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Reconfiguración de un nodo metropolitano: articulaciones peatonales en el cruce Santa Rosa - Américo Vespucio con la llegada de la línea 9
No full textTesis (Arquitecto y Magíster en Proyecto Urbano)--Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 2024El crecimiento urbano de Santiago ha venido ligado con el avance en las tecnologías de movilidad que han permitido alcanzar distancias cada vez mayores. Esta expansión ha promovido el uso de la autopista, entendida como una infraestructura de transporte segregado que reduce los tiempos de viaje dentro de la metrópolis. Sin embargo, no se han tomado en cuenta las externalidades que estas alternativas viales producen sobre las estructuras barriales de la ciudad, deteriorandolas dinámicas locales de sus habitantes.La extensión de la red de metro ofrece la oportunidad de replantear y reconfigurar el espacio urbano en las nuevas áreas de cobertura. El cruce de la línea 9 con la autopista Américo Vespucio Sur (AVS) representa un punto estratégico para desafiar las tradicionales lógicas urbanas que han favorecido la circulación vehicular, abriendo la posibilidad de intervenir en el tejido urbano para promover espaciospúblicos que fomenten las dinámicas peatonales y la identidad local del área.La investigación aborda el análisis del nodo urbano producido sobre la estaciónSanta Rosa, estudiando las lógicas metropolitanas que han guiado la conformación de la ciudad en relación a la AVS, para luego dar énfasis en el diagnóstico socio espacial derivado de las concentraciones y confluencias locales del territorio. Con aquello, se desprenden estrategias para el diseño de un proyecto urbano que estimule la actividad pedestre dentro de la escala barrial, implantando un artefacto que densifique la trama peatonal y genere nuevos programas sociales
Exposure to pesticides in Chile and its relationship with carcinogenic potential: a review
No full textBackground: The widespread application of pesticides in agriculture and the consequent heightened human exposure to these potentially harmful substances present considerable environmental and health risks. The potential link to cancer is particularly concerning, underscoring the urgent need for more sustainable and health-conscious agricultural practices. Pesticides are pervasive global contaminants, with exposure occurring through various routes. Improper use is associated with genotoxicity, neurobehavioral problems, thyroid dysfunction, reproductive issues, and cancer, among other deleterious damages. While pesticide exposure is evident in Chile, a direct link to cancer remains uncertain. Objective: To examine the scientific evidence on pesticides exposure in the environment and human populations, and its relationship with cancer in Chilean territory. Methods: The search for original articles was performed in international peer-reviewed scientific databases, including Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and PubMed Advanced Search Builder. Following the PRISMA extension for review guidelines, the search included studies on environmental pesticide exposure, human biomarker assessments, experimental investigations, and the potential pesticide-cancer associations in Chile. Foreign studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were excluded. Results: Among the 83 qualifying studies conducted between 1996 and 2024, elevated pesticide exposure risks were documented, with 71% indicating high concentrations that may pose health risk. Additionally, 20% of studies reported significant chlorinated compounds, including organochlorines (OCs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), while 79.5% identified carcinogenic to humans classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The review emphasizes the urgent need to update pesticide-related regulations in Chile, including implementing bans or restrictions on carcinogenic pesticides and establishing stricter standards for allowable pesticide residue levels in food. Conclusion: Long-term epidemiological studies are essential to establishing concrete links between pesticide exposure and specific types of cancer. Additionally, investigating epigenetic markers associated with pesticide exposure, especially in occupational settings, is critical. Furthermore, allocating resources and prioritizing further research is fundamental, particularly in regions with substantial agricultural exposure
Upwelling effects across different levels of biological organization: Integrating biochemical constituents, physiological performance and muscle transcriptomic response in the intertidal FISH Girella laevifrons (kyphosidae)
No full text© 2025 Elsevier LtdThe physical-chemical variability of coastal upwelling creates a mosaic of environmental conditions that affect different levels of biological organization. Understanding the mechanisms that organisms use to cope with this variability is critical for addressing the challenges that climate change imposes on coastal ecosystems. This study integrates information on transcriptomic traits, metabolic performance, and the quantity of organic biomolecules in the intertidal fish Girella laevifrons from four locations with varying upwelling intensities. The results show that fish from locations with stronger upwelling intensity have higher levels of glucose, lipids, and proteins in their muscle tissue, in addition to better physiological performance compared to fish from sites with weaker upwelling intensity. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that genes associated with multicellular development and oxygen metabolism are more highly expressed in sites with stronger upwelling intensity, whereas genes related to protein ubiquitination are more expressed in sites with weaker upwelling intensity. In response to the mosaic of upwelling intensities (SAM-SST), and in-situ temperature, nutrients and oxygen variation observed in field, fish showed differential responses, suggesting local adaptations process that maximize ecological success in these areas with different physical-chemical conditions. Future studies should consider the integration of molecular tools to better understand the responses of organisms to environmental variability as upwelling intensities. This will help elucidate the complex interactions between environmental factors and biological responses, providing insights into how marine organisms might adapt to changing conditions. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for predicting the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems and for developing effective conservation and management strategies. The integration of transcriptomic data with metabolic and physiological performance measures offers a comprehensive approach to studying the adaptive responses of marine organisms to their dynamic environments considering the future responses in face to predict global change.ANIDANID FONDECYTFONDAPFONDA
Unlocking the fog: Assessing fog collection potential and need as a complementary water resource in arid urban lands-the Alto Hospicio, Chile Case
No full textWater scarcity is a rising issue in fast-growing cities in arid lands, where demand outpaces supply. This leads to non-renewable water systems and exacerbates social inequalities. This is the case for Alto Hospicio (AH), located in the northern Chilean Atacama Desert. Regarding its water availability, the main source of drinking water comes from underground aquifers, last recharged about 10,000 years ago. Nevertheless, atmospheric water such as fog, is present in this territory and offers an alternative, though its potential in large urban areas remains unexplored. This study assesses the fog water collection potential in AH and its surroundings using two methods: in-situ data collection using Standard Fog Collectors (SFCs) and the AMARU model, which estimates fog collection in space and time. This research concludes that fog water collection is feasible in the northeast and southeast areas surrounding the city, where fog collection rates reach up to 10 L m−2 day−1. Fog water has the potential to serve as an effective alternative water source for populations lacking access to drinking water from a public water source, and for activities such as irrigation of urban green spaces, human consumption, and hydroponic farming. Key recommendations for policymakers include incorporating atmospheric water into local city policies, promoting further research on estimating the fog water potential in the AH metropolitan zone, and rethinking water management strategies from nonconventional resources.ANID/FONDECYT; Folio: 3230380FONDEF; Folio: ID23I1023
A sustainable approach to obtain polyphenols from Chilean wild murta, Ugni candollei B., and Ugni molinae T., using eutectic solvents and advanced extraction techniques
No full textMurta, native to southern Chile, comprises red murta (Ugni molinae Turcz) and white murta (Ugni candollei Barm), traditionally utilized in ethnobotanical medicine for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties attributed to high flavonoid and phenolic acid content. Despite murta's potential, the combined effects of sustainable extraction techniques—eutectic solvents (ES), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE)—on its polyphenol profile remain unexplored. A comprehensive analysis should quantify extractable polyphenols (EPP) and non-extractable polyphenols (NEPP). This study evaluated eight ES mixtures for polyphenol extraction from red and white murta leaves and fruits, optimizing water percentage and feed:solvent ratio. Choline chloride:1,3-butanediol (ChCl:1,3BD) with 30 % water and a 1:10 ratio yielded the highest EPP content, as determined by HPLC-DAD. Among various MAE and UAE conditions tested, MAE at 353 K for 3 min achieved optimal phenolic compound yields, with catechin predominating in leaf extracts and gallic acid in fruit extracts. NEPP fractions, consisting primarily of non-extractable proanthocyanidins, represented 8–19 % of total polyphenols in fruits and leaves. These findings establish a sustainable methodology for obtaining polyphenol-rich extracts from murta and highlight the importance of both EPP and NEPP fractions in enhancing the potential of these antioxidant-enriched food extracts obtained through eco-friendly technologies.Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid/Multiannual Agreement with the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid-Excellence Programme for University ProfessorsSpanish Ministry of Universities/Madrid Autonomous University; Folio: CA1/RSUE/2021-00588MCIN/AEI; Folio: PID2022-141965OB-C22Universidad Politécnica de MadridFONDECYT; Folio: 1230115Universidad Católica de Chile/Estadías en el Extranjero para Tesistas de DoctoradoEuropean Union/ERDF A way of making Europ
Integrating Unplugged Computational Thinking Across Curricula: A Qualitative Study of Students' and Teachers' Perspectives
No full textIntegrating computational thinking into the K-12 curriculum presents challenges due to the lack of a standardized approach. This study examines the use of "unplugged" computational thinking-activities that do not require digital devices-in teaching mathematics and language arts to tenth-grade students. The instructional method followed phases such as abstraction, decomposition, algorithms, evaluation, and generalization. Data were collected through focus groups with teachers and a sample of students from both subjects and analyzed qualitatively to capture their perspectives. The findings suggest that unplugged computational thinking increased student engagement and helped achieve learning objectives. Both teachers and students reported that this approach fostered deeper conceptual understanding and enhanced the educational experience by developing skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and perseverance (grit). Teachers observed that students could explore and articulate their thoughts more expansively compared to traditional methods, leading to a richer understanding of the material. Students emphasized that integrating computational thinking, fostering grit, and encouraging collaboration are crucial for enriching their educational experiences and creating a supportive, effective learning environment.AIRPEuropean-Latin American ESCALON ConsortiumHarold Amos Medical Faculty Development ProgramUniversity of Minnesota Academic Investment Research ProgramRobert Wood Johnson FoundationComisión Nacional de Investigación, Ciencia y TecnologíaEU Horizon 2020Fondo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología de ChilexAgencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarroll
Royal Jelly Derived Extracellular Vesicles Modulate Microglial Nanomechanics and Inflammatory Responses
No full textBACKGROUND Microglia, the braińs resident immune cells, undergo profound mechanical and functional changes upon activation contributing to neuroinflammation, a pathological signature of many neurological diseases. Thus, new anti-inflammatory treatment options are needed that tackle these mechanobiological alterations in microglia, which remain strongly understudied. In this context, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial mediators of intercellular and interkingdom communication, yet their influence on the mechanobiological properties of recipient cells remains largely unknown. Honeybee-derived Royal Jelly EVs (RJEVs) have demonstrated remarkable anti-inflammatory properties, but their impact on microglial cellular nanomechanics and uptake mechanisms remains unclear.
RESULTS In this study, we used a multi-disciplinary approach to analyze the resulting biological and nanomechanical changes following the activation of human microglia and the potential effect of RJEV treatment on these mechanobiological parameters. We observed that LPS treatment was associated with decreased cellular Young’s modulus, increased membrane fluidity, and enhanced motility of microglia, indicating a more migratory and pro-inflammatory phenotype. Additionally, LPS exposure altered cellular EV uptake mechanisms by shifting preference from an equilibrium of four mechanisms to the predominance of macropinocytosis and clathrin-dependent endocytosis. Remarkably, RJEV treatment counteracted these mechanobiological changes by, in turn, increasing microglial stiffness, reducing motility, and decreasing secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
CONCLUSION This is the first study to demonstrate that microglial activation state dictates EV uptake mechanisms and to establish a direct link between inflammation, cellular and membrane mechanics, and EV-mediated modulation. Our findings highlight RJEVs as promising candidates for regulating neuroinflammation by targeting microglial mechanobiology as well as opening new strategies for EV-based therapeutic
Subsidios de formalización laboral femenina: una propuesta de rediseño para aumentar coberturas en el ecosistema beneficiario
No full textLa informalidad laboral es una problemática persistente en América Latina, con especial incidencia en las mujeres debido a factores estructurales y culturales. Este fenómeno limita el acceso a condiciones laborales dignas y perpetúa desigualdades de género en el mercado laboral. En Chile, los subsidios del Bono al Trabajo de la Mujer (BTM) y el Subsidio al Empleo Joven (SEJ) buscan fomentar la formalización laboral de sectores vulnerables, sin embargo, presentan bajas tasas de cobertura y efectividad. Este estudio analiza la problemática asociada a la cobertura de estos subsidios, utilizando metodologías cuantitativas y cualitativas para identificar barreras desde la perspectiva de beneficiarias, potenciales beneficiarias y empleadores.Los resultados muestran que, aunque los programas alivian temporalmente la precariedad económica, no logran consolidarse como herramientas efectivas para la formalización laboral de las trabajadoras. Factores como la burocracia en los procesos de postulación, montos insuficientes y una focalización limitada dificultan su acceso, especialmente en pequeñas y medianas empresas. Asimismo, los subsidios tienden a beneficiar a mujeres con trayectorias laborales previamente formales, sin incidir significativamente en la transición de la informalidad a la formalidad. El estudio propone un rediseño integral de los subsidios, fusionando el SEJ y el BTM en un programa único que priorice mujeres jóvenes y empresas pequeñas. Además, se sugiere aumentar los montos, simplificar los procesos de postulación, reducir la duración del subsidio y vincularlo a otras políticas complementarias, como capacitaciones y apoyo en cuidados. Estas medidas buscan potenciar la efectividad de los subsidios como herramientas de inclusión laboral, contribuyendo a una mayor equidad de género en el mercado laboral chileno y ofreciendo lecciones aplicables a contextos similares en la región
Search for light neutral particles decaying promptly into collimated pairs of electrons or muons in pp collisions at √s = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector
No full textA search for a dark photon, a new light neutral particle, which decays promptly into collimated pairs of electrons or muons is presented. The search targets dark photons resulting from the exotic decay of the Standard Model Higgs boson, assuming its production via the dominant gluon-gluon fusion mode. The analysis is based on 140 fb - 1 of data collected with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider from proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 Te V . Events with collimated pairs of electrons or muons are analysed and background contributions are estimated using data-driven techniques. No significant excess in the data above the Standard Model background is observed. Upper limits are set at 95% confidence level on the branching ratio of the Higgs boson decay into dark photons between 0.001% and 5%, depending on the assumed dark photon mass and signal model
New Landscape and Emerging Dynamics of Interaction Between Users and Urban Space Produced by Digital Delivery Platforms
No full textAbstract Globalization and the advancement of information and communication technologies have transformed urban areas, highlighting the emergence of home delivery applications. These applications offer conveniences and job opportunities but also pose challenges such as job insecurity, traffic congestion, and exclusion of marginalized communities. In response to these dynamics, a research methodology based on design is proposed, emphasizing the integration between theory and practice. The research highlights the value of the prototype as a generative and learning tool, demonstrating the feasibility of collecting data through the active participation of citizens. This methodological approach is applied to explore the impact of home delivery applications in urban areas, identifying complexities and emerging dynamics. It focuses especially on the Metropolitan Region, thus contributing to the discipline of urban studies through research through design. This research underscores the importance of considering equity in the city in the context of the collaborative economy and digitalization. Thus, through the prototype of ethnographic instruments, it has been demonstrated that it is feasible to collect data through the active participation of citizen