Raman imaging spectroscopic solutions for microplastics advanced analysis: Insights from Choqueyapu river basin (La Paz, Bolivia)

Microplastics (MPs) are causing global concern due to their role as vectors of environmental contaminants. Evaluating their impact on environmental compartments, particularly in sediment and freshwaters, remains challenging due to difficulties in gathering chemical and morphological data. In fact, the analytical process can vary depending on the matrix considered, the non-homogeneous characteristics of MPs, and the targeted size range. Sample treatment is crucial for sediments and waters, requiring a balance between matrix removal and preservation of the MPs. Consequently, MPs often remain embedded in significant amounts of the original matrices, compromising their characterisation. In this regard, Raman spectroscopy shows promise for their comprehensive molecular analysis. However, overcoming the drawbacks associated with fluorescence from organic matter, feldspar, or clays requires considerable effort. Effective signal acquisition necessitates fine-tuning parameters, including background reduction and signal-to-noise ratio amplification. Moreover, data handling involved in chemical scanning large surfaces at high resolution is a challenging task. To overcome these drawbacks, chemometrics have demonstrated high efficacy in processing and extracting targeted information. The application of chemometrics could be relevant in environmental studies due to the large number of samples, the complexity of signal acquisition, and the dataset volumes managed. As such, this study proposes spectroscopic analytical solutions, augmented by chemical imaging and algorithmic processing, for advanced MPs analysis. A spectroscopic working approach was devised and tested through a real case study conducted in the Choqueyapu River basin (La Paz, Bolivia). This methodology allowed the morphological, molecular and quantitative identification of over 44 particles/L and 91 MPs particles/kg, in water and sediment, respectively, consisting of PE, PET, PP, PS and PMMA. MP abundance varied significantly across studied areas, spanning 2 to 4 orders of magnitude. PET fibres predominated in freshwaters, while Lipari Sector sediments were hotspots for PE and PS fragments.This work has been financially supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MCIN) project PLASTEMER (PID2020-118685RB-I00), by the Basque Government project “Consolidated Research Group 2022-2025 (IT1446-22) and by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). T. Maupas gratefully acknowledges his predoctoral grant contract from the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). U. Uribe-Martinez also thanks the Consolidate Group (IT1446-22) project from the Basque Government for her predoctoral contract. D. Salazar thanks the Erasmus mundus program for the European MSc in Environmental Science: Chemicals in the Environment (ECT+) Program (SGA 2019-1485)

Naphthalene-1,8-dicarboxylate based zinc coordination polymers: a photophysical study

Herein, we report the synthesis and photoluminescence properties of a new 1,3-dioxo-2-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-6,7-dicarboxylic (H3L) ligand and three coordination polymers (CPs). Compound [Zn(ntca)DMF]n·DMF (1) (ntca2− = 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylate 1,8-monoanhydride, DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide) formed 1D coordination polymer chains packed by hydrogen bonding interactions. On its part, compounds namely [(CH3)2NH2](Zn2(μ-OH)(L)(5-NH2-tetrazolate)n·2H2O (2) and [(CH3)2NH2](ZnL)n (3) (where H3L stands for 1,3-dioxo-2-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-6,7-dicarboxylic acid) crystallize as 2D-layered and 3D anionic frameworks containing dimethylammonium cations occupying the voids. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements have been performed in the solid state on all CPs and ligands to characterize their emission properties, including variable-temperature spectra, lifetime and efficiency. Moreover, the photophysical properties have been studied from the theoretical viewpoint by means of time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) in order to elucidate the mechanisms and electronic transitions governing the process. Compounds 1 and 3 present an intense blue luminescence which was originated in the electronic transitions of the ntca2− and the L3− ligands. Compound 2 displays a lower quantum yield which could be tentatively attributed to the weak π–π interactions of the aromatic clouds of L3− or the molecular vibrations and/or possible rotational motions of the 5-amino-tetrazolate co-ligand.This work was supported by the Gobierno Vasco/Eusko Jaurlaritza (IT1755-22, IT1500-22) and Junta de Andalucía (FQM-394 and P21_00386). The authors thank the technical and human support provided by SGIker of UPV/EHU and European funding (ERDF and ESF)). Junta de Andalucía (PAIDI-FQM-337) is thanked for supporting the research described in this article and the Centro de Servicios de Informática y Redes de Comunicaciones (CSIRC, Universidad de Granada) for providing the computer time that made this work possible. The authors also thank to Universidad de Jaén, FEDER_UJA_2020 (project 2021/00627/001) for supporting the research described in this article. M. M. Q.-M. and S. R. thank Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación for a Ramón y Cajal contracts (the publication is part of the grants RYC2021-034288-I and RYC2021-032522-I respectively, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by the European Union “Next Generation-EU/PRTR”)

Graphene-Based Sulfur Cathodes and Dual Salt-Based Sparingly Solvating Electrolytes: A Perfect Marriage for High Performing, Safe, and Long Cycle Life Lithium-Sulfur Prototype Batteries

The growing requirements for electrified applications entail exploring alternative battery systems. Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) have emerged as a promising, cost-effective, and sustainable solution; however, their practical commercialization is impeded by several intrinsic challenges. With the aim of surpassing these challenges, the implementation of a holistic LSB concept is proposed. To this end, the effectiveness of coupling a high-performing 2D graphene-based sulfur cathode with a well-suited sparingly solvating electrolyte (SSE) is reported. The incorporation of bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) salt to tune sulfolane and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropylether based SSE enables the formation of a robust and compact lithium fluoride-rich solid electrolyte interphase. Consequently, the lithium compatibility is improved, achieving a high Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 98.8% in the Li||Cu cells and enabling thin and dense lithium depositions. When combined with a high-performing 2D graphene-based sulfur cathode, a symbiotic effect is shown, leading to high discharge capacities, remarkable rate capability (2.5 mAh cm−2 at C/2), enhanced cell stability, and wide temperature applicability. Furthermore, the scalability of this strategy is successfully demonstrated by assembling high-performing monolayer prototype cells with a total capacity of 93 mAh, notable capacity retention of 70% after 100 cycles, and a high average CE of 99%.J.C. is a beneficiary of the Predoctoral Program from the Education Department of the Basque Government. The authors want to acknowledge GRAPHENEA for supplying graphene oxide. Chunmei Li is acknowledged for fruitful discussion. Hegoi Manzano at the University of the Basque Country is thanked for providing technical advice and access to facilities throughout computational work. This work was funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program Graphene Flagship Core Project 3 (GrapheneCore3) under grant agreement 881603

A data-driven approach to analyse the co-evolution of urban systems through a resilience lens: A Helsinki case study

Urban areas are dynamic systems, in which different infrastructural, social and economic subsystems continuously co-evolve. As such, disruptions in one system can propagate to another. However, open challenges remain in (i) assessing the long-term implications of change for resilience and (ii) understanding how resilience propagates throughout urban systems over time. Despite the increasing reliance on data in smart cities, few studies empirically investigate long-term urban coevolution using data-driven methods, leading to a gap in urban resilience assessments. This paper presents an approach that combines Getis-ord Gi* statistical and correlation analyses to investigate how cities recover from crises and adapt by analysing how the spatial patterns of urban characteristics and their relationships changed over time. We illustrate our approach through a study on Helsinki’s road infrastructure, socioeconomic system and built-up area from 1991 to 2016, a period marked by a major socioeconomic crisis. By analysing this case study, we provide insights into the co-evolution over more than two decades, thereby addressing the lack of longitudinal studies on urban resilience.The authors would like to extend their gratitude to the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) for providing the open-access publishing option for this paper. They also express their appreciation to Francien Baijanova for her assistance in constructing the spatio-temporal dataset used in this research. Authors would like to thank the TPM Resilience Lab at TU Delft for the support provided in the development of this research

An attachment-based pilot program to promote adolescent adjustment to parental divorce

The study aimed to assess the impact of an attachment-based intervention on adolescent adaptation to parental divorce. The Adolescent Adjustment Pilot Program to Parental Divorce (AAPPD) employed an experimental group format, targeting improvements in various adaptation indicators (life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect). The sample comprised 30 Chilean adolescents aged 12 to 16 (M = 13.6, SD = 1.35), with 60% females and 40% males. After the intervention, the adolescents showed a decrease in negative affect at 6 and 12 months. However, no differences were identified in other dimensions of subjective well-being considered as indicators of divorce adaptation. The findings prompt discussion on theoretical and clinical implications

Anti-Candida Antibodies of Patients with Invasive Candidiasis Inhibit Growth, Alter Cell Wall Structure, and Kill Candida albicans In Vitro

Invasive candidiasis (IC), caused by Candida yeasts, particularly Candida albicans, poses a significant threat with high mortality rates. Diagnosis is challenging due to Candida's common presence in human microbiota. To address this, our research group developed an immunofluorescence assay detecting Candida albicans Germ Tube Antibodies (CAGTA) in IC patients. CAGTA, indicative of invasive processes, is associated with a lower mortality rate in ICU patients. Based on this premise, this study aims to provide results regarding the lack of knowledge about the potential activity of CAGTA against invasive infections in humans caused by the fungus Candida albicans. Therefore, in order to characterize the activity of CAGTA produced by patients with IC, we used sera from 29 patients with IC caused by either C. albicans or non-albicans Candida species. Whole serum IgG antibodies were fractionated into anti-blastospores, CAGTA-enriched, and purified CAGTA and the assessments included XTT colorimetric assays for metabolic activity, CFU counts for viability, and microscopy for growth, viability, and morphological analysis. The CAGTA-enriched IgG fraction significantly reduced the metabolic activity and viability of C. albicans compared to anti-blastospores. Purified CAGTA altered germ tube cell wall surfaces, as revealed by electron microscopy, and exhibited fungicidal properties by DiBAC fluorescent staining. In conclusion, antibodies in response to invasive candidiasis have antifungal activity against Candida albicans, influencing metabolic activity, viability, and cell wall structure, leading to cell death. These findings suggest the potential utility of CAGTA as diagnostic markers and support the possibility of developing immunization protocols against Candida infections.Funding for this work was provided by the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU (GIU21/017) project. G. C. was supported by a Department of Education, Universities and Research of the Basque Country fellowship (PRE_2013_562). M. B. was supported by a University of Basque Country fellowship (PIF19/316)

TIC y cocreación de valor en B2B: la nueva forma de fidelización en el servicio

[EN] In today’s competitive environment, it is emphasised that business digitalisation is one of the most important strategies to deal with new market challenges. This article argues that technology is a driving force behind business relationships, showing the origins of new ways to achieve loyalty. Through a model which has been tested in a sample of 256 travel agencies, technology can facilitate coordination in the management of relationships between tourism companies, promoting value co-creation between suppliers and customers. Co-creation in turn maximises trust and commitment between organisations and lays the foundations for achievement of dual social and economic satisfaction, for client companies, which ultimately enhances their loyalty. This research contributes to the literature in the interorganizational context, showing quantitative evidence on how technology triggers a sequence of effects that, through value co-creation, trust, and commitment in the channel, between agents in the tourism field, trace a new route of relationships that leads to the achievement of dual satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, the interrelationships between the two satisfactions are analysed, concluding the mediating effect of economic satisfaction between social satisfaction and loyalty.[ES] En el entorno competitivo actual, se insiste en que la digitalización empresarial es una de las estrategias más im-portantes para hacer frente a los nuevos retos del mercado. En este artículo se argumenta que la tecnología es una fuerza impulsora de las relaciones comerciales, que muestra el origen de nuevos caminos hacia la consecución de la lealtad. A través de un modelo que ha sido probado en una muestra de 256 agencias de viajes, la tecnología puede facilitar la coordinación en la gestión de las relaciones entre las empresas turísticas, promoviendo la co-creación de valor entre proveedores y clientes. A su vez, la co-creación maximiza la confianza y el compromiso entre las organizaciones y sienta las bases para la consecución de una doble satisfacción social y económica, para las empresas clientes, lo que en última instancia aumenta su lealtad. Esta investigación contribuye a la literatura en el contexto interorganizacional, mostrando evidencias cuantitativas sobre cómo la tecnología desencadena una secuencia de efectos que, a través de la co-creación de valor, la confianza y el compromiso en el canal, entre agentes del ámbito turístico, traza una nueva ruta de relaciones que conduce a la consecución de la doble satisfacción y lealtad. Además, se analizan las interrelaciones entre ambas satisfacciones, concluyendo el efecto mediador de la satisfacción económica entre la satisfacción social y la lealtad.This research has been developed within the framework of the project grant PID2020-112660RB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the grant for consolidated re-search group AICO/2021/144 funded by the Conselleria d’Inno-vació, Universitats, Ciència i Societat Digital of the Generalitat Valenciana

The Open Data Potential for the Geospatial Characterisation of Building Stock on an Urban Scale: Methodology and Implementation in a Case Study

Energy renovation in buildings is one of the major challenges for the decarbonisation of the building stock. To effectively prioritise decision making regarding the adoption of the most efficient solutions and strategies, it is imperative to develop agile methods to determine the energy performance of buildings on an urban scale, in order to evaluate the impact of these improvements. In this regard, the data collection for feeding building energy models plays a key role in the accuracy and reliability of this issue, and the significant increase in recent years of available data from open data sources offers great potential in this respect. Thus, this study focuses on proposing a systematised and automated method for obtaining information from open data sources so as to obtain the most relevant geometric and thermal characteristics of residential buildings on an urban scale. The criteria for selecting the parameters to be obtained are based on their potential use as input data in different energy demand models aimed at assessing the energy performance of the building stock in a given area and, eventually, to evaluate the potential for improvement and the mitigation of different strategies. Geometric characterisation relies on obtaining and processing open data from cadastres to extract envelope surfaces categorised by orientation through QGIS (Free and Open Source Geographic Information System). For thermal characterisation, an automated process assigns different parameter-based information obtained from cadastral data, such as the year of construction. Finally, the applicability of the method is demonstrated through its implementation in the case study of Bilbao (Spain). The obtained results show that, although additional data should be collected when a detailed analysis of a building or building cluster has to be carried out, the existing open data can provide a first approximation, providing a first global view of the building stock in a region. It demonstrates the usability of the proposed method as an effective way to obtain and process these relevant data.The work presented in this paper was carried out within the EnePoMAP Project that was funded by “La Caixa” Foundation under the project code LCF/PR/SR20/52550013. The recruitment of the Author Cristina Villanueva-Díaz was funded by the European Union-Next Generation EU. The author Milagros Álvarez-Sanz is benefiting from the financial support of the University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), through the Vice-Rectorate of Research’s Personnel Research Training Program (2020). The publication fees of the paper were funded by the organisation of the 14th edition of the International Conference on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Architecture and Urbanism (EESAP 14), through a prize awarded to the material of this publication in recognition of the best communication submitted to the congress

Usefulness of Opuntia spp. on the Management of Obesity and Its Metabolic Co-Morbidities

The plants of the Opuntia genus mainly grow in arid and semi-arid climates. Although the highest variety of wild species is found in Mexico, Opuntia spp. is widely distributed throughout the world. Extracts of these cacti have been described as important sources of bioactive substances that can have beneficial properties for the prevention and treatment of certain metabolic disorders. The objective of this review is to summarise the presently available knowledge regarding Opuntia ficus-indica (nopal or prickly pear), and some other species (O. streptacantha and O. robusta) on obesity and several metabolic complications. Current data show that Opuntia ficus-indica products used in preclinical studies have a significant capacity to prevent, at least partially, obesity and certain derived co-morbidities. On this subject, the potential beneficial effects of Opuntia are related to a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation markers. Nevertheless, clinical studies have evidenced that the effects are highly contingent upon the experimental design. Moreover, the bioactive compound composition of nopal extracts has not been reported. As a result, there is a lack of information to elucidate the mechanisms of action responsible for the observed effects. Accordingly, further studies are needed to demonstrate whether Opuntia products can represent an effective tool to prevent and/or manage body weight and some metabolic disorders.This research was funded by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (PID2020-118300RB-C22) from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and “ERDF A way of making Europe”, Government of the Basque Country (IT1482-22) and CIBEROBN (CB12/03/30007)

La construcción de la verdad en la justicia penal restaurativa intrajudicial: equidad y justicia eistémicas en la decisión jurídica

394 p.En atención a la relevancia de la interacción comunicativa en el modelo de justicia restaurativa, la presente tesis se ha centrado en conocer y comprender el proceso de construcción de la verdad en las prácticas de justicia penal restaurativa intrajudicial, tomando en consideración las situaciones de desigualdad e injusticias epistémicas susceptibles de aparecer en dicho proceso, y determinar las condiciones que debe cumplir este dispositivo para obtener una decisión jurídica epistémicamente equitativa y justa.El estudio realizado permite concluir que el proceso de construcción de la verdad en la justicia restaurativa es de carácter intersubjetivo, alineándose con las teorías intersubjetivas de la verdad. En este proceso lo fundamental es el intercambio comunicativo entre las partes interesadas, en el que el acuerdo no es lo esencial para conseguir el fin del proceso restaurativo, a saber, la reparación. Y un proceso de construcción de la verdad de carácter intersubjetivo se centra en las condiciones de validez de la interacción entre las personas. Así, en el proceso de justicia restaurativa, para que dicha interacción comunicativa sea eficaz debe cumplir las necesarias condiciones de equidad y justicia epistémicas. De esta manera la decisión jurídica podrá ser considerada más justa y equitativa