Crosstalk between sterol and neutral lipid metabolism in the alga Haematococcus pluvialis exposed to light stress
Scodelaro Bilbao, Paola Gabriela; Garelli, Andres; Díaz, Marina Lucía; Salvador, Gabriela Alejandra; Leonardi, Patricia Ines
The presence, biosynthesis and functional role of sterols in the green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis remain poorly understood. In this work we studied the effect of high-light (HL) stress on sterol synthesis in H. pluvialis UTEX 2505 cells. HL stress induced the synthesis of sterols in parallel with that of triacylglycerides (TAG), giving rise to the synthesis of cholesterol over that of phytosterols. Blockage of the carotenogenic 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate (MEP) pathway is shown to be involved in HL-induced sterol synthesis. In addition, high irradiance exposure induced MEP- and fatty acid (FA)-biosynthetic transcripts. The pharmacological inhibition of these pathways suggests a possible feedback regulation of sterol and FA homeostasis. Finally, both lipid classes proved crucial to the adequate photosynthetic performance of H. pluvialis grown under HL intensity stress. Our findings reveal new insights into H. pluvialis lipid metabolism that contribute to the development of value-added bioproducts from microalgae.
Canopy cover is a key factor to preserve the ecological functions of dung beetles in the southern Atlantic Forest
Gomez Cifuentes, Andres Mauricio; Vespa, Natalia Isabel; Semmartin, María Gisela; Zurita, Gustavo Andres
In general, livestock activities affect the diversity and ecological functions of dung beetles. However, some practices associated with tree retention could reduce this problem while maintaining productivity. The objective of this study was to explore the influence of canopy cover on dung beetle biomass, their burial activity and changes in soil conditions associated with this activity, in the southern Atlantic Forest of Argentina. Four habitat types were compared: (i) native forest, (ii) silvopastoral systems with native trees, (iii) silvopastoral systems with exotic trees (Pinus taeda), and (iv) open pastures. Canopy cover, and microclimatic and soil conditions were also evaluated in each habitat type. The native forest and silvopastoral systems (both native and exotic) showed lower temperatures, higher relative humidity, higher electrical conductivity, and higher nitrate (N-NO3) and sand contents than open pastures, which showed opposite microclimatic conditions and higher clay contents. In addition, field experiments using acrylic plastic beads and cow dung were performed to evaluate the burial activity of dung beetles, and its influence on soil properties. Soil samples were collected after 30 days to compare the soil conditions among habitat types. Total burial (>95%) and depth (5?6 cm) of acrylic plastic beads were higher in habitat types with native trees than in livestock systems with exotic trees and open pastures; moreover, dung beetle total biomass was strongly and linearly related to burial activity among habitat types. We observed no direct influence of burial activity on soil properties. Our results support the idea that livestock systems with native trees improve the environmental parameters, biomass and ecological functions of dung beetles compared with silvopastoral systems with exotic trees and open pastures.
La cartografía como instrumento de geoconservación en áreas protegidas; Cartografia como instrumento de geoconservação em áreas protegidas; Cartography as a Geoconservation Instrument in Protected Areas
Duval, Valeria Soledad; Gil, Veronica; Campo, Alicia Maria
Las áreas protegidas son los espacios en los cuales el geopatrimonio puede ser resaltado, enseñado y conservado. El estudio y valoración de las geoformas y procesos del relieve se logran preservar a través de instrumentos de gestión que integran la geoconservación. En este sentido se destacan tres agentes relevantes en la intervención de la conservación del patrimonio geomorfológico: los geocientíficos, los visitantes y los gestores. El objetivo del trabajo fue elaborar cartografía como instrumento esencial para la geoconservación del Parque Nacional Lihué Calel. Para ello se elaboraron mapas del geopatrimonio y del geoturismo con información que fue recopilada a través de la revisión de los antecedentes y principalmente del trabajo de campo realizado. También se realizaron propuestas de geosenderos y de cartelería para resaltar el valor de los geomorfositios.; Áreas protegidas são os espaços em que o geopatrimônio pode ser destacado, ensinado e preservado. O estudo e a avaliação das geoformas e processos do relevo são gerenciados para preservar por meio de instrumentos de gerenciamento que integram a geoconservação. Nesse sentido, três agentes relevantes se destacam na intervenção de conservação do patrimônio geomorfológico: os geocientistas, os visitantes e os gerentes. Este trabalho teve como objetivo elaborar a cartografia como um instrumento essencial para a geoconservação do Parque Nacional Lihué Calel. Para esse fim, foram elaborados mapas de geo-património e geoturismo, com informações compiladas por meio da revisão dos antecedentes e principalmente do trabalho de campo realizado. Também foram feitas propostas de geo-trilhas e sinalização para destacar o valor dos geomorfositos.; Protected areas are the spaces in which geopatrimony can be highlighted, taught and preserved. The study and assessment of the geoforms and relief processes are preserved through management instruments that integrate geoconservation. In this sense, three relevant agents stand out in the intervention of geomorphological heritage conservation: geoscientists, visitors and managers. The aim of this work was to elaborate cartography as an essential instrument for the geoconservation of Lihué Calel National Park. For this, geopatrimony and geotourism maps were prepared with information that was collected through the background check and mainly the field work carried out. Proposals of geotrails and posters were also made to highlight the value of geomorphosites.
Regional price dynamics in Argentina (2016-2019)
González, Fernando Antonio Ignacio
This work investigates compliance with the Law of One Price (LOP) across regions of Argentina. A convergence and cointegration analysis of the 2016–2019 period is conducted using the series of the Total Basic Basket (TBB) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) published by the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INDEC in Spanish) on a monthly basis for six regions in Argentina. The results suggest the existence of convergence in prices and cointegration across regions, which is consistent with compliance with the LOP. This is especially relevant for its potential impact on regional poverty disparity. Indeed, if poorer regions with lower prices tend to have a greater increase in price levels –and therefore convergence is observed– this may imply an increase in regional disparities.
Anthropogenic invaders: historical biogeography, current genetic status and distribution range of the "peludo" Chaetophractus villosus (Xenarthra) in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, southern South America
Poljak, Sebastián; Sánchez, Julieta; Lanusse, Lucas; Lizarralde, Marta Susana
Chaetophractus villosus was once distributed from the south of Bolivia and Paraguay to the northwest of Patagonia, where the species survived in glacial refugia during Pleistocene. After the ice retreated, the species expanded its distribution further south reaching Chubut River. In the last two centuries, the species colonized the rest of Patagonia on both sides of the Andes and was introduced in Tierra del Fuego (TDF) in 1982, where it expanded its distribution range along 484 km2 until 2005. A single mitochondrial Control Region haplotype (HC) was described across Argentine Patagonia based on the low number of samples. This lack of variability was exceptional and impressive, taking into account that the northern neighboring areas of distribution are considered ancestral due to the haplotype richness. Here, we added new field and genetic data and compiled recent bibliography to update the biogeography and phylogeography of the species in southern South America. To explain the unprecedent lack of genetic variability, we discussed three main aspects: a historical biogeographic aspect related to the natural barriers for the species, a strong stochastic component, and the possible adaptive advantages of the only mitochondrial lineage detected, whose colonization and acclimatization to the new environment were mediated by man. We also estimated that the current distribution range in TDF is about 8527 km2.
El vínculo entre lo socio-asistencial y la estrategia electoral de Cambiemos de la campaña de María Eugenia Vidal a los perfiles y discursos ponderados en el Ministerio de Desarrollo Social de la provincia de Buenos Aires (2015-2019); The relation between socio-walfare management and the electoral strategy of Cambiemos: from the campaign of María Eugenia Vidal to the profiles and representations valued at the Ministry of Social Development in the province of Buenos Aires (2015-2019)
Salerno, Agustin
En este artículo analizamos los perfiles y atributos de los dirigentesque ocuparon cargos públicos en el Ministerio de Desarrollo Social dela provincia de Buenos Aires durante el gobierno de Cambiemos.Primero, estudiamos el vínculo que se estableció entre el área y lopolítico electoral a partir del perfil político que construyó lagobernadora y del encumbramiento en el área de un conjunto decandidatos de Cambiemos en distintos municipios de la provincia deBuenos Aires. Luego, destacamos la agenda que construyó esta nuevafuerza política anclada en una primacía de la noción de orden y de unamunicipalización de las prioridades de la cartera. Finalmente,sopesamos la relevancia que asumieron como funcionarios unconjunto de individuos con pretensiones electorales en distritos delGran Buenos Aires.; In this article we analyze the profiles and attributes of the politicians who held public positions in the Ministry of Social Development of the province of Buenos Aires during the Cambiemos government. First, we study the connection that was established between this area and electoral politics based on the political profile that the governor built and the rise in this area of a set of candidates from Cambiemos in different municipalities of the province of Buenos Aires. Then, we highlight the agenda that was built by this new political force, which was anchored in a primacy of the notion of order and municipalization of the ministry´s priorities. Finally, we weigh up the importance that a group of individuals with electoral claims in districts of Greater Buenos Aires assumed as members of that government.
Variación en los niveles séricos de Calcio, Fósforo, Magnesio, Cobre y Zinc durante las distintas etapas productivas en cabras de leche en un tambo caprino del noroeste argentino; Variation in serum levels of Calcium, Phosphorous, Magnesium, Copper and Zinc across productive stages of dairy goats in northwestern Argentina
Vitulli Moya, Gabriel; Vazquez, Victoria del Valle; Martínez, Gabriela Marcela; Colque Caro, Luis Adrián; Medina Vallejo, Diego M.; Suarez, Víctor Humberto; Mattioli, Guillermo Alberto; Rosa, Diana Esther; Micheloud, Juan Francisco
El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar los niveles séricos de calcio (Ca), fósforo (P), magnesio (Mg), cobre (Cu), y zinc (Zn) en cabras lecheras en diferentes etapas productivas. Se seleccionaron 20 cabras de raza Saanen en diferentes estadios productivos: preparto (1 a 2 semanas previas al parto), posparto (1 a 2 semanas de lactancia), pico de lactancia (6 a 8 semanas de lactancia posparto) y período de seca (15 a 30 días de finalizada la lactancia) de un establecimiento lechero del valle de Lerma, Salta. Se colectaron muestras de sangre y se midieron los niveles séricos de Ca, Mg, Cu, y Zn empleando espectrofotometría de absorción atómica y P por colorimetría. Se identificó hipocalcemia (7,7±0,2 mg/dL) e hipofosfatemia (3,4±0,4 mg/dL) durante todas las etapas productivas. El Mg, por el contrario, presentó niveles adecuados durante todo el ensayo (2,5±0,06 mg/dL). Con respecto a los microminerales evaluados, solo los niveles séricos de Zn fueron inferiores a los recomendaros en todos los periodos productivos (53±4 µg/dL). Los niveles de Cu estuvieron dentro de los límites normales (53±4 µg/dL). Estos resultados permitieron identificar anormalidades en los niveles de Ca, P y Zn durante los periodos productivos evaluados. La información sobre deficiencias minerales en cabras es escasa y debe estudiarse más al respecto.; The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in dairy goats in different productive periods. Twenty Saanen breed goats were selected at different productive stages: prepartum (1 to 2 weeks before partum), postpartum (1 to 2 weeks of lactation), peak of lactation (6 to 8 weeks postpartum) and dry period (15 to 30 days of the final lactation) of a dairy farm in the Valle de Lerma, in the province of Salta. Blood samples were collected and then, Ca, Mg, Cu and Zn levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and P was measured by colorimetric. Hypocalcaemia (7,7±0,2 mg/dL) and hypophosphatemia (3,4±0,4 mg/dL) were found in all production stages. In contrast, Mg levels did not present variation during all the samplings (2.5 ± 0.06 mg / dL). In evaluated micro-minerals, only the serum levels of Zn were lower than those recommended in all the productive periods (53 ± 4 µg / dL). Serum cupper levels were within normal limits (53 ± 4 µg / dL). The obtained results allowed identifying abnormalities in Ca, P and Zn levels during the evaluated productive periods. Information about mineral deficiency in goats is restricted and it is needed to study more about it.
Insight into the conformational space of n-benzyl-n-(furan-2-ylmethyl) acetamide by NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations
Corredor Montaña, Jeisson D.; Loaiza, Alix; Romanelli, Gustavo Pablo; de Waele, Isabelle; Tobón Correa, Yeny Alexandra; Gomez Castaño, Jovanny Arles
In this study, the conformational behavior of N-benzyl-N-(furan-2-ylmethyl) acetamide in chloroform was addressed by using a combined experimental/theoretical strategy using NMR spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. The 1H and 13C one-dimensional NMR spectra, as well as the two-dimensional HSQC-DEPT and HMBC-DEPT NMR spectra, evinced the presence of a hindered cis(E)-trans(Z) rotational equilibrium in solution. DFT calculations were performed at different theoretical levels using the polarizable continuum model (PCM) and predicted nine (four Z and five E structures) stable conformations. The interconversion dynamics among the different confirmations were established in terms of four different rotational equilibria in CDCl3. The chemical shifts in the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of the compound are similar to the values calculated for the two most abundant conformational equilibria at room temperature, one caused by two Z rotamers and the other by two E rotamers. The compound was also characterized for the first time by FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and GC/MS spectrometry. Additionally, several acylation methodologies for synthesizing the title compound from N-benzyl-1-(furan-2-yl)methanamine were tested which resulted in high yields (> 90%) under very convenient conditions (10 min, at room temperature).
Efectos compañero en contextos escolares altamente segregados; Peer effects in highly segregated school contexts
Krüger, Natalia Soledad
Los sistemas educativos latinoamericanos se posicionan entre los más segregados del mundo: los grupos de estudiantes provenientes de distinto contexto social se distribuyen de forma desigual entre sus escuelas, con escasa interacción entre sí. Empleando datos de PISA 2018, el trabajo evalúa la existencia de efectos compañero sobre el desarrollo de competencias en las áreas de Lectura, Matemática y Ciencia y sobre la expectativa ocupacional de los alumnos de 15 años de edad en la región. Para ello, se estiman modelos de regresión multinivel multivariados. Se constata la presencia de efectos significativos de la composición socioeconómica escolar sobre dichos resultados, lo cual permite afirmar que la situación de segregación tiende a reforzar la inequidad educativa y social. Esto es así porque los alumnos de origen social más desfavorecido suelen asistir a escuelas cuyo alumnado se encuentra en similares condiciones, potenciando su desventaja inicial. Lo contrario ocurre para aquellos de mayor nivel socioeconómico. La evidencia aportada se encuentra en línea con los antecedentes disponibles para América Latina, contribuyendo a visibilizar el fenómeno de la segregación social escolar como un problema central de sus sistemas educativos. Se insta a las autoridades y a toda la comunidad educativa a pensar y consensuar estrategias para mitigarlo.; Latin American education systems are among the most segregated in the world: since the distribution of students from different social backgrounds across schools is uneven, they scarcely interact with each other. Drawing on PISA 2018 data, this study evaluates the existence of peer effects on the development of Reading, Mathematics and Science competences and on the occupational expectation of 15-year-old students in the region. To this end, it presents the estimation of multivariate multilevel regression models. Results confirm the presence of school socioeconomic composition effects on these outcomes, which allows the conclusion that the situation of segregation tends to reinforce educational and social inequality. The reason is that students from a vulnerable background are likely to attend schools with a similar socioeconomic intake, strengthening their initial disadvantage. The opposite occurs for students from a more favorable social origin. Findings are in line with previous research in Latin America, highlighting the phenomenon of socioeconomic school segregation as a central problem in these education systems. School system authorities and the entire educational community are urged to develop and agree on strategies to mitigate it.
Immunobiotic Lactobacillus jensenii TL2937 Alleviates Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis by Differentially Modulating the Transcriptomic Response of Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Sato, Nana; García Castillo, Valeria; Yuzawa, Mao; Islam, Md Aminul; Albarracín, Leonardo Miguel; Tomokiyo, Mikado; Ikeda Ohtsubo, Wakako; García Cancino, Apolinaria; Takahashi, Hideki; Villena, Julio Cesar; Kitazawa, Haruki
Immunobiotics have emerged as a promising intervention to alleviate intestinal damage in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the beneficial properties of immunobiotics are strain dependent and, therefore, each strain has to be evaluated in order to demonstrate its potential application in IBD. Our previous in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that Lactobacillus jensenii TL2937 attenuates gut acute inflammatory response triggered by Toll-like receptor 4 activation. However, its effect on colitis has not been evaluated before. In this work, we studied whether the TL2937 strain was able to protect against the development of colitis in a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced mouse model and we delved into the mechanisms of action by evaluating the effect of the immunobiotic bacteria on the transcriptomic response of DSS-challenged intestinal epithelial cells. L. jensenii TL2937 was administered to adult BALB/c mice before the induction of colitis by the administration of DSS. Colitis and the associated inflammatory response were evaluated for 14 days. Mice fed with L. jensenii TL2937 had lower disease activity index and alterations of colon length when compared to control mice. Reduced myeloperoxidase activity, lower production of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1, CXCL1, MCP-1, IL-15, and IL-17), and higher levels of immunoregulatory (IL-10 and IL-27) cytokines were found in the colon of TL2937-treated mice. In addition, the treatment of porcine intestinal epithelial (PIE) cells with L. jensenii TL2937 before the challenge with DSS differentially regulated the activation of the JNK pathway, leading to an increase in epithelial cell integrity and to a differential immunotranscriptomic response. TL2937-treated PIE cells had a significant reduction in the expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-15), chemokines (CCL2, CCL4, CCL8, CXCL4, CXCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10), adhesion molecules (SELE, SELL, EPCAM), and other immune factors (NCF1, NCF2, NOS2, SAA2) when compared to control cells after the challenge with DSS. The findings of this work indicate that (a) L. jensenii TL2937 is able to alleviate DSS-induced colitis suggesting a potential novel application for this immunobiotic strain, (b) the modulation of the transcriptomic response of intestinal epithelial cells would play a key role in the beneficial effects of the TL2937 strain on colitis, and (c) the in vitro PIE cell immunoassay system could be of value for the screening and selection of new immunobiotic strains for their application in IBD.
A decade of arbovirus emergence in the temperate southern cone of South America: dengue, Aedes aegypti and climate dynamics in Córdoba, Argentina
Estallo, Elizabet Lilia; Sippy, Rachel; Stewart-Ibarra, Anna M.; Grech, Marta Gladys; Benitez, Elisabet Marina; Ludueña Almeida, Francisco; Ainete, Mariela; Frias Cespedes, María; Robert, Michael; Romero, Moory M.; Almiron, Walter Ricardo
Background: Argentina is located at the southern temperate range of arboviral transmission by the mosquito Aedes aegypti and has experienced a rapid increase in disease transmission in recent years. Here we present findings from an entomological surveillance study that began in Córdoba, Argentina, following the emergence of dengue in 2009. Methods: From 2009 to 2017, larval surveys were conducted monthly, from November to May, in 600 randomly selected households distributed across the city. From 2009 to 2013, ovitraps (n = 177) were sampled weekly to monitor the oviposition activity of Ae. aegypti. We explored seasonal and interannual dynamics of entomological variables and dengue transmission. Cross correlation analysis was used to identify significant lag periods. Results: Aedes aegypti were detected over the entire study period, and abundance peaked during the summer months (January to March). We identified a considerable increase in the proportion of homes with juvenile Ae. aegypti over the study period (from 5.7% of homes in 2009–10 to 15.4% of homes in 2016–17). Aedes aegypti eggs per ovitrap and larval abundance were positively associated with temperature in the same month. Autochthonous dengue transmission peaked in April, following a peak in imported dengue cases in March; autochthonous dengue was not positively associated with vector or climate variables. Conclusions: This longitudinal study provides insights into the complex dynamics of arbovirus transmission and vector populations in a temperate region of arbovirus emergence. Our findings suggest that Córdoba is well suited for arbovirus disease transmission, given the stable and abundant vector populations. Further studies are needed to better understand the role of regional human movement.
Obtaining protoanemonin through selective oxidation of Dfructose and 5-(hydroxymethyl) furfural in a self-catalysed reaction
Martínez, José J.; Páez, Luis A.; Gutiérrez, Luisa F.; Pardo Cuervo, Oscar H.; Rojas, Hugo A.; Romanelli, Gustavo Pablo; Portilla, Jaime; Castillo, Juan Carlos; Gamboa Becerra, Diana Paola
Although different ways of converting 5- (hydroxymethyl)furfural (1) to various substrates with high value have been sought, few transformations have obtained building blocks that can be very useful in the area of fine chemistry. Herein, we report the synthesis of protoanemonin (5-methylenefuran-2(5H)- one) from D-fructose via compound (1), a versatile γalkylidenebutenolide, using an efficient self-catalysed process with formic acid, with high reaction performance and selectivity (up to 94% yield and 98% conversion from (1), while 28% yield from Dfructose). This efficient and simple operational process involved a two-phase aqueous-organic system between chlorinated solvents (CHxCly) and hydrogen peroxide as the initial oxidizing agent. The reaction presents a key cleavage in the 5-hydroxymethyl moiety of (1), due to the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation (BVO) process that generates formic acid in situ. Ultimately, DFF and HMF were successfully obtained in 80% and 98% yield, respectively, starting from D-fructose and using Preyssler heteropolyacids as Brønsted acid catalysts under an atmosphere of oxygen in the absence of hydrogen peroxide.
Nanostructured electrode using CMK-8/CuNPs platform for herbicide detection in environmental samples
Regiart, Daniel Matias Gaston; Fernández Baldo, Martín Alejandro; Pamela Navarro; Pereira, Sirley Vanesa; Raba, Julio; Messina, Germán Alejandro
A simple and sensitive nanostructured electrode was designed by electrodepositing copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) modified with an ordered mesoporous carbon (CMK-8) in order to detect glyphosate (GLY) in river water samples. CMK-8 was immobilized onto an SPCE using chitosan polymer (CH) as a binder, followed by CuNPs electrodeposition. CuNPs/CMK-8-CH/SPCE was characterized by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. CMK-8 has a high specific surface area, large pore volume, uniform mesostructure, good conductivity, and excellent electrochemical activity. This mesoporous carbon material provides the sensitivity for the indirectly electrochemical determination of GLY by square wave voltammetry. The anodic currents increased proportionally to the concentrations of GLY due to a complexation process. The detection limit achieved by the designed electrochemical device was 0.09 ng mL−1 with a linear range from 0.3 ng mL−1 to 19.75 ng mL−1 with intra and inter-assay coefficients of variation below 5%. This electrochemical platform represents an attractive strategy for on-site GLY determination in environmental samples.
On the sharp upper bound related to the weak Muckenhoupt–Wheeden conjecture
Lerner, Andrei K.; Nazarov, Fedor; Ombrosi, Sheldy Javier
We construct an example showing that the upper bound [w]A1log(e+[w]A1) for the L1(w)→L1,∞(w) norm of the Hilbert transform cannot be improved in general.
Espías, rusos y maximalistas en el verano de 1919: La Semana Trágica revisitada desde las fuentes diplomáticas y periodísticas; Spies, russians and maximalists in the summer of 1919: The Tragic Week revisited from the diplomatic and journalistic sources
Koppmann, Walter Ludovico; Asquini, Sabrina Emilia
El artículo propone revisitar la Semana Trágica de 1919 en Buenos Aires a partir del análisis sobre las fuentes de la diplomacia y el espionaje extranjeros en el país, problematizando las perspectivas y la bibliografía existente. El relevamiento de materiales poco explorados habilitan la formulación de nuevos interrogantes sobre un tema aparentemente «agotado» respecto del cual, no obstante, recientes trabajos han demostrado que aún quedan diferentes aspectos por profundizar; The aim of this paper is to revisit the Tragic Week of 1919 in Buenos Aires, analyzing new sources that belong from the foreign diplomacy and the espionage. In addition, it examines the mainstreamperspectives and bibliography.The little-explored documents enables new questions on an apparently already-known subject, with respect to which, however, recent works have shown that there are still different aspects to deepen
A meta-analysis of SMEs literature based on the survey on access to finance of enterprises of the European central bank
Martinez, Lisana Belén; Guercio, María Belén; Fernández Bariviera, Aurelio
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are substantial contributors to employment and to the GDP growth in many countries. Therefore, understanding their difficulties to find appropriate financial resources are a key task for policy makers. Despite being a long-debated topic, there are still several gaps in the literature, probably due to the lack of empirical data. A relatively new database, the Survey of Access to Finance of Enterprises (SAFE) emerged after the subprime crisis. It is regularly conducted by the European Central Bank and can provide new information on SMEs financing. This paper conducts a meta-analysis of the literature based upon this survey, identifying key working hypothesis, methodologies and results.
Dificultades y reacciones positivas del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en el contexto de la pandemia y del aislamiento obligatorio; Difficulties and positive reactions of the teaching-learning process in the context of the pandemic and of compulsory isolation
Piantanida, Fernando Martín
El presente texto tiene por objeto compartir las vivencias del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de la cursada del Seminario Problemáticas del Mundo Mediterráneo durante el primer cuatrimestre del 2020, en el marco de la pandemia de COVID-19 y del aislamiento social, preventivo y obligatorio. Hace referencia a los diversos problemas que docentes y estudiantes han tenido que enfrentar. Señala las prácticas pedagógicas y recursos virtuales empleados a los efectos de intentar solucionarlos. Y destaca que, pese a las dificultades del contexto, no todo fue negativo, sino que también hubo aspectos positivos a rescatar, tales como una adaptación favorable a una modalidad virtual imprevista, compelida por las circunstancias, y el esfuerzo y compromiso de docentes y estudiantes para llevar a cabo la continuidad pedagógica en una coyuntura adversa.; The aim of this text is to share the experiences of the teaching-learning process of the seminar Problems of the Mediterranean World during the first semester of 2020, in the context of COVID-19 pandemic and of social, preventive and compulsory isolation. It refers to the various problems that teachers and students have had to face. It points out the pedagogical practices and virtual resources used in order to try to solve them. In spite of these difficulties, this article emphasizes that not everything has been negative. There were also positive aspects to be rescued, such as a favourable adaptation to an unforeseen virtual modality, compelled by the circumstances, and the effort and commitment of teachers and students to carry out the pedagogical continuity in an adverse situation.
1975: Muerto Franco, ¿qué debates y qué historias nos permitimos cuestionar?; 1975: Morto Franco, que debates e que histórias nos permitimos questionar?
Minardi, Adriana Elizabeth
Podríamos decir que, a partir de 1975, comienza en España un proceso de repatriación de la Historia que se impuso a través de tres olvidos: el de la República, el de la Guerra civil y el del Franquismo, pautado por la Transición democrática. Si entendemos que “toda narración, autobiográfica o novelesca, histórica o inventada depende de la memoria de alguien” (Vernon, 1989: 429), uno de los primeros actos en un relato es construir y representar una memoria ficticia e imitar el proceso rememorativo atendiendo a una concepción determinada de la memoria. Esta concepción depende de una estructura específica que conjuga una poética y una narrativa. En el siguiente artículo expondremos los debates acerca de las relaciones siempre conflictivas entre memoria, historia y política para luego proyectar el análisis a un texto autobiográfico.; Podemos dizer que, a partir de 1975, iniciou-se na Espanha um processo de repatriamento da história, imposto por três esquecimentos: o da República, o da Guerra Civil e o do franquismo, pautados pela transição democrática. Se entendermos que "toda narração, autobiográfica ou fictícia, histórica ou inventada depende da memória de alguém" (VERNON, 1989, p. 429), um dos primeiros atos de um relato é construir e representar uma memória fictícia e imitar o processo rememorativo atendendo a uma determinada concepção da memória. Essa concepção depende de uma estrutura específica que conjuga uma poética e uma narrativa. No artigo a seguir, exporemos os debates sobre as sempre conflitantes relações entre memória, história e política e projetaremos a análise a um texto autobiográfico.
Contenido total y disponibilidad de micronutrientes en suelos y excretas bovinas; Total content and availability of micronutrients in soils and livestock manure
Ramos, Maria Laura; Moscuzza, Carlos Hernán; Fernandez Cirelli, Alicia
The use of feedlot cattle manure appears as an important source of certain trace metals in soils that can be mobilized by water modifying the surface and groundwater quality. The current study is focused on assessing the availability of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co) and molybdenum (Mo) in manure from confined beef cattle systems and different soils of the Chaco-pampean plain, using a sequential extraction scheme. Soils and bovine manure coming from intensive (IS) and extensive (ES) beef cattle systems were collected. Total contents of Cu, Zn, Co and Mo were determined after microwave assisted acid digestion. Availability was evaluated through sequential extraction, including water-soluble and exchangeable fraction (EXCH), organic matter bound fraction (OM), inorganic precipitated fraction (INOR), and residual fraction (RES). Total Cu and Zn contents found in manure coming from IS were higher than the concentration of the aforementioned trace elements determined in all soils and manure analyzed from ES. EXCH-Cu only appears in IS cattle manure samples, while EXCH-Zn found in IS manure samples were higher than the soils samples analyzed. The higher levels of total and availability forms of Cu and Zn determined in IS manure compared to soils samples, require considering when this organic amendment is applied as fertilizer. These results indicate that the reuse of intensive cattle manure as fertilizer in agricultural areas could provide available forms of metals in soils and could contribute to reduce the environmental impact caused by the accumulation of excreta in pen soils during long periods in farms.; El uso de excretas provenientes de sistemas intensivos de engorde bovino aparece como una fuente importante de ciertos metales traza en suelos, los cuales pueden ser movilizados por escorrentía y lixiviado, modificando la calidad de cursos de agua superficial y subterránea. Este trabajo propone evaluar la disponibilidad de cobre (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalto (Co) y molibdeno (Mo) en excretas provenientes de sistemas intensivos de engorde bovino y en diferentes suelos de la llanura Chaco-pampeana, utilizando un procedimiento de extracción secuencial. Se recolectaron muestras de suelos y excretas provenientes de sistemas intensivos (SI) y extensivos (SE) de producción de ganado vacuno. Los contenidos totales de Cu, Zn, Co y Mo se determinaron mediante digestión ácida asistida por microondas. La disponibilidad fue evaluada mediante un esquema de extracción secuencial que incluyó una fracción soluble en agua e intercambiable (INT), una fracción unida a materia orgánica (MO), una fracción inorgánica (INOR) y una fracción residual (RES). Los resultados obtenidos mostraron mayores contenidos totales y de la fracción intercambiable de Cu y Zn en excretas provenientes de SI respecto de las muestras de suelos y excretas provenientes de SE. Estos resultados indicarían que el uso de las excretas de sistemas intensivos de engorde bovino incrementaría las formas más disponibles de metales en suelos, de modo tal que su empleo como enmiendas orgánicas puede contribuir a reducir el impacto ambiental que origina su acumulación en suelos de corrales.
Neonicotinoids in global agriculture: Evidence for a new pesticide treadmill?
Bakker, Lieneke; Werf, Wopke van der; Tittonell, Pablo; Wyckhuys, Kris A. G.; Bianchi, Felix J. J. A.
Overreliance on synthetic insecticides in global agriculture is the outcome of a “pesticide treadmill,” in which insecticideinduced pest resistance development and the depletion of beneficial insect populations aggravate farmers’ pesticide dependencies. Examples of the pesticide treadmill have been witnessed repeatedly over the past seven decades, prompting the question whether the rapid uptake and usage patterns of neonicotinoid insecticides and their associated environmental impact are in accordance with this recurrent phenomenon. We hypothesize a conceptual framework in which treadmills are enforced by enabling or disabling drivers within four domains: pest management decisions at the farm level, characteristics of farming landscapes, science and technology, and societal demands. These drivers then tend to create a self-enforcing pesticide “lock-in.” We then analyze several post-1950s historical case studies with reference to this framework, e.g., those involving sprays of the highly hazardous DDT and methyl-parathion, in which the pesticide treadmill was initiated, sustained, and broken, and compare this with current patterns in neonicotinoid use. Historical case studies further illustrate how treadmills occur in three phases in which (i) a limited number of insecticides are routinely used, (ii) resistance development of pests results in the increased crop injury, prompting increased frequency of applications with a wider range of products, (iii) breaking out of the pesticide “lock-in” by policy change and adoption of alternative technologies that lowered chemical inputs and improved agro-ecosystem functioning. The analysis shows similarities as well as differences between neonicotinoid usage patterns and historic pesticide treadmills, and provides guidance on how to effectively avoid or dismantle pesticide treadmills in global agriculture.