Valoración de la garantía de pensión en las cuentas de ahorro individual en Colombia

El comportamiento del individuo como persona que aporta, y futuro beneficiario de una pensión, es determinante para cuantificar los efectos que su densidad de aportes tiene sobre el sistema de ahorro individual y la exigibilidad de las diferentes garantías. Por esta razón, en el presente trabajo se intenta buscar desde las finanzas personales una visión alterna a lo expuesto en diferentes estudios que sobre la materia se han realizado, no solo en Colombia sino a nivel internacional, y brindar una aproximación a la solución del problema de sostenibilidad en el retiro. Para calcular la magnitud de las garantías, se desarrolló un procedimiento que combina metodologías de modelos estocásticos con modelos de lógica difusa y con el cálculo actuarial. De esta forma, y soportado en resultados de otros estudios, se logró determinar el ahorro individual potencial alcanzable por cada individuo en función de su género y su cohorte salarial, y el posible déficit existente para conseguir una pensión mínima de retiro. Los resultados encontrados indican que en las condiciones de baja densidad de aportes es muy difícil para las cohortes de bajo y medio ingreso asegurar una pensión mínima sin el agotamiento de las garantías existentes y la participación del gobierno

In vitro modeling of dysfunctional glial cells in neurodegenerative diseases using human pluripotent stem cells

Most neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by a complex and mostly still unresolved pathology. This fact, together with the lack of reliable models, have precluded the development of effective therapies counteracting the disease progression. In the past few years, several studies have evidenced that lack of proper functionality of glial cells (astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes) has a key role in the pathology of several neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer´s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis among others. However, this glial dysfunction is poorly modelled by available animal models, and we hypothesize that patientderived cells can serve as a better platform where to study this glial dysfunction. In this sense, human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) has revolutionized the field allowing the generation of disease-relevant neural cell types that can be used for disease modelling, drug screening and, possibly, cell transplantation purposes. In the case of the generation of oligodendrocytes (OLs) from hPSCs, we have developed a fast and robust protocol to generate surface antigen O4-positive (O4+) and myelin basic protein-positive OLs from hPSCs in only 22 days, including from patients with multiple sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The generated cells resemble primary human OLs at the transcriptome level and can myelinate neurons in vivo. Using in vitro OLneuron co-cultures, effective myelination of neurons can also be demonstrated. This platform is being translated as well to the generation of the other glial cell types, allowing the derivation of patient-specific glial cells where to model disease-specific dysfunction. This methodology can be used for elucidating pathogenic pathways associated with neurodegeneration and to identify therapeutic targets susceptible of drug modulation, contributing to the development of novel and effective drugs for these devastating disorders.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech. Supported by PI18/01557 (to AG) and P18/1556 (to JV) grants from ISCiii of Spain co-financed by FEDER funds from European Union, and PI-0276-2018 grant (to JAGL) from Consejeria de Salud of Junta de Andalucia. JAGL held a postdoctoral contract from the I Research Plan Propio of the University of Malaga. CV and KE were supported by IWT-SBO-150031-iPSCAF and the Thierry Lathran Foundation grant – ALS-OL, and KN by FWO1166518

Auxin and epigenetic regulation of SKP2B, an F-box that represses lateral root formation

In plants, lateral roots originate from pericycle founder cells that are specified at regular intervals along the main root. Here, we show that Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) SKP2B (for S-Phase Kinase-Associated Protein2B), an F-box protein, negatively regulates cell cycle and lateral root formation as it represses meristematic and founder cell divisions. According to its function, SKP2B is expressed in founder cells, lateral root primordia and the root apical meristem. We identified a novel motif in the SKP2B promoter that is required for its specific root expression and auxin-dependent induction in the pericycle cells. Next to a transcriptional control by auxin, SKP2B expression is regulated by histone H3.1/H3.3 deposition in a CAF-dependent manner. The SKP2B promoter and the 59 end of the transcribed region are enriched in H3.3, which is associated with active chromatin states, over H3.1. Furthermore, the SKP2B promoter is also regulated by H3 acetylation in an auxin-and IAA14-dependent manner, reinforcing the idea that epigenetics represents an important regulatory mechanism during lateral root formation

Motivating Factors, Barriers, and Success Factors among Agri-based Micro- and Small-scale Women Entrepreneurs in Isabela, Philippines

In recent years, a number of women have started agribusiness enterprises in Isabela, Philippines, such as the production and retailing of dominant agricultural products like rice and corn, livestock and poultry raising, and the processing of root crops into native delicacies. This study aims to examine the motivating factors, start-up barriers, and success factors among micro- and small-scale women entrepreneurs in selected areas in Isabela, Philippines. A survey was conducted among 46 women entrepreneurs whose businesses were based in the cities of Ilagan and Cauayan and the town of Roxas. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and chi-square analysis were employed to analyze the data. In terms of their personal entrepreneurial competency (PEC) profile, the women entrepreneurs were found to be moderate (i.e., scoring 16–18 out of a possible 25) in terms of opportunity-seeking, demand for quality and efficiency, systematic planning and monitoring, persuasion and networking and self-confidence and weak in the area of goal-setting. Women entrepreneurs were motivated to establish a business by the following factors: achievement, competence, affiliation factor, and job/financial security. On the other hand, the women entrepreneurs faced common start-up problems like lack of training education, unavailability of low-interest loans for capital, and career-family conflict. Meanwhile, two success factors were found to be associated to performance (i.e., micro vs. small-scale): if the entrepreneur had finished a business degree and if their business was the only source of family income. The study recommended that organizations should conduct action-oriented trainings to develop the PECs of Isabela women entrepreneurs. Future studies should consider having a larger sample size

Gold compounds inhibit the Ca2+-ATPase activity of brain PMCA and human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and decrease cell viability

Plasma membrane calcium ATPases (PMCA) are key proteins in the maintenance of calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis. Dysregulation of PMCA function is associated with several human pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases, and, therefore, these proteins are potential drug targets to counteract those diseases. Gold compounds, namely of Au(I), are well-known for their therapeutic use in rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases for centuries. Herein, we report the ability of dichloro(2-pyridinecarboxylate)gold(III) (1), chlorotrimethylphosphinegold(I) (2), 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidenegold(I) chloride (3), and chlorotriphenylphosphinegold(I) (4) compounds to interfere with the Ca2+-ATPase activity of pig brain purified PMCA and with membranes from SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell cultures. The Au(III) compound (1) inhibits PMCA activity with the IC50 value of 4.9 µM, while Au(I) compounds (2, 3, and 4) inhibit the protein activity with IC50 values of 2.8, 21, and 0.9 µM, respectively. Regarding the native substrate MgATP, gold compounds 1 and 4 showed a non-competitive type of inhibition, whereas compounds 2 and 3 showed a mixed type of inhibition. All gold complexes showed cytotoxic effects on human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, although compounds 1 and 3 were more cytotoxic than compounds 2 and 4. In summary, this work shows that both Au (I and III) compounds are high-affinity inhibitors of the Ca2+-ATPase activity in purified PMCA fractions and in membranes from SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Additionally, they exert strong cytotoxic effects.Projects BFU2017-85723-P (to A.M.M. and C.G.-M.), and PID2020-115512GB-I00 (to A.M.M.) funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by “ESF Investing in your future”. We acknowledge Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) project UIDB/04326/2020, Associate Laboratory for Green Chemistry–LAQV, financed by national funds from FCT/MCTES (UIDB/50006/2020 and UIDP/50006/2020) and Scientific Employment Stimulus-Institutional Call (CEECINST/00102/2018).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Mitigation and Monitoring of Structural Distress due to Mine Subsidence

ABSTRACT The prevalent coal mining technique in the United States and other countries is called long wall mining and eventually removes entirely coal seams over extended areas. The removal causes subsidence settlement and horizontal displacements of several feet above the mined seam. Structures located at the surface of affected areas are subjected to differential foundation displacements that can induce stresses beyond the capacity of structural members. It is desirable to preserve the integrity of affected structures not only to avoid costly repairs or replacements but also because they house electrical and industrial equipment that must remain operational. This paper first describes a recent development in the prediction of ground displacements, rotations and curvatures caused by mine subsidence. Then we present the concepts, analyses and design of structural measures for mitigating the anticipated effects of mine subsidence and to alleviate any observed distress during the event