Fortalecimiento de valores comunitarios en los ni��os y ni��as de primaria de la comunidad Nuevo Horizonte de Guatemala

El objetivo del proyecto es el fortalecimiento de valores comunitarios en los ni��os y ni��as de Primaria de la comunidad Nuevo Horizonte de Guatemala. En esta primera fase, se persigue despertar la identidad de la comunidad y promover su empoderamiento y desarrollo. De este modo, se crea un espacio socioeducativo de car��cter l��dico, dise��ado y elaborado por los diferentes agentes comunitarios. Previamente a su creaci��n, el proyecto se centra en la sensibilizaci��n de la comunidad y la formaci��n de sus agentes. Esta actividad es de vital importancia para alcanzar la influencia e impacto esperados que nos garanticen el ��xito del mismo.

Bosque y turismo

This paper presents a number of considerations on the recreational/tourism function offorests and some regulations that should be present in the planning of the public use of forestspace. We are going to examine studies on frequency of use, the features that condition theuse of forests and the criteria that should be present on planning of recreational use of forests

Evaluation of markets for irrigation water in the internal river basins of Catalonia, Spain

Irrigated agriculture has come under close scrutiny in Europe recently because of its high share of total water consumption and its apparent inefficiency. Several water policies have been advocated, in particular the use of economic instruments such as water markets. This paper simulates the impact of a policy based upon water markets on agricultural production in the internal river basins of Catalonia (Spain). This zone presents certain particularities that make it very interesting to study: competition between sectors for the resource (agriculture-urban consumption-recreational uses), recent periods of resource insufficiency and conflicts between irrigators as a result of the measures taken by the hydraulic administration in drought situations. The results show that these markets would guarantee an optimal reassignment of the resource in situations of supply restrictions, and although compared to the situation without markets they would not mean higher economic profits for the irrigators, they could prevent conflicts between them. Nevertheless, doubts exist about their acceptance by irrigators

3,4-Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine induces in vivo regional up-regulation of central nicotinic receptors in rats and potentiates the regulatory effects of nicotine on these receptors

Nicotine (NIC), the main psychostimulant compound of smoked tobacco, exerts its effects through activation of central nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR), which become up-regulated after chronic administration. Recent work has demonstrated that the recreational drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has affinity for nAChR and also induces up-regulation of nAChR in PC 12 cells. Tobacco and MDMA are often consumed together. In the present work we studied the in vivo effect of a classic chronic dosing schedule of MDMA in rats, alone or combined with a chronic schedule of NIC, on the density of nAChR and on serotonin reuptake transporters. MDMA induced significant decreases in [3H]paroxetine binding in the cortex and hippocampus measured 24 h after the last dose and these decreases were not modified by the association with NIC. In the prefrontal cortex, NIC and MDMA each induced significant increases in [3H]epibatidine binding (29.5 and 34.6%, respectively) with respect to saline-treated rats, and these increases were significantly potentiated (up to 72.1%) when the two drugs were associated. Also in this area, [3H]methyllycaconitine binding was increased a 42.1% with NIC + MDMA but not when they were given alone. In the hippocampus, MDMA potentiated the a7 regulatory effects of NIC (raising a 25.5% increase to 52.5%) but alone was devoid of effect. MDMA had no effect on heteromeric nAChR in striatum and a coronal section of the midbrain containing superior colliculi, geniculate nuclei, substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. Specific immunoprecipitation of solubilised receptors suggests that the up-regulated heteromeric nAChRs contain a4 and b2 subunits. Western blots with specific a4 and a7 antibodies showed no significant differences between the groups, indicating that, as reported for nicotine, up-regulation caused by MDMA is due to post-translational events rather than increased receptor synthesis.

Impacto de las proliferaciones de medusas en la valoraci��n econ��mica ambiental de las playas de Denia (Sudoeste Mediterr��neo), Alicante, Espa��a

El actual incremento de medusas en las costas mediterr��neas, percibido como un factor negativo en la calidad de las playas, supone un factor reductor de la demanda tur��stica en las ubicaciones costeras, sobre todo en aquellas m��s afectadas por ��stas proliferaciones. Debido a que la ��poca de mayor presencia de fitoplacton disponible (principal fuente de alimento de las medusas), relacionada a la alta incidencia lum��nica, coincide con la temporada alta de turismo en el verano; las notificaciones de incidencias por picaduras de medusa en esta ��poca son frecuentes. Ejemplo de ello, es el caso de Denia (Alicante, Espa��a) donde, desde 2008, se ha detectado un considerable aumento de incidencias sanitarias a causa de picaduras de medusa, paralela a la aparici��n de la especie invasora de cubomedusa Carybdea marsupialis (Bordehore et al, 2011). En este estudio se ha realizado una valoraci��n econ��mica de la playa como un bien ambiental recreativo, mediante encuestas semi-estructuradas elaboradas por Paulo Nunes (CIESM), aplicadas a una muestra inicial de 300 individuos; y evaluado cual ser��a el impacto social y econ��mico en la valoraci��n ambiental de Denia, si las proliferaciones de medusa no se estabilizaran. Se ha estimado el valor econ��mico del impacto sicial causado por las bioinvasiones marinas en las playas recreacionistas seg��n Nunes and Van den Bergh (2004) y Nunes and Markandya (2008); el m��todo que tambi��n ha sido aplicado en el mismo estudio aplicado en Israel (B. Galil, J. Gowdy and P. Nunes 2012) y en Catalu��a (2013, Paulo Nunes, M. Loureiro, L. Pi��ol, S. Sastre, L. Voltaire). En ambos casos los resultados en el impacto econ��mico son considerables pero menores a los esperados, al igual que en los resultados obtenidos en Denia (Alicante).

The natural hallucinogen 5-MeO-DMT, component of Ayahuasca, disrupts cortical function in rats: reversal by antipsychotic drugs

5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a natural hallucinogen component of Ayahuasca, an Amazonian beverage traditionally used for ritual, religious and healing purposes that is being increasingly used for recreational purposes in US and Europe. 5MeO-DMT is of potential interest for schizophrenia research owing to its hallucinogenic properties. Two other psychotomimetic agents, phencyclidine and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodo-phenylisopropylamine (DOI), markedly disrupt neuronal activity and reduce the power of low frequency cortical oscillations (<4 Hz, LFCO) in rodent medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Here we examined the effect of 5-MeO-DMT on cortical function and its potential reversal by antipsychotic drugs. Moreover, regional brain activity was assessed by blood-oxygen level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). 5-MeO-DMT disrupted mPFC activity, increasing and decreasing the discharge of 51 and 35% of the recorded pyramidal neurons, and reducing (���31%) the power of LFCO. The latter effect depended on 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor activation and was reversed by haloperidol, clozapine, risperidone, and the mGlu2/3 agonist LY379268. Likewise, 5-MeO-DMT decreased BOLD responses in visual cortex (V1) and mPFC. The disruption of cortical activity induced by 5-MeO-DMT resembles that produced by phencyclidine and DOI. This, together with the reversal by antipsychotic drugs, suggests that the observed cortical alterations are related to the psychotomimetic action of 5-MeO-DMT. Overall, the present model may help to understand the neurobiological basis of hallucinations and to identify new targets in antipsychotic drug development.

Data mining and mall users profile

Marketing scholars have suggested a need for more empirical research on consumer response to malls, in order to have a better understanding of the variables that explain the behavior of the consumers. The segmentation methodology CHAID (Chi-square automatic interaction detection) was used in order to identify the profiles of consumers with regard to their activities at malls, on the basis of socio-demographic variables and behavioral variables (how and with whom they go to the malls). A sample of 790 subjects answered an online questionnaire. The CHAID analysis of the results was used to identify the profiles of consumers with regard to their activities at malls. In the set of variables analyzed the transport used in order to go shopping and the frequency of visits to centers are the main predictors of behavior in malls. The results provide guidelines for the development of effective strategies to attract consumers to malls and retain them there.

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine enhances kainic acid convulsive susceptibility

Abstract Kainic acid (KA) causes seizures and neuronal loss in the hippocampus. The present study investigated whether a recreational schedule of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) favours the development of a seizure state in a model of KA-induced epilepsy and potentiates the toxicity profile of KA (20 or 30 mg/kg). Adolescent male C57BL/6 mice received saline or MDMA t.i.d. (s.c. every 3 h), on 1 day a week, for 4 consecutive weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last MDMA exposure, the animals were injected with saline or KA (20 or 30 mg/kg). After this injection, we evaluated seizures, hippocampal neuronal cell death, microgliosis, astrogliosis, and calcium binding proteins. MDMA pretreatment, by itself, did not induce neuronal damage but increased seizure susceptibility in all KA treatments and potentiated the presence of Fluoro-Jade-positive cells in CA1. Furthermore, MDMA, like KA, significantly decreased parvalbumin levels in CA1 and dentate gyrus, where it potentiated the effects of KA. The amphetamine derivative also promoted a transient decrease in calbindin and calretinin levels, indicative of an abnormal neuronal discharge. In addition, treatment of cortical neurons with MDMA (1050 ��M) for 6 or 48 h significantly increased basal Ca2 +, reduced basal Na+ levels and potentiated kainate response. These results indicate that MDMA potentiates KA-induced neurodegeneration and also increases KA seizure susceptibility. The mechanism proposed includes changes in Calcium Binding Proteins expression, probably due to the disruption of intracellular ionic homeostasis, or/and an indirect effect through glutamate release.

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine enhances kainic acid convulsive susceptibility

Abstract Kainic acid (KA) causes seizures and neuronal loss in the hippocampus. The present study investigated whether a recreational schedule of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) favours the development of a seizure state in a model of KA-induced epilepsy and potentiates the toxicity profile of KA (20 or 30 mg/kg). Adolescent male C57BL/6 mice received saline or MDMA t.i.d. (s.c. every 3 h), on 1 day a week, for 4 consecutive weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last MDMA exposure, the animals were injected with saline or KA (20 or 30 mg/kg). After this injection, we evaluated seizures, hippocampal neuronal cell death, microgliosis, astrogliosis, and calcium binding proteins. MDMA pretreatment, by itself, did not induce neuronal damage but increased seizure susceptibility in all KA treatments and potentiated the presence of Fluoro-Jade-positive cells in CA1. Furthermore, MDMA, like KA, significantly decreased parvalbumin levels in CA1 and dentate gyrus, where it potentiated the effects of KA. The amphetamine derivative also promoted a transient decrease in calbindin and calretinin levels, indicative of an abnormal neuronal discharge. In addition, treatment of cortical neurons with MDMA (1050 ��M) for 6 or 48 h significantly increased basal Ca2 +, reduced basal Na+ levels and potentiated kainate response. These results indicate that MDMA potentiates KA-induced neurodegeneration and also increases KA seizure susceptibility. The mechanism proposed includes changes in Calcium Binding Proteins expression, probably due to the disruption of intracellular ionic homeostasis, or/and an indirect effect through glutamate release.

Grado de impacto en el suelo y la vegetaci��n en ��reas de uso p��blico del Parque Nacional de Tierra del Fuego (Argentina)

En los ��ltimos a��os, el uso tur��stico de las ��reas protegidas ha aumentado considerablemente, y con ��l, el grado de impacto. Es por este motivo que se requieren medidas de gesti��n adecuadas para identificar, conocer y evaluar estos impactos potenciales y as�� poder actuar ofreciendo un uso recreativo de estas ��reas a la vez que se asegura su conservaci��n. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue establecer el grado de impacto que sufre la vegetaci��n y el suelo del Parque Nacional de Tierra del Fuego en las zonas de acampada y compararlas con las ��reas adyacentes, como controles. Asimismo, se busc�� establecer cuales son los indicadores de impacto de mayor relevancia para poder ser usados como herramientas de gesti��n. La evaluaci��n se efectu�� mediante el muestreo de 40 parcelas, transectas y intertransectas en donde se analizaron variables vegetacionales (cobertura arb��rea, arbustiva y herb��cea, porcentaje de suelo desnudo, da��o en ��rboles y arbustos, y presencia de ra��ces expuestas) y del suelo (pH, materia org��nica, densidad aparente y humedad). El grado de impacto se estableci�� num��ricamente con una f��rmula matem��tica en donde se seleccionaron los par��metros evaluados y se corrigieron con factores de correci��n, dando un impacto clasificado como ���compatible��� en el ��rea de R��o Pipo y ���moderado��� en el ��rea de Laguna Verde. Tambi��n se formularon propuestas de manejo para prevenir y/o minimizar los impactos producidos en las zonas de camping.

Centres di��rns d'atenci�� a la gent gran: grau de satisfacci�� dels usuaris i familiars

Estudi descriptiu sobre els centres de dia i centres de serveis per a la gent gran, dos recursos que ofereixen atenci�� di��rna, i sobre la satisfacci�� que comporta assistir a un o a l���altre. OBJECTIUS. Descriure i comparar dos models d���atenci�� di��rna per a la gent gran, i els graus de satisfacci�� d���aquells que els utilitzen. M��TODES. Estudi multic��ntric descriptiu, de disseny ��s transversal. Portat a terme entre els mesos d���abril i juny de 2011, en set centres de serveis i un centre de dia, ha incl��s un total de 296 persones. S���ha fet una valoraci�� del grau de satisfacci�� d���usuaris i familiars mitjan��ant una enquesta de disseny propi. RESULTATS. Els centres de dia, que es troben situats en zones urbanes, ofereixen un ��nic servei (servei d���estada), on el 41,94% de les persones tenen una elevada depend��ncia. Els centres de serveis, que estan situats en zones rurals, ofereixen serveis d���estada, ambulatoris, tallers i atenci�� a domicili, i el 25,58% de les persones mostra una depend��ncia elevada. El grau de satisfacci�� en els dos tipus de centres ��s elevada tant en fam��lies 87,63%, com en usuaris 96.5% . CONCLUSI��. S��n dos models que tenen similituds, per�� ofereixen diferents tipus de serveis. Creats amb m��s de 15 anys de difer��ncia, ��s possible que el centre de serveis acabi sent l���evoluci�� natural del centre de dia.

"Reacciona... explota!", un taller per fomentar vocacions cient��fiques

The workshop "React... explode!" is a project of science that shows the most attractive side of chemistry to pre-university students. It consists of carrying out recreational chemical experiments. Most students have more interest in the amazing and spectacular experiments which involve changes of colour, light, noise, smoke... The names of the experiments are very attractive: "The toilet���s monster", "The pharaoh���s snake", "The world of cold", "The termite reaction" ...