Pla de negoci d'una empresa de lloguer de vehicles

En aquest treball de fi de grau s’exposa un pla de negoci sobre una empresa de lloguer de vehicles. Es tracta d’un projecte real en el que s’estudia la viabilitat de dur a terme una empresa d’aquesta magnitud. S’estudia tots els aspectes que intervenen, començant per la oferta de turisme a la ciutat, la demanda que té, l’anàlisi de la competència que es pot tenir d’altres empreses i un estudi del mercat. A continuació es fa una descripció del desenvolupament del negoci, tot el necessari per què funcioni el projecte, un pla de màrqueting, de qualitat, d’operacions, estudi de viabilitat econòmica i un anàlisi de l’impacte mediambiental. Finalment, per ampliar el treball s’ha habilitat una nau industrial en una ubicació real per acollir la nostre empresa i un petit rentat de vehicles.En este Trabajo de fin de grado se expone un plan de negocio de una empresa de alquiler de vehículos. Se trata de un proyecto real el que se estudia la viabilidad de llevar una empresa de esa magnitud. Se estudian todos los aspectos que intervienen, empezando por la oferta del turismo en la Ciudad, la demanda que hay, el análisis de la competencia que puede tener de otras empresas i un estudio del mercado. A continuación, se describe como se ha desarrollado el negocio, todo lo necesario para que funcione el proyecto, un plan de márquetin, de calidad, de operaciones, un estudio de la viabilidad económica i un análisis del impacto en el medio ambiente. Finalmente, para ampliar el trabajo se habilita una nave industrial en una ubicación real para colocar nuestra empresa i un pequeño centro de lavabo de vehículos.In this project, I’m present a business plan for a car rental company. It is a real project in which I would like to study feasibility to run a business of this size. All aspects involved are studied, starting with the tourism offer in the city, the demand t has and the analysis of the competition that can be had from other companies, a market study. Then, is a description of the business development, everything necessary for the project to work, plan operations, economic viability and the environmental impact. Finally, to expand the project, made an industrial warehouse in a real location to accommodate our business and a small car wash

The multicolored graph realization problem

We introduce the multicolored graph realization problem (MGR). The input to this problem is a colored graph (G, φ), i.e., a graph G together with a coloring φ on its vertices. We associate each colored graph (G, φ) with a cluster graph (Gφ ) in which, after collapsing all vertices with the same color to a node, we remove multiple edges and self-loops. A set of vertices S is multicolored when S has exactly one vertex from each color class. The MGR problem is to decide whether there is a multicolored set S so that, after identifying each vertex in S with its color class, G[S] coincides with Gφ . The MGR problem is related to the well-known class of generalized network problems, most of which are NP-hard, like the generalized Minimum Spanning Tree problem. The MGR is a generalization of the multicolored clique problem, which is known to be W [1]-hard when parameterized by the number of colors. Thus, MGR remains W [1]-hard, when parameterized by the size of the cluster graph. These results imply that the MGR problem is W [1]-hard when parameterized by any graph parameter on Gφ , among which lies treewidth. Consequently, we look at the instances of the problem in which both the number of color classes and the treewidth of Gφ are unbounded. We consider three natural such graph classes: chordal graphs, convex bipartite graphs and 2-dimensional grid graphs. We show that MGR is NP-complete when Gφ is either chordal, biconvex bipartite, complete bipartite or a 2-dimensional grid. Our reductions show that the problem remains hard even when the maximum number of vertices in a color class is 3. In the case of the grid, the hardness holds even for graphs with bounded degree. We provide a complexity dichotomy with respect to cluster size .J. Díaz and M. Serna are partially supported by funds from the Spanish Agencia Estatal de Investigación under grant PID2020-112581GB-C21 (MOTION), and from AGAUR under grant 2017-SGR-786 (ALBCOM). Ö. Y. Diner is partially supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council Tübitak under project BIDEB 2219-1059B191802095 and by Kadir Has University under project 2018-BAP-08. O. Serra is supported by the Spanish Agencia Estatal de Investigación under grant PID2020-113082GB-I00.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Morphology effects in photoactive ZnO nanostructures: photooxidative activity of polar surfaces

A series of ZnO nanostructures with variable morphology were prepared by a microemulsion method and their structural, morphological, and electronic properties were investigated by a combined experimental and theoretical approach using microscopy (high resolution transmission electron microscopy) and spectroscopic (X-ray diffraction, Raman, and UV-visible) tools, together with density functional theory calculations. The present experimental and computational study provides a detailed insight into the relationship between surface-related physicochemical properties and the photochemical response of ZnO nanostructures. Specifically, the present results provide evidence that the light-triggered photochemical activity of ZnO nanostructures is related to the predominance of highly-active (polar) surfaces, in particular, the amount of Zn-terminated (0001) surfaces, rather than band gap sizes, carrier mobilities, and other variables usually mentioned in the literature. The computational results highlight the oxidative capability of polar surfaces, independently of the degree of hydration

Corporate Brand Identity Co-creation in Business-to-Business Contexts

Traditionally, corporate brand identity was considered to be directed and controlled by managers. However, more recent research has begun to recognize the limits of this view, which has led to the emergence of a stakeholder-driven, dynamic perspective, in which multiple stakeholders co-create diverse corporate brand meanings. This perspective argues that while managers have influence over the essence of the corporate brand, other stakeholders imprint and share their own interpretations. To better understand the process of corporate brand identity co-creation, we used a case study method with multiple cases, involving five small and medium sized business-to-business (B2B) corporate brands. We specifically chose B2B corporate brands, because they are often built on long-term and close relationships with diverse stakeholders, serving as a solid ground for illustrating the process of co-creation. To obtain the necessary depth of insight, we conducted 37 semi-structured interviews. Our research shows that corporate brand identity co-creation in B2B contexts is an ongoing dynamic process where multiple internal and external stakeholders engage in four different but interrelated performances: communicating; internalizing; contesting; and elucidating

A Review of Fifteen Years Developing Computational Tools to Study Protein Aggregation

The presence of insoluble protein deposits in tissues and organs is a hallmark of many human pathologies. In addition, the formation of protein aggregates is considered one of the main bottlenecks to producing protein-based therapeutics. Thus, there is a high interest in rationalizing and predicting protein aggregation. For almost two decades, our laboratory has been working to provide solutions for these needs. We have traditionally combined the core tenets of both bioinformatics and wet lab biophysics to develop algorithms and databases to study protein aggregation and its functional implications. Here, we review the computational toolbox developed by our lab, including programs for identifying sequential or structural aggregation-prone regions at the individual protein and proteome levels, engineering protein solubility, finding and evaluating prion-like domains, studying disorder-to-order protein transitions, or categorizing non-conventional amyloid regions of polar nature, among others. In perspective, the succession of the tools we describe illustrates how our understanding of the protein aggregation phenomenon has evolved over the last fifteen years

InteractoMIX:A suite of computational tools to exploit interactomes in biological and clinical research

Virtually all the biological processes that occur inside or outside cells are mediated by protein–protein interactions (PPIs). Hence, the charting and description of the PPI network, initially in organisms, the interactome, but more recently in specific tissues, is essential to fully understand cellular processes both in health and disease. The study of PPIs is also at the heart of renewed efforts in the medical and biotechnological arena in the quest of new therapeutic targets and drugs. Here, we present a mini review of 11 computational tools and resources tools developed by us to address different aspects of PPIs: from interactome level to their atomic 3D structural details. We provided details on each specific resource, aims and purpose and compare with equivalent tools in the literature. All the tools are presented in a centralized, one-stop, web site: InteractoMIX (http://interactomix.com)

Improved hemodynamic and liver function in portal hypertensive cirrhotic rats after administration of B. pseudocatenulatum CECT 7765

Purpose: Evaluating whether changes in gut microbiota induced by a bifidobacterial strain may have an effect on the hepatic vascular function in portal hypertensive cirrhotic rats.Methods: Bile duct ligation (BDL) was performed in rats. A subgroup of animals received B. pseudocatenulatum CECT7765 (109 cfu/daily ig.) for 1 week prior to laparotomy. Hemodynamic, biochemical and inflammatory markers were evaluated. Ileal microbiota composition was identified. Statistical analysis was performed.Results: Sham-operated (n = 6), BDL (n = 6) and BDL treated with bifidobacteria (n = 8) rats were included. B. pseudocatenulatum CECT7765 significantly decreased proteobacteria (p = 0.001) and increased Bacteroidetes (p = 0.001) relative abundance. The bifidobacteria decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in the BDL model (p = 0.03). BDL with bifidobacteria vs BDL rats showed: significantly reduced portal vein area, portal flow, congestion index, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin, significantly increased serum cytokines and nitric oxide levels, gene expression levels of bile acids receptor FXR and endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Quantitative changes in the Clostridiales and Bacteroidales orders were independently associated with variations in portal vein area and portal flow, while changes in the Proteobacteria phylum were independently associated with congestion. Variations in all liver function markers significantly correlated with total OTUs mainly in the Firmicutes, but only changes in the Clostridiales were independently associated with alkaline phosphatase in the ANCOVA analysis.Conclusion: Hemodynamic alterations and liver dysfunction induced by BDL in rats are partially restored after oral administration of B. pseudocatenulatum CECT7765. Results provide a proof-of-concept for the beneficial effect of this bifidobacterial strain in reducing complications derived from portal hypertension in cirrhosis

Cold-blooded vertebrates evolved organized germinal center-like structures

Germinal centers (GCs) or analogous secondary lymphoid microstructures (SLMs) are thought to have evolved in endothermic species. However, living representatives of their ectothermic ancestors can mount potent secondary antibody responses upon infection or immunization, despite the apparent lack of SLMs in these cold-blooded vertebrates. How and where adaptive immune responses are induced in ectothermic species in the absence of GCs or analogous SLMs remain poorly understood. Here, we infected a teleost fish (trout) with the parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) and identified the formation of large aggregates of highly proliferating IgM+ B cells and CD4+ T cells, contiguous to splenic melanomacrophage centers (MMCs). Most of these MMC-associated lymphoid aggregates (M-LAs) contained numerous antigen (Ag)–specific B cells. Analysis of the IgM heavy chain CDR3 repertoire of microdissected splenic M-LAs and non–M-LA areas revealed that the most frequent B cell clones induced after Ich infection were highly shared only within the M-LAs of infected animals. These M-LAs represented highly polyclonal SLMs in which Ag-specific B cell clonal expansion occurred. M-LA–associated B cells expressed high levels of activation-induced cytidine deaminase and underwent significant apoptosis, and somatic hypermutation of Igμ genes occurred prevalently in these cells. Our findings demonstrate that ectotherms evolved organized SLMs with GC-like roles. Moreover, our results also point to primordially conserved mechanisms by which M-LAs and mammalian polyclonal GCs develop and function.publishedVersio

La Fm Cardona como nivel de despegue de las estructuras frontales del SE Pirenaico (zona de Súria - Sallent)

La presencia de unidades sin-cinemáticas evaporíticas en el relleno sedimentario de las cuencas de antepaís de sistemas orogénicos condiciona el estilo estructural de las estructuras que se desarrollan a medida que la deformación progresa hacia el antepaís. Éstas estructuras pueden ser pliegues de despegue (simétricos o asimétricos) que pueden desarrollar cabalgamientos en sus flancos, y/o pliegues de acomodación o propagación de falla. Una misma estructura puede presentar cambios laterales en el tipo de estructura y en la vergencia, pasando de pliegues de propagación o acomodación en zonas sin sal, a pliegues de despegue en zonas con sal. En esta contribución se presenta la caracterización estructural de la zona de Súria y Sallent (Catalunya Central), al ser un buen ejemplo para comprender las estructuras contractivas asociadas a la terminación de un nivel evaporítico sincontractivo (Fm. Cardona, Priaboniense), caracterizado por variaciones laterales de espesor y una terminación no lineal. Para analizar el papel de estos factores, se han integrado datos de superficie (mapas geológicos y datos de campo) y subsuelo (sísmica y pozos) para obtener un modelo estructural 3D de la zona que permite una mejor caracterización de la geometría y evolución de estas estructuras asociadas al nivel de despegue. Los resultados obtenidos permiten inferir que las estructuras pueden estar controladas por: 1) su distancia respecto a la terminación del nivel evaporítico y 2) por sus variaciones de potencia laterales posiblemente condicionadas por la paleogeografía del margen de la cuenca durante su deposición. Ambos factores controlan el volumen de sal disponible para alimentar el crecimiento de estos pliegues de despegue y condicionar su evolución lateral y el tipo de estructura resultant