El Estado y la interculturalidad en el Ecuador

El presente texto busca analizar las políticas culturales del Estado ecuatoriano a fin de desentrañar sus lógicas subyacentes y contratarlas con aquellas que sustentan a la interculturalidad. El paradigma del desarrollo cultural, visto como destino final de las políticas culturales, es cuestionado en tanto pretende aparecer como naturalizado, cuando en realidad refleja una condición discursiva de la globalización. En la investigación realizada se puede advertir que el Estado sigue manteniendo una dicotomía entre la cultura letrada y la cultura popular; la primera, como expresión más acabada del “espíritu nacional”, representada por los “hombres cultos”, y la segunda, como expresión colectiva y anónima del pueblo; lo que refleja un fuerte anclaje en concepciones tradicionales sobre el hecho cultural. El tema de la interculturalidad como “superación” de lo pluri y lo multicultural es también motivo de análisis. Su “reconocimiento” por parte del Estado no ha pasado de la formalidad jurídica, puesto que la acción estatal en campos como el patrimonio cultural, los servicios culturales, las educación, etc. Refleja dinámicas diferentes y hasta contrapuestas como las declaraciones normativas que se supones sustentan a la interculturalidad. La idea de la construcción colectiva de políticas (inter)culturales que atraviesen las políticas públicas aparece como una propuesta que para el caso del Ecuador se vuelve urgente.

Pintar la nación indígena como una estrategia modernista en la obra de Eduardo Kingman (Dossier: historia del arte)

Este estudio centra su análisis en la obra pictórica de Eduardo Kingman como un modelo para describir los enfoques, tendencias e ideología que caracterizaron al Indigenismo. Esta corriente artística reunió a pintores, escritores e intelectuales ecuatorianos durante la década de 1930. El artículo propone que esta corriente surgió como una reacción al academicismo predominante en los salones y escuelas de arte. El estudio hace una revisión de las exposiciones, bienales y concursos en los que Kingman participó.Analiza las influencias artísticas y literarias reflejadas en la obra de este autor,sus relaciones con el Grupo de Guayaquil y su vinculación al Sindicato de Escritores y Artistas del Ecuador (SEA). Finalmente, recoge la opinión y reacción a su producción pictórica por parte de escritores, intelectuales y prensa en general.

El impuesto al valor agregado en los contratos de campos marginales

Esta investigación dirigida por los métodos de investigación sistemático, exegético, y teleológico, pretende analizar los contratos petroleros de Campos Marginales utilizados por la legislación ecuatoriana y específicamente, el papel de Impuesto al Valor Agregado en la producción de la Curva Base; ésta, se convierte en una figura contractual innovadora que ha producido una interesante discusión a nivel nacional; sin embargo, la propuesta de este trabajo va encaminado a encontrar un mejor proceso de inversión para el Ecuador en los Campos Marginales, que le permita a nuestro país generar mayores ingresos a su favor, no solo vinculado con la generación de ingresos tributarios, sino primordialmente con las ganancias que los recursos explotados localizados en territorio nacional creen. Para cumplir con este fin, en la primera parte, hacemos una retrospectiva alrededor de los inicios de los modelos contractuales utilizados a principios del siglo veinte; a continuación, se analiza el Contrato de Campos Marginales, y sus principales componentes. En el segundo capitulo, detenemos nuestro análisis en la aplicación del Impuesto al Valor Agregado en los servicios, desde la perspectiva nacional y comunitaria (CAN), así como, exponemos el fundamento jurídico de que la “Curva Base” no es un servicio. Finalmente, en la tercera parte del estudio, analizamos al Contrato de Campos Marginales desde el punto de vista del Derecho Administrativo y observamos la posición de los actores del contrato respecto del IVA en la Curva Base de Producción. En nuestra conclusión presentamos nuestra postura sobre el IVA en el Contrato de Campos Marginales y recomendamos una nueva opción de inversión.

Transgresiones a la ética de la vida desde el discurso hegemónico

La Ética de la Liberación, se usa para enfrentar en todos los campos sociales las condiciones que ponen en riesgo la producción y reproducción de la vida humana en la sociedad. Este trabajo constituye un aporte para plantear desde la cotidianidad una ética que supere a todas las demás éticas, porque plantea la vida como base de todos los valores (el deber ser), con todo lo que este principio implica en todas las relaciones sociales al poner la vida (el ser) como el elemento central para todos los actos éticos de los seres humanos. Para caminar sobre este planteamiento, una de las entradas principales de este trabajo, se considerara a los elementos del giro lingüístico; a partir de allí se intenta diseñar y elaborar un modelo pensado desde la perspectiva semántica y pragmática que admita visibilizar lo oculto de las transgresiones a la ética de la vida desde un discurso hegemónico, para ello se ha elaborado un corpus, escogido de la prensa nacional, con tres hechos notables: Caída de Lucio, Noche de Ronda en Lima, El Notario de Machala, además se considera el capítulo VI, de la Ética de la Liberación en la Edad de la Globalización y Exclusión. Los fundamentos teóricos principales son los trabajos de Van Dijk, Análisis del Discurso Manual para las Ciencias Sociales compilado por el editor Lupicinio Iñiguez, Ética de la Liberación en la Edad de la Globalización y de la Exclusión de Enrique Dussel, los trabajos de Lourdes Molero, entre otros. En resumen, se trata de conectar teóricamente las prácticas del análisis del discurso con el estudio de la estructura social. El desafío está planteado, la construcción de la esperanza, no como ideal abstracto, sino como alternativa efectiva donde la humanidad sufriente sea visibilizada en forma real y además sean los protagonistas. La tarea liberadora convoca a todas/os desde los espacios del convivir diario en la institución de un nuevo mundo, en la construcción de una globalización inversa donde la vida este al alcance de todas/os y se la ubique en la cumbre las prioridades.

Políticas culturales e interculturalidad: la visión desde el Estado Ecuatoriano

El presente trabajo ha pretendido analizar las políticas culturales del Estado Ecuatoriano a fin de desentrañar la lógica discursiva en la que se fundamentan con el objeto de contrastarla con otras formas de ver el fenómeno cultural. Para realizar este análisis se ha empezado por explorar la estructura jurídica e institucional del sistema cultural del Estado, develando los significados y las significaciones que caracterizan a la legislación cultural. En esa misma línea, el paradigma del desarrollo cultural es puesto en discusión, en tanto refleja una condición civilizatoria de la globalización que lleva a la incorporación del mundo de la representación al mundo del mercado, lo que está determinado por la colonialidad del poder como fundamento del sistema mundo. Dentro de la investigación realizada se puede advertir que en el corpus discursivo de las políticas culturales del Estado, se establece una dicotomía entre la cultura letrada y la cultura popular, la primera como expresión más acabada del espíritu nacional, representada por los “intelectuales” en tanto hombres cultos y la segunda como expresión colectiva y anónima del pueblo, representada por el folclore y otras manifestaciones “coloridas” de los sectores subalternos. El tema de la pluri, multi e interculturalidad es motivo también de análisis a fin de establecer sus características y las formas pulsionales en las que disputan el control del mundo de las representaciones dentro de las relaciones de poder y contrapoder. El “reconocimiento” por parte del Estado a la interculturalidad y que se manifiesta en la norma constitucional y en algunas normas secundarias, son precisamente una de esas formas pulsionales. La acción estatal en campos como el patrimonio cultural, los servicios culturales, el fomento y la promoción culturales así como en las industrias culturales reflejan el ningún reconocimiento real de la interculturalidad por parte del Estado

Hagiografía e invención en Plácido (1871), novela de Francisco Campos (Dossier: La novela ecuatoriana del siglo XIX)

Con la escritura de Plácido, novela (1871), Francisco Campos empleó la hagiografía y la retórica como una forma de articular el pensamiento para promover la acción social frente a las dificultades de su realidad. Recurrió a esta forma de escritura para difundir su mensaje y contribuir como intelectual a crear sujetos ideales para el Estado nacional.

Actinocephalus verae (Eriocaulaceae), a new species from the Brazilian Campos Rupestres

We describe and illustrate the new species Actinocephalus verae (Eriocaulaceae: Paepalanthoideae). This species is endemic to the rocky outcrops of the Espinhacao range in Minas Gerais, Brazil. We make comparisons with Actinocephalus ithyphyllus and Actinocephalus ochrocephalus, the morphologically most similar species. The new species` morphological variation, habitat, geographic distribution, and conservation status are discussed.

Three new species of Ocotea (Lauraceae) from the campos rupestres of Brazil

Three new hermaphrodite species of Ocotea (Lauraceae) from the campos rupestres of Brazil are described and illustrated: Ocotea pumila, which is known from Bahia state; and Ocotea colophanthera and Ocotea rupestris both from Minas Gerais state. Their diagnostic features are pointed out, and a discussion of their relationships to other species of Ocotea is provided.

Population biology and regeneration of forbs and shrubs after fire in Brazilian Campos grasslands

Fire is an important factor in several ecosystems, affecting plant population biology. Campos grasslands are under constant influence of disturbance, mostly grazing and fire. However, few studies evaluated the effect of fire on plant population biology of grassland species. Therefore, we aim to analyze the effect of fire on the population biology of four species, from different functional groups and regeneration strategies: Chaptalia runcinata (forb, resprouter, absence of belowground organ), Vernonia flexuosa (forb, resprouter, presence of rhizophore), Eupatorium ligulaefolium (shrub, resprouter, presence of xylopodium) and Heterothalamus psiadioides (shrub, obligate seeder). Seven plots were established in different sites in southern Brazil: frequently burned (FB) and excluded from fire since 6 years (E). All plots were subjected to controlled burns during summer. Before experiments, populations were sampled. Further observations were carried out after 90 and after 360 days of fire experiments. In addition, we counted the number of seedlings and resprouters recruited after fire. Heat shock experiments were conducted with two species (H. psiadioides and V. flexuosa), as well as the study of the bud bank of the following species: E. ligulaefolium and V. flexuosa. The obligate seeder species had all individuals killed by fire and established only after 1 year. Resprouters, however, showed new stems immediately after fire. E. ligulaefolium and V. flexuosa showed only vegetative regeneration from belowground organs and more individuals in excluded sites 1 year after the fire. The bud bank of E. ligulaefolium tended to be larger in excluded sites, whilst V. flexuosa showed an opposite result. High temperatures did not enhance nor kill seeds from both studied species. Vegetative regeneration was the most important strategy for all studied species, except for H. psiadioides, the obligate seeder species. Fire thus, plays an important role on population structure and demography, being also important for plant recruitment.

FIRE INTENSITY AND SEVERITY IN BRAZILIAN CAMPOS GRASSLANDS

Brazilian Campos grasslands are rich in species and the maintenance of its diversity and physiognomy is dependent on disturbance (e.g. fire and grazing) Nevertheless, studies about fire intensity and severity are inexistent. The present paper describes fire parameters, using 14 experimental burn plots in southern Brazil (30 degrees 02` to 30 degrees 04`S, and 51 degrees 06` to 51 degrees 09`W. 311masl). Two sites under different fire histories were chosen: frequently burned and excluded since six years. Experimental burning was performed during summer (2006-2007), when most burning takes place in these grasslands. The following parameters were measured: air temperature and moisture, vegetation height, wind speed, fuel (fine, coarse), fuel moisture, fire temperatures (soil level and at 50cm), ash, residuals, flame freight, fire duration: burning efficiency and fire intensity were later calculated. Fuel load varied from 0.39 to 1.44kg.m(-2). and correlated positively with both fire temperature and fire intensity. Fire temperatures ranged 47 to 537.5 degrees C. being higher in the excluded site Fire intensity was low compared to grassland elsewhere (36 5-319.5kW.m(-1)), differing significantly between sties Fine fuel was the variable that best explained fire intensity. The results on fire intensity and severity in Campos grasslands can be considered a pilot study, since plots were very small. However the data provided can help other researchers to get permission for experimentation using larger plots The results provide support for further studies about the effects of fire on grassland vegetation and for studies involving fire models and fire risk prediction

Araucaria forest dynamics in relation to fire frequency in southern Brazil based on fossil and modern pollen dataf

To elucidate the relationship between forest dynamics and fire frequency pollen percentages and charcoal amounts from a 120 cm long peat core and from samples of modern pollen rain were collected along a transect. The study site in southern Brazil is characterized by a species-rich mosaic of grassland-Araucaria forest. It is of crucial importance for management strategies for conservation to understand the development and maintenance of these vegetation mosaics including their sharp forest-grassland boundaries. During the late Holocene, considerable changes occurred in the area. From Anno Domini (AD) 1360 to 1410, the area was dominated by Campos (grassland) vegetation and fire was very common. From AD 1410 to 1500, Araucaria forest expanded and fire was less frequent. From AD 1500 to 1580, Campos grassland spread and the Araucaria forest ceased its development, apparently due to the increase of fire. From AD 1580 to 1935, after a decrease in fire frequency, Araucaria forest expanded again. From AD 1935 to the present, the Araucaria forest expanded while the Campos area decreased. Fire was very rare in this period. The results indicate a strong interaction of forest expansion, forming a mosaic of Campos and Araucaria forest, and the frequency of fire during the past 600 years. A possible collapse of the indigenous population following the post-Colombian colonization in southern Brazil after about AD 1550 may have caused a great reduction of fire frequency. The introduction of cattle (probably after AD 1780) and the resulting decrease of fire frequency might be the reason for forest expansion. Fire is probably the most important factor controlling the dynamics of the forest-grassland mosaics and the formation of sharp borders between these two vegetation types. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Functional interferences in host inflammatory immune response by airway allergic inflammation restrain experimental periodontitis development in mice

Aims Periodontal disease (PD) and airway allergic inflammation (AL) present opposing inflammatory immunological features and clinically present an inverse correlation. However, the putative mechanisms underlying such opposite association are unknown. Material and Methods Balb/C mice were submitted to the co-induction of experimental PD (induced by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans oral inoculation) and AL [induced by sensitization with ovalbumin (OVA) and the subsequent OVA challenges], and evaluated regarding PD and AL severity, immune response [cytokine production at periodontal tissues, and T-helper transcription factors in submandibular lymph nodes (LNs)] and infection parameters. Results PD/AL co-induction decreased PD alveolar bone loss and periodontal inflammation while experimental AL parameters were unaltered. An active functional interference was verified, because independent OVA sensitization and challenge not modulate PD outcome. PD+AL group presented decreased tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-1 beta, -gamma, IL-17A, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells ligand and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 levels in periodontal tissues, while IL-4 and IL-10 levels were unaltered by AL co-induction. AL co-induction also resulted in upregulated T-bet and related orphan receptor gamma and downregulated GATA3 levels expression in submandibular LNs when compared with PD group. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that the interaction between experimental periodontitis and allergy involves functional immunological interferences, which restrains experimental periodontitis development by means of a skewed immune response.

Evidences of the cooperative role of the chemokines CCL3, CCL4 and CCL5 and its receptors CCR1+and CCR5+in RANKL+ cell migration throughout experimental periodontitis in mice

Periodontal disease (PD) is characterized by the inflammatory bone resorption in response to the bacterial challenge, in a host response that involves a series of chemokines supposed to control cell influx into periodontal tissues and determine disease outcome. In this study, we investigated the role of chemokines and its receptors in the immunoregulation of experimental PD in mice. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans-infected C57BI/6 (WT) mice developed an intense inflammatory reaction and severe alveolar bone resorption, associated with a high expression of CCL3 and the migration of CCR5+, CCR1+ and RANKL+ cells to periodontal tissues. However, CCL3KO-infected mice developed a similar disease phenotype than WT strain, characterized by the similar expression of cytokines (TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma and IL-10), osteoclastogenic factors (RANKL and OPG) and MMPs (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, TIMP-1 and TIMP-3), and similar patterns of CCR1+, CCR5+ and RANKL+ cell migration. The apparent lack of function for CCL3 is possible due the relative redundancy of chemokine system, since chemokines such as CCL4 and CCL5, which share the receptors CCR1 and CCR5 with CCL3, present a similar kinetics of expression than CCL3. Accordingly, CCL4 and CCL5 kinetics of expression after experimental periodontal infection remain unaltered regardless the presence/absence of CCL3. Conversely, the individual absence of CCR1 and CCR5 resulted in a decrease of leukocyte infiltration and alveolar bone loss. When CCR1 and CCR5 were simultaneously inhibited by met-RANTES treatment a significantly more effective attenuation of periodontitis progression was verified, associated with lower values of bone loss and decreased counts of leukocytes in periodontal tissues. Our results suggest that the absence of CCL3 does not affect the development of experimental PD in mice, probably due to the presence of homologous chemokines CCL4 and CCL5 that overcome the absence of this chemokine. In addition, our data demonstrate that the absence of chemokine receptors CCR1+ and CCR5+ attenuate of inflammatory bone resorption. Finally, our data shows data the simultaneous blockade of CCR1 and CCR5 with MetRANTEs presents a more pronounced effect in the arrest of disease progression, demonstrating the cooperative role of such receptors in the inflammatory bone resorption process throughout experimental PD. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Inhibitory Signals Mediated by Programmed Death-1 Are Involved With T-Cell Function in Chronic Periodontitis

Background: Inhibitory signals mediated via molecules such as programmed death-1 (PD-1) play a critical role in downmodulating immune responses and maintaining peripheral tolerance. We investigated the involvement of cytokines and PD-1 engagement in mediating the T-cell unresponsiveness to bacterial and ubiquitous antigens in periodontal diseases. Methods: Gingival and peripheral blood samples from healthy individuals and patients with chronic periodontitis were collected and used for the subsequent assays. Leukocytes in the lesion site and blood were evaluated using flow cytometry. The production of interferon-gamma, interleukin-10, and transforming growth factor-P proteins was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the presence of PD-1+cells in the inflamed gingiva was confirmed by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy for CD4 and PD-1 colocalization. Results: T cells from patients with chronic periodontitis proliferated poorly in response to Aggregatibacter actinomycetem comitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans) antigen. T-cell unresponsiveness was not associated with imbalanced cytokine production. However, T cells from patients with chronic periodontitis expressed significantly higher levels of PD-1 either upon isolation or after culture with antigens. Moreover, PD-1 blocking did not result in significant T-cell proliferation in cells cultured with phytohemagglutinin or bacterial antigens. The blockade of PD-1 resulted in the increased production of IFN-gamma. In addition, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing PD-1 accumulated in lesions with chronic periodontitis. Conclusion: These data show that PD-1 engagement could be involved in the modulation of IFN-gamma production by T cells in patients with chronic periodontitis. J Periodontol 2009,80:1833-1844.