The mediterranean diet: culture and its impact on consumer habits in Barcelona restaurant

Este artículo se ha enfocado en estudiar la prevalencia de la dieta mediterránea en los menús de los restaurantes de la ciudad de Barcelona, partiendo de una revisión de estudios previos referentes a la gran influencia de la cultura “Mediterránea” sobre aspectos diarios como lo es la alimentación. Se ha establecido un estudio cualitativo seleccionando una muestra de expertos, definida por jefes de cocina de los restaurantes barceloneses. Los resultados evidencian que la dieta mediterránea está posicionada en la mente de sus clientes y por tanto genera que todas las decisiones de compra de insumos, planificación de minutas, elaboración de platos y menús, se realicen siguiendo los lineamientos de la dieta mediterránea. Este estudio es un aporte de gran importancia para la línea de investigación sobre la cultura en los hábitos de consumo especialmente con la dieta mediterránea, ya que, confirma que su prevalencia frente a nuevos alimentos, platos y menús foráneos es fuerte y los hábitos de los consumidores se mantienen fieles a sus tradiciones culinarias.This article studies the importance of the Mediterranean diet in the menus of restaurants in the city of Barcelona. It is based on a review of previous studies about the great influence of the Mediterranean culture on daily aspects such as food. A qualitative study was conducted and a sample of experts—head chefs at restaurants in Barcelona—was selected. The results show that the Mediterranean diet is positioned in the minds of their customers; therefore, all the decisions related to the purchase of products and the planning of menus and dishes are made following the guidelines of the Mediterranean diet. This study is an important contribution to the research field of culture in consumption habits, because it confirms that the Mediterranean diet still is strongly preferred over new foods, dishes and foreign menus. The habits of consumers remain true to their culinary traditions

Role of polyphenol oxidase in olive metabolism

Virgin olive oil (VOO) is the most important fat in the Mediterranean diet, which has many nutritional benefits and excellent organoleptic properties. These characteristics are mainly linked to the phenolic compounds present in VOO. The content of phenolic compounds in VOO is related to the initial content of phenolic glycosides in the olive fruit, which are later transformed by hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes to form the main phenolic components of VOO [1].The main enzyme involved in the oxidative degradation of phenolic compounds during the oil extraction process is the polyphenol oxidase (PPO). This enzyme may catalyse two different reactions, hydroxylation of monophenols to form orthodiphenols (monophenolase activity), or oxidation of these orthodiphenols to quinones (diphenolase activity). Thus, PPO could display an important role both in the degradation and biosynthesis pathways, which means that these pathways could be connected [1]. In consequence, the functional characterization of olive PPOs is needed to understand the metabolism of phenolic compounds.Two polyphenol oxidase genes (OePPO1 and OePPO2) have been identified from a transcriptome obtained from diverse olive varieties, with different phenolic contents, and submited to various biotic and abiotic stresses [3]. Both genes were synthesized, cloned and expressed in E. coli (BL21). Extraction and purification protocols of the recombinant proteins have been optimized using affinity chromatography [2]. Similarly, specific activity assays and HPLC analysis methods have been designed for the biochemical characterization of the recombinant proteins.The functional identity of both proteins has been verified, since both of them have shown to be active against orthodiphenols (hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein), and their catalytic characterization is being completed using natural phenolic substrates from olive fruit (oleuropein and verbascoside) and VOO (hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and acetate of hydroxytyrosol).Later, expression studies by qRT-PCR will be carried out and, finally, the expression, functional genomics and metabolomics data will be analyzed together to determine the specific role of these enzymes in the metabolism of phenolic compounds in olive trees

Construcción de una herramienta software para el manejo del cálculo y simulación de parámetros en elementos de transmisión flexible con el fin de mejorar la comprobación de datos en los diseños de maquinaria

La desaceleración de la producción industrial se ha convertido en un fenómeno global, lo que ha afectado el ritmo de crecimiento del sector independientemente del bloque económicos o continente donde está ubicado, incluso China cuyo sector creció a dos dígitos durante la década anterior ha registrado crecimientos por debajo del 10% en el último trimestre. Esto se refleja en una disminución de los precios de los productos básicos y afectando las exportaciones de Latinoamérica, incluida Colombia. La recuperación de la industria en Colombia después de la crisis económica mundial, destaca al sector automotor como uno de sus pioneros. En 2011, el comportamiento de este sector mostró los más altos resultados en ventas, producción y nivel de empleo en su historia. Las ventas tuvieron un año record en unidades nuevas (324.570 unidades) las cuales representaron un incremento del 28% con respecto al año anterior (253.869 unidades), superando el crecimiento de economías como Brasil, México, Argentina, Chile y Perú. Esto muestra que Colombia se destaca como escenario ideal para generar una plataforma de fabricación y ensamble de vehículos, camiones, buses y autopartes, destinados a abastecer el mercado nacional y regional. Actualmente, Colombia es el cuarto con mayor productor de vehículos en Latinoamérica, empleando el 2,6% (24.783 empleos directos) del personal ocupado dentro de la industria manufacturera. Adicionalmente, el sector representa el 4% del PIB industrial. La industria automotriz en Colombia comprende la actividad de ensamblaje (vehículos ligeros, camiones, buses y motocicletas) y fabricación de partes y piezas utilizadas en dicho proceso así como el mercado de reposición. Así mismo, se involucran proveedores de insumos de otras industrias como metalmecánica, petroquímicos (plásticos - cauchos) y textiles. La oferta Colombiana autopartista se concentra en gran parte en Bogotá (80%), seguida por otras ciudades principales como Medellín, Cali y Bucaramanga. Los principales productos manufacturados en el país son aires acondicionados, asientos y trim interior, bocelería exterior (bumpers), embragues (clutch), filtros de aire y aceite, llantas y neumáticos, mangueras de caucho, partes metalmecánicas, partes de dirección, partes eléctricas, partes de frenos, partes de suspensión, partes de transmisión, ruedas, sistema de escape, vidrios de seguridad, y accesorios. Esta capacidad instalada de autopartistas Colombianos permite alcanzar el mínimo contenido regional (34,6% para vehículos livianos y 18% para vehículos de más de 16 personas) para acceder a preferencias arancelarias exigidas en los acuerdos de libre comercio. En general, el país cuenta con una oferta suficiente, variada y con las certificaciones requeridas para proveer a ensambladores de equipo original. Por motivo de estos avances de Colombia en el sector industrias nace la necesidad que nuestros profesionales se capaciten con nuevas y novedosas herramientas para el diseño, cálculo y desarrollo de maquinarias, esto brinda la oportunidad de mayor precisión y calidad al momento de la elaboración de dichas maquinasPregrad

Impact of gender on the acceptance of electronic word-ofmouth (eWOM) information in Spain

The aim of this paper is to explore the differences between males and females in the acceptance of eWOM information. For this purpose, the Information Acceptance Model (IACM), which addresses the characteristics that are evaluated in the use and attitude towards the use of information and play a role in the purchase decision-making process, as demonstrated in the literature, has been used as a reference. An empirical model, which is expected to be validated from the information collected through an online questionnaire completed by 271 users of social networking sites in Spain, has been used. A structural equation model (SEM) is introduced to calculate the measurement structure of the variables and the relationships between them. This paper provides useful insights into the understanding of the differences in the behaviour of males and females regarding online eWOM, and therefore could imply differentiated online marketing and reputation management activities

Geminivirus replication protein decreases PCNA sumoylation at two acceptor sites

Geminiviruses are plant viruses with circular, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) genomes that infect a broad range of plants causing substantial crop diseases worldwide. They replicate in nuclei of infected cells by using host DNA replication machinery and an essential protein encoded in their genome designated Rep (replication-associated protein). This multifunctional protein induces the accumulation of the host factors involved in replication and it is capable of interacting with a lot of plant proteins including PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen), a processivity factor that coordinates a wide range of processes involved in maintenance, duplication and transmission of the genome, and the sumoylation enzyme that conjugates SUMO to target proteins (SUMO-conjugating enzyme- SCE). PCNA modification by SUMO, and also ubiquitin, has long been known to be of key importance for determining how DNA damage is processed by the replisome and for maintenance of overall genome integrity. In yeast, PCNA sumoylation has been associated to DNA repair involving homologous recombination (HR). Previously, we reported that Rep ectopic expression does not result in broad changes in the sumoylation pattern of plant cells, but it modifies the sumoylation state of selected host proteins. In this work, we show, using a reconstituted sumoylation system in Escherichia coli, that tomato PCNA is sumoylated at two residues, K254 and K164, and that co-expression of the Rep protein suppresses PCNA sumoylation at these lysines. Finally, we confirm that PCNA is sumoylated and that Rep also interferes with PCNA sumoylation in planta.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tec

Prevalencia y magnitud de la insatisfacción con el peso e imagen corporal en mujeres estudiantes de Dietética

[EN] Some authors have suggested that body weight dissatisfaction may be high in students majoring in dietetics. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the extent of body weight and image dissatisfaction in a sample of women in dietetics major. Additionally, predictors of magnitude of body weight dissatisfaction were analyzed. Participants were 62 volunteers with normalweight whose mean age was 21.87±1.89 years old (nonrandom sample). The assessment instruments included anthropometric measurements, a somatomorphic matrix test and an eating disorders inventory (EDI-2). Data were analyzed using SPSS vs. 15.0. A larger proportion of students chose an ideal body weight lower than actual weight (67.7%) and body image with less body fat and more muscle mass than actual values (56.4%). The magnitude of body weight dissatisfaction was associated with muscle mass and body fat dissatisfaction, and with the subscale of EDI-2 “body dissatisfaction”. So, from a public health standpoint, we consider important to continue working in this line of research with the aim of better understanding the extent of body weight dissatisfaction in women dietitians, and how this dissatisfaction could interfere with their professional practice.[ES] Algunos autores han sugerido que los estudiantes de Dietética pueden presentar una elevada insatisfacción con el peso corporal. Por este motivo, se llevó a cabo el presente trabajo con el objetivo de analizar la insatisfacción con el peso y la imagen corporal en una muestra de mujeres estudiantes de Dietética. Además, se analizaron predictores de la magnitud de la insatisfacción con el peso corporal. Las participantes fueron 62 voluntarias con normopeso que tenían una media de edad de 21,87±1,89 años (muestra no aleatoria). La evaluación incluyó medidas antropométricas, el test somatomórfico matrix y el eating disorders inventory (EDI-2). Los resultados se analizaron con el programa estadístico SPSS vs. 15.0. Un elevado porcentaje de estudiantes eligieron un peso ideal menor que su peso actual (67,7%) e imágenes corporales con menos grasa corporal y más masa muscular que la que tienen actualmente (56,4%). La magnitud de la insatisfacción con el peso corporal se asoció con la insatisfacción con la grasa corporal y la masa muscular, y con la suescala “insatisfacción corporal” del EDI-2. Por lo que, desde el punto de vista de salud pública, consideramos de interés seguir trabajando en esta línea de investigación con el objetivo de comprender mejor el grado de insatisfacción con el peso corporal en mujeres dietistas, y cómo esa insatisfacción podría afectar a su práctica profesional

Performance and emissions of a diesel engine using sunflower biodiesel with a renewable antioxidant additive from bio-oil

The aim of this study is to test the behaviour of sunflower biodiesel in a diesel engine after being treated with a natural antioxidant additive produced from bio-oil extraction (final dosage of bio-oil compounds in doped biodiesel of 1.9 wt%). The influence of this renewable additive in both the engine performance and the produced emissions was evaluated. Five more fuels were used for the sake of comparison: petroleum diesel, neat sunflower biodiesel without additives, commercial biodiesel, commercial B10 blend and another B10 blend prepared from petro-diesel and doped sunflower biodiesel. Brake power was found to be similar for the six fuels, while the brake specific fuel consumption and the brake thermal efficiency were higher for biodiesel fuels. Only slight differences (<1%) were observed between the doped biodiesel and the neat one, showing that the bio-oil based additive did not negatively affect the general performance of the engine. Regarding gas emissions (analysed according to the European Stationary Cycle), weighted average emissions of NOx and CO2 were higher for biodiesel fuels, while CO and opacity factor were lower in that case. Incorporating the bio-oil based additive reduced NOx emissions and smoke opacity by 3.0% and 4.4% compared with neat biodiesel, respectively, whilst CO and HC emissions increased by 0.7 and 14.3% respectively, values still remaining below those of diesel

Performance and emissions of a diesel engine fueled with biodiesel doped with a renewable antioxidant additive

1. INTRODUCTION Biodiesel is a mixture of alkyl esters obtained by transesterification of vegetable oils and animal fats with a short chain alcohol (mainly methanol or ethanol) and catalyzed by acids or bases (usually NaOH or KOH) [1]. Final properties of the biodiesel are similar to those of petroleum derived-diesel. Therefore, biodiesel can be used in diesel conventional engines without significant modifications or mixed in any proportion with fossil diesel. Some of the main drawbacks of biodiesel to be used as fuel are the low oxidation stability and poor cold flow properties (freezing point and flowability of the fuel at low temperatures), both highly dependent on the raw material composition. Saturated compounds are responsible for the poor cold flow properties of biodiesel, whereas unsaturated esters are mainly responsible for its oxidation [2]. Different synthetic and costly additives [3-6] have been used by manufacturers to improve biodiesel characteristics in order to fulfill the requirements defined in different standards, such as EN 14214 in Europe. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

Plasma Rich in Growth Factors Membrane as Coadjuvant Treatment in the Surgery of Ocular Surface Disorders

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the surgical use of plasma rich in growth factors fibrin membrane (mPRGF) in different ocular surface pathologies.Fifteen patients with different corneal and conjunctival diseases were included in the study. Patients were grouped according to the use of mPRGF as graft (corneal and/or conjunctival) or dressing; they were also grouped according to the surgical subgroup of intervention (persistent corneal ulcer [PCU], keratoplasty, superficial keratectomy, corneal perforation, and pterygium). Best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), inflammation control time (ICT), mPRGF AT (PRGF membrane absorption time), and the healing time of the epithelial defect (HTED) were evaluated throughout the clinical follow-up time. Safety assessment was also performed reporting all adverse events.mPRGF showed a total closure of the defect in 13 of 15 patients (86.7%) and a partial closure in 2 patients (13.3%). The mean follow-up time was 11.14.2 (4.8-22.8) months, the mean ICT was 2.5 +/- 1.1 (1.0-4.0) months, the mean mPRGF AT was 12.4 +/- 2.0 (10.0-16.0) days, and for the global HTED the mean was 2.9 +/- 1.2 (1-4.8) months. Results showed an improvement in BCVA in all patients, with an overall improvement of 2.9 in Vision Lines. The BCVA significantly improved (P.05) throughout the clinical follow-up time. No adverse events were reported after mPRGF use.The mPRGF is effective and safe as coadjuvant treatment in surgeries related with ocular surface disorders, being an alternative to the use of amniotic membrane. The mPRGF accelerates tissue regeneration after ocular surface surgery thus minimizing inflammation and fibrosis.This study received funding from the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of the Spanish Government, within the project denominated SURFEYE (reference RTC-2014-2375-1)