Dedollarization, Indexation and Nominalization: The Chilean Experience

This paper revisits the Chilean experience with dollarization, indexation and nominalization in the 1958-2003 period. The purpose is to understand how Chile generally avoided dollarization and actually dedollarized in the 80s in order to draw some lessons for other countries. We find that many policies that Chile pursued are not easy to implement elsewhere. Some key characteristics of the Chilean process are related to initial institutional conditions and developments, whereas others are connected to macroeconomic performance and specific regulations. Indexation plays a key role in explaining how dollarization can be avoided.

Selection of bioantagonistic bacteria to be used in biological control of Rhizoctonia solani in tomato

http://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0716-97602011000100002&lng=es&nrm=isoBacteria from the rhizoplane and surrounding soil of healthy and Rhizoctonia solani diseased tomato plants, cropped in greenhouse of the V Region of Chile, were collected. The best bacterial strains, based on their ability to control development of three R. solani isolates (identified as belonging to the anastomosis groups AG-2-1, AG-4), were identified as B. subtilis (one isolate) and B. lentimorbus (two different isolates). All bacterial isolates resulted effective for the in vitro control of growth of all R. solani isolates, where the control mechanisms used by the bacteria do not involve the secretion of fungal cell wall hydrolytic enzymes. R. solani AG-2-1 was more sensitive than R. solani AG-4. On the other hand, all bacteria grew well in conditions similar to those that can be found at the field level (considering pH, salinity, Fe3+ and temperature) and showed a good capacity of tomato root colonization. These results suggest that the B. subtilis and B. lentimorbus isolates studied have an excellent potential to be used as biocontrol agents of R. solani in tomato greenhouses at the field level

Morphing arquitectónico: transformaciones entre las casas usonianas de Frank Lloyd Wright

Esta tesis investiga sobre el proceso de transformación de la forma arquitectónica, analizando una técnica específica denominada morphing. La técnica del morphing se utiliza en los gráficos por ordenador para la transformación de la forma entre dos o más objetos dados. Desde un punto de vista técnico, se revisan y actualizan las metodologías y aplicaciones existentes, sus características específicas y sus incidencias sobre la arquitectura. Desde un punto de vista práctico, se utilizan una serie de modelos de las casas Usonianas de Frank Lloyd Wright, con el fin de experimentar la técnica y ver qué utilidades se pueden obtener a partir de su lógica de diseño. Como resultado de este análisis se obtiene una metodología genérica para el procedimiento de un morphing arquitectónico.This thesis investigates the transformation of architectural form, analyzing a specific technique called morphing. Morphing is a technique used in computer graphics to transform a form between two or more given objects. From a technical point of view, the existing techniques are reviewed and updated, as well as their specific characteristics and impact on architecture. From a practical point of view, some models of Usonian houses of Frank Lloyd Wright are used to experience the technique and see which utilities are available from his design logic. As a result of this analysis a generic methodology for the process of architectural morphing is obtained.Postprint (published version

New Frontiers for Monetary Policy in Chile

This paper assesses the efficiency of the current Inflation Targeting (IT) scheme in place at the Central Bank of Chile. Using a small macroeconomic model of the Chilean economy, our main results are as follows: (i) an efficient monetary policy requires a bias towards output stabilization around its long run trend; (ii) the switch to forecast-targeting, implicit in the current IT scheme in Chile, results in an efficiency gain; (iii) targeting core inflation is not efficient; (iv) ceteris paribus, efficiency could be enhanced if monetary policy leans against the wind when facing shocks to the cost of international finance.

El Bronx Imaginario Social: “Habitar 11” Arquitectura + Revitalización

Artículo de investigaciónSe trabaja un artículo de grado donde se analizan los diferentes factores, con el fin de desarrollar un proyecto de grado que parte del concepto “arquitectura + revitalización” en el sector del Bronx en la ciudad de Bogotá. El tema central del desarrollo de la investigación esta basado en proyectar un modelo o prototipo de alojamiento transitorio, a partir de modelos o referentes de vivienda flexible, modular y transitoria, como mecanismo de revitalización arquitectónica, el cual busca volver a dar vida a la ciudad construida, mitigando de forma directa el desconocimiento del contexto, el desplazamiento y la segregación social que atañe al sector.1. RESUMEN 2. INTRODUCCIÓN 3. METODOLOGIA 4. RESULTADOS 5. DISCUSIÓN 6. CONCLUSIONES REFERENCIAS ANEXOSPregradoArquitect

Impact of BIM/LEAN on the interaction of construction project design teams

Tesis por compendio[ES] Los equipos de diseño de los proyectos de construcción están compuestos por diferentes interesados; esto podría dificultar las interacciones. Las metodologías BIM y Lean tienen un impacto positivo en los proyectos de construcción. Además, hay pruebas de la aplicación conjunta de BIM y Lean; sin embargo, se desconoce la relación empírica entre las prácticas Lean y los usos de BIM en la fase de diseño. Tampoco existe una comprensión más profunda de los fenómenos sociales que se generan entre los equipos de diseño cuando se aplican las metodologías de gestión BIM-Lean. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de esta investigación es entender el impacto de las prácticas de gestión de diseño Lean (LDM) y los usos BIM en la interacción de los equipos de diseño de los proyectos de construcción. El método de investigación tiene dos fases: 1) la creación de herramientas para evaluar el nivel de aplicación de las prácticas LDM y los usos BIM, y para comprender las interacciones en un equipo de diseño; y 2) el análisis de las relaciones entre BIM, Lean y la interacción, basado en información empírica de proyectos de construcción en fase de diseño. Los resultados presentan un instrumento de evaluación de usos del BIM y un cuestionario de prácticas de LDM para medir la gestión del diseño, y un método para comprender los diferentes tipos de interacción en un equipo de diseño. Basados en los datos de 64 proyectos, un análisis chi cuadrado reveló 33 relaciones empíricas entre los usos del BIM y las prácticas LDM; además, la aplicación de los usos del BIM implica una mayor aplicación de las prácticas LDM. El proyecto que aplica la gestión BIM-Lean logra numerosas interacciones en su equipo de diseño; flujos de información transparentes, ordenados y estandarizados; un entorno de colaboración, confianza y aprendizaje; y una gestión del compromiso. Todos estos elementos de interacción no son visibles en el proyecto, en el que no se aplicó la gestión BIM-lean.[CAT] Els equips de diseny dels projectes de construcción están compostos per diferents interesats; açó podría dificultar les interaccions. Les metodologies BIM i Lean tenen un impacte positiu en els projectes de construcció. A més, ni hi ha proves de l'aplicació conjunta de BIM i Lean; no obstant, es desconeix la relació empírica entre practiques Lean i els usos de BIM en fase de diseny. Tampoc existix una comprensió mes profunda dels fenómens socials que es generen entre els equips de diseny quan s'apliquen les metodologies de gestió BIM-Lean. Per tant, l'objectiu d'esta investigació es entendre l'impacte de les practiques de gestió de diseny Lean (LDM) i els usos BIM en l'interacció dels equips de diseny dels projectes de construcción. El métode de investigació te dos fases: 1) la creació de ferramentes per a evaluar el nivell d'aplicació de les practiques LDM i els usos BIM, i per a comprendre les interaccions en un equip de diseny; i 2) l'análisis de les relacions entre BIM, Lean i la interacció, basades en informació empírica de projectes de construcció en fase de diseny. Els resultats presenten un instrument d'evaluació d'usos del BIM i un questionari de practiques de LDM per a mesurar la gestió del diseny, i un método per a comprendre els diferents tipos d'interacció en un equip de diseny. Basades en les dades de 64 projectes, un análisis chi cuadrado va revelar 33 relacions empíricas entre els usos del BIM i les práctiques LDM; a més, l¿aplicació dels usos del BIM implica una major aplicació de les práctiques LDM. El projecte que aplica la gestió BIM-Lean obté nombroses interaccions en el seu equip de diseny; fluxes d'informació transparents, ordenats i estandarizats; un entorn de colaboració, confiança i aprenentatge; i una gestió del compromis. Tots estos elements d'interacció no son visibles en el projecte, en el que no es va aplicar la gestió BIM-lean.[EN] Design teams of construction projects are composed of different stakeholders; this fact could make the interactions difficult. BIM and Lean methodologies have a positive impact on construction projects. Besides, there is evidence of the combined implementation of BIM and Lean; however, it is not known the empirical relationship between Lean practices and BIM uses in the design phase. Also, there is not a deeper understanding of the social phenomena that are generated among design teams when BIM-Lean management methodologies are implemented. Therefore, the objective of this research is to understand the impact of Lean design management (LDM) practices, and BIM uses in the interaction of construction project design teams. The research method has two phases: (1) the creation of tools to assess the level of implementation of LDM practices and BIM uses and to understand the interactions in a design team; and (2) the relationship analyses between BIM, Lean, and interaction, based on empirical information from construction projects in the design phase. The results present a BIM uses assessment tool and an LDM practices questionnaire to measure the design management and a method to understand the different types of interaction in a design team. Based on data from 64 projects, a chi-square analysis revealed 33 empirical relationships between BIM uses and LDM practices; also, the application of BIM uses implies a greater application of LDM practices. The project that applies BIM-Lean management achieves many interactions among its design team; transparent, orderly, and standardized information flows; a collaborative, trust, and learning environment; and commitment management. All these interaction elements are not visible in the project, where BIM-lean management was not applied.Herrera Valencia, RF. (2020). Impact of BIM/LEAN on the interaction of construction project design teams [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/158718TESISCompendi

Spreading of energy residential behavior; review of houses in south-central Chile

La necesidad de reducir los consumos de energía residencial requiere conocer cabalmente las condiciones habitacionales. Este artículo analiza viviendas en la zona Centro-Sur de Chile detectando una dispersión espacial de los comportamientos energéticos, que contrasta con la homogeneidad de las acciones públicas. Se presenta una revisión integral de cuarenta casos en el principal sector urbano de la zona (el área metropolitana del Gran Concepción) y se comparan con estadísticas y regionales y nacionales; revisando condiciones constructivas, de equipamiento ocupación, así como antecedentes gráficos y entrevistas, que reflejan una variedad formal y familiar, alejada de estereotipos y registros generales. Revelan una progresión habitacional y una diversidad de requerimientos energéticos. Proveyendo de este modo una estrategia de estudio que expresa la evolución residencial y puede ser aplicable a otras áreas, así como también otorgando nuevas visiones del comportamiento doméstico para enfrentar la crisis ambiental.La necessitat de reduir els consums d’energia residencial requereix conèixer cabdalment les condicions habitacionals. Aquest article analitza habitatges a la zona Centre-Sud de Xile, detectant una dispersió espacial dels comportaments energètics que contrasta amb l’homogeneïtat de les accions públiques. Es presenta una revisió integral de quaranta casos en el principal sector urbà de la zona (l’àrea metropolitana de Gran Concepció) i es comparen amb estadístiques regionals i nacionals; revisant condicions constructives, d’equipament ocupació, així com antecedents gràfics i entrevistes que reflecteixen una varietat formal i familiar, allunyada d’estereotips i registres generals. Proveint d’aquesta forma una estratègia d’estudi que expressa l’evolució residencial i pot ésser aplicable a altres àrees, així com també atorgant noves visions del comportament domèstic per afrontar la crisi ambiental.The need to reduce residential energy consumption necessitates full knowledge of housing conditions. This investigation analyzed dwellings in the south-central region of Chile. Spatial dispersion in energy behaviors was discovered, which contrasts with the homogeneity of public policy housing decisions. A comprehensive review is presented of forty houses in the Greater Concepcion Metropolitan Area, in comparison with national and regional statistics. An examination of building conditions and features, occupation data, photographic records and interviews, revealed formal and familial variety, which differ from stereotypes and general records. Findings demonstrate housing progression and diversity in energy needs. In this way, a research strategy was used that expresses residential evolution and can be applied in other areas, and provides a new vision of domestic behavior to confront the current environmental crisis.Peer Reviewe

A swinging heart: Relevance of point of care ultrasound in the diagnosis of an atypical complication of acute pericarditis

Background: Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition, that results from progressive or acute accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space impairing cardiac hemodynamics. It is a rare complication of acute pericarditis. About two-thirds of acute pericarditis present with pericardial effusion. Of which, hemodynamic instability is seen in 3-5% of the cases. Point of Care Ultrasound is a cost-effective tool that aids in the prompt identification of life-threatening conditions such as tamponade. Case presentation: 36-year-old male presented with complaints of fever and dyspnea on exertion for 4 days. He reported being tachycardic at home on his personal pulse oximeter. Past medical history was significant for asthma. Vital signs upon admission were T 101.5 F, HR 128 bpm, RR 20, BP 115/72mmHg SpO2 97% on room air. On the physical exam, there was no jugular venous distention, lungs and heart sounds were normal. There was inspiratory variation of systolic blood pressure more than 10 mmHg consistent with Pulsus paradoxus. Laboratory analysis showed WBC 15.83, Hb 15.4, Platelets 336, and negative troponin. Infectious work up including covid was negative. EKG showed sinus tachycardia, low voltage in precordial leads, PR segment depression in lead II, V5, V6 and PR segment elevation in AVR and V1. Point of care ultrasonography was done at the bedside which revealed a large pericardial effusion with diastolic collapse of the right ventricle. This was suggestive of cardiac tamponade prompting an emergency transfer for pericardiocentesis. Right heart catheterization revealed cardiac tamponade physiology and 1150 ml of pericardial fluid was removed. The patient was diagnosed with idiopathic pericarditis after further workup. He was started on colchicine and ibuprofen with clinical improvement, hence discharged with follow up. Conclusion: Cardiac tamponade is a rare and life-threatening complication of acute pericarditis, associated with high morbidity and mortality. Cardiac tamponade might not always have the classical clinical presentation. Point of care ultrasound expedites the diagnosis of tamponade physiology in a safe and cost-effective manner. Thus, early detection of cardiac tamponade helps in life-saving emergent interventions in a resource limited setting. Front-line practitioners and training physicians may benefit from point-of-care ultrasound training strategies in their institutions

Patchy alopecia in a young adult with a generalized rash

Background: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that has been increasing in the United States. The prevalence of syphilis rose by 6.8% during 2019-to 2020. Secondary syphilis typically presents with a generalized maculopapular rash on palms and soles, however, can also have subtle dermatological findings such as alopecia. Syphilitic alopecia is an atypical manifestation of secondary syphilis, seen in 2.9 to 7% of the cases. Case presentation: An 18-year-old Hispanic male presented to the clinic after noticing patchy loss of hair on the scalp for 2 weeks and one week of generalized non pruritic rash. His past medical history was unremarkable and there was no history of allergies. He denied alcohol, tobacco or illicit drug use. He reported having multiple sexual encounters with unknown female partners and denied consistent use of condoms. He also denied previous history of genial lesions or ulcerations. Physical examination revealed alopecia as a moth-eaten pattern on parietal, temporal and occipital regions of the scalp. Further exam revealed symmetric macular-papular eruptions involving the trunk and the extremities, faint papular lesions on the soles but the palms were spared. Laboratory analysis revealed positive VDRL (1:156), reactive FTA-ABS and negative HIV serology. He was treated with penicillin G benzathine 2.4 million units for secondary syphilis, resulting in resolution of syphilitic alopecia and the rash. Conclusion: Secondary syphilis occurs in 25 % of patients with untreated primary syphilis infection. Primary infection could be asymptomatic or gone unnoticed as the ulcer is generally painless and heals spontaneously. Our patient presented with alopecia followed by generalized macular papular eruption. He was diagnosed and treated for secondary syphilis. Syphilitic alopecia is an uncommon manifestation and occurs as a non-cicatricial alopecia in 2.9% of cases. The presentation is subtle and might be underdiagnosed. It may present as patchy alopecia in a moth-eaten pattern, diffuse alopecia or mixed form. Syphilitic alopecia can also involve eyebrows, or beard, not seen in our case. Generally, alopecia improves with treatment of syphilis. Syphilitic alopecia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of alopecia in a patient with high-risk sexual behavior