La importancia de la histéresis en las exportaciones de manufacturas de los países de la UEM

En este trabajo se pretende comprobar la posible existencia de histéresis en la oferta de exportaciones de manufacturas en algunos países de la zona del euro, es decir, se analiza si los movimientos transitorios del tipo de cambio tienen un impacto permanente sobre las exportaciones. La presencia de costes irrecuperables en la entrada y salida del mercado a los que se enfrentan los productores puede justificar la existencia de histéresis en el comercio, ya que las empresas exportadoras tomarían en consideración el tipo de cambio futuro como una variable adicional a la hora de decidir si se entra o no en el mercado, afectando de esta forma al volumen de exportación agregado. Así, el trabajo presenta una estimación de un modelo de oferta y demanda de exportaciones de manufacturas para la mayoría de los países de la zona euro, donde la oferta toma en cuenta la evolución futura del tipo de cambio a partir de la estimación secuencial de sus dos primeros momentos. De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos, el tipo de cambio esperado no es, en la mayor parte de los casos, una variable explicativa de la evolución de la oferta de exportaciones. De este modo, en contra de la evidencia disponible con datos de empresas, el análisis macroeconómico efectuado no detecta efectos de histéresis significativos en la oferta de exportaciones.Histéresis; tipo de cambio; exportaciones; unión monetaria; zona euro;

Analysis and comparison of monofocal, extended depth of focus and trifocal intraocular lens profiles

To test the feasibility of using profilometers to extract information about IOL surfaces design. A standard monofocal IOL (Tecnis 1), a monofocal IOL that provided some depth of focus (Eyhance), an extended depth of focus IOL based on refractive optics (Mini Well) and a trifocal IOL based on diffractive optics were used in this study (Tecnis Synergy). The surface topography of the IOLs was measured by using a multimode optical profilometer. Posterior surface of Tecnis 1 IOL was spherical and the anterior surface aspherical. In the Eyhance IOL, posterior surface was spherical and anterior surface did not fit to any of our reference surfaces, indicating a higher order aspheric surface design. In the Mini Well Ready IOL, a best-fit sphere surface was obtained for the second surface and a high order aspherical surface design was deduced for the first surface. The anterior surface of the Synergy IOL was aspherical and the base curve of the diffractive structure fitted very well to a spherical surface. To consider an aspheric surface as possible best-fit surface provided more information than if only best-fit spherical surface was considered. The high order aspheric surface designs employed in the IOLs studied presented differences, regarding best-fit asphere surface, higher than 1 micron. These differences were correlated with the generation of spherical aberration complex profiles (with Zernike terms higher than 4th order) and with the production of distinct amounts of depth of focus. This method was also useful to deduce the base curve of diffractive surfaces.This work was supported by the “Generalitat Valenciana” of Spain (project AICO/2021/130)

Mesoporous niobium oxide for dehydration of D-xylose into furfural

Se ha demostrado que el óxido de niobio mesoporoso es un catalizador eficaz para la deshidratación de D-xilosa a furfural, alcanzando una conversión del 92% y un rendimiento de furfural 49,3% a 170º C y 90 minutos. La lixiviación de Nb, determinada por ICP-MS, era inferior al 0,5% en peso de la concentración de Nb inicial, confirmando de este modo la estabilidad del catalizador ácido sólido.El furfural posee un gran potencial como molécula plataforma de origen renovable para la síntesis de una alta variedad de compuestos químicos. Se obtiene mediante la deshidratación de pentosas, principalmente a partir de D-xilosa, proceso catalizado por ácidos minerales en fase homogénea. Por tanto, dentro de la química verde y la búsqueda de sostenibilidad de los procesos catalíticos, es necesaria su sustitución por catalizadores sólidos ácidos que sean tolerantes al agua, ya que es el disolvente más utilizado para esta reacción. El óxido de niobio posee propiedades ácidas y es insoluble en agua, pero su superficie específica es muy baja. Por lo tanto, resulta muy interesante la síntesis de un óxido de niobio mesoporoso para emplearlo como catalizador en esta reacción. En este trabajo, se ha sintetizado un Nb2O5 mesoporoso y se ha evaluado su comportamiento catalítico en la obtención de furfural a partir de D-xilosa.Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (ENE2009-12743-C04-03 project)Junta de Andalucía (P09-FQM-5070).Ministry of Science and Innovation for the financial support under the Program Ramón y Cajal (RYC-2008-03387)

Purification and genetic characterization of gassericin E, a novel co-culture inducible bacteriocin from Lactobacillus gasseri EV1461 isolated from the vagina of a healthy woman

This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) through the Project AGL2012-33400 and AGL2013-41980-P, and by the Junta de Andalucía Excellence Project AGR-07345. These projects included FEDER funds. AMB was the recipient of a post-doctoral grant awarded by the Junta de Andalucía as part of the Project AGR-07345.Background: Lactobacillus gasseri is one of the dominant Lactobacillus species in the vaginal ecosystem. Some strains of this species have a high potential for being used as probiotics in order to maintain vaginal homeostasis, since they may confer colonization resistance against pathogens in the vagina by direct inhibition through production of antimicrobial compounds, as bacteriocins. In this work we have studied bacteriocin production of gassericin E (GasE), a novel bacteriocin produced by L. gasseri EV1461, a strain isolated from the vagina of a healthy woman, and whose production was shown to be promoted by the presence of certain specific bacteria in co-culture. Biochemical and genetic characterization of this novel bacteriocin are addressed. Results: We found that the inhibitory spectrum of L. gasseri EV1461 was broad, being directed to species both related and non-related to the producing strain. Interestingly, L. gasseri EV1461 inhibited the grown of pathogens usually associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV). The antimicrobial activity was due to the production of a novel bacteriocin, gassericin E (GasE). Production of this bacteriocin in broth medium only was achieved at high cell densities. At low cell densities, bacteriocin production ceased and only was restored after the addition of a supernatant from a previous bacteriocin-producing EV1461 culture (autoinduction), or through co-cultivation with several other Gram-positive strains (inducing bacteria). DNA sequence of the GasE locus revealed the presence of two putative operons which could be involved in biosynthesis and immunity of this bacteriocin (gaeAXI), and in regulation, transport and processing (gaePKRTC). The gaePKR encodes a putative three-component regulatory system, involving an autoinducer peptide (GaeP), a histidine protein kinase (GaeK) and a response regulator (GaeR), while the gaeTC encodes for an ABC transporter (GaeT) and their accessory protein (GaeC), involved in transport and processing of the bacteriocin. The gaeAXI, encodes for the bacteriocin gassericin E (GasE), a putative peptide bacteriocin (GaeX), and their immunity protein (GaeI). Conclusions: The origin of the strain (vagina of healthy woman) and its ability to produce bacteriocins with inhibitory activity against vaginal pathogens may be an advantage for using L. gasseri EV1461 as a probiotic strain to fight and/or prevent bacterial infections as bacterial vaginosis (BV), since it could be better adapted to live and compete into the vaginal environment.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Understanding the Real Effect of the High-Order Aberrations after Myopic Femto-Lasik

In this work we try to understand the real effect of increase in aberrations after Femto-LASIK surgery on the patient’s final visual quality, specifically when the visual acuity measurement is considered. A clinical study with 37 eyes of 20 patients that underwent myopic Femto-LASIK surgery and different personalized eye model simulations were carried out. In clinical study, correlations between pre- and postoperative parameters with visual acuity were analysed. Eye simulations (based on real data) provided simulations of vision quality before and after surgery. Our main results showed a significant increase in aberrations was obtained after surgery; however, no differences were found between the preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and the postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA). This absence of differences in visual quality could be explained by performing different simulations on three eyes that would cover most of the possible clinical situations. Simulations were implemented considering a pupil size of 2.5 mm and the personalized data of each patient. Results showed that final visual acuity (VA) change are determined by the final high-order aberrations (HOAS) and their increase after surgery but measured under photopic conditions. In conclusion, customized analysis of higher-order aberrations in scotopic pupils better predicts patient visual acuity after Lasik surgery.This work was supported by the “Generalitat Valenciana” of Spain (project AICO/2021/130)

Dual effects of entomopathogenic fungi on control of the pest Lobesia botrana and the pathogenic fungus Eutypella microtheca on grapevine

Background: Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are the natural enemies of insect pests. Nevertheless, research on the use of EPF for simultaneous prevention of pest and disease agents on the same crop is limited. In this study, we explored the potential dual effects of three strains of the EPF Metarhizium anisopliae on the control of detrimental agents of Vitis vinifera L., including different developmental stages (larvae, pupae, and adult) of the insect pest Lobesia botrana and the phytopathogenic fungus Eutypella microtheca. Methods: Laboratory pathogenicity trials were performed to examine the effects of the three M. anisopliae strains on the mortality rate of L. botrana. In addition, field trials were conducted to assess the biocontrol potential of one selected M. anisopliae strain on the larval stage of L. botrana. Moreover, inhibitory effects of the three EPF strains on E. microtheca growth were examined in vitro. Results: All the M. anisopliae strains were highly effective, killing all stages of L. botrana as well as inhibiting the growth of E. microtheca. The in vitro mortality of larvae treated with the strains was over 75%, whereas that of treated pupae and adults was over 85%. The three EPF strains showed similar efficacy against larvae and adult stages; nevertheless, pupal mortality was observed to be strain dependent. Mortality of L. botrana larvae ranged from 64 to 91% at field conditions. Inhibition of E. microtheca growth reached 50% in comparison to the control. Conclusions: Our study showed that M. anisopliae strains were highly effective in ensuring control of two different detrimental agents of V. vinifera L., providing new evidence to support the dual effects of entomopathogenic fungi.Fil: Aguilera Sammaritano, Juan Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción; ChileFil: Caballero, Juan Jose. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Biotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Deymié Terzi, María Celina. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Biotecnología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Rosa, Melisa. Universidad Nacional de San Juan; ArgentinaFil: Vazquez, Fabio. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Biotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Pappano, Delia Beatriz. Universidad Nacional de San Juan; ArgentinaFil: Lechner, Bernardo Ernesto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Micología y Botánica. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Micología y Botánica; ArgentinaFil: González Teuber, Marcia. Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción; Chil

Comparison of the optical quality vision between real post-LASIK myopic laser surgery and the simulated implantation of a phakic IOL in low myopia

A phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) of − 4.5 D was characterized from its wavefront aberration profile. A preclinical study was conducted using pre- and post-surgery data from four patients that had undergone myopic laser refractive surgery. All these patients would have needed a PIOL of − 4.5 D. Pre-surgery data were used to simulate the effect of a PIOL implantation. Post myopic refractive surgery data were used to calculate the post-LASIK eye model. Modulation transfer function (MTF), point spread function (PSF) and simulation of optotypes vision were obtained and compared. The PIOL did not worsen the optical quality of the eyes evaluated. High order Aberrations were always higher in the post-LASIK eye model. Optics quality trended to be better in PIOL implantation than post-LASIK surgery as pupil size increased.This work was supported by the “Generalitat Valenciana” of Spain (project AICO/2021/130)

Identificación de las características geotécnicas y evaluación de riesgo de las construcciones realizadas sobre la ribera de la margen derecha del río Magdalena ubicadas dentro de la zona urbana del municipio de Girardot, Cundinamarca

Evaluar las condiciones geotécnicas del material que conforma los depósitos en la rivera de la margen derecha del río magdalena dentro de la zona urbana del municipio de Girardot.Este proyecto de investigación se realizó con el fin de reconocer las características geotécnicas del área ubicada sobre la margen derecha del río Magdalena, en la zona urbana del municipio de Girardot, evaluando aquellos aspectos que podrían afectar las condiciones actuales de las construcciones que aquí se desarrollaron y analizando cuales amenazas naturales comprometerían la estabilidad de la zona, ocasionando impactos negativos sobre toda la población. Para llevarlo a cabo, inicialmente se elaboró una revisión bibliográfica de material técnico y académico en las plataformas institucionales y una recolección de documentos producidos por los entes gubernamentales, acordes al tema de investigación. Luego de este primer paso, se hicieron una serie de visitas de campo para reconocer los puntos más vulnerables de la zona de estudio. Posteriormente, se ejecutó un sondeo para la recolección de las muestras de suelo siguiendo la normatividad establecida. Finalmente, se midieron las propiedades del suelo que pueden afectar las condiciones de material depositado y se relacionó dichos resultados con aspectos geológicos, geomorfológicos e hidrológicos que alterarían el comportamiento natural de las estructuras. Una vez analizada toda la información se pudo establecer que la capa de suelo depositada está conformada por arena bien gradada en la parte superior y arcilla de baja compresibilidad con buenas condiciones de humedad y plasticidad para ofrecer soporte a las obras ya construidas. Pese a esto, las alteraciones que ha sufrido el material debido al procesos de inundación, erosión y remoción son evidentes, condicionando la vulnerabilidad del área en futuros eventos naturales.This research project was carried out in order to recognize the geotechnical characteristics of the area located on the right bank of the Magdalena River, in the urban area of the Girardot municipality, evaluating those aspects that could affect the current conditions of the constructions that were developed here and analyzing which natural hazards would compromise the stability of the area, causing negative impacts on the entire population. To carry it out, initially a bibliographic review of technical and academic material was prepared in institutional platforms and a collection of documents produced by government entities, according to the research topic. After this first step, a series of field visits were made to identify the most vulnerable points in the study area. Subsequently, a survey was carried out to collect the soil samples following the established regulations. Finally, the properties of the soil that can affect the conditions of deposited material were measured and these results were related to geological, geomorphological and hydrological aspects that would alter the natural behavior of the structures. Once all the information had been analyzed, it was possible to establish that the deposited layer of soil is made up of well graded sand on the upper part and low compressibility clay with good humidity and plasticity conditions to offer support to the works already built. Despite this, the alterations that the material has suffered due to the processes of flooding, erosion and removal are evident, conditioning the vulnerability of the area in future natural events

Contribución al análisis del riesgo por temporales marinos en la actividad turística de la costa española

Los temporales marinos son causa importante de afectación al sector turístico. La gestión del riesgo asociado a este tipo de fenómenos debe ser enfocada desde una doble perspectiva: natural y antrópica. De un lado se requiere conocer las características físicas de la masa oceánica y de otro se hace necesario examinar qué elementos del patrón de usos humano, ligados a la playa, pueden verse afectados. En base a lo anterior este trabajo se plantea los siguientes objetivos: Caracterizar la severidad y frecuencia asociada a las tempestades marinas a través de un análisis de los valores de oleaje (factor peligrosidad) y relacionar los datos obtenidos con la actividad turística (factor exposición). El temporal marino puede llegar a ser tanto más dañino cuanto más cercano en el tiempo se encuentre a dicho periodo vacacional. Por esta razón el análisis se enfoca, por último, a los eventos ocurridos con antelación al 31 de marzo. Con esa fecha se ubica el día promedio de todos los años analizados del sábado anterior al Domingo de Ramos (primer día de la Semana Santa). A partir de dicha fecha se compartimenta el análisis en 4 intervalos de tiempo: De 0 a 15 días antes, entre 15 y 30 días antes, entre 30 y 60 días antes y entre 60 y 90 días antes. En la Boya de Málaga el promedio de la altura de los 5 picos de oleaje más alto arroja un valor de 2,77m (2000-2018), observándose una tendencia al alza del promedio anual. La cantidad anual de eventos superiores a 3 metros va en ascenso si se analiza el 1986-2018. Los meses con mayor número de este tipo de eventos son los de enero (10 eventos en todo el periodo analizado) a abril (8), estando el pico situado en marzo (11). En los años analizados, se han dado 6 eventos con oleaje de mas de 3 metros, siendo el periodo de retorno de este tipo de eventos para el periodo 16 a 31 de marzo de 5,5 años. Este análisis puede extenderse a todos los puntos SIMAR o boyas de Puertos del Estado con series temporales suficientes.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Identificación de las características geotécnicas y evaluación de riesgo de las construcciones realizadas sobre la ribera de la margen derecha del río Magdalena ubicadas dentro de la zona urbana del municipio de Girardot, Cundinamarca

Evaluar las condiciones geotécnicas del material que conforma los depósitos en la rivera de la margen derecha del río magdalena dentro de la zona urbana del municipio de Girardot.Este proyecto de investigación se realizó con el fin de reconocer las características geotécnicas del área ubicada sobre la margen derecha del río Magdalena, en la zona urbana del municipio de Girardot, evaluando aquellos aspectos que podrían afectar las condiciones actuales de las construcciones que aquí se desarrollaron y analizando cuales amenazas naturales comprometerían la estabilidad de la zona, ocasionando impactos negativos sobre toda la población. Para llevarlo a cabo, inicialmente se elaboró una revisión bibliográfica de material técnico y académico en las plataformas institucionales y una recolección de documentos producidos por los entes gubernamentales, acordes al tema de investigación. Luego de este primer paso, se hicieron una serie de visitas de campo para reconocer los puntos más vulnerables de la zona de estudio. Posteriormente, se ejecutó un sondeo para la recolección de las muestras de suelo siguiendo la normatividad establecida. Finalmente, se midieron las propiedades del suelo que pueden afectar las condiciones de material depositado y se relacionó dichos resultados con aspectos geológicos, geomorfológicos e hidrológicos que alterarían el comportamiento natural de las estructuras. Una vez analizada toda la información se pudo establecer que la capa de suelo depositada está conformada por arena bien gradada en la parte superior y arcilla de baja compresibilidad con buenas condiciones de humedad y plasticidad para ofrecer soporte a las obras ya construidas. Pese a esto, las alteraciones que ha sufrido el material debido al procesos de inundación, erosión y remoción son evidentes, condicionando la vulnerabilidad del área en futuros eventos naturales.This research project was carried out in order to recognize the geotechnical characteristics of the area located on the right bank of the Magdalena River, in the urban area of the Girardot municipality, evaluating those aspects that could affect the current conditions of the constructions that were developed here and analyzing which natural hazards would compromise the stability of the area, causing negative impacts on the entire population. To carry it out, initially a bibliographic review of technical and academic material was prepared in institutional platforms and a collection of documents produced by government entities, according to the research topic. After this first step, a series of field visits were made to identify the most vulnerable points in the study area. Subsequently, a survey was carried out to collect the soil samples following the established regulations. Finally, the properties of the soil that can affect the conditions of deposited material were measured and these results were related to geological, geomorphological and hydrological aspects that would alter the natural behavior of the structures. Once all the information had been analyzed, it was possible to establish that the deposited layer of soil is made up of well graded sand on the upper part and low compressibility clay with good humidity and plasticity conditions to offer support to the works already built. Despite this, the alterations that the material has suffered due to the processes of flooding, erosion and removal are evident, conditioning the vulnerability of the area in future natural events