Associative Planning As the Economic Backbone of Farmers in the Canton of Tisaleo During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The great health crisis in Ecuador has caused an economic decline in the agricultural sector. Therefore, associative planning as an economic axis of the farmers of the Tisaleo canton during the COVID-19 is important for analyzing the problem of the low existence of levels of associativity, which entails lost opportunities to work integrally, achieving thematic marketing strategies for strengthening the productivity, competitiveness, and economic sustainability and improve the living conditions of the inhabitants of the agricultural sector considering that they are forgotten without having any support. In this way, they can introduce their products in new markets. To obtain all the necessary information, surveys were conducted on all farmers, which showed that the COVID-19 pandemic affected the commercialization of agricultural production by 92%. Farmers recognize that the sector has not grown economically for different reasons, such as individual work, ignorance of associative aspects and adequate ways to plan their activities, and the few existing associative institutions that do not maintain training and do not apply the solidarity economy based on the adequate management of strategies such as an alliance of entrepreneurs as a thematic axis for strengthening ties of agricultural associative work within the canton and eradicate poverty. Keywords: associativity, planning, development, strategies, productivity, marketin. Resumen En Ecuador surge una gran crisis sanitaria que ha provocado un declive económico en el sector agropecuario, afectado por la disminución económica de los productores agrícolas. Por lo tanto la planificación asociativa como eje económico de los agricultores del cantón Tisaleo en pandemia (Covid- 19) es importante analizar la problemática sobre la baja existencia de niveles de asociatividad lo que conlleva perdidas de oportunidades para trabajar integradamente logrando alcanzar estrategias temáticas de comercialización, con el fin de alcanzar un óptimo desarrollo de fortalecimiento a la productividad, la competitividad y la sostenibilidad económica para mejorar las condiciones de vida de los habitantes del sector agrícola considerando que son olvidados sin tener apoyo alguno y de esta forma sean capaces de introducir sus productos en nuevos mercados. Para obtener todo la información necesaria se realizaron encuestas a todos los agricultores, en el cual, se evidencio que la pandemia del Covid-19 afecto a la comercialización de la producción agrícola en un 92%, los agricultores reconocen que el sector no ha crecido económicamente por diferentes razones, tales como: el trabajo individual, desconocimiento de aspectos asociativos y la forma adecuada de planificar sus actividades, las pocas intuiciones asociativas existentes no mantiene capacitaciones, no aplican la economía solidaria basado en el manejo adecuado de estrategias como una alianza de emprendedores considerado el eje temático para fortalecer lazos de trabajo asociativo agrícola dentro del cantón y erradicar la pobreza. Palabras Clave: asociatividad, planificación, desarrollo, estrategias, productividad, comercialización

Ligand effects on bioinspired iron complexes

The synthesis of diiron thiolate complexes was carried out using two ligands that were expected to furnish improved catalytic activity, solubility in water, and stability to the metal complexes. The water-soluble phosphine 1,3,5-triaza-7- phosphaadamantane, PTA, coordinates to the Fe centers forming the disubstituted complex (m-pdt)[Fe(CO)2PTA]2, which presents one PTA in each iron in a transoid arrangement. Substitution of one CO ligand in the (m-pdt)[Fe(CO)3]2 parent complex forms the asymmetric (m-pdt)[Fe(CO)3][Fe(CO)2PTA]. Enhanced water solubility was achieved through reactions with electrophiles, H+ and CH3 +, which reacted with the N on the PTA ligand forming the protonated and methylated derivatives, respectively. The 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene), IMes, was reacted with (m-pdt)[Fe(CO)3]2 yielding the asymmetric (m-pdt)[Fe(CO)3][Fe(CO)2IMes], an electron rich, air stable complex that does not show reactivity with H+. Electrocatalytic production of hydrogen was studied for the all-CO, bis-PMe3, mono- and di-PTA FeIFeI complexes, as well as the PTA-protonated and -methylated derivatives. The all-CO species produce H2, in the presence of the weak HOAc, at their second reduction event, FeIFe0 ?? Fe0Fe0, that occurs at ca. ??1.9 V, through an EECC mechanism. The mono- and di-substituted phosphine complexes present electrocatalytic production of H2 from the Fe0FeI redox state; this reduction takes place at ??1.54 V for (m-pdt)[Fe(CO)3][Fe(CO)2PTA], and at ca. ??1.8 for the disubstituted PMe3 and PTA derivatives. A positive charge on the starting complex does not have an effect on the production of H2. It was found that the protonated and methylated derivatives are not the catalytic species for H2 production. At their first reduction event the neutral precursor forms, and catalysis occurs from the FeIFeI complex in all cases. The possibility of enhanced catalytic activity in the presence of H2 O was explored by conducting electrochemical experiments in the mixed CH3CN:H2O solvent system for the PTA-substituted complexes. The reduction potential of the catalytic peak is shifted to more positive values by the presence of H2 O. The cyclic voltammogram of {(m-pdt)[Fe(CO)2(PTA?? H)]2}2+ in CH3CN:H2O 3:1 shows the reduction of a more easily reduced species in the return scan. This curve-crossing event provides evidence for the (h2-H2)FeII intermediate proposed in the ECCE mechanism

Proof-of-principle validation of a novel intraluminal optical sensor for dynamic monitoring of intestinal anastomosis: An in vivo animal model case study

Intestinal resections are commonly performed to treat different colorectal conditions, including colorectal cancer. A successful primary anastomosis is the desired optimal outcome after intestinal resection. Maintaining adequate blood flow across the anastomosis is paramount for reducing anastomotic failure. Currently, there are no clinical devices capable of continuously assessing blood flow and blood perfusion at an anastomosis during and after surgery. The aim of this study was to develop an indwelling optical sensor for the monitoring of perfusion biomarkers using photoplethysmography and near-infrared spectroscopy principles. In an animal in-vivo proof-of-principle study, it was found that the developed sensor performed appropriately for the assessment of blood flow and perfusion in an anastomosis, showing changes in the assessed parameters after gradual devascularization of the transected bowel

Elastic and anelastic relaxation behaviour of perovskite multiferroics II: PbZr0.53_{0.53}Ti0.47_{0.47}O3_3 (PZT)–PbFe0.5_{0.5}Ta0.5_{0.5}O3_3 (PFT)

Elastic and anelastic properties of ceramic samples of multiferroic perovskites with nominal compositions across the binary join PbZr$_{0.53}$Ti$_{0.47}$O$_3$–PbFe$_{0.5}$Ta$_{0.5}$O$_3$ (PZT–PFT) have been assembled to create a binary phase diagram and to address the role of strain relaxation associated with their phase transitions. Structural relationships are similar to those observed previously for PbZr$_{0.53}$Ti$_{0.47}$O$_3$–PbFe$_{0.5}$Nb$_{0.5}$O$_3$ (PZT–PFN), but the magnitude of the tetragonal shear strain associated with the ferroelectric order parameter appears to be much smaller. This leads to relaxor character for the development of ferroelectric properties in the end member PbFe$_{0.5}$Ta$_{0.5}$O$_3$. As for PZT–PFN, there appear to be two discrete instabilities rather than simply a reorientation of the electric dipole in the transition sequence cubic–tetragonal–monoclinic, and the second transition has characteristics typical of an improper ferroelastic. At intermediate compositions, the ferroelastic microstructure has strain heterogeneities on a mesoscopic length scale and, probably, also on a microscopic scale. This results in a wide anelastic freezing interval for strain-related defects rather than the freezing of discrete twin walls that would occur in a conventional ferroelastic material. In PFT, however, the acoustic loss behaviour more nearly resembles that due to freezing of conventional ferroelastic twin walls. Precursor softening of the shear modulus in both PFT and PFN does not fit with a Vogel–Fulcher description, but in PFT there is a temperature interval where the softening conforms to a power law suggestive of the role of fluctuations of the order parameter with dispersion along one branch of the Brillouin zone. Magnetic ordering appears to be coupled only weakly with a volume strain and not with shear strain but, as with multiferroic PZT–PFN perovskites, takes place within crystals which have significant strain heterogeneities on different length scales.RUS facilities in Cambridge were established with funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (Grants NE/B505738/1, NE/F017081/1). The present work was supported by Grant No. EP/ I036079/1 from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. We thank Dr. Sam Crossley for his assistance with dielectric analysis and the use of his software to run those measurements. JAS gratefully acknowledges the hospitality of the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids. The Nanopaleomagnetism lab has received funding from the European Research Council under the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP/2007– 2013)/ERC Grant Agreement 320750. SED and HS acknowledge support from the Winton Programme for the physics of sustainability. HS also acknowledges support from the Funai Foundation for Information Technology and the British Council Japan Association. Part of the work was carried out at the University of Puerto Rico, supported by the DOEEBSCoR project DEG02-ER46526

Altered thymic differentiation and modulation of arthritis by invariant NKT cells expressing mutant ZAP70

Various subsets of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells with different cytokine productions develop in the mouse thymus, but the factors driving their differentiation remain unclear. Here we show that hypomorphic alleles of Zap70 or chemical inhibition of Zap70 catalysis leads to an increase of IFN-gamma-producing iNKT cells (NKT1 cells), suggesting that NKT1 cells may require a lower TCR signal threshold. Zap70 mutant mice develop IL-17-dependent arthritis. In a mouse experimental arthritis model, NKT17 cells are increased as the disease progresses, while NKT1 numbers negatively correlates with disease severity, with this protective effect of NKT1 linked to their IFN-gamma expression. NKT1 cells are also present in the synovial fluid of arthritis patients. Our data therefore suggest that TCR signal strength during thymic differentiation may influence not only IFN-gamma production, but also the protective function of iNKT cells in arthritis

CALHM3 Is Essential for Rapid Ion Channel-Mediated Purinergic Neurotransmission of GPCR-Mediated Tastes

Binding of sweet, umami, and bitter tastants to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in apical membranes of type II taste bud cells (TBCs) triggers action potentials that activate a voltage-gated nonselective ion channel to release ATP to gustatory nerves mediating taste perception. Although calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (CALHM1) is necessary for ATP release, the molecular identification of the channel complex that provides the conductive ATP-release mechanism suitable for action potential-dependent neurotransmission remains to be determined. Here we show that CALHM3 interacts with CALHM1 as a pore-forming subunit in a CALHM1/CALHM3 hexameric channel, endowing it with fast voltage-activated gating identical to that of the ATP-release channel in vivo. Calhm3 is co-expressed with Calhm1 exclusively in type II TBCs, and its genetic deletion abolishes taste-evoked ATP release from taste buds and GPCR-mediated taste perception. Thus, CALHM3, together with CALHM1, is essential to form the fast voltage-gated ATP-release channel in type II TBCs required for GPCR-mediated tastes. Ma et al. identify a CALHM1/CALHM3 hetero-hexameric ion channel as the mechanism by which type II taste bud cells release ATP as a neurotransmitter to gustatory neurons in response to GPCR-mediated tastes, including sweet, bitter, and umami substances. © 2018 Elsevier Inc

Lideres Innovadores en la Educación Superior: IES del Estado de Mexico

This article focuses on exploring innovative leadership in Higher Education Institutions (IES) in the State of Mexico, with the aim of analyzing its strategies and effects. A mixed methodology was used that included documentary research, case study. In the documentary research, academic literature and relevant documents were reviewed to establish a conceptual framework. In the case study, interviews and focus groups were conducted with educational leaders, teachers, and students from various HEIs. In addition, surveys were applied to teachers and students to collect quantitative data. The findings revealed that innovative leaders at these institutions are embracing educational technologies, promoting 21st century competencies, and fostering inter-institutional collaboration. The importance of curricular flexibility and the integration of practical experiences was highlighted. These leaders are driving a profound transformation in higher education, preparing students to face contemporary challenges and contributing to regional development. Taken together, this study provides a comprehensive view of how thought leadership is shaping higher education in the State of Mexico.El presente articulo, se enfoca en explorar el liderazgo innovador en las Instituciones de Educación Superior (IES) del Estado de México, con el objetivo de analizar sus estrategias y efectos. Se empleó una metodología mixta que incluyó investigación documental, estudio de casos. En la investigación documental, se revisó literatura académica y documentos relevantes para establecer un marco conceptual. En el estudio de casos, se realizaron entrevistas y grupos focales con líderes educativos, docentes y estudiantes de diversas IES. Además, se aplicaron encuestas a docentes y estudiantes para recopilar datos cuantitativos. Los hallazgos revelaron que los líderes innovadores en estas instituciones están adoptando tecnologías educativas, promoviendo competencias del siglo XXI y fomentando la colaboración interinstitucional. Se destacó la importancia de la flexibilidad curricular y la integración de experiencias prácticas. Estos líderes están impulsando una transformación profunda en la educación superior, preparando a los estudiantes para enfrentar los desafíos contemporáneos y contribuyendo al desarrollo regional. En conjunto, este estudio proporciona una visión integral de cómo el liderazgo innovador está dando forma a la educación superior en el Estado de México

Polyphenic trait promotes liver cancer in a model of epigenetic instability in mice.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the fifth-most common form of cancer worldwide and carries a high mortality rate attributed to lack of effective treatment. Males are 8 times more likely to develop HCC than females, an effect largely driven by sex hormones, albeit through still poorly understood mechanisms. We previously identified TRIM28 (tripartite protein 28), a scaffold protein capable of recruiting a number of chromatin modifiers, as a crucial mediator of sexual dimorphism in the liver. Trim28(hep-/-) mice display sex-specific transcriptional deregulation of a wide range of bile and steroid metabolism genes and development of liver adenomas in males. We now demonstrate that obesity and aging precipitate alterations of TRIM28-dependent transcriptional dynamics, leading to a metabolic infection state responsible for highly penetrant male-restricted hepatic carcinogenesis. Molecular analyses implicate aberrant androgen receptor stimulation, biliary acid disturbances, and altered responses to gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of Trim28(hep-/-) -associated HCC. Correspondingly, androgen deprivation markedly attenuates the frequency and severity of tumors, and raising animals under axenic conditions completely abrogates their abnormal phenotype, even upon high-fat diet challenge. This work underpins how discrete polyphenic traits in epigenetically metastable conditions can contribute to a cancer-prone state and more broadly provides new evidence linking hormonal imbalances, metabolic disturbances, gut microbiota, and cancer. (Hepatology 2017;66:235-251)

Lectin-like bacteriocins from pseudomonas spp. utilise D-rhamnose containing lipopolysaccharide as a cellular receptor

Lectin-like bacteriocins consist of tandem monocot mannose-binding domains and display a genus-specific killing activity. Here we show that pyocin L1, a novel member of this family from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, targets susceptible strains of this species through recognition of the common polysaccharide antigen (CPA) of P. aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide that is predominantly a homopolymer of d-rhamnose. Structural and biophysical analyses show that recognition of CPA occurs through the C-terminal carbohydrate-binding domain of pyocin L1 and that this interaction is a prerequisite for bactericidal activity. Further to this, we show that the previously described lectin-like bacteriocin putidacin L1 shows a similar carbohydrate-binding specificity, indicating that oligosaccharides containing d-rhamnose and not d-mannose, as was previously thought, are the physiologically relevant ligands for this group of bacteriocins. The widespread inclusion of d-rhamnose in the lipopolysaccharide of members of the genus Pseudomonas explains the unusual genus-specific activity of the lectin-like bacteriocins