Abstract Purpose This paper aims to investigate the influence of trust on adopting and implementing blockchain technology in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach This study uses an exploratory qualitative approach to understand the construct of trust in the context of the educational sector. Data were collected through semistructured questionnaires and online interviews. Findings The research identified that, for most potential blockchain users, trust positively influences the HEIs, because benefits such as secure data sharing and transaction transparency could optimize the daily routine and avoid fraud in academic documents, providing a cooperative and reliable working environment. In addition, the results suggest that trust is needed to overcome challenges related to issues such as costs and privacy. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to the advances in the emerging literature on blockchain in the educational sector as a system with the potential to generate trust, as well as the literature on the technology acceptance models. Practical implications For HEI managers and practitioners, this study highlights the need for a greater understanding of the influence of trust in the relationships between HEIs and other stakeholders. Social implications This work shows that adopting blockchain technologies would allow users to build social relationships of trust in a cooperative work environment and develop trusted behavior by sharing data securely and transparently. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies on the adoption and implementation of blockchain in the education sector in Brazil.

Abstract Beira Interior has the largest Portuguese peach production area (1803 ha) and the expertise to produce this fruit with quality. This region has the only Portuguese Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for peach - PGI “pêssego Cova da Beira” and the marketing channels, technical assistance and several I&D actions related with this crop. There is also a steady search from the producers for new knowledge to maximize yields. Fertilization is a low-cost operation, representing approximately 8% of the overall production costs, which may lead to excesses. However, this operation is highly connected with nutrient availability and with nutrition status of the orchards. The last, together with irrigation, is important not only for the nutrition balance of plants, but also for their vigour, production and resistance to pests and diseases. The monitoring of 28 peach orchards since their installation allowed their nutrition status to be evaluated at the 3rd vegetative cycle. The results showed high levels of P and K in the soil. Despite this, 45% of the orchards showed K levels in leaves lower than the reference interval. In a similar way, Zn levels in leaves were also lower than the reference interval for that nutrient in 50% of the orchards.

Resumo A Beira Interior possui a principal área portuguesa de produção de pêssego (1803 ha) e possui também o know-how sobre esta cultura, existindo a única indicação geográfica protegida de pêssego do país - IGP pêssego da Cova da Beira, canais de comercialização, assistência técnica e ações de I&D. Paralelamente existe uma constante procura de conhecimento e inovação por parte dos produtores de modo a maximizarem o rendimento da cultura. Sendo a fertilização uma técnica com baixo peso nos custos de produção, aproximadamente 8%, é frequente existirem excessos para atingir produções mais elevadas. A fertilização reflete-se na disponibilidade de nutrientes e no estado de nutrição dos pomares que, com a rega, é determinante para o equilíbrio das plantas, para o seu vigor e produção e para a resistência a pragas ou doenças. A monitorização, desde a instalação, de 28 pomares localizados na região da Beira Interior, permitiu avaliar o estado de nutrição ao 3º ciclo vegetativo. Os resultados indicam que apesar do solo apresentar maioritariamente níveis altos de P e K, 45% dos pomares apresentaram teores foliares de K inferiores ao intervalo de referência. Também o teor de Zn se encontra em níveis inferiores a esse intervalo em 50% dos pomares.

Abstract Introduction: hospital malnutrition is a highly prevalent problem and continues to be a pending issue today, often unnoticed by health personnel, with the negative clinical impact this entails. Objectives: a) to evaluate nutritional status upon admission; b) to assess the outcome after a week of hospitalization; c) to analyze the relationship between nutritional status and different clinical variables (specialty, age, body weight loss, length of stay, readmissions, and consultations to the endocrinology-nutrition department). Methods: an observational, prospective, analytical, randomized study in 260 patients from medical and surgical services, nutritionally evaluated on admission and after seven days of hospitalization using the SGA and NRS-2002. Results: prevalence at admission according to the SGA was 48 % and according to NRS-2002, 38.5 %. After a week of hospitalization it increased to 72.5 % and 58.8 %, respectively. After seven days, 2-7.8 % of subjects improved their nutritional status, while 16-27.5 % worsened. Malnutrition on admission was associated with longer stay (6 days for non-malnourished vs 8 days for malnourished); with older age (64 years for non-malnourished vs 71 years for malnourished); with medical vs surgical specialties (44-53 % vs 20-32 %); with weight loss (on admission they had lost 2.1 kg on average as compared to usual weight, and 0.9 kg after seven days of hospitalization); and with premature readmission (8-11 % for non-malnourished vs 27 % for malnourished), among others. Conclusions: the study's results offer an overview of hospital malnutrition, showing how patients evolve nutritionally during hospitalization, and which are the crucial moments for action. It is extremely important that health personnel will become aware and take action.

Resumen Introducción: la desnutrición hospitalaria es un problema de alta prevalencia y continúa siendo a día de hoy una asignatura pendiente, ya que a menudo pasa desapercibida para el personal sanitario, con las consiguientes repercusiones clínicas negativas que esto conlleva. Objetivos: a) evaluar el estado nutricional al ingreso; b) conocer la evolución tras una semana de hospitalización; c) analizar la relación entre el estado nutricional y distintas variables clínicas (especialidades, edad, pérdida de peso corporal, estancia media, reingresos e interconsultas al servicio de endocrinología-nutrición). Métodos: estudio observacional, prospectivo, analítico y aleatorio de 260 pacientes de servicios médicos y quirúrgicos, evaluados nutricionalmente al ingreso y tras siete días de hospitalización mediante la VGS y la NRS-2002. Resultados: la prevalencia al ingreso según la VGS fue del 48 % y según la NRS-2002 del 38,5 %. Tras una semana de hospitalización, la prevalencia aumentó al 72,5 % y el 58,8 %, respectivamente. Tras siete días, en el 2-7,8 % mejoró el estado nutricional; en cambio, en el 16-27,5 % empeoró. La desnutrición al ingreso se asoció con estancias más prolongadas (6 días los normonutridos frente a 8 días los desnutridos); con una mayor edad (64 años los normonutridos frente a 71 años los desnutridos); con las especialidades médicas más que con las quirúrgicas (44-53 % vs. 20-32 %); con la pérdida de peso (al ingresar habían perdido 2,1 kg de media respecto al peso habitual y 0,9 kg tras siete días de hospitalización); y con los reingresos prematuros (8-11 % los normonutridos frente a 27 % los desnutridos), entre otros. Conclusiones: los resultados hallados nos ofrecen una panorámica de la desnutrición hospitalaria, mostrando cómo evolucionan nutricionalmente los pacientes durante los ingresos y cuáles son los momentos cruciales de actuación. Es sumamente importante que el personal sanitario se conciencie y tome medidas.

Abstract The objective was to demonstrate the effectiveness of multivariate statistics to compact, analyze and classify information obtained from financial performance indicators. A principal component analysis (PCA), justified by the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measurement test and the Barlett sphericity test, was applied to 14 financial reasons of each of the 21 companies selected by sampling probabilistic, which were listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange during 2017, to finally apply a hierarchical and a non-hierarchical cluster analysis. In the results, 3 main components were obtained, capable of summarizing the total variability in 76%, which allowed a classification of lower to higher level of liquidity, profitability and activity, in addition to forming clusters of companies in relation to the similarity of Your financial performance We suggest replicating this research in companies that are listed in other markets, such as the NYSE or the NASDAQ. It is concluded that multivariate statistics is capable of generating more compact financial information, optimizing decision making by investors.

Resumen El objetivo fue evidenciar la eficacia de la estadística multivariada para compactar, analizar y clasificar información obtenida de indicadores de desempeño financiero. Se aplicó un análisis de componentes principales (ACP), justificado por la prueba de medida Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) y la prueba de esfericidad de Barlett, a 14 razones financieras de cada una de las 21 empresas seleccionadas por medio de un muestreo probabilístico, que cotizaron en la Bolsa Mexicana de Valores durante el año 2017, para finalmente aplicar un análisis cluster jerárquico y otro no jerárquico. En los resultados se obtuvieron 3 componentes principales capaces de resumir la variabilidad total en un 76% con lo que se logró hacer una clasificación de menor a mayor nivel de liquidez, rentabilidad y actividad, además de formar clusters de empresas en relación a la semejanza de su desempeño financiero. Sugerimos replicar esta investigación en empresas que cotizan en otros mercados, tales como el NYSE o el NASDAQ. Se concluye que la estadística multivariada es capaz de generar información financiera más compacta, optimizando la toma de decisiones por parte de inversionistas.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar la estimación de la tasa natural de desempleo para Colombia y contrastar los resultados con las estimaciones que se han realizado previamente. Para lograr este propósito se estima la curva de Phillips ampliada por expectativas, con datos trimestrales para el período 200I-20I8, utilizando el método de mínimos cuadrados ordinarios y el método generalizado de los momentos. Los resultados evidencian la no existencia de una curva de Philips en Colombia para el período de estudio y permiten calcular una tasa natural de desempleo del 6,23%. CLASIFICACIÓN JEL J21, J64, E24

ABSTRACT The purpose of this work is to estimate the natural rate of unemployment for Colombia and compare the results with the estimates that have been previously made. An Expectations-Augmented Phillips Curve is estimated, with quarterly data for the period 200I-20I8, using the method of Ordinary Least Squares and the Generalized Method of Moments. The results show that there is no Philips curve in Colombia for the period analyzed, and a natural rate of unemployment of 6.23%. JEL CLASSIFICATION J21, J64, E24

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho é estimar a taxa natural de desemprego para a Colômbia e comparar os resultados com as estimativas que foram feitas anteriormente. Para alcançar este propósito, a curva de Phillips é estimada por expectativa, com dados trimestrais para o período 200I-20I8, usando o método dos mínimos quadrados ordinários e o método generalizado dos momentos. Os resultados mostram que não há curva de Phillips na Colômbia para o período em estudo e permitem o cálculo de uma taxa natural de desemprego de 6,23%. CLASSIFICAÇÃO JEL J21, J64, E24

RESUMEN Este estudio examina el efecto del riesgo soberano sobre los flujos de inversión extranjera directa en Colombia, durante el período 2003-2018. Son utilizados datos trimestrales sobre el Embig (Emerging Market Bond Index Global) como proxy del riesgo soberano, IED y un grupo de variables de control. Mediante un análisis de regresión con MCO y MMG se encuentra que el riesgo soberano tiene un fuerte impacto en la entrada de inversión foránea, explicando alrededor del 22 % de la variación total en la IED. Se ratifica, además, el efecto sustancial del riesgo soberano sobre la IED con una función impulso respuesta. Al controlar por la tasa de apertura y el ICCO, se concluye que la confianza de los agentes privados y el grado de comercio internacional también son determinantes en la atracción de flujos de capital foráneos. CLASIFICACIÓN JEL: F21, F23, G32, C32. CONTENIDO: Introducción; 1. Revisión de literatura; 2. La inversión extranjera directa en Colombia; 3. Metodología; 4. Estimación y resultados; 5. Robustez y consideraciones finales; 6. Conclusiones; Bibliografía.

ABSTRACT This study examines the effect of the sovereign risk upon the flow of direct foreign investments in Colombia during the 2003-2018 period. For this three-month data about the Embig (Emerging Market Bond Index Global) is used as proxy for the sovereign risk, IED and a group of control variables.Through a regression analysis with MCO and MMG it is found that the sovereign risk has a strong impact in the entrance of foreign investment, serving as an explanation for the 22 % of the total IED variation. It is also ratified the substantial effect of the sovereign risk over the IED with an impulse-answer function. By controlling via the openness rate and the ICCO, it is concluded that the private agents trust and the international commerce grade are determining in the attraction of foreign capital flows. JEL CODE: F21, F23, G32, C32. CONTENTS: Introduction; 1. Literature revision; 2. Direct foreign investment in Colombia; 3. Methodology; 4. Estimation and result; 5. Sturdiness and final considerations; 6. Conclusions; Bibliography

RESUMO Este estudo analisa o efeito do risco soberano sobre os fluxos de investimento estrangeiro direto na Colômbia, entre 2003 e 2018. São utilizados dados trimestrais sobre o Emerging Market Bond Index Global (Embig) como proxy do risco soberano, IED e um grupo de variáveis de controle. Por meio de uma análise de regressão com MCO e MMG, encontra-se que o risco soberano tem um forte impacto na entrada de investimento estrangeiro, o que explica ao redor de 22 % da variação total na IED. Além disso, reafirma-se o efeito substancial do risco soberano sobre a IED com uma função impulso-resposta. Ao controlar pela taxa de abertura e pelo ICCO, conclui-se que a confiança dos agentes privados e o grau de comércio internacional também são determinantes na atração de fluxos de capital estrangeiro. CLASSIFICAÇÃO JEL: F21, F23, G32, C32. CONTEÚDO: Introdução; 1. Revisão de literatura; 2. Investimento estrangeiro direto na Colômbia; 3. Metodologia; 4. Estimativa e resultados; 5. Robustez e considerações finais; 6. Conclusões; Bibliografia.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the “ Energía, la justa ” program, aimed at reducing energy poverty in the city of Barcelona, from the point of view of the target population and the workers involved in the intervention. METHODS A qualitative, descriptive and exploratory pilot study was carried out, with a phenomenological approach. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted: to three users, three energy agents who performed interventions in the homes, and six professionals who participated in the program coordination. A thematic content analysis was carried out using Atlas-ti software . Interviews were conducted between October 2016 and March 2017. RESULTS Trust in a contact person (e.g. social workers) facilitated the participation, although there were difficulties reaching people who had illegal energy supplies, immigrant women or immigrants who subrent properties. Regarding implementation, home visits, energy efficiency advice and the relationship with energy agents were the best assessed aspects. However, not being able to carry out reforms in deteriorated dwellings was considered a limitation. The program also contributed to raise awareness on energy rights, to save on utility bills and to generate tranquility and social support. CONCLUSIONS Programs such as this one can promote energy empowerment and improve psychosocial status. However, strategies with a gender and equity perspective should be considered to reach other vulnerable groups.

RESUMEN OBJETIVO Conocer las valoraciones del programa “Energía, la justa” orientado a reducir la pobreza energética en la ciudad de Barcelona, desde la perspectiva de las personas destinatarias y de las personas trabajadoras involucradas en la intervención. MÉTODOS Estudio piloto realizado con metodología cualitativa, de tipo descriptivo y exploratorio, analizado desde un enfoque fenomenológico. Se realizaron 12 entrevistas semi-estructuradas: a tres personas destinatarias, a tres agentes energéticos que realizaron intervención en los hogares y a seis profesionales que participaron en la coordinación del programa. Se realizó un análisis de contenido temático mediante el software Atlas-ti. Las entrevistas se realizaron entre octubre de 2016 y marzo de 2017. RESULTADOS La confianza con una persona de contacto (por ejemplo, trabajadoras sociales) facilitó la participación, pero hubo dificultad para acceder a personas que tenían los suministros ilegales, mujeres inmigrantes o inmigrantes que subalquilaban pisos. Respecto a la implementación, las visitas domiciliarias, el asesoramiento en materia de eficiencia energética y la relación con los agentes energéticos, fueron los aspectos mejor valorados. Sin embargo, se consideró como limitación no poder realizar reformas en viviendas muy deterioradas. A nivel de impacto, el programa contribuyó al conocimiento de los derechos energéticos, a ahorrar en las facturas de los suministros y a generar mayor tranquilidad y soporte social. CONCLUSIONES Programas como este fomentan el empoderamiento en materia energética y producen mejoras a nivel psicosocial. No obstante, se deberían desarrollar estrategias con perspectiva de género y de equidad para llegar a otros colectivos especialmente vulnerables.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the “ Energía, la justa ” program, aimed at reducing energy poverty in the city of Barcelona, from the point of view of the target population and the workers involved in the intervention. METHODS A qualitative, descriptive and exploratory pilot study was carried out, with a phenomenological approach. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted: to three users, three energy agents who performed interventions in the homes, and six professionals who participated in the program coordination. A thematic content analysis was carried out using Atlas-ti software . Interviews were conducted between October 2016 and March 2017. RESULTS Trust in a contact person (e.g. social workers) facilitated the participation, although there were difficulties reaching people who had illegal energy supplies, immigrant women or immigrants who subrent properties. Regarding implementation, home visits, energy efficiency advice and the relationship with energy agents were the best assessed aspects. However, not being able to carry out reforms in deteriorated dwellings was considered a limitation. The program also contributed to raise awareness on energy rights, to save on utility bills and to generate tranquility and social support. CONCLUSIONS Programs such as this one can promote energy empowerment and improve psychosocial status. However, strategies with a gender and equity perspective should be considered to reach other vulnerable groups.

RESUMEN OBJETIVO Conocer las valoraciones del programa “Energía, la justa” orientado a reducir la pobreza energética en la ciudad de Barcelona, desde la perspectiva de las personas destinatarias y de las personas trabajadoras involucradas en la intervención. MÉTODOS Estudio piloto realizado con metodología cualitativa, de tipo descriptivo y exploratorio, analizado desde un enfoque fenomenológico. Se realizaron 12 entrevistas semi-estructuradas: a tres personas destinatarias, a tres agentes energéticos que realizaron intervención en los hogares y a seis profesionales que participaron en la coordinación del programa. Se realizó un análisis de contenido temático mediante el software Atlas-ti. Las entrevistas se realizaron entre octubre de 2016 y marzo de 2017. RESULTADOS La confianza con una persona de contacto (por ejemplo, trabajadoras sociales) facilitó la participación, pero hubo dificultad para acceder a personas que tenían los suministros ilegales, mujeres inmigrantes o inmigrantes que subalquilaban pisos. Respecto a la implementación, las visitas domiciliarias, el asesoramiento en materia de eficiencia energética y la relación con los agentes energéticos, fueron los aspectos mejor valorados. Sin embargo, se consideró como limitación no poder realizar reformas en viviendas muy deterioradas. A nivel de impacto, el programa contribuyó al conocimiento de los derechos energéticos, a ahorrar en las facturas de los suministros y a generar mayor tranquilidad y soporte social. CONCLUSIONES Programas como este fomentan el empoderamiento en materia energética y producen mejoras a nivel psicosocial. No obstante, se deberían desarrollar estrategias con perspectiva de género y de equidad para llegar a otros colectivos especialmente vulnerables.

Abstract Introduction: The daytime hospitals are an alternative to conventional hospitalization and improve the effectiveness of healthcare. From our point of view, nephrology is a specialty that should be able to benefit from this type of care, because chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have specific care needs that lead to the nursing professional to generate comprehensive and individualized care. For this reason, the creation of the Nephrological Unit for Continued Care (NUCA) arises in our service. Aim: To present our experience in the implantation and development of a NUCA in the University Hospital of Henares. Material and Method: Retrospective descriptive study of the activity carried out at NUCA between January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2017. Development and implementation of different functions and professional competencies. Results: In this period, a total of 804 patients were attended, with an average of 145.6 visits per month. Of all these visits, 474 patients undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis (55% of total volume), 149 patients with CKD (16%), 245 patients with advanced CKD (18%) and 11 patients in conservative treatment (1%). Different techniques were carried out, either programmed by electronic agenda or by demand. Conclusions: The implantation of the NUCA, in a structured and planned way, is a valid and necessary alternative in our health system. It allows to ensure an integral approach to renal patients and achieve a continuity of care with lower healthcare costs.

Resumen Introducción: Los hospitales de día suponen una alternativa asistencial a la hospitalización convencional mejorando la eficacia de la asistencia sanitaria. Desde nuestro punto de vista, la nefrología se beneficiaria de esta modalidad de atención, ya que el paciente con enfermedad renal crónica tiene unas necesidades concretas de cuidado que conllevan al profesional de enfermería a generar una atención integral e individualizada. Por este motivo surge en nuestro servicio la creación de la Unidad Nefrológica de Atención Continuada. Objetivo: Presentar nuestra experiencia en la implantación y desarrollo de la Unidad Nefrológica de Atención Continuada en el Hospital Universitario del Henares. Material y Método: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de la actividad realizada en la Unidad Nefrológica de Atención Continuada entre enero-junio de 2017. Desarrollo y puesta en marcha de las distintas funciones y competencias profesionales. Resultados: En este periodo se asistieron a un total de 874 pacientes, con una media de 145,6 visitas/mes. De todas estas visitas, se atendieron 474 pacientes en programa de Diálisis Peritoneal (55% del volumen total), 149 pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (16%), 245 pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada (18%) y 11 pacientes en tratamiento conservador (1%). Se realizaron diferentes técnicas, bien programadas en la agenda electrónica o a demanda. Conclusiones: La implantación de la Unidad Nefrológica de Atención Continuada, de forma estructurada y planificada, es una alternativa válida y necesaria en nuestro sistema sanitario. Permite aseguramos un abordaje integral de los pacientes renales y alcanzar una continuidad de cuidados con menor coste sanitario.

Os pessegueiros apresentam níveis de floração e taxas de vingamento elevados requerendo, habitualmente, a realização de monda de flores ou de frutos, sendo a monda manual de frutos a prática mais comum. Essa prática requer bastante tempo e traduz-se em elevados custos em recursos humanos. A monda, quer de flores quer de frutos, tem como principal objetivo melhorar a qualidade dos frutos, nomeadamente o calibre, e simultaneamente visa promover o melhor equilíbrio das plantas e regular a produção. Existindo no mercado diversos equipamentos para a realização da monda de flores, o presente trabalho foi delineado com o objetivo de avaliar o impacto da monda mecânica de flores com a utilização do equipamento Saflowers® Electric, na produção e qualidade dos pêssegos, tendo por base dois pomares comerciais de pessegueiro da cultivar ‘Very Good’, em plena produção, situados a norte e a sul da serra da Gardunha, na região da Beira Interior. Nos dois pomares efetuou-se a monda de flores nos estados F e G, e no caso do pomar a sul o produtor efetuou complementarmente monda de frutos aos 117 DAPF. A intensidade da monda de flores foi semelhante em ambos os pomares e a taxa inicial de vingamento foi de 52% e 87%, respetivamente. A produção total média foi semelhante nos dois pomares, entre 25 e 26 t/ha, observando-se uma produção total inferior na modalidade com monda. A monda apresentou um efeito positivo na diminuição da proporção de frutos de refugo. No pomar a norte da serra da Gardunha observou-se um aumento da produção comercial na classe de calibre ≥ A, que foi de 93,7%, mas o mesmo não se observou no pomar a sul da serra da Gardunha, onde a taxa de vingamento foi mais elevada. A monda de flores resultou numa ligeira antecipação da maturação dos frutos que, à colheita, apresentaram menor dureza, embora apenas com diferenças estaticamente significativas (P<0,05) para o pomar localizado a sul da Gardunha. Observou-se uma tendência para IR foi mais elevado na modalidade com monda, em ambos os pomares, tendo-se registado uma diferença média de 2º Brix entre modalidades.

Usually the peach tree has a high number of flowers per branch and, after blossom, a high number of fruit that requires fruit thinning. The manual thinning is the most common practice. This practice is time consuming and represents high labour costs. The aims of flowers or fruit thinning is to improve fruit quality and increase the fruit size, and simultaneously, to promote the best balance of plants for regular production across life cycle. There exists in the market diverse equipment for the accomplishment of flowers thinning, so this study was designed with the objective of evaluating the impact of mechanical flowers thinning using the Saflowers® Electric equipment. In two commercial orchard of 'Very Good' cultivar situated north and south of the Gardunha Mountain, in the Beira Interior region, two treatments - a flower thinning and a control - no thinning were applied. Yield and fruit quality were evaluated. The intensity of flower thinning (number of removed flower per number of initial flowers) was similar in both orchards, and initial fruit set (number of fruits per number of flowers) was 52% and 87%, respectively. In both orchards thinning was performed at stages F and G, and in the case of the orchard located in the south, Hand thinning was done at 117 DAFB. The average of total production was similar in both orchards, between 26 and 28 t/ha, but the total production was always lower in the thinning treatment. The flower thinning had a positive effect in reducing no commercial fruits for both orchards, and there was an increase of fruits of the size class ≥ A at orchard located in the north of Gardunha Mountain (94%) but this positive effect on increase fruit size was not observed at the orchard located at south of the Gardunha Mountain, where the fruit set rate was higher. The flowers thinning treatment showed a lower fruit firmness at harvest (P<0.05) which indicates an early ripening. An increased IR Although only statistically significant (P <0.05) were found for the orchard located in the north the SSC was higher for flowers thinning treated trees in both orchards, showing a mean difference of 2º Brix between treatments. A tendency for higher IR was observed in both orchards for thinning treatment, reaching an average difference of 2ºBrix between treatments.

Abstract: This study analyzed the composition of various shampoos that are on the market. These were found to contain many components which may be harmful to the environment and to humans. The environmental impact of the different types of shampoos on chlorella algae was determined using a bioindication method. The results show that even small amounts (1-2%) of shampoos in the water lead to a total loss in zooplankton and bacteria, and the loss of most of the phytoplankton, indicating a risk to the environment.

Resumen: Se analizó la composición de diversos champús disponibles comercialmente. Se determinó que contienen muchos componentes potencialmente perjudiciales para el medio ambiente y los seres humanos. Con base en el método de bioindicación se determinó el impacto ambiental de distintos tipos de champús sobre las algas Chlorella. Los resultados muestran que incluso pequeñas cantidades (1-2%) de impurezas de champús en el agua causan la pérdida total de zooplancton, bacterias y la mayor parte del fitoplancton, lo que indica peligro para su entorno.

In this work, values of atmospheric transmittance coefficients using heliophany (sunshine hours) and the difference between maximum and minimum temperatures are proposed for a city located in the Andean Ecuadorian zone. First, the extraterrestrial radiation was calculated to study the reliability of the models. Later, statistical techniques were applied to meteorological data measured since June 2007 for a period of almost five years. These data were used to calculate the empirical lineal coefficients between different variables, using three models: one using heliophany and two using the difference between temperatures. The results showed that there is a more consistence relation between solar radiation and sunshine hours. In addition, it was established that it is not adequate to generalize the results to other locations even if they have similar weather characteristics.

En este trabajo se proponen valores de transmitancia atmosférica, utilizando la heliofanía (horas de sol) y la diferencia de temperaturas extremas diarias de una localidad de la zona ecuatorial alto andina. Para tal efecto, se calculó la radiación total extraterrestre estudiándose la confiabilidad de los modelos de energía solar total incidente. Luego se realizó un tratamiento estadístico de los valores atípicos a las variables de radiación total incidente, heliofanía y temperaturas máximas y mínimas diarias en la ciudad de Riobamba, las mismas que fueron medidas por casi cinco años desde junio del 2007. Con estos datos, se calcularon los coeficientes de correlación lineal entre las variables utilizando tres modelos: uno que usa la heliofanía y dos que utilizan las diferencias de temperaturas, observándose que existe una relación más consistente entre la radiación y la heliofanía. Además se estableció que no es adecuado generalizar los valores obtenidos para otras regiones, aunque tengan condiciones atmosféricas similares.