Blueberry production in Chile: current status and future developments

Chile has become a major actor in the blueberry industry as the most important supplier of off-season fresh fruit for the northern hemisphere. Blueberry exports passed from US$ 30 million (around 4,000 tons) in 2000 to US$ 380 million (94,000 tons) in 2011. The characteristics of the major blueberry growing regions (North, Central, South-central and South) are presented in terms of acreage, varieties, management practices, extension of the harvest season, and soil and climatic conditions. Most fruit is from highbush varieties, picked by hand and exported fresh by boat to United States. Largest proportion of fruit is exported from mid December to late January, which coincides with lowest prices. The south-central region (latitudes 34º50' to 38º15' S) was in 2007 the most important one with 5,075 ha (51.1% of area planted). Among the challenges for the Chilean blueberry industry in the near future are: 1. Lower profitability due to lower rates of currency exchange and higher costs, 2 - Greater scarcity and higher cost of labor, 3.- Need for higher productivity and sustainable production practices, 4- Fruit of high and consistent quality, and 5.- Greater investment in research. As a case study the article presents three approaches that can help identify areas with low availability of labor and improve its efficiency. The article shows the use of geomatic tools to establish labor availability, application of growth regulators to reduce crop load, increase fruit size and improve harvest efficiency, and the use of shakers to harvest fresh fruit for long distance markets. More research is needed to improve yields, reduce costs and give greater economical and ecological sustainability to the Chilean blueberry industry.

The kiwifruit in Chile and in the world

The kiwi is a fruit that, has only been in Europe for about 60 years, which signifies a great potential for the development of its consumption and great difficulty in the educational process of the product. Currently there is a growing increase in world production, which to date is above the growth in demand. This means that the kiwi categories are not growing significantly and, on the contrary, the kiwi is at a crossroad that will be resolved in the coming years. The changing global economic scenario affects high-value products such as kiwis, making it hard to predict their commercial results. The worldwide market has clearly indicated through the demand and the prices that it is interested in the sweeter yellow varieties. Asian markets have been and are expected to continue to grow. The increase in world production has also generated overlap in stocks between the hemispheres, which makes it necessary to closely monitor commercial strategies regarding the start and end of the season. In this way, the market entry of the southern hemisphere kiwifruit is conditioned according to the presence of fruit from the Northern Hemisphere. The unique features and uses of the kiwi make it one of the most interesting fruits present in the world. For this reason it is also a fruit with high purchase value. In spite of the described variables and market trends, there is a growing demand for consuming better quality kiwis and willingness to pay a higher price.

Regeneración urbana en Chile y Cataluña. Análisis de estrategias en fases de diseño e implementación

Las ciudades evidencian procesos degenerativos y de desigualdad como resultado del ajuste político-económico a la globalización. Consecuencias de este fenómeno se observan a nivel barrial, lo que no es sólo el resultado del abandono de ciertas áreas sino, frecuentemente, es consecuencia directa o indirecta de acciones públicas. Los gobiernos están desarrollando políticas públicas y acciones para la regeneración de áreas deterioradas, con objetivos diversos, destacando la cohesión social como una prioridad. Este artículo se propone comparar y analizar las intervenciones desplegadas en Cataluña (Llei de Barris) y Chile (programa Quiero mi Barrio). Ambas iniciativas declaran basarse en enfoques integrales, por lo que resulta importante analizar la existencia de mecanismos para la coordinación e implementación de acciones transversales -sociales, físicas y/o económicas- que requieren acciones consorciadas y la inclusión de los principales actores concernidos. Una preocupación del equipo investigador es indagar en la relación entre el diseño de esas políticas y su traducción en prácticas efectivas.

HARVEST LABOR QUALITY AND PRODUCTIVITY:CASE STUDY OF CHERRY GROWING IN CHILE

In Chile, the cherry tree has been one of the fastest growing and most profitable crops in the last ten years. However, increasing production costs, the scarcity of hired labor, and unfavorable exchange rates have reduced the productivity and competitiveness of the Chilean fruit sector. The aim of this article is to evaluate the harvest labor quality in cherry growing in Chile through the use of productivity indicators. A harvest labor evaluation system (HLES) was designed and four indicators were measured: Average Weight of Harvested Box, Average Daily Production per Worker, Percent of Export Fruit, and Percent of Fruit Discarded. Significant differences werefound between the 2010/11 season (with the HLES implementation) and the previous seasons without HLES. The average worker yield, average weight of a filled box, and fruit quality improved, while the amount of discarded fruit decreased. Hired labor management in agriculture is crucial for improving the productivity of the fresh fruit export producers. The use of HLES and the adoption of new technologies could help to solve the competitiveness problem in the Chilean fruit sector.

INCLUDING RISK IN ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS:A STOCHASTIC SIMULATION MODEL FOR BLUEBERRY INVESTMENT DECISIONS IN CHILE

ABSTRACT The traditional method of net present value (NPV) to analyze the economic profitability of an investment (based on a deterministic approach) does not adequately represent the implicit risk associated with different but correlated input variables. Using a stochastic simulation approach for evaluating the profitability of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) production in Chile, the objective of this study is to illustrate the complexity of including risk in economic feasibility analysis when the project is subject to several but correlated risks. The results of the simulation analysis suggest that the non-inclusion of the intratemporal correlation between input variables underestimate the risk associated with investment decisions. The methodological contribution of this study illustrates the complexity of the interrelationships between uncertain variables and their impact on the convenience of carrying out this type of business in Chile. The steps for the analysis of economic viability were: First, adjusted probability distributions for stochastic input variables (SIV) were simulated and validated. Second, the random values of SIV were used to calculate random values of variables such as production, revenues, costs, depreciation, taxes and net cash flows. Third, the complete stochastic model was simulated with 10,000 iterations using random values for SIV. This result gave information to estimate the probability distributions of the stochastic output variables (SOV) such as the net present value, internal rate of return, value at risk, average cost of production, contribution margin and return on capital. Fourth, the complete stochastic model simulation results were used to analyze alternative scenarios and provide the results to decision makers in the form of probabilities, probability distributions, and for the SOV probabilistic forecasts. The main conclusion shown that this project is a profitable alternative investment in fruit trees in Chile.

Emprendimiento en Estudiantes de Educación Superior en Chile: Intervención Pedagógica para Fortalecer la Innovación y la Creatividad.

El análisis de las características y resultado de esta experiencia piloto, en permanente contraste con la literatura actualizada, es el eje de la presente comunicación, que configura una primera aproximación a una experiencia exitosa en formación emprendedora. A su vez, constituye un antecedente preeliminar de la investigación-acción que se está llevando a cabo con el programa de formación emprendedora en el Centro de Formación Técnica (CFT) Lota Arauco, dependiente de la Universidad de Concepción, de cuyo resultado se espera crear las capacidades y recursos internos para continuar con una formación emprendedora así como la generación de líneas directrices que la hagan transferibles a otras realidades chilenas o latinoamericanas.

Emprendimiento en Estudiantes de Educación Superior en Chile: Intervención Pedagógica para Fortalecer la Innovación y la Creatividad.

El análisis de las características y resultado de esta experiencia piloto, en permanente contraste con la literatura actualizada, es el eje de la presente comunicación, que configura una primera aproximación a una experiencia exitosa en formación emprendedora. A su vez, constituye un antecedente preeliminar de la investigación-acción que se está llevando a cabo con el programa de formación emprendedora en el Centro de Formación Técnica (CFT) Lota Arauco, dependiente de la Universidad de Concepción, de cuyo resultado se espera crear las capacidades y recursos internos para continuar con una formación emprendedora así como la generación de líneas directrices que la hagan transferibles a otras realidades chilenas o latinoamericanas.

Attitudes and burden in relatives of patients with schizophrenia in a middle income country

BACKGROUND: Most studies of family attitudes and burden have been conducted in developed countries. Thus it is important to test the generalizability of this research in other contexts where social conditions and extended family involvement may be different. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the attitudes of caregivers and the burden they experience in such a context, namely Arica, a town located in the northernmost region of Chile, close to the border with Peru and Bolivia. METHODS: We assessed attitudes towards schizophrenia (including affective, cognitive and behavioural components) and burden (including subjective distress, rejection and competence) in 41 main caregivers of patients with schizophrenia, all of whom were users of Public Mental Health Services in Arica. RESULTS: Attitude measures differed significantly according to socio-demographic variables, with parents (mainly mothers) exhibiting a more negative attitude towards the environment than the rest of the family (t = 4.04; p = 0.000).This was also the case for caregivers with a low educational level (t = 3.27; p < 0.003), for the oldest caregivers (r = 0.546; p = 0.000) and for those who had spent more time with the patient (r = 0.377; p = 0.015). Although attitudes had significant association with burden, their explanatory power was modest (R2 = .104, F = 4,55; p = .039). CONCLUSIONS: Similar to finding developed countries, the current study revealed a positive and significant relationship between the attitudes of caregivers and their burden. These findings emphasize the need to support the families of patients with schizophrenia in this social context.

Freshwater biodiversity and conservation in mediterranean climate streams of Chile.

In Chile, mediterranean climate conditions only occur in the Central Zone (ChMZ). Despite its small area, this mediterranean climate region (med-region) has been recognised as a hotspot for biodiversity. However, in contrast to the rivers of other med-regions, the rivers in the ChMZ have been studied infrequently, and knowledge of their freshwater biodiversity is scarce and fragmented. We gathered information on the freshwater biodiversity of ChMZ, and present a review of the current knowledge of the principal floral and faunal groups. Existing knowledge indicates that the ChMZ has high levels of endemism, with many primitive species being of Gondwanan origin. Although detailed information is available on most floral groups, most faunal groups remain poorly known. In addition, numerous rivers in the ChMZ remain completely unexplored. Taxonomic specialists are scarce, and the information available on freshwater biodiversity has resulted from studies with objectives that did not directly address biodiversity issues. Research funding in this med-region has a strong applied character and is not focused on the knowledge of natural systems and their biodiversity. Species conservation policies are urgently required in this highly diverse med-region, which is also the most severely impacted and most populated region of the country.

The long run development of Chile and the Natural Resources curse. Linkages, policy and growth, 1850-1950

This chapter analyses the effects of Natural Resources on the Chilean economy in the long run -1850-1950-. Specifically, the authors focus their attention on the mining cycles -nitrates and copper- and their impact on the mining activity. We also compare it with the evolution of the industry and whole economy, and how this has affected the economic growth of the country. In that sense, the industrial performance in Chile at the end of the 19th century until the Great Depression is still under debate. The optimistic view of Kirsch -1977- forehead the pessimistic view of Lagos -1966- and Palma -1979-. The new data and its analyses shows a neutral effect of the Natural Resources in the industrial development.

Hacia la alfabetización numérica en Educación Infantil: algunos avances en Chile y España

This article reviews the main contemporary international references on numerical knowledge acquisition in the kindergarten stage. Secondly it analyzes the instructions curricular in two countries-one Spanish-speaking Latin America (Chile) and one European (Spain) - to determine the extent to assume international benchmarks while comparing the curricula of both countries. Finally, it presents a proposal for intervention in the classroom that the combination of different learning contexts and processes to investigate mathematical teaching practices and most effective in promoting and numeracy of children from the earliest ages

La investigación en Comunicación ante una encrucijada: de la teoría de los campos a la diseminación y diversidad gnoseológica. Estudio inicial comparado entre España, Brasil y Chile

Desde sus inicios, la comunicación fue un espacio de investigación diver - so, complejo, atravesado por múltiples influencias (sociológicas, políticas, económicas y semióticas). En ese contexto, la teoría de los campos (apun- talada por Pierre Bourdieu) brindó las posibilidades de estructuración y de autonomía, como mecanismo de reducir esa diversidad. Sin embargo, en estos años la heteronomía del campo, ha conducido a la comunicación 804 La investigación en Comunicación ante una encrucijada: ... - Víctor Silva Echeto, Jordi de San Eugenio Vela (como en el caso del arte u otras disciplinas) a influenciarse por contextos globales, inter y transdisciplinarios e intermediales (o transmediales), por tanto, no son los medios su objeto de investigación en sí mismos, sino una diversidad gnoseológica. En el artículo, se pone en discusión estos aspec- tos teóricos, contrastándolos con un estudio comparado –inicial– sobre la investigación en comunicación en España, Brasil y Chile, tres de los países con un mayor desarrollo en los últimos años.

Metales pesados y toxicidad de aguas del Río Aconcagua en Chile

The toxicity of surface waters in a zone with mining activity in the Aconcagua River was determined through growth inhibition bioassays of Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, and correlated with heavy metal concentrations. Results show that the waters near the discharge of the mining effluent displayed toxicity during all periods of study; the molybdenum and copper concentration exceeded the norms of water quality. The correlations between the concentrations of metals and the growth rate of P. subcapitata varied in the different periods of the study; inverse and significant correlations with copper stand out in some periods.

Enriquecimiento, disponibilidad y contaminación de metales traza (Cd, Cu, Pb y Zn) en sedimentos de lagunas urbanas de Concepción-Chile

Trace metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) enrichment, availability and contamination in superficial sediments of three interconnected urban lagoons localized in Concepción-Chile, were evaluated. According to the results of geochemical fracctionation analysis, Cu and Pb are rather associated with oxi-hydroxides, Cd is associated with exchangeable and carbonates fraction, while Zn is mainly associated with organic, oxi-hydroxides and residual fraction. The estimation of the availability percentages indicate that Cu is the most mobile metal and the less mobile is the Cd. An evaluation of the geo-accumulation index and urban industrial pollution allowed to classify the studied zone as moderately to highly contaminated.

Daño oxidativo en la microalga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata expuesta a aguas receptoras de un efluente minero en del Río Blanco (V Región, Chile)

In this investigation antioxidant response and toxicity of metals in receiving water effluent miner in the Blanco river in Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata was assessed. The catalase activity, lipid damage through Tbars, the growth rate of was determined. The result showed an inhibition of the growth rate of P. subcapitata which correlated with increased catalase activity and the lipid liperoxidation. These responses were correlated with the concentrations of copper and iron.