University of Almería
  • Almería, Spain
Recent publications
Over the past few decades, the energy hub (EH) paradigm has been widely used as a methodology to achieve sustainable energy development in integrated energy systems (IESs) under the water–energy–food (WEF) nexus, where the incorporation of green energy sources is a fundamental component. Within this framework, the inclusion of hybrid-energy storage systems is considered essential due to their ability to store and manage power from different sources in an integrated manner, thus improving system reliability, reducing costs, and optimizing overall performance. They play a crucial role in enabling the integration of green energy sources and providing the flexibility necessary to deal with fluctuations in energy supply and demand. Agroconnect, a state-of-the-art agro-industrial facility (http://agroconnect.es/), is an excellent example of an IES that can be modeled to optimize its energy use. The facility is equipped with a wide range of renewable resources, such as photovoltaic and thermal solar collectors for desalination units and a biomass-powered heating system for a greenhouse. It also has a set of storage devices for storing excess energy production and improving system performance. The authors of this chapter have experience with optimal management of heterogeneous resources using an EH methodology and including preliminary results from Agroconnect-like facilities. Using the same methodology, this chapter explores a multi-resource scheduling problem with a receding horizon within a WEF agro-industrial facility, highlighting the implementation of multiple energy carriers and renewable energy systems. Modeling of Agroconnect’s water, heat, CO2 and electricity systems was performed and showed results of two three-day-long hourly simulations for each of these resources and associated devices.
Detecting and monitoring landslides have become increasingly critical for disaster management and mitigation efforts. Here, we propose a model for landslide detection utilizing a combination of the Swin Transformer architecture with multi-scale feature fusion lateral connection and local information aggregation modules. The Swin Transformer, known for its effectiveness in image understanding tasks, serves as the backbone of our detection system. By leveraging its hierarchical self-attention mechanism, the Swin Transformer can effectively capture both local and global contextual information from input images, facilitating accurate feature representation. To increase the performance of the Swin Transformer specifically for landslide detection, we introduce two additional modules: the multi-scale feature fusion lateral connection module and the local information aggregation module. The former module enables the integration of features across multiple scales, allowing the model to capture both fine-grained details and broader contextual information relevant to landslide characteristics. Meanwhile, the latter module focuses on aggregating local information within regions of interest, further refining the model's ability to discriminate between landslide and non-landslide areas.
The recognition of emotional facial expressions is a key skill for social adaptation. Previous studies have shown that clinical and subclinical populations, such as those diagnosed with schizophrenia or autism spectrum disorder, have a significant deficit in the recognition of emotional facial expressions. These studies suggest that this may be the cause of their social dysfunction. Given the importance of this type of recognition in social functioning, the present study aims to design a tool to measure the recognition of emotional facial expressions using Unreal Engine 4 software to develop computer graphics in a 3D environment. Additionally, we tested it in a small pilot study with a sample of 37 university students, aged between 18 and 40, to compare the results with a more classical emotional facial recognition task. We also administered the SEES Scale and a set of custom-formulated questions to both groups to assess potential differences in activation levels between the two modalities (3D environment vs. classical format). The results of this initial pilot study suggest that students who completed the task in the classical format exhibited a greater lack of activation compared to those who completed the task in the 3D environment. Regarding the recognition of emotional facial expressions, both tasks were similar in two of the seven emotions evaluated. We believe that this study represents the beginning of a new line of research that could have important clinical implications.
BACKGROUND: The incidence of young-onset ischemic stroke is rising, driven by cryptogenic ischemic stroke (CIS) and patients without vascular risk factors. This study examines the burden and associations of modifiable traditional, nontraditional, and female sex–specific risk factors with young-onset CIS, stratified by clinically relevant patent foramen ovale (PFO), defined by high-risk features of atrial septal aneurysm or large right-to-left shunt. METHODS: We enrolled consecutive patients aged 18 to 49 years with recent CIS and frequency-matched stroke-free controls of the same age and sex from 19 European sites. Logistic regression assessed the association of risk factor counts (12 traditional, 10 nontraditional, 5 female sex–specific) and individual risk factors, stratified by PFO. Analyses were stratified by sex and age (18–39 and 40–49 years), with computation of population-attributable risk. RESULTS: We included 523 patients (median age, 41 years; 47.3% women; 196 [37.5%] with PFO) and 523 controls. In patients with CIS without PFO, each additional traditional (odds ratio, 1.417 [95% CI, 1.282–1.568]), nontraditional (odds ratio, 1.702 [95% CI, 1.338–2.164]), and female sex–specific risk factor (odds ratio, 1.700 [95% CI, 1.107.1–2.611]) increased CIS risk. For patients with CIS with PFO, each traditional risk factor increased the risk (odds ratio, 1.185 [1.057–1.328]), but only nontraditional risk factors remained significant when fully adjusted (odds ratio, 2.656 [2.036–3.464]). Population-attributable risks for CIS without PFO were 64.7%, 26.5%, and 18.9% for traditional, nontraditional, and female sex–specific risk factors. For CIS with PFO, population-attributable risks were 33.8%, 49.4%, and 21.8%, respectively. Migraine with aura was the most significant contributor, with population-attributable risks of 45.8% for CIS with PFO and 22.7% for CIS without PFO, showing a stronger impact in women. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the initial cryptogenic label of these strokes, traditional risk factors significantly contribute to CIS without PFO, while nontraditional factors seem more critical for CIS with PFO. Migraine with aura plays a prominent role in young-onset CIS development, particularly in women.
The present study was conducted to test and compare the predictive power of the Mature Happiness Scale-Revised (MHS-R) and the Peace of Mind Scale (PoMS) on well-being and their overall psychometric properties using a longitudinal design. A total of 330 undergraduate students and working adults answered an online survey comprising the two scales as well as the measurements of stress, life satisfaction, and well-being. Two weeks later, 165 participants completed the second survey package. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) supported the originally proposed single-factor solution in both scales although the removal of one item from the PoMS was necessary. Both the 6-item PoMS and the 7-item MHS-R demonstrated moderate inverse relationships with stress and were good predictors of future well-being, even when accounting for life satisfaction and stress. However, the MHS-R scores could predict well-being beyond the influence of the PoMS scores, a relationship not observed in the reversed order. Moreover, further CFA supported that peace of mind and mature happiness are related but distinct constructs. Both PoMS and MHS-R are thus concluded as effective tools for measuring inner harmony that contribute to enhanced well-being. Nevertheless, mature happiness represents a unique aspect of well-being beyond the impact of peace of mind alone.
The global production of sugarcane ethanol generates vast amounts of vinasse, a liquid waste by-product requiring treatment to mitigate environmental impacts. Using vinasse as a feedstock for microalgae cultivation offers a sustainable alternative. This study evaluates the performance of the native strain Chlorella sp. MC18 in internal-loop airlift flat-panel photobioreactors (PBR) for treating industrial raw sugarcane vinasse (SCV) while producing biomass. Cultures were grown in diluted, centrifugation-pretreated SCV (5–25% v/v) as the sole nutrient source, with CO2 supplied by aeration. The best results were obtained with 10% SCV. Nutrient removal efficiencies reached up to 99% for nitrates and 90% for phosphates, with reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) exceeding 75% at 5–10% SCV. The highest specific growth rate (0.711 day–1) and biomass productivity (116 mg L–1 day–1) occurred at 10% SCV, maintaining stable pH control (8.2–8.5). The PBR design enabled scalable, reproducible growth kinetics while minimising biofouling. Biomass from 10% SCV holds significant potential for energy recovery (20.24 kJ g–1) and production of high-value product pools (lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and carotenoids). These results demonstrate the feasibility of scaling up the PBR design for integrated vinasse treatment with Chlorella and biomass valorisation, reinforcing the concept of an agro-industrial sector biorefinery.
Biocultural diversity reflects the interplay among biological and cultural diversity within social-ecological systems, shaped by human societies' unique interactions with nature. This concept encompasses diverse knowledge, beliefs, practices, and values linked to local biodiversity. Despite its growing relevance, research gaps persist, including the need for theoretical clarity and a broader empirical application. To examine biocultural diversity's role in conservation and sustainability, we conducted a systematic mapping of scientific literature in English and Spanish from 1990 to 2021, using cluster analysis to identify research trends. Including Spanish literature broadened the analysis, offering unique perspectives often overlooked. Results reveal gaps on research, particularly regarding intangible biocultural components (e.g., traditional knowledge, values, or worldviews) and the need for research in underrepresented regions like Africa and Asia. To advance in this direction, we propose a novel classification for biocultural diversity to foster holistic understanding, encourage exploration of intangible components, and promote collaboration among stakeholders.
We study the transfer of injectivity to filtered products of copies of an injective module. This leads to the introduction of a generalized Noetherian condition, the so-called (ℵ,M)-Noetherian rings. We prove that M is F-injective for every filter F with cpl(F)≥ℵ if and only if R is (ℵ,M)-Noetherian. We also examine the behavior of filtered products of τ-injective torsion-free modules, establishing preservation results under suitable conditions.
Background: Females with autism often receive late diagnoses—especially those with average or above-average intellectual abilities—highlighting the need to explore the unique experiences of this population for better health care support. Objective: To explore the experiences and perceptions of females who received a late diagnosis on the autism spectrum in terms of coping and managing their diagnosis. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted from December 2022 to March 2023 using semistructured interviews with 14 late-diagnosed autistic female subjects. Purposive and snowball sampling were employed, and thematic analysis of the interview data was performed using ATLAS.ti v.9 software. Findings were reported following standards for reporting qualitative research guidelines. Results: Two main themes emerged: (a) getting a diagnosis: fitting into the norm, and (b) navigating the distinct significance for autistic females. The findings indicated that masking strategies contribute to delayed diagnoses, and social and health care stigma surrounding autism in females was evident. Areas for improving access to resources and support programs were identified. Discussion: The results show that masking and camouflaging are predominant strategies among autistic females, contributing to delayed diagnoses and exposing them to additional risks. Enhancing resources and training for health care professionals is necessary to address the specific needs of this population.
This article presents a comprehensive systematic literature review (SLR) that organises and categorises consumer behaviour research in the context of the sharing economy. To structure the review, our review employs Hoyer et al.‘s (2017) well-recognised consumer behaviour model, encompassing four dimensions and fourteen domains. Through a rigorous, transparent, and reproducible selection process, we identified 459 articles that delve into consumer behaviour within this field. Following a framework-based SLR approach, for each article, we meticulously examined its theoretical approach and results, including harmonious, contradictory, and inconclusive ones, assigning their contributions to the different dimensions and domains of consumer research. In addition, we highlight dimensions and domains that require further investigation, outlining directions, and gaps for future research. This systematic approach provides a comprehensive overview and insightful analysis of consumer behaviour in the sharing economy, facilitating a deeper understanding and offering valuable insights for scholars and practitioners in this field.
The impact of straw incorporation on nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions has long been a research focus. However, N 2 O emissions from protected vegetable soils with straw incorporation and their response to increased nitrogen (N) input are not well understood. To address this knowledge gap, greenhouse vegetable soils with and without 6‐year straw incorporation were studied in a laboratory experiment with aerobic incubations. Urea‐N solutions were applied to achieve contents of 0, 20, 40, 80, and 120 mg urea‐N kg ⁻¹ soil. Soil N 2 O, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and oxygen (O 2 ) dynamics were monitored using a robotized incubation system, while contents of ammonium (), nitrite (), and nitrate () were measured. Straw incorporation significantly reduced and contents and decreased N 2 O emission fluxes. Cumulative N 2 O emissions increased exponentially with rising urea‐N rates, but straw significantly lowered mean cumulative N 2 O emissions and fertiliser‐induced N 2 O emission factors at all urea‐N rates. Cumulative CO 2 emissions increased linearly with urea‐N rates, and straw incorporation significantly elevated average CO 2 fluxes, regardless of urea‐N addition. Straw incorporation also accelerated O 2 depletion across all urea‐N rates. Soil content emerged as the most important predictor of N 2 O emission fluxes, irrespective of straw incorporation. The findings show that straw incorporation decreases and accumulation and mitigates fertiliser‐induced N 2 O emissions in intensively managed protected vegetable soils. This study provides a sustainable agricultural management approach that balances soil fertility enhancement with greenhouse gas emission reduction.
Human mobility worldwide is transforming our societies, making them more culturally diverse. In the area of health, intercultural competence (IC) is necessary for the professional and satisfactory care of the culturally diverse population. A qualitative study involving 28 nursing students was conducted to delve into the teaching experience to train intercultural competence through flipped classroom and podcasts addressing the barriers found by migrants when accessing the health system. The goal was to identify how the combination of these pedagogical tools impacts the learning process of the IC in nursing students. Following the Kirkpatrick model to analyse the data, it points out that the reaction to training is surprising and motivating due to the fact of combining individual and collective learning, and expanding the teaching environment through the podcast. Regarding the learning of the participants, it is highlighted that the teaching experience promoted emotional and real learning improving empathy, self-evaluation and intercultural communication, which leads them to reflect on their future professional practice.
Anthropology in Spain has been strongly institutionalised in recent years through its presence in academic spaces. Nowadays the discipline is pursuing its institutionalisation through professional development outside the academic field. In this text, we present what has been called the first proto Anthropology in the light of the discussion about who should construct the history of the discipline. Then we developed a series of events that allow us to mark what we have called the “chronology of a discipline”, which we have found useful to situate the reader in the Spanish context. Starting by highlighting the links between Social Anthropology and folklore studies in its beginnings, we followed a line through the discipline developed in contemporary times. We focus our descriptions on the development of ethnographic museums, the associations of scholars and intellectuals that gave rise to the discipline’s first scientific journals and its subsequent institutionalisation in the academic world. Here we highlight the studies on the process of identity construction in the transition from dictatorship to democracy. We conclude our chapter by focusing on the development of the periodic anthropological congresses that have given shape to the discipline and that serve as a reference space for thinking about Social and Cultural Anthropology as a profession.
Background: Hypertension, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle are interrelated, forming a vicious cycle that deteriorates cardiovascular health. In addition to being a pathology, hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Interventions that combine weight loss and physical activity (PA) reduce cardiovascular risk, but many people face barriers in adhering to regular PA regimens such as a lack of time or motivation. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) has emerged as an innovative alternative to promote PA. This study explored the perceptions of individuals with hypertension and cardiovascular risk regarding the use of IVR as a tool for PA. Methods: Fifteen hypertensive adults with cardiovascular risk completed twelve IVR exercise sessions over thirty days. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. Results: The thematic analysis identified three main themes: (1) PA, sedentary lifestyle, and health; (2) experiences and perceptions of IVR and PA; and (3) IVR as a useful and safe tool. The participants found IVR engaging, motivating, and effective in overcoming barriers such as a lack of time and social anxiety. Gamification and immersion facilitated greater adherence and enjoyment. Conclusions: The participants of this study perceived IVR as an innovative, engaging, and motivating tool for promoting PA. The participants positively valued IVR’s ability to overcome common barriers such as lack of time, adverse weather conditions, and lack of motivation, as well as its immersive and gamified features, which enhanced the adherence to and enjoyment of PA. These results suggest that IVR could complement traditional exercise programs by facilitating the initiation of active routines in sedentary individuals.
Biopesticides are increasingly being used as substitutes for conventional pesticides due to their perceived lower environmental impact. To assess this, the behavior of two biopesticides, limonene and trans-cinnamaldehyde, was evaluated in water samples under sunlight and dark conditions. These compounds are the major components of orange oils and cinnamon extracts, respectively. Their degradation was monitored using gas chromatography (GC) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), respectively, both coupled to a high-resolution quadrupole (Q)-Orbitrap mass spectrometer. The degradation of both compounds followed first-order kinetics with 50% degradation values (DT50) ranging from 0.08 and 2.82 days for limonene, and 1.58 and 13.14 days for trans-cinnamaldehyde. Several transformation products or metabolites of these compounds were identified through untargeted analysis using both suspect and unknown screening modes. Some metabolites for limonene, such as carvone, cymene, limonene-1,2-oxide, p-menth-1-en-9-al or myrtenol were tentatively detected, whereas for trans-cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl alcohol and cinnamic acid were found. Additionally, the toxicity of the metabolites was predictive using the TEST software, revealing that their toxicity were similar to or slightly higher than the parent compound. This suggests that both the biopesticides and their metabolites pose minimal risk to water matrices, as they exhibit low toxicity and rapid degradation, remaining in the aquatic environment for a short period of time.
It is known that flat cotorsion modules satisfy the finite exchange property. In this paper, we provide a general criterion that, in particular, demonstrates that flat cotorsion modules indeed satisfy the (full) exchange property.
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3,006 members
Fco. Javier Medianero Soto
  • Department of Geography, History and Humanities
Blanca Maria Plaza
  • Department of Agronomy
Jose Manuel Aguilar-Parra
  • Department of Psychology
Juan Sebastián Fernández Prados
  • Department of Geography, History and Humanities
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