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- Real-Time Microwave Spectral Analysis at GHz Rates With a Low-Complexity DD-MZM-Based Time-Lens Fourier Transformer(2026) Hernández, Adriana Arrechea; Fernández, Manuel P.; Cruz, José L.; Andrés, Miguel V.; Costanzo Caso, Pablo A.; Bulus Rossini, Laureano A.We present a real-time microwave photonic spectrum analyzer with GHz measurement rates that exploits optical Fourier transformation using a single-stage, sinusoidally driven dual-drive Mach-Zehnder modulator (DD-MZM). We show that the DD-MZM enables a simple, low-cost, and easily reconfigurable implementation of a time-lens, in which phase aberrations arising from deviations of the sinusoidal modulation from its local parabolic approximation can be effectively mitigated through appropriate choices of drive and bias voltages. The concept is experimentally validated through the implementation of a microwave spectrum analyzer with an analysis bandwidth exceeding 20 GHz and a spectral measurement rate of 2.8 GHz. The system is further evaluated by computing, in real time, the spectrogram of fast frequency-hopping signals with hopping periods as short as 4.1 ns. We demonstrate that both frequency resolution and dynamic range can be optimized by suitable selection of the drive conditions and bias voltages. Owing to its compact footprint and low implementation complexity, the proposed DD-MZM architecture constitutes an attractive solution for time-lens-based microwave and optical signal processing applications.
- Modeling-shortcomings due to dismissing the multifrequency character of nonlinearities(2026) Bosch-García, M. A; Silvestre, Enrique; Andrés, Miguel V.; Castelló-Lurbe, DavidThe striking behavior of optical pulses propagating under dispersive nonlinearities reported theoretically in the last years is fueling the interest in these new phenomena to enhance the state-of-the-art control of light. To explore these effects properly, the full frequency dependence of nonlinearities should be incorporated into the pulse propagation equation so that accurate guidelines for engineering nonlinear dispersion could be derived. Nevertheless, this goal comes at the expense of some approximation about the truly multifrequency nature of nonlinearities, and hence of additional uncertainty in the theoretical predictions. Using the cancellation of instabilities during the spectral broadening of long pulses ¿one major practical consequence of a suitable design of nonlinear dispersion¿ as test bed, in this Letter we demonstrate analytically and numerically how an incomplete description of multifrequency nonlinearities may translate into substantial deviations compared to more rigorous treatments.
- Diseño de sistemas autónomos auto-explicables con participación humana(2026) Peña-Cáceres, Oscar; Gil Pascual, Miriam; Albert Albiol, Manuela; Escola de DoctoratDiseñar sistemas autónomos capaces de convivir con las personas, comprender sus necesidades, adaptarse a ellas y ofrecer explicaciones claras no representa únicamente un desafío técnico, sino un compromiso profundo con la manera en que la tecnología debe integrarse en la vida cotidiana. Este trabajo propone un método para el diseño de sistemas autónomos auto-explicables con participación humana, basándose en técnicas de inteligencia artificial que permiten adaptar, en tiempo de ejecución, tanto la cantidad como la calidad y la forma en que se presentan las explicaciones. A través de un marco conceptual y un modelo predictivo, se busca que los sistemas no solo respondan, sino que se expliquen considerando el contexto, el perfil y el comportamiento del usuario. Esta propuesta se aleja de enfoques rígidos o diseñados artesanalmente, ofreciendo una arquitectura sistemática y flexible para una interacción comprensible, no intrusiva y personalizada. Los experimentos realizados en un entorno de hogar inteligente evidencian mejoras sustanciales en la comprensión, no intrusión e implicación del usuario, reafirmando que la explicabilidad debe ser tratada como una propiedad estructural del sistema, y no como un añadido posterior. En paralelo, se exploró el uso del reconocimiento de voz como canal natural para registrar e interpretar acciones humanas. A través de un modelo de clasificación basado en técnicas de aprendizaje automático, fue posible identificar categorías, subcategorías y acciones a partir de comandos hablados, con altos niveles de precisión. Esta funcionalidad no solo facilitó una interacción más intuitiva, sino que enriqueció el ciclo explicativo del sistema, al convertir los actos del usuario en señales que retroalimentan la generación de explicaciones. El reconocimiento de voz dejó de ser solo una interfaz y se convirtió en un puente para conectar intenciones, lenguaje y respuestas inteligentes. Esta dimensión simbólica de la interacción fortalece la idea de que el usuario debe ser considerado como un colaborador activo y no como un simple destinatario de información, permitiendo una relación más empática, adaptable y significativa entre el humano y la máquina. Asimismo, se aprovechó el potencial de un modelo de lenguaje de gran escala, implementado mediante ChatGPT, y adaptado específicamente al entorno del hogar inteligente, con el propósito de generar explicaciones personalizadas de manera dinámica y en tiempo real. Este modelo permitió articular respuestas en lenguaje natural que integran no solo los datos del sistema, sino también el perfil del usuario, su historial de interacción y el estado contextual del entorno. Esta capacidad de adaptación discursiva abre nuevas posibilidades para construir sistemas autónomos que dialoguen en lugar de simplemente informar. La validación realizada en simulaciones funcionales mostró que el sistema es capaz de operar de forma continua y coherente, generando explicaciones oportunas y ajustadas a cada situación. Aunque el despliegue en contextos reales se plantea como una siguiente fase, los resultados alcanzados evidencian un avance relevante hacia sistemas autónomos que no solo automaticen tareas, sino que también comprenden, se explican y evolucionan con los seres humanos que las utilizan.
- Bifunctionalized gold nanoparticles for the colorimetric detection of the drug γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in beverages(2021) Rodríguez Nuévalos, Silvia; Costero Nieto, Ana María; Gil Grau, Salvador; Parra Álvarez, Margarita; Gaviña Costero, PabloThe increase in the number of drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) cases in recent years has become a major concern. Consequently, there is a need to develop methods for the real-time detection of these substances. We report herein a colorimetric chemosensor for the real-time in situ detection of the 'date rape' drug GHB. The sensor is based on gold nanoparticles functionalized with both a 2-aminonaphthoxazole and phenanthroline derivative. Its ability to act as 'naked-eye' colorimetric sensor for the detection of the drug in soft drinks and alcoholic beverages was studied. The detection process is based on the double recognition of both the hydroxyl and the carboxylate groups present in GHB, which triggers the aggregation of the AuNPs, with the resulting change in the color of the solution.
- Cómo publicar en Gaceta de Optometría y Óptica Oftálmica: orientaciones para nuevos autores(2025) Gené Sampedro, Andrés; Villa Collar, CésarEste artículo tiene como objetivo proporcionar una guía práctica y accesible para autores noveles en el ámbito de la optometría, con el fin de facilitar su iniciación en el proceso de publicación científica. Se abordan tres aspectos fundamentales: cómo comunicar con rigor y claridad, cómo estructurar y redactar correctamente artículos de investigación, revisiones y casos clínicos, y cómo responder eficazmente al proceso de revisión por pares. A partir de una revisión narrativa y la experiencia editorial de los autores, se ofrecen recomendaciones concretas adaptadas a las normas de Gaceta de Optometría y Óptica Oftálmica. Este trabajo pretende contribuir al fortalecimiento de la cultura científica en optometría, promoviendo la producción de manuscritos de mayor calidad, mejor estructurados y alineados con los principios de la práctica basada en la evidencia.
- Relationship Between Refractive Error, Visual Acuity, and Postural Stability in Elite Football Players(2025) Oliveira, Miguel; Fuste, Rui; Gené Morales, Javier; Gené Sampedro, Andrés; Jorge, JorgeThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between visual system parameters (visual acuity and refractive error) and postural balance under controlled conditions in elite football players. Visual acuity (monocular and binocular) and refractive errors were assessed in 34 male athletes using retinoscopy and subjective refraction. Postural stability was assessed with the Cyber-Sabots¿ platform, recording the center of pressure (CoP) metrics, including sway amplitude, velocity, and distribution area. Visual and postural parameter correlations were assessed using Pearson's test (p < 0.05). Athletes demonstrated good binocular visual acuity (−0.03 ± 0.09 logMAR) and were predominantly emmetropic. Visual acuity and postural parameters showed significant negative correlations, whereby visual acuity was associated with reduced CoP displacement (r = −0.352) and sway area (r = −0.367), indicating enhanced stability. Hyperopia and oblique astigmatism were moderately correlated with increased sway (r = 0.343) and antero-posterior sway amplitude in the sagittal plane (r = 0.324). Anisometropia showed moderately negative correlations with antero-posterior control (r = −0.421), suggesting a disruptive effect on postural stability. The postural analysis showed adaptations characteristic of football players, including anterior body inclination, increased forefoot loading, and medio-lateral sway. Romberg's quotients highlighted significant visual input reliance for maintaining postural balance. Visual acuity, refractive errors, and interocular refractive asymmetries significantly influence postural stability in elite football players. These results support incorporating visual function assessment into training and injury prevention in elite sports.
- Combined Dietary Education and High-Intensity Interval Resistance Training Improve Health Outcomes in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease(2022) Deka, Pallav; Blesa Jarque, Jesús; Pathak, Dola; Sempere Rubio, Núria; Iglesias, Paula; Micó Pascual, Lydia; Soriano del Castillo, José Miguel; Klompstra, Leonie; Marqués Sulé, ElenaBackground: Reducing cardiovascular risk through lifestyle changes that include a hearthealthy diet and regular exercise is recommended in the rehabilitation of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We pilot-tested the effectiveness of a dietary-education and high-intensity interval resistance training (DE-HIIRT) program on healthy food choices and associated anthropometric variables in patients with established CAD. Methods: A total of 22 participants, aged 60.0 7.2 years, were enrolled in the study. Over 3 months, under the guidance and supervision of a physiotherapist, participants performed the resistance exercises 2 /week in a group setting (cohort of 11). Participants additionally attended three sessions of dietary education led by a dietician. Participants demonstrated their knowledge and understanding of dietary education by picking heart-healthy foods by reading food labels. Outcomes included change in diet (measured using the tricipital skinfold thickness Mediterranean Diet Adherence questionnaire (MEDAS-14) and the Food Consumption Frequency Questionnaire (FCFQ)) and anthropometric measurements (body composition, body circumference, and tricipital skinfold thickness). A paired t-test was performed to analyze the differences between the baseline and post-intervention results. Results: Participants significantly increased their consumption of vegetables (p = 0.04) and lowered their consumption of sweet snacks (p = 0.007), pastries (p = 0.02), and processed food (p = 0.05). Significant improvements in body mass index (p = 0.001), waist circumference (p = 0.0001), hip circumference (p = 0.04), and body fat (p = 0.0001) were also achieved. Conclusion: Making lifestyle changes that include both diet and exercise is essential in the management of CAD. The HIIRT program combined with dietary changes shows promise in achieving weight-loss goals in this population and needs to be further investigated with appropriate study designs.
- Nutrimetry and evaluation of intestinal parasites and anemia in malnourished schoolchildren from Toliara (Madagascar)(2025) Alfano, Maria Valentina; Gozalbo, Mónica M.; Tapia-Veloz, Gabriela; Guirao, Venny; Soriano del Castillo, José Miguel; Trelis Villanueva, MaríaBackground/Objectives: This study aimed to determine the malnutrition status, prevalence of intestinal parasites and anaemia, and the hygiene and sanitation conditions of children participating in the nutritional recovery programme at Las Salinas school of the ONG Bel Avenir in Toliara (Madagascar). The ultimate goal of the ONG Bel Avenir is to apply synergistic strategies to effectively combat malnutrition. Methods: A total of 49 schoolchildren aged 6 to 17 years enrolled in the nutritional recovery programme were studied. Data collection included sociodemographic information, hygiene and sanitation practices, and haematological and anthropometric measurements. Results: All participants were found to have anaemia. Regarding intestinal parasites, Giardia intestinalis was detected in 93.9% of cases, and Trichuris trichiura was identified in 28.6% of cases. Nutritional assessments revealed that 100% of the participants experienced thinness or acute malnutrition, while 32.6% exhibited stunting or impaired growth. Conclusions: The findings underscore the critical relationship between nutritional status and factors such as parasitology, haematology, and hygiene. Tools like the Nutrimetry assessment enable more specific diagnostics, guiding targeted interventions to address malnutrition. This study highlights the urgent need for policies and collaborative actions to improve the health conditions of the children in Madagascar.
- Extracellular vesicles in food: Experimental evidence of their secretion in grape fruits(2017) Pérez-Bermúdez, Pedro; Blesa Jarque, Jesús; Soriano del Castillo, José Miguel; Marcilla Díaz, AntonioIn the last decade, the number of studies related with extracellular vesicles (EVs) has dramatically grown since their role as key part of intercellular communication has been confirmed. EVs, as transporter of distinct bioactive molecules, can take part in different physiological mechanisms and have been gaining attention as potential tools with a wide range of therapeutic effects. Whereas a high number of studies have been published related to mammalian derived EVs, including products as food source, the existence of EVs in plants still is controversial. Recent descriptions of vesicles derived from edible plants show that they might contain pharmacological active molecules. In this context, EVs from food are attracting increasing interest due to their relevance in modulating cellular processes (involved in health and disease), as well as therapeutic vehicles. The present work aims to summarize the current knowledge on exosomes in foods, actually limited to only four FAO groups (Milk, Starchy roots and tubers, Nuts and seeds, and Fruits). In addition, we have further characterized EVs isolated from grape berry juice by classical differential centrifugation, and described a preliminary dissection of their secretion in vivo.
- Maternal Education and Its Association with Dietary Diversity and Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Practices in Rural Madagascar(2026) Rotella, Rosita; Soriano del Castillo, José Miguel; Peraita-Costa, Isabel; Llopis González, Agustín; Morales Suárez-Varela, María M.This study aimed to assess maternal health profiles related to diet, pregnancy, and breastfeeding practices among 437 mothers with children under 24 months in a rural village in Madagascar, and to examine their association with maternal educational attainment using interviews and anthropometric data. Bivariate statistical analyses were performed to explore associations between maternal education level and all studied variables. Multivariate analyses were also conducted but did not yield reliable results and are therefore not presented. The findings showed that higher maternal education was strongly associated with better socioeconomic conditions; improved access to essential resources like food, clean water, and healthcare facilities; and greater dietary diversity. More educated women reported consuming a wider range of foods, reflecting better nutritional quality and potential benefits for maternal health. In contrast, education level did not significantly affect pregnancy-related care or breastfeeding practices as recommended by the WHO. This suggests that while education enhances women's ability to access and choose nutritious diets, broader cultural or systemic factors may shape maternal care behaviors. Women with higher educational attainment had greater access to diverse and sufficient diets, which may contribute to improved maternal nutritional status. Sustainable interventions aimed at improving women's education and nutritional literacy are needed to support informed dietary choices and improve maternal and child health outcomes.
- Design and validation of kineanthropometric measurement protocols in adult population with cerebral palsy(2026) Exposito, David; Soriano del Castillo, José Miguel; Soler Quiles, CarlaBackground & aims: Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) face a high risk of malnutrition, yet most nutritional assessment methods have been developed for children. Despite the known anatomical and functional heterogeneity in adults with CP, there is a lack of validated, adapted tools for this population. This study aims to design and validate a specific anthropometric method for assessing the nutritional status of adults with CP, addressing this critical gap in clinical and research practice. Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of two phases. First, anthropometric measurements were performed on 47 adults with CP to identify practical challenges and design an adapted protocol. In the second phase, this protocol was applied to 74 healthy adults trained to simulate the postural limitations commonly observed in individuals with CP (e.g., asymmetries, spasticity-related contractures), based on direct observation in the CP group. Measurements obtained with the adapted method were statistically compared to those obtained using the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) reference protocol. Results: The adapted protocol accounts for the anatomical and functional challenges of individuals with CP by allowing measurements to be performed in a supine position or with limbs flexed or extended, as necessary. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between the adapted protocol and the ISAK reference method for any of the anthropometric measurements. These results confirm that the modified approach yields accurate and reliable assessments of nutritional status in adults with CP. Conclusion: The anatomical and functional limitations of adults with CP present significant challenges to traditional ISAK methodology. However, the adapted protocol, performed in a supine position by trained anthropometrists, produces comparable results. Key indicators such as Arm Muscle Area, Arm Adipose Area, and the Adipose-Muscular Index can reliably assess the nutritional status of this population, offering a viable alternative for clinical and research applications..
- Nutritional Assessment of the Elderly Population with COVID-19: A Systematic Review(2025) Moreno-Guillamont, Elena; Moret Tatay, Amparo; Tripiana Rallo, Mar; Dea-Ayuela, María Auxiliadora; San Onofre, Nadia; Soriano del Castillo, José MiguelBackground: Elderly individuals represent one of the populations most affected by COVID- 19, exhibiting high vulnerability to malnutrition, sarcopenia, and poor clinical outcomes. The association between nutritional status and disease progression highlights the need for standardized assessment and targeted nutritional interventions. Methods: A systematic review was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, covering studies published between January 2020 and October 2025. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and included studies evaluating nutritional status, screening tools, and nutritional support strategies for the elderly population (≥65 years old) with COVID-19 across inpatient, outpatient, and institutional care settings. Results: A total of seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Reported malnutrition prevalence ranged from 25% to 65%, increasing with both age and COVID-19 severity. The most frequently applied tools were the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, and the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI). New evidence supports early nutritional screening, high-protein supplementation, and individualized dietary strategies to reduce complications and improve recovery trajectories. Conclusions: Nutritional risk screening and timely intervention are essential in the management of elderly patients with COVID-19. Standardized assessment tools and multidisciplinary nutrition approaches enhance clinical outcomes, minimize disease burden, and should remain integral components of geriatric care in infectious and post-pandemic contexts.
- In ovo phage administration to mitigate Salmonella Typhimurium colonization in broiler chickens - A new firewall strategy for the poultry industry(2026) Torres Boncompte, Jan; Garcia Llorens, Josep; Cortés, Pilar; Martinez Sánchez, Anna; Llagostera, Montserrat; Campoy, Susana; Soriano del Castillo, José Miguel; Catalá Gregori, Pablo; Sevilla Navarro, SandraHatcheries, as the initial stage of the poultry production pipeline, play a pivotal role in the potential spread of Salmonella. The high-density rearing conditions of industrial poultry production, coupled with the routine transfer of chicks from hatcheries to multiple farm locations, heighten the likelihood of pathogen dissemination across wide geographic areas. Therefore, there is a need for innovative disinfection strategies that align with regulatory requirements and effectively target pathogenic threats. In this context, this study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of bacteriophages application in ovo as a preventive measure to mitigate Salmonella transmission from hatcheries to the rearing farms. To do so, two experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 evaluated the safest and most effective in ovo inoculation site for phage delivery, while the Experiment 2 tested the efficacy of a phage cocktail administered via the amniotic liquid in reducing Salmonella Typhimurium colonization during the first 21 days post-hatch after direct and indirect exposure. The results demonstrated that phage administration in the amniotic liquid was the safest and most suitable in ovo inoculation site. Furthermore, phage treatment significantly reduced Salmonella colonization in directly infected chicks and completely prevented transmission in indirectly exposed birds. In ovo administration of the phages proved to be a promising prophylactic firewall strategy to limit the spread of Salmonella within the production chain.
- Characterization and therapeutic potential of newly isolated bacteriophages targeting the most common Salmonella serovars in Europe(2025) Torres Boncompte, Jan; Gómez Cano, I. S.; Garcia Llorens, Josep; Soriano del Castillo, José Miguel; Catalá Gregori, Pablo; Sevilla Navarro, SandraDespite meticulous monitoring of Salmonella spp. throughout the food chain to ensure safer animal food products for consumers, the number of salmonellosis cases in humans continues to rise annually in Europe. Phage therapy emerges as a promising tool for controlling and eradicating Salmonella in primary production. This study aimed to fully characterize new phage therapy candidates isolated from animal sources. To achieve this, a phenotypic and genetic characterization of five phage isolates was conducted. The five phages demonstrated physical stability across a wide range of temperatures and pH levels, effectively lysing 12 different Salmonella serovars, including the most prevalent ones in the European Union in recent years, as well as multidrug-resistant strains isolated from the field. Additionally, four of the phages exhibited depolymerase production in the host range, with genomic analysis confirming that all five possessed sequences encoding for this activity, suggesting their potential as surface-disinfecting agents. Genetic analysis further revealed that the phages belong to distinct genera: Felixounavirus, Cornellvirus, Skatevirus, Agtevirus and Berlinvirus. Notably, none of the phages contained harmful sequences that could compromise their future application, such as virulence factors, antibiotic resistance genes or temperate markers. Overall, these five phages show promise as suitable candidates for phage therapy applications or phage-based Salmonella eradication strategies, where their integration in the existing biocontrol measures may enhance both food safety and public health.
- Advances in Space Systems for Optimised Solar Physics Payloads(2025) Gasent Blesa, José Luis; Sanchis Kilders, Esteban; Gilabert Palmer, David; Departament d'Enginyeria ElectrònicaEsta tesis estudia la concepción, el diseño, la cualificación y el comportamiento en vuelo de electrónica compacta para cargas útiles de física solar. Se centra en los módulos convertidores de potencia (PCM) y en el diseño mecánico, estructural y térmico de las unidades electrónicas, en el contexto de dos misiones: el satélite Solar Orbiter y el globo estratosférico SUNRISE III. Aunque operan en entornos distintos, ambas requieren el funcionamiento fiable de instrumentación científica exigente bajo fuertes restricciones ambientales y de programa. A partir de estos casos, se desarrolla y aplica una metodología de ingeniería de sistemas para la electrónica de carga útil, que combina la flexibilidad del entorno académico con la experiencia de la industria espacial y busca optimizar recursos y riesgos de desarrollo en misiones científicas. La tesis enmarca el trabajo en el ámbito de la física solar y subraya la necesidad de realizar observaciones desde plataformas espaciales y estratosféricas. Se resumen los principales condicionantes de una misión científica y las particularidades ambientales del diseño de electrónica espacial, además de revisar las principales misiones europeas dedicadas a la física solar. Los proyectos en globos se enmarcan en el contexto New Space, con ciclos de desarrollo más cortos y menor coste, pero requisitos muy exigentes. Sobre esta base, se define un flujo de trabajo adaptado a entornos de desarrollo rápidos y con recursos limitados. Partiendo de este marco, se aplica una visión de ingeniería de sistemas al desarrollo de los elementos críticos indicados en instrumentación de dichas misiones. El diseño mecánico y estructural emplea modelos de elementos finitos para fijar márgenes adecuados, mientras que las líneas de potencia consideran los requisitos de los diferentes sistemas, además de otros aspectos como el derating y la EMC. La verificación integra análisis y ensayos ambientales, validando el sistema mediante telemetría en vuelo. El resultado es una metodología que articula especificación, diseño, integración y verificación, aplicable a futuras cargas útiles en entornos extremos. En Solar Orbiter se analiza la estructura de la unidad electrónica del instrumento PHI y su PCM diseñado a medida, frente a soluciones comerciales (COTS). Para SUNRISE III se aborda una unidad presurizada y un PCM para los instrumentos TuMag y SCIP, con un diseño híbrido que combina desarrollos específicos y componentes COTS. La tesis identifica cuándo es preferible un desarrollo a medida y cuándo resulta adecuado un enfoque mixto, apoyado en la selección de componentes, una integración mecánico-térmica cuidada y la correlación entre modelos, ensayos y telemetría. Estos resultados se concretan en criterios prácticos para equilibrar prestaciones, riesgo y coste en futuras misiones de física solar y en otras plataformas científicas espaciales y estratosféricas.
- KONUS dynamics for a 750 MHz IH-based injector(2026) Giner Navarro, Jorge; Oliver, C.; Gavela, D.; Bencini, V.; Lombardi, A.; Calvo, P.; Moreno, G.; León, M.; Rodríguez, A.; Carmona, J. M.In response to the increasing demand for hadron therapy facilities, significant efforts have been directed toward enhancing the performance of high-gradient and high-transmission injectors for light ion beams. For carbon ion irradiations, which offer greater radiobiological efficiency in tumor treatment, recent research has focused on developing high-production sources of fully stripped C6+ ions and highly compact, high-frequency RFQ cavities. This study explores the design possibilities of a carbon ion acceleration section using 750 MHz Interdigital H-mode Drift Tube Linacs (IH-DTLs) as a high-efficiency solution for accelerating ions in the 5-10 MeV per nucleon energy range. A particle-tracking routine based on the TRAVEL code was developed to design the acceleration line through a tailored KONUS-type configuration. Three design solutions were proposed and compared, exploring different alternatives regarding the use of a MEBT to match the output beam phase space of the RFQ to the optics of the line, as well as varying considerations for magnetic systems to focus the beam. Additionally, the compatibility of the proposed solutions with the existing design of the carbon ion bent-linac for hadron therapy was assessed.
- Upconversion: A Write and Read Mechanism(2025) Marqués Hueso, José; Zhakeyev, Adilet; Ballesteros-Cillero, Rafael; Leslie, Nicholas R.Upconversion is an interesting optical mechanism that has attracted much attention for decades, among other things for the switching from low- to high-energy photons, and for its non-linear behaviour. This enables the control of light penetration depth, both for "writing" processes, such as 3D printing, as well as for "reading" schemes, as temperature sensing. This talk will discuss recent advancements in photoluminescent and photopolymer-based technologies, and how they have showcased significant potential across diverse applications, from temperature sensing to stereolithographic 3D printing
- Infrared emitting lanthanide doped nanoparticles provide sensing capabilities to coronary implants(2025) Qiu, Dongmei; Gutiérrez González, Paula; Iglesias de la Cruz, M. Carmen; Molina, Pablo; Cascales, Juan Pedro; Lifante Pedrola, Ginés; Marqués Hueso, José; Royuela, Sergio; Jaque, Daniel; Rubio Retama, JorgeIntracoronary stents have revolutionized the treatment of coronary obstructions, allowing for minimally invasive procedures and significantly enhancing both therapeutic efficacy and patient quality of life. Despite their clinical success, once implanted, stents act as passive elements, incapable of providing real-time data on the treated artery, thereby limiting early diagnosis of post-implantation complications such as inflammation, restenosis, or recurrence of atheromatous plaques. In this study, we introduce stents with deep tissue sensing capabilities through the incorporation of near-infrared emitting lanthanide-doped nanoparticles. Using 3D printed stent prototypes, we demonstrate that the luminescence emitted by neodymium and ytterbium ions in core/shell/shell NaYF₄ nanoparticles facilitates both deep tissue visualization and tracking of the stent position. Additionally, the temperature-dependent fluorescence lifetime of Nd,Yb:NaYF₄ nanoparticles provides thermal sensitivity, allowing precise deep tissue thermal monitoring of catheter-induced heating with sub-degree accuracy. This work highlights the potential of infrared-emitting nanoparticles to drive the next generation of coronary stents, paving the way for advanced light-based diagnostics and therapeutic procedures.
- Exciton diamagnetic shifts and spin dynamics in lead halide perovskites under high magnetic fields(2025) Fong, Chee F.; Granados del Águila, AndrésSemiconductor lead halide perovskites have attracted significant attention for various applications. Understanding the impact of material composition on optical properties is essential for optimizing device performance. Here, we performed magneto-optical spectroscopy on high-quality bulk CsPbBr3, MAPbBr3, and MAPbI3 single crystals under magnetic fields of up to 30 T. The results revealed distinctive excitonic responses to the magnetic field, with bromide-based perovskites exhibiting modest diamagnetic shifts, while MAPbI3 showed a more pronounced response, even including an emission peak with a negative diamagnetic coefficient. Analysis of the magnetic-field induced photoluminescence circular polarization revealed slow exciton spin dynamics, with comparable spin relaxation and radiative recombination times across all perovskites. Our insights enhance the understanding of the complex interactions between cationic and anionic influences, offering pathways for innovations in photovoltaics, optoelectronics, and quantum optics.
- Visualización de la calidad del aire en Valencia: una herramienta para la ciudadanía(2025) Coma Tatay, Inmaculada; Domenech, Francesc; Carot, Vicente; Portalés, CristinaResumen: La calidad del aire constituye un indicador esencial de la salud ambiental y su adecuada comunicación es clave para promover decisiones informadas. En Valencia, aunque los datos oficiales de contaminación atmosférica están disponibles en portales abiertos, su complejidad dificulta su comprensión por parte de la ciudadanía. Este trabajo presenta una aplicación web que integra información en tiempo real y series históricas de once estaciones de medición, permitiendo visualizar de forma interactiva los principales contaminantes (NO₂, PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, O₃, SO₂) junto con los valores de referencia de la legislación española y las recomendaciones de la OMS. La herramienta combina mapas, gráficos temporales y mapas de calor, facilitando el análisis de tendencias, la comparación con umbrales normativos y la identificación de periodos críticos. Los resultados muestran una reducción progresiva de NO₂ y PM₁₀ entre 2014 y 2023, así como patrones estacionales asociados al ozono. Esta propuesta contribuye a democratizar el acceso a la información ambiental, fomentando la conciencia social y ofreciendo un recurso replicable para otras ciudades interesadas en acercar los datos de calidad del aire a la población. Palabras clave: Calidad del aire; Visualización de datos; Salud Ambiental; Concienciación ciudadana.
