University of La Laguna

The extragalactic background light (EBL) fluctuations in the optical/near-IR encode the cumulative integrated galaxy light (IGL), diffuse intra-halo light (IHL), and high-$z$ sources from the epoch of reionisation (EoR), but they are difficult to disentangle with auto-spectra alone. We aim to decompose the EBL into its principal constituents using multi-band intensity mapping combined with cosmic shear and galaxy clustering. We develop a joint halo-model framework in which IHL follows a mass- and redshift-dependent luminosity scaling, IGL is set by an evolving Schechter luminosity function, and EoR emission is modelled with Pop II/III stellar emissivities and a binned star-formation efficiency. Using mock surveys in a flat $Λ$CDM cosmology with ten spectral bands spanning 0.75-5.0$\rm μm$ in the NEP deep fields over about 100$°^2$ with source detections down to AB=20.5 for masking, and six redshift bins to $z=2.5$, we fit auto- and cross-power spectra using a MCMC method. The combined SPHEREx$\times$Euclid analysis recovers all fiducial parameters within 1$σ$ and reduces 1$σ$ uncertainties on IHL parameters by 10-35% relative to SPHEREx EBL-only, while EoR star-formation efficiency parameters improve by 20-35%. Cross-correlations reveal a stronger coupling of IHL than IGL to the shear field, enhancing component separation; conversely, the EoR contribution shows negligible correlation with cosmic shear and galaxy clustering, aiding its isolation in the EBL. Relative to the SPHEREx EBL-only case, the inferred IHL fraction as a function of halo mass is significantly tightened over $10^{11}-10^{14} M_{\odot}$, with uncertainties reduced by 5-30%, and the resulting star-formation rate density constraints extend to $z\sim 11$, with uncertainty reductions of 22-31%.

The ongoing Euclid mission aims to measure spectroscopic redshifts for approximately two million galaxies using the H $α$ line emission detected in near-infrared slitless spectroscopic data from the Euclid Deep Fields (EDFs). These measurements will reach a flux limit of $5\times 10^{-17}\,{\rm erg}\,{\rm cm}^{-2}\,{\rm s}^{-1}$ in the redshift range $0.4<z<1.8$, opening the door to numerous investigations involving galaxy evolution, extending well beyond the mission's core objectives. The achieved H $α$ luminosity depth will lead to a sufficiently high sampling, enabling the reconstruction of the large-scale galaxy environment. We assess the quality of the reconstruction of the galaxy cosmic web environment with the expected spectroscopic dataset in EDFs. The analysis is carried out on the Flagship and GAEA galaxy mock catalogues. The quality of the reconstruction is first evaluated using geometrical and topological statistics measured on the cosmic web, namely the length of filaments, the area of walls, the volume of voids, and its connectivity and multiplicity. We then quantify how accurately gradients in galaxy properties with distance from filaments can be recovered. As expected, the small-scale redshift-space distortions, have a strong impact on filament lengths and connectivity, but can be mitigated by compressing galaxy groups before skeleton extraction. The cosmic web reconstruction is biased when relying solely on H $α$ emitters. This limitation can be mitigated by applying stellar mass weighting during the reconstruction. However, this approach introduces non-trivial biases that need to be accounted for when comparing to theoretical predictions. Redshift uncertainties pose the greatest challenge in recovering the expected dependence of galaxy properties, though the well-established stellar mass transverse gradients towards filaments can still be observed.

Weak lensing surveys require accurate correction for the point spread function (PSF) when measuring galaxy shapes. For a diffraction-limited PSF, as arises in space-based missions, this correction depends on each galaxy SED. In the Euclid mission, galaxy SED reconstruction, a tasks of the photometric-redshift processing function (PHZ PF), relies on broad- and medium-band ancillary photometry. The limited wavelength sampling of the Euclid VIS passband and signal-to-noise ratio may affect the reconstruction accuracy and translate into biases in the weak lensing measurements. In this study, we present the methodology, which is employed in the Euclid PHZ PF, for reconstructing galaxy SEDs at 55 wavelengths, sampling the VIS passband every 10 nm, and we assess whether it fulfils the accuracy requirements imposed on the Euclid PSF model. We employ both physics- and data-driven methods, focusing on a new approach of template-based flux correction and Gaussian processes, and we introduce an SED metric whose bias propagates into PSF quadrupole moment errors. Our findings demonstrate that Gaussian processes and template fitting meet the requirements only in specific, but complementary, redshift intervals. We therefore propose a hybrid approach, which leverages both methods. This solution proves to be effective in meeting the Euclid accuracy requirements for most of the redshift range of the survey. Finally, we investigate the impact on the SED reconstruction of a new set of 16 evenly-spaced medium-band filters for the Subaru telescope, providing quasi-spectroscopic coverage of the VIS passband. This study shows promising results, ensuring accurate SED reconstruction and meeting the mission PSF requirements. This work thus provides not only the methodological foundation of galaxy SED reconstruction in the Euclid PHZ PF, but also a roadmap for future improvements using a new medium-band survey.

Given the known biological activity of both natural and synthetic substituted 1H-phenalen-1-ones, the generation of a small chemically and structurally diverse 1H-phenalen-1-one-based library of compounds was warranted. Herein, we have synthesized several groups of compounds to broaden and improve the chemical diversity of our 1H-phenalen-1-one collection. Additionally, we have also introduced hydroxyl, amides or carboxylic groups onto the core, or nitrogen atoms into the core, to increase the chemical diversity while also lowering the ClogP values to aid their water solubility. Notably, we have also improved the synthetic routes to several compounds of interest and have observed the unexpected formation of phenoxazine and acridin-7-one systems during cross-coupling reactions with polyfunctional anilines. Combining the compounds generated in this work with previous ones has enabled us to create a library of chemically diverse 1H-phenalen-1-one available for screening assays. Evaluation of anti-plasmodial activity against the chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain FCR3 revealed four compounds with notable activity, three of which exhibited IC50 values below 1 µM, while none displayed significant cytotoxicity at 10 µM.

Abstract Background and Aims Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the main index of renal function in clinical practice and research. GFR is used to assess renal function at fixed points and to check the evolution of renal disease evolution over time, the response of the kidneys to diverse treatments, to adjust potentially toxic drugs and to establish risk for cardiovascular events and disease progression. Renal function is usually adjusted for body surface area (BSA) by Dubois-Dubois formula, a rudimentary and inexact method to estimate BSA. Also, the indexation of GFR for BSA was based on the hypothesis of the proportionality between metabolic rate and BSA, published at the end of 19th century. This assumption has no scientific basis since metabolic rate is linked to nutritional and maintenance fluid requirements rather that weight or BSA. Later, GFR started to be reported adjusted to a “standard” body surface area of 1.73 m2. Despite these limitations, indexing GFR by the Dubois–Dubois formula is widely used. Additionally, adjusting renal function for BSA has very little impact on GFR in individuals of normal body size, but a large impact by artificially adding or subtracting renal function in patients with extreme body surface areas very different (higher or lower) from 1.73 m2. Furthermore, the adjustment for BSA does not take gender into account, thus ignoring the differences between men and women in this regard. However, the difference between adjusted and unadjusted GFR by gender has been seldom evaluated in a wide cohort. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the adjustment of GFR by BSA in our whole cohort of patients with and without CKD. Method We evaluated renal function by the plasma clearance of iohexol using dried blood spot technique (iohexol-DBS) at the Renal Function Laboratory of the University of La Laguna in 2389 patients with CKD of diverse aetiologies. We reported measured GFR at Hospital Universitario de Canarias as unadjusted in ml/min. Then, we adjusted the result by applying the formula (GFR unadjusted = GFR adjusted × BSA/1.73). BSA was calculated by DuBois and DuBois formula (BSA = 0.007184 × Weight0.425 × Height0.725). We then analyzed the difference in adjusted GFR compared to the unadjusted GFR by gender. We analyzed the number of cases with a percent difference between both values using a cut-off of 15%. In addition, we analyzed subgroups of men and women with extreme BSAs far from the 1.73 m2 standard: &amp;gt;2.00 and &amp;lt;1.50, to evaluate how adjustment of GFR by BSA affects this subpopulation of patients. Results Of the total of 2389 patients, 1561 (65%) were men and 827 (35%) women: 20% had advanced CKD (pre-dialysis), 27% CKD of diverse causes, 19% diabetes, 9% were living kidney donors and 15% kidney transplant recipients and 10% had other causes i.e. non-renal transplantation, cirrhosis, heart failure, etc. In men the mean unadjusted GFR was 61 ± xx ml/min in men, while the BSA-adjusted GFR was 53 ± xx ml/min/1.73 m2. However, in women the adjusted and unadjusted GFR were similar 59 ± xx ml/min or ml/min/1.73 m2. Around half of the men (n = 743, 47%) while only 10% of women (80 of 827) BSA adjustment led to a reduction in GFR with differences &amp;lt; −15% between unadjusted and BSA-adjusted GFR. In men, the average reduction of GFR with BSA adjustment was –24%, distributed as follows: 34% from −15 to −20%; 45% from −20 to −30% and 21% greater than −30%. Only 5 of 1561 male while 53 of 827 women (6%) had an increment &amp;gt; 15%. Conclusion The BSA adjustment differentially penalizes male subjects with and without CKD, particularly in those with larger height and/or weight, both variables of the Dobois-Dubois formula used to adjust the GFR, with a false mean reduction of 24% of GFR observed in almost half of the cases. However, this does not occur in women because the latter's body surface area is more similar to the 1.73 m2 standard. Adjustment for renal function should be abandoned because there is no scientific basis for it, and it may overestimate the degree of renal function in almost half of male patients.

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) Collaboration has obtained robust measurements of baryon acoustic oscillations in the redshift range 0.1 &lt; z &lt; 4.2 , based on the Lyman- α forest and galaxies from data release 2. We combine these measurements with cosmic microwave background (CMB) data from and the Atacama Cosmology Telescope to place our tightest constraints yet on the sum of neutrino masses. Assuming the cosmological Λ CDM model and three degenerate neutrino states, we find ∑ m ν &lt; 0.0642 eV (95%) with a marginalized error of σ ( ∑ m ν ) = 0.020 eV . We also constrain the effective number of neutrino species, finding N eff = 3.2 3 − 0.34 + 0.35 (95%), in line with the Standard Model prediction. When accounting for neutrino oscillation constraints, we find a preference for the normal mass ordering and an upper limit on the lightest neutrino mass of m l &lt; 0.023 eV (95%). However, we determine using frequentist and Bayesian methods that our constraints are in tension with the lower limits derived from neutrino oscillations. Correcting for the physical boundary at zero mass, we report a 95% Feldman-Cousins upper limit of ∑ m ν &lt; 0.053 eV , breaching the lower limit from neutrino oscillations. Considering a more general Bayesian analysis with an effective cosmological neutrino mass parameter, ∑ m ν , eff , that allows for negative energy densities and removes unsatisfactory prior weight effects, we derive constraints that are in 3 σ tension with the same oscillation limit, while the error rises to σ ( ∑ m ν , eff ) = 0.053 eV . In the absence of unknown systematics, this finding could be interpreted as a hint of new physics not necessarily related to neutrinos. The preference of DESI and CMB data for an evolving dark energy model offers one possible solution. In the w 0 w a CDM model, we find ∑ m ν &lt; 0.163 eV (95%), relaxing the neutrino tension. These constraints all rely on the effects of neutrinos on the cosmic expansion history. Using full-shape power spectrum measurements of data release 1 galaxies, we place complementary constraints that rely on neutrino free streaming. Our strongest such limit in Λ CDM , using selected CMB priors, is ∑ m ν &lt; 0.193 eV (95%).

ABSTRACT Aim Mountain ecosystems are experiencing increased invasion of non‐native plants. These increases in non‐native species put mountains at risk of biotic homogenisation and a reduction of biodiversity. Our study aims to test if non‐native plant species are contributing to biotic homogenisation along roadways in mountain regions and how this changes along elevation gradients and across spatial scales. Location 18 globally distributed mountain regions. Time Period 2012–2023. Major Taxa Studied Vascular plants. Methods We used standardised vegetation surveys including species cover from 18 mountain regions worldwide to analyse whether the addition of non‐native species to the native flora increased or decreased Bray–Curtis dissimilarity (i.e., beta‐diversity) among roadside plant communities along elevation gradients ranging from 15 to 3919 m a.s.l. We tested this at the local, regional, continental and global scales using mixed‐effects models and confirmed it using null models. Results In the New World, we mainly observed homogenisation across regions and scales, as beta‐diversity was mostly lower with the addition of non‐native species. This was particularly true for low elevations. In contrast, we predominantly found community differentiation in the Old World, specifically at smaller (i.e., local and regional) scales. At the global scale, communities became more similar through the addition of non‐native species at all elevations. Main Conclusions Large‐scale homogenisation might be interpreted as a signal that high‐elevation plant communities along roadways may become more similar as non‐native species continue to spread upwards. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms driving the observed patterns of both homogenisation and differentiation by non‐native species, and explore the potential consequences of these patterns for ecosystem function and resilience.

BackgroundThe mandibular third molars are the most frequently impacted teeth, followed by their maxillary counterparts and the upper canines. Their retention is influenced by several anatomical and developmental factors, including limited retromolar space, unfavorable angulation, and eruption trajectory—each critical for proper emergence.ObjectiveThis study examines the association between the eruption or impaction of mandibular third molars and variables such as eruption space, transpalatal width, and eruption angulation.Materials and methodsSeventy-one mandibular third molars were evaluated using 31 jaw models and 31 orthopantomograms (OPGs). Transpalatal width was measured linearly on the models, while angular data concerning eruption space and direction were derived from the OPGs. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (v.25).ResultsRetention was observed in 12.9% of cases. Linear assessments indicated that 51% of the molars were at risk of impaction, contingent on their angulation.ConclusionsMaxillary constriction significantly increases the risk of mandibular third molar retention. Linear measurements proved more reliable than angular metrics in estimating eruption space. Thus, for diagnosing transverse maxillary discrepancies, linear transpalatal width measurements are preferred over non-metric evaluations.

ABSTRACT In recent years, a vibrant debate on clean energy transition has emerged. In Greece while private investment in utility-scale renewable energy projects is promoted as the driver of decarbonisation, critical voices calling for energy democratisation come to the fore and the idea of Energy Community (EC) becomes increasingly popular. This paper aims to shed light on the under-investigated landscape of Greek ECs and explore its socially innovative features and potential to democratise energy systems. Drawing on social innovation theories and the notion of energy democracy, the paper examines to what extent and under which conditions does the EC instrument facilitate social innovation niche and contribute to a real just energy transition in Greece. Empirical evidence draws from: (1) legislative and regulation documents on decentralised energy; (2) semi-structured interviews with EC members; and (3) participant observation during the Pan-European EC gathering in Athens, 2023. Heterogeneity in the Greek EC landscape and spores of social innovation in ECs under study are traced, showing evidence of emerging energy system democratisation. Nevertheless, these developments run the risk of remaining anaemic in the context of neoliberal state policies that have cultivated the hegemony of profit-making ECs, thus largely distorting the original intention of the idea of energy community.

ABSTRACT Smart Water Meters (SWM) hold significant potential to mitigate water scarcity challenges in tourism-intensive destinations, yet their effectiveness in non-residential contexts remains underexplored. This study evaluates the impact of digital metering and feedback mechanisms on water consumption within tourism accommodations, utilising a geolocated panel dataset encompassing 213 high water-consuming establishments in San Bartolomé de Tirajana (Canary Islands). As a leading year-round destination, this region faces operational constraints that complicate conservation initiatives. Our comprehensive dataset integrates water network technical characteristics, tourism demand and supply variables, and climate factors across sub-municipal tourism zones to account for diverse guest profiles and management practices. Employing a random-effects regression model, we identify key determinants of water usage and uncover distinct consumption patterns between hotels and apartment complexes. The results reveal that while SWM installation significantly improves consumption tracking and enables early leak detection—primarily benefiting utilities—access to frequent digital feedback via web platforms correlates with increased water use. These findings challenge the assumption that digitalisation alone ensures efficiency, emphasising the importance of behavioural, organisational, and financial strategies while offering actionable insights for policymakers, utilities, and tourism operators to optimise digital engagement and adapt water governance.