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Disinformation threatens the virtue of knowledge. The notion of truth becomes corrupted when citizens believe and give credibility to false, inaccurate, or misleading messages. This situation is particularly relevant in the digital age, where users of media platforms are exposed to different sorts of persuasive statements with uncertain origins and a lack of authenticity. How does academia understand the disinformation problem, and are we equipped to offer solutions? In response to this question, our study provides an overview of the general definitions, trends, patterns, and developments that represent the research on disinformation and misinformation. We conducted a systematic review of N = 756 publications covering eight years, 2014–2022. This period captures phenomena such as Trump’s emergence as a candidate for the US presidency, his term in office, as well as the leadership of figures such as Erdogan in Turkey, Bolsonaro in Brazil, Modi in India, and various similar populist and nationalist leaders across a range of democratic and semi-democratic societies. This period is also one that witnessed the first global pandemic, when misinformation and disinformation not only threatened societal cohesion but the lives of people. This systematic review explores the critical terminology used, the areas of social life where disinformation is identified as problematic, the sources identified as creating or circulating this material, as well as the channels studied, the targets, and the persuasiveness of the discourse. What this article offers, then, is an overview of what we know about disinformation and what gaps in research should be pursued. We conclude that given the problems that misinformation and disinformation are seen to cause for democratic societies, we need to assess the contribution of social science in providing a foundation for scientific knowledge.

Las páginas web de los partidos políticos se convierten en una herramienta especialmente activa en los comicios electorales. El objetivo principal de este trabajo es evaluar la transparencia de las páginas web de las seis principales formaciones andaluzas –PSOE, Partido Popular, Ciudadanos, Adelante Andalucía, VOX y Unidas Podemos– en la precampaña electoral de 2022. La metodología de esta investigación se dividió en dos fases: un análisis descriptivo de las páginas web, con SimilarWeb, y un análisis de contenido para evaluar el índice de transparencia. Los resultados obtenidos revelan que no existe relación entre la transparencia web de los partidos políticos andaluces y el voto. Los partidos de izquierdas son los más transparentes en sus portales web; pero en las elecciones de 2022 y de 2018, disminuyeron su representación en el Parlamento Andaluz. Además, resulta paradójico que ningún partido tenga adaptada su página web a personas con discapacidad, a pesar de que la inclusión social en el marco de la Agenda 2030– es una de sus promesas electorales.

Recently, we reported the chemical profile and the hypocholesterolemic effects of a decoction of Tessaria absinthioides (Hook. & Arn.) DC. (Asteraceae). In this study, we evaluated a methanolic extract (METa) instead. Metabolite profiling was conducted using ultra-high-resolution liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS), identifying thirty compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, fatty acids, and phorbolesters. Antioxidant properties were assessed through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes (ILP) assays, exhibiting robust antioxidant activity. The in vivo impact of METa on serum lipid parameters and liver X receptors (LXRs) was evaluated in a hypercholesterolemic animal model. After 14 days on a high-fat diet, male rats received either a vehicle (V) or METa100, METa200 or METa500 (100; 200 and 500 mg METa/kg animal, respectively) for an additional two weeks. METa500 reduced total cholesterol levels (17.62%; p < 0.05) and all doses increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (METa100: 86.27%; METa200: 48.37%, and METa500: 29.42%; p < 0.0001). However, METa did not alter LXRs expression. The observed antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic properties of METa may be linked to the presence of six di-caffeoylquinic acids. These findings underscore T. absinthioides as a potential candidate for the treatment of metabolic disease.

This research was designed to investigate the metabolite profiling, phenolics, and flavonoids content as well as the potential nematicidal properties of decoction (ZpDe), orange-yellow resin (ZpRe) and essential oil (ZpEO) from Argentinean medicinal plant Zuccagnia punctata Cav. Additionally, the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of ZpDe and ZpEO were determined. Metabolite profiling was obtained by an ultrahigh-resolution liquid chromatography MS analysis (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF/OT-MS-MS) and GCMS. The nematicidal activity was assayed by a standardized method against Meloidogyne incognita. The antioxidant properties were screened by four methods: (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH), Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity assay (TEAC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), and lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes (ILP). The antibacterial activity was evaluated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) rules. The ZpDe, ZpRe and ZpEO displayed a strong nematicidal activity with an LC50 of 0.208, 0.017 and 0.142 mg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, the ZpDe showed a strong DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 28.54 µg/mL); ILP of 87.75% at 250 µg ZpDe/mL and moderated antimicrobial activity. The ZpEO showed promising activity against a panel of yeasts Candida albicans and non-albicans (ATCC and clinically isolated) with MIC values from 750 to 1500 µg/mL. The ZpDe showed a content of phenolics and flavonoid compounds of 241 mg GAE/g and 10 mg EQ/g, respectively. Fifty phenolic compounds were identified in ZpDe by ultrahigh-resolution liquid chromatography (UHPLC–PDA– Q-TOF-MS) analysis, while forty-six phenolic compounds were identified in ZpRe by UHPLC-ESI-Q-OT-MS-MS and twenty-nine in ZpEO using a GC-MS analysis, updating the knowledge on the chemical profile of this species. The results support and standardize this medicinal plant mainly as a potential environmentally friendly and sustainable bionematicide for the control of Argentinean horticultural crops including tomatoes and peppers and as a source of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds which could be further explored and exploited for potential applications.

Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs) provide a sweet taste to foods and beverages without significantly adding calories. Still, their consumption has been linked to modifications in adult’s and children’s gut microbiota and the disruption of blood glucose control. Human milk microbiota are paramount in establishing infants’ gut microbiota, but very little is known about whether the consumption of sweeteners can alter it. To address this question, we sequenced DNA extracted colostrum samples from a group of mothers, who had different levels of NNS consumption, using the Ion Torrent Platform. Our results show that the “core” of colostrum microbiota, composed of the genera Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Cutibacteium, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus, remains practically unchanged with the consumption of NNS during pregnancy, but specific genera display significant alterations, such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. A significant increase in the unclassified archaea Methanobrevibacter spp. was observed as the consumption frequency of NNS increased. The increase in the abundance of this archaea has been previously linked to obesity in Mexican children. NNS consumption during pregnancy could be related to changes in colostrum microbiota and may affect infants’ gut microbiota seeding and their future health.

Considerando una perspectiva ciberoptimista, las nociones de «sociedad digital» y «cultura participativa» se han usado históricamente con el objetivo de ensalzar las bondades de las civilizaciones democráticas, justas e igualitarias. Esta compilación de artículos está destinada a cualquier persona con intereses académicos o profesionales en las representaciones mediáticas de la sociedad digital y la cultura participativa, así como sus consecuencias en muy diversos contextos internacionales. Los estudios incluidos en este número confirman que es pertinente adoptar una perspectiva ciberrealista cuando debatimos sobre el potencial revolucionario y emancipador que tiene la sociedad participativa para cambiar el panorama actual. Así, al recurrir a diferentes conceptos teóricos, centrarse en diversos métodos y responder a un amplio abanico de problemas de investigación, los estudios aquí incluidos configuran la naturaleza y el carácter de la sociedad digital y de la cultura participativa más contemporánea.

El objetivo principal de este trabajo es aproximarse al sector de las relaciones públicas en España a través de sus profesionales. Se condujo un análisis cualitativo Delphi entre expertos y un estudio cuantitativo en Qualtrics orientado a estos profesionales. Los resultados determinan fortalezas –como el impulso del sector gracias a la diversificación, la gestión de influencers y la generación de contenidos de valor conseguidas por la transformación digital– y detallan también amenazas generadas por esa disrupción tecnológica donde el sector cambia a gran velocidad, lo que puede suponer una pérdida de confianza en el contenido que generan en los medios por la desinformación y las fake news. Los resultados podrán guiar la toma decisiones empresariales en comunicación en materia de gestión de personas, a la vez que muestran las necesidades formativas específicas de profesionales y estudiantes. La principal conclusión consiste en la exigencia de un equilibrio entre las habilidades blandas -soft- y duras -hard-: las primeras, transversales y que mantendrán su importancia en el tiempo; las segundas exigen a los profesionales una actualización continúa en aspectos técnicos.

Resumen: En el presente artículo se analizan los efectos de la postergación de la maternidad en tres ámbitos:i) demográfico, ii) clínico y iii) biológico.Desde luego, la literatura demográfica existente procede fundamentalmente de países con un buen grado de desarrollo, pero se ha realizado un esfuerzo por reunir la mayor cantidad de datos de países en desarrollo. Así se analiza la situación en Europa, EE.UU. y Latinoamérica para finalizar esta sección con la realidad específica en Chile.Desde el punto de vista clínico, se pone especial interés en los cambios que experimenta la probabilidad de embarazo por ciclo (definida como fecundabilidad) y la fertilidad en general. En los aspectos perinatológicos se enfatiza el incremento de frecuencia de la muerte fetal in útero temprana (aborto espontáneo) y tardía con especial mención de algunas patologías (frecuencia del síndrome de Down y otros). Se establece además la frecuencia significativamente mayor de bajo y muy bajo peso de nacimiento, necesidad de hospitalización del recién nacido (morbilidad perinatal) así como el efecto sobre la mortalidad neonatal.Biológicamente la postergación de la maternidad tiene su correlato en la pérdida de reserva ovárica y la disminución de la calidad ovocitaria que involucra un aumento en la incidencia de fallas de fecundación y embriones con bajo potencial de desarrollo y aneuploidías dependientes fundamentalmente de la edad materna. También se hace mención a algunos aspectos del envejecimiento uterino y sus consecuencias en el desarrollo y función placentaria. El enfoque se centra fundamentalmente en la mujer, pero incluye aspectos de la contribución masculina a esta temática. Summary: This article analyzes the effects of the postponement of maternity in three areas:i) demographic, ii) clinical and perinatological and iii) biological.Of course, the existing demographic literature comes primarily from well-developed countries, but an effort has been made to collect as much data from developing countries. The situation in Europe, the U.S. and Latin America is analyzed to end this section with the specific reality in Chile. From the clinical point of view, special interest is placed on changes in the probability of pregnancy by cycle (defined as fecundability) and fertility in general. In the perinatological aspects, the increased frequency of early fetal death (spontaneous abortion) and stillbirth is emphasized, with special mention of some pathologies (frequency of Down syndrome and others). It is also stressed the significant higher frequency of low and very low birth weight, the need newborn hospitalization (perinatal morbidity), as well as the effects on neonatal mortality. Biologically, the postponement of maternity has its correlation in the loss of ovarian reserve and the decrease in oocyte quality that involves an increased incidence of fertilization failure and embryos with low potential for development and aneuploidies, mainly dependent on maternal age. Some aspects of uterine aging and its consequences on placental development and function are also mentioned. The discussion is mainly focused on women, but includes some aspects of the male contribution to this issue.

Azara dentata Ruiz & Pav. is a small Chilean native plant from Patagonia, a producer of small white reddish berries. For the first time, the proximal analysis of the fruits, phenolic fingerprinting, the antioxidant activity, and the enzymatic inhibition and relaxation effects in rat aorta induced by the ethanolic extract of these fruits were investigated. The proximal composition and the mineral (Ca: 2434 ± 40 mg/kg; Mg: 702 ± 13 mg/kg; Fe: 117.1 ± 1.6 mg/kg; Zn: 16.1 ± 0.4 mg/kg) and heavy metal (As: 121 ± 11 µg/kg; Cd: 152 ± 5 µg/kg; Hg: 7.7 ± 1.3 µg/kg; Pb 294 ± 4 µg/kg) contents were analyzed. Anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and coumarins were identified using UHPLC-PDA-QTOF-MS. The ethanolic extracts showed a total phenolic content of 23.50 ± 0.93 mg GAE/g extract. In addition, the antioxidant activity was assessed using both DPPH and TEAC (28.64 ± 1.87 and 34.72 ± 2.33 mg Trolox/g of dry fruit, respectively), FRAP (25.32 ± 0.23 mg Trolox equivalent/g dry fruit), and ORAC (64.95 ± 1.23 mg Trolox equivalents/g dry fruit). The inhibition of enzymatic activities (acetylcholinesterase IC50: 2.87 + 0.23 µg extract/mL, butyrylcholinesterase IC50: 6.73 + 0.07 µg extract/mL, amylase IC50: 5.6 ± 0.0 µg extract/mL, lipase IC50: 30.8 ± 0.0 µg extract/mL, and tyrosinase IC50: 9.25 ± 0.15 µg extract/mL) was also assessed. The extract showed 50–60% relaxation in rat aorta (intact), mediated thorough the release of endothelial nitric oxide. Our results suggest that A. dentata is a good source of compounds with the capacity to inhibit important enzymes, can be hypotensive, and can thus have good potentiality as supplements in the amelioration of neurodegenerative diseases and could also have potential to be used to develop new functional foods. The study highlights the benefits of these neglected small fruits and could boost their consumption.

Este trabajo recoge los resultados de un experimento de neurociencia aplicada a la comunicación política, disciplina también conocida como Neuropoliting. En concreto, se analizó la actividad electrodérmica de un grupo de 14 personas de forma simultánea mientras presenciaban discursos políticos de alrededor de 3 minutos de cuatro políticos mexicanos (Gerardo Fernández Noroña, Pedro Ferriz de Con, Margarita Varela y Graco Ramírez). Los resultados ponen de manifiesto diferentes estructuras de discurso entre los políticos mencionados que tuvieron resultados distintos en términos atencionales y emocionales, lo que indica diferentes modelos o estilos discursivos. También se pudo relacionar incrementos de atención y emoción, resultando por tanto más importante la generación de emoción en tramos atencionalmente elevados. Finalmente, se elaboró un ranking oratorio, destacando Graco Ramírez y Margarita Varela.

Despite the clear advantages of mini hydropower technology to provide energy access in remote areas of developing countries, the lack of resources and technical training in these contexts usually lead to suboptimal installations that do not exploit the full potential of the environment. To address this drawback, the present work proposes a novel method to optimize the design of mini-hydropower plants with a robust and efficient formulation. The approach does not involve typical 2D simplifications of the terrain penstock layout. On the contrary, the problem is formulated considering arbitrary three-dimensional terrain profiles and realistic penstock layouts taking into account the bending effect. To this end, the plant layout is modeled on a continuous basis through the cubic Hermite interpolation of a set of key points, and the optimization problem is addressed using a genetic algorithm with tailored generation, mutation and crossover operators, especially designed to improve both the exploration and intensification. The approach is successfully applied to a real-case scenario with real topographic data, demonstrating its capability of providing optimal solutions while dealing with arbitrary terrain topography. Finally, a comparison with a previous discrete approach demonstrated that this algorithm can lead to a noticeable cost reduction for the problem studied.

This research is focused on reviewing whether the emergence of the phenomenon of social responsibility in Spain evident since the beginning of the twenty-first century, has been linked to a prototypic leader with characteristic traits. According to this objective, a quantitative study has been developed with a sample of 189 business leaders from small, medium and large companies who work in the Spanish market. Data has been collected through structured interviews, using three tools: the ARS19 scale to know the attitude of leaders towards Corporative Social Responsibility, the SPV questionnaire to evaluate their personal values next to generic competences, personal traits and behavioural characteristics and the LBA II questionnaire to analyse their leadership. The study results indicate that leaders with a most favourable attitude towards social responsibility are younger, working in sectors where there is a higher environmental impact (as the industrial) and are employed in large and I+D+i involved companies. Besides, these corporate executives show affinity for a support focused leadership style, along with an outstanding effectiveness in their role as leaders, and they stay away from a task oriented leadership style. They present a very high inclination for defined goals at work, a notable preference by challenges and a greater tune with post-materialist values as well. These findings suggest the existence of a prototype of leader closer to social responsibility.

The predominant aim of the current study was to synthesize the nanofertilizer nanoparticles ZnO_MnO-NPs and FeO_ZnO-NPs using Andean blueberry extract and determine the effect of NPs in the growth promotion of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) and Andean lupin (Lupinus mutabilis sweet) crops. The nanoparticles were analyzed by visible spectrophotometry, size distribution (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Solutions of nanoparticle concentrations were applied to cabbage, with solutions of 270 and 540 ppm of ZnO_MnO-NPs and 270 and 540 ppm of FeO_ZnO-NPs applied to Andean lupin. Zinc was used in both plants to take advantage of its beneficial properties for plant growth. Foliar NPs sprays were applied at the phenological stage of vegetative growth of the cabbage or Andean lupin plants grown under greenhouse conditions. The diameter of the NPs was 9.5 nm for ZnO, 7.8 nm for FeO, and 10.5 nm for MnO, which facilitate the adsorption of NPs by the stomata of plants. In Andean lupin, treatment with 270 ppm of iron and zinc indicated increases of 6% in height, 19% in root size, 3.5% in chlorophyll content index, and 300% in leaf area, while treatment with 540 ppm of iron and zinc yielded no apparent increases in any variable. In cabbage, the ZnO_MnO-NPs indicate, at a concentration of 270 ppm, increases of 10.3% in root size, 55.1% in dry biomass, 7.1% in chlorophyll content, and 25.6% in leaf area. Cabbage plants treated at a concentration of 540 ppm produced increases of 1.3% in root size and 1.8% in chlorophyll content, compared to the control, which was sprayed with distilled water. Therefore, the spray application of nanofertilizers at 270 ppm indicated an important improvement in both plants’ growth.

The digital platforms for citizen mobilisation host a multitude of protest petitions with different purposes and intentions. In this complex and pluralistic context, this study analyses the success of citizen-driven initiatives on Change.org Spain, as this platform appears to have become one of the most consequential participative websites in Spain, especially for petitions that are related to popular culture. To this end, this study used a quantitative content analysis method to examine a total of 304 petitions. The main results reveal some communication weaknesses of Change.org Spain as an important platform for cyber-activism. Specifically, troll petitions—joking messages that adulterate the seriousness of fan dynamics—are as impactful as fan or antifan initiatives; as a result, Change.org Spain has certain communicative deficiencies as a model cyber-activist channel. On the other hand, there are a significant number of non-diegetic petitions: the fandom profile is more concerned with issues outside popular culture than about modifying or changing the content. Finally, our findings show that, in general, the most successful popular culture initiatives are better written and include a longer title and text than closed initiatives, regardless of whether they were part of fan or antifan movements. In short, this study concludes that the length and linguistic correctness are relevant and meaningful elements that determine the success or failure of popular culture petitions on Change.org Spain, while all other variables (addresser, audiovisual elements, popular culture community type and type of actions) were not significant in determining the success or failure of the e-petition. In general, most of the petitions are not successful, typically use images, usually address issues related to music, are extradiegetic, contain linguistic errors and are addressed to an individual.

Los medios de comunicación viven en una adaptación constante para hacer frente a un consumo de información cada vez mayor desde dispositivos móviles. Esta demanda ha dado origen al periodismo móvil, pensado y adaptado específicamente para esta tecnología, y ha propiciado la aparición de nuevos formatos publicitarios para fidelizar a nueva audiencia, también móvil. Para conocer cuáles son los hábitos de los usuarios respecto del consumo de noticias desde estos dispositivos, sus formatos periodísticos preferidos y cómo interactúan con la información, esta investigación diseñó un estudio de encuesta que se administró en España, a consumidores de entre 16 y 65 años (N=555). Los resultados reflejaron la consolidación de los dispositivos móviles para el consumo de información –84,8% consultaba noticias o contenidos periodísticos en el móvil a diario, frecuentemente en el lugar de trabajo y en los tiempos muertos o de espera–, la adaptación de los medios a esta tecnología, y una predilección por las apps de redes sociales para encontrar noticias, en detrimento de las webs de los medios. También pusieron de manifiesto que el video informativo es el formato de mayor éxito entre los consumidores, aunque desde aplicaciones nativas de video, como YouTube o Vimeo. Es aquí donde los medios tienen un reto: ofrecer experiencias de consumo de video más atractivas para que el público consuma este formato en sus páginas y, por lo tanto, recurra a fuentes de información de primera mano

El acceso a la electricidad sigue siendo un desafío para una gran parte de la población de Honduras. En un país con una población rural fuertemente diseminada en pequeñas comunidades, la naturaleza montañosa de la Cordillera Centroamericana se traduce en limitaciones para extender el sistema eléctrico. Desde 2003, la Fundación Hondureña de Investigación Agrícola (FHIA) combate estas dificultades instalando sistemas hidráulicos en pequeñas comunidades rurales. Sin embargo, la limitación provoca un amplio margen de mejora de estos sistemas rudimentarios. Este trabajo presenta una estrategia de mejora y optimización matemática de la metodología tradicional de diseño, permitiendo aprovechar al máximo los recursos naturales de estas comunidades. La nueva metodología se ha aplicado con éxito en una comunidad piloto. Las ventajas de esta metodología han sido tales que ha sido implementada por los técnicos de FHIA para ser replicada en las intervenciones sucesivas.

The aqueous extract of the Argentinean native plant, Prosopis strombulifera (PsAE), presents cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines by inducing cytostasis, necrosis and apoptosis; with diminution of clonogenic survival; without genotoxic effects nor oral animal toxicity. Until now, the chemical extract composition and its in vivo antitumoral properties remain unknown; these studies are the aim of the current work. The PsAE was characterized by chemical fingerprinting and the metabolome was identified by tandem UHPLC-PDA-HESI-Q-orbitrap® mass spectrometry. Colorectal tumors were induced by DMH administration and melanomas resulted from B16-F0 S.C. cells injection; then, animals were treated orally with PsEA. To correlate in vivo results with in vitro cytotoxicity, B16-F0 cell were cultured to determine: cell proliferation and viability by dye exclusion assays, MTT and CFSE dilution; cell cycle distribution by flow cytometry; and immunoblotting of p21cip1, PCNA, cleaved caspase 3, cleaved PARP and TUBA1A. Based on UHPLC-OT-MS and PDA analysis, twenty-six compounds were identified, including: 5 simple organic acids, 4 phenolic acids, 4 procyanidins, 11 flavonoids, and 2 oxylipins. On C57BL6 mice, PsAE significantly increases the median survival on colorectal cancer and reduces the final volume and weight of melanomas. Over cultured cells, the treatment induce over-expression of p21, cytostasis by G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis; while, on in vivo melanomas, treatment up-regulates p21 and slightly decreases PCNA. In conclusion, PsAE is composed by phenolic compounds which demonstrate cytotoxic and antitumoral properties when is orally administrated. Presented results support future research of PsAE as a potential phytomedicine for cancer treatment.

The antibacterial and insect-repellent activities of the essential oils (EOs) from Argentinian medicinal plants Azorella trifurcata (Gaertn.) Pers., Senecio cfr. oreophyton J. Remy and Senecio cfr. pogonias Cabrera, were investigated. All EOs showed good repellent properties against Triatoma infestans Klug, the vector of the Chagas disease, with percent repellence values between 60% and 70% at 24 h compared with positive control N-N diethyl-m-methylbenzamide (DEET) and moderate activity against the bacteria tested with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values between 31.2 and 2000 μg/ml. The A. trifurcata, Senecio pogonias and Senecio oreophyton EOs, obtained by hydrodistillation, were characterized by GC-FID and GC/MS analyses. Spathulenol (38.2%), myrtenyl acetate (8.4%), α-terpineol (4.5%), limonene (9.8%) and α-thujene (5.4%) were the main constituents in the EO of A. trifurcata. The S. pogonias and S. oreophyton EOs are characterized by a high content of monoterpene hydrocarbons (92% and 95.1%, respectively) with α-pinene, the main component in both oils. To our knowledge, the essential oil composition from Andean medicinal plants A. trifurcata, S. pogonias and S. oreophyton collected in central Andean slopes are reported for the first time.

Este artículo presenta el diseño de un circuito de detección de fallas aplicado a Mosfet de carburo de silicio; la detección de falla es realizada a través del monitoreo de comportamiento de la señal de compuerta. Las más importantes características que se analizaron y se reportan son: rápida detección debido a que la evaluación se realiza en la conmutación a encendido, permitiendo la detección de fallas en corto circuito y circuito abierto; tiempos rápidos de detección lo que previene difusión de la falla al sistema completo. Para validar el circuito de detección fue diseñado un convertidor boost con SiC-Mosfet. Los resultados obtenidos validan la confiabilidad de la propuesta presentada.

The generation of new neurons in the adult brain is a currently accepted phenomenon. Over the past few decades, the subventricular zone and the hippocampal dentate gyrus have been described as the two main neurogenic niches. Neurogenic niches generate new neurons through an asymmetric division process involving several developmental steps. This process occurs throughout life in several species, including humans. These new neurons possess unique properties that contribute to the local circuitry. Despite several efforts, no other neurogenic zones have been observed in many years; the lack of observation is probably due to technical issues. However, in recent years, more brain niches have been described, once again breaking the current paradigms. Currently, a debate in the scientific community about new neurogenic areas of the brain, namely, human adult neurogenesis, is ongoing. Thus, several open questions regarding new neurogenic niches, as well as this phenomenon in adult humans, their functional relevance, and their mechanisms, remain to be answered. In this review, we discuss the literature and provide a compressive overview of the known neurogenic zones, traditional zones, and newly described zones. Additionally, we will review the regulatory roles of some molecular mechanisms, such as miRNAs, neurotrophic factors, and neurotrophins. We also join the debate on human adult neurogenesis, and we will identify similarities and differences in the literature and summarize the knowledge regarding these interesting topics.

Chronic high-fat diet consumption induces hypercholesterolemia. The effect of Tessaria absinthioides (Hook. & Arn.) DC. (Asteraceae) was studied on the levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and triglycerides, and on the expression of liver X receptors (LXRs) in a hypercholesterolemic model. Adult male rats received a normal diet (ND) or a high-fat diet (HFD; normal diet + bovine fat + cholesterol). After 14 days, rats received water (W) or a decoction of the aerial parts of T. absinthioides (Ta; 10% w/v) for 2, 4, or 6 weeks. Four and six weeks of Ta improved the levels of TC and HDL-c in HFD. After 6 weeks of Ta, the expression of LXRs in HFD was the same as that in ND in both tissues. The Ta chemical profile was studied with an ultrahigh resolution liquid chromatography Orbitrap MS analysis (UHPLC–PDA–OT-MS/MS). Fifty-one compounds were identified, of which twelve are reported for the first time. Among these compounds, caffeoylquinic acid and its derivatives could modify the lipid profile and the expression of LXRs. This is the first in vivo report of T. absinthioides, which may be a potential candidate against hypercholesterolemia.

The main strategies against Triatoma infestans (primary vector responsible for the Chagas disease transmission) are the elimination or reduction of its abundance in homes through the application of insecticides or repellents with residual power, and environmental management through the improvement of housing. The use of plant-derived compounds as a source of therapeutic agents (i.e., essential oils from aromatic plants and their components) is a valuable alternative to conventional insecticides and repellents. Essential oil-based insect repellents are environmentally friendly and provide reliable personal protection against the bites of mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects. This study investigates, for the first time to our knowledge, the potential repellent activity of Zuccagnia punctata essential oil (ZEO) and poly(ε-caprolactone) matrices loaded with ZEO (ZEOP) prepared by solvent casting. The analysis of its essential oil from aerial parts by GC–FID and GC-MS, MS allowed the identification of 25 constituents representing 99.5% of the composition. The main components of the oil were identified as (−)-5,6-dehydrocamphor (62.4%), alpha-pinene (9.1%), thuja-2, 4 (10)-diene (4.6%) and dihydroeugenol (4.5%). ZEOP matrices were homogeneous and opaque, with thickness of 800 ± 140 µm and encapsulation efficiency values above 98%. ZEO and ZEOP at the lowest dose (0.5% wt./wt., 96 h) showed a repellency of 33 and 73% respectively, while at the highest dose (1% wt./wt., 96 h) exhibited a repellent activity of 40 and 66 %, respectively. On the other hand, until 72 h, ZEO showed a strong repellent activity against T. infestans (88% repellency average; Class V) to both concentrations, compared with positive control N-N diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET). The essential oils from the Andean flora have shown an excellent repellent activity, highlighting the repellent activity of Zuccagnia punctata. The effectiveness of ZEO was extended by its incorporation in polymeric systems and could have a potential home or peridomiciliary use, which might help prevent, or at least reduce, Chagas’ disease transmission.

Llamar la atención y generar respuesta emocional son factores importantes en el recuerdo de un anuncio. Su estudio implica necesariamente el estudio de la psique, al tratarse de fenómenos de naturaleza interna del sujeto. Este trabajo expone los resultados de un experimento de neurociencia aplicada a la publicidad. Así, se midieron los niveles de respuesta: atencional y emocional (EDL y EDR, respectivamente, por sus siglas en inglés), de forma simultánea a un grupo de 30 personas, de entre 18 y 22 años, que vieron 20 anuncios publicitarios en la Universidad de Valladolid. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto diferencias significativas en atención y emoción en relación con la tipología de anuncios, destacando el de tipo cómico sobre todos. Adicionalmente, los anuncios enunciados en inglés y los no emitidos en España obtuvieron valores promedio significativamente superiores, tanto en atención como en emoción. Por otra parte, los incrementos más intensos de EDL se producen con un sonido fuerte, súbito, posiblemente inesperado y de registro muy distinto al sonido previo. Del mismo modo, los decrementos intensos de EDL están en todos los casos observados relacionados con momentos de contenido negativo o triste, y se producen en momentos iniciales del anuncio. Los EDR, por su parte, también muestran momentos de cambio súbito en los anuncios analizados. En estos, se puede observar que los mayores niveles de EDR se producen en los instantes posteriores a la conclusión de un puzle de tipo cómico o en momentos de alta intensidad sonora. Finalmente, la mayoría de los momentos de más alto EDR se produce en el contexto de tramos con mayor EDL.

Patients with poor ovarian response (POR) to exogenous gonadotropins stimulation for assisted reproductive technology (ART) have decreased circulating androgens during spontaneous cycles. The Patient-Oriented Strategies Encompassing Individualized Oocyte Number (POSEIDON) is a 4-tier stratification of women with POR to controlled ovarian stimulation (COH) based on age and biomarkers of ovarian reserve has been proposed to maximize the clinical management of this group for ART. The aim of the present study was to characterize the levels of androgens during COH in follicular fluid (FF) and serum in POSEIDON subgroups and compared them with women of normal ovarian response. Sixty nine consecutive patients undergoing ART were included and testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) were measured in serum and FF collected at the time of oocyte pick-up. The number of retrieved oocytes was registered for each patient for their allocation to the respective POSEIDON subgroup. The control group comprised 19 women and the POSEIDON group 1 (age < 35, normal ovarian reserve biomarkers) n = 14, group 2 (age ≥ 35, normal ovarian reserve biomarkers) n = 8, group 3 (age < 35, poor ovarian reserve biomarkers) n = 6 and group 4 (age ≥ 35, poor ovarian reserve biomarkers) n = 22. Serum levels of total testosterone, androstenedione and DHEA-S were not different in group 1 vs. control but significantly decreased in group 3 vs. control. DHEA-S in FF was also significantly decreased in group 3 vs. control. In addition, serum testosterone was decreased in groups 2 and 4 vs. control; and serum androstenedione and estradiol were reduced in group 4 vs. control. No differences were observed for estradiol, SHBG and IGF-1 in FF. Finally, a high correlation between serum and FF DHEA-S was observed when data from samples of all groups were pooled. Group 1 did not show hypoandrogenemia however group 3 had low levels of all measured androgens in serum and DHEA-S in FF. Such differences might help to better characterize and/or improve the clinical management of women with POR according to their respective POSEIDON stratification.

Este trabajo muestra los resultados de un experimento de neurociencia realizado sobre un grupo de 20 personas de ambos sexos, a las que se midió su actividad electrodérmica de forma simultánea mientras visionaban spots de televisión. Se prestó especial atención al análisis de diferencias de género y sus patrones de activación atencional y emocional. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto que los spots que mostraban modelos semidesnudos o en ropa interior resultan significativamente superiores en atención en ambos sexos respecto de los que no presentan esta característica. También se pudieron concluir diferencias significativas en relación a la familiaridad de los espectadores con la marca en ambos sexos (las marcas conocidas son atendidas en mayor medida). Finalmente, pudo también destacarse que la activación atencional se produce en mayor medida al inicio y finalización del spot, aunque se aprecia más claramente en el caso de las mujeres. De igual modo, se puede sugerir un patrón común de activación atencional cuando se produce una ruptura relevante de registro sonoro.

Plants in the Amaryllidaceae family synthesize a diversity of bioactive alkaloids. Some of these plant species are not abundant and have a low natural multiplication rate. The aims of this work were the alkaloids analysis of a Habranthus cardenasianus bulbs extract, the evaluation of its inhibitory activity against cholinesterases, and to test several propagation strategies for biomass production. Eleven compounds were characterized by GC-MS in the alkaloid extract, which showed a relatively high proportion of tazettine. The known alkaloids tazettine, haemanthamine, and the epimer mixture haemanthidine/6-epi-haemanthidine were isolated and identified by spectroscopic methods. Inhibitory cholinesterases activity was not detected. Three forms of propagation were performed: bulb propagation from seed, cut-induced bulb division, and micropropagated bulbs. Finally, different imbibition and post-collection times were evaluated in seed germination assays. The best propagation method was cut-induced bulb division with longitudinal cuts into quarters (T1) while the best conditions for seed germination were 0-day of post-collection and two days of imbibition. The alkaloids analyses of the H. cardenasianus bulbs showed that they are a source of anti-tumoral alkaloids, especially pretazettine (tazettine) and T1 is a sustainable strategy for its propagation and domestication to produce bioactive alkaloids.

This research was designed to investigate the metabolite profiling, phenolics and flavonoids content and the potential antioxidant, antibacterial and nematicidal activities of “yellow-brown resins” from Larrea divaricata Cav (LdRe) and L. nitida Cav (LnRe). Metabolite profiling was obtained using an ultrahigh resolution liquid chromatography orbitrap MS analysis (UHPLC-ESI-OT-MS). The antioxidant properties were screened by four methods: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH), trolox equivalent antioxidant activity assay (TEAC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) and lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes (LP). The antibacterial activity was evaluated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. In addition, the potential combinatory effect was analyzed with the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) values using the checkerboard design. The nematicidal activity was carried out according to a standardized protocol. LdRe and LnRe showed a strong capture of the DPPH radical withvalues around 8.4 µg resin/mL; FRAP (1.69–1.94 mgTE/ g resin), TEAC (1.08–1.09 mgTE/g resin) and LP (81–82% at 100 µg of resin/mL) assays. A strong antimicrobial activity was displayed by both resins against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923(MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus ATCC 43300(MRSA) (MICs = 16–32 µg resin/mL). Additionally, the combination of LdRe or LnRe with the antibiotic cefotaxime showed an indifferent effect (FICI values = 1–1.25), however, this combinationcould be a potential strategy to reduce the drug doses, and in this way can be a potential alternative to reduce bacterial resistance. On the other hand, the resins showed a scarce nematicidal potential toward J2 Meloidogyne incognita; an important nematode infecting horticultural crops. Phenolics compounds were identified by UHPLC-PDA-OT-MS analysis, updating the knowledge on the chemical profile of these species. These results, together with the high content of quantified phenolics and flavonoids, allow the phenolics-enriched resins of these two Larrea species to be considered as a promising sustainable source of compounds of pharmacological interest.

El presente artículo muestra los resultados de un experimento de neurociencia en spots televisivos, cuyo objetivo fue medir a través del análisis de la actividad electrodérmica la atención y emoción en un grupo de 30 personas sobre un conjunto de spots de diversos tipos. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto diferencias relevantes en relación con la tipología del spot, así como características comunes en los incrementos atencionales y emocionales detectados.

A library of embelin derivatives has been synthesized through a multicomponent reaction from embelin (1), aldehydes and privileged structures such as 4-hydroxycoumarin, 4-hydroxy-2H-pyran-2-one and 2-naphthol, in the presence of InCl3 as catalyst. This multicomponent reaction implies Knoevenagel condensation, Michael addition, intramolecular cyclization and dehydration. Many of the synthesized compounds were active and selective against Gram-positive bacteria, including one important multiresistant Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolate. It was found how the conjugation of diverse privileged substructure with embelin led to adducts having enhanced antibacterial activities.

This research was designed to investigate the metabolite profiling, phenolics, and flavonoids content as well as the potential antioxidant and antibacterial, properties of orange-yellow resin from Zuccagnia punctata Cav (ZpRe). Metabolite profiling was obtained by a ultrahigh resolution liquid chromatography orbitrap MS analysis (UHPLC-ESI-OT-MS-MS). The antioxidant properties were screened by four methods: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH), trolox equivalent antioxidant activity assay (TEAC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), and lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes (LP)). The antibacterial activity was evaluated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) rules. The resin displayed a strong DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 25.72 µg/mL) and showed a percentage of inhibition of LP close to that of the reference compound catechin (70% at 100 µg ZpRe/mL), while a moderated effect was observed in the FRAP and TEAC assays. The resin showed a content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds of 391 mg GAE/g and 313 mg EQ/g respectively. Fifty phenolics compounds were identified by ultrahigh resolution liquid chromatography orbitrap MS analysis (UHPLC-PDA-OT-MS) analysis. Thirty-one compounds are reported for the first time, updating the knowledge on the chemical profile of this species. The importance of the biomolecules identified support traditional use of this endemic plant. Furthermore, additional pharmacological data is presented that increase the potential interest of this plant for industrial sustainable applications.

El contexto mediático actual obliga a las organizaciones a utilizar canales de comunicación en los que la presentación de los contenidos y la retroalimentación, sean aspectos primordiales para contactar con los distintos públicos de modo eficaz. Para la Iglesia como institución, la comunicación a través de la página web, se convierte en una necesidad de primer orden. Este trabajo analiza la exposición en página web de información y sus posibilidades de retroalimentación. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto que las diócesis españolas, en relación a su comportamiento en página web, se encuentran en un estadio bidireccional asimétrico (en aplicación de las teorías de Grunig y Hunt); ofrecen una gestión adecuada en cuanto a la exposición de información tanto en estructura como en contenidos, pero los mecanismos de feedback utilizados son mejorables.

Este trabajo presenta los resultados de un experimento de neurociencia sobre un grupo de 20 personas aplicado al consumo audiovisual, en concreto spots de televisión. El método usado fue la medición y análisis de su actividad electrodérmica. Los resultados indican diferencias significativas en atención según género, y cuyos incrementos más notorios parecen estar más relacionados con el sonido que con la imagen. La temática cómica despertó mayor nivel en los hombres, pero no en las mujeres. De igual modo, la novedad parece un factor relevante en la generación de atención y emoción, ya que los spots no emitidos en España obtuvieron valores significativamente superiores en atención y emoción. Finalmente, los spots cuyo idioma de locución no era el español también obtuvieron valores significativamente superiores en atención, pero no en emoción.

The decoction of the local plant Baccharis grisebachii is used as a digestive, gastroprotective, external cicatrizing agent and antiseptic in Argentine. A lyophilized decoction (BLD) from the aerial parts of this plant was evaluated regarding its anti-ulcer, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities and the bioactivities were supported by UHPLC-MS metabolome fingerprinting which revealed the presence of several small bioactive compounds. The antioxidant properties were evaluated by DPPH, TEAC, FRAP and lipoperoxidation inhibition in erythrocytes methods, and the antibacterial activity was evaluated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The BLD showed a moderate free radical scavenging activity in the DPPH (EC50 = 106 µg/mL) and lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes assays (67%, at 250 µg/mL). However, the BLD had the highest gastroprotective effect at a dose of 750 mg/kg with a ninety-three percent inhibition of damage through a mechanism that involve NO and prostaglandins using the ethanol-induced gastric damage in a standard rat model. On the other hand, BLD does not induce cytotoxic changes on human tumor and no-tumor cell lines at the concentrations assayed. Regarding the metabolomic analysis, thirty-one compounds were detected and 30 identified based on UHPLC-OT-MS including twelve flavonoids, eleven cinnamic acid derivatives, one coumarin, one stilbene and two other different phenolic compounds. The results support that the medicinal decoction of Baccharis grisebachii is a valuable natural product with gastroprotective effects and with potential to improve human health that opens a pathway for the development of important phytomedicine products.

Micro Hydro Power Plants (MHPP) constitute an effective, environmentally-friendly solution to deal with energy poverty in rural isolated areas, being the most extended renewable technology in this field. Nevertheless, the context of poverty and lack of qualified manpower usually lead to a poor usage of the resources, due to the use of thumb rules and user experience to design the layout of the plants, which conditions the performance. For this reason, the development of robust and efficient optimization strategies are particularly relevant in this field. This paper proposes a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to address the problem of finding the optimal layout for an MHPP based on real scenario data, obtained by means of a set of experimental topographic measurements. With this end in view, a model of the plant is first developed, in terms of which the optimization problem is formulated with the constraints of minimal generated power and maximum use of flow, together with the practical feasibility of the layout to the measured terrain. The problem is formulated in both single-objective (minimization of the cost) and multi-objective (minimization of the cost and maximization of the generated power) modes, the Pareto dominance being studied in this last case. The algorithm is first applied to an example scenario to illustrate its performance and compared with a reference Branch and Bound Algorithm (BBA) linear approach, reaching reductions of more than 70% in the cost of the MHPP. Finally, it is also applied to a real set of geographical data to validate its robustness against irregular, poorly sampled domains.

The chemical profile, mineral content as well as antioxidant activities of three cultivars of Pistacia vera cv Kerman were investigated. The total phenolic (TP) content flavonoids (FT) and anthocyanins (TA) were measured. Additionally, the profile of polyphenols was analyzed. A slight, not significant, increment was observed in TP content between cultivars with different age (5, 9 and 11 years old). The 9 years old cultivar showed the highest FL value, while the 11 years old cultivar had the higher TA content. Main polyphenols were separated by HPLC and identified by electrospray ionization (ESI) coupled to quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–QTOF–MS). Gallic acid and (+)-catechin were present in higher amounts. The presence of myricetin, isoquercitrin and a dimer of procyanidin are reported for the first time in pistachio. Additionally, K, Ca and Mg were found in high proportion. The highest antioxidant capacity was measured in the 11 years old pistachio cultivar. This work presents the first evidence that Pistacia vera cv Kerman from Argentinean cultivars could be considered as a functional food or ingredient in a diet, with potential to improve human health.

The Amaryllidaceae family is well known for its pharmacologically active alkaloids. An important approach to treat Alzheimer’s disease involves the inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Galanthamine, an Amaryllidaceae alkaloid, is an effective, selective, reversible, and competitive AchE inhibitor. This work was aimed at studying the alkaloid composition of four wild Argentinian Amarillydaceae species for the first time, as well as analyzing their inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase. Alkaloid content was characterized by means of GC-MS analysis. Chloroform basic extracts from Habranthus jamesonii, Phycella herbertiana, Rhodophiala mendocina and Zephyranthes filifolia collected in the Argentinian Andean region all contained galanthamine, and showed a strong AChE inhibitory activity (IC50 between 1.2 and 2 µg/mL). To our knowledge, no previous reports on alkaloid profiles and AChEIs activity of wild Argentinian Amarillydaceae species have been publisihed. The demand for renewable sources of industrial products like galanthamine and the need to protect plant biodiversity creates an opportunity for Argentinian farmers to produce such crops.

Una de las cuestiones recurrentes en publicidad está relacionada con la eficacia de la misma. En ocasiones, se mencionan los premios de publicidad obtenidos por los spots en festivales como medida de éxito. Sin embargo, los procesos psíquicos de atención y emoción registrados por los spots parecen un medio más fiable de medición del éxito, más incluso teniendo en cuenta la importancia de estos dos procesos mentales en la generación de recuerdo del spot por parte del público objetivo. Así, en este trabajo se midieron los niveles de atención y emoción generados mediante el estudio de la actividad electrodérmica en un grupo de veintidós personas. Posteriormente, se relacionó dicha medición con el premio concedido en el Festival de Cannes 2002 (León de Oro, Plata o Bronce) para conocer si los spots con premios Oro había obtenido mayores niveles de atención y emoción, o dicho de otra manera, si el jurado de dichos premios había concedido los mayores galardones a los spots que mayor atención y emoción habían desarrollado en el público, que a priori son los mejores o más eficaces considerada la actividad publicitaria en sí misma. Los resultados obtenidos permiten asociar objetivamente las tasas de cambio en la atención del espectador con la obtención de un premio Oro, y también entre el nivel medio de emoción registrado y los premios Oro, Plata o Bronce obtenidos (los anuncios con premios Oro obtuvieron niveles significativamente más altos de emoción que los spots que obtuvieron premios Plata, y estos respecto de los que consiguieron premios Bronce).

La publicidad en la sociedad actual ocupa un lugar clave, debido al motor económico que representa en las sociedades capitalistas. Esta disciplina tiene su merecido lugar en las universidades españolas y a través de sus planes de estudio se pretende formar profesionales cualificados para el desarrollo de la actividad. Una de las asignaturas clave, sobre todo en los primeros cursos, es Teoría General de la Publicidad, donde el alumno toma un primer contacto con la disciplina, de ahí la enorme importancia que tiene para este tipo de estudios. La llegada del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior (EEES) a la universidad española supuso un replanteamiento en la impartición de las asignaturas desde el punto de vista metodológico. Docente y alumno tienen como camino la guía docente que se presenta al inicio del curso. Esta investigación analiza las guías docentes de la asignatura Teoría General de la Publicidad en las universidades españolas, utilizando como metodología el análisis de contenido. El análisis se limita únicamente a la información publicada en la web de las universidades sobre la guía docente de la asignatura mencionada. Así, se elaboró una plantilla compuesta por 85 variables que detallan el contenido expuesto sobre la asignatura. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto la inapropiada construcción de la guía docente de esta asignatura clave para la enseñanza de la Publicidad y las Relaciones Públicas.

En este trabajo se muestran los resultados de un experimento de neurociencia sobre el primer capítulo de la serie americana Forever, en el que se midió simultáneamente la actividad electrodérmica de un grupo de 30 personas usando la tecnología Sociograph. Tras la emisión, se realizó una encuesta de tipo auto administrado entre los participantes en el experimento. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto incrementos de EDL van precedidos de un cambio de situación sonora o visual brusca, y ligados a situaciones que imprevisibilidad que generan expectación por lo incierto del desenlace. Los decrementos se producen en situaciones de tranquilidad y calma, de solución previsible, que podrían generar tedio en la audiencia. Los cambios más importantes, de tipo súbito, en la actividad fásica (EDR) se dan en relación a contenidos violentos, en conversaciones entre los protagonistas con alta carga emotiva, y en situaciones con alta expectación. Es destacable la presencia de música en todos estos momento. En la encuesta posterior realizada al final de la emisión, los protagonistas obtienen valoraciones generales altas, lo que unido a que participan en todas las secuencias con EDL y EDR incrementadas, hace sugerir que logran mantener durante la emisión del capítulo una relación atencional y emocional positiva con los espectadores, elemento clave sin duda para el éxito de la serie. Este hecho viene sin duda reforzado por una valoración general de la serie alta, así como de la intención de seguir viéndola en el futuro.

Este trabajo analiza la exposición en página web de información a través de la sala de prensa virtual, y sus posibilidades de retroalimentación. Con los resultados se hizo un análisis para considerar su ajuste a los modelos de comportamiento comunicativo empresarial de Grunig y Hunt. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto una gestión adecuada en cuanto a la exposición de información. Aunque también se puede hablar de presencia de sistemas de realimentación de información, se podría sugerir que su gestión es mejorable, al presentar una limitada frecuencia y capacidad expresiva. En consecuencia, se debe considerar la asimetría sistémica entre los sistemas de exposición (muy desarrollados) y realimentación (con un desarrollo más limitado para los públicos), que genera un sistema sincrónico y se ajusta al modelo de comportamiento bidireccional asimétrico.

La comunicación corporativa supone un activo de suma importancia para cualquier organización. También para las universidades, que se encuentran en un proceso de convergencia que exige la generación de un discurso corporativo que se adapte al nuevo entorno competidor. Así, este trabajo analiza la comunicación corporativa de las universidades españolas a través de sus portales Web mediante la técnica de análisis de contenido con perspectiva cuantitativa. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto que aunque la presencia de una sección específica destinada a ésta en las páginas analizadas es mayoritaria, la gestión de contenidos de la misma no puede calificarse de buena, ya que no se incluye toda la información que debería, y todavía más, no se aprovecha la flexibilidad del soporte para generar discurso corporativo multimedia.

En este trabajo se realiza un análisis del posicionamiento de las marcas de automóviles sobre una muestra de estudiantes universitarios de la UEMC. El método estadístico utilizado fue el análisis de correspondencias simple en el marco de una encuesta sobre la muestra antes mencionada. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto la estructuración del mercado de automóviles en todos los casos en varios grupos competitivos, en función fundamentalmente del precio. Además, se encontraron diferencias relevantes en el segmento de gama media en los dos períodos analizados, tanto en el caso de estudiantes con permiso de conducción como en el caso de estudiantes sin tal autorización administrativa.

Elementos como imagen pública, transparencia o credibilidad son activos estratégicos de importancia para las organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro (ONGs), y constituyen la base sobre la que construir su actividad. Por ello, este trabajo analiza la exposición de información y retroalimentación de un centenar de ONGs a través de sus portales web. Se estratificó la muestra según presupuesto, con objeto de determinar diferencias significativas entre los estratos. El método de análisis utilizado fue el análisis contenido con perspectiva cuantitativa, usando una plantilla con 74 variables. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto que a mayor presupuesto, mayores recursos destinados a la exposición de información. No obstante, a nivel retroalimentativo, se determinó en todos los estratos la ausencia real de mecanismos de retroalimentación para establecer relaciones significativas con los públicos de las ONGs.

The petroleum ether extract of Baccharis darwinii showed activity against Cryptococcus neoformans and dermatophytes. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of Baccharis darwinii has resulted in the isolation of three coumarins: 5’-hydroxy aurapten (anisocoumarin H, 1), aurapten (7-geranyloxycoumarin, 2) and 5’-oxoaurapten (diversinin, 3). The structures of these compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods. These compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobialactivity against a panel of each, bacteria and fungi. Compound 3 showed the best activities against Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes with MICs = 15.6 µg/mL, followed by compound 1 whose MICs against the same fungi were 62.5 µg/mL. In addition they showed fungicidal rather than fungistatic activity. Both compounds showed moderate activity (MICs = 125 µg/mL) against Cryptococcus neoformans. This is the first report of the presence of compound 1 in B. darwinii.

El estudio de caso que se presenta tiene por objetivo el análisis del uso y la opinión de los directivos, profesores y alumnos de la Universidad Europea Miguel de Cervantes sobre las herramientas tecnológicas existentes. Mediante la encuesta se pone de manifiesto los altos niveles de conocimiento en las dos herramientas evaluadas: campus virtual y webmail (con un bajo nivel de uso efectivo, especialmente en el colectivo de estudiantes). En conclusión, si bien las TICs son positivamente valoradas, su uso efectivo presenta ciertas deficiencias que podrían subsanarse si se mejora el contenido de estos espacios y son usadas como canales esenciales de información entre los públicos implicados.

The seriated extracts of petroleum ether (PE-E), dichloromethane (DCM-E) and methanol extracts (MeOH-E) from the aerial parts of the native South American plant Tetraglochin ameghinoi (Rosaceae), were evaluated regarding their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The antioxidant properties were evaluated by free radical scavenging methods (DPPH and TEAC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and lipoperoxidation in erythrocytes (LP), while the antibacterial activity was performed against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The chemical and biological analyses of this plant are very important since this bush is currently used in traditional medicine as a cholagogue and digestive. The polar MeOH-E showed the highest antioxidant activities (17.70 µg/mL in the DPPH assay, 381.43 ± 22.38 mM TE/g extract in the FRAP assay, 387.76 ± 91.93 mg TE/g extract in the TEAC assay and 93.23 + 6.77% in the LP assay) and it was selected for chromatographic isolation of its components. These components were found to be four acetophenones, including the new phloracetophenone glucoside: 4′,6′,-dihydroxy-2′-O-(6″-acetyl)-β-d-glucopyranosylacetophenone or IUPAC name: (6-(2-acetyl-3,5-dihydroxyphenoxy)-3,4,5-trihydroxytetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)methyl acetate, whose structure was elucidated by NMR and MS methods. In addition, twenty-six compounds, including five of these acetophenone derivatives, two sugars, six flavonoids, eleven phenolic acids and two triterpenes, were identified based on UHPLC-OT-MS and PDA analysis on the MeOH-E. The results support the medicinal use of the plant.

Internet ha sido el precursor de cambios en los proceso de compra. El que trata este artículo, el showrooming, trata de visitar la tienda física para ver, tocar y probar el producto, y realizar la compra en un retailer online con precios más competitivos, bien en casa o in-store. Así, este artículo muestra los resultados de un estudio exploratorio realizado sobre una muestra de 100 estudiantes universitarios acerca de este fenómeno. Dicho estudio muestra que la compra por internet es para ellos un acto cotidiano, más frecuente y de menor valor unitario en el caso de las mujeres. De igual modo, el showrooming es una práctica conocida fundamentalmente a través de redes sociales y blogs, realizada por aproximadamente la mitad de las mujeres, que visitan esencialmente showrooms de ropa y complementos, y en menor medida tecnología. Del mismo modo, se observó un freno importante entre los no practicantes, que afirman preferir en todo caso una experiencia de compra física, y no muestran interés por este modo de compra.

El objetivo del estudio se centra en el análisis de la relación existente entre periodismo y publicidad en el escenario mediático en el que se mueven estas dos disciplinas diferentes, obligadas a entenderse para sobrevivir en el contexto digital actual. Esta integración se trata desde diversas perspectivas: económica, social y cultural. La relación entre medios de comunicación, concretamente la prensa y la publicidad es muy estrecha. Ambas se necesitan y apoyan mutuamente, formando una auténtica simbiosis: la publicidad necesita al medio prensa para llegar hasta los consumidores y ésta necesita a la publicidad para financiarse. Se destaca especialmente la influencia y repercusión que ha tenido Internet en la prensa, por la revolución que ha supuesto con cambios de diversa índole: modificando estructuras, parámetros, procedimientos y métodos de trabajo en la actividad periodística actual.

Este trabajo analiza la comunicación corporativa en página web de los veinte principales distribuidores alimentarios en España. Para ello se recurrió a la técnica de análisis de contenido. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto la inadecuada gestión de la comunicación corporativa en este medio, con deficiencias notorias en el desarrollo de las posibilidades de uso del medio. Así, si bien formalmente se da importancia a la comunicación corporativa (la mayoría de webs tienen apartados específicos en posiciones estructuralmente preferentes), también se acusa la ausencia mayoritaria de elementos corporativos fundamentales (biografías, elementos simbólicos de relato como mitos, valores y misión, apartados específicos dedicados a RSC, etc.) y la deficiente ubicación de algunos de ellos.

La televisión tardó trece años en conseguir cien millones de usuarios, Internet empleó cuatro y el iPod de Apple necesitó tres años. Facebook llegó al centenar de millones de usuarios en apenas nueve meses. Además, España es uno de los países con mayor consumo de redes sociales, y dentro de éstas, Facebook destaca dominando el ecosistema. Instagram, que fue comprada por Facebook el 09/04/2012 por una cantidad cercana a los 1.000 millones dólares, es una aplicación cuya virtud principal es la capacidad de interacción entre marca y usuario a través de la fotografía. Además, permite compartir dichas instantáneas en diferentes redes sociales como Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest y Flickr. Este trabajo analiza si existe interacción y, en tal caso, con qué intensidad, entre los usuarios y las marcas en Instagram. Los resultados indican que, la mayoría de las marcas más importantes en Facebook tienen actividad en Instagram, y que dicha actividad es de tipo esencialmente participativo y relevante para las marcas, pues mayoritariamente difunden esta actividad en sus otras redes sociales.