Generización del cuidado en situación de desempleo masculino

En este trabajo presentamos un diseño de investigación enmarcado en la epistemología feminista. Nos proponemos estudiar los impactos del desempleo masculino en la repartición de tareas domésticas y de cuidados, en un barrio de la ciudad de Barcelona. Entendiendo la complejidad que este tipo de diseños de investigación tiene, hemos realizado un marco teórico que nos permite entender lo mejor posible todos los elementos que tenemos que conocer para llevar a cabo esta investigación. ¿El desempleo -involuntario- masculino hace que ellos se involucren más en el ámbito doméstico? ¿Las crisis económicas obligan a cambiar los roles de género, basados en el binomio breadwinner/caregiver? Desde diversas investigaciones, utilizadas como soporte para este diseño, se da cuenta de que las negociaciones en el ámbito del hogar muchas veces exceden el monto del ingreso económico.In this paper we present a research design framed through feminist epistemology. Our research proposal is to study the impacts of male unemployment on the division of household chores and responsibilities in a suburb of Barcelona. Understanding the complexity of this type of research proposal, we have created a theoretical framework that allows us to understand all the aspects that we have to take in to account to undertake this study. Does (involuntary) male unemployment mean that men take on more domestic and caretaking responsibilities? Does the economic crisis change gender roles, based in the dichotomy of breadwinner/caregiver? This design draws from an array of previous studies that demonstrate that negotiations within the home often exceed the total amount of income

Microbial Community Analysis During Start-up of Anaerobic Co-digestion Based on Quinone Profiles Using Supercritical Fluid Extraction

Quinone profile is well known as a useful tool for the analysis of microbial community dynamics in mixed cultures in terms of quantification, simplicity, and reproducibility. The application of quinone profile method in anaerobic digestion is to monitor and overcome instability during fermentation process. A lab-scale anaerobic digestion treating a mixture of milk cow manure (CM) and simulated food waste (FW) during start-up process at mesophilic conditions was used to monitor the change of microbial community dynamics and stability. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) experiments using CO2 and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was applied for extract and determination of ubiquinones (UQ) and menaquinones (MK) species. Quinone can be a helpful tool to make the link between microbial community and anaerobic digestion parameters in order to overcome digester instability during the start-up process

Recombinant monovalent llama-derived antibody fragments (VHH) to rotavirus VP6 protect neonatal gnotobiotic piglets against human rotavirus-induced diarrhea

Group A Rotavirus (RVA) is the leading cause of severe diarrhea in children. The aims of the present study were to determine the neutralizing activity of VP6-specific llama-derived single domain nanoantibodies (VHH nanoAbs) against different RVA strains in vitro and to evaluate the ability of G6P[1] VP6-specific llama-derived single domain nanoantibodies (VHH) to protect against human rotavirus in gnotobiotic (Gn) piglets experimentally inoculated with virulent Wa G1P[8] rotavirus. Supplementation of the daily milk diet with 3B2 VHH clone produced using a baculovirus vector expression system (final ELISA antibody -Ab- titer of 4096; virus neutralization -VN- titer of 256) for 9 days conferred full protection against rotavirus associated diarrhea and significantly reduced virus shedding. The administration of comparable levels of porcine IgG Abs only protected 4 out of 6 of the animals from human RVA diarrhea but significantly reduced virus shedding. In contrast, G6P[1]-VP6 rotavirus-specific IgY Abs purified from eggs of hyperimmunized hens failed to protect piglets against human RVA-induced diarrhea or virus shedding when administering similar quantities of Abs. The oral administration of VHH nanoAb neither interfered with the host's isotype profiles of the Ab secreting cell responses to rotavirus, nor induced detectable host Ab responses to the treatment in serum or intestinal contents. This study shows that the oral administration of rotavirus VP6-VHH nanoAb is a broadly reactive and effective treatment against rotavirus-induced diarrhea in neonatal pigs. Our findings highlight the potential value of a broad neutralizing VP6-specific VHH nanoAb as a treatment that can complement or be used as an alternative to the current strain-specific RVA vaccines. Nanobodies could also be scaled-up to develop pediatric medication or functional food like infant milk formulas that might help treat RVA diarrhea.Fil: Vega, Celina Guadalupe. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Bok, Marina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Vlasova, Anastasia N.. Ohio State University; Estados UnidosFil: Chattha, Kuldeep S.. Ohio State University; Estados UnidosFil: Gómez Sebastián, Silvia. Universidad Politécnica de Madrid; EspañaFil: Nuñez, Carmen. Universidad Politécnica de Madrid; EspañaFil: Alvarado, Carmen. Universidad Politécnica de Madrid; EspañaFil: Lasa, Rodrigo. Universidad Politécnica de Madrid; EspañaFil: Escribano, José M.. Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria. Departamento Mejora Genética y Biotecnología; EspañaFil: Garaicoechea, Lorena Laura. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Fernández, Fernando. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; ArgentinaFil: Bok, Karin. National Institutes of Health; Estados UnidosFil: Wigdorovitz, Andrés. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Saif, Linda J.. Ohio State University; Estados UnidosFil: Parreño, Gladys Viviana. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Human papillomavirus-like particles vaccine efficiently produced in a non-fermentative system based on insect larva

8 p., 3 figures, 1 table of contents and bibliographySexually transmitt ed human papillomavirus (HPV) infections cause most cervical cancers. The inability to propagate HPV in vitro has led to the development of alternative approaches to antigen production for vaccine development. In the present work we describe a l ow - cost eff icient production of HPV virus - like particles (VLPs) in a non - fermentative system based on baculovirus and Trichoplusia ni ( T. ni ) insects. The L1 protein from HPV 16 was expressed by a recombinant baculovirus in larva at levels that reached 18 to 21 mg pe r g of fresh insect biomass. It represents about 2.5 times the L1 production yields obtained per g of insect cells using the same recombinant baculovirus. Under electron microscopy, purified VLPs produced in larvae were indistinguishable from those produce d in Sf - 21 insect cell cultures, presenting identical shape and size . Immunization of mice with the insect - derived VLPs induced a potent immune response similar to that obtained with insect cells - derived VLPs. The use of live insect larvae as “mini bioreac tors” opens up the possibility of cost - effective production of a vaccine against cervical cancer produced by papillomavirus, with special application in human populations where production costs restrain their use.This work was partially supported by Grants BIO2005-00155 and CPE03-022-C5-2 from the Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia and INIA, respectively, and by funds from the company Alternative Gene Expression S.L. (ALGENEX).Peer reviewe

Bioaccesibilidad de arsénico y mercurio en alimentos con potencial riesgo toxicológico

El arsénico y el mercurio son elementos traza, cuyas concentraciones en alimentos deben estar controladas por las autoridades sanitarias debido a que su excesiva ingesta puede entrañar efectos perjudiciales para la salud. De entre las distintas especies químicas de ambos tóxicos existentes en los alimentos, el arsénico inorgánico y el metilmercurio constituyen las especies más tóxicas, estando considerado el arsénico inorgánico como carcinógeno tipo I para el hombre, y el metilmercurio como posible carcinogénico para el hombre, grupo 2B. El arroz, en el caso del arsénico, y los productos de la pesca en el caso del mercurio, son alimentos de alto consumo susceptibles de presentar elevadas concentraciones de estos contaminantes y pueden por ello constituir un riesgo para la salud de los consumidores. En la estimación del riesgo toxicológico, la etapa de evaluación de la exposición tiene en cuenta la frecuencia y la magnitud de la misma. Dado que la dieta es la principal vía de entrada de arsénico y mercurio para el hombre, la evaluación de la magnitud de la exposición a ambos tóxicos debería considerar tanto la influencia del cocinado sobre la concentración del tóxico, como la biodisponibilidad oral (fracción soluble del contaminante ingerido que es absorbida por el epitelio intestinal y alcanza la circulación sistémica, hallándose así disponible para actuar en el organismo receptor). Una herramienta conservadora para la evaluación de la biodisponibilidad oral es la bioaccesibilidad, relación entre la concentración bioaccesible o soluble de una sustancia y la concentración total de la sustancia presente en la muestra. La bioaccesibilidad es indicativa de la máxima cantidad que puede absorberse por el epitelio intestinal y por ello se utiliza como indicador de la máxima biodisponibilidad oral. Conocer la bioaccesibilidad del arsénico y mercurio desde los alimentos puede aportar información novedosa en la estimación del riesgo toxicológico. En la actualidad, para estimar la bioaccesibilidad de los contaminantes pueden utilizarse métodos de digestión gastrointestinal in vitro estáticos y dinámicos que emulan las etapas gástrica e intestinal de la digestión humana. La mayoría de los estudios sobre arsénico en arroz y mercurio en pescados existentes en la bibliografía, no consideran el efecto del cocinado ni la bioaccesibilidad, limitándose a una determinación de las concentraciones de estos metales en los productos crudos. La presente tesis doctoral caracteriza las concentraciones de arsénico, mercurio y sus especies químicas de interés toxicológico en muestras de arroz y productos de la pesca, y evalúa el efecto del cocinado y de la bioaccesibilidad sobre dichas concentraciones y sobre la estimación del riesgo asumido a su consumo.Arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) are toxic trace elements, and their concentrations in foods must be controlled by health authorities because of the possible adverse effects on the health that are associated with their dietary intake. Inorganic arsenic is considered by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a carcinogen to humans, Group I and methylmercury compounds are classified by this agency as possibly carcinogenic to humans, Group 2B. Rice in case of arsenic, and seafood products and specially predatory fish, in case of mercury, tend to accumulate high levels of these pollutants. In risk assessment, the exposure assessment stage evaluates the extent, duration, frequency and magnitude of exposure to a chemical pollutant. The evaluation of the magnitude of exposure to metal(loid)s through food should consider not only the influence of cooking on the concentration of the contaminant, but also the oral bioavailability, i.e. the soluble fraction of the ingested pollutant that is absorbed by the intestinal epithelium and reaches the central (blood) compartment from the gastrointestinal tract. A conservative tool for evaluating oral bioavailability is oral bioaccessibility, defined as the fraction that is soluble in the gastrointestinal environment and is available for absorption. Bioaccessibility provides an indication of maximum oral bioavailability and is therefore an important tool to be used in risk assessment. For As and Hg, however, as for other toxic trace elements, evaluation of risk intake is normally based on concentrations of the contaminant in raw food. Most of the studies report data in raw products, not considering the effect of cooking and bioaccessibility on concentrations. The present thesis characterizes the concentrations of arsenic, mercury and their chemical species of toxicological interest, in samples of rice and seafood products, and evaluates the effect of cooking and bioaccessibility on these concentrations and on the estimation of the risk associated with consumption of these products

Longitudinal Study of Dyadic Adjustment in a Sample of Spanish Fathers

The objectives of this study were to examine the evolution of fathers’ long-term dyadic adjustment after the birth of a child and to analyze their evolution considering related factors. A total of 113 Spanish fathers with a mean age of 35.72 years (SD = 3.84 years) participated. In general, there was a decline in the dyadic adjustment of the fathers until 6–12 months after childbirth, after which their level of adjustment remained stable until 13–24 months. We observed different patterns when analyzing the evolution by subgroups formed based on these different variables, previous experience of paternity, and anxiety. The intrinsic differences between fathers should also be considered because these differences can influence the way in which men face the parental process as well as the evolution of the quality of their relationship with their partner.The present study was granted by the General Sub-Directorate for Evaluation and Promotion of Research (Institute of Health Carlos III, ISCIII) and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) (No. PI14/01549)

Towards a contingent approach to firm strategy on the lowest levels of the hierarchy of the defence industry

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a strategic analysis of firms at the lowest hierarchical levels of the defence industry. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents the main results of an exploratory, multiple-case study that analyses the current strategy drivers and their views about the future ones, and their impact at the lowest hierarchical levels of the defence industry in Spain. Findings – This investigation develops and analyses a contingency model regarding the strategy impact and effects of firms’ drivers and clients, both mediated by the strategy players because of their huge impact on the defence industry. The research model focuses on the internal relations between technical and commercial activities due to the cause and effect of their capabilities. Simultaneously, pull and push mechanisms boost firms’ capabilities and requirements to provide strategic foresight. Practical implications – Ministries of Defence (MoDs) and prime contractors will remain mediating players in the near future even with further implications for the competition of Defence Technological and Industrial Base (DTIB) firms. It implies that firms and MoDs must maintain a close relation and implement more flexible practices, such as open innovation, property rights or new commercialization schemes

Relationships between parent–infant bonding, dyadic adjustment and quality of life, in an intra-partner sample

The transition to parenthood represents a moment of change and adaptation in which the dyadic marital relationship becomes a triadic relationship. Facilitating a positive transition requires a thorough understanding of the explanatory model of the relationship between parental–infant bonding, dyadic adjustment and quality of life (QoL) from an integrative perspective of the family unit. The aim of this work was to analyse the relationships between parent–infant bonding, dyadic adjustment and QoL from an intra-partner perspective, 6–12 months after the birth of a child. A cross-sectional observational study was performed in a convenience sample of 222 couples 6–12 months postpartum, enrolled from October 2013 to March 2016. The mean age of the mothers was 34.07 years (SD = 3.67), and for the fathers, it was 35.75 years (SD = 4.02). Mothers perceived better QoL and greater mother–infant bonding compared to fathers. The perception of an adequate dyadic adjustment, together with positive parent–infant bonding, had positively influenced the individual QoL of both members of the couple 6–12 months after birth. From an intra-partner perspective, the positive transition was influenced by the relationship between parent–infant bonding, dyadic adjustment and QoL. Positive parent–infant bonding in mothers and fathers, as well as promotion of the quality of the relationships between couples, can help promote a better QoL. Positive health results can be achieved in terms of individual and family well-being by designing healthcare interventions that encourage the presence and participation of the family unit.The present study was granted by the General Sub-Directorate for Evaluation and Promotion of Research (Institute of Health Carlos III, ISCIII) and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) (No. PI14/01549)

Psychometric properties of the maternal breastfeeding evaluation scale: a confirmatory factor analysis

Background It has been suggested that maternal satisfaction should be included as an additional and appropriate outcome indicator in relation to the breastfeeding process. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of various existing versions of the Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale in a Spanish sample. Methods This was a longitudinal observational study, evaluated at three different time points: in the hospital after delivery, and then at five and 12 months after delivery in a Spanish sample. A total of 690 mother participated in this study. Results Confirmatory factor analysis results indicated an improved fit of the data to the original model (CFI = 0.984; TLI = 0.982; RMSEA = 0.079). All dimensions of the Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale are positively associated with breastfeeding rates and negatively associated with perceived difficulty in continuing to breastfeed after returning to work at five months postpartum. Moreover, the scale can predict breastfeeding behavior at 12 months postpartum. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that the structure of the original version of the Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale mean it is a is valid and reliable tool for assessing maternal perceptions of the breastfeeding experience in Spain. This research enhances our understanding of maternal satisfaction with the breastfeeding experience and its potential implications for supporting breastfeeding practices. It is an opportunity for the academic, healthcare, and policy sectors to develop more effective interventions to improve breastfeeding rates and ensure a positive experience for mothers.This project has been funded by the Health Research Project Subprogram of the Ministry of Science and Innovation

Factor structure and psychometric properties of the spanish version of the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ) for children

Background: The Alabama Child Parenting Questionnaire (APQ) is a multi-source and multi-method instrument created to assess the most relevant parenting practices from a bidirectional perspective. Despite its advantages, the APQ has not been validated with a Spanish population. The objective of this study was to analyse the psychometric properties and factor structure of the APQ, child self-report version, in a community sample of Spanish children. Method: The participants were 423 Spanish children (58.9% boys) aged between 8 and 12 years. Results: Exploratory factor analysis suggested a version of the questionnaire that consists of 16 items with a four-factor structure: Parental Involvement, Positive Parenting, Inconsistent Discipline, and Poor Supervision. The internal consistency of the subscales was moderate, except for the father's Parental Involvement factor, which reached acceptable reliability. Convergent validity with a measure of quality of life was adequate. Gender differences were only found in Poor Supervision, with higher scores in boys than in girls. Conclusions: Overall, these findings provide support for the use of the APQ to measure parenting practices perceived by Spanish children.Estructura factorial y propiedades psicométricas de la versión española del Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ) para niños. Antecedentes: el Alabama Child Parenting Questionnaire (APQ) es un instrumento que permite una evaluación multimétodo y multifuente de las prácticas educativas parentales desde una perspectiva bidireccional. A pesar de sus ventajas, el APQ no ha sido validado con población española. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las propiedades psicométricas y la estructura factorial del APQ, versión autoinforme, en una muestra comunitaria de niños españoles. Método: los participantes fueron 423 niños españoles (58,9% varones) con edades comprendidas entre 8 y 12 años. Resultados: el análisis factorial exploratorio sugirió una versión del cuestionario formada por 16 íítems y una estructura de cuatro factores: implicación parental, crianza positiva, disciplina inconsistente y pobre supervisión. La consistencia interna de las subescalas fue moderada, excepto para la implicación de los padres, que fue aceptable. La validez convergente, hallada con una medida de calidad de vida, fue adecuada. Únicamente se hallaron diferencias en función del género en la subescala pobre supervisión, con puntuaciones mayores en los niños que en las niñas. Conclusiones: en conjunto, los hallazgos de este estudio apoyan el uso del APQ para medir las prácticas parentales percibidas por los niños españoles