Researchers from Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that robot adoption increases productivity in Spanish SMEs, especially smaller firms with fewer workers and less innovation. However, introducing robots does not directly translate into increased international business activity, as regional specialization plays a key role.
A recent study by Marta Coll-Florit found that while Spanish newspapers are openly discussing suicide, they still employ stigmatizing metaphors such as 'war' and 'epidemic', which can perpetuate shame and guilt around the topic. The researcher argues that these metaphors convey a focus on individual blame rather than collective respons...
A study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that polarized elections don't affect citizens' support for democratic norms. Winning voters are more satisfied with democracy, but differences in basic principle support are small and consistent across polarization levels.
A study by UOC researchers reveals that young people are not fooled by monetization systems in video games; they often accept them as part of the gaming experience. The study highlights various systems that encourage consumption, such as loot boxes and virtual currencies, and shows a consistent relationship between these mechanisms and...
A study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that digital platformization leads to a fragmentation of pupils' knowledge, alterations in socio-cognitive conditions, and disruptions in learning times. Teachers report concerns about superficial reading, interrupted didactic continuity, and reduced students' personal involvement.
The conference discusses how funded literary translations represent cultural diversity and impact global circulation of texts, publishing market, and cultural policies. It is part of the research project Translating diversity: institutional agents and literary translation policies in Ibero-America.
The INSPIRE Conference will discuss key project findings, tools, and resources on inclusive gender equality in research and innovation. The event aims to sustain change and address future challenges through dialogue among policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders.
Researchers find that investing in climate adaptation can coexist with fiscal stability, but institutional quality and interest costs play crucial roles. The study analyzed data from 172 countries between 1995 and 2020 and found no structural conflict between the two goals.
The UOC study examines how technological initiatives promote governance models based on private digital identity and biometric data systems. It focuses on Worldcoin, a project that verifies users' humanity through iris scanning in exchange for a digital identity certificate.
Members of Gen Z actively observe, evaluate and judge companies' environmental behavior, valuing commitment and credibility. They are more critical and demanding than previous generations, with varying perceptions across countries and genders.
A study examines the occupational health and safety implications of AI tools, revealing psychosocial, ethical, and privacy risks. The rapid integration of AI into the workplace has often outpaced the adaptation of regulatory and ethical frameworks, highlighting the need for a people-centered approach.
A recent study highlights the link between water security and adaptability of homes in urban centers of the Global North to extreme heat. Household water security is not universal, even in the wealthiest cities, forcing vulnerable households to limit their water consumption, compromising their ability to adapt to extreme heat.
A new study has identified the power of influencer marketing in overcoming psychological resistance to recycling tap water. The research found that sensory and emotional content on Instagram is more effective than rational arguments in encouraging sustainable consumption, making recycled tap water more appealing through mental imagery.
A clinical prediction model called the Goliat score can estimate the risk of acute complications in patients with minor and moderate traumatic brain injuries. The model, developed by researchers at UOC and IRBLleida, uses easily accessible variables to predict neurological or cardiorespiratory complications and mortality within 48 hours.
A European project found that greening school playgrounds improves the quality of life in cities and helps deal with climate change. The study, led by researchers at UOC and UPC, assesses the benefits of nature-based solutions in schools, promoting education, ecological restoration, empowerment, and reconnection with nature.
Coworking spaces in rural areas, such as Catalonia and Rhineland-Palatinate, have adapted to funding models that include private investment, public subsidies, and user contributions. These spaces often serve as pillars of the community, fostering social connections and local development.
A study published in the British Medical Journal identified key criteria for evaluating mobile apps for managing depression, including data safety, clinical efficacy, and intuitive design. The EvalDepApps tool aims to help patients and health professionals choose effective apps by providing clear indications.
Research defines employee delight as a strong emotion in response to surprising events that surpass expectations. It has lasting consequences for workers and companies, fostering high-quality experiences, collaboration, and personal growth.
The study aims to design an evidence-based intervention to boost self-determination among adolescents and young adults with intellectual disability. Families will be recruited, and they will identify practical strategies to support self-determination at home.
A new study shows that incorporating more plant-based proteins, less meat and fish, and a more diverse cereal intake into school menus can decrease the environmental footprint of meal plans. By making these changes, schools can reduce their environmental impact by up to 50%.
Researchers at UOC and ICFO created an accessible, standardized, and useful library for the scientific community using Raman spectroscopy. The database provides high-quality data for the precise identification of biomolecules and will contribute to studying their presence in biological processes such as cancer.
Researchers at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya have successfully incorporated insect protein into food products, including pasteurized dairy and brownies. The study found that hydrolysate improved texture and created a more balanced nutritional profile, making it attractive to consumers.
The UOC is leading the €3 million GAIA project to develop biodegradable, high-performance IoT devices. The goal is to create electronic and telecommunications systems on biodegradable substrates, reducing ecological impact and aligning with European sustainability objectives.
Fungi are older than previously imagined, with origins dating back to between 900 million and 1.4 billion years ago. The discovery sheds new light on pre-Cambrian terrestrial ecosystems, suggesting that fungi were already present on land environments at least 800 million years ago.
A targeted intervention for repeating students resulted in increased student engagement and perseverance, particularly in the first weeks of the semester. Despite no significant improvement in overall pass rates, the intervention helped students persevere and made progress in practical exercises.
Researchers found that time-restricted feeding can improve body composition, boost immunity and prevent metabolic disorders in high-performance athletes. Combining HIIT with time-restricted eating may yield greater improvements in performance without significant adverse effects.
A study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya researchers found that gestures and speech rhythms are key to helping children with DLD comprehend oral language. Intonation and head inclination can facilitate understanding of complex meanings, particularly in children with language difficulties.
Researchers found that the timing of the last evening meal and an individual's insulin sensitivity play a crucial role in regulating glucose levels. Dietary recommendations should consider both carbohydrate consumption and meal timing to prevent nighttime glycemic spikes, making personalized management strategies more precise.
A study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya researchers found that digital tools have an important role in prisons' educational programmes and inmates' emotional well-being. However, unequal access to internet-connected devices and outdated equipment limit their impact.
A study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that theatre-based interventions improve the emotional well-being of patients with Parkinson's, reducing depression and anxiety. Group activities foster emotional connections, increase empathy, and provide social support.
Researchers found that playing certain commercial video games increased students' confidence in their ability to pass a programming course. The games, Human Resource Machine and 7 Billion Humans, presented puzzles that required programming commands, promoting computational thinking. The study's results suggest that playing these games ...
A new study by UOC, UB, and EPFL identifies factors that encourage walking in Barcelona, but finds they can have the opposite effect depending on the neighborhood. The research provides valuable insights into pedestrian mobility and how it can be managed through targeted interventions.
A study by UOC examines how online microcredentials can develop soft skills in demand, offering flexible and practical learning. Employers see value in these certificates but highlight the need for robust assessment systems to guarantee knowledge acquisition.
Research led by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya analyzed 45 airline groups before and after the Covid pandemic, finding that airlines with greater gender diversity on their boards and in executive teams exhibited greater efficiency. Airlines could improve efficiency by 1.9% to 3.2% if they increase female representation to at least 25%.
A study conducted by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya researchers found that only 6.7% of voices on Twitch during the 2022 FIFA World Cup were female journalists. The study highlights a lack of representation, with women appearing sporadically and in secondary roles.
A UOC study analyzes the need for improvements in the appointment process of Spanish Constitutional Court judges, highlighting the potential benefits of European law on judicial independence. The research also examines the existing shortcomings in Spain and France, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the rule of law.
Researchers found that consuming moderate amounts of curcumin can facilitate muscle recovery and alleviate pain following strenuous physical exercise. The study also confirmed curcumin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in the context of sports, with benefits including reduced muscle damage and inflammation.
LangBiTe detects biases in AI responses, allowing users to define their own ethical concerns and adapt the evaluation of bias. The tool includes libraries with over 300 prompts focusing on specific ethical issues, such as ageism, LGBTIQA+phobia, and sexism.
Researchers at Universitat Oberta de Catalunya have designed ZIRCON, a system to guarantee the integrity and origin of data in IoT networks. The innovative method uses a zero-watermarking technique without modifying the original data, ensuring tamper-proof transmission over the network.
A recent study published in Nutrition & Diabetes found that consuming over 45% of daily calorie intake after 5 p.m. is associated with increased glucose levels, regardless of individual weight or body fat composition. This can lead to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic inflammation.
A recent study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) research project examines changes in energy consumption in the European transport sector during and after the pandemic. Europeans have reduced car use, but increased air travel frequency, with varying trends across countries.
A team of researchers has developed a proposal for an urban goods distribution network in Barcelona, focusing on micro-hubs at existing public transport stations. The algorithm optimizes delivery routes using cargo bikes and electric vans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.
A review of studies found that voice assistants can make a direct contribution to reducing loneliness in older people, with 85% of studies concluding this. The use of devices provides a sense of social interaction and emotional support, mitigating feelings of isolation and improving mental health.
A study by FoodLab at Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that 42% of schoolchildren's snacks were sandwiches or pastries, with only 22% meeting health guidelines. The research highlights the need for better food education programs to improve children's diet quality and prevent obesity.
Research highlights key factors for governance of green school playgrounds, including genuine collaboration, inclusive participation, involving committed architects and landscape designers. Studies show that such environments facilitate outdoor learning, creative play, and improve children's concentration and stress management.
A recent study by researchers at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) found that female judges tend to hand down longer sentences in cases involving sexual abuse and assault. The study analyzed over 2,200 cases and concluded that the sex of the presiding judge has a significant impact on sentence length.
A validation study on the WHO app using AI to detect skin diseases showed good reception amongst professionals in Ghana and Kenya. The app aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of neglected tropical diseases and common skin diseases.
Researchers at Universitat Oberta de Catalunya have developed a new AI system that can detect asbestos in roof images with high accuracy, enabling its removal. The system uses freely available aerial photographs and has demonstrated an accuracy of over 80%, making it more scalable and adaptable than previous methods.
A recent study examines European electricity prices' vulnerability to changes in natural gas prices and proposes new indicators to measure it. The research highlights the need for vigilant market surveillance during energy crises and suggests decoupling electricity markets from natural gas prices.
Researchers develop new assessment method to evaluate post-editing effort of machine translations, highlighting the importance of human translators in the process. The study suggests complementing automated systems with a new program to choose tools that increase translation efficiency.