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At volcanoes in unrest, the interpretation of geochemical time-series is a major issue for decrypting volcano dynamics and forecast eruptive scenarios. However, interpretation cannot be purely observational and demands the assessment of the main physicochemical features of the hydrothermal system. In the case of La Soufrière of Guadeloupe (FWI) andesitic volcano, a careful analysis of different techniques adopted historically for gas sampling and analysis by the local observatory has allowed us to model degassing and assess gas indicators from non-condensable species in the H2-N2-CH4-He-Ar system available since 2006. Here we report on the nature of discharged gases, resulting from the mixing of atmospheric component and a magmatic-hydrothermal gas evolving along a lineage connecting MORB-like upper mantle and arc-volcano components. We show that along this lineage we can track the hydrothermal build-up of pressure and temperature modulated by magmatic variations, particularly decompression. A careful analysis of inert gas fractionation allows recognizing two main regimes: one is about hydrothermal degassing conditions perturbed by the deep impulsive gas infiltration after magma refilling in a 4 to 8 km deep chamber; the other is determined by ascent of magma batches to a shallower (about 3 km deep) chamber. Further changes of the bulk permeability structure in the hydrothermal reservoir due to fracture sealing and clogging effect may exacerbate observed evolutions but do not represent the primary control of the degassing process. We also show that gas ratios in the H2-He-CH4 subsystem can effectively discriminate and anticipate such tendencies and, particularly, they can be turned into reliable precursors of magma-derived solicitations and set possible thresholds for next crises. The main test is made with reference to the 2013-2014 and 2018 episodes of accelerated unrest: we confirm that the latter is as an aborted phreatic eruption, triggered by the injection of hot magmatic fluids into the magmatic system. On the other hand, for the 2013-2014 period, poorly studied, we document for the very first time the ascent of a small batch of magma which refilled the 3 km deep shallow magma chamber. This triggered seismicity just on top of the brittle-ductile transition. Besides, our method reveals that in 2007-09 an unrest phase similar to the 2018 one occurred, although not marked by the same seismic activity likely because the volcanic system was more sealed and less fractured before the magmatic upward excursion of the 2013-14 phase. Our results and conclusions are suitable for all those volcanic systems at the hydrothermal stage and allow a better definition of unrest scenarios whenever sampling frequency of fumarolic fluids is compatible with the expected transit times of magmatic fluids from magma chambers to surface.

Parapharyngeal tumor lesions present a low incidence, representing between 0,5 and 0,8% of all head and neck tumors. Approximately 80% show benign behavior. The uniqueness of these lesions derives from their complex anatomical situation and the symptoms with which they usually appear, being in most cases nonspecific and almost always derived from the compressive effect produced by the lesion on the oropharynx and the oropharynx. Schwannomas of the parapharyngeal space are very rare tumors that originate from the sheath of schawnn, generally slow growing, and are usually asymptomatic. Treatment is surgical, often complex due to the anatomical location.The case of a 42-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of Schwannoma in the left parapharyngeal region, demonstrated by incisional biopsy, is presented; undergoing surgical treatment, which was carried out without complications. Las lesiones tumorales de localización parafaríngea presentan una escasa incidencia, representando entre el 0,5 y el 0,8% de todas las tumoraciones de cabeza y cuello. Aproximadamente el 80% presentan un comportamiento benigno. La singularidad de dichas lesiones deriva de su compleja situación anatómica y de la clínica con la que suelen debutar, siendo en la mayoría de los casos inespecífica y casi siempre derivada del efecto compresivo producido por la lesión sobre la oro y rinofaringe. Los Schwannoma del espacio parafaríngeo son tumores muy infrecuentes, que se originan de la vaina de schawnn, generalmente de crecimiento lento, suelen ser asintomáticos. El tratamiento es quirúrgico, muchas veces complejo por la localización anatómica. Se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina de 42 años de edad con diagnóstico de Schwannoma en la región parafaríngea izquierda demostrada mediante biopsia incisional; realizándosele tratamiento quirúrgico, el cual se llevó a cabo sin complicaciones.

International audience; The geochemical behavior of major and trace elements in fumarolic gas condensate samples collected between April 2017 and January 2021 was investigated at La Soufriere hydrothermal volcano. Samples collected from Cratère Sud and Napoleon Nord fumaroles (temperature varying from 93.9 to 108.4 °C) offer a unique opportunity to reveal the physicochemical processes that affect the deeper magmatic and shallow hydrothermal systems feeding fumaroles. Gas condensate samples exhibit abundant solid particles that suggest strong water-rock interaction and erosive processes in fumarolic conduits at La Soufriere. These particles were incorporated during sampling, except for rare Si-rich spherules that appeared to have precipitated during storage time. Gas condensate samples displayed abundant concentrations of S, halogens (Cl, Br, I), metals/metalloids (B, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Pb, and Bi), as well as enhanced concentrations of rock-related lithophile and siderophile elements. The relative abundance of major and trace elements in gas condensates suggests the permanent contribution of volatile-rich magmatic fluids and strong water-rock interaction processes. Based on elemental correlations and the physical properties of chemical elements, it is postulated that most of them are discharged in the aerosol phase, except for the halogens and S, which can be found in the gaseous phase in low-temperature fumarolic emissions. Metals and metalloids (Sb, Bi, Zn, Mo, Ni, Ag, Cd, As, and Pb) enriched in gas condensates were transported within tiny aqueous droplets, while rock-related elements (including REEs) were transported in the aerosol phase. Trace element enrichments in La Soufriere's condensates are comparable with those found in worldwide magmatic-hydrothermal systems such as Kawaj Ijen (Indonesia), Lastarria (Chile), and White Island (New Zealand) volcanoes. The size of the hydrothermal system and the degree of water-rock interaction are thought to be important parameters in controlling the abundance of major and trace elements in low-temperature fumarolic discharge.

This work presents the first chemical and isotopic (δ13C-CO2, δ13C-CH4, 3He, 4He, 20Ne, 40Ar, 36Ar, δ18O, and δD) data for fluid discharges from Guallatiri volcano, a remote and massive stratovolcano, which is considered as the second most active volcano of the Central Volcanic Zone (CVZ) in northern Chile. Fumarolic gases had outlet temperatures of between 80.2 and 265 °C, and showed a significant magmatic fluid contribution marked by the occurrence of SO2, HCl, and HF that are partially scrubbed by a hydrothermal aquifer. The helium isotope ratios (

Toda política pública que se precie de tal tiene un ciclo que comprende su diseño, negociación, implementación, evaluación y retroalimentación para sus modificaciones o ajustes ya sean de gestión o regulatorias. Este ha sido el caso de la Alta Dirección Pública, desde que se diseñó y negoció en el Congreso el 2003, para comenzar a implementarse gradualmente a partir del año 2004 hasta la fecha, donde ha sido objeto de diversas revisiones y evaluaciones, en especial a partir de los informes de desempeño que su Consejo, por ley está obligado en los meses de mayo de cada año, a entregar a las Comisiones de Hacienda del Senado y la Cámara de Diputados. Es por lo que este artículo, el tercero de una serie académica sobre la ADP, pretende ser un aporte más al seguimiento de esta política en particular. Continuar leyendo...

This work presents chemical and isotopic (δ13C-CO2, δ13C-CH4 3He, 4He, 20Ne, 40Ar, 36Ar, δ18O and δD) data of fluid discharges from Colpitas-Taapaca volcanic-hydrothermal system, located close to the Taapaca Volcanic Complex, with the aim to investigate the physical-chemical conditions of the fluid source and to provide a preliminary evaluation of the geothermic potential of the study area. Colpitas thermal springs (to 56 °C) and part of the cold springs (≤18°C) from this area have a Na+-Cl- composition and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) values (from 6,059 to 19,118 mg/L). Putre springs also show a Na+-Cl- composition, TDS values up to 7,887 mg/L, and outlet temperatures from 21 to 31 °C. Colpitas cold springs, with a Ca2+-SO42- composition and relatively low TDS values (≤1,350 mg/L), are likely produced by interaction of shallow water with uprising H2S-rich hydrothermal gases. This process is likely also controlling the chemistry of Jurase thermal springs, which have the highest outlet temperatures of the study area (up to 68 °C), a Ca2+-SO42- composition and TDS values ≤2,355 mg/L. Eventually, Las Cuevas springs have temperatures up to 36 °C, a Na+-HCO3- composition and low TDS values (≤1,067 mg/L), typical features of springs related to a shallow aquifer. The δ18OH2O and δD-H2O values indicate that all waters have a dominant meteoric origin. Enrichments in 18O and D shown by Colpitas and Putre thermal waters are likely due to steam loss and water-rock interaction, masking a possible direct steam contribution from magmatic degassing. Gas emissions from Colpitas bubbling pools are dominated by CO2, with significant concentrations of CH4, H2S and H2. The Rc/Ra values (up to 2.04) of Colpitas gases indicate a significant contribution of magmatic to mantle He, whereas the high CO2/3He ratios, combined with d13C-CO2 values ranging from -7.66 to -5.63 % vs. PDB, imply a dominant crustal CO2 source, mostly involving limestone. Estimated temperatures based on the composition of waters and gases from Colpitas are up to 215 °C. Higher temperatures (240 °C) are estimated for Putre thermal waters, although these waters, as well as those from Jurase and Las Cuevas, are too immature for a reliable application of geothermometric techniques. Based on the theoretical reservoir temperature and the measured Cl total output, the thermal energy released from Colpitas thermal area is estimated at up to 13.9 Mw. Such results suggest the occurrence of a promising heat source, possibly related to Taapaca volcanic complex, and encourage the development of future research based on combined geophysical and ccepted geochemical approaches, in order to provide a reliable evaluation of the geothermal potential of the whole area.

Cerro Tujle is an isolated Quaternary maar located 21 km south-east of the Salar de Atacama basin. It is situated at 3,554 m a.s.l., on the top of the Cordon de Tujle ridge forming a north-south striking morphological element in the Central Volcanic Zone of the Andes, in northern Chile. The material erupted at Cerro Tujle lies over the Tucucaro Ignimbrite (3.2 ± 0.3 Ma), covering the whole area. The origin of the magma source, as well as the evolution and control of the volcanic eruptive styles, were determined by fieldwork, stratigraphic, morphometric, textural (density and vesicularity), petrographic, and geochemical analyses. The Cerro Tujle maar features an elliptical crater (333 × 279 m wide in east-west and north-south directions, respectively) surrounded by lava flow and tephra deposits. The total Dense Rock Equivalent volume of the products was calculated in 1.53 × 105 m3, and mainly correspond to andesites (58.62–59.80 wt% of SiO2). The lava flow can be categorized in at least two types: i) brown-red and green-to-gray andesites located on the north-northwestern flank of the crater, and ii) black andesites with felsic rock clasts distributed around the crater underlying the other lavas. In contrast, the pyroclastic deposit displays breccias of juvenile pyroclasts with xenoliths of rhyolitic composition. These felsic clasts suggest magma assimilation with a shallow magma reservoir during a relatively fast ascent of the magma. This is evidenced by disequilibrium textures in mineral levels, such as reaction rim, and skeletal and sieve textures of the phenocrysts. The field evidence and results of the different analyses suggest a change in the eruptive style from effusive to explosive. This transition is associated with a decrease of the magma flux and a withdrawal of magma below the groundwater table, which has produced a phreatomagmatic eruption by magma-water interaction.

Este nuevo cambio de coalición de gobierno es una prueba clave para evaluar el Sistema de Alta Dirección Pública y, en particular, las reformas legales recientemente aprobadas. Desde hace un par de meses, ya algunas voces públicas provenientes del nuevo gobierno instalaron la idea respecto de la falta de legitimidad de los directivos que el sistema provee, normalizando por ejemplo el eventual despido inmediato basado en criterios ajenos al desempeño como pudiese ser la falta de lealtad o, peor aún, que dado que antes de concursar y ganar el proceso concursal ya habían sido designados “a dedo” en calidad de provisionales y transitorios (PyT). Continuar leyendo...

This work presents the first record of boron-rich aqueous solutions in barite-, anhydrite-, and sassolite-hosted fluid inclusions found in the fumarolic deposits of the Guallatiri volcano, an active and quiescently degassing volcano located in northern Chile. These findings offer a unique opportunity to investigate the mineral-forming and depositional processes in fumarolic environments. Chemical and mineral characterization was performed using XRD and SEM-EDS techniques, whereas petrologic and microthermometry methods, in addition to Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, were conducted to the physicochemical characterization of fluid inclusions. Characterizations of these fluid inclusions show high‑boron concentrations associated with crystalline phases of sassolite and boron-rich aqueous solutions in fluid inclusions. Analyses based on fluid inclusions reveal two potentially fluid sources: (i) a deep source with higher temperatures (up to 220 °C) and saline fluids (>8 wt% NaCl equivalent), in the presence of CO2, H2S, SO2, and CH4; and (ii) a shallower source with lower temperatures (between 113 and 163 °C) and salinities (

This paper introduces the first GIS-based volcanic hazard, vulnerability and risk assessment of Guallatiri volcano. Volcanic hazard assessment is based on the study of five key volcanic phenomena observed during Holocene eruptions of Guallatiri volcano: i) tephra transport, dispersal and deposition; ii) flooding by lahars; iii) lava flows; iv) pyroclastic density currents; and v) ballistic projectiles. A qualitative approach is considered, assuming a relative probability of occurrence for each scenario. Hazard maps are constructed via computer modelling based on field data and some volcanic analogues and relative probability values are assigned to each scenario (the lowest magnitude/intensity scenario has the highest probability value and vice versa). After summing them up through the raster calculator tool, the result corresponds to an integrated volcanic hazard map, that shows the areas likely to be adversely affected by different volcanic processes. Vulnerability was assessed through its social, physical and territorial components considered by dividing the study area into basic administrative units (rural entities), according to the 2017 Chilean Census. Social vulnerability is evaluated through density of people, education qualification, and dependence index. Physical vulnerability is evaluated through the number of houses, and territorial vulnerability, through a critical infrastructure cadaster. A vulnerability level is assigned according to the vulnerability indicator intervals using the quantile method. In order to evaluate the overall risk, the integrated hazard map and vulnerability assessments are aggregated through the arithmetic multiplication of the layers. Consequently, three thematic risk maps are obtained: social, physical and territorial. This analysis depicts that ash transport, dispersal and fallout, indeed has the greatest impact because it is more widely distributed. If a high magnitude eruption occurred during autumn, winter or spring/summer, ash cloud movements would be to the NW, E or SE, respectively reaching Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. For volcanic processes closest to the volcanic edifice, the higher risk areas would be located towards the N, NW, and SW of the volcano affecting areas up 13 km to the localities of Chungara Viejo, Ancuta, and Guallatiri. In the case of explosive events, areas prone to be affected by tephra deposition could be blanketed with layers up to 50 cm thick, while flooding by bulky lahars could extend for up to ~19 km, and pyroclastic density currents up to ~10 km, whereas for effusive events, lava flows would extend for up to ~7 km. Consequently, the places identified here as those being at highest social risk are Nigramalla, Ancuta, and Guallatire. Due to its remoteness, this volcano and their hazards/vulnerability/risks have been underestimated so far. A future eruption will threaten these areas and the local economy mainly related to the tertiary (e.g., tourism), and primary (e.g., livestock) sectors.

The compilation of water, sediment, rock, and condensed gas data of arsenic (As) in the Altiplano-Puna of Chile reveals a link between its natural enrichment and volcanic activity, high crustal thicknesses, and regional structures. Two zones were studied which encompass the Altiplano-Puna and western lowlands of Chile: the Northern Zone (including Los Pintados, Surire, and Huasco) and Southern Zone (including Pedernales, Grande, and Laguna Verde). A positive correlation was found between average As concentrations in saline and brackish water of salt flats and crustal thicknesses of the two studied zones with heightened values to the east (up to 25 mg∙L−1 of dissolved As in water and a 64 km depth to the Mohorovicic discontinuity). Furthermore, in the studied Altiplano-Puna salt flats, surrounding Mio-Pliocene to Quaternary felsic and intermediate volcanic outcrops are abundant and As is well correlated with other dissolved components (e.g. Li and B). Sediments show extreme As values at punctual locations within the Altiplano-Puna, where the crust is thick, recent volcanic and hydrothermal activity is present, and regional faults are found. Volcanic rocks and condensed gas in the Altiplano-Puna are also enriched with As (up to 221 and 1234 mg∙kg−1 respectively). In this tectonic environment, it is hypothesized that volcanism represents an important source of As and the thick continental crust can provide a large reservoir of As that can be leached by rising thermal fluids. Regional scale fault systems also can allow for preferential upwelling and the heightened concentration of As in fractures. Hydrological processes at the surface transport dissolved As to lower elevation regions through groundwater in aquifers and surface water in perennial rivers, creeks, and gorges, diluting element concentrations where significant evapoconcentration is not present.

A detailed study on the mineralogy and chemistry of fumarolic deposits with a focus on metals and metalloids is presented. Two active volcanoes in northern Chile, Guallatiri and Lastarria, are characterised by vigorous and persistent fumarolic activity and the formation of zoned fumarolic deposits. Twelve minerals were identified in the studied deposits by X-ray diffraction: anhydrite, barite, gypsum, rhomboclase, orpiment, pyrite, galena, cristobalite, quartz, magnetite, sassolite, and native sulphur. Chemical analyses revealed the presence of 30 chemical elements, including metals and metalloids such as As, Hg, Pb, Sb, Te, and Tl. Backscattered-electron imaging revealed four types of rock textures in the fumarolic deposits: i) massive and poorly vesiculated, ii) highly vesiculated, iii) clastic-like, and iv) flow-like. Micro-chemical analyses showed the presence of cinnabar nataliyamalikite and unidentified mineral assemblages of As S, Te S, Pb S, Hg S, Tl I, and Tl-I-Pb compositions. Based on colour, outlet gas temperature, mineralogy, and chemistry, four distinct zones of fumarolic deposits are identified. (1) Grey zone: sulphide and silicate dominant with minor native elements, high concentrations of Pb and As, and a clastic-like texture (gas outlet temperature > 265 °C). (2) Red zone: sulphide and silicate dominant with minor oxides and native elements, small As, Pb, Tl, I, and Te minerals, and predominance of a flow-like texture (200–280 °C). (3) Yellow-orange zone: dominated by native sulphur and minor borates and sulphur with small As-, Sb-, Hg-, and I-containing minerals, massive and vesiculated texture (80–200 °C). (4) Yellow-white zone: formed by native sulphur, minor borates and As-rich zones, usually displaying a vesiculated texture (

Se ha cumplido un año del tercer cambio de coalición de gobierno y como habíamos señalado en un artículo anterior, se trataría de una prueba de fuego para el Sistema de Alta Dirección Pública (SADP), en particular respecto de ponderar el efecto de la reforma legal del 2016. Continuar leyendo...

A qualitative and quantitative analysis of 13 Landsat TM and ETM+images of Lascar volcano for the 2000-2004 period was performed by applying the three bands and three components method to determine heat and mass flux and understand the magma circulation process in a passive degassing volcano related to permanent fumarolic activity. The behavior and evolution of spectral radiance during the study period suggest that prior to low-to-moderate magnitude eruptions these values reach their localized temporal minimumlevels, corresponding to 1.9-4.38mW/cm2srμmin July 2000 and 4.38-7.11mW/cm2srμmin December 2003 eruptions, respectively. Similar behavior is observed for anomaly area, heat and mass fluxes. During the 2000-2004 period the heat flux was estimated to vary from 75.46 and 10,527 MW, while mass flux ranged between 131 and 18,469 kg s−1. A magma circulation model is proposed to explain these variations, where the thermal anomaly is related to the presence of a fumarolic field and fluids movement from a magma chamber located at ~10-17 km depth. Fil: Gonzalez, C.. Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería; Chile Fil: Inostroza, M.. Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería; Chile Fil: Aguilera, F.. Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería; Chile Fil: González, R.. Universidad Católica del Norte. Departamento de Ciencias Geológicas; Chile Fil: Viramonte, Jose German. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Salta. Instituto de Investigaciones en Energía No Convencional; Argentina Fil: Menzies, A.. Universidad Católica del Norte. Departamento de Ciencias Geológicas; Chile

Indexación: Scielo Background: There is a great degree of dissatisfaction with the Chilean health care system. Aim: To investigate which are the most relevant perceived factors when the health care system is evaluated. Material and Methods: Analysis of a survey about the Chilean health care system carried out during 2011, 2012 and 2013, involving 2,801 respondents. Results: The response capacity of emergency systems was the main factor considered for the evaluation of public and private health care systems. Respondents who were affiliated to private insurance systems also took into consideration the quality of medical infrastructure. Conclusions: There are different factors considered when public or private health care systems are evaluated. Key words: Delivery of health care; Public Health; Public Opinion; Chile.

A national epidemiological survey in Chile assessed adaptive (health care utilization) and maladaptive (substance use) postearthquake behaviors.Three months after the 8.8-magnitude 2010 Bio-Bio earthquake, face-to-face interviews were conducted with a representative sample of 2,108 adults. Logistic regression analyses examined predictors of health care service utilization and substance use.Few participants utilized available government- and community-based psychosocial resources (16.6%). A minority reported increased substance use (13.2%). Lower self-efficacy was correlated with increased health care utilization (odds ratio [OR]=.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]=.88-.96) and use of tranquilizers, illicit and psychotropic drugs, and alcohol (OR=.95, CI=.91-.99); this pattern was not limited to residents of areas with the heaviest impacts.Self-efficacy beliefs elucidate variability in survivors' behaviors postdisaster and may provide an avenue to encourage salubrious responses. Postdisaster interventions should broadly target the population; those less heavily affected may need, and be as likely to use, available resources.

We examined cumulative and specific types of trauma exposure as predictors of distress and impairment following a multifaceted community disaster. Approximately 3 months after the 8.8 magnitude earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent looting in Bio Bio, Chile, face-to-face interviews were conducted in 5 provinces closest to the epicenter. Participants (N = 1,000) were randomly selected using military topographic records and census data. Demographics, exposure to discrete components of the disaster (earthquake, tsunami, looting), and exposure to secondary stressors (property loss, injury, death) were evaluated as predictors of posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms, global distress, and functional impairment. Prevalence of probable posttraumatic stress disorder was 18.95%. In adjusted models examining specificity of exposure to discrete disaster components and secondary stressors, PTS symptoms and global distress were associated with earthquake intensity, tsunami exposure, and injury to self/close other. Increased functional impairment correlated with earthquake intensity and injury to self/close other. In adjusted models, cumulative exposure to secondary stressors correlated with PTS symptoms, global distress, and functional impairment; cumulative count of exposure to discrete disaster components did not. Exploratory analyses indicated that, beyond direct exposure, appraising the tsunami and looting as the worst components of the disaster correlated with greater media exposure and higher socioeconomic status, respectively. Overall, threat to life indicators correlated with worse outcomes. As failure of government tsunami warnings resulted in many deaths, findings suggest disasters compounded by human errors may be particularly distressing. We advance theory regarding cumulative and specific trauma exposure as predictors of postdisaster distress and provide information for enhancing targeted postdisaster interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en

Indexación: Web of Science; Scielo RESUMEN: Este artículo presenta el nivel de conocimiento y evaluación de las mutuales de seguridad, aseguradoras privadas de accidentes laborales y enfermedades profesionales en Chile. Se aplicó una encuesta telefónica a 300 trabajadores dependientes residentes en hogares ubicados en las zonas urbanas de Santiago de Chile. Los hogares fueron seleccionados de forma aleatoria sobre la base de un listado público de teléfonos de hogares. Los resultados muestran que la mayor parte de los encuestados sabe en qué consisten estas instituciones, pero aproximadamente un tercio afirma no tener conocimiento del sistema. Las evaluaciones más altas respecto a la información recibida de las mutuales están en el área de beneficios no relacionados al trabajo (por ejemplo, descuentos en establecimientos educacionales y tiendas) y a las coberturas en salud en caso de accidente. Para aquellos usuarios que han sufrido un accidente laboral, las valoraciones más altas están en el área de atención médica y rehabilitación, mientras las más bajas se encuentran en las prestaciones asociadas a traslado hacia los centros asistenciales, así como de los procedimientos administrativos asociados al tratamiento del accidente. Se concluye que resulta necesario promover el conocimiento de las actividades de las mutuales y mejorar las estrategias de promoción de actividades de prevención de accidentes ocupacionales con el objeto de hacer más eficiente su rol público. De igual manera, la información recolectada permite identificar los procedimientos de apoyo al tratamiento de accidentes como una de las áreas de mejora en el marco de la atención de salud ocupacional. ABSTRACT: This article presents the level of public knowledge and evaluation towards Mutuales de seguridad -private occupational safety and health insurance institutions- in Chile. The sample is composed by phone interviews to 300 adult dependent workers living in households located in urban areas of Santiago de Chile. Households were selected through random dialling. The results show a high proportion of workers declaring to know what these institutions are, while about a third declares not to have information about them. Regarding information provided by mutuales, they report higher satisfaction-with information associated to benefits non-related to health and safety (for instance, discounts) and with those associated with the coverage in case of accident. For those who have suffered an occupational accident, the most valued areas of the service are the medical attention and the rehabilitation process, while the least valued areas are the process of transportation from the site of accident to the medical centre and the administrative process associated to the accident's treatment. These results highlight the need for better strategies to promote activities aiming to prevent occupational accidents. They also make clear that there is space for improvement in the area of support activities related to accidents treatment. http://www.cienciaytrabajo.cl/cyt/Paginas/Conocimiento-y-evaluacion-acerca-de-las-mutuales-de-seguridad-en-Chile.aspx

There is a great degree of dissatisfaction with the Chilean health care system.To investigate which are the most relevant perceived factors when the health care system is evaluated.Analysis of a survey about the Chilean health care system carried out during 2011, 2012 and 2013, involving 2,801 respondents.The response capacity of emergency systems was the main factor considered for the evaluation of public and private health care systems. Respondents who were affiliated to private insurance systems also took into consideration the quality of medical infrastructure.There are different factors considered when public or private health care systems are evaluated.

Hace unas semanas el gobierno envió a trámite legislativo un proyecto de ley destinado perfeccionar el Sistema de Alta Dirección Pública (SADP). Al respecto valela pena interrogarse sobre la pertinencia y utilidad de esta reforma. Continuar leyendo...