Autotetraploid rice: challenges and opportunities.

Autotetraploid rice is a type of germplasm developed from the whole genome duplication of diploid rice, leading to large grains, high nutrient content, and resistance. However, its low fertility has reduced yield and hampered commercialization. To address this issue, a new type of high fertility tetraploid rice was developed, which may serve as a useful germplasm for polyploid rice breeding. In this review, we summarize the progress made in understanding the cellular and molecular genetic mechanisms underlying the low fertility of autotetraploid rice and its F1 hybrid, as well as the main types of new tetraploid rice with high fertility. Lastly, the idea of utilizing the multi-generation heterosis of neo-tetraploid rice in the future is proposed as a reference for polyploid rice breeding.

Prácticas de Responsabilidad Social Empresarial dirigidas a los stakeholders en PYMEs del Valle del Cauca: literatura vs práctica / Stakeholder-oriented corporate social responsibility practices in SMEs in Valle del Cauca: literature vs. practice / Práticas de Responsabilidade Social Corporativa centradas nas partes interessadas nas PMEs do Valle do Cauca: literatura vs. prática

RESUMEN Las empresas requieren el desarrollo de prácticas de Responsabilidad Social Empresarial - RSE que sean un medio de relación con sus grupos de interés y que evidencien cómo contribuyen en la satisfacción de las necesidades de los mismos. Este artículo busca realizar un análisis descriptivo de las prácticas de RSE por grupo de interés que se presentan en la literatura y hacer un comparativo con las prácticas que reportan las PYMES más exportadoras del Valle del Cauca. Para lo cual se realiza una revisión de los artículos académicos entre 2010 y 2020 y se hace un análisis de contenido sobre las prácticas de RSE publicadas en las páginas web de las PYMES más exportadoras del Valle del Cauca de acuerdo al reporte de la Cámara de Comercio de Cali en el ano 2020, teniendo como base de comparación las dimensiones de RSE econòmica, filantrópica y ético-legal planteadas por Carroll. Los resultados indican que el grupo de interés que mayor cantidad de prácticas percibe por parte de las PYMES analizadas son los empleados y que la dimensión de RSE que más prácticas tienen es la ético-legal. Por último, se halla que múltiples prácticas van dirigidas a dos o más grupos de interés lo que permite una optimización de recursos y un mejor alcance por práctica de RSE aplicada en las PYMES.

ABSTRACT Companies require the development of corporate social responsibility - CSR practices that are a means of relating with their stakeholders and that demonstrate how they contribute to satisfying their needs. This article seeks to carry out a descriptive analysis of CSR practices by stakeholder presented in the literature and to make a comparison with the practices reported by the most exporting SMEs in Valle del Cauca.To this end, a review of academic articles between 2010 and 2020 was carried out and a content analysis was made of the CSR practices published on the web pages of the most exporting SMEs in Valle del Cauca according to the report of the Cali Chamber of Commerce in 2020, using as a basis for comparison the dimensions of economic, philanthropic and ethical-legal CSR proposed by Carroll. The results indicate that the stakeholder group that perceives the greatest number of practices on the part of the SMEs analyzed are the employees, and that the CSR dimension with the most practices is ethical-legal. Finally it is found that multiple practices are aimed at two or more stakeholders, which allows for an optimization of resources and a better scope per CSR practice applied in SMEs.

RESUMO As empresas exigem o desenvolvimento de práticas de Responsabilidade Social Corporativa - RSE que sejam um meio de relacionamento com suas partes interessadas e que mostrem como elas contribuem para satisfazer suas necessidades. Este artigo procura realizar uma análise descritiva das práticas de RSE pelas partes interessadas apresentadas na literatura e fazer uma comparação com as práticas relatadas pelas PMEs mais exportadoras do Valle del Cauca. Para isso, é feita uma revisão dos artigos acadêmicos entre 2010 e 2020 e é feita uma análise de conteúdo das práticas de RSE publicadas nos sites das PMEs mais exportadoras de Valle del Cauca, de acordo com o relatório da Câmara de Comércio de Cali em 2020, usando como base de comparação as dimensões da RSE econômica, filantrópica e ético-legal proposta pela Carroll. Os resultados indicam que o grupo de participantes com o maior número de práticas percebidas pelas PMEs analisadas são os funcionários e que a dimensão de RSE com o maior número de práticas ético-jurídicas. Finalmente, constata-se que múltiplas práticas visam duas ou mais partes interessadas, o que permite uma otimização dos recursos e um melhor escopo por prática de RSE aplicada nas PMEs.

Microcystin-LR and cyanobacterial extracts alter the distribution of cell wall matrix components in rice root cells.

Cyanobacterial toxins (known as cyanotoxins) disrupt the plant cytoskeleton (i.e. microtubules and F-actin), which is implicated in the regulation of cell wall architecture. Therefore, cyanotoxins are also expected to affect cell wall structure and composition. However, the effects of cyanobacterial toxicity on plant cell wall have not been yet thoroughly studied. Accordingly, the alterations of cell wall matrix after treatments with pure microcystin-LR (MC-LR), or cell extracts of one MC-producing and one non-MC-producing Microcystis strain were studied in differentiated Oryza sativa (rice) root cells. Semi-thin transverse sections of variously treated LR-White-embedded roots underwent immunostaining for various cell wall epitopes, including homogalacturonans (HGs), arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs), and hemicelluloses. Homogalacturonan and arabinan distribution patterns were altered in the affected roots, while a pectin methylesterase (PME) activity assay revealed that PMEs were also affected. Elevated intracellular Ca2+ levels, along with increased callose and mixed linkage glucans (MLGs) deposition, were also observed after treatment. Xyloglucans appeared unaffected and lignification was not observed. The exact mechanism of cyanobacterial toxicity against the cell wall is to be further investigated.

Characterization of pectin methylesterase gene family and its possible role in juice sac granulation in navel orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck).

BACKGROUND: Citrus is one of the most important fresh fruit crops worldwide. Juice sac granulation is a physiological disorder, which leads to a reduction in soluble solid concentration, total sugar, and titratable acidity of citrus fruits. Pectin methylesterase (PME) catalyzes the de-methylesterification of homogalacturonans and plays crucial roles in cell wall modification during plant development and fruit ripening. Although PME family has been well investigated in various model plants, little is known regarding the evolutionary property and biological function of PME family genes in citrus. RESULTS: In this study, 53 non-redundant PME genes were identified from Citrus sinensis genome, and these PME genes were divided into four clades based on the phylogenetic relationship. Subsequently, bioinformatics analyses of gene structure, conserved domain, chromosome localization, gene duplication, and collinearity were performed on CsPME genes, providing important clues for further research on the functions of CsPME genes. The expression profiles of CsPME genes in response to juice sac granulation and low-temperature stress revealed that CsPME genes were involved in the low temperature-induced juice sac granulation in navel orange fruits. Subcellular localization analysis suggested that CsPME genes were localized on the apoplast, endoplasmic reticulum, plasma membrane, and vacuole membrane. Moreover, yeast one-hybrid screening and dual luciferase activity assay revealed that the transcription factor CsRVE1 directly bound to the promoter of CsPME3 and activated its activity. CONCLUSION: In summary, this study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the PME gene family in citrus, and provides a novel insight into the biological functions and regulation patterns of CsPME genes during juice sac granulation of citrus.

Capacidades de innovación de las pequeñas y medianas empresas del sector metalmecánico en Cartagena, Colombia / Innovation capacities of small and medium enterprises of the metalworking sector in Cartagena, Colombia / Capacidades de inovação de pequenas e médias empresas do setor metalomecânico em Cartagena, Colômbia

RESUMEN La presente investigación identifica las capacidades de innovación de las pequeñas y medianas (Pymes) empresas del sector metalmecánico en Cartagena - Colombia. La metodología abordada fue de exploratorio y descriptivo. La población seleccionada correspondió al total de las 25 Pymes del clúster metalmecánico, registradas formalmente en la Cámara de Comercio de Cartagena, con lo cual se identificaron las brechas y potencialidades para impulsar las capacidades de innovación. Como resultado, se identificó en relación con las capacidades para la innovación que, el 85% de la Pymes promueve en sus operaciones novedosas prácticas en todas sus áreas funcionales, incentivando la creatividad y la innovación en el diseño y desarrollo diferenciado de bienes y servicios. Se concluye que, el clúster de empresas metalmecánicas debe orientar esfuerzos a la consolidación de las capacidades innovadoras en las áreas de investigación y desarrollo, vigilancia tecnológica, marketing digital y gestión logística, lo cual contribuiría a la mejora de la productividad y competitividad del sector: CLASIFICACIÓN JEL O32, 111, D24

ABSTRACT This research identifies the innovation capabilities of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the metalworking sector in Cartagena -Colombia. The methodology used was exploratory and descriptive. The population selected corresponded to the total of 25 SMEs in the metal-mechanical cluster formally registered with the Chamber of Commerce of Cartagena, which identified the gaps and potential to boost innovation capabilities. As a result, 85% of the SMEs promote innovative practices in all their functional areas in their operations, encouraging creativity and innovation in the design and differentiated development of goods and services. It is concluded that the cluster of metal-mechanical companies should focus efforts on consolidating innovative capabilities in the areas of research and development, technology watch, digital marketing and logistics management, which would contribute to improving the productivity and competitiveness of the sector. JEL CLASSIFICATION O32, 111, D24

RESUMO Esta pesquisa identifica as capacidades de inovação das Pequenas e Médias Empresas (PMEs) do setor metalomecânico em Cartagena-Colômbia. A metodologia abordada foi exploratória e descritiva. A população selecionada correspondeu ao total das 25 PMEs do cluster metalomecânico, formalmente cadastradas na Cámara de Comercio de Cartagena (em português Câmara de Comércio de Cartagena), nas quais identificaram-se as lacunas e potencialidades para impulsionar as capacidades de inovação. Como resultado, encontrou-se em relação às capacidades de inovação, que 85% das PMEs promovem nas suas operações práticas inovadoras em todas as suas áreas funcionais, incentivando a criatividade e a inovação na concepção e desenvolvimento diferenciado de bens e serviços. Conclui-se que o cluster de empresas metalomecânicas deve direcionar esforços para consolidar capacidades inovadoras nas áreas de pesquisa e desenvolvimento, vigilância tecnológica, marketing digital e gestão logística, o que contribuiria para a melhoria da produtividade e competitividade do setor. CLASSIFICAÇÃO JEL O32, 111, D24

Implementation of pharmacist-managed early switch from intravenous to oral therapy using electronic identification at a tertiary academic hospital.

Overutilization of intravenous (IV) medications can result in drug shortages, which is one of the major health care crisis, in addition to increasing costs, length of hospital stays (LOS) and the associated complications. We hypothesized that IV therapy was overused at our hospital where oral (PO) was applicable, and that the implementation of IV-PO protocol could result in a cost-effective practice. Hence, we aimed at assessing impact and outcomes of implementing such a protocol. A single center, prospective quasi-interventional study conducted at tertiary academic hospital. A protocol was implemented targeting 17 medications, with educational sessions to medical staff during a 5-month phase. IV orders of 48 h or more, among adult patients at medical or surgical wards with no contraindication to PO route were eligible. Once eligible, pharmacists send interventions using hospital's computerized order entry system, and physicians' responses were monitored on daily basis. Efficacy was estimated by percentage of switch recommendations that resulted in effective switch to PO medication. Cost-minimization analysis was used for course cost between the control phase and intervention phase. Length of hospital stay (LOS), readmissions within 90 days and in-hospital mortality were analyzed as secondary outcomes. During intervention phase, 781 patients had at least one IV order switched to PO. Gastric acid-reducing agents (GARAs) accounted for the most IV prescriptions (50.4%), followed by antibiotics (39.6%). Pharmacists carried out 2677 interventions to which switch recommendations were issued in 1185 (44.3%). Primary switch recommendations (N = 677) led to effective switch in 60.7% cases. These included per protocol switch (8.9%), switch to another PO (2.5%), spontaneous switch by physician (17.6%) and IV discontinuation (31.8%). The overall efficacy was estimated as 62.8%. The intervention was associated with reduced IV consumption from 4,574-18,597 vials in control phase to 3,654-15,546 vials in intervention phase, which resulted in overall cost saving of 50,960.8 SAR ($13,589.5), with an average monthly cost saving of 10,192.2 SAR ($2,717.9). Pharmacist-managed early switch from IV-PO therapy, with physicians' education, showed significant reduction in IV medication use in our hospital. By reducing unnecessary IV use, this strategy enabled considerable cost savings, besides the potential advantages of convenience and safety.

Neuroinflammation and progressive myoclonus epilepsies: from basic science to therapeutic opportunities.

Progressive myoclonus epilepsies (PMEs) are a group of genetic neurological disorders characterised by the occurrence of epileptic seizures, myoclonus and progressive neurological deterioration including cerebellar involvement and dementia. The primary cause of PMEs is variable and alterations in the corresponding mutated genes determine the progression and severity of the disease. In most cases, they lead to the death of the patient after a period of prolonged disability. PMEs also share poor information on the pathophysiological bases and the lack of a specific treatment. Recent reports suggest that neuroinflammation is a common trait under all these conditions. Here, we review similarities and differences in neuroinflammatory response in several PMEs and discuss the window of opportunity of using anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of several of these conditions.

A Head-to-Head Comparison of Percutaneous Mastoid Electrical Stimulator and Supraorbital Transcutaneous Stimulator in the Prevention of Migraine: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Study.

INTRODUCTION: This prospective, randomized, multicenter head-to-head outcome study was performed to compare the efficacy and safety of Percutaneous Mastoid Electrical Stimulator (PMES) and Supraorbital Transcutaneous Stimulator (STS) in migraine prevention. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, head-to-head outcome study that involved three medical centers. After a one-month run-in, episodic patients with at least two migraine attacks/month were randomized to receive PMES daily for 45 min or STS daily for 20 min for three months. The primary outcomes were change in monthly migraine days and the 50% response rate. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients were included in this study. We observed statistically significant reduction of migraine days in the third month treatment both in the PMES group and STS group. The difference between the two groups was not significant (60.5% vs. 53.8%, p = 0.88). Of note, 77.8% patients in the PMES group and 62.2% patients in the STS group had a ≥50% reduction of migraine days in the third month (p = 0.070). The change in monthly migraine days, monthly migraine attacks, severity of migraine days, accompanying symptoms during migraine and monthly acute anti-migraine drug intake were not significantly different between the two groups. The change of Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) from run-in to the third-month treatment in the STS group was more remarkable than that in the PMES group (36.5% vs. 25.6%, p = 0.041). The occurrence of discomfort paresthesia was higher in the STS group (13.3% vs. 0%, p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: PMES and STS treatment were both effective in migraine prevention. The safety and efficacy of PMES and STS were comparable.

Genome wide identification and functional characterization of strawberry pectin methylesterases related to fruit softening.

BACKGROUND: Pectin methylesterase (PME) is a hydrolytic enzyme that catalyzes the demethylesterification of homogalacturonans and controls pectin reconstruction, being essential in regulation of cell wall modification. During fruit ripening stage, PME-mediated cell wall remodeling is an important process to determine fruit firmness and softening. Strawberry fruit is a soft fruit with a short postharvest life, due to a rapid loss of firm texture. Hence, preharvest improvement of strawberry fruit rigidity is a prerequisite for extension of fruit refreshing time. Although PME has been well characterized in model plants, knowledge regarding the functionality and evolutionary property of PME gene family in strawberry remain limited. RESULTS: A total of 54 PME genes (FvPMEs) were identified in woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca 'Hawaii 4'). Phylogeny and gene structure analysis divided these FvPME genes into four groups (Group 1-4). Duplicate events analysis suggested that tandem and dispersed duplications effectively contributed to the expansion of the PME family in strawberry. Through transcriptome analysis, we identified FvPME38 and FvPME39 as the most abundant-expressed PMEs at fruit ripening stages, and they were positively regulated by abscisic acid. Genetic manipulation of FvPME38 and FvPME39 by overexpression and RNAi-silencing significantly influences the fruit firmness, pectin content and cell wall structure, indicating a requirement of PME for strawberry fruit softening. CONCLUSION: Our study globally analyzed strawberry pectin methylesterases by the approaches of phylogenetics, evolutionary prediction and genetic analysis. We verified the essential role of FvPME38 and FvPME39 in regulation of strawberry fruit softening process, which provided a guide for improving strawberry fruit firmness by modifying PME level.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profiling of the Polygalacturonase (PG) and Pectin Methylesterase (PME) Genes in Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.).

In pectin regulation, polygalacturonases (PGs) and pectin methylesterases (PMEs) are critical components in the transformation, disassembly network, and remodeling of plant primary cell walls. In the current study, we identified 36 PG and 47 PME genes using the available genomic resources of grapevine. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of PGs and PMEs, including phylogenetic and collinearity relationships, motif and gene structure compositions, gene duplications, principal component analysis, and expression profiling during developmental stages. Phylogenetic analysis of PGs and PMEs revealed similar domain composition patterns with Arabidopsis. The collinearity analysis showed high conservation and gene duplications with purifying selection. The type of duplications also varied in terms of gene numbers in PGs (10 dispersed, 1 proximal, 12 tandem, and 13 segmental, respectively) and PMEs (23 dispersed, 1 proximal, 16 tandem, and 7 segmental, respectively). The tissue-specific response of PG and PME genes based on the reported transcriptomic data exhibited diverged expression patterns in various organs during different developmental stages. Among PGs, VvPG8, VvPG10, VvPG13, VvPG17, VvPG18, VvPG19, VvPG20, VvPG22, and VvPG23 showed tissue- or organ-specific expression in majority of the tissues during development. Similarly, in PMEs, VvPME3, VvPME4, VvPME5, VvPME6, VvPME19, VvPME21, VvPME23, VvPME29, VvPME31, and VvPME32 suggested high tissue-specific response. The gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (KEGG) enrichment, and cis-elements prediction analysis also suggested the putative functions of PGs and PMEs in plant development, such as pectin and carbohydrate metabolism, and stress activities. Moreover, qRT-PCR validation of 32 PG and PME genes revealed their role in various organs of grapevines (i.e., root, stem, tendril, inflorescence, flesh, skins, and leaves). Therefore, these findings will lead to novel insights and encourage cutting-edge research on functional characterization of PGs and PMEs in fruit crop species.

¿Hacia el social commerce? El valor de las redes sociales en la MiPyME de Córdoba, Argentina / Towards social commerce: the value of social networks for Micro and SME from Córdoba, Argentina / Em direção ao comércio social? O valor das redes sociais no MiMPe de Córdoba, Argentina

Resumen La difusión del comercio electrónico constituye una gran oportunidad para las empresas como instrumento de competitividad. El uso de las redes sociales brinda una plataforma nueva para el desarrollo de las transacciones comerciales online. El objetivo de este trabajo consiste en analizar la relación entre el nivel de adopción del comercio electrónico y la valoración de las redes sociales en las empresas. Con este fin, se utiliza una muestra de 100 Microempresas, Pequeñas y Medianas firmas de la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina. Sobre la base de un análisis de conglomerados de k medias, se obtienen tres grupos de empresas: empresas avanzadas en e-commerce empresas únicamente en redes sociales y empresas orientadas al e-commerce. Estos grupos presentan diferencias significativas por sector de actividad, pero no por tamaño de las empresas. Códigos JEL: D2, L86, O33.

Abstract E-commerce diffusion brings a great opportunity for the competitiveness of firms. The use of social networks offers a new platform for the development of online business transactions. The objective of this paper is analyzing the relationship between the e-commerce adoption level and the social networks value among firms. To achieve this goal, a sample of 100 Micro, Small and Medium firms from the city of Cordoba in Argentina is employed. Based on a k media conglomerates analysis, we obtained there groups of firms: firms advanced in e-commerce, firms just in social networks, and firms oriented to e-commerce. These groups differ in terms of their main economic activity but not in the size of their firms. Classification: D2, L86, O33.

Resumo A difusão do comércio eletrônico constitui uma grande oportunidade para as empresas como instrumento de competitividade. O uso de redes sociais fornece uma nova plataforma para o desenvolvimento de transações comerciais online. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a relação entre o nível de adoção do comércio eletrônico e a valorização das redes sociais nas empresas. Para isso, é utilizada uma amostra de 100 microempresas, pequenas e médias empresas da cidade de Córdoba, Argentina. Com base em uma análise de k-conglomerados médios, três grupos de empresas são obtidos: empresas avançadas em e-commerce; empresas somente em redes sociais e empresas voltadas ao e-commerce. Esses grupos apresentam diferenças significativas por setor de atividade, mas não pelo tamanho das empresas. Classificações JEL: D2, L86, O33.

Evaluación y pertinencia de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación en las pequeñas y medianas empresas del sector exportador en Cartagena-Colombia / Evaluation and relevance of the information and communication technologies in small and medium-sized enterprises in the export sector in Cartagena- Colombia / Avaliação e relevância das tecnologias de informação e comunicação em pequenas e médias empresas do setor exportador em Cartagena-Colômbia

RESUMEN El presente artículo de investigación evalúa la utilidad de la implementación de las tecnologías de información y comunicación (TIC) de las pequeñas y medianas empresas del sector exportador de Cartagena-Colombia. Se utilizó la técnica estadística de Análisis de Factores Principales (AFP), el cual permitió identificar la correlación existente de 8 variables del conjunto de datos de 82 empresas formalmente registradas en la Cámara de Comercio de Cartagena para el periodo 2015. Como resultado se encontró que los factores e-mailpyme (95%), webpyme (73%), accebanca (69%) y platdian (63%), representan las herramientas tecnológicas de información y comunicaciones con mayor disponibilidad, utilidad y funcionabilidad, impulsando la mejora de los procesos internos de calidad y competitividad del clúster exportador Se concluye que el sector exportador debe apoyar la implementación de nuevas plataformas tecnológicas relacionadas con vtaselectron (49%) y sistinfproduct (27%), para facilitar la gestión de los procesos productivos y gerenciales. CÓDIGOS JEL: C6, D24.

ABSTRACT The present research article evaluates the usefulness of the implementation of information and communication technologies (ICT) for small and medium-sized enterprises of the export sector of Cartagena-Colombia. We used the statistical technique of analysis of Main Factors (AFP), which made it possible to identify the correlation of 8 variables in the data set of 82 formally registered companies in the Cartagena Chamber of Commerce for the period 2015. As a result, it was found that the factors e-mailpyme (95%), webpyme (73%), accebanca (69%) and platdian (63%), represent the technological tools of information and communications with greater availability, usefulness and functionality promoting the improvement of internal processes of quality and competitiveness in the cluster exporter ; however it should support the implementation of new technology platforms related to sistinfproduct (27%) and vtaselectron (49%), in order to facilitate the management of the productive processes and management. JEL CLASSIFICATION: C6, D24.

RESUMO Este artigo de pesquisa avalia a utilidade da implementação de tecnologias de informação e comunicação (TIC) de pequenas e médias empresas no setor exportador de Cartagena-Colômbia. a técnica estatística da análise fatorial Principal (AFP), o que nos permitiu identificar a correlação de 8 variáveis do conjunto de dados de 82 empresas formalmente registradas na Câmara de Comércio de Cartagena para o período de 2015. Como resultado, ele usou-se que factores de e-mailpyme (95%), webpyme (73%), accebanca (69%) e platdian (63%) representam as ferramentas tecnológicas de informação e as comunicações maior disponibilidade, facilidade de uso e funcionalidade, a condução melhoria do processo qualidade interna e competitividade do cluster exportador Conclui-se que o setor exportador deve apoiar a implantação de novas plataformas tecnológicas relacionadas à vtaselectron (49%) e sistinfproduct (27%), para facilitar o gerenciamento dos processos de produção e gestão. CLASSIFICAÇÕES JEL: C6, D24.

Estrategias de contabilidad de gestión aplicada a pymes revisión literaria / Management accounting strategies applied to smes literary review / Estratégias de contabilidade de gestão aplicado às pme revisão da literatura

Resumen Introducción: La contabilidad evolucionó de la técnica a la aplicación del control de gestión optimizando los procesos empresariales. Las pymes son un segmento de las empresas que aplicando herramientas de gestión mejoran significativamente control de costos y el desempeño organizacional. Objetivo: Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo destacar las estrategias de contabilidad de gestión aplicada por las Pymes y cómo aportaron a la sostenibilidad de las empresas en el mercado, a través de una revisión documental. Materiales y métodos: Se aplicó un enfoque cualitativo de la investigación, con la aplicación de métodos teóricos, como análisis-síntesis e histórico lógico, y técnicas empíricas como la revisión documental. Se utilizaron las tres etapas del instrumento ProKnow-C. para la revisión de 13 artículos publicados durante el período 1969-2018, en revistas de economía y empresa obtenidos a partir de la base de datos web of Science y Scopus utilizando las palabras clave Managment accounting in Smes, stategic magnament accounting, managment accounting and small entrerprise. Resultados: 4827 artículos relacionados en el campo de las ciencias sociales, seleccionando 13 relacionados a investigación de control de gestión y estrategias aplicadas en el segmento de pymes. Conclusiones: El contenido resultante señaló implementación de ERP, aplicación de cuadro de mando integral y balance scorecard conllevan a la planeación y control de las organizaciones.

Abstract Introduction: The accounting evolved from the technique to the application of the management control optimizing the business processes. SMEs are a segment of companies that apply management tools significantly improve cost control and organizational performance. Objective: This work aimed to highlight the management accounting strategies applied by SMEs and how they contributed to the sustainability of companies in the market, through a documentary review. Materials and methods: It applied a qualitative approach to research, with the application of theoretical methods such as analysis-synthesis and logical history, and empirical techniques such as documentary review. The three stages of the Proknow-C instrument were used. For the revision of 13 articles published during the period 19692018, in magazines of economy and company obtained from the database web of Science and Scopus using the keywords Management accounting in SMEs, Strategic management accounting. Results: 4827 related articles in the field of social sciences, selecting 13 related to management control research and applied strategies in the SMES segment. Conclusions: The resulting content indicated implementation of ERP, integral scorecard application and balancesheet, which lead to the planning and control of the organizations.

Resumo Introdução: técnica de contabilidade evoluiu a partir da aplicação de controlo de gestão, otimizando processos de negócios. As PME são um segmento de empresas que aplicam ferramentas de gerenciamento de melhorar significativamente o controle de custos e desempenho organizacional. Objetivo: Este trabalho teve como objetivo destacar as estratégias de contabilidade gerencial aplicadas pelas PMEs e como elas contribuíram para a sustentabilidade das empresas no mercado, por meio de uma revisão documental. Materiais e Métodos: Aplicou uma abordagem qualitativa à pesquisa, com a aplicação de métodos teóricos, como análise-síntese e história lógica, e técnicas empíricas, como a revisão documental. Os três estágios do instrumento ProKnow-C foram utilizados. para a revisão de 13 artigos publicados no período de 1969 a 2018, em periódicos de economia e negócios obtidos no banco de dados web da Science e Scopus utilizando as palavras-chave Contabilidade de gestão em Pmes, contabilidade magning estratégica, contabilidade gerencial e pequena Empresa. Resultados: 4827 artigos no campo das ciências sociais, a seleção de 13 pesquisas relacionadas a estratégias de gestão e de controlo aplicados no segmento de PME. Conclusões: O conteúdo resultante apontou implementação de ERP, scorecard aplicação e chumbo balance scorecard para o planejamento e controle das organizações.

The putative pectin methylesterase gene, BcMF23a, is required for microspore development and pollen tube growth in Brassica campestris.

KEY MESSAGE: BcMF23a contributes to pollen wall development via influencing intine construction, which, in turn, influences pollen tube growth. Pollen wall, the morphological out face of pollen, surrounds male gametophyte and plays an important role in plant reproduction. Pectin methylesterases (PMEs) are involved in pollen wall construction by de-esterifying pectin of the intine. In this study, the function of a putative pectin methylesterase gene, Brassica campestris Male Fertility 23a (BcMF23a), was investigated. Knockdown of BcMF23a by artificial microRNA (amiRNA) technology resulted in abnormal pollen intine formation outside of the germinal furrows at the binucleate stage. At the trinucleate stage, 20.69% of pollen possessed the degradation of nuclei, cytoplasm and the intine, resulting in shrunken pollen, whereas the remaining 75.86% were wall-disrupted with degrading cytoplasm and broken exine inside the germinal furrows. In addition, pollen abortion in transgenic plants caused germination percentage reduction by 19% in vitro and pollen tube growth disruption in natural stigma in vivo. Taken together, BcMF23a is involved in pollen development and pollen tube growth, possibly via participating in intine construction. This study may contribute towards understanding the function of pollen-specific PMEs and the molecular regulatory network of pollen wall development.

Diseño de un modelo de gestión de riesgos en la comercialización internacional de mercancías en las Pymes: caso de estudio Pymes en Cartagena- Colombia / Design of a model of risk management in the international marketing of goods in SMES: a case study for the SMES in Cartagena- Colombia / Concepção de um modelo de gestão de riscos no marketing internacional de mercadorias nas PME: um estudo de caso das PME em Cartagena - Colômbia

Resumen El presente trabajo de investigación muestra el diseño de un modelo de gestión de riegos para la comercialización internacional de mercancías en las Pymes de la ciudad de Cartagena-Colombia. La metodología utilizada fue de tipo aplicada y de estudio de casos, la cual permitió conocer los procedimientos y riesgos a los que están expuestas las empresas seleccionadas (81) en proceso de comercio exterior Los resultados muestran que las operaciones en el proceso de comercio exterior de las Pymes que presentaron mayor impacto fueron la entrada de nuevos competidores con 66%, los de mayor aversión, el riesgo de contaminación de la mercancía (85%) y de mediano impacto el riesgo de falta de mecanismos inadecuados para el seguimiento y control de los procesos y/u operaciones (74%). Códigos JEL: P28, G1, C14.

Abstract The present research shows a design of a risk management model for the international commercialization of merchandise in the Pymes in the city of Cartagena, Colombia. The methodology used was the applied type and case study, which allowed us to know the procedures and the risks to which the selected companies were exposed (8l) in the process of foreign trade. The results show that the operations in the foreign trade process of the Pymes that had the greatest impact were the entry of new competitors with a 66%, those of greater aversion, the risk of contamination of the merchandise (85%) and of medium impact the risk of inadequate mechanisms for monitoring and control of processes and or operation with 74%. JEL classification: P28, G1, C14.

Resumo O presente projeto de pesquisa mostra o desenho de um modelo de gerenciamento de riscos para a comercialização internacional de mercadorias nas PME da cidade de Cartagena-Colômbia. A metodologia utilizada foi do tipo aplicado e dos estudos de caso, o que permitiu conhecer os procedimentos e riscos a que as empresas selecionadas (8l) no processo de comércio exterior estão expostas. Os resultados mostram que as operações no processo de comércio exterior das PME que tiveram o maior impacto foram a entrada de novos concorrentes com 66%,o mais aversivo, o risco de contaminação da mercadoria (85%) e o impacto médio da risco de falta de mecanismos inadequados para monitorar e controlar processos e / ou operações (74%). Classificações JEL: P28, G1, C14.

Role of the different eyes in the visual odometry in the wolf spider Lycosa tarantula (Araneae, Lycosidae).

The wolf spider Lycosa tarantula returns home by means of path integration. Previous studies demonstrated: (i) that the angular component of the outbound run is measured using a polarized-light compass associated with the anterior median eyes; (ii) changes in direction of the substratum are detected by the anterior lateral eyes (ALEs); and (iii) in relation to the linear component of the outbound run, an increase of optic flow, in either the lateral or ventral fields of view, caused spiders to search for the burrow at a point nearer to the goal. However, the role of the secondary eyes [ALEs, posterior lateral eyes (PLEs) and posterior median eyes (PMEs)] in the perception of this optic flow and the importance of them for gauging the distance walked is still unknown. In this study, lateral or ventral gratings of wavelength λ=1 cm were used, with two groups of spiders in each setup: (1) PLEs+PMEs covered and (2) ALEs covered. The largest reduction in the distance walked to return to the burrow was observed with the ventral grating/ALEs covered. These results show the importance of the previously neglected ALEs for the visual behavior of these spiders. The possibility of gathering information for locomotion from the three pairs of secondary eyes in the mushroom bodies is discussed.

Genome-wide identification, phylogeny, and expression analysis of pectin methylesterases reveal their major role in cotton fiber development.

BACKGROUND: Pectin methylesterase (PME, EC 3.1.1.11) is a hydrolytic enzyme that utilizes pectin as substrates, and plays a significant role in regulating pectin reconstruction thereby regulating plant growth. Pectin is one of the important components of the plant cell wall, which forms the main structural material of cotton fiber. In this research, cotton genome information was used to identify PMEs. RESULTS: We identified 80 (GaPME01-GaPME80) PME genes from diploid G. arboreum (A genome), 78 (GrPME01-GrPME78) PME genes from G. raimondii (D genome), and 135 (GhPME001-GhPME135) PME genes from tetraploid cotton G. hirsutum (AD genome). We further analyzed their gene structure, conserved domain, gene expression, and systematic evolution to lay the foundation for deeper research on the function of PMEs. Phylogenetic data indicated that members from the same species demonstrated relatively high sequence identities and genetic similarities. Analysis of gene structures showed that most of the PMEs genes had 2-3 exons, with a few having a variable number of exons from 4 to 6. There are nearly no differences in the gene structure of PMEs among the three (two diploid and one tetraploid) cotton species. Selective pressure analysis showed that the Ka/Ks value for each of the three cotton species PME families was less than one. CONCLUSION: Conserved domain analysis showed that PMEs members had a relatively conserved C-terminal pectinesterase domain (PME) while the N-terminus was less conserved. Moreover, some of the family members contained a pectin methylesterase inhibitor (PMEI) domain. The Ka/Ks ratios suggested that the duplicated PMEs underwent purifying selection after the duplication events. This study provided an important basis for further research on the functions of cotton PMEs. Results from qRT-PCR indicated that the expression level of different PMEs at various fiber developmental stages was different. Moreover, some of the PMEs showed fiber predominant expression in secondary wall thickening indicating tissue-specific expression patterns.