Optimización estructural mediante diseño generativo. aplicación a centros de procesamiento de datos.

Máster en Ingeniería de Caminos, Canales y Puertos (Plan 2020

Cerebral microbleeds and amyloid pathology estimates from the amyloid biomarker study

Importance: Baseline cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and APOE E4 allele copy number are important risk factors for amyloid-related imaging abnormalities in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) receiving therapies to lower amyloid-B plaque levels. Objective: To provide prevalence estimates of any, no more than 4, or fewer than 2 CMBs in association with amyloid status, APOE E4 copy number, and age. Design, setting, and participants: This cross-sectional study used data included in the Amyloid Biomarker Study data pooling initiative (January 1, 2012, to the present [data collection is ongoing]). Data from 15 research and memory clinic studies were pooled and harmonized. Participants included individuals for whom data on age, cognitive status, amyloid status, and presence of CMBs were available. Data were analyzed from October 22, 2023, to April 26, 2024. Main outcomes and measures: The main outcomes were age, cognitive status, amyloid status and presence, location, and number of CMBs. Presence of amyloid pathology was determined based on 42 amino acid-long form of amyloid-B peptide (AB42) levels in cerebrospinal fluid or on amyloid-positron emission tomography. Presence and, in a subset, location (lobar vs deep) and number of CMBs were determined on magnetic resonance imaging (locally with visual rating). Results: Among 4080 participants included in the analysis, the mean (SD) age was 66.5 (8.9) years, and 2241 (54.9%) were female. A total of 2973 participants had no cognitive impairment (cognitive unimpairment [CU]), and 1107 had mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or AD dementia (ADD). One thousand five hundred and thirteen participants (37.1%) had amyloid pathology, 1368 of 3599 (38.0%) with data available were APOE E4 carriers, and 648 (15.9%) had CMBs. In the CU group, amyloid pathology and APOE E4 copy number were not associated with presence of any, no more than 4, or fewer than 2 CMBs but were associated with increased odds of lobar CMBs (odds ratio [OR] for amyloid, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.20-1.69], P < .001; OR for 2 vs 0 alleles, 1.81 [95% CI, 1.19-2.74], P = .006; OR for 1 vs 0 alleles, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.83-1.46], P = .49; and OR for 2 vs 1 allele, 1.64 [95% CI, 0.90-2.97], P = .11; overall P = .02). In the MCI-ADD group, amyloid pathology was associated with presence of any CMBs (OR, 1.51 [95% CI, 1.17-1.96], P = .002), no more than 4 CMBs (OR, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.18-1.82], P = .002), and fewer than 2 CMBs (OR 1.34 [95% CI, 1.03-1.74], P = .03) but not lobar CMBs. APOE E4 copy number was associated with presence of any (OR for 2 vs 0 alleles, 1.72 [95% CI, 0.88-3.35], P = .11; OR for 1 vs 0 alleles, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.59-1.04], P = .09; and OR for 2 vs 1 allele, 2.20 [95% CI, 1.32-3.67], P = .002; overall P < .001) and no more than 4 CMBs (OR for 2 vs 0 alleles, 1.31 [95% CI, 0.64-2.68], P = .45; OR for 1 vs 0 alleles, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.54-1.04], P = .08; and OR for 2 vs 1 allele, 1.76 [95% CI, 0.97-3.19], P = .06; overall P = .03) but not with fewer than 2 or lobar CMBs. Prevalence estimates of CMBs ranged from 6% at 50 years of age in a non-APOE E4 allele carrier with no amyloid pathology and no cognitive impairment to 52% at 90 years of age in an APOE E4 homozygote carrier with amyloid pathology and cognitive impairment. Conclusions and relevance: In this cross-sectional study of 4080 participants, prevalence estimates of CMBs were associated with amyloid status, APOE E4 copy number, and age. CMB prevalence estimates may help inform safety evaluations for antiamyloid clinical trials.Funded by the European Union–Next Generation E

Effect of mechanical activation on the structural, morphological and textural properties of synthetic high-charge micas

Dry grinding is an effective method for mechanically activating clay minerals to enhance their efficiency in various material applications. This is achieved by increasing the number of exposed active sites and the overall surface area through particle size reduction. Nevertheless, this method frequently results in a reduction of crystallinity or alterations in the structure of the clay material. In this context, trioctahedral clays with a high aluminum content exhibit greater structural resistance to degradation. Thus, this work aimed to employ dry grinding as an effective top-down nano-sintering method to obtain nano-clays from the high-charge mica family. High-charge micas are a group of trioctahedral synthetic micas with aluminum in the tetrahedral layer, widely studied because of their interesting adsorption properties. The novelty of this work laid in demonstrating that dry grinding can effectively reduce the particle size of high-charge micas to the nanoscale while preserving their structural integrity, representing a significant advancement in the controlled mechanical activation of trioctahedral clays without inducing amorphization. To reduce the risk of amorphization, gentle milling conditions were applied using a planetary ball mill. After 15 min of grinding at 500 rpm, a substantial reduction in particle size from microns to the nanoscale was obtained, while preserving the long and short-range order of the material. Moreover, despite prolonged grinding, an increase in external surface area was still evident, while the characteristic structural properties of micas remained intact. Montmorillonite, a natural clay mineral, was used as a reference for comparing the structural and textural properties under equivalent grinding conditions.This project has received funds from MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Union-NextGenerationEU/PRTR TED2021-131305B-I00. López-Marín A. thanks to Cantabria Government's and University of Cantabria's fellowship “Concepción Arenal” for predoctoral formation

Diez razones para un plan de adaptación

El Plan de Adaptación al Cambio Climático de Santander se desarrolla en el marco del proyecto Santander Capital Natural. Santander Capital Natural es un proyecto liderado por el Ayuntamiento de Santander que tiene como objetivo principal el refuerzo del papel de la red de zonas verdes urbanas en la conservación de la biodiversidad a escala local, potenciando los servicios ambientales que ayudan a mejorar la calidad de vida de la ciudadanía de Santander. Contando para ello con la planificación estratégica, la participación ciudadana y la implicación de la sociedad de Santander. Este proyecto se prolonga hasta diciembre de 2025 y cuenta entre sus socios con el Ayuntamiento de Santander, SEO/BirdLife, la Asociación Amica, la Fundación para la Investifación del Clima y la Universidad de Cantabria. Santander Capital Natural cuenta con el apoyo de la Fundación Biodiversidad del Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico (MITECO) en el marco del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resliencia (PRTR), financiado por la Unión Europea - NextGenerationEU

Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation in patients with chronic achilles tendinopathy

Introducción: La tendinopatía aquílea (TA) es una lesión frecuente del aparato locomotor, especialmente en personas activas, aunque también afecta a población sedentaria. Se trata de un proceso degenerativo del tendón de Aquiles, con alteraciones en su estructura y función. Su origen es multifactorial y a menudo infradiagnosticado. El tratamiento conservador más respaldado por la evidencia es el ejercicio excéntrico, aunque no siempre resulta eficaz. En este contexto, surge la estimulación transcraneal por corriente directa (tDCS), una técnica no invasiva de neuromodulación que ha mostrado beneficios en diversas patologías al modular la excitabilidad cortical. Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la eficacia de la tDCS combinada con un programa de ejercicio terapéutico en pacientes con TA crónica. Material y métodos La variable independiente principal es la exposición al tratamiento, mientras que las dependientes incluyen el dolor (NPRS y UDP), la funcionalidad (VISA-A), la calidad de vida (SF-36) y el rendimiento en el salto vertical (CMJ). También se considerarán la edad y el género. Se trata de un ensayo clínico aleatorizado, controlado, prospectivo, doble ciego y con dos grupos paralelos. Los pacientes serán asignados al grupo control (estimulación placebo y ejercicio) o al grupo intervención (tDCS activa y ejercicio). Los datos se analizarán con SPSS, utilizando pruebas paramétricas o no paramétricas, y análisis de covarianza. Discusión y conclusión: Dado el impacto de la TA y la limitada eficacia de algunos tratamientos, este protocolo ofrece una alternativa innovadora. Si es eficaz, la tDCS podría incorporarse a la fisioterapia habitual para el dolor musculoesquelético crónico.Introduction: Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a common locomotor system injury, especially in active people, although it also affects sedentary people. It is a degenerative process of the Achilles tendon, with alterations in its structure and function. Its origin is multifactorial and often underdiagnosed. The most evidence-based conservative treatment is eccentric exercise, although it is not always effective. In this context, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that has shown benefits in several pathologies by modulating cortical excitability, has emerged. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of tDCS combined with a therapeutic exercise programme in patients with chronic AT. Matherials and methods: The main independent variable is exposure to treatment, while the dependent variables include pain (NPRS and UDP), functionality (VISA-A), quality of life (SF-36) and vertical jump performance (CMJ). Age and gender will also be considered. This is a randomised, controlled, prospective, double-blind, prospective, double-blind clinical trial with two parallel groups. Patients will be assigned to the control group (placebo stimulation and exercise) or the intervention group (active tDCS and exercise). Data will be analysed with SPSS, using parametric or non-parametric tests, and analysis of covariance. Discussion and conclusion: Given the impact of AT and the limited effectiveness of some treatments, this protocol offers an innovative alternative. If effective, tDCS could be incorporated into routine physiotherapy for chronic musculoskeletal pain.Grado en Fisioterapi

The vulnerable person as an indeterminate legal concept

El presente Trabajo de Fin de Máster tiene por objeto el análisis del concepto de persona vulnerable, el cual se presenta en el ámbito jurídico como una categoría indeterminada y de difícil concreción. A lo largo del trabajo se expone cómo numerosos autores han mostrado dificultades para establecer una definición clara y uniforme de este concepto, lo que ha motivado la necesidad de un estudio propio que contribuya a su delimitación. Con este fin, se propone una definición orientativa de persona vulnerable, complementada con la creación de una clasificación basada en grados de vulnerabilidad. Dicha clasificación distingue entre vulnerabilidad permanente, vulnerabilidad provisional, y vulnerabilidad por minorías permitiendo una comprensión más matizada de las diversas situaciones que afectan a las personas en contextos de riesgo o exclusión. Asimismo, el trabajo incluye un estudio detallado de los principales grupos vulnerables, ubicándolos dentro de estos grados según sus características específicas. Finalmente, se analizan diversos casos jurisprudenciales en los que los tribunales han abordado situaciones de vulnerabilidad, contribuyendo así a una interpretación práctica y evolutiva del concepto en el marco legalThe purpose of this proyect is to analyze the concept of vulnerable person, which is presented in the legal field as an indeterminate category that is difficult to define. Throughout the work it is shown how numerous authors have shown difficulties in establishing a clear and uniform definition of this concept, which has motivated the need for a study that contributes to its delimitation. To this end, an indicative definition of a vulnerable person is proposed, complemented by the creation of a classification based on degrees of vulnerability. This classification distinguishes between permanent vulnerability, temporary vulnerability and vulnerability due to minorities, allowing a more nuanced understanding of the different situations affecting people in contexts of risk or exclusion. Likewise, the work includes a detailed study of the main vulnerable groups, placing them within these degrees according to their specific characteristics. Finally, it analyzes various jurisprudential cases in which the courts have addressed situations of vulnerability, thus contributing to a practical and evolving interpretation of the concept in the legal frameworkMáster en Derechos Humanos y Mecanismos de Protección Nacional e Internaciona

Strain dependence of the Bloch domain component in 180° domains in bulk PbTiO3 from first-principles

We investigate the emergence of Bloch-type polarization components in 180º ferroelectric domain walls in bulk PbTiO3 under varying mechanical boundary conditions, using first-principles simulations based on density functional theory. A spontaneous Bloch component--primarily associated with Pb displacements confined within the PbO domain wall plane--can condense under realistic strain conditions on top of the Ising-type domain walls. The amplitude and energetic stabilization of this component are highly sensitive to the in-plane lattice parameters. In particular, tensile strains akin to those imposed by DyScO3 substrates enhance the Bloch component and lead to energy reductions as large as 10.7 mJ/m2 (10.6 meV/ where stands for "per domain wall unit cell") with respect to the most stable structure including only Ising and Néel components. We identify a relatively flat energy landscape for the Bloch polarization, highlighting the tunability of chiral textures through strain engineering. Our results offer a predictive framework for estimating the strain-dependent onset temperature of Bloch-type domain wall components and provide insight into the design of topologically nontrivial and chiral polar structures in ferroelectrics.S.C. acknowledges the financial support from Erasmus+ KA-107 action and the Vice-rectorate for the Internationalisation and Global Engagement of the University of Cantabria. J.J. acknowledges the financial support from Grant No. PID2022-139776NB-C63 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by ERDF “A way of making Europe” by the European Union. F.G.-O., L.B., and Ph.G. acknowledge the support by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under Grant Agreement No. 964931 (TSAR). F.G.-O. also acknowledges the financial support from MSCA-PF 101148906 funded by the European Union and the Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (FNRS) through the grant FNRS-CR 1.B.227.25F. Ph.G. also acknowledges the support from the Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (FNRS) through the PDR project PROMOSPAN (Grant No. T.0107.20). The authors also acknowledge the computer resources, technical expertise, and assistance provided by the Centre for High Performance Computing (CHPC-MATS862), Cape Town, South Africa

The recipient of the illegally obtained organ and the necessity as defense. Doctrinal and jurisprudential analysis

El presente trabajo tiene por objeto exponer y analizar la problemática existente en torno a la figura del receptor del órgano en el delito de tráfico de órganos humanos ajenos sancionado en el artículo 156 bis del Código Penal español en relación con la posible concurrencia del estado de necesidad, circunstancia eximente de responsabilidad penal prevista en el artículo 20. 5º del mismo cuerpo legal. A este fin, se partirá de una revisión de la normativa nacional e internacional en materia de comercio ilícito de órganos humanos, así como de una aproximación político criminal a la figura del receptor. Finalmente, se realizará un análisis doctrinal y jurisprudencial de la eximente de estado de necesidad y su posible concurrencia como eximente de responsabilidad criminal del receptor del órgano ilícitamente obtenidoThe purpose of this dissertation is to present and analyze the issues surrounding the figure of the organ recipient in the crime of trafficking in human organs, as penalized under Article 156 bis of the Spanish Penal Code, in relation to the potential concurrence the necessity as defense, a circumstance that exempts criminal responsibility, as provided in Article 20, 5th of the same legal body. To this end, a review of national and international regulations on the illicit trade of human organs will be undertaken, as well as a criminal policy approach to the figure of the recipient. Finally, a doctrinal and jurisprudential analysis will be made of the exemption of the necessity as defense and its possible concurrence as an exemption from criminal liability of the recipient of the illicitly obtained organMáster en Acceso a la Abogacía y la Procura-Hasta 2023 Máster en Acceso a la Profesión de Abogad

Technologies for ballast water treatment

El presente Trabajo fin de Grado, tiene como objetivo analizar las tecnologías empleadas para el tratamiento de agua de lastre en buques, como medida esencial para prevenir la propagación de especies invasoras y proteger los ecosistemas marinos. El agua de lastre, utilizada para garantizar la estabilidad y maniobrabilidad de las embarcaciones, puede contener microorganismos u otras formas de vida acuática que, al ser liberadas en puertos distintos de su origen, suponen un grave riesgo medioambiental. Este trabajo comienza con una introducción al problema ecológico derivado del uso no regulado del agua de lastre una revisión del marco legal centrado en el Convenio BWM de la Organización Marítima Internacional (OMI), el cual establece estándares para el control y gestión del agua de lastre mediante sistemas certificados. A continuación, se realiza un análisis técnico de las principales tecnologías de tratamiento empleadas actualmente. Estas incluyen métodos mecánicos, como la filtración, métodos físicos como la radiación ultravioleta (UV), tratamientos químicos mediante biocidas y sistemas híbridos que combinan varias técnicas. Cada sistema se estudia desde el punto de vista de su eficiencia en la eliminación de organismos, su viabilidad operativa a bordo, sus costes y su impacto ambiental. El trabajo también identifica los principales retos asociados a la implementación de estos sistemas, como los requerimientos de espacio, consumo energético, mantenimiento y cumplimiento normativo, especialmente en buques ya operativos. Finalmente, se reflexiona sobre las tendencias futuras en tecnologías mas sostenibles, automatizadas y eficientes que podrían marcar el futuro del tratamiento del agua de lastre. Este estudio busca proporcionar una visión técnica, actualizada y critica sobre las soluciones disponibles para cumplir con las exigencias legales internacionales y contribuir a una navegación más segura y respetuosa con el medio marino.This Final Degree Project aims to analyze the technologies used for ballast water treatment on ships, as an essential measure to prevent the spread of invasive species and protect marine ecosystems. Ballast water, used to ensure vessel stability and maneuverability, can contain microorganisms or other aquatic life forms which, when discharged in ports different from their origin, pose a serious environmental threat. The study begins with an introduction to the ecological problem arising from the unregulated use of ballast water, followed by a review of the current international legal framework, focusing on the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which sets standards for ballast water control through certified treatment systems. A technical classification and analysis of the main treatment technologies currently in use is then presented. These include mechanical methods such as filtration, physical methods such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, chemical treatments using biocides, and hybrid systems that combine several techniques. Each system is evaluated in terms of its effectiveness in eliminating organisms, operational feasibility on board, cost, and environmental impact. The project also identifies key challenges associated with the implementation of these systems, such as space requirements, energy consumption, maintenance needs, and regulatory compliance, especially on existing ships. Lastly, the study reflects future trends in more sustainable, automated, and efficient technologies that could define the future of ballast water treatment. This work aims to provide a technical, updated, and critical overview of the available solutions to meet international legal requirements and contribute to safer and more environmentally friendly maritime operations.Grado en Ingeniería Náutica y Transporte Marítim