Cursos MOOC: un enfoque desde la economía

The introduction of Information and Communication Technologies (ITC) for teaching at university level has culminated in an unstoppable innovation teaching process which generates new learning ways. One of the last learning phenomena has been “m-learning”. As an open and inexpensive way of transmitting knowledge, this new teaching system has in MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) the best academic example. The dynamism of these courses and the high level of student interaction are also having an impact in distance learning universities. Conceived as elements accessible to anybody from everywhere, these courses have promoted a debate on their success and potential economic profit. Applying the basic principles of economic theory, this article provides some reflexions about the MOOC market and its offer and demand determinants from an economic point of view.  Characteristics of MOOC market are quite similar to a certain competence markets. In addition, the demand and the offer in MOOC market have certain similarities with public goods and its functioning depend on the interaction of variables like quality and altruism. The direct and potential indirect profits of these courses are the consequence of a new business way. Moreover, profit sources came from diversified sources and will be also analyzed in this paper. La introducción de las Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones (TIC) en la enseñanza a nivel universitario ha supuesto un imparable proceso de innovación en la enseñanza y la aparición de nuevas formas de aprendizaje. Uno de los últimos fenómenos de aprendizaje ha sido el m-learning. Como una forma abierta y gratuita de forma de transmisión del conocimiento global, este nuevo sistema de enseñanza ha tenido en los cursos MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) el mejor ejemplo académico. El dinamismo de estos cursos y el numeroso grado de interactividad promovido han tenido su impacto en la forma de enseñar de las Universidades. Concebidos inicialmente como bienes libres accesibles a cualquiera en cualquier sitio, estos cursos han promovido un debate en torno a su éxito y potencial beneficio económico. Aplicando los principios básicos de la teoría económica, nuestro trabajo hace una reflexión sobre el mercado de MOOC y los elementos determinantes de su demanda y oferta desde una perspectiva económica. El mercado de cursos MOOC se perfila como un mercado de bienes económicos públicos cercano a la competencia perfecta en sus características en el que la demanda y oferta toman la forma de los bienes económicos públicos con base en criterios cualitativos como la calidad y el altruismo.  El beneficio directo o indirecto de esos cursos se fundamenta en una nueva forma de negocio donde las fuentes de ingresos están diversificadas y son analizadas.

El m-learning en el aprendizaje presencial: un curso híbrido en economía.

The introduction of new Information and Communication Technologies (ITC) on the teaching at university level has culminated in unstoppable innovation teaching process and generates new learning ways. One of the last learning phenomenon has been “m-learning”. As open, cheap, and global way of transmitting knowledge, this new teaching system has in MOOC (Massive Open On-line Courses) courses the best example. Dynamism of this courses and high level of student’s interaction made us think about the possibility to integrate some pedagogical resources used in m-learning methodology in our classes in order to increase student’s participation and develop their professional abilities and competences. Our experience is focused on subjects in the field of general economics. We have incorporated during academic year m-learning tools that seemed us more adequate in person class. Our criteria have based on our previous experience as students in Coursera, Canvas and EdX courses. The main aim of this paper is share our experience, tools used for develop it and discuss about main results obtained

Energy Security from a European Union scope: the role of Russia

El propósito de este trabajo es mostrar la situación energética de la Unión Europea (UE), desgranar su política energética con especial referencia a la seguridad y tratar de ver el papel de Rusia en el escenario energético comunitario. Los hechos mostrarán cuál es la realidad que debe afrontar la UE, una realidad que le lleva a la adopción de estrategias tanto internas como externas que le permitan garantizar el suministro estable para las próximas décadas y donde Rusia juega un papel crucial. La complejidad estructural del sector energético ha llevado a la UE a la adopción de medidas que garanticen la diversificación de proveedores, la progresiva creación de un mercado interior energético y la búsqueda de alternativas factibles. Para dar respuesta a esta situación, ha diseñado una estrategia que le permita transitar de un modelo del uso de energías convencionales con altos niveles de eficiencia y ahorro energéticos, la inversión en Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación (I+D+I) y la promoción de las energías renovables hacia un modelo energético más compatible con el medioambiente y, sobre todo, más garante de la independencia energética.The aim of this work is to show the energy situation of the European Union (EU) across the analysis of its energy policy focusing in energy security. The facts show the important role of Russia as energy player and its influence in the design of energy strategy of the EU. As a reply of the strong dependency of Russian imports, European institutions have developed a strategy structured in two dimensions; internal and external one with the aim to guarantee the international cooperation with third countries, the increasing of internal energy market integration, the promotion of energy save, and the search of effective alternatives to conventional sources. The EU Strategy has designed a joint of measures that includes the increasing in the efficient use of conventional sources combined with higher levels in energy Investment, Innovation and technological Development (I+D+I), and the promotion of renewables. This is the way to change the classical energy model to a new one more compatible with the environment and a sustainable economic growth but also that implies a significant reduction of energy dependence

El futuro de la politica de reconversión minero-energética Comunitaria ante el fin del Tratado CECA

The aim of this paper is the analysis of coal normative framework from the beginning of the European Community to the end of the ECSC Treaty. The paper shows the uncertainty about coal restructuration after the end of the Treaty and also the complexity of coal decline in European countries

Política industrial y suelo industrial: especial referencia a Castilla y León

Los nuevos escenarios económicos que están surgiendo en el marco de una economía que prima la competitividad a gran escala cuestionan la necesidad de intervención de las autoridades públicas a favor de aquellas actividades que muestran signos de debilidad. La política industrial ha sido una de las políticas económicas cuya oportunidad y eficacia más ha sido debatida en los ámbitos económico, político y social en los últimos años, y muy especialmente en entornos en los que su dimensión de aplicación y, por tanto, sus objetivos finales han de adaptarse a espacios territoriales diferentes. Los instrumentos y fines de la política industrial han de variar su forma en función del espacio en el que deben actuar. Por esa razón, uno de nuestros objetivos será analizar la perspectiva de la política industrial desde la Europa Comunitaria en contraste con la dimensión que dicha política debe adoptar en el marco de una región como Castilla y León. En este último caso, nos referiremos más específicamente al papel jugado por uno de los instrumentos de política industrial regional; el suelo industrial

Prólogo

En 2013 se cumplían veinticinco años desde la publicación, el 29 de junio de 1988, del Real Decreto 659, por el que se creaba en la Universidad de León una Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales. Este motivo llevó a un grupo de profesores y colaboradores del Centro a comprometerse en la elaboración de un Número Especial de la revista Pecunia en el que abordar diversos estudios sobre la economía de León. Aquél proyecto, que sufrió diversos avatares en su desarrollo, ha concluido en el ejemplar que ahora ve la luz (digital)

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

El sector energético

Energy is a key element in economic growth. As a fundamental part of the energy sector, coal has been considered in the León province the base of industrial activity and the most important employ source for decades. Nevertheless, last years coal decreased their participation in local growth as a consequence of lack competitiveness and environmental agreements after EU adhesion. This paper gives a view about today’s economic structure of coal sector in Leon and offers a revision of main normative rules applied in the case of coal in Spain. The paper shows a qualitative analysis of the main coal indicators in perspective: a number of coal companies, invest level, etc…, as well as a review of the main coal restructuring, plans applied.La energía es un factor clave en el crecimiento económico. Como parte fundamental del sector de la energía, el carbón ha sido considerado en la provincia de León la base de la actividad industrial y la fuente más importante de empleo durante décadas. Sin embargo, en los últimos años el carbón ha reducido su participación en el crecimiento local como consecuencia de la carencia de competitividad y de los condicionantes medioambientales desde la adhesión en la UE. Este trabajo ofrece un punto de vista sobre la actual estructura del sector del carbón en León y revisa la principal normativa aplicada al carbón en España. El trabajo realiza un análisis cualitativo de los principales indicadores del carbón (número de empresas, nivel de inversión, etc.) y una revisión de la reestructuración de las empresas del sector

«Brexit» y política de seguridad y defensa: posibles efectos en las relaciones UE-UK.

The defence and security policy has become a stronger player in a context of a European Union that has loose power at global level. Demographic decline, migration crisis, new emergent economies and its potential role in the global economy, together with differentiated integration and internal conflicts, new global threats and the Brexit, have made of European security and defence policy one of the drivers of the future European Union Strategy. Brexit implies the first exit of a member in the EU after decades of successive enlargements. This Eurosceptic partner —relevant in the economic or financial field— may become crucial in the field of defence because of its high contribution to defence European budget and its nuclear military power. The aim of this work is to show a view of the different perspectives in the field of security, defence policy focusing in defence after Brexit, and analyse possible scenarios with its implications to the European Union at different levels.La política de seguridad y defensa ha cobrado protagonismo en los últimos tiempos de la mano de una Unión Europea que busca reposicionarse a nivel global ante la pérdida de protagonismo que podría experimentar como consecuencia del declive demográfico, la emergencia de nuevas economías y regiones, la crisis interna de identidad dominada por el problema de las migraciones y una integración diferenciada que acentúa diferencias internas. La combinación desigual de estos aspectos, el surgimiento de amenazas globales que no pueden ser resueltas si no es mediante la cooperación y la ruptura del modelo europeo con la salida del brexit, potencian el futuro papel que la política común de seguridad y defensa puede jugar. El brexit supone la primera salida de un socio en una organización como la UE que, en sus más de seis décadas de existencia bajo distintas denominaciones, solo había conocido expansiones. Este socio euroescéptico relevante en aspectos como el económico o financiero, lo es aún más en el campo de la seguridad y defensa, tanto por los presupuestos que destina a ello, como por ser una de las dos potencias nucleares de la UE. El presente trabajo trata de ofrecer una visión de la política de seguridad y defensa en la UE, centrada de manera específica en el campo de la defensa al tiempo que reflexiona sobre las posibles consecuencias que, implicaría una salida del Reino Unido en dos escenarios de negociación y las vías de colaboración que podrían establecerse a diferentes niveles