Relationship between trade openness and foreign direct investment: Case of Mexico

In the context of Mexico's trade relations, the main aim of this article is to analyze the relationship and intensity between trade openness and foreign direct investment in Mexico, taking into account 18 countries with which there is a Bilateral Investment Treaty. Data analysis was performed through normality tests, followed by scatter and box plots, and the application of Spearman's bivariate correlation method, with a sample of 84 data in quarterly periods per country. The results infer a direct relationship between the variables for the countries of South Korea, China, Germany and Italy, that is, greater foreign direct investment result in greater trade openness in Mexico during the period 2000-2020. However, it is concluded that in the case of Mexico the COVID-19 effect must be considered. © 2022,Revista de Ciencias Sociales.All Rights Reserved.

Mentoring Medical Students: Voices from Zoom Rooms during the Pandemic

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, careers in medicine were challenging, and the academic journey could be a lonely one. The pandemic presented both challenges and opportunities in mentoring such as utilizing technology to transform formal mentorship programs into those that are beneficial for women and minorities because these programs can offer critical engagement, opportunities to hear and express multiple perspectives, expand our capacity to understand and talk about complex social issues, and meaning-making frameworks. Medical schools can utilize innovative and creative mentoring programs to support medical students as they enter the medical profession. © Common Ground Research Networks, Joseph Muñoz et al., All Rights Reserved.

STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF THE UNIVERSITY TEACHING-LEARNING PROCESS IN TIMES OF COVID-19

Confinement, as a countermeasure to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, has affected all sectors of society, such is the case of Higher Education. This article exposes the results of an online survey applied to students of the University of Cienfuegos, Cuba, during March and April 2021, with the objective of characterizing their perception of the teaching-learning process during the confinement by COVID-19, based on 8 indicators: lifestyle, mood, planning, family support, technology, communication, access and treatment of the contents and ex-periences with the modality. The sample consisted of 372 volunteers. The results showed that for most of the students it has modified their lifestyle and affected their academic routine. Among the advantages of distance education are the possibility of managing their own time and the fact that transportation is not necessary, and the disadvantages are the reduction of direct contact with professors and classmates, more reading and work, and difficulties in the availability, costs and use of technology. These elements constitute premises for institutional decisions and the planning of the counseling services of the psycho-pedagogical office in the university community. © 2022, University of Cienfuegos, Carlos Rafael Rodriguez. All rights reserved.

Application of parametric design and digital fabrication: the solution for the current crises and emergencies

During the next decades the construction will have to face many problems that never had inferred, it must reinvent itself to adapt to the new needs that it currently demands because it consumes too many energetic resources, it generates excess of CO2 emissions, consumption of natural resources and every day the construction is more expensive. The United Nations 2030 Agenda announced the objectives for sustainable development, this to try to mitigate the effects of climate change;The Coronavirus pandemic made humanity reflect on the emergencies that we must face and left us reflecting that we are not prepared for an emergency or crisis;These are key points that we must address to develop the new architecture. If we analyze the history of architecture, we can see that technology and science has always been a catalyst for humanity and has generated great solutions to the problems that befall us, this should motivate us to use technology and software in our favor. Therefore, we must prepare and generate new solutions, innovations and technology that focus on solving the new needs that architecture demands. The question is: how we can solve these problems? The answer is through digital fabrication and parametric design. It is important to emphasize and make it clear, we cannot continue to build as we have been doing in the past century, our practices and approaches must change, and it is urgent to rethink the role of the architecture today.

Digital Transformation of Universities: The Influence of COVID-19 and Students' Perception

On account of the disruptive nature of the COVID-19 disease, the present paper aims to analyze the main repercussions of the pandemic for the field of education. The objective is twofold: (1) To describe the process of digitalization and digital transformation of educational institutions, (2) To analyze students' insights regarding the implementation of hybrid methodologies of learning and identify potential differences in perception across university degrees. A structured literature review on the resonance of the COVID-19 pandemic for education is performed. From this, the concept of the Digital Divide has risen to prominence, as education digitalization has managed to broaden global social inequalities. In this context, the prevailing E-learning methodologies are detailed, outlining the differences between asynchronous and synchronous format. The topic of Blended Learning is put forward, detailing the diverse hybrid education models present in the actual paradigm of education. In order to analyze and measure the perception of students regarding education digitalization, a survey based on validated scales is conducted among 305 university students in Spain. A statistical analysis reveals that the most frequently implemented teaching model within the COVID-19 scenario is the mixture of in-person and synchronous remote lessons. In addition to this, overall satisfaction, perception of workload and confidence in the professional future differs across branches of study. Finally, several implications for educational framework are presented.

Emergency visits and mortality caused by ischemic heart disease attributable to fine particulate matter during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile.

POSITION DU PROBLèME: Le confinement mis en place au deuxième trimestre 2020 a entrainé une amélioration de la qualité de l'air de Santiago, capitale et plus grande ville du Chili, caractérisée par de fortes concentrations en particules fines PM2,5 liées, en grande partie, au trafic routier. L'objectif était de mettre en évidence une potentielle réduction des visites aux urgences pour infarctus du myocarde aigu (IDM) et des décès dus à une cardiopathie ischémique (CPI) attribuable à l'émission de PM2,5, en comparant les périodes équivalentes de 2019 et de 2020. MéTHODES: À Santiago, la surveillance de la qualité de l'air se fait grâce à neuf moniteurs situés dans neuf communes différentes : Cerro Navia, Cerrillos, El Bosque, Pudahuel, Independencia, La Florida, Quilicura, Santiago centre-ville et Las Condes (classées de la plus haute à la plus basse en matière de pauvreté multidimensionnelle). La concentration moyenne quotidienne de PM2,5 a été décrite avec des séries temporelles, et les visites aux urgences pour IDM et les décès dus à une CPI ont été analysés de façon trimestrielle pour chaque année. Pour estimer l'impact de l'excès de PM2,5, les fractions de risque attribuables (FRA) pour les visites aux urgences pour IDM et les décès pour CPI ont été calculées. RéSULTATS: La moyenne quotidienne des PM2,5 a diminué dans huit des neuf communes de Santiago. Cependant, la réduction n'a été significative que dans trois communes. Les visites aux urgences pour IDM et les décès par CPI attribuables aux PM2,5 ont diminué légèrement mais significativement dans ces trois communes. Les FRA dans les autres communes sont restées similaires à 2019. CONCLUSIONS: Une réduction significative de la FRA des PM2,5 pour les décès par CPI et les visites aux urgences d'IDM n'a été observée que dans les communes avec une réduction significative de la concentration quotidienne moyenne de PM2,5 pendant la pandémie de COVID-19.

Results of a chilean nation-wide network of blood banks for convalescent plasma collection for pandemic SARS-CoV-2 treatment

Background/Case Studies: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has left more than 650.000 diseased worldwide, without a specific treatment nor vaccine, leaving patients with risk factors, like cancer or severe illness, without therapeutic options. Convalescent plasma, previously described in viral infections, has proved to be safe and effective. Here, we describe our findings in specific donor population studied. Study Design/Methods: Across social media, a call was made for COVID-19 recovered patients to donate convalescent plasma. There were considered male donors and female donors with and without pregnancy records. Volunteers were tested for IgG anti SARS-CoV-2 antibodies titers, HIV, HCV, HBV, Chagas disease, HTLV I and II, syphilis and were performed NAT for HIV, HBV and HCV. All women and men with blood transfusions records had anti HLA antibodies measured. The characteristics of age, sex, antibody titers, anti HLA antibodies, blood group, and its relationship with the severity of the infection are described. Results/Findings: Data analysis included 864 patients tested. 22,7% had IgG titers less than 1:320, while 31% had titers of 1:320, and 31% had titer at least 1:640. 15,3% was deferred because microbiologic studies (8 donors) or anti HLA antibodies (124 patients). From group with less than 1:320, the average age was 37,5 years, 44,3% were women, and 100% had mild infection requiring no hospitalization, while the 1:320 titers group had an average age of 34 years, with a 50% of women. For group with at least 1:640 titers, average age was 38 years, with a 44% of women. The major proportion of donors with severe illness were fromO (+) factor. From all tested women, a 26,6% had anti HLA (+) antibodies. From 4 male donors with history of transfusion, 1 had anti HLA (+) antibodies. Conclusions: In our population, 73% of potential donors had enough IgG antibodies to be collected. Including women with pregnancy record, makes possible increase the universe of convalescent plasma donors.

A strategy for SARS-CoV-2 convalescent plasma collection in a chilean nation-wide blood bank network

Background/Case Studies: With SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and the potential use of convalescent plasma, most blood banks were forced to coordinate calling strategies, donor selection, and convalescent plasma production, with no new resources. The first infected patient in Chile was reported on March 03, 2020. The objective of this study is to describe our selection strategy and its efficiency. Study Design/Methods: The project was approved by the ethics committee. In our country, a multicentric nation-wide network of blood banks was created, with eight centers collecting convalescent plasma. A donor registration web site was created with volunteer inscription, which had specific questions that could result in an immediate deferral, and this web site was promoted on TV and in social media. After that phase, a brief telephonic survey was performed to schedule the date and hour for on-toone interviews, and select potential donors eligible for testing. They were tested for HIV, HBV, HCV, HTLV I and II, Chagas disease and syphilis, NAT for HIV, HBV y HCV, anti HLA antibodies and anti SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. PCR for SARS-CoV-2 was performed in all donors with less than 28 days since last symptoms. After all these studies, apheresis was indicated for selected donors. Results/Findings: From 5008 inscriptions on the web site, 21.1% were deferred automatically at the web site level. A total of 1165 volunteers were interviewed in our institution, and, from them, 25.8% were excluded after the questionnaire (73%) or because of poor venous access (27%). From the 864 accepted and tested volunteers, 0.9%were deferred because of microbiological studies, 22.6% for less than 1:320 antibodies titers. From 465 women tested, 26.6% were excluded for the presence of anti HLA antibodies. Finally, 536 donors were able to proceed with apheresis. Conclusions: The 46% from total volunteers were finally able to proceed to apheresis in our institution. The cooperative effort between institutions allowed us to start working within four weeks since the first case was reported in our country, with 444 effective apheresis performed over the course of 16 weeks.

A chilean blood bank network for COVID-19 convalescent plasma apheresis

Background/Case Studies: During the coronavirus pandemic, where there is no known treatment, nor vaccine, convalescent plasma transfusion became an alterna-tive for patients who had a severe condition, or with risk factors that promoted serious disease. Study Design/Methods: The project was submitted to the ethics committee, for convalescent COVID-19 plasma administration in patients with severe criteria, without severity criteria but with risk factors, and for active cancer patients. The allowed criteria for convalescent plasma transfusion were IgG antiSars CoV2 antibody titers greater than 1:320 and negative serological and NAT tests for HIV, HBV, HCV, HTLV, Syphilis, and Chagas. All women were also tested for HLA, which was required to be negative. Each unit of plasma had 200cc and the patients were transfused with 2 units. Funds were provided by private institutions and public hospitals. Private clinics, military forces hospitals and blood centers were invited to participate in this network. A donor registration web page was created. The donor blood bank interview was standardized. The plasma apheresis process was standardized according to equipment, and the processing, storage, distribution, and management of apheresis was standardized in all centers. All traceability and adverse events related to transfusion were recorded according to national regulations. Results/Findings: A total of 31 institutions received convalescent plasma, of which 11 were public institutions, 17 private institutions, and 3 from military forces hospitals (1 public, and 1 private institution were exclusive for oncologic patients). Of these, 48% were in Santiago (capital city) and 52% outside of the capital (corresponding to 13 different cities) including 3500 kms from north to south inside of the Chilean territory. Eight institutions produced convalescent plasma, of which 88% were private, 12% of the military forces. Of these, 25% were outside the capital. Four centers used Terumo BCT equipment (4 Spectra OptiaR, and 2 Trima AccelR), 2 used Haemonetics (MCS+9000R), and 2 Fresenius Kabi equipment (Com.tecR). A total of 5008 voluntary donors were registered on the website, of whom 1400 donors were interviewed at all producing centers. A total of 594 apheresis was made from 463 donors;82% of patients donated one time and 18% donated 2 or more times. A total of 1540 plasmas were produced, and to date a total of 263 patients had been transfused and a total of 737 units had been delivered. Of these only 10% had an adverse reaction to mild transfusion (fever greater than 38.5°C), and only 2 (0.7%) serious adverse reaction. None of the transfused died due to the transfusion or a secondary complication derived from it. Conclusions: This is the largest study conducted in the country. This is the first time that a public-private network has been generated that covers different regions of the country. Safety is consistent with what is reported in the literature.

Contributions of the national medical sciences information center to the fight against covid-19

The fast spread of SARS-CoV-2 has posed big challenges, some of which are related to information management and visibility. Professionals from information institutions have been faced with having to reorganize their services in a short time, with an essential technological component to achieve virtuality in face of the unavoidable imperative of physical distancing. The National Medical Sciences Information Center (CNICM/Infomed) plays a fundamental role in the response plan implemented by Cuba during this health crisis, serving as facilitator and provider of specialized scientific information services, sources and tools, and supplying the required technological platform for the entire national health system and the population. The present document is aimed at describing the workflow devised by this institution, the spaces and modes used for the production and dissemination of scientific information during the epidemic, and the contributions made to the creation of products and the development and implementation of tools and services to support health scientific research and decision making during the COVID-19 pandemic. © 2020, Centro Nacional de Informacion de Ciencias Medicas. All rights reserved.

COVID-19. From pathogenesis to high mortality in elderly patients with comorbidities

Introduction: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are causing a pandemic associated with high mortality. Although many uncertainties still remain because it is a new viral infectious disease, knowledge of clinical behavior and pathogenesis has advanced. Objective: To review the most current scientific evidence on the pathogenesis of the disease and its association with high mortality in elderly patients with comorbidities. Material and Methods: A literature review of the information published to date on this respect was carried out. Databases such as MEDLINE, LILACS, SCIELO, LATINDEX, MEDIGRAPHIC, MEDSCAPE, Science Direct, Elsevier and PubMed were searched;important data were also obtained from WHO / PAHO bulletins, the Cuban National Health Care Telecommunications Network and Portal (infomed) and other news agencies that present good scientific evidence. Development: An analysis of the current knowledge about the pathogenesis and the pulmonary inflammatory process is carried out while observing that this process does not respond to a simple viral pneumonia but to a local and systemic inflammatory process that involves different organs, coagulation disorders and alterations of immunity that make elderly patients with comorbidities more vulnerable, causing severity and increasing mortality. Conclusions: The pathogenesis of this disease, which is better known at present, explains the implications in critical and severe cases with high mortality, especially the most vulnerable ones. SARS and its evolutive complications are not explained by lung inflammation only. Other factors are involved in the well-known Este es un artículo en Acceso Abierto distribuido según los términos de la Licencia Creative Commons Atribución–NoComercial 4.0 que permite el uso, distribución y reproducción no comerciales y sin restricciones en cualquier medio, siempre que sea debidamente citada la fuente primaria de publicación. pathogenesis of a much greater severity that leads to the fatal outcome. © 2020 Universidad de Ciencias Medicas de La Hab. All rights reserved.