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Valdes-Cortez, C., Mansour, I., Ayala Alvarez, D. S., Berumen, F., Cote, J. S., Ndoutoume-Paquet, G., et al. (2025). Dosimetric impact of physics libraries for electronic brachytherapy Monte Carlo studies. Med. Phys., 52(4), 2520–2532. Abstract: Background Low-energy x-ray beams used in electronic brachytherapy (eBT) present significant dosimetric challenges due to their high depth-dose gradients, the dependence of detector response on materials, and the lack of standardized dose-to-water references. These challenges have driven the need for Monte Carlo (MC) simulations to ensure accurate dosimetry. However, discrepancies in the physics models used by different MC systems have raised concerns about their dosimetric consistency, particularly in modeling bremsstrahlung interactions. Purpose To assess the dosimetric impact of using different physics approaches in three state-of-the-art MC systems for eBT, focusing on the disagreements observed when different MC methods are used to evaluate bremsstrahlung interactions. Methods The MC studies of the Axxent S700, the Esteya, and the INTRABEAM eBT systems were performed using two EGSnrc applications (egsbrachy and egskerma), TOPAS, and PENELOPE-2018 (PEN18). The fluence spectra and depth doses were compared for simplified x-ray tube models, which maintain the target mode (transmission or reflection), the target material and thickness, and the surface applicators' source-to-surface distance. An extra simulation was made to evaluate the utility of the simplified models as proxies in predicting the most important characteristics of an accurate applicator's simulation (detailed model of INTRABEAM's 30 mm surface applicator). The EGSnrc applications and PEN18 utilized their default bremsstrahlung angular emission approaches. TOPAS used two physics lists: g4em-livermore (TOPAS(liv)) and g4em-penelope (TOPAS(pen)). Results The most significant differences between MC codes were observed for the transmission target mode. The bremsstrahlung component of the fluence spectra differed by about 15% on average, comparing PEN18, EGSnrc applications, and TOPAS(liv), with PEN18's fluences consistently lower. EGSnrc and PEN18 agreed within 3% for their characteristic spectrum components. However, PEN18's characteristic lines overreached TOPAS(liv)'s by 40%. Those spectral characteristics generated depth dose differences, where PEN18, on average, scored 9% lower than EGSnrc and TOPAS(liv). Considering TOPAS(pen) in the transmission mode, PEN18's fluence spectrum presented a lower bremsstrahlung (5%) but a higher characteristic component (10%); these spectral differences compensated, generating depth dose differences within 1% average. In the reflection target mode, EGSnrc and PEN18 agreed within 4% for the bremsstrahlung and characteristic components of the fluence spectra. With TOPAS(pen) in the reflection mode, PEN18 presents 12% lower fluences in the bremsstrahlung component but 6% higher characteristic lines. This spectral behavior diminished the depth dose differences up to 3%. Conclusion This work found considerable disagreements between three state-of-the-art MC systems commonly used in medical applications when simulating bremsstrahlung in eBT. The differences arose when the bremsstrahlung angular distribution and the atomic relaxation processes in the target became relevant. More theoretical and experimental studies are necessary to evaluate the impact of these differences on related calculations. https://references.ific.uv.es/refbase/show.php?record=6543
Mansour, I. R., Valdes-Cortez, C., Ayala Alvarez, D. S., Berumen, F., Côte, J. S., Ndoutoume-Paquet, G., et al. (2025). Reference datasets for commissioning of model-based dose calculation algorithms for electronic brachytherapy. Med. Phys., , 11pp. Abstract: PurposeThis work provides the first two clinical test cases for commissioning electronic brachytherapy (eBT) model-based dose calculation algorithms (MBDCAs) for skin irradiation using surface applicators.Acquisition and Validation MethodsThe test cases utilize the INTRABEAM 30 mm surface applicator. Test Case I: water phantom is used to evaluate the algorithm's performance in a uniform medium consisting of a voxelized water cube surrounded by air. Test Case II: Surface eBT represents a heterogeneous medium with four distinct layers: skin tissue, adipose tissue, cortical bone, and soft tissue. Treatment plans for both cases were created and exported into the Radiance treatment planning system (TPS). Dose-to-medium calculations were then performed using this Monte Carlo (MC)-based TPS and compared with MC simulations conducted independently by three different groups using two codes: EGSnrc and PENELOPE. The results agreed within expected Type A and B statistical uncertainties.Data Format and Usage NotesThe dataset is available online at https://doi.org/10.52519/00005. A proprietary file designed for use within Radiance containing CT images and the treatment plan for both test cases, the LINAC modeling, and the CT calibration are included, as well as reference MC and TPS dose data in RTdose format and all files required to run the MC simulations.Potential ApplicationsThis dataset serves as a valuable resource for commissioning eBT MBDCAs and lays the groundwork for developing clinical test cases for other eBT systems. It is also a helpful educational tool for exploring various eBT devices and their advantages and drawbacks. Furthermore, brachytherapy researchers seeking a benchmark for dosimetric calculations in the low-energy domain will find this dataset indispensable. Keywords: intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT); model based dose calculation algorithms (MBDCA); Monte Carlo (MC) https://references.ific.uv.es/refbase/show.php?record=6679
de Azcarraga, J. A. (2022). The new Spanish educational legislation: why public education will not improve. Rev. Esp. Pedagog., 80(281), 111–129. Abstract: This paper provides some reasons that explain, in the view of the author, why the present eagerness of the Spanish Educational Authorities to reform all levels of education, from primary school to the universities, will not improve the quality of the Spanish educational system. Keywords: Forthcoming Spanish educational legislation; primary school; secondary education; universities https://references.ific.uv.es/refbase/show.php?record=5125
Lorenzo-Saez, E., Urchueguia, J. F., Garcia Folgado, M., & Oliver-Villanueva, J. V. (2025). Methodology development for high-resolution monitoring of emissions in urban road traffic systems. Atmos. Pollut. Res., 16(9), 102600–12pp. Abstract: Transport sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and air pollution, especially in cities. Mitigating these emissions is crucial for both climate change and public health, but current emission quantification methodologies lack sufficient resolution at the urban level to apply efficient measures. This gap is addressed by developing a novel temporal and spatial high-resolution methodology to monitor traffic-related emissions based on real-time traffic data gathered from induction loops installed in road networks. The methodology integrates vehicle fleet characteristics, emission factors, and traffic intensity to quantify street-level emissions per hour. This bottom-up approach allows for detailed monitoring of pollutants across specific locations and times. Applied to Valencia, Spain, the methodology enabled the identification of emission hotspots and the detailed assessment of local mitigation strategies. As a case study, the impact of a newly implemented bike lane was analyzed, demonstrating the method's effectiveness in evaluating sustainable mobility measures and their influence on traffic emissions. This tool provides city planners and policymakers with a robust, data-driven framework to reduce urban emissions and enhance air quality. Keywords: Emissions; Traffic; Climate change; Pollution; Road transport; Air quality; Monitoring https://references.ific.uv.es/refbase/show.php?record=6705
El-Neaj, Y. A. et al, & Bernabeu, J. (2020). AEDGE: Atomic Experiment for Dark Matter and Gravity Exploration in Space. EPJ Quantum Technol., 7(1), 6–27pp. Abstract: We propose in this White Paper a concept for a space experiment using cold atoms to search for ultra-light dark matter, and to detect gravitational waves in the frequency range between the most sensitive ranges of LISA and the terrestrial LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA/INDIGO experiments. This interdisciplinary experiment, called Atomic Experiment for Dark Matter and Gravity Exploration (AEDGE), will also complement other planned searches for dark matter, and exploit synergies with other gravitational wave detectors. We give examples of the extended range of sensitivity to ultra-light dark matter offered by AEDGE, and how its gravitational-wave measurements could explore the assembly of super-massive black holes, first-order phase transitions in the early universe and cosmic strings. AEDGE will be based upon technologies now being developed for terrestrial experiments using cold atoms, and will benefit from the space experience obtained with, e.g., LISA and cold atom experiments in microgravity. KCL-PH-TH/2019-65, CERN-TH-2019-126 https://references.ific.uv.es/refbase/show.php?record=4325

Valdes-Cortez, C., Mansour, I., Ayala Alvarez, D. S., Berumen, F., Cote, J. S., Ndoutoume-Paquet, G., et al. (2025). Dosimetric impact of physics libraries for electronic brachytherapy Monte Carlo studies. Med. Phys., 52(4), 2520–2532.

Abstract: Background Low-energy x-ray beams used in electronic brachytherapy (eBT) present significant dosimetric challenges due to their high depth-dose gradients, the dependence of detector response on materials, and the lack of standardized dose-to-water references. These challenges have driven the need for Monte Carlo (MC) simulations to ensure accurate dosimetry. However, discrepancies in the physics models used by different MC systems have raised concerns about their dosimetric consistency, particularly in modeling bremsstrahlung interactions. Purpose To assess the dosimetric impact of using different physics approaches in three state-of-the-art MC systems for eBT, focusing on the disagreements observed when different MC methods are used to evaluate bremsstrahlung interactions. Methods The MC studies of the Axxent S700, the Esteya, and the INTRABEAM eBT systems were performed using two EGSnrc applications (egsbrachy and egskerma), TOPAS, and PENELOPE-2018 (PEN18). The fluence spectra and depth doses were compared for simplified x-ray tube models, which maintain the target mode (transmission or reflection), the target material and thickness, and the surface applicators' source-to-surface distance. An extra simulation was made to evaluate the utility of the simplified models as proxies in predicting the most important characteristics of an accurate applicator's simulation (detailed model of INTRABEAM's 30 mm surface applicator). The EGSnrc applications and PEN18 utilized their default bremsstrahlung angular emission approaches. TOPAS used two physics lists: g4em-livermore (TOPAS(liv)) and g4em-penelope (TOPAS(pen)). Results The most significant differences between MC codes were observed for the transmission target mode. The bremsstrahlung component of the fluence spectra differed by about 15% on average, comparing PEN18, EGSnrc applications, and TOPAS(liv), with PEN18's fluences consistently lower. EGSnrc and PEN18 agreed within 3% for their characteristic spectrum components. However, PEN18's characteristic lines overreached TOPAS(liv)'s by 40%. Those spectral characteristics generated depth dose differences, where PEN18, on average, scored 9% lower than EGSnrc and TOPAS(liv). Considering TOPAS(pen) in the transmission mode, PEN18's fluence spectrum presented a lower bremsstrahlung (5%) but a higher characteristic component (10%); these spectral differences compensated, generating depth dose differences within 1% average. In the reflection target mode, EGSnrc and PEN18 agreed within 4% for the bremsstrahlung and characteristic components of the fluence spectra. With TOPAS(pen) in the reflection mode, PEN18 presents 12% lower fluences in the bremsstrahlung component but 6% higher characteristic lines. This spectral behavior diminished the depth dose differences up to 3%. Conclusion This work found considerable disagreements between three state-of-the-art MC systems commonly used in medical applications when simulating bremsstrahlung in eBT. The differences arose when the bremsstrahlung angular distribution and the atomic relaxation processes in the target became relevant. More theoretical and experimental studies are necessary to evaluate the impact of these differences on related calculations.

https://references.ific.uv.es/refbase/show.php?record=6543

Mansour, I. R., Valdes-Cortez, C., Ayala Alvarez, D. S., Berumen, F., Côte, J. S., Ndoutoume-Paquet, G., et al. (2025). Reference datasets for commissioning of model-based dose calculation algorithms for electronic brachytherapy. Med. Phys., , 11pp.

Abstract: PurposeThis work provides the first two clinical test cases for commissioning electronic brachytherapy (eBT) model-based dose calculation algorithms (MBDCAs) for skin irradiation using surface applicators.Acquisition and Validation MethodsThe test cases utilize the INTRABEAM 30 mm surface applicator. Test Case I: water phantom is used to evaluate the algorithm's performance in a uniform medium consisting of a voxelized water cube surrounded by air. Test Case II: Surface eBT represents a heterogeneous medium with four distinct layers: skin tissue, adipose tissue, cortical bone, and soft tissue. Treatment plans for both cases were created and exported into the Radiance treatment planning system (TPS). Dose-to-medium calculations were then performed using this Monte Carlo (MC)-based TPS and compared with MC simulations conducted independently by three different groups using two codes: EGSnrc and PENELOPE. The results agreed within expected Type A and B statistical uncertainties.Data Format and Usage NotesThe dataset is available online at https://doi.org/10.52519/00005. A proprietary file designed for use within Radiance containing CT images and the treatment plan for both test cases, the LINAC modeling, and the CT calibration are included, as well as reference MC and TPS dose data in RTdose format and all files required to run the MC simulations.Potential ApplicationsThis dataset serves as a valuable resource for commissioning eBT MBDCAs and lays the groundwork for developing clinical test cases for other eBT systems. It is also a helpful educational tool for exploring various eBT devices and their advantages and drawbacks. Furthermore, brachytherapy researchers seeking a benchmark for dosimetric calculations in the low-energy domain will find this dataset indispensable.

Keywords: intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT); model based dose calculation algorithms (MBDCA); Monte Carlo (MC)

https://references.ific.uv.es/refbase/show.php?record=6679

de Azcarraga, J. A. (2022). The new Spanish educational legislation: why public education will not improve. Rev. Esp. Pedagog., 80(281), 111–129.

Lorenzo-Saez, E., Urchueguia, J. F., Garcia Folgado, M., & Oliver-Villanueva, J. V. (2025). Methodology development for high-resolution monitoring of emissions in urban road traffic systems. Atmos. Pollut. Res., 16(9), 102600–12pp.

El-Neaj, Y. A. et al, & Bernabeu, J. (2020). AEDGE: Atomic Experiment for Dark Matter and Gravity Exploration in Space. EPJ Quantum Technol., 7(1), 6–27pp.