Evaluation of public and private health care systems

Indexación: ScieloBackground: There is a great degree of dissatisfaction with the Chilean health care system. Aim: To investigate which are the most relevant perceived factors when the health care system is evaluated. Material and Methods: Analysis of a survey about the Chilean health care system carried out during 2011, 2012 and 2013, involving 2,801 respondents. Results: The response capacity of emergency systems was the main factor considered for the evaluation of public and private health care systems. Respondents who were affiliated to private insurance systems also took into consideration the quality of medical infrastructure. Conclusions: There are different factors considered when public or private health care systems are evaluated. Key words: Delivery of health care; Public Health; Public Opinion; Chile

Híbridos moleculares como potenciales fármacos para el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Alzheimer

69 p.La enfermedad del Alzheimer es la forma más común de demencia, consiste en un trastorno neurodegenerativo irreversible que se caracteriza por un deterioro cognitivo progresivo y atrofia cerebral, fue descrita y diagnosticada por primera vez en 1906 por el Dr. Alois Alzheimer. No se tiene conocimiento exacto de su etiología, sin embargo, se han descrito algunos factores que pueden favorecer su desarrollo entre los cuales destaca principalmente la edad, su patogénesis es compleja, ya que se alteran varios mecanismos biológicos, siendo los más relevantes, la deposición de b-amiloide y la formación de ovillos neurofibrilares intraneuronales. Considerando que hacia el año 2050 se ha estimado que un 70% de la población con demencia vivirá en regiones de menor desarrollo, las que son el principal foco de prevalencia de este trastorno que aún no tiene cura, solo tratamientos que buscan disminuir los efectos que este ocasiona, de aquí nace la importancia de poder conocer y entender de mejor manera la enfermedad del Alzheimer, con la finalidad de poder encontrar un tratamiento óptimo. Es por ello que el presente estudio tiene como propósito comprender los híbridos moleculares como potenciales fármacos para el tratamiento de la enfermedad del Alzheimer

Two Year Cosmology Large Angular Scale Surveyor (CLASS) Observations: Long Timescale Stability Achieved with a Front-End Variable-delay Polarization Modulator at 40 GHz

The Cosmology Large Angular Scale Surveyor (CLASS) is a four-telescope array observing the largest angular scales ($2 \lesssim \ell \lesssim 200$) of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarization. These scales encode information about reionization and inflation during the early universe. The instrument stability necessary to observe these angular scales from the ground is achieved through the use of a variable-delay polarization modulator (VPM) as the first optical element in each of the CLASS telescopes. Here we develop a demodulation scheme used to extract the polarization timestreams from the CLASS data and apply this method to selected data from the first two years of observations by the 40 GHz CLASS telescope. These timestreams are used to measure the $1/f$ noise and temperature-to-polarization ($T\rightarrow P$) leakage present in the CLASS data. We find a median knee frequency for the pair-differenced demodulated linear polarization of 15.12 mHz and a $T\rightarrow P$ leakage of $<3.8\times10^{-4}$ (95\% confidence) across the focal plane. We examine the sources of $1/f$ noise present in the data and find the component of $1/f$ due to atmospheric precipitable water vapor (PWV) has an amplitude of $203 \pm 12 \mathrm{\mu K_{RJ}\sqrt{s}}$ for 1 mm of PWV when evaluated at 10 mHz; accounting for $\sim32\%$ of the $1/f$ noise in the central pixels of the focal plane. The low level of $T\rightarrow P$ leakage and $1/f$ noise achieved through the use of a front-end polarization modulator enables the observation of the largest scales of the CMB polarization from the ground by the CLASS telescopes.Comment: Submitted to Ap

Organic micropollutants in freshwater ecosystems : pollution dynamic and adverse effects at population genetic level in a model freshwater population

The environment, and particularly freshwater ecosystems, is permanently under anthropogenic pressure, mainly due to the need of mankind to satisfy the ongoing demand of goods and services in order to support our society. However, continuous requests of ecosystem services undoubtedly evoke environmental consequences. Chemical contaminations are widely known for their harmful impacts on aquatic organisms and are today discussed as being responsible for increasing global impairments of ecological balance. In addition to direct effects, sublethal effects on the genetic level are increasingly suggested to provide versatile indicators for the assessment of hazardous chemicals. Such genetic effects of chemical stressors on aquatic organisms have so far been poorly addressed. The aim of this thesis is to contribute to our understanding how anthropogenic pressures, particularly chemical and non-chemical stressors, may impair aquatic ecosystem functioning. The novel approach presented here is based on the analytical and thematic combination of evolutionary ecotoxicology and body burden analysis of organic micropollutants. The CHAPTER 1 offers an overview of the state-of-the-art regarding the occurrence and potential ecological effects of organic micropollutants in aquatic environments. Furthermore, a concept regarding the likely value of including evolutionary ecotoxicology in future assessments is presented. In CHAPTER 2, a multi-target screening method based on pulverised liquid extraction and a modified QuEChERS approach with additional hexane phase was developed and optimised. This method allows the extraction and measurement of a wide range of organic micropollutants, acknowledging the emerging relevance of biological environmental tissues in environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology. The new method developed here was successfully applied in different freshwater ecosystems, including the River Danube along its watercourse and the River Holtemme in Central Germany. The method exhibited particularly robust performance compared to other published analytical methods. In essence, low quantification limits and high recovery rates make this method suitable to detect pesticides, such as insecticides, herbicides and fungicides and wastewater-derived pollutants such as industrial chemicals and pharmaceuticals, in tissues of biological samples. The results obtained with this method were combined with other environmental matrices in order to examine the environmental dynamics of emerging organic micropollutants in the River Holtemme. In CHAPTER 3, a multi-compartment approach based on chemical activity, equilibrium and predicted baseline toxicity was developed. A direct injection, pressurised liquid extraction methods, and the multi-target screening method developed in CHAPTER 2 were used in order to quantify emerging organic micropollutants in water, sediment and biota, respectively. Freely dissolved concentrations of compounds quantified in the River Holtemme and their corresponding chemical activities were calculated in the water, sediment and biota (Gammarus pulex tissues) compartments. The bioavailable fraction of pollutants and thus the fate and distribution of emerging compounds were assessed. According to equilibrium partitioning theory, the chemical activity of an organic compound is equal in sediment organic carbon, in exposed biota and in pore water, if equilibrium is reached between these phases. Sediments showed highest chemical activities and significant differences were quantified between water and biota compartments. The findings obtained suggest that the system studied here was in disequilibrium based on the equilibrium partitioning theory. Additionally, sediment samples exhibited the highest potential toxicity. Hazard assessment of the quantified contaminants showed a strong dependency on which compartment is analysed. CHAPTER 4 demonstrates the biological effects of long-term exposure to pollution on a model freshwater invertebrate population. Briefly, the adverse effects of global and emerging anthropogenic pressures were assessed using a novel approach based on evolutionary ecotoxicology and body burden analysis of organic micropollutants. This approach was then successfully applied to G. pulex populations occurring along the River Holtemme. The results provide empirical evidence of both direct and indirect effects due to chemical and non-chemical stressors. The analyses revealed pollutant-induced changes in the genetic structure as well as higher mutation rates downstream of a wastewater treatment plant. Furthermore, hindered gene flow due to physical barriers (i.e. weirs) separating upstream and downstream waters in the River Holtemme was detected. Although, these findings offer new insights into the field of ecotoxicology in general, and allows for new interpretation of the role of wastewater treatment plants as sources of chemical stress in the environment

Plan de negocio para la creación de una línea de negocios para la Empresa GPR Constructora & Inmobiliaria

Tesis para optar al grado de Magíster en Gestión para la GlobalizaciónLas empresas líderes de la industria inmobiliaria están cambiando radicalmente la oferta de productos para ajustarse a un escenario de escasez de terreno y aumento el precio de los suelos. En los mercados maduros se han agotado los terrenos, por lo que se demuelen propiedades existentes para construir otras nuevas. Por otro lado, las preferencias de los consumidores han cambiado; Los Millennials son la mayor parte del mercado actual y manifiestan una tendencia al arriendo por sobre la compra. Ellos, consideran que al comprar una vivienda se pierde libertad y que el valor de estas es muy elevado para el nivel de salarios; Comprar una vivienda no es una meta en la vida y prefieren gastar su dinero en experiencias y viajes (CBRE, 2018). El objetivo principal del presente proyecto de grado es desarrollar un plan de negocios para el mandante GPR Constructora & Inmobiliaria. Para ello se realizó un estudio de la industria mirando las 4 principales zonas de desarrollo mundial, estudiando las tendencias del mercado en cuanto a utilización de suelos, productos, precios, preferencias de los clientes y cambios en los patrones de compra de viviendas en la generación de Millennials. El estudio contempla una investigación de mercado en Chile, que concluye que el comportamiento en Chile no difiere de los hallazgos de los estudios internacionales de tendencias y preferencias del consumidor. Se propone incorporar un modelo de negocios, observando oportunidades en los mercados más maduros, en los cuales se destaca un cambio en las preferencias de compras y atributos, especialmente una alta disposición a compartir espacios y servicios. Además, se evidencia un aceleramiento en la densidad habitacional acompañado de una estabilidad en el alza de precios, lo que permite utilizar más eficientemente los terrenos. El modelo de negocio considera un plan de desarrollo a 5 años, periodo en el cual se establecen 3 localizaciones de desarrollo con capacidad de 150 unidades/año; El cual al final de periodo, presenta una rentabilidad en ventas después de impuestos del 12%, lo que es un 2% mayor que el promedio de las rentabilidades de las viviendas tradicionales de GPR. El proyecto demuestra capacidad de generar flujos (TIR, 17,5%). Se concluye que es atractivo para GPR invertir en desarrollar esta nueva línea de negocios, tanto por la rentabilidad que genera, como por las recomendaciones estratégicas de diversificar la actual cartera de productos, así como el especializarse en la línea de viviendas multifamiliares en extensión en la cual ya posee experiencia en Chile; Atractivo de mercado que estaría presente también en Perú y Colombia

Crisis de mortalidad en el sur andino: Moquegua, Tacna, Altos de Arica y Tarapacá (1754-1820)

Through the death records’ analysis of Moquegua, Tacna, Altos de Arica and Tarapacá settlements, it is aimed to observe the close relationship that exists between epidemics, natural (primarily climatic) and social phenomena, as well as evaluate their impact on mortality. The similarities detected between the studied localities and the regional context, especially in terms of the effects caused by certain natural phenomena and other epidemics on the population, are going to account for both the spaces proximity and the narrow relation among urban and rural spaces in this vast territory belonging to the Andeanspace of the Arica-Potosí axis.A partir del análisis de registros de defunción de los asentamientos de Moquegua, Tacna, Altos de Arica y Tarapacá, buscaremos observar la estrecha relación que existió entre epidemias, fenómenos naturales (sobre todo climáticos) y sociales, así como evaluar el impacto que tuvieron en la mortalidad. Las similitudes que se podrán observar entre las localidades de nuestro estudio y el contexto regional, principalmente en cuanto a los efectos que provocaron en la población algunos fenómenos naturales y otros epidémicos, nos dan cuenta tanto de la cercanía de los espacios como de la estrecha relación que mantuvieron asentamientos urbanos y rurales en este amplio territorio que integraba el espacio andino del eje Arica-Potosí

Maloñehue 1: Un sitio de Petroglifos en la Comuna de Lonquimay: IX Región, Chile

El descubrimiento del sitio de Petroglifos Maloñehue 1 marca el inicio de una nueva etapa de investigacion emprendida por el Museo Regional de la Araucanía, en colaboración con el Departamento de Geografía de la Universidad de la Frontera.La necesidad de ampliar la investigación arqueológica en general, y del arte rupestre en particular, nos ha motivado a elegir el área de Lonquimay - alto Blo Blo como centro de nuestras investigaciones. En marzo de 1983 efectuamos el primer viaje exploratorio al lugar, logrando ubicar el sitio aqui descrito

Ética y actitud hacia los valores que promueve la universidad

Abstract Introduction. Business professionals trained at the university work at the executive level of companies. University training is relevant to the values and ethical behaviors expected of its graduates. The decisions of professionals can lead a company to act unethically. Objective. The study seeks to know, first, the ethical conception of university professors, followed by the attitude that professors assume towards the values promoted by the university. Materials and methods. A survey called Measurement of the attitudes and opinions of university professors towards Professional Ethics in Teaching and their role as transmitters of values, by García, Ferrández, Sales and Moliner (2006) was applied to 36 university professors Results. The study found that professional ethics in teaching is perceived as norms of correct behavior, which imply assuming values and role models. Conclusion. University professors assume that they must teach values to their students, without trying to influence them. For this, a specific preparation is necessary to ensure the transmission of values.Resumo Introdução. No nível executivo das empresas trabalham profissionais da área de negócios formados na universidade. A formação universitária é relevante em valores e condutas éticas esperadas de seus egressos. Decisões indevidas desses profissionais podem levar uma empresa a agir à margem da ética. Objetivo. O estudo busca conhecer, em primeiro lugar, a concepção ética dos professores universitários, e, em seguida, buscar conhecer a atitude que esses docentes assumem em relação aos valores promovidos pela universidade. Materiais e métodos. Aplicou-se um questionário denominado Medidas das atitudes e opiniões do professorado universitário em relação à ética profissional docente e seu papel como transmissor de valores, proposto por García, Ferrández, Sales e Moliner (2006). Resultados. Os resultados mostraram que a ética profissional docente é percebida como padrões de comportamento correto, que implica assumir valores e modelos de conduta. Conclusão. Os professores universitários entendem que devem ensinar valores a seus alunos, sem tentar influenciá-los. Para isso, é necessária uma preparação específica para garantir a transmissão desses valores.Resumen Introducción. En el nivel ejecutivo de las empresas laboran los profesionales de negocios formados en la universidad. La formación universitaria es relevante en valores y conductas éticas esperadas de sus egresados. Las decisiones de los profesionales pueden llevar a una empresa a actuar al margen la ética. Objetivo. El estudio busca conocer, primeramente, la concepción ética de los docentes universitarios, seguido busca conocer la actitud que los docentes asumen hacia los valores que promueve la universidad. Materiales y métodos. Se aplicó a 36 docentes universitarios una encuesta denominada Medida de las actitudes y opiniones del profesorado universitario hacia la Ética Profesional Docente y su papel como transmisor de valores, de García, Ferrández, Sales y Moliner (2006). Resultados. En el estudio se halló que la ética profesional docente es percibida como normas de comportamiento correcto, que implican asumir valores y modelos de conducta. Conclusión. Los docentes universitarios asumen que deben enseñar valores a sus estudiantes, sin tratar de influenciarlos. Para ello, es necesaria una preparación específica que asegure la transmisión de valores