Medición del trabajo decente en las cooperativas de autogestión: aplicación en Costa Rica

Medición del trabajo decente en las cooperativas de autogestión: aplicación en Costa Rica   Costa Rica is a country with extensive experience in the development of cooperatives, which have occupied an important place in the development strategies of the country, generating a significant volume and diversity of initiatives. Historically, cooperatives have had an impact on human development through the generation of employment and reduction of poverty and inequality. On the other hand, the concept of decent work is an integral approach to work, so that promoting it also means changing the way the global economy works, so that its benefits reach more and more people. The objective of this article is the measurement of the variable of decent work in Costa Rican self-management cooperatives.Costa Rica es un país con amplia experiencia en el desarrollo de cooperativas, las cuales han ocupado un lugar importante en las estrategias de desarrollo del país y han generado un importante volumen y diversidad de iniciativas. Históricamente, las cooperativas han tenido un impacto en el desarrollo humano a través de la generación de empleo y la reducción de la pobreza y la desigualdad. Por otro lado, el concepto de trabajo decente constituye un enfoque integral del trabajo, de manera que promoverlo significa también cambiar la forma en que funciona la economía global, para que sus beneficios lleguen cada vez a más personas. El objetivo de este artículo es la medición de la variable del trabajo decente en las cooperativas de autogestión costarricenses

Organic and inorganic compounds as corrosion inhibitors to reduce galvanic effect for the hybrid structure AA2024-CFPR

The effect of the galvanic corrosion process taking place between aluminium alloy (AA2024-T3) and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) immersed in 0.05 M NaCl was studied using organic and inorganic compounds as corrosion inhibitors. Electrochemical approaches such as electrochemical noise analysis (ENA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were carried out to evaluate efficiencies of 1,2,4-triazole (C2H3N3) and cerium nitrate hexahydrate (Ce(NO3)3·6H2O) as corrosion inhibitors. The highest efficiency was reached for Ce(NO3)3.6H2O, with some improvement observed by adding C2H3N3 in a mixed inhibitor solution. The noise resistance (Rn) and polarization resistance (Rp) values calculated from ENA and EIS data showed almost identical behavior with different magni­tudes but similar trends. Adsorption isotherm models estimated with fractional surface coverage (q) parameter were fitted better to Langmuir model for C2H3N3 and Temkin model for Ce(NO3)3·6H2O. The calculated values of Gibbs free energy suggested physi­sorption and chemisorption as spontaneous interactions between a metal surface and both inhibitors. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was carried out before and after immersing AA2024-T3 in the electrolyte, identifying rich zones in copper with cerium deposited over it and confirming the presence of rare-earth oxide deposition and oxide film products. The EDS analysis for CFRP revealed the deposition of Ce and Al particles over its surface after immersion in the electrolyte, especially in the areas rich in carbon

Estudio de factibilidad para la ejecución del proyecto de energía fotovoltaica en la Facultad de Ciencias Económicas de la Universidad de El Salvador.

La siguiente investigación se origina a partir de la creciente demanda energética, problemas en el suministro como interrupciones y cortes de energía eléctrica y sus costos en la Facultad de Ciencias Económicas de la Universidad de El Salvador ubicada en final de avenida mártires y héroes del 30 de julio, San Salvador, además del impacto medioambiental que causa la producción de energía por métodos convencionales, por tanto, surge la necesidad de una reducción en los costos de facturación energética y a su vez disminuir la contaminación ambiental generada por los gases de efecto invernadero. Por tal motivo, el grupo decidió realizar un estudio de factibilidad que permita implementar un sistema fotovoltaico que ayude a contrarrestar dichos problemas antes mencionados. El objetivo principal es reducir los costos de la facturación energética en la Facultad de Ciencias Económicas de la Universidad de El Salvador el cual consiste en la implementación de un sistema fotovoltaico en cada edificio de la facultad; proporcionando una alternativa amigable con el medioambiente que permita minimizar costos e impacto medioambiental, a su vez lograr una estabilidad en el suministro eléctrico. La información obtenida para sustentar y respaldar la investigación de campo fue lograda a través de la aplicación del método científico, el cual se auxilió del análisis, la síntesis y el deductivo, dichos métodos permitieron realizar estrategias de razonamiento empleadas para obtener conclusiones lógicas a partir de premisas para dar soluciones técnicas a la problemática. De igual forma se utilizó las técnicas e instrumentos necesarios capaces de proporcionar la información más adecuada haciendo uso de fuentes primarias y secundarias, así mismo encuestas y entrevistas obteniendo la información proporcionada por autoridades de la Facultad de Ciencias Económicas de la Universidad de El Salvador. De acuerdo con el estudio, se concluyó lo siguiente: 1. Se determinó que la Facultad de Ciencias Económicas de la Universidad de El Salvador posee una alta demanda de consumo energético a comparación de las demás facultades. 2. Los costos por facturación eléctrica de la Facultad de Ciencias Económicas representan uno de los más elevados para la misma, así como el impacto negativo en el medioambiente provocado por la generación de energía convencional. 3. La ubicación geográfica de la Facultad de Ciencias Económicas hace factible la implementación de un sistema fotovoltaico debido a los altos niveles de radiación solar que cuenta el país y el área metropolitana de San Salvador. Recomendaciones: 1. Se recomienda a la Facultad de Ciencias Económicas de la Universidad de El Salvador busque fuentes alternativas de energía eléctrica que permita la diversificación del suministro energético. 2. Se recomienda la implementación de la energía fotovoltaica en la facultad, ya que esta contribuiría a la reducción y minimización de costos, contaminación medioambiental y estabilidad en el suministro energético para la facultad. 3. Una eventual ejecución del sistema fotovoltaico en la facultad, se sugiere que se realice un estudio preliminar de las condiciones en la que se encuentra el techado de cada edificio de la facultad

Ovarian and Adrenal Androgens and Their Link to High Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Levels: A Prospective Controlled Study

Background. Although the association between human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and hyperandrogenism was identified more than 40 years ago, relevant questions remain unanswered. Design and Methods. We conducted a prospective, longitudinal, and controlled study in 23 women with a diagnosis of a complete hydatidiform mole (HM). Results. All participants completed the study. Before HM evacuation mean hCG was markedly higher in the cases than in the control group (P≤0.001). Free testosterone (T) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) were found to be higher in the cases (2.78 ± 1.24 pg/mL and 231.50 ± 127.20 μ/dL) when compared to the control group (1.50 ± 0.75 pg/mL and 133.59 ± 60.69 μ/dL) (P=0.0001 and 0.001), respectively. There was a strong correlation between hCG and free T/total T/DHEA-S concentrations (r=0.78; P≤0.001, r=0.74;  P≤0.001, and r=0.71;  P≤0.001), respectively. In the cases group 48 hours after HM evacuation, hCG levels were found to be significantly lower when compared to initial levels (P=0.001) and free T and DHEA-S declined significantly (P=0.0002 and 0.009). Conclusion. Before uterus evacuation, hCG, free T, and DHEA-S levels were significantly higher when compared with controls finding a strong correlation between hCG and free T/DHEA-S levels. Forty-eight hours after HM treatment hCG levels declined and the difference was lost. A novel finding of our study is that in cases, besides free T, DHEA-S was also found to be significantly higher and both the ovaries and adrenal glands appear to be the sites of this androgen overproduction

Participants’ awareness of ethical compliance, safety and protection during participation in pharmaceutical industry clinical trials: a controlled survey

Background: The rapid increase of industry-sponsored clinical research towards developing countries has led to potentially complex ethical issues to assess. There is scarce evidence about the perception of these participants about the ethical compliance, security, and protection. We sought to evaluate and contrast the awareness and perception of participants and non-participants of industry-sponsored research trials (ISRT) on ethical, safety, and protection topics. Methods: A Cases-control survey conducted at twelve research sites in México. Previous and current participants of ISRT (cases) as well as non-participants (controls) with one of four chronic diseases, were asked to complete the survey which focused on ethical compliance and protection issues of ISRT, and the perception of participating in a trial. Results: A total of 604 cases and 604 controls were surveyed. Cases significantly answered that ethics committees are aware of what is happening in studies (50.5% vs. 33.8%, P=≤ 0.001), and that medical care of industry-sponsored research trials is better than their usual medical care (77.2% vs. 38.2%, P=<0.001).Thesameproportionofcasesand controls thought patients must receive economical reimbursement for participating in a research study (49.5% vs. 53.1%, P=0.205). The informed consent of the pharmaceutical clinical trial was fully read by 90.4% of the cases. Most cases were satisfied or very satisfied with their overall study participation (35.6 and 62.3%, respectively). Conclusion: Previous and current participants of industry-sponsored research trials have a more positive attitude towards ethics committees, the quality of medical care of the research trials, and the main purpose of economical reimbursements, when compared to non-participants. Keywords: Good clinical practices, Perception, Clinical trials, Pharmaceutical industry, Ethics committee

Participants' perception of pharmaceutical clinical research: a cross-sectional controlled study

Background: There is scarce scientific information assessing participants’ perception of pharmaceutical research in developed and developing countries concerning the risks, safety, and purpose of clinical trials. Methods: To assess the perception that 604 trial participants (cases) and 604 nonparticipants (controls) of pharmaceutical clinical trials have about pharmaceutical clinical research, we surveyed participants with one of four chronic diseases from 12 research sites throughout Mexico. Results: Participation in clinical trials positively influences the perception of pharmaceutical clinical research. More cases (65.4%) than controls (50.7%) perceived that the main purpose of pharmaceutical research is to cure more diseases and to do so more effectively. In addition, more cases considered that there are significant benefits when participating in a research study, such as excellent medical care and extra free services, with this being the most important motivation to participate for both groups (cases 52%, controls 54.5%). We also found a sense of trust in their physicians to deal with adverse events, and the perception that clinical research is a benefit to their health, rather than a risk. More controls believed that clinical trial participants’ health is put at risk (57% vs 33.3%). More cases (99.2%) than controls (77.5%) would recommend participating in a clinical trial, and 90% of cases would enroll in a clinical trial again. Conclusion: Participation in clinical trials positively influences the perception that participants have about pharmaceutical clinical research when compared to nonparticipants. This information needs to be conveyed to clinicians, public health authorities, and general population to overcome misconceptions

Trustworthiness of randomized trials in endocrinology—A systematic survey

Background Trustworthy (i.e. low risk of bias) randomized clinical trials (RCTs) play an important role in evidence-based decision making. We aimed to systematically assess the risk of bias of trials published in high-impact endocrinology journals. Methods We searched the MEDLINE/PubMed database between 2014 and 2016 for phase 2–4 RCTs evaluating endocrine-related therapies. Reviewers working independently and in duplicate used the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (CCRBT) to determine the extent to which the methods reported protected the results of each RCT from bias. Results We assessed 292 eligible RCTs, of which 40% (116) were judged to be at low risk, 43% (126) at moderate, and 17% (50) at high risk of bias. Blinding of outcome assessment was the least common domain reported 43% (125), while selective reporting of outcomes was the most common 97% (282). In multivariable analysis, RCTs with a parallel design (OR 2.4; 95% CI; 1.2–4.6) and funded by for-profit sources (OR 2.2; 95% CI; 1.3–3.6) were more likely to be at low risk of bias. Conclusions Trustworthy evidence should ultimately shape care to improve the likelihood of desirable patient outcomes. Six out-of 10 RCTs published in top endocrine journals are at moderate/ high-risk of bias. Improving this should be a priority in endocrine researc

Does Size Matters? Relationships among Social Dominance and Some Morphometric Traits upon Out-of-Season Reproductive Outcomes in Anestrus Dairy Goats Treated with P4 + eCG

The possible role of the social rank (R) (i.e., low-LSR, middle-MSR, or high-HSR) in anestrus goats exposed to a P4 + eCG (D) (i.e., 100 or 350 IU) estrus induction protocol (EIP) was evaluated. Goats (Alpine-Saanen-Nubian × Criollo; n = 70; 25° North) managed under stall-fed conditions were all ultrasound evaluated to confirm anestrous status, while the social rank was determined 30 d prior to the EIP. The response variables included estrus induction (EI, %), duration of estrus (DUR, h), ovulation rate (OR, n), live weight (LW, kg), thoracic perimeter (TP, cm), thoracic diameter (TD, cm), body length (BL, cm), height at withers (HW, cm), beard length (BEA, cm), compactness index (COM, cm), and anamorphosis index (ANA, cm), as affected by R, D, and the R × D interaction were evaluated, while the correlation coefficients among reproductive and morphometric variables were quantified. An R × D interaction (p 0.05) with any response variable, either reproductive or morphometric. As expected, LW had high correlation coefficients (p < 0.01) with TP (0.86), TD (0.88), BL (0.82), HW (0.75), BEA (0.51), COM (0.97), and ANA (0.75). In general, the morphometric variables as a whole demonstrated important correlation coefficients among them (p < 0.01), ranging from 0.38 up to 0.84. To estimate the importance of the morphometric differences between social rank upon estrus induction, a principal component (PC) analysis was performed based on the correlation matrix derived from the corporal measurements. The PC1 and PC2 explained 70.3% and 17.6% of the morphometric variation, respectively. The PC1 was a measure of the goat size (i.e., small, medium, large) and its association with estrus occurrence was evaluated using a logistic regression model; the bigger the goat, the increased probability of being in estrus, by up to five times compared to small goats. Our results confirm that the higher social ranked, larger goats amalgamated some fundamental factors to be successful: aggressiveness, primacy to food access, augmented live weight, and corporal size; all of these were able to modulate out-of-season reproductive success in crossbred dairy goats subjected to an estrus induction protocol and managed under stall-fed conditions in Northern Mexico

Prevalencia de fluorosis dental en ocho cohortes de mexicanos nacidos durante la instauración del Programa Nacional de Fluoruración de la Sal Doméstica

Objective: to determine the effect of birth cohort on dental fluorosis in Mexican schoolchildren during the implementation of the national program to fluoridate domestic salt. Material and methods: in a cross-sectional study we examined 1,644 schoolchildren 6-13 years old born between 1985-1992 in Campeche, México; a community where there is negligible naturally available fluoride in water supplies. Dental fluorosis was assessed with the Dean’s index in the permanent dentition. Questionnaires were used to identify diverse socio-demographic and socio-economic variables. In the statistical analysis logistic regression was used. results: the prevalence of fluorosis was 15.5%. In the multivariate model, we observed fluorosis was associated with larger family sizes (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.84-0.99) and female sex (OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.57-0.98). Furthermore, using the cohort of 1985 as a comparison group, no significant dental fluorosis differences were found with those born between 1986-1987; in contrast, in the cohorts born between 1989-1992 the risk of dental fluorosis increased by almost four times (p < 0.05). conclusion: the prevalence of fluorosis was low compared to other studies in Mexico. In this community with negligible fluoride in water supplies the likelihood of dental fluorosis increased as the windows of susceptibility in birth cohorts were closer to the chronologic beginning of the national domestic salt fluoridation program in 1991. This trend was more apparent after 1991

Association of the 5HTTLPR Polymorphism with Obesity in Mexican Women with High Native American Ancestry

Aims: The 5HTT gene has been associated with obesity; this study aimed to determine the association between L- and S-alleles at the 5HTTLPR polymorphism with obesity in indigenous Mexican populations. Materials and Methods: A total of 362 individuals, 289 belonging to eight Native American (NA) groups; 40 Mexican mestizos; and 33 Caucasian Mennonites were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. High (≥90%) and low (30 kg/m2 was considered as obese. The L- and S-alleles of the 5HTTLPR locus were identified by PCR; the association between alleles and obesity was performed by logistic regression analysis. Results: A significantly lower prevalence of obesity (35%) was observed in participants from communities with high NA ancestry (p < 0.005). Under a dominant heritance model the L-allele was associated with obesity in women with high NA ancestry (odds ratio [OR] 7.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6–32.5; p = 0.009) but not in women with low NA ancestry (OR 0.83; 95% CI 0.3–2.2; p = 0.71); no association was observed in men. Conclusion:Our results suggest that the 5HTTLPR L-allele is a risk factor for developing obesity in Mexican women with high NA ancestry (≥90%)