Instituto Valenciano de Competitividad Empresarial

BACKGROUND: Increased mortality is associated with both very low and very high ambient temperatures. This study assesses the relationship between daily numbers of deaths and variations in ambient temperature within the city of Valencia. METHODS: The daily number of deaths from all causes (total deaths and only those occurring in people aged over 70), as well as those deaths from specific causes (e.g. cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, malignant tumours and all causes except external ones) occurring within the city of Valencia were related to the average daily temperature using autoregressive Poisson regression controlling for seasonality, day of the week, holidays, air pollution, influenza incidence, and humidity. Temperature was measured within the regression model as two complementary variables: 'Heat' and 'Cold'; also taken into account were their delayed effects up to 2 weeks after measurement. RESULTS: Graphical analysis revealed a relationship between temperature and mortality according to the time of year. For the cooler months (November-April), the temperature at which mortality was lowest was the 'minimum' (i.e. around 15 degrees C), while for the warmer months (May-October), it occurred at around 24 degrees C. Because of this, a stratified analysis was undertaken with different values for the 'Heat' and 'Cold' variables according to which of the two seasons was involved. During the colder months of the year, higher temperatures tended to exert a rapid influence on mortality and the lower temperatures a more delayed relation. During the hot season it is the heat variable which more clearly manifests an effect, and this is prolonged over the two following weeks. Variations also occur according to age and cause of death. The effect of temperature is greater in persons aged over 70 years of age, and it is also greater in cases of circulatory and respiratory diseases. CONCLUSIONS: A statistically significant association has been found between temperature and mortality. This relationship is not monotonic, but mortality increases in proportion to the variance in ambient temperature from a range of temperatures that varies from winter to summer.

Abstract The aim of this article was to study the reasons, strategies, and procedures that both students and teachers use to solve some chemical equilibrium questions and problems. Inappropriate conceptions on teaching and a lack of knowledge regarding the limited usefulness of Le Chatelier's principle, with its vague and ambiguous formulation and textbook presentation, may be some of the sources of misconceptions about the prediction of the effect of changing conditions on chemical equilibrium. To diagnose misconceptions and their possible sources, a written test was developed and administered to 170 1st‐year university chemistry students. A chemical equilibrium problem, relating to the students' test, was solved by 40 chemistry teachers. First, we ascertained that teacher's conceptions might influence the problem‐solving strategies of the learner. Based on this first aspect, our discussion also concerns students' and teachers' misconceptions related to the Le Chatelier's principle. Misconceptions emerged through: (a) misapplication and misunderstanding of Le Chatelier's principle; (b) use of rote‐learning recall and algorithmic procedures; (c) incorrect control of the variables involved; (d) limited use of the chemical equilibrium law; (e) a lack of mastery of chemical equilibrium principles and difficulty in transferring such principles to new situations. To avoid chemical equilibrium misconceptions, a specific pattern of conceptual and methodological change may be considered.

Mitochondria produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) while also generating high amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from oxygen metabolism. ROS are small but highly reactive molecules that can be detrimental if unregulated. While normally functioning mitochondria produce molecules that counteract ROS production, an imbalance between the amount of ROS produced in the mitochondria and the capacity of the cell to counteract them leads to oxidative stress and ultimately to mitochondrial dysfunction. This dysfunction impairs cellular functions through reduced ATP output and/or increased oxidative stress. Mitochondrial dysfunction may also lead to poor oocyte quality and embryo development, ultimately affecting pregnancy outcomes. Improving mitochondrial function through antioxidant supplementation may enhance reproductive performance. Recent studies suggest that antioxidants may treat infertility by restoring mitochondrial function and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. However, further randomized, controlled trials are needed to determine their clinical efficacy. In this review, we discuss the use of resveratrol, coenzyme-Q10, melatonin, folic acid, and several vitamins as antioxidant treatments to improve human oocyte and embryo quality, focusing on the mitochondria as their main hypothetical target. However, this mechanism of action has not yet been demonstrated in the human oocyte, which highlights the need for further studies in this field.

Funds were provided by SEO/BirdLife, Secretaría General de Pesca Marítima (Spanish Ministry of Agriculture and Fishing), Conselleria de Medio Ambiente (Generalitat Valenciana), Govern de les Illes Balears, DISCBIRD and LIFE projects (European Commission) and the Spanish Ministries of Education and Science (ref. BOS2003- 01960, CGL2006-04325/BOS and REN2002-00450) and of the Environment (ref. 024A/ 2002). K. L. was supported by a postdoctoral fellowship from the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science (MEC: SB2005-0060). M. L. was supported by a predoctoral fellowship from the Balearic Government and 2 postdoctoral individual fellowships funded by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science (ref. MEC-06-CTM2006-05588) and the Marie Curie Individual Fellowship (PIEF-GA-2008-220063)

The growth of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) has been studied considering five multiple exponential regression models using data from 20 lots of gilthead sea bream growing in 20 marine cages from a Mediterranean commercial fish farm. The final weight (Wf) of fish was predicted in relation to the initial weight (Wi), time (n) and temperature (T), or the sum of effective temperatures (∑Tef). The estimated weight results from the simulation using the five models have been compared with the real final weight values using the mean of the absolute values of the prediction errors in short and long term (the precision value). All models presented a high determination coefficient, above 96%, and good prediction values in the short term. Regression models were tested using data from six new cages. The best models for predicting the growth of sea bream long term were the ones where final weight is expressed in relation to the initial weight and the sum of effective temperature, and obtaining long-term prediction errors 12.9% and 10.7% respectively.

This paper presents a simple tool for the assessment of maximum overtopping probabilities of dams. The tool is based on empirical relations between the overtopping probability and the basic hydrological and hydraulic characteristics of the dam-reservoir system: the unit storage capacity, VF*, and the unit spillway capacity, QCap*, both weighted with the relative importance of the 1,000-year flood. The surface issued from the tool represents the limit above which no VF*−QCap* combination is statistically expected to offer a higher probability. The tool was calibrated using the detailed overtopping models of 342,233 synthetic cases generated from 30 existing dams and then validated against a set of 21 independent cases. The tool is useful when analyzing a portfolio of dams in previous screening phases of dam risk analysis. It aims at identifying overtopping as a relevant failure mode and easily classifying each dam in terms of its overtopping probability. The tool is also a support for the definition and prioritization of corrective measures since it assesses their impact in the overtopping probability reduction.

The expense and time required for in vivo reproductive and developmental toxicity studies have driven the development of in vitro alternatives. Here, we used a new in vitro split luciferase-based assay to screen a library of 177 toxicants for inhibitors of apoptosome formation. The apoptosome contains seven Apoptotic Protease-Activating Factor-1 (Apaf-1) molecules and induces cell death by activating caspase-9. Apaf-1-dependent caspase activation also plays an important role in CNS development and spermatogenesis. In the in vitro assay, Apaf-1 fused to an N-terminal fragment of luciferase binds to Apaf-1 fused to a C-terminal fragment of luciferase and reconstitutes luciferase activity. Our assay indicated that pentachlorophenol (PCP) inhibits apoptosome formation, and further investigation revealed that PCP binds to cytochrome c. PCP is a wood preservative that reduces male fertility by ill-defined mechanisms. Although the data show that PCP inhibited apoptosome formation, the concentration required suggests that other mechanisms may be more important for PCP's effects on spermatogenesis. Nonetheless, the data demonstrate the utility of the new assay in identifying apoptosome inhibitors, and we suggest that the assay may be useful in screening for reproductive and developmental toxicants.

The sharing of research data is a hot topic at the international level, especially due to the development of e-science, based on collaborative working methods that use technology in an intensive manner. The amount of digital data and of its sharing is growing fast, and a lack of proper management could limit the potential benefits to stakeholders (researchers, governments and public funding agencies, research managers and libraries, and finally the publishing sector). The aim of this review is first to place the sharing of electronic research data in the context of its appearance and of open environments; secondly, it describes the life cycle model of data preservation; finally, it describes several initiatives dealing with methodologies and technologies. In parallel, international developments and highlights needs that exist in Spain are described.

Abstract Climate services are tools or products that aim to support climate‐informed decision making for the adaptation to climate change. The market for climate services is dominated by public institutions, despite the efforts made by the European Commission to increase private enterprise in the market. The business model perspective has been proposed as a framework for enabling market growth through the development of appropriate business models for the provision of climate services. However, there is a lack of structured knowledge on how to approach climate service design and development from a business model standpoint. In this contribution, we first analyze the role of stakeholders in the design and development of climate services and identify opportunities for engaging users in the creation process. Afterward, we explain our approach to climate service design and development using a business model perspective. To illustrate the proposed approach, we describe the co‐creation of a climate service to support the adaptation to climate change of the urban water supply system in Valencia, Spain, and discuss the main findings and lessons learned from applying this approach.

BACKGROUND: To assess clinical outcomes after implanting toric, extended-depth-of-focus intraocular lenses (IOLs) to correct low corneal astigmatism in eyes with cataracts. METHODS: 47 eyes were implanted with the AcrySof IQ Vivity Toric DFT215 IOL. Main outcome measures were refractive error, monocular uncorrected and corrected distance (UDVA/CDVA), uncorrected and distance-corrected intermediate (UIVA/DCIVA), and uncorrected near and distance-corrected near (UNVA/DCNVA) visual acuities, monocular defocus curve, rotational stability, and IOLSAT and QUVID questionnaires. Patients were assessed at 3 months postsurgery. RESULTS: All eyes had a postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) within ± 0.50 D and 97.87% (n = 46) had a refractive cylinder ≤ 0.50 D. The mean SE and refractive cylinder were - 0.10 ± 0.17 D and - 0.16 ± 0.24 D, respectively. The CDVA was ≥ 20/25 and ≥ 20/32 in 95.74% (n = 45) and 97.87% (n = 46) of eyes, respectively. The DCIVA was ≥ 20/32 in 85.11% (n = 40) of eyes and the DCNVA was ≥ 20/40 in 74.47% (n = 35). The mean values of CDVA, DCIVA, and DCNVA were - 0.02 ± 0.08, 0.14 ± 0.09, and 0.23 ± 0.12 logMAR, respectively. The defocus curve revealed good visual acuity at far and intermediate distances with a depth-of-focus of about 1.75 D. IOL rotation was 0.74 ± 1.13 degrees and all eyes had a rotation of less than 5 degrees. Patients reported either good or very good postoperative vision without eyeglasses under bright-light-conditions at distance (87.80%, 36/41) and intermediate distance (92.68%, 38/41). Between about 63.83%-72.34% (30-34) of patients reported no starburst, halos, or glare, or if experienced, were not bothersome. CONCLUSIONS: The Vivity toric IOL implanted in eyes with low-astigmatism provides accurate refractive outcomes, good visual acuity at different distances and excellent rotational stability. Trial Registration The study was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00030579).

This work describes the process of design and validation of an assessment tool focused in Teacher Collegiality in the phase of logical validation (construct validation) by the judgement of experts through mixed methodology (quantitative and qualitative). The instrument is part of the Evaluation Model for Social Cohesion (Jornet, 2012). The instrument has been designed and validated in Spain and then the adaptation process was carried out in Mexico. The results show significant differences between the valuations of experts from both contexts and highlight divergences in the organization of educational systems, which helps to define the instrument for the two contexts.

OBJECTIVES: In the field of psychotherapy, verbal creativity has been suggested as an important aspect in psychotherapists' training. In the present study, the effects of a mindfulness and compassion-based intervention (MCBI) on verbal creativity are analysed in students of clinical and health psychology (N = 90). DESIGN: Students were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 37), in which an MCBI was applied, and a waiting list group (n = 26) with no intervention. We also assessed a non-randomized active control group (n = 27), in which students received training in basic psychotherapy skills. METHODS: Verbal creativity (fluency, flexibility, and originality) was evaluated in a pre-, post-, and follow-up assessment. RESULTS: Results indicated a significant increase in fluency (p = .001, d = .64), flexibility (p = .017, d = .67), and originality (p = .004, d = .72) in the experimental group, relative to the waiting list group, in the post-assessment. Fluency (p = .010, d = .64) and flexibility (p = .033, d = .62) were also found to be higher in the follow-up assessment. In addition, results indicated a significant increase in flexibility (p = .034, d = .74) in the experimental group, relative to the active control group, in the follow-up assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Introducing MCBI in the university education of psychotherapists seems to be a useful strategy to improve their verbal creativity, which could positively influence their ability to explore and appropriately respond to their patients' needs. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Mindfulness and compassion-based interventions (MCBIs) could be a useful strategy to improve verbal creativity in the university education of psychotherapists. After the MCBI, students of clinical and health psychology increased the number of ideas they produced when facing a specific situation, as well as their variety and originality.

Abstract Developing sustainable cost‐effective strategies for valorization of field‐spent granular activated carbon (s‐GAC) from industrial water treatment has gained much interest. Here, we report a cost‐effective strategy for the regeneration of s‐GAC as an adsorbent in a large‐scale drinking water treatment plant and used as an efficient and durable ozonation catalyst in water. To achieve this, a series of samples is prepared by subjecting s‐GAC to thermally controlled combustion treatments with and without pyrolysis. The catalytic performance of the optimized sample is evaluated for oxalic acid degradation as the model pollutant under batch (>15 h) and continuous flow operations (>200 h). The partially deactivated catalyst upon reuse is restored by thermal treatment. Electron paramagnetic resonance and selective quenching experiments show the formation of singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ) during catalytic ozonation. The GAC‐ozonation catalyst is efficient to minimize the formation of chlorinated disinfection by‐products like trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids in an urban wastewater effluent.

In the field of psychotherapy, scientific research has highlighted the importance of empathy and therapeutic alliance in regard to the effectiveness and better results of psychological treatments. In recent years, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have shown to be effective at increasing empathy and therapeutic alliance and how this could affect the patients' symptomatology. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of the effectiveness of MBIs applied to psychotherapists to improve their empathy, the therapeutic alliance and the patients' symptomatology. Sixteen studies evaluating the impact of an MBI on some of these variables were identified, of which six included measures evaluated by the patients whose psychotherapists received the MBI. The risk of bias of the included studies was analysed following the methodological standards. We found very different designs and methodologies in the studies included in this review, with few of them including a control group. The results show a limited increase in empathy, measured by the psychotherapist, after an MBI. However, the results in therapeutic alliance are not conclusive, as well as the improvements in the perception of patients about their symptomatology. It is concluded that MBIs can have a beneficial effect on the psychotherapeutic practice, through the development of psychotherapists' empathy. Future research would require new studies with a higher methodological quality, and in which the effects of MBIs on empathy, therapeutic alliance and patients' symptomatology and the relationships between them are analyzed.

Controlling drinking water treatment processes is essential to address water contamination and the adaptability of certain pathogenic protozoa. Sometimes, standard treatment methods and chlorine disinfection may prove insufficient in eliminating pathogenic protozoa. However, ultraviolet (UV) radiation has proved to be more effective than chlorine. This study aims to characterize the eukaryotic community of a drinking water treatment plant that applies a final UV disinfection treatment, focusing on pathogenic protozoa. Fifty water samples (raw water, before and after UV treatment) were evaluated to comply with regulation parameters and identify relevant protozoa. Despite physicochemical and microbiological parameters meeting the regulation, some potentially pathogenic protozoa, such as Blastocystis or Cryptosporidium, were still detected in very low relative abundances in treated water. It was found for the first time in Spain the pathogenic amoebae Naegleria fowleri in one river water, which was not found after the treatment. Moreover, Blastocystis subtypes ST1-ST6 were detected in this study in raw, before and after UV water samples. Blastocystis was only found in 2 two samples after UV treatment, with a very low abundance (≤0.02%). Obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness of water treatment in reducing the prevalence of pathogenic protozoa.

This paper presents a comprehensive framework for optimizing the orientation and spatial configuration of horizontally mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels to maximize annual energy yield. The proposed simplified deterministic mathematical model decouples factors influencing PV performance, enabling detailed analyses of geometric and utilization efficiencies. The framework applies to both fixed and solar-tracking systems, offering practical tools for determining optimal panel orientation based on latitude. Optimal dimensionless row spacing is also identified, although usually a balancing between energy production and practical concerns such as maintenance is required. The study highlights variability in existing radiation models and their coefficients, emphasizing the need for robust, location-independent optimization methods. It evaluates the effects of modeling assumptions, such as neglecting solar cell spacing in shading analyses, and identifies conditions under which these approximations remain valid. The sensitivity analysis carried out quantifies the impact of deviations from optimal configurations, illustrating the trade-offs between precise alignment and practical constraints. Validation against empirical data and literature shows consistent trends across diverse latitudes, demonstrating that the proposed mathematical model allows for the estimation of optimal angles in a universal manner, regardless of the specific characteristics of the studied location, beyond its latitude. By introducing a global efficiency metric, the framework integrates atmospheric, geometric, and system-level factors, providing a holistic approach to PV system design. These tools support early-stage planning for both standalone and industrial-scale solar installations, enhancing energy generation efficiency. Ultimately, this study offers a versatile and widely applicable methodology for optimizing PV system performance, contributing to more effective solar energy deployment worldwide. • Comprehensive review of radiation models and PV solar energy production modeling. • Developed simplified model integrates key factors in PV energy generation analysis. • Derivation of optimal orientation of fixed PV panels determined based on latitude. • Analysis of row spacing impact on PV output through shading effect modeling. • Sensitivity analysis of efficiencies relative to optimal parameter values.

Across the world, human (anthropophonic) sounds add to sounds of biological (biophonic) and geophysical (geophonic) origin, with human contributions including both speech and technophony (sounds of technological devices). To characterize society's contribution to the global soundscapes, we used passive acoustic recorders at 139 sites across 6 continents, sampling both urban green spaces and nearby pristine sites continuously for 3 years in a paired design. Recordings were characterized by bird species richness and by 14 complementary acoustic indices. By relating each index to seasonal, diurnal, climatic and anthropogenic factors, we show here that latitude, time of day and day of year each predict a substantial proportion of variation in key metrics of biophony-whereas anthropophony (speech and traffic) show less predictable patterns. Compared to pristine sites, the soundscape of urban green spaces is more dominated by technophony and less diverse in terms of acoustic energy across frequencies and time steps, with less instances of quiet. We conclude that the global soundscape is formed from a highly predictable rhythm in biophony, with added noise from geophony and anthropophony. At urban sites, animals experience an increasingly noisy background of sound, which poses challenges to efficient communication.

Horses have inhabited Iberia (present-day Spain and Portugal) since the Middle Pleistocene, shaping a complex history in the region. Iberia has been proposed as a potential domestication centre and is renowned for producing world-class bloodlines. Here, we generate genome-wide sequence data from 87 ancient horse specimens (median coverage = 0.97X) from Iberia and the broader Mediterranean to reconstruct their genetic history over the last ~26,000 years. Here, we report that wild horses of the divergent IBE lineage inhabited Iberia from the Late Pleistocene, while domesticated DOM2 horses, native from the Pontic-Caspian steppes, already arrived ~1850 BCE. Admixture dating suggests breeding practices involving continued wild restocking until at least ~350 BCE, with IBE disappearing shortly after. Patterns of genetic affinity highlight the far-reaching influence of Iberian bloodlines across Europe and north Africa during the Iron Age and Antiquity, with continued impact extending thereafter, particularly during the colonization of the Americas. Horses have lived in Iberia since the Ice Age. Using ancient genomes to study their history, Lira Garrido et al. reveal a local wild lineage lasting until Late Iron Age, and highlight the far-reaching influence of Iberian bloodlines across Europe and north Africa during the Iron Age and beyond.

Las partes interesadas en las pymes colombianas necesitan saber cómo ha sido su gestión financiera en los últimos años para la toma de decisiones futuras. El propósito de esta investigación es evaluar el desempeño financiero de la pequeña y mediana panadería en Colombia en el periodo 2017-2021, utilizando como metodología el análisis estático y de tendencias de los indicadores contables y de gestión del valor que miden su crecimiento, eficiencia, eficacia y efectividad. Se encuentra que la pyme fluctúa en ventas, y logra un rendimiento contable promedio. El rendimiento del activo de la pequeña empresa es superior por ser más eficiente en el uso de los activos; mientras el rendimiento patrimonio de la mediana panadería es más alto debido a su mayor eficacia en control de costos y gastos. Además, la pyme creó valor económico agregado (EVA), que por unidad monetaria invertida es superior en la pequeña panadería. Al comparar con la industria panificadora del país, se encuentra que a pesar de que está última aumenta sus ventas, obtiene rentabilidad contable y crea EVA, solo supera a la pyme en la rentabilidad de patrimonio, dada su mayor eficacia en control de todas las erogaciones; lo que muestra donde está la esencia de la competitividad financiera de la pequeña y mediana panadería.

Background: Managing physical activity alongside glucose levels is challenging for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). This study aimed to evaluate the usability of the Diactive-1 app, which was designed to support muscle-strengthening training in children and adolescents with T1DM in accordance with guidelines from the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Methods: Twenty-seven patients aged 8-18 years with T1DM were randomly selected. Recruitment was conducted through the Pediatric Endocrinology Unit of the University Hospital of Navarra (Spain). All participants were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial and used the Diactive-1 app during the intervention. The study lasted 24 weeks, during which the app provided personalized muscle-strengthening exercise sessions, glucose monitoring, and motivational features such as gamification. Usability of the app was assessed using the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS). Results: The Diactive-1 app demonstrated high usability, with an overall quality mean score of 4.33 [standard deviation (SD) =0.36] out of 5.00. uMARS objective domains ratings were: functionality [4.52 (SD =0.40)], aesthetics [4.43 (SD =0.45)], engagement [4.07 (SD =0.51)], information quality [4.29 (SD =0.75)], and subjective quality score was 3.94 (SD =0.61). Usability scores showed no meaningful variation across patient demographics, including sex, age, glycated hemoglobin, engagement in muscle-strengthening activities, and fear of hypoglycemia, suggesting consistent app performance among different user groups. Conclusions: The Diactive-1 app is a promising tool for integrating muscle-strengthening training and educating patients about safe physical exercise into the management of T1DM in children and adolescents. Its high usability and positive user feedback underscore its potential as an effective supportive strategy for managing the disease in this population. Further refinement of personalization features may enhance its effectiveness.