Segundo Congreso Salesiano de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación para la Sociedad

La segunda edición del Congreso Salesiano de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación para la Sociedad, CITIS, realizado el 2 y 3 de diciembre de 2015 y organizado por la Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (sede Guayaquil), ofreció un espacio idóneo para la presentación, difusión e intercambio de importantes investigaciones (nacionales e internacionales) a los docentes investigadores y a la comunidad universitaria en general. Los trabajos recogidos en estas Memorias Académicas pertenecen a diferentes líneas de investigación del área de la Ingeniería: Telecomunicaciones, Automatización y Control, Procesos Industriales, Sistemas Eléctricos de Potencia, Telemática e Informática Aplicada, áreas de interés en esta segunda edición del CITIS. Cabe destacar que se evidencia la preocupación por la dimensión humana y social mediante el desarrollo responsable de la ciencia y la tecnología. La realización de este Congreso ha puesto en evidencia la importancia y pertinencia de la actividad investigativa que se genera en las universidades (en proyectos desarrollados por los docentes investigadores e, incluso, por los estudiantes de grado y posgrado), así como los altos niveles de compromiso académico y social

Cerebellar astrocytes co-express several ADP receptors. Presence of functional P2Y13-like receptors

Astrocytes exhibit a form of excitability based on variations of intracellular Ca2+ concentration in response to various stimuli, including ADP, ATP, UTP and dinucleotides. Here, we investigate the presence of the recently cloned ADP-sensitive receptors, P2Y12 and P2Y13 subtypes, which are negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase, in cerebellar astrocytes. We checked the effect of specific agonists, 2-methylthioadenosine diphosphate (2MeSADP) and ADP, on adenylate cyclase stimulation induced by isoproterenol. Both agonists significantly reduced the cAMP accumulation induced by isoproterenol. The inhibitory effect was concentration-dependent with IC50 values of 46 ± 13 and 23 ± 14 nM for 2MeSADP and ADP, respectively. The experiments were carried out in the presence of MRS-2179, a specific antagonist of P2Y1 receptor, to avoid any contribution of this receptor. Using fura-2 microfluorimetry we also proved that astrocytes responded to 2MeSADP stimulations with calcium responses in the absence and also in the presence of MRS-2179. Both effects, inhibition of adenylate cyclase and intracellular calcium mobilization, were not modified by 2MeSAMP, an antagonist of P2Y12 receptor, suggesting that were mediated by P2Y13-like receptors

Habitat specificity of a threatened and endemic cliff-dwelling halophyte

Research ArticleCoastal areas and other saline environments are major contributors to regional and global biodiversity patterns. In these environments, rapidly changing gradients require highly specialized plants like halophytes. In European coastal cliff-tops, rocky and sandy seashores, and saltmarshes, typical halophytes from the genus Limonium are commonly found. Among them, the aneuploid tetraploid (2n ¼ 4x ¼ 35, 36, 37) Limonium multiflorum, endemic to the west coast of Portugal, is an interesting case study for investigating the ecology and conservation of a halophyte agamospermic species. Although it is listed in the IUCN red list of threatened species, information on its population size or rarity, as well as its ecology, in some respects is still unknown. Field surveys in the largest known population were performed (Raso cape, Portugal) in order to determine habitat requirements and conservation status. A total of 88 quadrats were monitored, 43 of which contained at least one L. multiflorum individual. For each sampled quadrat, four abiotic and four biotic variables as well as two spatially derived variables were recorded. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis showed narrow habitat specificity for this species which appeared to be intolerant to competition with invasive alien plants. We conclude that in situ conservation in a local ‘hotspot’ of this rare and vulnerable species emerges as a priority in order to ensure that biodiversity is not los

Outcomes from elective colorectal cancer surgery during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

This study aimed to describe the change in surgical practice and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on mortality after surgical resection of colorectal cancer during the initial phases of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Análisis del efecto de un programa de estímulo matemático en adolescentes en riesgo de exclusión social

En este trabajo se presenta un análisis de los resultados de un programa socioeducativo de incentivo del estímulo matemático, dirigido a adolescentes en riesgo de exclusión social. El objetivo de nuestra investigación es la identificación de variaciones sobre el rendimiento académico en matemáticas de este tipo de alumnado, una vez que ha participado en dicho programa (Blanco, Gorgal, Salgado y Diego-Mantecón, 2017)

Análisis de actividades STEAM en una educación matemática inclusiva

En este trabajo se presentan los primeros resultados de un programa de intervención con adolescentes en riesgo de exclusión social. Este programa socioeducativo, llamado Anaquiños Matemáticos, tiene como objetivo analizar cómo las actividades STEAM estimulan a los estudiantes en relación a las matemáticas. Estas actividades se articulan en base a dos ejes comunes: integrar conocimientos de diferentes áreas y trabajar en un ambiente colaborativo, principales fundamentos de la metodología STEAM (Durando, 2013; McDonald, 2016)

LHC optics commissioning: A journey towards 1% optics control

Since 2015 the LHC has been operating at 6.5 TeV. In 2016 the β-functions at the interaction points of ATLAS and CMS were squeezed to 0.4 m. This is below the design β*=0.55  m at 7 TeV, and has been instrumental to surpass the design luminosity of $10^{34}$  $cm^{-2} s^{-1}$. Achieving a lower than nominal β* has been possible thanks to the extraordinary performance of the LHC, in which the control of the optics has played a fundamental role. Even though the β-beating for the virgin machine was above 100%, corrections reduced the rms β-beating below 1% at the two main experiments and below 2% rms around the ring. This guarantees a safe operation as well as providing equal amount of luminosity for the two experiments. In this article we describe the recent improvements to the measurement, correction algorithms and technical equipment which allowed this unprecedented control of the optics for a high-energy hadron collider