Estimación de los beneficios económicos y sociales derivados de los proyectos de valoración del patrimonio cultural: el caso de 'Las Edades del Hombre'

Los bienes e instituciones patrimoniales constituyen un importante recurso no sólo cultural, sino también económico y social para las ciudades, regiones y países en los que se encuentran localizados. En los últimos años se viene constatando, en este sentido, un interés cada vez mayor por parte de investigadores, políticos y gestores culturales por conocer los beneficios económicos y sociales derivados de la provisión de bienes y servicios patrimoniales. Ello ha dado lugar a la aparición de numerosos estudios que tratan de estimar el valor económico de este tipo de bienes y servicios. La mayoría de los trabajos realizados hasta el momento son parciales, en la medida en que utilizan metodologías que únicamente permiten estimar el valor de algunos de los componentes que integran el valor económico de estos bienes. Por este motivo, en los últimos años se viene incidiendo, cada vez con mayor frecuencia, en la necesidad de utilizar distintas metodologías de valoración de forma combinada, con el objeto de poder realizar estimaciones más precisas y que reflejen el valor económico total de estos bienes y servicios. El objetivo de esta comunicación es explorar el potencial que presentan en la valoración del patrimonio cultural dos técnicas de medición muy diferentes entre sí: los estudios de impacto económico y las técnicas de valoración de atributos sin mercado, en concreto el método del coste de viaje. Estas dos metodologías se aplican en la estimación de los beneficios económicos y sociales derivados del desarrollo de las exposiciones 'Las Edades del Hombre'. La trayectoria y logros de este ciclo expositivo a lo largo de los últimos 24 años han convertido este innovador proyecto cultural en un referente como modelo de gestión y puesta en valor del Patrimonio, ampliamente reconocido e imitado. Esta iniciativa constituye, además, un claro ejemplo del potencial que presenta el patrimonio cultural para convertirse, mediante una adecuada puesta en valor, en un valioso recurso para el territorio y en un instrumento estratégico en los programas de desarrollo regional y local y en los planes de renovación y revitalización de las ciudades.Cultural heritage goods and institutions are an important resource not only cultural, but also economic and social for cities, regions and countries in which they are located. In recent years, a growing interest has arised among researchers, policy makers and cultural managers in order to know the economic and social benefits derived from the provision of heritage goods and services. This interest has led to the appearance of many studies that attempt to estimate the economic value of these goods and services. Most of these works are partial, as far as their methodologies estimate only some components that comprise the total economic value of these goods. For this reason, the need of using several valuation methodologies jointly has become patent, in order to make more accurate estimations and reflect the total economic value of these goods and services. The aim of this paper is to explore the potential of two valuation techniques in the assessment of cultural heritage: economic impact studies and travel cost method. These two methodologies are applied to the estimation of the economic and social benefits derived from the development of the exhibitions The Ages of Mankind. The achievements of this exhibition cycle over the last 24 years have made this innovative cultural project a widely recognized and imitated model for the management and valorization of Cultural Heritage. This initiative is also a clear example of the potential of the cultural heritage to become, through proper valorization, a valuable resource for the territory and a strategic instrument for regional and local development programs and for most renewal and revitalization plans of cities

Achieving effective visitor orientation in European museums. Innovation versus custodial

Producción CientíficaThe context in which museums operate has evolved considerably over the last few decades, while the challenges they face have increased. The current need for museums to augment their own revenue and improve their performance coupled with the transformation of cultural models towards more experiential services has led many to adopt a consumer orientation in an effort to make museums and their collections increasingly accessible to visitors. This visitor orientation is more than just a wish to bring culture closer to the public, but rather a desire to understand visitors’ demands and thus adapt to their expectations. This paper seeks to explore the relation between visitor orientation and performance in museums. Specifically, the study focuses on technological innovation and tradition as two alternative strategies to respond to visitor expectations. An empirical study was conducted for a sample of 491 European museums. Evidence is found to support the notion that the impact of visitor orientation on economic and market performance depends on how visitors’ needs are perceived and on museums’ commitment to either innovation or tradition and custody. Whereas technological innovation has a positive impact on revenue and economic performance, the impact of custodial orientation is negative. Custodial orientation only proves effective in market terms in large museums but does not prove effective in economic terms, for either small or large museums. This paper offers a guide as to how to deal with visitor orientation in cultural and heritage organizations. Although an orientation to innovate geared towards satisfying visitor needs would seem the logical way for museums to increase visitor numbers, an approach involving too much innovation, often leading museums to becoming shows, has been widely criticized.Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad (Project ECO2012-38552

Bark extract of Uncaria tomentosa L. for the control of strawberry phytopathogens

Gray mold (Botrytis cinerea Pers.), crown and fruit rot (Phytophthora cactorum (Lebert and Cohn) J.Schröt), and verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae Kleb.) are among the main diseases that affect the strawberry crop. In the study presented herein, the bark extract of Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC, popularly known as “cat’s claw”, has been evaluated for its capability to act as a sustainable control method. The bioactive compounds present in the aqueous ammonia extract were characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy, and the antimicrobial activity of the extract—alone and in combination with chitosan oligomers (COS)—was assessed in vitro and as a coating for postharvest treatment during storage. Octyl isobutyrate (30.7%), 19α methyl-2-oxoformosanan-16-carboxylate (9.3%), tetrahydro-2-methyl-thiophene (4.7%), and α-methyl manofuranoside (4.4%) were identified as the main phytoconstituents. The results of in vitro growth inhibition tests showed that, upon conjugation of the bark extract with COS, complete inhibition was reached at concentrations in the 39–93.75 μg∙mL−1 range, depending on the pathogen. Concerning the effect of the treatment as a coating to prolong the storage life and control decay during post-harvest storage, high protection was observed at a concentration of 1000 μg∙mL−1. Because of this effectiveness, higher than that attained with conventional synthetic fungicides, the bark extracts of cat’s claw may hold promise for strawberry crop protection

Synergistic interaction in the analgesic-like effects of maqui berry and citrus Is antagonized by sweeteners

Although physiologically pain has a protective function, in many diseases, it is one of the most prominent symptoms. Today, new trends are focused on finding more natural alternatives to conventional treatments to alleviate it. Thereby, the purpose of this investigation was to obtain preclinical data of the antinociceptive properties of a lyophilized obtained from a newly designed maqui–citrus beverage alone and added with different sweeteners. To achieve this objective, maqui berry and citrus pharmacological activity were studied separately, as well as the interaction of both ingredients. In addition, due to the controversy generated regarding the intake of sugars, related to different metabolic diseases, the influence of different sweeteners (stevia, sucralose, or sucrose) was studied to determine their possible influence on the bioactive compounds of this product. For the attainment of our goals, a pharmacological evaluation, using the 1% formalin test, a nociceptive pain model in mice, was performed by using a sub-efficacious dosage of Maqui (25 mg/kg, i.p.) alone and combined with citrus, and then compared with the effects obtained in the presence of the different sweeteners. As a result, the antinociceptive response of the maqui was synergized in the presence of citrus in the neurogenic and inflammatory phases of the formalin test. However, this response was partially or totally reduced in the presence of the sweeteners. Our study gives preclinical evidence that a combination of maqui and citrus might exert beneficial actions to relieve pain, whereas the presence of sweeteners could reduce or avoid it.This work was partially supported by Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT) grant numbers 226454 and 256448 and Institutional projects numbers INP-NC123280.0 and INP-NC17073.0. Also, was partially funded by the Spanish MINECO through Research Project AGL2016-75332-C2-1-R (AEI/FEDER, UE), the Spanish MICIN through Research Project PID2019- 104212RD-100, and VA by a FPI grant (BES-2017-079754

Antinociceptive effects of maqui-berry (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz)

Maqui-berry is characterised by presenting a high concentration of (poly)phenols, accounting anthocyanins (cyanidin and delphinidin) for over 85% of the total. These coloured flavonoids have demonstrated potential neurological activity, but the evidence of their antinociceptive properties is scarce. In order to cover this gap, different doses (suitable for human administration) of a maqui-berry powder (1.6% anthocyanin), using enteral and parenteral routes of administration, were compared at central and peripheral levels using a nociceptive pain model (formalin test) in mice. Gastric damage analysis as possible adverse effects of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs was also explored. Dose-antinociceptive response was confirmed using both routes of administration and in both neurogenic and inflammatory phases of the formalin test, without gastric damage. In conclusion, these preliminary data provide evidence of pharmacological properties of maqui-berry to alleviate nociceptive pain.This work was partially supported by Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT) grant numbers 226454 and 256448 and Institutional projects numbers INP-NC123280.0 and INP-NC17073.0. Also, was partially funded by the Spanish MINECO through Research Project AGL2016-75332-C2-1-R (AEI/FEDER, UE), the Spanish MICIN through Research Project PID2019-104212RD-100, and VA by a FPI [grant number BES-2017-079754]

Activity of anthracenediones and flavoring phenols in hydromethanolic extracts of Rubia tinctorum against grapevine phytopathogenic fungi

In this work, the chemical composition of Rubia tinctorum root hydromethanolic extract was analyzed by GC–MS, and over 50 constituents were identified. The main phytochemicals were alizarin-related anthraquinones and flavoring phenol compounds. The antifungal activity of this extract, alone and in combination with chitosan oligomers (COS) or with stevioside, was evaluated against the pathogenic taxa Diplodia seriata, Dothiorella viticola and Neofusicoccum parvum, responsible for the so-called Botryosphaeria dieback of grapevine. In vitro mycelial growth inhibition tests showed remarkable activity for the pure extract, with EC50 and EC90 values as low as 66 and 88 μg·mL−1, respectively. Nonetheless, enhanced activity was attained upon the formation of conjugate complexes with COS or with stevioside, with synergy factors of up to 5.4 and 3.3, respectively, resulting in EC50 and EC90 values as low as 22 and 56 μg·mL−1, respectively. The conjugate with the best performance (COS–R. tinctorum extract) was then assayed ex situ on autoclaved grapevine wood against D. seriata, confirming its antifungal behavior on this plant material. Finally, the same conjugate was evaluated in greenhouse assays on grafted grapevine plants artificially inoculated with the three aforementioned fungal species, resulting in a significant reduction in the infection rate in all cases. This natural antifungal compound represents a promising alternative for developing sustainable control methods against grapevine trunk disease

Assessment of conjugate complexes of chitosan and Urtica dioica or Equisetum arvense extracts for the control of grapevine trunk pathogens

In the work presented herein, we analyze the efficacy of three basic substances that comply with European Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, namely chitosan, horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.) and nettle (Urtica dioica L.), for the control of grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) in organic farming. The E. arvense and U. dioica aqueous extracts, prepared according to SANCO/12386/2013 and SANTE/11809/2016, have been studied by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), identifying their main active constituents. The three basic substances, either alone or in combination (forming conjugate complexes), have been tested in vitro against eight Botryosphaeriaceae species, and in vivo, in grafted plants artificially inoculated with Neofusicoccum parvum and Diplodia seriata. A clear synergistic behavior between chitosan and the two plant extracts has been observed in the mycelial growth inhibition tests (resulting in EC90 values as low as 208 μg·mL−1 for some of the isolates), and statistically significant differences have been found in terms of vascular necroses lengths between treated and non-treated plants, providing further evidence of aforementioned synergism in the case of D. seriata. The reported data supports the possibility of extending the applications of these three basic substances in Viticulture beyond the treatment of mildew

Rutin-stevioside and related conjugates for potential control of grapevine trunk diseases

Flavonoids and phenolic acids play roles in grapevine defence against pathogens causing grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs). Rutin is a major flavonoid in vegetative organs of the grapevines, and this compound, unlike other flavonoids, is non-toxic and non-oxidizable. Rutin was assayed in vitro and in vivo against two Botryosphaeriaceae taxa. The limited bioavailability of this compound was circumvented by conjugation with stevioside, a glycoside obtained from Stevia rebaudiana. Clear synergistic effects were observed for the stevioside-rutin adduct, resulting in EC50 and EC90 values of 306.0 and 714.9 μg·mL-1 against Neofusicoccum parvum and 241.6 and 457.8 μg·mL-1 against Dothiorella viticola. In greenhouse experiments, moderate inhibition of N. parvum growth and complete inhibition of D. viticola were observed. These inhibitory effects were greater than those of ferulic acid, which has been considered the most effective phenolic acid against GTDs. Conjugation with stevioside provided solubility enhancement of rutin, paving the way to the design of glycopesticides based on rutin-rich plant extracts as promising antifungals against GTDs

Multifunctional Nanocarriers Based on Chitosan Oligomers and Graphitic Carbon Nitride Assembly

In this study, a graphitic carbon nitride and chitosan oligomers (g-C3N4–COS) nanocarrier assembly, which was obtained by cross-linking with methacrylic anhydride (MA), was synthesized and characterized. Its characterization was carried out using infrared spectroscopy, elemental and thermal analyses, and transmission electron microscopy. The new nanocarriers (NCs), with an average particle size of 85 nm in diameter and a 0.25 dispersity index, showed photocatalytic activity (associated with the g-C3N4 moiety), susceptibility to enzymatic degradation (due to the presence of the COS moiety), and high encapsulation and moderate-high release efficiencies (>95% and >74%, respectively). As a proof of concept, the visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity of the NCs was tested for rhodamine B degradation and the reduction of uranium(VI) to uranium(IV). Regarding the potential of the nanocarriers for the encapsulation and delivery of bioactive products for crop protection, NCs loaded with Rubia tinctorum extracts were investigated in vitro against three Vitis vinifera phytopathogens (viz. Neofusicoccum parvum, Diplodia seriata, and Xylophilus ampelinus), obtaining minimum inhibitory concentration values of 750, 250, and 187.5 µg·mL−1, respectively. Their antifungal activity was further tested in vivo as a pruning wound protection product in young ‘Tempranillo’ grapevine plants that were artificially infected with the two aforementioned species of the family Botryosphaeriaceae, finding a significant reduction of the necrosis lengths in the inner woody tissues. Therefore, g-C3N4-MA-COS NCs may be put forward as a multifunctional platform for environmental and agrochemical delivery applications

Armeria maritima (Mill.) Willd. Flower hydromethanolic extract for Cucurbitaceae fungal diseases control

The cliff rose (Armeria maritima), like other halophytes, has a phenolics-based antioxidant system that allows it to grow in saline habitats. Provided that antioxidant properties are usually accompanied by antimicrobial activity, in this study we investigated the phytochemicals present in a hydromethanolic extract of A. maritima flowers and explored its antifungal potential. The main phytocompounds, identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, were: hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, 9-octadecenoic acid, 3-(3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl)-acrylic acid ethyl ester, and benzeneacetaldehyde. The antifungal activity of the extract and its main constituents—alone and in combination with chitosan oligomers—was tested against six pathogenic taxa associated with soil-borne diseases of plant hosts in the family Cucurbitaceae: Fusarium equiseti, F. oxysporum f. sp. niveum, Macrophomina phaseolina, Neocosmospora falciformis, N. keratoplastica, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. In in vitro tests, EC90 effective concentrations in the 166−865 μg·mL−1 range were obtained for the chitosan oligomers–A. maritima extract conjugate complexes, lower than those obtained for fosetyl-Al and azoxystrobin synthetic fungicides tested for comparison purposes, and even outperforming mancozeb against F. equiseti. In ex situ tests against S. sclerotiorum conducted on artificially inoculated cucumber slices, full protection was achieved at a dose of 250 μg·mL−1. Thus, the reported results support the valorization of A. maritima as a source of biorationals for Cucurbitaceae pathogens protection, suitable for both organic and conventional agriculture