotheses. The model proposed exhibits a robust explanatory power concerning the intention to utilize the robot surgeon, as evidenced by a high R-squared value of 0.817. The findings show the influence of effort expectancy, performance expectancy, social influence, and perceived risk on the intention to adopt robot services. However, the emotional dimensions, specifically pleasure and arousal, were not observed to exert any significant impact on the intention to employ the proposed robot surgeon. The proposed and tested model serves as a roadmap for future research and holds significant practical implications for the industry, paving the way for a more robot-friendly future in health services.
Avilés Canyon System: Increasing the benthic biodiversity knowledge
(Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2022) Ríos, Pilar; Altuna, Álvaro; Frutos, Inmaculada; Manjón Cabeza, Eugenia; García Guillén, Laura; Macías Ramírez, Aurora; Ibarrola, Teodoro P.; Gofas, Serge; Taboada Moreno, Sergio; Souto, Javier; Álvarez, Fernando; Saiz Salinas, Jose I.; Cárdenas, Paco; Rodríguez Cabello, Cristina; Lourido, Antía; Boza, Cristina; Rodríguez Basalo, Augusto; Prado, Elena; Abad Uribarren, Alberto; Parra, Santiago; Sánchez, Francisco; Cristobo, Javier
Macro and megafauna were studied in the Avilés Canyon System (ACS), southern Bay of Biscay (Cantabrian Sea), during several oceanographic cruises carried out from 2009 to 2017. The biodiversity of ACS is summarized and its description is herein updated after sampling surveys of several programmes (ECOMARG, INDEMARES, SponGES, INTEMARES) conducted by the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO). This study has updated previous knowledge in the canyon area from past national and international projects, their reports and publications as well as data collected in the context of regional projects designed to gain new insight into the diversity of marine invertebrates and fishes from the ACS. Samples were taken using a range of sampling gears (Rock dredge, Beam trawl, Trawl gear GOC-73, Suprabenthic sledge, Box corer and Remoted operated vehicle), from 55 to 2291 m in depth. A total of 1015 species were identified at the ACS: 98 Porifera, 153 Cnidaria, 14 Brachiopoda, 22 Bryozoa, 97 Mollusca, 151 Annelida, 315 Arthropoda, 74 Echinodermata and 91 Chordata. New records for the Bay of Biscay fauna include 13 Porifera species, 17 Cnidaria, 7 Mollusca, 8 Arthopoda, 3 Echinodermata and 4 Chordata. Also the bathymetric range of some species has been extended. As a result of the research projects carried out in the area in the last fifteen years, important information is now available which suggests that the ACS houses a large number of species with a high ecological value, that it represents a biodiversity hotspot in terms of the presence of sponge aggregations and coral reefs in certain regions, and that it sustains important fisheries due to the abundance of comercial species. Given the relevance of the species and habitats occurring in the ACS, there is a need to implement a conservation and management plan of the area in order to maintain habitats in good state of preservation.
La diligencia debida como presupuesto legal de sostenibilidad: consideraciones sobre la Directiva Europea CS3D
(Actualidad Jurídica Ambiental, 2025) Dopazo Fraguio, María Pilar
En este trabajo se ofrece una valoración sobre la nueva normativa europea aprobada en materia de diligencia debida de las empresas y sostenibilidad, “Corporate sustainability due diligence Directive” (CS3D). Con base a esta pionera regulación se establece el deber de prevenir, mitigar y reparar los impactos negativos generados -sociales, ambientales y climáticos-, como requerimiento empresarial de obligado cumplimiento. Esta es una cuestión de interés jurídico y económico, también considerando su posible proyección internacional.
Proving optical anisotropy and polarization effects in β-Ga2O3 nanomembranes via X-Ray excited optical luminescence
(Advanced Photonics Research, 2025) Pérez Peinado, Paula; Dolado, J.; Alcázar Ruano, Pedro Luis; Carrasco Madrigal, Daniel; Martínez Casado, María Ruth; Bonino, Valentina; Martínez Criado, Gema; Jesenovec, Jani; McCloy, John S.; Domínguez-Adame Acosta, Francisco; Quereda, Jorge; Nogales Díaz, Emilio; Méndez Martín, María Bianchi
Monoclinic beta-Ga2O3 is a key representative material of the ultrawide-bandgap semiconductor family. The distinct atomic arrangement in beta-Ga2O3 introduces two coordination environments for Ga ions, resulting in pronounced anisotropy in its optical, electronic, and thermal properties. In this study, a synchrotron nanoprobe to investigate the anisotropic optical properties of well-oriented (100) beta-Ga2O3 nanomembranes with a thickness of 200 nm, produced through mechanical exfoliation, is employed. Polarization-resolved X-ray excited optical luminescence (XEOL) measurements reveal a strong ultraviolet (UV) emission band at 3.4 eV, which is strongly polarized along the c-axis. Additionally, XEOL data show blue (2.9 eV) and deep-UV (3.8 eV) emissions. Notably, the deep-UV band, rarely reported in conventional photoluminescence studies, is attributed to the presence of Ga vacancies, as supported by first-principles calculations. Polarization-dependent X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy allows one to probe the distinct symmetries of the b and c crystallographic planes. Furthermore, by combining XANES and XEOL, this study investigates the site-specific contributions of Ga ions to the luminescence process. These findings highlight the potential of beta-Ga2O3 nanomembranes as a robust material platform for developing polarization-sensitive devices. The pronounced anisotropy of beta-Ga2O3 causes orientation-dependent optoelectronic properties, making it a highly promising candidate for a wide range of advanced applications
Effects of eccentric exercise in pressure pain threshold in subjects with functional ankle equinus condition
(Revista da Associacao Medica Brasileira, 2019) Rodríguez Sanz, David; Lopez Lopez, Daniel; Garcia, Daniel Muñoz; Medrano, Alfredo Soriano; Ponce, Angel Morales; Calvo Lobo, César; Corbalan, Irene Sanz
Stretching exercises are widely used by the population before sporting activities. One of the most common technique is eccentric exercise. Here, we made a clinical examination of 98 subjects with equinus condition before activity and after 30 min of running (49 participants with previous eccentric exercise and 49 with no previously eccentric exercise). The clinical assessment of the Achilles tendon was based on the pressure pain threshold (PPT). We identified significant PPT changes between the previous eccentric stretching and the non-previous eccentric stretching group in the Achilles tendon evaluations. Based on our findings, we propose that subjects with equinus condition could use eccentric stretching in order to improve the Achilles tendon status.

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