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The role of the Internet in later life autonomy: Silver surfers in Spain
(Humanities & Social Sciences Communications, 2023) Llorente Barroso, María Del Carmen; Sánchez Valle, María; Viñaras Abad, Mónica Victoria
The new digital panorama has enhanced the importance of the Internet, as well as Information and Communications Technology (ICT), in developing a society in which seniors play a proactive role. The main purpose of this article is to define a taxonomy of silver surfers according to the ways they use the Internet and ICT, with a special focus on e-commerce and e-government. A quantitative methodology was used, based on the study of 405 Spanish internet users between 60 and 79 years of age, which was conducted by telephone in February of 2019. Seven groups were identified through a combination of dimensionality reduction techniques and cluster analysis. The results indicate neither a consistent pattern in the specific ways older adults use the Internet nor a homogeneous level of digital knowledge among this demographic group. To some extent, this is a result of disparities in both the perception of digital security that seniors associate with e-commerce and/or e-government and the level of trust engendered by such operations. The Able and Daring are the most numerous clusters, which coincide with the categories of the most active and prepared users. The Sceptical take third place in terms of number of users, as they display limited use of the Internet and claim to have a low digital skills level. However, carrying out both online shopping and administrative procedures without the need for assistance is becoming increasingly frequent among all of those surveyed.
Monitoring salting kinetics of pork loin using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR)
(LWT, 2025) Remiro, Víctor; Cambero Rodríguez, María Isabel; Romero De Ávila Hidalgo, María Dolores; Castejón, David; Moreno Molera, David; Segura Plaza, José Francisco; Fernández Valle, María Encarnación
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) have been used as tools to monitor the salting process in pork loin. For this purpose, the longitudinal (T1) and transverse (T2) relaxation times, as well as the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), have been employed. To observe the changes occurring in meat pieces during the salting process and to obtain prediction models of the salt (NaCl) and water contents, the potential of each of these parameters has been evaluated. Surface models have been obtained that allow the observation of variations in T1, T2, and ADC MRI values related to salt diffusion and water loss during the salting process. Additionally, simple regression models have been established to determine the NaCl and water contents at any time during the process based on T1 and T2 values MRI values. On the other hand, to determine the NaCl content of the meat from the TD-NMR study, similar regression models were obtained with the mono-exponential analysis of T1 and T2 values. Additionally, the multi-exponential analysis of both T1 and T2 has provided insight into the effect of salt intake on the proton populations inside the meat. Thus, it is concluded that MRI and TD-NMR are highly suitable non-destructive techniques for the salt content determination and the monitoring of the salting process in the meat industry.
Inbreeding depression for litter size in two mice lines under divergent selection for environmental birth weight variability using genomic data
(Journal of Animal Science, 2025) Ojeda Marín, Candela; Cervantes Navarro, Isabel; Formoso-Rafferty Castilla, Nora; Gutiérrez García, Juan Pablo; Rodríguez Ramilo, Silvia Teresa
Inbreeding depression (ID) is usually observed as reduced survival and fertility and may have a variable impact in different populations. The aim of this study was to estimate ID from genomic and pedigree data in the litter size (LS) of the high variability (H-Line) and the low variability (L-Line) mice lines divergently selected for environmental birth weight variability. Of these, the L-Line performed better on traits related to robustness. A total of 1587 females from 26 selection generations were genotyped with a high-density SNP array. LS data of 732 L-Line and 648 of H-Line animals were used. The following were calculated: pedigree inbreeding coefficient (FPED), genomic inbreeding derived from different genomic matrices (FNEJ, FL&H,FVR1, FVR2, and FYAN), from runs of homozygosity (FROH) and from homozygosity by descent probabilities (FHBD). FROH were calculated in the 19 autosomes (CHR). FROH and FHBD were divided into nine lengths and age classes, respectively. All the inbreeding coefficients were standardized by the mean inbreeding coefficient of the 1st generation. Regression coefficients (m) obtained from genomic data were between −3.71 with FVR2 and −5.09 with FHBD in the H-Line, and that estimated from FPED was −5.67. In the L-Line the m obtained from genomic data were between −3.52 with FVR2 and −4.55 with FHBD, and that obtained with FPED was −4.08. Significant ID effects were detected in CHR13 in the H-Line and CHR1 and CHR9 in the L-Line. The m negative trended to be lower as the ROH length increased. The age of the homozygosity by descent segment performed differently in each line, for example FHBD raised 128 generations ago produced a significant positive effect only in the L-Line. The effect of global inbreeding coefficients on the LS was negative in both lines with a higher impact in the H-Line than in the L-Line, suggesting the L-Line having higher robustness. CHR 1, 9, and 13 were candidates for future gene search. In general, more recent FROH and FHBD presented negative effects on LS while older FROH and FHBD presented positive effects on LS in both selected lines.
Effects of Precision Feeding on Economic and Productive Yields of Hyperprolific Lactating Sows Allocated at Different Farrowing Pens
(Animals, 2025) Aparicio Arnay, María; Yeste Vizcaíno, Natalia; Soria, Nerea; Cambra, Jorge; Isabel Redondo, Beatriz; Piñeiro, Carlos; Gonzalez Bulnes, Antonio
The results obtained using precision feeding in maternities (electronic sow feeders, ESFs) may be affected by the type of farrowing pen, as the design of the pen may modify the behavior of the sows. Hence, the aim of the present study was to determine the effects and possible interactions of electronic feeding systems in different types of farrowing pens (traditional, socialization and loose housing pens) on the productive and economic yields of lactating hyperprolific sows under commercial farm conditions. The results showed an overall lower feed disappearance in sows fed with ESFs and, consequently, a lower amount of feed per weaned piglet and per kg of weaned piglet, with evidence of improved welfare and no negative effects on body weight, condition at weaning or reproductive yields in the following cycle. These effects were, however, modulated by the type of pen and the type of bawl feeder; this finding highlights the need for improvement in the design of facilities and especially feeders to allow the sow a better use of available feed
Malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels in canine serum: establishing reference intervals and influencing factors
(BMC Veterinary Research, 2025) Perez Montero, Blanca; Fermín Rodríguez, María Luisa; Portero Fuentes, Miriam; Sarquis, J; Cáceres Ramos, Sara Cristina; Illera Del Portal, Juan Carlos; Juan Ferré, Lucía De; Miró Corrales, Guadalupe; Cruz López, Fátima
Background: Mounting evidence suggests that malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) are valuable biomarkers of lipid and nucleic acid oxidation in numerous canine diseases. However, their application in clinical settings is limited due to the absence of reference intervals (RI) and the analytical inconsistencies. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize serum MDA and 8-OHdG concentrations in dogs, to establish assay-specific RI, and to identify biological, haematological and biochemical factors influencing these markers. Methods: A total of 190 clinically healthy dogs were recruited, including pet dogs, working dogs and shelter dogs. Serum MDA concentration was measured by the Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) assay, while 8-OHdG levels were determined by using a competitive ELISA. RI were established by non-parametric methods. Potential associations between oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers and multiple biological, haematological and biochemical factors were assessed using multivariate regression models. Results: RI for serum MDA (1.85-14.51 µM) and 8-OHdG (0.06-0.75 ng/mL) were established in the reference population (144 and 143 dogs, respectively). The multivariate regression model for MDA revealed a positive association with total cholesterol concentration, and a negative association with monocyte count. 8-OHdG level was positively associated with urea concentration. Notably, both models also revealed a significant association between MDA and 8-OHdG. Biological factors, including the age and size of the animals, did not exert a significant influence on the results. Conclusions: This is the first study to establish serum RI for MDA and 8-OHdG in a large and diverse canine population. Additionally, the multivariate regression models identified relevant haematological and biochemical, but not biological factors that should be considered when interpreting the results. These findings could significantly enhance the application of MDA and 8-OHdG as biomarkers in clinical settings, and promote further exploration of their value in canine diseases
Reconstruction of a rostral maxillary defect by two custom-made titanium implants following a partial maxillectomy for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma in a dog
(Veterinary Research Communications, 2025) Fraile Fernández, Andrés; Fuertes Recuero, Manuel; Espinel Rupérez, Jorge; Cárdenas Osuna, Alejandro; Ruano Barreda, Ricardo; Horcajada Garcia, Javier; Ortiz Díez, Gustavo
This case report describes the reconstruction of a rostral maxillary defect by two custom-made titanium implants following a rostral partial maxillectomy for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a seven-year-old dog. An incisional biopsy and CT scan were performed to establish the diagnosis, to plan possible surgery, and to assess the margins of the tumour. The patient had no radiographic signs of metastasis at the time of diagnosis. An oblique rostral partial maxillectomy with two custom-made titanium plates was chosen as an effective oncological treatment and to maintain the cosmetic appearance. A first custom implant was designed to support the cheek and lips, and a second implant was designed to replace part of the hard palate and serve as a base for the palatal mucosal flap. Surgical treatment combined with toceranib phosphate and cimicoxib therapy provided a survival time of at least 1700 days, as the patient is still alive at time of publication. Further research is warranted to determine the oncological and cosmetic efficacy of this surgical technique for treatment of SCC in a larger group of dogs
Storage Conditions of Sperm Samples and Gametic Characterization by Sperm Head Morphometry in Drones (Apis mellifera)
(Animals, 2025) Esteso, Cristina Milagros; Toledano Díaz, Adolfo; Castaño, Cristina; Higes, Mariano; Martín Hernández, Raquel; López Goya, Agustin; De la Rúa, Pilar; Martínez Madrid, Carmen Belén; Santiago Moreno, Julián
The present study aimed to evaluate an optimal method to transport and store drone sperm samples, as well as to characterize drone spermatozoa through sperm head morphometry. A total of 291 mature drones were used. We performed three experiments. In a first experiment, sperm variables were assessed under different incubation conditions (5 °C, 15 °C, and 37 °C with 5% CO2). Results showed that sperm viability was optimally maintained at 15 °C (p ˂ 0.05). In the second experiment, the supplementation of extender with catalase (200 UI) improved (p ˂ 0.05) the sperm viability and motility during liquid storage at different incubation times. Finally, a morphometric analysis of sperm head was made: length 5.13 µm, width 0.85 µm, area 3.78 µm2, perimeter 15.01 µm, acrosome length 3.50 µm. The variability in sperm head morphometry was calculated by coefficients of variation (CV) within- and between-drones. The CV within-drone was higher than the CV between-drones for all morphometric parameters regardless of hive origin, indicating a high degree of sperm pleomorphism
Pseudopus apodus Soft Tissue Anatomy Based on Comparison of Classical Dissection and Multi-Detector Computed Tomography
(Animals, 2025) García Real, María Isabel; Fernández Valle, Encarnación; Jiménez González, Sara; Ruiz Fernández, María José; Castejón Ferrer, David; Montesinos Barceló, Andrés; Ardiaca García, María; Moreno García, Nerea; González Soriano, Juncal Milagros
Anatomy is critical for understanding the physiological and biological adaptations of living creatures. In the case of Pseudopus apodus, an anguimorph lizard belonging to the Order Squamata, it is particularly important considering the scarce previous works on the morphology of its coelomic cavity. It is interesting to consider that, over the years, using non-invasive approaches in reptiles, such as diagnostic imaging methods, is becoming popular for both scientific and clinical purposes. For the present work, we used a total of five Pseudopus apodus individuals (two males and three females); one male and one female were whole-body examined by multi-detector computed tomography (CT) and then all were dissected following a conventional anatomical protocol. The novelty and the main contribution of our multi-detector CT study is to identify structures that had never been identified before using this technique, such as the opening of the vomeronasal organ and the choanae, the tongue, the glottis, the hyoid bone, the esophagus, the stomach, the small and large intestines, the cloaca, the liver, the gallbladder, the kidneys, the ovarian follicles, the trachea, the bronchial bifurcation, the lungs, the heart, the aortic arches, the aorta, the sinus venosus, and the cranial cava veins. On the contrary, other organs like the thyroid, the pancreas, the spleen, the ureters, the urinary bladder, the oviducts, the testes, the hemipenes, the pulmonary trunk, and the pulmonary arteries were only identified in the anatomical dissection. Thus, our results demonstrate that multi-detector CT scanning is a useful tool to identify a significant number of anatomical structures in Pseudopus apodus, which is important for clinical veterinary practice related to this species or different conservation programs, among other applications
Non-typhoidal Salmonella in food animals in Paraguay: predominant serovars and resistance phenotypes
(Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2025) Irrazábal, Rossana; Iriarte, María V.; Álvarez Sánchez, Julio
Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Salmonella in livestock (poultry, pig, and cattle) is crucial to maintain food safety. Given the lack of information on the situation in livestock in Paraguay, the aim of this study was to determine the most frequent Salmonella serovars in poultry, pig and cattle sampled in slaughterhouses in the country in 2020–22 along with their AMR phenotypes using data from a national pilot program. Out of 1,161 samples collected from slaughtered animals originating from 189 farms nationwide, Salmonella was isolated from 91/384 (23.7%) samples from poultry, 52/390 (13.3%) from pigs and 6/387 (1.6%) from cattle. Seven serovars were identified in poultry, with Heidelberg being the most frequent (82.4% of 91 isolates), while the most frequent serovars in pigs were Panama (48.1%) and Typhimurium (38.5%), and only two serovars (Cerro and Braenderup) were identified in cattle. The proportion of resistant isolates ranged from extremely high (70–83% for nalidixic acid and tetracycline) and high (25–40% for nitrofurantoin and ampicilin) to low-moderate (8–18% for cefixime, cefotaxime, amoxicillin, and trimethoprim- sulfamethoxazole) and very low-low (<6% for ciprofloxacin and gentamicin) depending on the antimicrobial. Up to 23 different resistance profiles were found, ranging from pansusceptible (18/143 isolates) to resistance to 2–7 antimicrobials (median = 2), with the predominant serovars in poultry and swine typically being resistant to ≥3 antimicrobials. These results should be backed-up with genomic analyses to determine the genetic mechanisms involved in the resistance profiles observed in order to support coordinated actions for AMR surveillance and control in the country.
Interculturalidad sin fronteras : hermenéutica del concepto en proyectos de aprendizaje desarrollados en la Raya luso-española
(Revista Iberoamericana de Educación, 2025) Lourenço-Simões, Carolina; Araújo e Sá, Maria Helena; Matesanz Del Barrio, María
RESUMEN: El concepto de interculturalidad adquiere comprensión variable en función de los marcos teóricos movilizados y los contextos sociales y geopolíticos en los que se aplica. Este estudio pretende comprender su hermenéutica en los proyectos de aprendizaje desarrollados en el curso 2021/2022 del «Proyecto Escuelas Bilingües e Interculturales de Frontera». Implementados en clases de 1.º a 6.º grado en escuelas en la Raya luso-española, los proyectos fueron analizados considerando las categorías: (1) conocimientos sobre elementos culturales transfronterizos y (2) dinámicas educativas interculturales. Los resultados muestran que su mayoría prioriza conocimientos sobre cultura regional y nacional objetiva, con excepción de uno, que adopta una perspectiva de ciudadanía global. Estos conocimientos asumieron forma práctica mediante dinámicas interculturales performativas, recurriendo a multiliteracies; y también relacionales, visibles sobre todo en encuentros transfronterizos y en la implicación de los stakeholders en un paradigma de escuela como ecosistema.
Desafíos de la administración electrónica para la inclusión de las personas mayores en la sociedad digital
(Revista Española de la Transparencia (RET), 2023) Sánchez Valle, María; Llorente Barroso, María Del Carmen
A pesar de las ventajas que proporciona la administración digital, no todos los colectivos sociales, entre ellos el de las personas mayores, están preparados para afrontar esta nueva forma de relación con la Administración. En España el uso que los seniors realizan de la administración electrónica es muy limitado, sin embargo, las administraciones públicas están avanzado hacia la digitalización que se ha acelerado a causa de la pandemia. El objetivo principal de esta investigación es profundizar en la relación de las personas españolas mayores de 60 años con la administración electrónica. Se plantea una triangulación metodológica apoyada en dos técnicas cualitativas, los grupos de discusión integrados por españoles de más de 60 años y el método Delphi aplicado a ocho expertos en gestión de las TICs de ámbito privado y público. Los resultados demuestran un interés del público mayor por participar en los procedimientos administrativos, pero también su falta de conocimiento para poder hacerlo con aprovechamiento. Los expertos declaran que existen iniciativas dirigidas a este colectivo, aunque no hay un consenso sobre el tipo de acciones que deberían implementarse. Se evidencia que el público mayor no es prioritario para la estrategia digital de las organizaciones públicas.
Flash-PEO of magnesium: Phosphate precursor driven functionalization
(Journal of Magnesium and Alloys, 2025) Guerra-Mutis, Marlon Hernando; Vega Vega, Jesus Manuel; Barrena Pérez, María Isabel; Matykina, Endzhe; Arrabal Durán, Raúl
In this study, a phosphate-based conversion coating (PCC) was applied as a precursor before forming silicate-fluoride (SiF) and silicate-phosphate-fluoride (SiPF) based flash-plasma electrolytic oxidation (Flash-PEO) coatings on AZ31B magnesium alloy. The main novelty is the successful incorporation of calcium, zinc, manganese and phosphate species into the Flash-PEO coatings via a precursor layer rather than using the electrolyte. The precursor also led to longer lasting and more intense discharges during the PEO process, resulting in increased pore size. Corrosion studies revealed similar short-term performance for all coatings, with impedance modulus at low frequencies above 10^7 Ωcm2, and slightly better performance for the SiPF-based coating. Nonetheless, the enlarged pores in the PEO coatings functionalized with the PCC precursor compromised the effectiveness of self-healing mechanisms by creating diffusion pathways for corrosive species, leading to earlier failure. These phenomena were effectively monitored by recording the open circuit potential during immersion in 0.5 wt.% NaCl solution. In summary, this study demonstrates that conversion coatings are a viable option for the functionalization of PEO coatings on magnesium alloys, as they allow for the incorporation of cationic and other species. However, it is crucial to maintain a small pore size to facilitate effective blockage through self-healing mechanisms.
If not you, who? Raising awareness of development through accounting education
(International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 2025) Lorain, Marie Anne Francoise Gabrielle; Pérez Estébanez, Raquel; Villacorta Hernández, Miguel Ángel; Santos, Monica; Cano, Elisa; Cañizares Espada, Manuela; Rubio Martín, Gracia María; López Sánchez, Pilar; Martínez De Silva, Alberto; Ruiz De Palacios Villaverde, Mercedes; Urquía Grande, María Elena
Abstract Purpose The main goal of this study is to develop accounting students’ solidarity with and sensitivity to cooperation for sustainable development. This study also aims to analyze the role of participatory learning activities in developing the dimensions of involvement, critical reflection and thinking analysis. Design/methodology/approach This empirical study analyzes a case study activity conducted in accounting seminars with students from different universities in Spain. After completing the activity, the students completed a questionnaire divided into four areas: sociodemographic information, involvement, critical reflection and creativity. Students also answered an open-response question that asked them to propose new activities to enhance their learning experience and contribute more to sustainable development. The study thus used mixed methods, complementing quantitative analysis with qualitative data. Findings The multivariate analysis obtained significant results showing that female students were more willing to help and that most students said they were more sensitive to these issues after the participatory learning activity. Furthermore, the items and dimensions analyzed revealed a positive impact of involvement, critical and creative thinking and participatory learning on accounting students’ commitment to cooperation for sustainable development. When students answered the open-response question, they proposed more activities to enhance their learning and improve the functioning of the Non-Governmental Organization’s (NGO’s) beneficiary. HEIs must design more transversal courses aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals in their social science degrees. Originality/value The study not only examines university education in sustainable development but goes a step further in trying to involve students in a real development project from a financial and accounting point of view. The study also focuses on education for sustainability, and the project invites the students to think critically, reflect and assess real situations.
Recent increase in tree damage and mortality and their spatial dependence on drought intensity in Mediterranean forests
(Landscape Ecology, 2024) Rebollo Orozco, Pedro; Moreno Fernández, Daniel; Cruz Alonso, Verónica; Gazol, Antonio; Rodríguez Rey, Marta; Astigarraga, Julen; Zavala, Miguel A.; Gómez Aparicio, Lorena; Andivia Muñoz, Enrique; Miguel Romero, Sofía; Ruiz Benito, Paloma
Context. Global change is leading to more frequent and intense tree damage and mortality events. Drought-induced tree mortality is occurring worldwide leading to broad-scale events, but the spatial patterns of tree damage and mortality, their underlying drivers and their variation over time is largely unknown. Objectives. We investigated the spatial patterns of tree damage and mortality across Mediterranean forests of the Iberian Peninsula, the underlying effects of stand structure and climate, and how the spatial patterns and relationships with underlying drivers changed over time. Methods. We used the Spanish Forest Inventory to analyse the autocorrelation in tree damage and mortality across forest types, hurdle-gamma models to quantify the effect of stand structure and climate on tree damage and mortality, and cross-correlograms to assess their spatial dependence and its change over time. Results. We observed a greater magnitude and a stronger autocorrelation in tree damage than mortality, with positive aggregation up to 20 kms. There was a spatial dependence between tree damage and mortality with their drivers, with spatial aggregation increasing with water availability, drought intensity and stand structure. The spatial dependence of tree damage and mortality with the underlying drivers increased over time, particularly for drought intensity. Conclusions. Our results suggest that the combined effect of intense competition and drought could favour more extensive die-off and tree mortality events, providing key information for identifying vulnerable areas and the planning of adaptation measures.
Circularly polarized luminescence bioimaging using chiral BODIPYs: A model scaffold for advancing unprecedented CPL microscopy using small full-organic probes
(ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2024) Stachelek, Patrycja; Serrano Buitrago, Sergio; Lora Maroto, Beatriz; Pal, Robert; Moya Cerero, Santiago de la
Unprecedented circularly polarized luminescence bioimaging (CPL-bioimaging) of live cells using small full-organic probes is first reported. These highly biocompatible and adaptable probes are pivotal to advance emerging CPL Laser-Scanning Confocal Microscopy (CPL-LSCM) as an undeniable tool to distinguish, monitor, and understand the role of chirality in the biological processes. The development of these probes was challenging due to the poor dichroic character associated with the involved CPL emissions. However, the known capability of the BODIPY dyes to be tuned to act as efficient fluorescence bioprobes, together with the capability of the BINOL-O-BODIPY scaffold to enable CPL, allowed the successful design of the first examples of this kind of CPL probes. Interestingly, the developed CPL probes were also multiphoton (MP) active, paving the way for the envisioned MP-CPL-bioimaging. The described full-organic CPL-probe scaffold, based on an optically and biologically tunable BODIPY core, which is chirally perturbed by an enantiopure BINOL moiety, represents, therefore, a simple and readily accessible structural design for advancing efficient CPL probes for bioimaging by CPL-LSCM.
Income-related inequalities in unmet dental care needs in Spain: traces left by the Great Recession
(International Journal for Equity in Health, 2020) Urbanos Garrido, Rosa María
Background Dental health is an important component of general health. Socioeconomic inequalities in unmet dental care needs have been identified in the literature, but some knowledge gaps persist. This paper tries to identify the determinants of income-related inequality in unmet need for dental care and the reasons for its recent evolution in Spain, and it inquires about the traces left by the Great Recession. Methods Data from the EU-SILC forming a decade (2007–2017) were used. Income-related inequalities for three years were measured by calculating corrected concentration indices (CCI), which were further decomposed in order to compute the contribution of different factors to inequality. An Oaxaca-type decomposition approach was also used to analyze the origin of changes over time. Men and women were analyzed separately. Results Pro-rich inequality in unmet dental care needs significantly increased over time (CCI 2007: − 0.0272 and − 0.0334 for males and females, respectively; CCI 2017: − 0.0704 and − 0.0776; p < 0.001). Inequality showed a clear “pro-cycle” pattern, growing during the Great Recession and starting to decrease just after the economic recovery began. Gender differences only were significant for 2009 (p = 0.004) and 2014 (p = 0.063). Income was the main determinant of inequality and of its variation along time -particularly for women-, followed by far by unemployment –particularly for men-; the contributions of both were mainly due to changes in elasticites. Conclusions The Great Recession left its trace in form of a higher inequality in the access to dental care. Also, unmet need for dental care, as well as its inequality, became more sensitive to the ability to pay and to unemployment along recent years. To broaden public coverage of dental care for vulnerable groups, such as low-income/unemployed people with high oral health needs, would help to prevent further growth of inequality.
The effects of a firm’s internationalization, age, and environmental turbulence on the capabilities that comprise strategic agility
(International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 2024) de Diego Ruiz, Enrique; Almodóvar Martínez, Paloma; Birkinshaw, Julián
This study investigates a largely unexplored area by examining how internationalization, firm age, and environmental turbulence influence the key components of strategic agility, namely strategic sensitivity, leadership unity, and resource fluidity. Although these factors have been identified as potential catalysts for strategic agility, their specific impacts on strategic agility’s core capabilities have yet to be thoroughly explored. Our research aims to bridge this gap, providing a nuanced understanding of how each of these variables shapes the strategic agility of a firm. The study uses the empirical research of 220 Spanish firms in the service sector and then adopts partial least squares structural equation modeling to analyze the data. Our findings indicate that internationalization has a dual effect on strategic agility: internationalization enhances strategic sensitivity, reflecting improved environmental awareness, but it diminishes leadership unity, illustrating the complexities of global leadership alignment. Additionally, an increase in firm age is associated with a decrease in all the aspects of strategic agility. By contrast, environmental turbulence positively impacts each dimension of strategic agility, suggesting that turbulent conditions can indeed promote the adaptability and responsiveness of a firm.
Diagnostic accuracy of neurodynamic tests in upper-limb entrapment neuropathies: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
(Musculoskeletal science and practice, 2025) Albert Lucena, Daniel; Navarro Santana, Marcos José; Díaz Arribas, María José; Rabanal Rodríguez, Gabriel; Valera Calero, Juan Antonio; Fernández de las Peñas, Cesar; Cook, Chad; Plaza Manzano, Gustavo
Objective: To estimate the screening performances of the most important provocation tests for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Design: Diagnostic test accuracy systematic review with meta-analysis. Literature search: We systematically searched the MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases from inception to November 2020. Study selection criteria: Observational studies comparing the accuracies of the Durkan test (DT), the hand elevation test (HET), the Phalen test (PT), the Tinel test (TT), and the upper-limb neurodynamic test specific to the median nerve (ULNT1) with electrodiagnosis for screening for CTS. Data synthesis: Random-effects models for the diagnostic odds ratio (dOR) values computed by Moses' constant for a linear model and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to calculate the accuracy of these tests. Hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to summarize the overall test performance. Results: Thirty-seven studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a total sample of 2662 wrists for DT, 864 wrists for HET, 6361 wrists for PT, 6094 wrists for TT, and 571 wrists for ULNT1. The pooled dORs for screening for CTS were 15.84 (95% CI: 3.78, 66.38) for DT, 128.63 (95% CI: 40.64, 407.12) for HET, 7.23 (95% CI: 4.06, 12.86) for PT, 5.31 (95% CI: 3.49, 8.09) for TT, and 1.78 (95% CI: 0.61, 5.19) for ULNT1. Conclusion: HET has the best clinical performance for detecting CTS and should be considered the first screening test of choice during the physical examination. The most common tests (DT, PT, and TT) have good accuracies for screening for CTS. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2022;52(8):522-531. Epub: 19 June 2022. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.10828.
Intrinsic optical response of levitating upconverting single particles
(ACS Photonics, 2025) Martínez Maestro, Laura; Antón Revilla, Miguel Ángel; Cabrera Granado, Eduardo; Weigand Talavera, Rosa María; Hernández Rueda, Francisco Javier
Today, upconverting luminescent particles are routinely used as accurate and reliable probes to remotely measure the temperature of minute volumes of matter in the order of attoliters. Lanthanide-doped particles exhibit adaptability as optical nanothermometers within biological systems, aiding to understand cellular dynamics, pathology, and physiology. Herein, we investigate the intrinsic optical response of Er/Yb-doped single particles levitating in vacuum and compare it with the collective response of ensembles of particles embedded in application-relevant wet and dry environments. We make use of a quadrupole Paul trap that employs a time-varying electric field to confine single Er/Yb-doped particles in vacuum and a thermal bath module to study particles in the above-mentioned environments. Both sub-systems use twin-excitation/detection setups that allow us to record luminescence spectra, covering four orders of magnitude in laser intensity (e.g. 10−1-103 W/cm2 at 980 nm) and temperatures from 20◦C up to 200◦C. We revisit the well-established reliability of ratiometric measurements to accurately measure temperature. We find an almost perfect overlap of the experimental Boltzmann factor as a function of temperature for water, ethanol and air-substrate environments, which is then used to retrieve the temperature of particles levitating in vacuum. We also explore the influence of the surrounding environment for increasing laser intensities by numerically and experimentally examining the balance among relevant emission bands. Our simulations qualitatively reproduce the experimentally measured luminescence in different environments, yielding a single model to simultaneously explain the laser intensity dependence of UV-NIR transitions for both the low and strong laser excitation regimes. Our findings hold great potential to expand the range of applicability of upconverting particles as dual sensors of temperature and laser intensity in different media relevant to biological and nanophotonic applications.
Association among clinical severity indicators, psychological health status and elastic properties of neck muscles in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain.
(European Spine Journal, 2025) Valera Calero, Juan Antonio; Varol, Ulmut; López redondo, Mónica; Díaz Arribas, María José; Navarro Santana, Marcos José; Plaza Manzano, Gustavo
Background: Since objective stifness measures are not consistent with the patients' perception and its correlation with the clinical severity of neck pain is not clear, novel studies assessing the clinical relevance of muscle stiffness are needed. Objectives: To analyze the correlation among psychological factors, clinical severity indicators, and muscle stiffness in neck muscles in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain, and compare these factors with asymptomatic controls. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. Participants included cases with chronic neck pain and asymptomatic controls, assessed for muscle stiffness using shear wave elastography, psychological health (anxiety and kinesiophobia), and clinical severity. Data analysis involved correlation matrices and comparison between groups. Results: Although no significant differences in levator scapulae stiffness were observed between groups (p > 0.05), patients exhibited significantly increased stiffness in the anterior scalene and cervical multifidus muscles (p = 0.009 and p = 0.040, respectively). STAI scores were significantly higher in patients for both subscales (STAI-S p = 0.002 and STAI-T p < 0.001), but no kinesiophobic behaviors differences were found (p > 0.05). Significant correlations between pain chronicity, intensity, disability, and psychological factors were confirmed. Notably, the levator scapulae stiffness was positively associated with disability, anxiety, and kinesiophobia (all p < 0.01). However, the anterior scalene and cervical multifidus stiffness, even if significantly associated with demographic factors (p < 0.05), were not associated with clinical or psychological outcomes. Conclusion: The findings underscore the intertwined nature of psychological factors and muscle stiffness in chronic neck pain, suggesting the need for integrated approaches in treatment that consider both physical and psychological dimensions.

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