Estudio de la mujer emprendedora: el medio rural como oportunidad

La mujer constituye un sujeto especialmente relevante para el desarrollo, no sólo económico, sino también social y cultural de las zonas rurales. Y, en este sentido, el emprendimiento rural en los últimos años ha adquirido un papel cada vez más protagonista, ya que contribuye a la modernización y sostenibilidad de estos entornos gracias a la creación de nuevas empresas que, en muchas ocasiones, implementan nuevos modelos de negocio distintos de los tradicionales. En este trabajo se examinan algunas de las características del perfil de la mujer emprendedora rural, así como sus motivaciones y sus limitaciones en el desarrollo de la actividad. En concreto, en relación con los factores que inciden en la decisión de emprender, se estudia con cierto detenimiento la importancia del capital medioambiental, especialmente puesto en relación con un fenómeno de ‘contraurbanización’ que tiene lugar en la actualidad, y que se conoce con el término ‘naturbanización’. El análisis se aborda desde la perspectiva del estudio de diversos casos reales de emprendimiento rural femenino.The woman constitutes a relevant subject on the development, not only economic but also social and cultural of rural areas. In this sense, recently the entrepreneurship has acquired an increasing leading role because it contributes to the modernization and sustainability of these environments by creating new enterprises that, on many occasions, implement new business models different than the traditional ones. In this study, some of the characteristics of the profile of rural women entrepreneurs and their motivations and limitations are discussed. Specifically, relative to the factors that influence the decision to start an entrepreneurial business, the importance of environmental capital is carefully detailed, especially as related to the phenomenon of contraurbanization which takes place today, known as "naturbanization". This study has been made by analyzing several real case studies of rural female entrepreneurship

Coordinated role of chitin-triggered immunity suppression mechanisms of Podosphaera xanthii.

Fungal pathogens are the main destructive microorganisms for terrestrial plants and pose increasing challenges for global agricultural production. Chitin is a vital building block for fungal cell walls and a widely effective inducer for plant immunity that, through chitin-triggered immunity, can defend against fungi attack. That is why the phytopathogenic fungi have developed different virulence factors that allow them to suppress the activation of this defensive response. In this study, the molecular mechanisms of chitin-triggered suppression, previously identified in the cucurbit powdery mildew Podosphaera xanthii, have been evaluated in detail. These mechanisms consist of the modification of chitin immunogenic oligomers (CDA), the binding to these oligomers (CHBE) and their degradation (EWCAs). For this, the RNA interference (RNAi) technology, which consists of the application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) designed to suppress the expression of target genes, was used. The preliminary results obtained using this strategy significantly reduces the development of the fungus and the symptoms of powdery mildew disease in melon, suggesting that chitin signaling suppression mechanisms are essential for the development of P. xanthii. This work was supported by AEI (PDC2021-121373-C21).Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

The combined function of Podosphaera xanthii's mechanisms to suppress immunity triggered by chitin.

Fungal pathogens are the main destructive microorganisms for terrestrial plants and pose increasing challenges for global agricultural production. Chitin is a vital building block for fungal cell walls and a widely effective inducer for plant immunity. Chitin-triggered immunity is a powerful plant defense response against fungi. Therefore, phytopathogenic fungi have developed different virulence factors that allow them to suppress the activation of this defensive response. In this study, we intend to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of suppression the chitin-triggered previously identified in Podosphaera xanthii, the main causal agent of powdery mildew in cucurbits. These mechanisms consist of the modification of chitin immunogenic oligomers (CDA), the binding to these oligomers (CHBE) and their degradation (EWCAs). For this, we used RNA interference (RNAi) technology, which consists of the application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) designed to suppress the expression of the PxCDA and PxEWCA genes, which would result in the reduction of the three mechanisms of suppression of chitin signaling mentioned above, since CDA and CHBE proteins are products of the same PxCDA gene. Application of dsRNA was carried out using leaf disc assays and infiltration of melon cotyledons. The preliminary results obtained indicate that the application of dsRNA significantly reduces the development of the fungus and the symptoms of powdery mildew disease in melon, suggesting that chitin signaling suppression mechanisms are essential for the development of P. xanthii.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Governance in small-scale fisheries of Galicia (NW Spain): moving toward co-management?

The historical lack of fishers’ participation in decision making had led to weak fishing management and explains the meagre results achieved so far in conserving marine resources. European Commission recommends greater participation by fishers in the decision-making process so that adopted measures will better reflect local circumstances. It should be easier to introduce co-management measures in fisheries that have a tradition of cooperative behaviour among groups of fishers, as is generally the case in the small-scale fishing sector. This paper studies how small-scale Galician fishers view greater participation in the decision-making process. The results show that fishermen are clearly in favour of increased participation—through their guilds and, to a lesser extent, alongside trade unions, producer organizations, and scientists. The results show that fishers also favour moving toward co-management on such issues as participating in the establishment of regulating mechanisms, monitoring compliance with fishing rules, and demarcating areas for sport fishing.Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED481B2018/095Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C2018/48Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431E2018/07Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. RTI2018-099225-B-10

Market concentration in the Spanish turbot aquaculture sector: A regional analysis

This paper analyses the regional evolution of the market structure in the Spanish turbot industry, which is the leading turbot producer in Europe, using different concentration rates. The analysis is performed considering several factors that have influenced the evolution of the sector, the most important being the application of technology, business strategies and the institutional framework. The results confirm a process of concentration. Starting from an initial phase in which the sector was composed of a considerable number of small companies, this industry has evolved towards a situation in which only two large firms dominate the market.Este artículo analiza la evolución regional de la estructura del mercado en la industria española del rodaballo, la mayor productora de rodaballo en Europa, mediante el empleo de diferentes índices de concentración. El análisis se realizó teniendo en cuenta varios factores que han influido en la evolución del sector, entre los más importantes el uso de tecnología, las estrategias empresariales y el marco institucional. Los resultados confirman un proceso de concentración. Partiendo de una fase inicial en la que el sector estaba compuesto por un gran número de pequeñas empresas, esta industria ha evolucionado hacia una situación en la que tan sólo dos grandes empresas dominan el mercado.Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431E2018/07Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C2018/48Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. RTI2018-099225-B-I0

An analysis of production factors for Galician-farmed turbot: From boom to stagnation

Aquaculture production of turbot in Galicia (Spain) has grown significantly in the last 35 years. The evolution of the sector and the variations in its production technologies are the result of the confluence of different phenomena such as horizontal integration, the arrival of foreign investment or the independence of imported inputs. This article analyses the evolution of Galician-farmed turbot sector production. Five main factors (space, technology, production, marketing and environment), and profitability are studied and analyzed. The results show that the average rate of return in the sector has increased significantly over the last years.Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C2018/48Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431E2018/07Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. RTI2018-099225-B-I0

Main issues and key factors for development of turbot aquaculture in Spanish regions: a social-ecological perspective

In 2018, Spain produced more than 70% of the European aquaculture turbot. Over the past three decades, several efforts have been made to cultivate turbot on the Atlantic, Cantabrian and Mediterranean coasts of Spain. However, although the Cantabrian turbot sector has been moderately successful, it has been the Atlantic region that has consolidated its hegemony over the years. The social-ecological system framework is an appropriate instrument to identify the key variables that have displayed heterogeneous behavior across regions, given their transdisciplinary, adaptive and multiscale nature. In this study, a comparative analysis is made through the first-tier categories (Resource Systems, Governance Systems and Actors) and their second-level variables, which present differences between regions. The results show that both the ecological and social systems have performed better in the Atlantic region. Its adequate environmental characteristics, together with the incentives generated by the actors of the governance system, promote interactions that build scenarios conducive to the success of the Galician turbot sector.Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. RTI2018-099225-B-I00Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C2018/48Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431E2018/07Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED481B2018/09

Evaluación de la efectividad y seguridad de los antivirales de acción directa de primera generación en el tratamiento de la hepatitis crónica por virus C

ANTECEDENTES Y OBJETIVOS: La introducción en la terapéutica de los antivirales de acción directa de primera generación (Telaprevir y Boceprevir) supuso un gran avance en el tratamiento de esta enfermedad. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la población de pacientes monoinfectados por VHC tratados con Telaprevir y Boceprevir que alcanzan respuesta viral sostenida, el perfil de toxicidad de la terapia así como los costes asociados al tratamiento y al manejo de los efectos adversos en nuestra población de estudio MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo de la totalidad de pacientes que recibieron tratamiento con Telaprevir o Boceprevir, atendidos en la Unidad de Pacientes Externos del Servicio de Farmacia del Hospital de Navarra. Se analizaron variables de eficacia como la respuesta viral al final del tratamiento y la respuesta viral sostenida así como variables de seguridad como la incidencia y la gravedad de los efectos secundarios y los costes asociados. RESULTADOS: Se analiza a una población total de 19 pacientes (TVR=11; BOC=8) de los que el 47,4% eran pacientes naive y 42,1% presentaban fibrosis F4. A las 12 semanas post tratamiento presentaron respuesta Viral Sostenida el 78,9% de los pacientes. Los efectos adversos más frecuentes fueron anemia, neutropenia, leucopenia, cansancio, prurito, exantema, disgeusia y molestias anorectales. En 4 pacientes fue necesaria la interrupción del tratamiento por toxicidad de la terapia. En 3 pacientes fue necesaria la asistencia de urgencia y 3 fueron hospitalizados debido a los efectos adversos. El coste de los recursos adicionales fue de 597 euros por paciente. DISCUSIÓN: La incorporación de los nuevos inhibidores de proteasa al tratamiento convencional supone un aumento de las tasas de RVS, pero también conlleva una mayor incidencia de efectos adversos dermatológicos y hematológicos. El manejo de estos EA hace necesario el empleo de recursos adicionales que incrementan el coste total de la terapia. Por lo que, el conocimiento de las reglas de parada y de los factores predictivos de respuesta pueden maximizar la eficiencia de la triple terapia y minimizar la aparición de efectos secundarios graves.BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The development of protease inhibitors such as Telaprevir and Boceprevir was a breakthrough in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. The aim of the study was to analyze the population of HCV monoinfected patients treated with Boceprevir and Telaprevir reaching sustained viral response and toxicity profile of the therapy and the costs associated with the treatment and management of adverse effects in our population study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study of the patients treated with Telaprevir and Boceprevir at the outpatient unit of the pharmacy service of Navarra´s Hospital. Efficacy variables as sustained viral response at the end of the treatment and viral response were analyzed. We also analyzed safety endpoints such as the incidence and severity of side effects and the associated costs. RESULTS: A population of 19 patients was analyzed (BOC=8; TVR=11), of which 47.4 % were naive patients and 42.1% had grade 4 fibrosis. At 12 weeks post treatment 78.9% of patients showed sustained viral response. The most common side effects were anemia, neutropenia, leukopenia, fatigue, itching, rash, dysgeusia and anorectal discomfort. In 4 patients treatment was interrupted due to toxicity of the therapy. In 3 patients emergency assistance was needed and other 3 were hospitalized due to adverse effects. The cost of the additional resources was 597 euros / patient. CONCLUSIONS: the incorporation of the new protease inhibitors to conventional treatment involves an increase in SVR rates, but it also carries an increased incidence of dermatologic and hematologic adverse events. The management of these adverse effects requires the use of additional resources that increase the overall cost of therapy. Therefore, knowledge of stopping rules and predictors of response can maximize the efficiency of triple therapy and minimize the occurrence of serious side effects.Máster Universitario en Investigación en Ciencias de la SaludUnibertsitate Masterra Osasun Zientzietako Ikerketa

The gene of a GPI-anchoring protein a promising new target for the control of the cucurbit powdery mildew Podosphaera xanthii.

One of the main limitations of the cucurbit crops production is the powdery mildew disease, caused by the biotrophic fungus Podosphaera xanthii. An integrated management, using several strategies, is carried to control the disease but the application of fungicides is the most effective one. The problem is that P. xanthii has been classified by the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) as a pathogen with a high risk of resistance developing, in addition of the strong restrictions on the use of phytosanitary products at a European level. For this reason, new phytosanitary tools are necessary to allow a sustainable control of this devastating disease such as the use of the RNA interference (RNAi) technology. In this work, dsRNA targeting a P. xanthii gene, which encodes a protein that appears to be essential for the correct assembly of the fungal cell wall, was evaluated. Preliminary gene silencing results have shown a significant reduction of fungal development on melon plants suggesting that this gene may be a promising target for the control of powdery mildew of cucurbits. This work has been funded by AEI (PID2019-107464RB-C21).Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

New promising “biofungicides” targeting the fungal cell wall to control the cucurbit powdery mildew Podosphaera xanthii.

One of the main limitations of cucurbit production is the powdery mildew disease, caused by Podosphaera xanthii. Although different management strategies are used to control it, the application of fungicides is the most effective. However, there are two major problems: the rapid emergence of resistance to fungicides by the pathogen and the strong restrictions on the use and diversity of phytosanitary products imposed at the European level. For this reason, novel targets and strategies are needed to develop new “biofungicides” for sustainable disease control. The fungal cell wall (CW) is a unique and essential structure, not present in human or animal cells, which makes it an ideal target for the development of new phytosanitary products. In this study, three P. xanthii cell wall-related genes (coding a GPI-anchored membrane protein and two proteins involved in the synthesis of rhamnose) were studied. To understand their impact on the development of P. xanthii, RNA interference (RNAi) technology was used. For this purpose, dsRNA molecules were synthesized and several assays were performed. The infiltration and leaf disc assays on melon and zucchini cotyledons, respectively, showed an effective gene silencing effect, resulting in a significant reduction of gene expression, fungal biomass and area covered by powdery mildew disease. Microscopy analysis confirmed the impact on fungal penetration points. In addition, the application of dsRNAs, through spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) assays, resulted in a significant decrease in disease development on melon plants. According to the results obtained, these genes could serve as potential targets for the development of new generations of antifungal agents. In addition, SIGS technology could be a promising strategy to incorporate into integrated management programs for this important disease.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech