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University dropout is a phenomenon of growing interest due to its negative consequences. Various variables have been studied in order to understand why this problem occurs. Satisfaction with the degree choice, self-regulation strategies and engagement within the university are some of the variables that have been studied in order to understand why students decide to drop out university. In this sense, it is also important to consider uncertainty, which refers to the level of certainty that students have about these variables to understand the decisions to drop out. Therefore, the aim of this research is to analyse the uncertainty associated with the decision to drop out studies among first year and second-year students, based on these three variables using Multiple Criteria Decision-Making. We performed descriptive analyses and FTOPSIS method on a sample of 719 students from a university in the north of Spain. We saw a relationship between the three variables studied and the intention to persist, as well as being a first-year student. In conclusion, it is important to continue studying the variables that influence this phenomenon in greater depth. In addition, this type of analysis could help in future research to understand in greater depth the influence of other variables on dropout rates.

Abstract Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC), diagnosed during or shortly after pregnancy, is a challenging entity with an aggressive biology and poor prognosis. This study analyzed the clinicopathological characteristics and gene expression profile of 33 PABC and 26 non-PABC patients using the nCounter BC360 Panel (NanoString). Notably, PABC showed a higher prevalence of basal-like tumors than non-PABC (48.48% vs 15.38%, p = 0.012) and displayed 73 differentially expressed genes (e.g., DEPDC1, CCNA2, PSAT1, CDKN3, and FAM83D), enriched in DNA repair and cell proliferation pathways. Through the PPI network, we also identified a cluster of cell-cycle regulation genes like MYC, FOXM1, or PTEN. Interestingly, differences emerged when comparing patients diagnosed during gestation (PABC-GS) and the postpartum period (PABC-PP), with PABC-PP showing increased expression of immune-related genes, including PD-1, and greater immune cell infiltration (Tregs, macrophages, neutrophils, B-cells). These findings suggest an enhanced proliferative capacity and impaired DNA repair in PABC, and underscore the role of immune infiltration in postpartum cases; providing insights into its aggressive nature and potential targets.

The availability of displacement maps based on Multi-Temporal Satellite SAR Interferometry (MT-InSAR) has greatly increased, particularly since the launch of the Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellites in 2014. These satellites provide open and free data, leading to services like the European Ground Motion Service (EGMS) which offers highly detailed displacement maps across Europe. Despite their potential for territorial management and risk assessment, the use of these maps is limited due to the complexity of the data and the lack of experience in interpreting MT-InSAR results. Projects such as RASTOOL and SARAI aim to address this by developing automated tools that simplify and expedite the analysis of EGMS data. The ADATools suite, including ADAFinder, ADAClassifier, and ADAImpact, automates the identification, classification, and impact assessment of active deformation areas (ADAs). These tools facilitate the use of displacement data for non-experts, supporting better management of territorial and infrastructural risks. Examples of ADATools applications to EGMS data highlight their strengths and future development potential, as part of the SARAI project.

BackgroundIn recent years, cancer survival rates have increased exponentially. However, this rise in survival comes with a significant drawback. As the number of treatment lines has grown, so too have the side effects, which can severely impact patients' functionality and quality of life. One of the most concerning effects is dyspnoea, a serious health issue that imposes substantial limitations on individuals. While traditional clinical approaches, primarily focused on pharmacological interventions, are commonly employed to manage dyspnoea, we argue that these methods may not always provide optimal symptomatic relief. Therefore, we propose a study protocol to implement an interdisciplinary intervention for these patients. This protocol aims to enhance standard clinical practice by introducing a program of functional re-education and environmental adaptation. We believe this intervention is essential for the follow-up care of patients with respiratory conditions after hospital discharge.MethodsA two-arm, randomized, parallel, controlled clinical trial will be conducted by the University of Salamanca, Spain, in collaboration with the Medical Oncology Service of the University Health Care Complex of Salamanca. The trial aims to recruit 80 oncology patients who exhibit symptoms of dyspnoea during hospital admission. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: the control group, which will receive a health education program, and the experimental group, which will receive both the health education program and a functional re-education and environmental adaptation program. Assessments will be conducted at three time points: baseline (prior to hospital discharge), follow-up (15 days after discharge), and the end of the intervention (1 month after discharge). During these assessments, sociodemographic data will be collected, and the following scales will be administered: Barthel Index, Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale (mMRC), EuroQol 5-D questionnaire (EQ-5D), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), and the Zarit Reduced Caregiver Burden Scale.DiscussionThe findings of this research can be easily implemented in clinical settings by introducing a targeted intervention to improve the quality of life for this patient population. This study aims to advance traditional clinical approaches by facilitating the recovery or adaptation of cancer patients in their daily routines, in relation to the severity of their symptoms. Our primary goal is to enhance independence and functionality, ultimately improving their overall standard of living.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov; ID: NCT06035263. Registered on: September 19, 2023. https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S000DM2U&selectaction=Edit&uid=U0004OJ7&ts=6&cx=f7qqxo.

Objetiva-se analisar práticas para gestão das águas, da energia elétrica e dos resíduos pelos setores hoteleiros e gastronômicos, em Pipa (RN/Brasil) em 2021. A pesquisa, fruto da atuação no Programa ALI/Brasil Mais/SEBRAE, utilizou referências sobre recursos naturais e relatórios técnicos. Os dados foram coletados junto às empresas no momento da aplicação do Radar da Inovação. Concluiu-se que o uso de recursos hídricos não ocorre de modo sustentável nas hoteleiras, que visam aumentar lucros e clientes. Nas da gastronomia, objetivam reduzir tempo de trabalho dos colaboradores e pagamentos de contas. Nenhuma delas se preocupam com descarte dos resíduos.

ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-clinical trials aims to analyze the effect of interventions incorporating surface neurofeedback techniques on self-perceived sleep quality and insomnia in patients with or without sleep disturbances.MethodsThe review was completed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement and was deposited in the Prospero international prospective registry of systematic reviews (CRD42024528401). Seven clinical trials with different main outcomes but with pre-post intervention records of self-perceived sleep quality or insomnia symptoms assessed by questionnaires met our inclusion criteria, including a publication date within the last 10 years. Five trials investigated sleep quality through scores on the Pittsburgh sleep quality Index (PSQI) and three trials signs of insomnia severity assessed with validated scales. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing the risk of bias and showed a high quality of them.ResultsA total of 5 studies that evaluated sleep quality with the PSQI total score were included in the meta-analysis. The results revealed that control conditions succeeded in improving PSQI-assessed sleep quality more than the analyzed Neurofeedback interventions (PSQI total score 0.57; 95% CI 0.13 to 1.01; p = 0.01). On the other hand, a total of 3 studies that evaluated insomnia severity with various insomnia scales were included in the meta-analysis The results revealed that neither the NF interventions nor the control conditions show a favorable outcome relative to each other (−0.13; 95% CI −0.44 to 0.18; p = 0.41).ConclusionThe interventions studied mostly apply a neurofeedback training protocol based on maintaining alpha waves in a range between 8 and 12 Hz, with electrode positioning in the frontal area or in the sensorimotor cortex and with a number of neurofeedback sessions ranging from 8 to 20 sessions. The meta-analysis showed that interventions incorporating surface neurofeedback do not produce additional benefits in self-perception of sleep quality or insomnia compared to a wide variety of control conditions including cognitive behavioral treatment or other biofeedback modalities.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO – International prospective register of systematic reviews – CRD42024528401 https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=528401.

BackgroundNomophobia is a specific phobia characterized by the appearance of anxiety, nervousness, discomfort and distress when the mobile phone is not used and is considered an emerging public health problem because of the negative consequences on the physical and mental health of young people and adolescents, especially women. Neurofeedback-Assisted Mindfulness Training Programs may prove beneficials for improving self-control abilities, a key ability in addressing addictive behaviors. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact, in a young population aged 18–35 years, of an intervention based on Neurofeedback-Assisted Mindfulness Training Program (NAMTP) on disorders associated with problematic use of mobile phones. The effect of the intervention on the total score in the nomophobia test and habits of internet and social network use, as well as on signs of depression, anxiety and stress will be analyzed. As a secondary objective, the effect of the intervention on signs of insomnia will be analyzed.Methods and designRandomized, controlled clinical-trial with two-parallel groups. 40 young adults (18–35 years) will be included and randomly assigned to Intervention Group-NAMTP or Control Group (CG). The NAMTP will include a total of 25 sessions (2-3/week) during 3-months. Each session will have a duration of 10/15 min. The instrument to be used for the neurofeedback sessions is MUSE® (InteraXon Inc.). Study variables will be collected at the baseline visit and at the final visit (3-months after randomization). During these visits, questionnaires will be administered to evaluate the main and secondary variables that will include the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, Nomophobia Questionnaire, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21-item (DASS-21) and Athens Insomnia Scale.DiscussionThis trial will make an important contribution to the need for evidence of effective education programs and other primary care interventions through new non-invasive interventions in reducing the risk of developing addictions to new technologies and alleviating the symptoms of discomfort associated with this problem.Ethics and disseminationThe project was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Salamanca Health Area (CEIm Code: PI 2023 071340).Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, http://www.Clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06188910.

IntroductionBreast cancer is among the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide, with 2.3 million new cases reported annually. The condition causes a social and economic impact known as financial toxicity of cancer. The study aims to explore the extra expenses borne by patients and their families on being diagnosed with breast cancer.MethodologyAn observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. The data was collected between November 2021 and March 2022 at the Medical Oncology Service in Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Salamanca, Spain. The variables under investigation were additional economic costs, physical disability (as measured by the Barthel Index), instrumental activities of daily living (as measured by the Lawton-Brody Scale), and caregiver burden (measured using the ZARIT scale).ResultsThe final sample size was N = 107. The study yielded the following outcomes: the median age was 55 years old and the majority of participants were female, with a proportion of 99.1%. The incidence rates for stage I and II were 31.8 and 35.5%, respectively. The median Barthel score was 100 points, while the Lawton and Brody score were 8 points and the ECOG score was 2 points. The analysis of primary caregiver burden resulted in a median ZARIT score of 15 points. The expenses related solely to the cancer diagnosis totaled 1511.22 euros per year (316.82 euros for pharmaceuticals; 487.85 euros for orthopedic equipment; 140.19 euros for home help; and 566.36 euros for housing adaptation or transfer to a hospital). The average annual income before diagnosis was 19962.62 euros. However, after being diagnosed with breast cancer, there is a significant income decrease of 15.91%, resulting in a reduced average annual income of 16785.98 euros. Additionally, a significant correlation was found between total expenditure and the level of dependency (p = 0.032) and functional status (p = 0.045).ConclusionThese findings indicate that breast cancer patients experience a considerable economic burden, which worsens as their functional status deteriorates. Therefore, we believe policies should be implemented to help control this economic deterioration resulting from a serious health condition.

University dropout is a phenomenon of growing interest in the knowledge society. However, it is a complex phenomenon in which a variety of academic and social variables interact with each other. Cyberbullying is also something that has been the subject of increased research recently, and although it has most often been studied in primary and secondary education, it cannot be discounted from higher education. Because of that, the objective of this study was to determine whether there was a relationship between intentions to complete higher education or not and having been the victim of cyberbullying. We used a sample of 1653 students at a university in Spain who were asked to respond to an adaptation of the University Violence Questionnaire (UVC), analysing the data collected via descriptive statistics and the decision tree test. The results indicated that there was a relationship between having been the victim of cyberbullying and the intention to drop out of a university course, especially when the bullying behavior was social exclusion, impersonation, or spreading sexual images without consent. This study aimed to enhance understanding of university dropout, looking at how being the victim of cyberbullying interacted with the likelihood of students finishing their courses.

Geographic Information Systems (GISs) cover a wide range of Earth and environmental science disciplines that have become essential for spatial data management, easing the digital transformation needs of our society. Despite the usefulness of GISs, they remain underutilised in academia, and many students do not understand the possibilities that these tools offer. To familiarise university students with the potential of GISs, we designed 11 short clips (less than 5 min long) recorded by Earth scientists with diverse backgrounds who shared their work experience with GISs to solve real-world problems. Through these short clips, we emphasised not only the multidisciplinary uses of GISs but also provided professional references for undergraduate students, including societal aspects such as gender equality, national and international mobility, private-to-public-sector transitioning, and different family circumstances. As a result, the students expressed their interest in the applications of GISs, many of which were completely new to them, highlighting the potential of GISs in terms of entrepreneurship and their usefulness in mitigating global change. Thus, we were able to transfer knowledge from research to university education and foster spatial data management skills in Earth science.

The increase in dropout rates in higher education is a phenomenon that has generated a lot of interest because of the need to deal with its economic, personal, and social consequences, and because of its prevalence, estimated around 30% in Spain. There is a similar interest in violent behavior in university classrooms, which has also been seen to have increased in recent years. Given that, and the fact that research has shown personal variables to be more influential in dropout from higher education, the aim of this study is to explore whether those students who are the victims of bullying (both traditional and cyberbullying) are closer to dropping out from their degree courses. To that end, 1,653 first-year students doing various degree courses in the north of Spain were asked to complete a questionnaire. The results of a Bayesian analysis showed that students who were victims of bullying were more likely to consider dropping out than students who were not victims of bullying. In addition, variables related to social integration (support from friends and teachers) exhibited a moderating effect. These findings raise the urgent need to include intervention strategies in relation to bullying in university plans to prevent dropout.

Introduction In light of the burden of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children and the excessive number of unnecessary CT scans still being performed, new strategies are needed to limit their use while minimising the risk of delayed diagnosis of intracranial lesions (ICLs). Identifying children at higher risk of poor outcomes would enable them to be better monitored. The use of the blood-based brain biomarkers glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP) and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) could help clinicians in this decision. The overall aim of this study is to provide new knowledge regarding GFAP and UCH-L1 in order to improve TBI management in the paediatric population.Methods and analysis We will conduct a European, prospective, multicentre study, the BRAINI-2 paediatric study, in 20 centres in France, Spain and Switzerland with an inclusion period of 30 months for a total of 2880 children and adolescents included. To assess the performance of GFAP and UCH-L1 used separately and in combination to predict ICLs on CT scans (primary objective), 630 children less than 18 years of age with mild TBI, defined by a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13–15 and with a CT scan will be recruited. To evaluate the potential of GFAP and UCH-L1 in predicting the prognosis after TBI (secondary objective), a further 1720 children with mild TBI but no CT scan as well as 130 children with moderate or severe TBI will be recruited. Finally, to establish age-specific reference values for GFAP and UCH-L1 (secondary objective), we will include 400 children and adolescents with no history of TBI.Ethics and dissemination This study has received ethics approval in all participating countries. Results from our study will be disseminated in international peer-reviewed journals. All procedures were developed in order to assure data protection and confidentiality.Trial registration number NCT05413499.