Análisis y desarrollo de heurísticas y guías de usabilidad de RESTFUL APIs y aplicación a un caso práctico

[Resumen] La usabilidad se refiere a la capacidad de un software de ser comprendido, aprendido, usado y ser atractivo para el usuario, en condiciones específicas de uso (ISO/IEC 9126). Por tanto, integrar la usabilidad es uno de los factores clave en cualquier proceso para el desarrollo de software. El objetivo principal de este Trabajo de Fin de Grado es desarrollar un conjunto de heurísticas y guías de usabilidad para el diseño de APIs RESTful a partir de un análisis exhaustivo sobre los principios del estilo REST dentro de un modelo expandido de usabilidad aplicable a cualquier producto o sistema. Para demostrar la eficacia de este conjunto, se estudió la usabilidad en un caso práctico, precisamente en la API REST para desarrolladores de Twitter, mediante una evaluación heurística, una técnica introducida por Nielsen y Molich en 1990 que consiste en examinar la calidad de uso de un sistema a partir del cumplimiento de un conjunto de heurísticas. Previamente, caracterizamos el contexto de uso a partir de las características de los usuarios, tareas y entorno que están implicados en una API REST para definir con mayor precisión los problemas encontrados mediante el estudio de usabilidad. Por último, propusimos varias mejoras para resolver algunas de las carencias de usabilidad detectadas.[Abstract] Usability refers to the ability of a software to be understood, learned, used and attractive to the user, under specific conditions of use (ISO/IEC 9126). Therefore, integrating usability is one of the key factors in any software development process. The main objective of this end of degree project is to develop a set of heuristics and usability guidelines for the design of RESTful APIs based on an exhaustive analysis of the principles of the REST style within an expanded usability model applicable to any product or system. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this set, we studied usability in a case study, specifically the REST API for Twitter developers, using heuristic evaluation, a technique introduced by Nielsen and Molich in 1990, which consists of examining the quality of use of a system based on compliance with a set of heuristics. Previously, we characterized the context of use from the characteristics of users, tasks and environment that are involved in an API REST to define more precisely the problems found through the usability study. Finally, we proposed several improvements to solve some of the detected usability shortcomings.Traballo fin de grao (UDC.FIC). Enxeñaría informática. Curso 2019/202

Relations between components of executive function in reading tasks in TEA

[Resumo]: A lectura é un proceso mediante o cal os seres humanos poden interpretar uns caracteres para a posterior comprensión dun texto. Para que esta comprensión poida ter lugar son necesarios uns procesos cognitivos que permitan unha boa análise e integración da información. Estes procesos cognitivos teñen lugar grazas ás funcións executivas, como son a memoria de traballo, que é un sistema que permite almacenar información ao mesmo tempo que estes datos son utilizados para a execución de tarefas cognitivas complexas e o control atencional, que supón manter unha atención selectiva durante períodos prolongados de tempo, inhibindo así comportamentos automáticos e irrelevantes, permitindo centrar o uso dos recursos a nivel cognitivo na realización dunha tarefa concreta. O obxectivo principal do presente estudo é realizar unha análise descritiva do nivel de eficacia en tarefas de control executivo nun suxeito con trastorno do espectro autista (TEA) en medidas de memoria de traballo, control inhibitorio e procesos atencionais. Para isto empréganse diversas probas como son o ReadingSpan Test, o Test Stroop de Cores e Palabras, o DysexecutiveQuestionnaire e a subproba de Span de Debuxos do WISC-V.[Abstract]: Reading is a process by which humans can interpret some characters for the further understanding of a text. So that this understanding can take place are necessary cognitive processes that allow a good analysis and integration of the information. These cognitive processes take place through executive functions, such as working memory, which is a system that allows you to store information while these data are used for the execution of complex cognitive tasks and the attention control, which involves maintaining selective attention for prolonged periods of time, thereby inhibiting automatic and irrelevant behavior, allowing focus on the use of resources at the cognitive level in carrying out a specific task. The main objective of the present study is to perform a descriptive analysis of the level of effectiveness in tasks of executive control in a subject with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in working memory measures, inhibitory control and attention processes. For this, several tests are used, such as the Reading Span Test, the Test Stroop of Colors and Words, the Dysexecutive Questionnaire and the WISC-V Drawing Sub-Test.Traballo fin de mestrado (UDC.CIE). Neurociencia. Curso 2018/201

Synthesis of 5-/8-Halogenated or Ethynylated Lipophilic Nucleobases as Potential Synthetic Intermediates for Supramolecular Chemistry

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: European Journal of Organic Chemistry 2015.32 (2015): 7160-7175, which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10486/10.1002/ejoc.201501026A series of lipophilic nucleobases that are substituted at the 5- (pyrimidines) or 8- (purines) position with either a halogen atom or a terminal triple bond have been synthesized. The sequences and reactions studied in this work, which mainly comprise halogenation, alkylation, Sonogashira coupling, and trimethylsilylacetylene deprotection, have been carefully optimized, to reach the final compounds in the most straightforward and convenient way, with the highest possible purity and yield. These compounds include cytosine, isocytosine, and uracil derivatives as pyrimidine heterocycles, and guanine, isoguanine, and 2-aminoadenine derivatives as complementary purine bases. Variability was introduced at the N-1/N-9 positions of these pyrimidine/purine nucleobases, which were functionalized with alkyl or benzyl groups, as well as with protected amine or carboxylic acid substituents. The molecules prepared constitute a useful collection of synthetic intermediates for the field of chemical self-assembly. A series of lipophilic nucleobases substituted at the 5- (pyrimidines) or 8-position (purines) with either a halogen atom or a terminal triple bond have been synthesized. These molecules comprise a useful collection of synthetic intermediates for the field of chemical self-assemblyFunding from the European Research Council (ERC-StG 279548) and MINECO (CTQ2011-23659) is gratefully acknowledged. V.V.-G. is grateful for a F.P.I. fellowship from MINECO

Desarrollo de modelos de impedancia de antenas integradas en dispositivos móviles

El objetivo de este proyecto es el análisis de la variación dinámica de impedancia para antenas integradas en dispositivos móviles, para sistemas LTE y que permita simplificar en la medida de lo posible el diseño de circuitos sintetizadores de impedancias. Dada la escasez de análisis de este tipo en la literatura especializada, se va a comenzar por un análisis estocástico sencillo en estático, y con ciertas hipótesis como por ejemplo estacionariedad y/o independencia que permitan simplificar el problema. Para este proyecto se han desarrollado cuatro antenas para las bandas de los sistemas de comunicaciones LTE, atendiendo a su compactación y prestaciones, y posteriormente el modelado de la impedancia con especial énfasis en la interacción antena-usuario

In Vitro and In Vivo Activity of Citral in Combination with Amphotericin B, Anidulafungin and Fluconazole against Candida auris Isolates

Candida auris is an emerging fungal pathogen responsible for hospital outbreaks of invasive candidiasis associated with high mortality. The treatment of these mycoses is a clinical challenge due to the high resistance levels of this species to current antifungal drugs, and alternative therapeutic strategies are needed. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo activities of combinations of citral with anidulafungin, amphotericin B or fluconazole against 19 C. auris isolates. The antifungal effect of citral was in most cases similar to the effect of the antifungal drugs in monotherapy. The best combination results were obtained with anidulafungin, with synergistic and additive interactions against 7 and 11 of the 19 isolates, respectively. The combination of 0.06 μg/mL anidulafungin and 64 μg/mL citral showed the best results, with a survival rate of 63.2% in Caenorhabditis elegans infected with C. auris UPV 17-279. The combination of fluconazole with citral reduced the MIC of fluconazole from > 64 to 1–4 μg/mL against 12 isolates, and a combination of 2 μg/mL fluconazole and 64 μg/mL citral was also effective in reducing mortality in C. elegans. Amphotericin B combined with citral, although effective in vitro, did not improve the activity of each compound in vivo.The research group was funded by the Consejería de Educación, Universidades e Investigación (GIC IT-1607-22) of Gobierno Vasco-Eusko Jaurlaritza and by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PID2020-117983RB-I00)

Sensory descriptive analysis and hedonic consumer test for Galician type breads

Bread consumption has declined in recent years due to the loss of its sensory quality. To identify the key sensory attributes for the consumer, in this study will provide to the bakery industry with a powerful tool to design products adapted to the consumer preferences will be provided to the bakery industry. For identifying the key attributes 7 Galician breads were evaluated by a trained panel using 22 attributes using the Quantitative Descriptive Analysis. In addition, a sensory acceptance test carried out by 97 consumers provided hedonic evaluations. The results of the joint analysis (trained panel and consumers) demonstrated that the loaves with the moistest bread crumb, with a predominance of large cells, and an alveolation with non-uniform distribution were the ones that presented the greatest acceptance. The use of an artisanal production process (sourdough and long fermentation time) and the incorporation into the recipe of indigenous flour (around 40%) improved the acceptance of the Galician breadS

Mutations in LRRK2 impair NF-κB pathway in iPSC-derived neurons

Background: Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) contribute to both familial and idiopathic forms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Neuroinflammation is a key event in neurodegeneration and aging, and there is mounting evidence of LRRK2 involvement in inflammatory pathways. In a previous study, we described an alteration of the inflammatory response in dermal fibroblasts from PD patients expressing the G2019S and R1441G mutations in LRRK2. Methods: Taking advantage of cellular reprogramming, we generated induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines and neurons thereafter, harboring LRRK2G2019S and LRRK2R1441G mutations. We used gene silencing and functional reporter assays to characterize the effect of the mutations. We examined the temporal profile of TNF alpha-induced changes in proteins of the NF-kappa B pathway and optimized western blot analysis to capture alpha-synuclein dynamics. The effects of the mutations and interventions were analyzed by two-way ANOVA tests with respect to corresponding controls. Results: LRRK2 silencing decreased alpha-synuclein protein levels in mutated neurons and modified NF-kappa B transcriptional targets, such as PTGS2 (COX-2) and TNFAIP3 (A20). We next tested whether NF-kappa B and alpha-synuclein pathways converged and found that TNF alpha modulated alpha-synuclein levels, although we could not detect an effect of LRRK2 mutations, partly because of the individual variability. Nevertheless, we confirmed NF-kappa B dysregulation in mutated neurons, as shown by a protracted recovery of I kappa B alpha and a clear impairment in p65 nuclear translocation in the LRRK2 mutants. Conclusions: Altogether, our results show that LRRK2 mutations affect alpha-synuclein regulation and impair NF-kappa B canonical signaling in iPSC-derived neurons. TNFa modulated alpha-synuclein proteostasis but was not modified by the LRRK2 mutations in this paradigm. These results strengthen the link between LRRK2 and the innate immunity system underscoring the involvement of inflammatory pathways in the neurodegenerative process in PDThis study is funded by grants from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO), Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias PI15/00486, the European Commission FP7 Health -278871, and the Joint Program in Neurodegenerative Diseases AC 14/0041 (DAMNDPATHS) to RSP

The Influence of Coronary Artery Disease in the Development of Aortic Stenosis and the Importance of the Albumin Redox State.

Calcific aortic valve and coronary artery diseases are related cardiovascular pathologies in which common processes lead to the calcification of the corresponding affected tissue. Among the mechanisms involved in calcification, the oxidative stress that drives the oxidation of sulfur-containing amino acids such ascysteines is of particular interest. However, there are important differences between calcific aortic valve disease and coronary artery disease, particularly in terms of the reactive oxygen substances and enzymes involved. To evaluate what effect coronary artery disease has on aortic valves, we analyzed valve tissue from patients with severe calcific aortic stenosis with and without coronary artery disease. Proteins and peptides with oxidized cysteines sites were quantified, leading to the identification of 16 proteins with different levels of expression between the two conditions studied, as well as differences in the redox state of the tissue. We also identified two specific sites of cysteine oxidation in albumin that have not been described previously. These results provide evidence that coronary artery disease affects valve calcification, modifying the molecular profile of aortic valve tissue. In addition, the redox proteome is also altered when these conditions coincide, notably affecting human serum albumin.This research was funded by the Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha (JCCM, co-funded by the European Social Fund, SBPLY/19/180501/000226), the Instituto de Salud Carlos III through the project PI18/00995, PI21/00384 (co-funded by European Regional Development Fund/European Social Fund—“Investing in your future”) Sociedad Española de Cardiología, 2020, Grant PRB3 (IPT17/0019—ISCIII-SGEFI/ERDF), Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (PGC2018-097019-B-I00) and “la Caixa” Banking Foundation (project code HR17-00247). These results are aligned with the Spanish initiative on the Human Proteome Project (SpHPP).S

Probing the Biosafety of Implantable Artificial Secretory Granules for the Sustained Release of Bioactive Proteins

Altres ajuts: acords transformatius de la UABAmong bio-inspired protein materials, secretory protein microparticles are of clinical interest as self-contained, slow protein delivery platforms that mimic secretory granules of the human endocrine system, in which the protein is both the drug and the scaffold. Upon subcutaneous injection, their progressive disintegration results in the sustained release of the building block polypeptides, which reach the bloodstream for systemic distribution and subsequent biological effects. Such entities are easily fabricated in vitro by Zn-assisted cross-molecular coordination of histidine residues. Using cationic Zn for the assembly of selected pure protein species and in the absence of any heterologous holding material, these granules are expected to be nontoxic and therefore adequate for different clinical uses. However, such presumed biosafety has not been so far confirmed and the potential protein dosage threshold not probed yet. By selecting the receptor binding domain (RBD) from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein as a model protein and using a mouse lab model, we have explored the toxicity of RBD-made secretory granules at increasing doses up to ∼100 mg/kg of animal weight. By monitoring body weight and biochemical blood markers and through the histological scrutiny of main tissues and organs, we have not observed systemic toxicity. Otherwise, the bioavailability of the material was demonstrated by the induction of specific antibody responses. The presented data confirm the intrinsic biosafety of artificial secretory granules made by recombinant proteins and prompt their further clinical development as self-contained and dynamic protein reservoirs