Speculative computing for AAFM solutions in large-scale product configurations.

Parallel computing is a current algorithmic approach to looking for efficient solutions; that is, to define a set of processes in charge of performing at the same time the same task. Advances in hardware permit the massification of accessibility to and applications of parallel computing. Nonetheless, some algorithms include steps that require or depend on the results of other steps that cannot be parallelized. Speculative computing allows parallelizing those tasks and reviewing different execution flows, which can involve executing invalid steps. Speculative computing solutions should reduce those invalid flows. Product configuration refers to selecting features from a set of available options respecting some configuration constraints; a not complex task for small configurations and models, but a complex one for large-scale scenarios. This article exemplifies a videogame product line feature model and a few configurations, valid and non-valid, respectively. Configuring products of large-scale feature models is a complex and time-demanding task requiring algorithmic solutions. Hence, parallel solutions are highly desired to assist the feature model product configuration tasks. Existing solutions follow a sequential computing approach and include steps that depend on others that cannot be parallelized at all, where the speculative computing approach is necessary. This article describes traditional sequential solutions for conflict detection and diagnosis, two relevant tasks in the automated analysis of feature models, and how to define their speculative parallel version, highlighting their computing improvements. Given the current parallel computing world, we remark on the advantages and current applicability of speculative computing for producing faster algorithmic solutions.

Social influence, performance expectancy, and price value as determinants of telemedicine services acceptance in Chile.

Medicine is a discipline based on and nurtured by scientific research and technological development. The use of health services supported by information technology is increasing worldwide, and Latin America is no exception. Factors such as needing more specialists in peripheral cities, large geographic areas, and socio-cultural aspects limit the possibility of receiving timely and quality medical care services. Information Technology (IT) for health purposes, such as e-health, is a cost-effective solution for equitable access to quality healthcare services and optimization of the rising associated costs. As an e-health service, telemedicine facilitates and mediates distance communication between the patient and medical staff. Even though Latin America is at the beginning of the development of telemedicine, it would have a relevant impact, given the geographic and socioeconomic conditions of the population in this part of the world. Drawing on the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) theory, we developed a theoretical model to identify the latent factors influencing the public acceptance of telemedicine and examined their interrelationships. A survey questionnaire was designed and administered to 391 residents in Antofagasta, a mine region of Chile. After that, structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the survey data. The results reveal that the UTAUT2 factors' performance expectancy, social influence, and price value significantly impact the intention to use (R2 = 0.693). Additionally, the model presented a good fit. This study enriches the existing theoretical research on the acceptance of telemedicine services and offers insights into understanding and managing technology in the Chilean health sector.

Advertising and Eco-Labels as Influencers of Eco-Consumer Attitudes and Awareness-Case Study of Ecuador.

This study examined the impact of green advertising and eco-labels on the attitudes and environmental awareness of millennials purchasing eco-friendly products in shopping centers across Ecuador. The research utilized a quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional methodology with 430 millennials participating. A 20-item survey was administered face-to-face at shopping centers in Quito and Guayaquil, Ecuador. The validity of the research model was established through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), employing SPSS 20 and AMOS 24 for statistical evaluations. Findings reveal that green advertising significantly shapes environmental attitudes (ß: 0.245) and awareness (ß: 0.110), as well as directly influences the purchasing behavior (ß: 0.154) towards green products. While eco-labels do not exert a direct effect on purchasing behavior (ß: 0.128), they significantly inform attitudes (ß: 0.406) and ecological awareness (ß: 0.277) of millennials who purchase organic products. This paper is among the pioneering research to delineate the correlation between green advertising elements and the purchasing patterns of green products among millennials in a developing nation. It concludes that marketing strategies centered on green advertising and eco-labels do affect millennials' attitudes and environmental consciousness, but only advertising has a direct impact on purchasing behaviors, contrary to eco-labels. The research bears social significance as it affirms that millennials are attentive to environmental issues and are actively engaged in promoting sustainability.

Distribución de Aedes albopictus en Ibagué: potencial riesgo de brotes de arbovirosis

Introducción. Aedes albopictus es un vector de arbovirus como dengue, Zika, chikungunya y fiebre amarilla. Los primeros reportes en el continente americano datan de 1985 y dada su capacidad de adaptación ecológica y fisiológica, se ha distribuido rápidamente en el territorio colombiano desde su primer reporte en 1998. Objetivo. Determinar la distribución de A. albopictus en las comunas de Ibagué, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Los muestreos se realizaron entre mayo y noviembre de 2022 en zonas con abundante vegetación de las 13 comunas de Ibagué. Se emplearon aspiradores y redes entomológicas. Los mosquitos fueron transportados al Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Tropical de la Universidad del Tolima para su determinación taxonómica. Resultados. Se identificaron 708 ejemplares de A. albopictus, distribuidos en las comunas de Ibagué. La mayor abundancia del vector se presentó en las comunas 10, 11, 7, 8, 2 y 9. Las comunas 3, 4, 5, 6, 12 y 13 presentaron abundancias relativas cercanas al 3 %, y la comuna 1 tuvo una abundancia del 2 %. Conclusiones. Aedes albopictus está distribuido en todas las comunas de Ibagué, probablemente su dispersión se ha visto favorecida por las condiciones ambientales y sociales de esta región. Se recomienda hacer seguimiento anual a las poblaciones de este vector y realizar una caracterización molecular de los arbovirus encontrados. Además, el conocer la distribución de este mosquito en la ciudad permitirá focalizar las estrategias de control entomológico y prevenir futuros brotes de arbovirosis.

Introduction. Aedes albopictus is a vector for arboviruses, such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. The first A. albopictus reports on the American continent date back to 1985. It has spread rapidly throughout Colombia since its first report in 1998 due to its ecological and physiological adaptation capability. Objective. To determine A. albopictus distribution in the 13 communes of Ibagué, Colombia. Materials and methods. Samples were collected between May and November 2022 in the 13 communes of Ibagué. Vacuum sampling and sweep-netting entomological nets were used in areas with abundant vegetation. The mosquitoes were transported to the Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Tropical at the Universidad del Tolima for taxonomic determination. Results. We identified 708 A. albopictus specimens distributed throughout Ibague's 13 communes. The highest vector abundance occurred in communes 10, 11, 7, 8, 2, and 9; communes 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, and 13 had a relative abundance of around 3%, while commune 1 had 2% of relative abundance. Conclusions. Aedes albopictus is distributed throughout all the communes of Ibague. Its dispersion has probably been favored by this region's environmental and social conditions. We recommend annual monitoring of these vectors populations and molecular characterization of the found arboviruses. Ascertaining this mosquito's distribution throughout the city will enable focusing entomological control strategies and preventing future arbovirus outbreaks.

The use of photosynthetic pigments and SPAD can help in the selection of bean genotypes under fertilization organic and mineral.

The common bean is cultivated in all regions of the country, representing a product of great economic and social importance. In order to ensure food security in the world, it is necessary to create alternatives to reduce the dependence on fertilizers and seeds, and in this context, organic agriculture is a sustainable alternative to ensure it. Therefore, it becomes necessary to adapt rapid methods to monitor plant nutrition in real-time. The reflectance index determined by SPAD and pigment determination can be a sustainable alternative to identify genotypes in different fertilizations (organic × mineral fertilizer). The research hypothesis is to monitor nutritional management through pigment levels and reflectance index in common bean cultivars and their adaptation into different types of fertilization (organic × mineral fertilizer). Therefore, the objective of the research was to evaluate the common bean genotypes of the type carioca, in different fertilizations (organic × mineral fertilizer), and their effects on photosynthetic pigments, and the relationship between SPAD reflectance index and productivity. The experimental design used was a 2 × 7 factorial in randomized blocks with four replications: The first factor was the fertilization (organic × mineral fertilizer)and the second were the 7 genotypes (UFU-1; UFU-2; UFU-3; UFU-4; UFU-5; UFU-6 UFU-7), with UFU-1 being a hybrid obtained between genotypes UFU-4 and UFU-7; UFU-2 and UFU-3 were commercial genotypes; and UFU-4, UFU-5, UFU-6 and UFU-7 were genotypes from the UFU germplasm bank, located in the city of Monte Carmelo, Brazil. Evaluations were carried out for the agronomic characteristics of the plants, which were: height, number of branches, length and volume of roots, dry matter, leaf area index, number of flowers, number of pods, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, and productivity of the genotypes. The results were compared with chlorophyll content and SPAD reflectance index, and the genotypes showed distinct behavior for each fertilization (organic × mineral fertilizer). The genotypes recommended for the organic fertilizer were UFU-2, UFU-6, and UFU-7, which showed higher productivity. For themineral fertilizer, the best-adapted genotype was UFU-4, with a higher productive yield. In conclusion, we can affirm that the highest chlorophyll and SPAD indices can help select common bean genotypes with higher productivity and adaptation within the organic fertilizer being this the main focus of this research. However, the other variables carried out during this research also demonstrated to have significant effects, so they could be analyzed individually and could offer valuable information in the selection of the best-adapted genotypes.

Positive effects of green practices on the consumers' satisfaction, loyalty, word-of-mouth, and willingness to pay.

Concern about green practices by companies and people has grown exponentially worldwide, considering them as a key element sustaining the development of competitive advantages. Given the present competitive, dynamic, and turbulent supermarket environment, managing environmental practices is essential for their survival. This study has two objectives: First, studying the relationship between green practices and customer satisfaction and, second, analyzing the impact of green practices and satisfaction on loyalty, word-of-mouth, and willingness to pay more via a quantitative study on a convenience sample of 458 customers from different Chilean supermarkets. Partial least square regression was used to analyze data. Results show the importance of green practices for developing satisfaction and different customer behaviors such as loyalty, word-of-mouth, and willingness to pay more. In addition, results prove satisfaction's positive impact on loyalty, word-of-mouth, and willingness to pay more. Those results also provide empirical evidence about the effects of green practices on the supermarket industry and, in this way, their advancement toward more sustainable management.

Lysosomal acidification dysfunction in microglia: an emerging pathogenic mechanism of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

Microglia are the resident innate immune cells in the brain with a major role in orchestrating immune responses. They also provide a frontline of host defense in the central nervous system (CNS) through their active phagocytic capability. Being a professional phagocyte, microglia participate in phagocytic and autophagic clearance of cellular waste and debris as well as toxic protein aggregates, which relies on optimal lysosomal acidification and function. Defective microglial lysosomal acidification leads to impaired phagocytic and autophagic functions which result in the perpetuation of neuroinflammation and progression of neurodegeneration. Reacidification of impaired lysosomes in microglia has been shown to reverse neurodegenerative pathology in Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we summarize key factors and mechanisms contributing to lysosomal acidification impairment and the associated phagocytic and autophagic dysfunction in microglia, and how these defects contribute to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. We further discuss techniques to monitor lysosomal pH and therapeutic agents that can reacidify impaired lysosomes in microglia under disease conditions. Finally, we propose future directions to investigate the role of microglial lysosomal acidification in lysosome-mitochondria crosstalk and in neuron-glia interaction for more comprehensive understanding of its broader CNS physiological and pathological implications.

Evolution of Type IV CRISPR-Cas Systems: Insights from CRISPR Loci in Integrative Conjugative Elements of Acidithiobacillia.

Type IV CRISPR-Cas are a distinct variety of highly derived CRISPR-Cas systems that appear to have evolved from type III systems through the loss of the target-cleaving nuclease and partial deterioration of the large subunit of the effector complex. All known type IV CRISPR-Cas systems are encoded on plasmids, integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs), or prophages, and are thought to contribute to competition between these elements, although the mechanistic details of their function remain unknown. There is a clear parallel between the compositions and likely origin of type IV and type I systems recruited by Tn7-like transposons and mediating RNA-guided transposition. We investigated the diversity and evolutionary relationships of type IV systems, with a focus on those in Acidithiobacillia, where this variety of CRISPR is particularly abundant and always found on ICEs. Our analysis revealed remarkable evolutionary plasticity of type IV CRISPR-Cas systems, with adaptation and ancillary genes originating from different ancestral CRISPR-Cas varieties, and extensive gene shuffling within the type IV loci. The adaptation module and the CRISPR array apparently were lost in the type IV ancestor but were subsequently recaptured by type IV systems on several independent occasions. We demonstrate a high level of heterogeneity among the repeats with type IV CRISPR arrays, which far exceed the heterogeneity of any other known CRISPR repeats and suggest a unique adaptation mechanism. The spacers in the type IV arrays, for which protospacers could be identified, match plasmid genes, in particular those encoding the conjugation apparatus components. Both the biochemical mechanism of type IV CRISPR-Cas function and their role in the competition among mobile genetic elements remain to be investigated.

Competencias genéricas de/la profesional psicopedagogo/a*: Análisis transmetodológico para la actualización del perfil profesional por medio de una experiencia de investigación acción participativa / Generic competences of the professional psychopedagogue: Transmethodological analysis to update the professional profile through an experience of Participatory Action Research

El presente artículo da cuenta de los principales hallazgos generados a partir del proyecto de investigación denominado "Perfil del profesional psicopedagogo/a: Aportes desde una revisión epistemológica a la praxis en Chile. Concepto, ámbitos de acción y roles actuales" realizado por la Agrupación de profesionales Psicopedagogos/as de Chile en el período 2019-2020. En esta primera etapa, por medio de una transmetodología de la investigación con enfoque de Investigación Acción Participativa (IAP), se establece un constructo teórico fundamentado en la empiria, que categoriza las competencias genéricas de los/as profesionales psicopedagogos/as en cuatro áreas principales: investigación, evaluación, acompañamiento y orientación y/o asesoramiento psicopedagógico. Las categorías elaboradas se fundamentan en la triangulación hermenéutica entre datos, teoría y experiencias de diversos actores/as de la Psicopedagogía chilena (académicos/as, trabajadores/as y estudiantes) e invitan a la reflexión en torno a la ruptura paradigmática emergente, la identidad disciplinar, la transmetodología de la investigación y las aportaciones desde la complejidad en la práctica profesional.

This reports the main findings generated from the research project called "Profile of the Psychopedagogue Professional: Contributions from an epistemological review of praxis in Chile. Concept, fields of action and current roles" carried out by the Psychopedagogue Professional Association in Chile in the period 2019-2020. In this first stage, through a transmethodology of research with a Participatory Action Research (IAP) focus, an empirical-based theoretical construct is established, which categorizes the generic competences of professional psychopedagogue in four main areas: research, evaluation, accompaniment and counseling and / or psycho-pedagogical advice. The elaborated categories are based on the hermeneutic triangulation between data, theory and experiences of various actors of the Chilean Psychopedagogy (academics, workers and students) and invite reflection on the emerging paradigmatic rupture, identity discipline, the transmethodology of research and contributions from complexity in professional practice.

Chemical evaluation and anticholinesterase activity of Hippeastrum puniceum (Lam. ) Kuntz bulbs (Amaryllidaceae)

Hippeastrum puniceum is a species that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. A particular characteristic of this family is the consistent and very specific presence of isoquinoline alkaloids, which have demonstrated a wide range of biological activities such as antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, among others. In the present work, fifteen alkaloids were identified from the bulbs of Hippeastrum puniceum (Lam.) Kuntz using a GC-MS approach. The alkaloids 9-O-demethyllycoramine, 9-demethyl-2α-hydroxyhomolycorine, lycorine and tazettine were isolated through chromatographic techniques. The typical Amaryllidaceae alkaloids lycorine and tazettine, along with the crude and ethyl acetate extract from bulbs of the species were evaluated for their inhibitory potential on α-amylase, α-glucosidase, tyrosinase and acetylcholinesterase activity. Although no significant inhibition activity was observed against α-amylase, α-glucosidase and tyrosinase from the tested samples, the crude and ethyl acetate extracts showed remarkable acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. The biological activity results that correlated to the alkaloid chemical profile by GC-MS are discussed herein. Therefore, this study contributed to the knowledge of the chemical and biological properties of Hippeastrum puniceum (Lam.) and can subsidize future studies of this species

Mechanical and Antimicrobial Polyethylene Composites with CaO Nanoparticles.

Low-density polyethylene composites containing different sizes of calcium oxide (CaO) nanoparticles were obtained by melt mixing. The CaO nanoparticles were synthesized by either the sol-gel or sonication methods, obtaining two different sizes: ca. 55 nm and 25 nm. These nanoparticles were used either as-synthesized or were modified organically on the surface with oleic acid (Mod-CaO), at concentrations of 3, 5, and 10 wt% in the polymer. The Mod-CaO nanoparticles of 25 nm can act as nucleating agents, increasing the polymer's crystallinity. The Young's Modulus increased with the Mod-CaO nanoparticles, rendering higher reinforcement effects with an increase as high as 36%. The reduction in Escherichia coli bacteria in the nanocomposites increased with the amount of CaO nanoparticles, the size reduction, and the surface modification. The highest antimicrobial behavior was found in the composites with a Mod-CaO of 25 nm, presenting a reduction of 99.99%. This strong antimicrobial effect can be associated with the release of the Ca2+ from the composites, as studied for the composite with 10 wt% nanoparticles. The ion release was dependent on the size of the nanoparticles and their surface modification. These findings show that CaO nanoparticles are an excellent alternative as an antimicrobial filler in polymer nanocomposites to be applied for food packaging or medical devices.

Influence of in vitro micropropagation on lycorine biosynthesis and anticholinesterase activity in Hippeastrum goianum

ABSTRACT Hippeastrum goianum (Ravenna) Meerow, Amaryllidaceae, is an endemic species from the Cerrado, Brazil; there are only few studies about its chemistry or biological activity. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of lycorine in extracts from in vitro H. goianum plantlets, as well as evaluate a possible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. The ethanol extract of plantlets produced by in vitro seed germination and micropropagation of bulblets was obtained from seedlings from in vitro germination, while the ethanol extract micropropagtion of bulblets was obtained from a subculture of those seedlings. The presence of lycorine was detected in only in the micropropagation of bulblets. The micropropagation of bulblets was more active than the plantlets produced by in vitro seed germination, with an IC50 of 114.8 ± 0.95 µg/ml and IC50 386.00 ± 0.97 µg/ml, respectively. These results showed that both in vitro germination and micropropagation of H. goianum can lead to the biosynthesis of lycorine. Moreover, the micropropagation led to improved anticholinesterase activity.

First autochthonous case of canine visceral leishmaniasis in Rondônia, Brazil, a region with no history of visceral leishmaniasis.

This report describes the first autochthonous case of canine visceral leishmaniasis in Rondônia, northern Brazil. A canine resident of the municipality of Cacoal, with clinical signs and symptoms of visceral leishmaniasis, was treated by a veterinarian. Samples were analyzed by a reference laboratory. Dual-path platform (DPP) assay, indirect immunofluorescence technique (IIT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), isolation in a culture medium, and direct parasitological analysis were performed. DPP assay, IIT, and ELISA revealed positive results for Leishmania; PCR identified the species as Leishmania infantum. Based on the clinical presentation and test results, canine visceral leishmaniasis was diagnosed.

First autochthonous case of canine visceral leishmaniasis in Rondônia, Brazil, a region with no history of visceral leishmaniasis

Abstract This report describes the first autochthonous case of canine visceral leishmaniasis in Rondônia, northern Brazil. A canine resident of the municipality of Cacoal, with clinical signs and symptoms of visceral leishmaniasis, was treated by a veterinarian. Samples were analyzed by a reference laboratory. Dual-path platform (DPP) assay, indirect immunofluorescence technique (IIT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), isolation in a culture medium, and direct parasitological analysis were performed. DPP assay, IIT, and ELISA revealed positive results for Leishmania; PCR identified the species as Leishmania infantum. Based on the clinical presentation and test results, canine visceral leishmaniasis was diagnosed.

Application of a nanostructured platform and imprinted sol-gel film for determination of chlorogenic acid in food samples.

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a polyphenol derivative that widely exists in higher plants like fruits, vegetables, black teas, and some traditional Chinese medicines. In this work, we have proposed a sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor for detection of CGA. The sensor was based on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with a functional platform by grafting vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) in multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and covered by a molecularly imprinted siloxane (MIS) film prepared using the sol-gel process. The VTMS was grafted onto the surface of the MWCNTs via in situ free radical polymerization. The MIS was obtained from the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis/condensation of a solution consisting of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), phenyltriethoxysilane (PTEOS), (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS), and CGA as a template molecule. The modification procedure was evaluated by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Under optimized operational conditions, a linear response was obtained covering a concentration ranging from 0.08µmolL(-1) to 500µmolL(-1) with a detection limit (LOD) of 0.032µmolL(-1). The proposed sensor was applied to CGA determination in coffee, tomato, and apple samples with recoveries ranging from 99.3% to 108.6%, showing a promising potential application in food samples. Additionally, the imprinted sensor showed a significantly higher affinity for target CGA than the non-imprinted siloxane (NIS) sensor.

Organochalcogen compounds from glycerol: synthesis of new antioxidants.

We describe here a simple method for the synthesis of glycerol derivatives containing an organochalcogen unit (Se, Te and S) using NaBH4 and PEG-400 as a solvent. The new methodology was used to synthesize a range of new organochalcogen compounds in good yields. Furthermore, four of synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant activity using different assays, such as 2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, nitric oxide (NO) and hydroxyl radical (OH) scavenging, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), ferrous ion chelating, superoxide dismutase-like activity and inhibition of linoleic acid lipid peroxidation. The new organotellurium 2,2-dimethyl-4-(phenyltellanylmethyl)-1,3-dioxolane 3 j showed antioxidant activity and was more effective in inhibition of induced lipid peroxidation compared to solketal 4. Selenium and sulfur analogs 3a and 3m and solketal 4 did not present antioxidant effect. These findings suggest that 2,2-dimethyl-4-(phenyltellanylmethyl)-1,3-dioxolane 3 j is a promising antioxidant and that its activity is influenced by the presence of the tellurium atom on the structure.

Monitoramento dos atendimentos nas Unidades de Pessoal do GHC como base para a gestão das informações e programas de treinamento

As informações solicitadas pelos trabalhadores nas organizações são uma fonte para a melhoria dos processos de trabalho e de desenvolvimento, pois quando utilizadas contribuem para direcionar ações de melhoria conforme as necessidades dos trabalhadores. Além disso, as informações, quando gerenciadas, podem melhorar os processos de treimanento das organizações. Por outro lado, quando os dados não são coletados e analisados, torna-se inviável medir o desempenho das áreas quanto à eficiência dos treinamentos dos trabalhadores.Neste contexto o presente trabalho de pesquisa tem como objetivo principal analisar as demandas de informações das Unidades de Pessoal di Grupo Hospitalar Conceição e, com base nelas, propor um plano de treinamento. A pesquisa propõe que os dados sejam coletados e a partir disso, as informações sejam categorizadas e analisadas para indicar as fontes da informação e seu fluxo, bem como para possibilitar o desenvolvimento de um plano para disseminar as informações coletadas e tornar o levantamento dos dados sistêmico nas unidades de Pessoal do GHC.

Impacto del entrenamiento del balance a través de realidad virtual en una población de adultos mayores / Impact of balance training with a virtual reality in elderly

La tercera edad tanto en Chile como en el mundo es una población creciente, que se caracteriza por que sus habilidades motoras sufren un deterioro progresivo y natural, destaca la pérdida del balance como una más afectadas; facilitando las caídas y por consiguiente lesiones traumáticas graves, como es la fractura de cadera. Este trabajo persigue reeducar el balance y control postural en los adultos mayores a través del uso de realidad virtual. El estudio se llevo a cabo en el Laboratorio de Biomecánica de la Universidad de Talca. Participaron 20 sujetos adultos mayores (edad promedio 69 años). Se utilizo un modelo de intervención de 8 semanas con una frecuencia de 3 veces a la semana, 20 minutos cada sesión. Se evaluó el balance y control postural a partir de una plataforma posturográfica estática (Estandar y Tándem) antes de comenzar la intervención, a las 3, 6 y 8 semanas de tratamiento. El área y velocidad promedio disminuyeron de manera significativa en la fase de vista al frente en la prueba de apoyo Bipodal o Estandar lo que representa una disminución del 30 por ciento respecto de los valores iniciales. La velocidad promedio se redujo un 4 por ciento respecto al inicio (p<0,01). En la prueba Tándem, él área de desplazamiento del centro de presión (COP) disminuyo de manera significativa en la fase de vista al frente, lo que significa una disminución progresiva del 28 por ciento (p<0,01). El entrenamiento con RV (Nintendo Wii Fit) contribuye de manera significativa en mejorar el balance y el control postural en los adultos mayores. Aspectos observados en la variables posturograficas tales como: área de desplazamiento del COP en vista al frente para la prueba Estándar y Tándem, en la velocidad promedio de excursión del COP para la fase de vista al frente en la prueba Estandar y ojos cerrados para Tándem.

The elderly in Chile and in the world, is a growing population, characterized by their motor skills suffer a progressive and natural deterioration highlight the balance as a loss most affected by facilitating falls and therefore severe trauma injuries, such as hip fracture. This work seeks re-educate balance and postural control in older adults through the use of virtual reality. The study populations included 20 older individuals (mean= 69 years). All participants gave written, informed consent to participate in the study. The subjects were training with a intervention model of tree times a week during 8 weeks with 20 minutes per session. Two test were applied: bipedal stance and Tßndem stance, and was performed four times, before the intervention at 3, 6 and 8 weeks of the training. In bipedal stance there were significant changes in the area and velocity of displacement of the center of pressure (DCoP) in open eyes phase. The area that represent about a 30 percent of the beginning values, and the velocity equivalent to 4 percent to the beginning values (p <0.01). In Tßndem stance there were significant changes in the area of DCoP in open eyes phase with a decrease of 28 percent (p<0.01). The training with virtual reality (Nintendo Wii Fit) generate a significant decrease in older individuals in balance. Parameters like the area in open eyes phase in both test and the mean velocity in open eyes phase of bipedal stance test and in closed eyes for Tßndem stance test.

Lideres informales de salud / Informal health leaders

En este estudio se pretendió: a) identificar la real exixtencia de agentes informales, definidos como empíricos, que incluye hierbateros, componedores de huesos y entendidos que curan el empacho, el mal de ojos, la pensión, zafaduras, etc,; b) estimar la frecuencia con que son consultados por la población; c) determinar los resultados obtenidos en experiencias concretas y d) la prioridad con que sus servicios son solicitados frente a los recursos formales de salud. El trabajo se realizó en una muestra del 25% de viviendas de un sector de la población asignada al Consultorio La Pincoya del Servicios de Salud Metropolitano Norte. Se entrevistó a las dueñas de casa y se logró un total de 370 respuestas. Los resultados indican que la edad de las respondientes varía entre 14 y 78 años, pero concentradas en un 73% entre 25 y 54 años. Sólo un 6.8% es analfabeta, la escolaridad media es de 6 años aprobados comprobándose que a menor edad mayor escolaridad. De ellas casi 3 de cada 4 reconocen la existencia de agentes informales de salud en su población. Por tipo de agente, la proporción es variable. Los más nombrados son los componedores de huesos (43%), los entendidos que curan el empacho (40%), curan el mal de ojos (26.2%); hierbateros (17%). No todas las que dicen conocerlos han recurridos a ellos. Las cifras varían entre 36 y 26% para cada tipo de agente. Los resultados, al recurrir a ellos, se observan altamente satisfactorios. Ante la presencia de síntomas específicos de los niños, la madre diferencia entre la atención médica formal, los agentes informales y su propia capacidad de acción. Se puede apreciar claramente la valoración que hace de ca uno, toma decisiones y actua, de acuerdo a lo que supone "mejor", producto talvez de la educación recibida de parte del Servicio de Salud, tanto ella misma, como anteriormente sus propias madres