ABSTRACT Biostimulants can increase yields in the ‘MD-2’ pineapple crop. The following work evaluated the effect of foliar application of a brassinosteroid analogue (Biobras-16) on the vegetative growth index of ‘MD-2’ pineapples plants and fruits. A biweekly foliar treatment of Biobras-16 at 2.0 mg L-1 was applied, at a rate of one liter every 160 plants of plants five months old and subsequently to fruits 90 days after the floral induction (DAFI). At five months of age, 20 random plants were selected and evaluated in fresh weight of the plant (g), leaves number, roots number, fresh and dry mass (g) and length and width of “D” leaves (cm). Three months after start of the experiment, the same variables were evaluated in each treatment. At 150 DAFI bromatological analyses were performed on 20 random fruits per treatment. The Biobras-16 increased the fresh weight of the plants (402 g) and the number of roots emitted (20.4) and don’t had effects on the new foliage emission. In “D” leaves the fresh weight and length were significantly increased, and the width decreased. The fresh weight of crowns on the treatment with Biobras-16 reached the highest and significant values with respect to the control. No differences were observed in the fruit/crown relationships. The chemical analyses showed no significant differences. Biobras-16 positively affected the growth of plants and crowns or pineapple fruits ‘MD-2’, without affecting the chemical-physical characteristics evaluated.

RESUMEN Los bioestimulantes pueden aumentar los rendimientos en el cultivo de piña ‘MD-2’. El siguiente trabajo evaluó el efecto de la aplicación foliar de un análogo de brasinoesteroide (Biobras-16) en el crecimiento vegetativo de las plantas y en la calidad de los frutos de piña ‘MD-2’. Se aplicó un tratamiento foliar, quincenalmente (cinco aplicaciones), de Biobras-16 a 2,0 mg L-1, a razón de un litro cada 160 plantas de cinco meses de edad y, posteriormente, a frutos de 90 días después de la inducción floral (DDIF). A los cinco meses de edad se seleccionaron 20 plantas al azar y se evaluó: la masa fresca de la planta (g), número de hojas, número de raíces y masa fresca, seca (g), longitud y ancho (cm) de la hoja “D”. Tres meses después de iniciado el experimento se evaluaron las mismas variables en cada tratamiento. A los 150 DDIF se realizaron análisis bromatológicos a 20 frutos al azar por tratamiento. El Biobras-16 incrementó la masa fresca de las plantas (402 g) y el número de raíces emitidas (20,4) y sin efectos en la emisión del nuevo follaje. En la hoja “D” se incrementó significativamente la masa fresca y longitud y disminuyó el ancho. La masa fresca de las coronas del tratamiento con Biobras-16 alcanzaron los mayores y significativos valores con respecto al control. No se observaron diferencias en las relaciones fruto/corona. Los análisis químicos no mostraron diferencias significativas. El Biobras-16 incidió positivamente en el crecimiento de las plantas y las coronas los frutos de piña ‘MD-2’, sin afectar las características químico-físicas evaluadas.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of adding dapagliflozin as an intensification strategy for the treatment of patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and methods: A historical cohort study was conducted in 123 adult patients over 18 years old who were diagnosed with uncontrolled T2DM, who received dapagliflozin add-on to their dual base treatment: metformin plus glibenclamide (n = 32), metformin plus saxagliptin (n = 29), metformin plus exenatide (n = 28), or metformin plus insulin (n = 34). The endpoints were evaluated using analysis of variance. Results: All the patients completed a 52-week follow-up. Overall, 52.85% of patients were female, the Hispanic population represented the largest proportion of patients in all groups (60.98%), and the mean ± SD patient age and body weight were 55.05 ± 7.58 years and 83.55 ± 9.65 kg, respectively. The mean ± SD duration of T2DM, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were 5.93 ± 2.98 years, 8.1 ± 0.53%, and 166.03 ± 26.80 mg/dL, respectively. The grand mean changes of HbA1c, FPG, body weight and blood pressure showed a decreasing trend during the study period and it was statistically significant in all groups (p-value = <0.001). The proportion of patients achieving HbA1c target (<7%) was highest in the group that used a dapagliflozin add-on to metformin plus saxagliptin. Conclusion: The addition of dapagliflozin as an alternative for intensification of dual therapy consistently improved, not only FPG and HbA1c, but also body weight and blood pressure, with statistically significant results.

Resumo: Introdução: A maneira de transmitir informações é essencial na relação médico-paciente, pois a boa comunicação reduz queixas por práticas inadequadas e preocupações dos pacientes, e melhora a adesão aos tratamentos e a recuperação da saúde. Porém, não são raras as insatisfações dos pacientes sobre esse assunto. Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a percepção dos pacientes internados em um complexo hospitalar sobre a comunicação de médicos clínicos e cirurgiões durante o período de internação. Método: Trata-se de estudo transversal, descritivo e analítico, do tipo inquérito, com aplicação de um questionário com perguntas sobre a comunicação geral do médico. O instrumento foi construído pelos pesquisadores e respondido por 120 pacientes adultos. A amostra foi definida por conveniência, estratificada por clínica médica e cirúrgica. Realizaram-se análises de frequência e estatística dos resultados encontrados. Resultados: Dos 120 pacientes, 53,33% (n = 64) foram internados na clínica cirúrgica e 46,67% (n = 56) na clínica médica. Desse total, 57,5% (n = 69) tinham escolaridade que variava de ensino médio a superior. Os pacientes relataram respostas mais negativas do que positivas em questões referentes a: informações sobre os efeitos colaterais dos medicamentos (66%), orientações de procedimentos pós-cirúrgicos (68,75%) e informações sobre promoção e prevenção da saúde no ambiente hospitalar (63,33%). A clínica cirúrgica teve proporções de respostas positivas significativamente menores para: “O médico disse o nome dele” (p < 0,01; OR bruta 0,33; IC95% 0,15-0,76); “O paciente foi informado sobre como será seu tratamento” (p = 0,02; OR bruta 0,38; IC95% 0,17-0,87); e “O paciente foi informado sobre a necessidade de realizar exames” (p = 0,02; OR bruta 0,40; IC95% 0,18-0,90), que se mantiveram significativas após o ajuste por determinados fatores intervenientes. Não se observaram diferenças significativas para as demais questões. Na análise da questão “Que nota você daria para a comunicação geral do médico? ”, verificou-se valor significativamente maior (p = 0,007) para a clínica médica (média 4,46 ± 0,76) quando comparada à clínica cirúrgica (média 4 ± 1,19). Conclusão: A comunicação médico-paciente apresentou déficits significativos. Por isso, é necessário que as escolas médicas ofereçam para os discentes o desenvolvimento dessa competência. Além disso, para uma generalização adequada dos resultados encontrados, novos estudos precisam ser realizados em níveis diferentes do cuidado médico.

Abstract: Introduction: The way information is transmitted is of crucial importance in the doctor-patient relationship, as good communication reduces complaints about inadequate practices and patient concerns and improves treatment adherence and health recovery. However, patient dissatisfaction on this subject is not unusual. Objectives: The objective of this work was to evaluate the perception of patients admitted to a Hospital Complex about the communication of clinical doctors and surgeons during the hospitalization period. Method: Cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical inquiry study, with the application of a questionnaire with questions about physicians’ general communication. The instrument was built by the researchers and was answered by 120 adult patients. The sample was defined by convenience and stratified by medical and surgical clinic. Frequency and statistical analyses were performed on the obtained results. Results: Of 120 patients, 53.33%(n=64) were admitted to the Surgical Clinic and 46.67%(n=56) to the Medical Clinic. Of this total, 57.5%(n=69) had high school to college/university education. Patients reported more negative than positive responses to the following questions: information about the side effects of medications (66%), advice on post-surgical procedures (68.75%) and information on health promotion and prevention in the hospital environment (63.33%). The surgical clinic had significantly lower proportions of positive responses for: The doctor said their name (p <0.01; crude OR: 0.33; 95% CI 0.15-0.76); The patient was informed about how their treatment would be conducted (p=0.02; crude OR: 0.38; 95% CI 0.17-0.87); and the patient was informed about the need to undergo tests (p=0.02; crude OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.18-0.90), which remained significant after adjustment for certain confounding factors. There were no significant differences regarding the other questions. When analyzing the question: “What grade would you give to the doctor’s general communication?” a significantly higher value (p=0.007) was given to the Medical Clinic (average 4.46±0.76) when compared to the Surgical Clinic (average 4±1.19). Conclusion: The doctor-patient communication showed significant deficits. Therefore, it is necessary for medical schools to offer students the development of this competence. Additionally, for an adequate generalization of the obtained results, new studies need to be carried out at different levels of medical care.

ABSTRACT The Caribbean and America Public Health Symposium presented 3 editions (2017, 2018 and 2019) and was sponsored by the Cuban Society of Public Health, the Provincial Chapter of Public Health, Health Provincial Management, the University of Medical Sciences, the Provincial Council of Health Scientific Societies, Camilo Torres Restrepo Teaching Polyclinic, as well as the National Association of Economists and Accountants. Along with this event Ethics and Values and Health Economy workshops were developed. In the third edition the Day of residents in Comprehensive General Medicine also took place. Experiences were exchanged that in the mark of the public health projection, have had impact in the economic, social and scientific spheres. Due to its importance and agreement of the present people, the conclusions taken in plenary session were sent to the provincial decision makers to contribute in the improvement of quality in the care giving, teaching and investigative processes.

RESUMEN El Simposio de Salubristas del Caribe y las Américas presentó 3 ediciones (2017, 2018 y 2019) y estuvo auspiciado por la Sociedad Cubana de Salud Pública, el Capítulo Provincial de Salud Pública, la Dirección Provincial de Salud, la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas, el Consejo Provincial de Sociedades Científicas de la Salud, el Policlínico Docente Camilo Torres Restrepo, así como la Asociación Nacional de Economistas y Contadores. Conjuntamente con este evento se desarrollaron los talleres de ética y valores y de Economía de la Salud. En la tercera edición se celebró también la Jornada de residentes en Medicina General Integral. Se intercambiaron experiencias, que en el marco de la proyección salubrista, han tenido impacto en las esferas económica, social y científica. Por su importancia y acuerdo de los presentes, las conclusiones tomadas en sesión plenaria fueron enviadas a los decisores provinciales para contribuir a mejorar la calidad de los procesos atencionales, docentes e investigativos.

Abstract: The objectives of this study were: a) establish the frequency, age and reason for hemicastration, b) determine the most frequently removed testicle and c) compare the athletic performance between unilaterally castrated and intact Chilean rodeo stallions. Two hundred and sixteen Chilean Horse stallions participating in the 2016 Chilean rodeo qualifying rounds and National Championship (CRNC) were evaluated. Owners and/or riders were interrogated about age, hemicastration, age at hemicastration, removed testicle, reason and effects of hemicastration on athletic performance of stallions. The statistical analysis was descriptive and the results were expressed in means and percentages. Chi-square test was used to compare the performance between unilaterally castrated and intact stallions. Performance was qualified based on qualification to the CRNC and ultimately participation in the Champion series. Fifty-three percent of the stallions were unilaterally castrated (47% left testicle; 53% right testicle) (P>0.05). Mean age of hemicastration was 6.97±2.24 years. Main reasons reported for hemicastration were: traumatic (76%), increased volume (13%) and preventive (11%), but not all of them with medical confirmation. Seven owners or riders were unaware of the reason of hemicastration. Forty-six percent of the qualified stallions to the CRNC (P>0.05) and 29% of the qualified to the Champion series were unilaterally castrated (P=0.0122). It was concluded that half of the 2016 elite Chilean Horse stallions were unilaterally castrated, without preference for a testicle, after the age of initiation of sporting activity. A 43.5% of hemicastration in Chilean rodeo stallions are performed preventively or based on subjective assessments of owners and riders without veterinary diagnosis, however, it is unclear that hemicastration affected the athletic performance in these cases.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The demographic changing on a worldwide scale are not unfamiliar to Ecuador where the life expectancy of the population has increased. Objective: To characterize the health conditions of the elderly who attended geriatric centers in the city of Loja in 2017. Material and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study where quantitative techniques were used applying different geriatric scales to 87 older adults who attended the Municipal Elderly Care Center No. 1, and Daniel Álvarez and San José Centers in the city of Loja, Ecuador. Results: The 59.1% of the older adults studied were women; 59.7% had just basic or elementary education and the average age was 84.01 years. It was specified that 62.1% of them did not present comorbidity. Visual neurosensory (64.4%) and auditory (50.6%) deficits were identified. Fragility was found in 54.0% of the cases as well as indicators of functional dependence on basic activities (73.5%) and instrumental activities (93.1%). Cognitive deficit was evaluated in 50.6% of the cases, and depression was diagnosed in 56.3% of them. Conclusions: The older adults included in the study were mainly women with basic or elementary education and an average age of over 80 years. Subjects who did not have comorbidity, those who presented visual and auditory deficit, physical fragility, dependence to perform the basic activities of daily life and the instrumental ones, cognitive deficit, and depression prevailed in the study.

RESUMEN Introducción: Los cambios demográficos que ocurren a nivel mundial no son ajenos a Ecuador, donde la esperanza de vida de la población ha aumentado. Objetivo: Caracterizar las condiciones de salud de los adultos mayores que asistieron a centros geriátricos en la ciudad de Loja en el año 2017. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, donde se utilizaron técnicas cuantitativas, aplicándose diferentes escalas geriátricas a 87 adultos mayores que asistían al Centro Municipal de Atención al Adulto Mayor No.1 y a los centros Daniel Álvarez y San José, de la ciudad de Loja, Ecuador. Resultados: El 59.1% de los adultos mayores estudiados fueron mujeres, el 59,7% apenas tenían escolaridad básica o primaria, con un promedio de edad de 84,01 años. Se precisó que el 62,1% de ellos no presentaron comorbilidad. Fue identificado déficit neurosensorial visual (64,4%) y auditivo (50,6%). Se constató fragilidad en el 54,0% de los casos e indicadores de dependencia funcional para las actividades básicas (73,5%) y para las actividades instrumentales (93.1%). El déficit cognitivo fue evaluado en el 50,6% y la depresión fue diagnosticada en el 56,3% de ellos. Conclusiones: Los adultos mayores estudiados fueron predominantemente mujeres, con escolaridad básica o primaria y con un promedio de edad superior a los 80 años. Prevalecieron los sujetos que tenían ausencia de comorbilidad, déficit visual y auditivo, fragilidad física, dependencia funcional para realizar las actividades básicas e instrumentales de la vida diaria, deterioro cognitivo y depresión.

It is known that the Factor of Insulin Dependent Growth I (IGF-I), it diminishes their expression in presence of plasmatic deficit of zinc. The objective of the present revision is to relate fluctuations of the homeostasis of the zinc with stages of the human growth-development. Of the discussion of it dates it presented one has that: the human growth-development is a process with incidences of the calcium and of the zinc, where the deficit of zinc is a factor of high risk for the premature birth of infants and of children with drop carves; enough evidences exist to infer a direct weak association between the gradual increment of the plasmatic levels of zinc and calcium with the increase of the age during the childhood and the adolescence and that the interaction of collaboration between the calcium and the zinc in the osteogenesis, suffers a differentiation of functions in the enchondral ossification , and it becomes a competition relationship in the formation of the dental enamel ; it is manifested as tendency an increment of the plasmatic zinc with the increase of the age, with due biases to the overweight and the obesity and to the woman's productive fertility. Then it can be considered finally that the homeostasis of the plasmatic zinc, stabilized in an interval of normal values for a given stadium, favorable the necessary and enough growth-development being the aging an involution moment in that tendency of increment of plasmatic values of zinc with the age.

Se conoce que el Factor de Crecimiento Insulino Dependiente I (IGF-I), disminuye su expresión en presencia de déficit plasmático de zinc. El objetivo de la presente revisión es relacionar fluctuaciones de la homeostasis del zinc con estadios del crecimiento-desarrollo humano. De la discusión de la data presentada se tiene que: el crecimiento‒desarrollo humano es un proceso con incidencias del calcio y del zinc, donde el déficit de zinc resulta un factor de alto riesgo para el nacimiento prematuro de infantes y de niños con baja talla; existen evidencias suficientes para inferir una asociación débil directa entre el incremento gradual de los niveles plasmáticos de zinc y calcio con el aumento de la edad durante la infancia y la adolescencia y de que la interacción de colaboración entre el calcio y el zinc en la osteogénesis, sufre una diferenciación de funciones en la osificación endocondral, y se transforma en una relación de competencia en la formación del esmalte dental; se manifiesta como tendencia un incremento del zinc plasmático con el aumento de la edad, con sesgos debidos al sobrepeso y la obesidad y a la fertilidad productiva de la mujer. Puede entonces considerarse finalmente que la homeóstasis del zinc plasmático, estabilizada en un intervalo de valores normales para un estadio dado, propicia el crecimiento‒desarrollo necesario y suficiente, siendo el envejecimiento un momento de involución en aquella tendencia de incremento de valores plasmáticos de zinc con la edad.

The main characteristics of the Public Health Sphere in Santiago de Cuba province are described, specifically those related to the following aspects: structure, associate specialists, net of relationships, activities carried out, current problems, as well as drawn up strategy at short and medium term, which will allow to give solution to the problems that can be presented

Se describen las principales características del Capítulo de Salud Pública de la Provincia de Santiago de Cuba, haciendo énfasis en la estructura del mismo, los asociados, la red de relaciones, las actividades realizadas, problemas actuales y la estrategia trazada a corto y mediano plazo, la cual permitirá dar solución a problemas que puedan presentarse

A descriptive and cross-sectional investigation of 1 630 adolescents admitted to "Dr. Antonio María Béguez César" Southern Teaching Children Hospital was carried out in Santiago de Cuba, from January to December, 2015, aimed at identifying their expectations regarding a friendly care in hospital services, determining the preparation of doctors and nurses and describing the structure and organizational conditions of hospitalization wards. To such an effect surveys to adolescents and a questionnaire to doctors were applied to check their knowledge; the performance of doctors and nurses staff was also evaluated by means of an observation guide. Among the analyzed aspects of the series, the sanitary staff kindness (83.5%) and wards privacy (60.8%) were very important for adolescents. Likewise, it was observed that most of the doctors possessed appropriate knowledge (86.6%) to care these patients and that all of them had an acceptable performance; however, some difficulties in the structure and organizational conditions of the wards were detected, so it was concluded that the hospital institution didn't fulfill the necessary conditions to be qualified as friendly

Se realizó una investigación descriptiva y transversal de 1 630 adolescentes ingresados en el Hospital Infantil Docente Sur "Dr. Antonio María Béguez César" de Santiago de Cuba, de enero a diciembre del 2015, con vistas a identificar sus expectativas respecto a una atención amigable en los servicios hospitalarios, determinar la preparación de médicos y enfermeros y describir la estructura y las condiciones organizacionales de las salas de hospitalización. A tal efecto se aplicaron encuestas a los adolescentes y un cuestionario a los médicos para comprobar sus conocimientos; además se evaluó el desempeño de los facultativos y del personal de enfermería mediante una guía de observación. Entre los aspectos analizados de la serie, la amabilidad del personal sanitario (83,5 %) y la privacidad en los cubículos (60,8 %) resultaron muy importantes para los adolescentes. Igualmente, se observó que la mayoría de los médicos poseían conocimientos adecuados (86,6 %) para la atención a estos pacientes y que todos ellos se desempeñaban de manera aceptable; sin embargo, se detectaron dificultades en la estructura y las condiciones organizacionales de las salas, lo cual condujo a concluir que la institución hospitalaria no reunía las condiciones para ser calificada de “amigable”

In Chile, there have been two studies on classic stereotypic behavior in Chilean horses breed. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of classic stereotypies in Chilean horses stabled of the counties of Pinto and Coihueco, Biobío Region, Chile, and its association with sex and age. All Chilean horses registered and stabled in both counties were studied (n=103). Presence or absence of classic stereotypies (crib-biting, weaving and box-walking) was determined by direct observation of 20 min per hour for 4 hours. Data were analyzed dividing horses by sex into three groups: stallions (n = 36), geldings (n = 33) and mares (n = 34). Based on their age, they were divided into three groups: 3-5 years old (n = 14), 5(-1)5 years old (n = 83) and >15 years old (n = 6). Results were expressed as simple percentages. The effects of age and sex were analyzed statistically by Fisher's exact test with a significance level at 0.05. Total prevalence of classic stereotypies was 6.8% (1.94% crib-biting, 0.98% weaving and 3.88% box-walking). No statistic differences were found regarding sex or age. Results suggest that Chilean horses showed a normal prevalence of classic stereotypies and that box-walking is the most common stereotypic behavior in horses of this breed.

En Chile se han realizado dos estudios de estereotipias clásicas en caballos de raza chileno, ambos con resultados diferentes respecto a la prevalencia total y estereotipia más frecuente en esta raza. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia total y de cada una de las estereotipias clásicas en caballos chilenos estabulados de las comunas de Pinto y Coihueco, Región del Biobío, Chile, y su asociación con el sexo y edad. Se estudió la totalidad de los caballos chilenos inscritos y estabulados en ambas comunas (n = 103). Se determinó la presencia o ausencia de aerofagia, balanceo y/o paseo circular en pesebrera en cada caballo mediante observación directa, 20 min por hora, durante 4 horas. Para analizar los datos, los equinos fueron divididos de acuerdo al sexo en 3 grupos: machos enteros (n = 36), machos castrados (n = 33) y hembras (n = 34). De acuerdo a la edad se dividieron en 3 grupos: 3-5 años (n = 14), 5(-1)5 años (n = 83) y >15 años (n = 6). Los resultados son expresados como porcentajes simples. El efecto de las variables sexo y edad fue analizado mediante la prueba exacta de Fisher con un nivel de significancia de p < 0,05. La prevalencia total de estereotipias clásicas fue 6,8% (1,94% aerofagia, 0,98% balanceo y 3,88% paseo circular en pesebrera). No se encontró diferencias estadísticas asociadas a la edad y sexo. Los resultados sugieren que los caballos chilenos presentan una prevalencia normal de estereotipias clásicas y que el paseo circular en pesebrera es la más frecuente en caballos de esta raza.

The aim of this study was to determine the testicular size and to estimate the daily sperm production (DSP) in entire and unilaterally castrated males of the Chilean Horse breed. Sixty one (31 entire and 30 unilaterally castrated) stallions, with ages between 3 and 20 years of age were studied. A scrotal caliper was used to measure height, width and length of testicles. Testicular volume (TV) was calculated and DSP was estimated using formulae proposed by Sertich (2011). Testicular measures in entire stallions were larger than expected and without statistical difference between testicles. The estimated DSP in entire stallions was 7.67 ± 2.32 x 109 spermatozoa. There were no differences in size related to the remaining testicle in unilaterally castrated stallions, but height, width and TV were larger than in entire stallions (p<0.05). DSP in unilaterally castrated stallions was 5.13 ± 1.84 x 109 spermatozoa, and it was a 33% lower compared to entire males (p<0.0001). Results obtained allow concluding that testicular measures in Chilean Horse stallions are larger than expected for their body size

El objetivo del presente estudio fue establecer el tamaño testicular y estimar la producción espermática diaria (PED) en sementales de raza Caballo Chileno enteros y castrados unilateralmente. Se estudiaron 61 sementales (31 con ambos testículos y 30 castrados unilateralmente), de 3 a 20 años de edad. Se midió el alto, ancho y largo de los testículos con un vernier escrotal, se calculó el volumen testicular (VT) y se estimó la PED utilizando las fórmulas propuestas por Sertich (2011). Las medidas testiculares en los sementales con ambos testículos fueron mayores a las esperadas y sin diferencia estadística entre testículos contralaterales en sementales enteros. La PED estimada en sementales con ambos testículos fue de 7.67 ± 2.32 x 109 espermatozoides. En los sementales castrados unilateralmente no hubo diferencias de tamaño relacionadas con el testículo que mantenían, pero el alto, ancho y VT fueron mayores que en los sementales enteros (p<0.05). La PED estimada en sementales castrados unilateralmente fue de 5.13 ± 1.84 x 109 espermatozoides, lo cual es 33% menor que en caballos enteros (p<0.0001). Los resultados permiten concluir que las medidas testiculares de los sementales de raza Caballo Chileno son mayores a las esperadas para su tamaño corporal.

Se ha intentado abrir una conexión entre los fundamentos de la electroquímica, el desarrollo de procesos de la producción de aluminio y la higiene y seguridad industrial. En este trabajo se evaluaron los factores de riesgos a los que se exponen los trabajadores del área de reducción de una planta de aluminio en la región de Guayana - Venezuela, a fin de establecer las medidas necesarias para su control, para lo cual se realizó una Inspección, mediante un análisis por observación directa de las instalaciones, equipos y procesos productivos. Se analizó información sobre los aspectos humanos (actitudes, aptitudes, comportamiento y organización), las características físicas de las instalaciones, la información tomada sobre los posibles riesgos, a través del análisis estadístico y documental y de las normas y reglamentos aplicables en cada caso. Además, se confeccionó una lista sobre los aspectos que deben ser inspeccionados en función de los conocimientos que se poseen sobre las características y riesgos de las instalaciones, equipos, máquinas, procesos, con la finalidad de verificar el cumplimiento de un mínimo de normas de higiene y seguridad laboral, al igual que chequear y detectar cualquier falla o irregularidad. Se realizaron entrevistas y encuestas al personal del área en estudio. La investigación se basó en la consulta de todas las fuentes de información posibles, en cuanto a los aspectos de higiene y seguridad, a fin de informar sobre el estado actual del conocimiento relativo al campo en estudio, conocer asuntos prácticos y/o teóricos relacionados al tema, la identificación de “verdades” y/o ¨supuestos¨ acerca de algunos aspectos del proceso bajo estudio. Se trató de delimitar el punto más crítico del problema para poder formular preguntas adecuadas.

The aim of this work is the opening of a connection between the basis of electrochemistry related to industrial processes such as production of aluminium, and the hygiene and industrial safety. An assessment of exposure of workers in a reduction plant of aluminium in Guayana, to establish the necessary measurements to control the risk factors. An inspection, consisting of the analysis by direct observation of the facilities, equipment and processes, was also applied. It was necessary to collect and process information concerning the human aspects (attitudes, skills, behavior and organization), the technical characteristics of the installations, the information on the possible risks, documentary and statistical analysis and the rules and regulations. A list of inspection was made to point the aspects that must be inspected by who have knowledge about the characteristics and risks of facilities, equipment, machines, processes, to verify that in the area of reduction, meet minimal standards of hygiene and safety at work, Interviews were also conducted research based on consultation of all possible sources of information on the aspects of hygiene and safety, allowing us to report on the state of the art about the field under study, learning practical or theoretical issues related to the topic, the identification of "truths" and/or assumptions of some aspects of the process under study, we have tried to identify the most critical problem for appropriate questions point.

El problema de la difícil degradación de los plásticos convencionales y su acumulación en el medio ambiente, ha conducido a investigadores a buscar materiales alternos, en el presente trabajo se buscó la obtención de películas elaboradas a base de almidón de yuca hidroxipropilado de la variedad CM 7137, el cual fue sometido a un proceso de plastificación con glicerina para posteriormente unirse con una mezcla binaria de ácido poliláctico (PLA) y policaprolactona (PCL) para obtener la película o mezcla ternaria de TPS, PLA y PCL a través de la técnica de extrusión. Para determinar las condiciones óptimas para la obtención de las películas se empleó un diseño experimental factorial 23, con 3 réplicas. Los resultados obtenidos se sometieron a la metodología de superficie de respuesta donde las variables de entrada fueron perfil de temperatura de la extrusión soplado, porcentaje de capsaicina y porcentaje de mezcla binaria, la variable de respuesta fue la elongación, en porcentaje. Las condiciones óptimas encontradas fueron 25% de mezcla binaria, perfil de temperatura de 140/145/155/150°C, y 0,5% de capsaicina, la cual de manera preliminar mostró un efecto antimicrobiano. Se observó que el material obtenido presentó mejores propiedades que las encontradas para películas a base de almidón nativo.

The problem of degradation of conventional plastics and therefore its accumulation in the environment, this has led to search for alternative materials, In this work the production of films prepared from cassava starch modified, variety CM 7137 is sought, which was subjected to a process of plasticization with glycerol to later join a binary mixture of polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) to obtain film or ternary mixture of TPS (Termo-Plastic Starch), PLA and PCL through extrusion technique. The optimal conditions for obtaining films were determined with factorial experimental design 23, with three replicates. The results obtained were subjected to the response surface methodology, where the input variables were temperature profile of the extrusion blown, and percentage of capsaicin and binary mixture, and the response variable was the elongation in percentage. The optimal conditions were 25% of a binary mixture, temperature profile 140/145/155/150°C, and 0,5% of capsaicin, which preliminarily showed an antimicrobial effect. It was observed that the material obtained had better properties than those found for films based on native starch.

O problema de degradação de materiais plásticos convencionais e por conseguinte, a sua acumulação no ambiente, o que levou a procurar materiais alternativos, neste trabalho foi procurado a obtenção de filmes preparados a partir de amido de mandioca modificado variedade CM 7137, que foi submetido a um processo de plastificação com glicerol para se juntar depois uma mistura binária de ácido poliláctico (PLA) e policaprolactona (PCL) para producir filmes ou mistura ternária de TPS, PLA e PCL através da técnica de extrusão.Para determinar as condições ideais para a obtenção dos filmes foi usado um planejamento fatorial 23 com três repetições. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos à metodologia de superfície de resposta, em que as variáveis de entrada foram perfil de temperatura de extrusão blown, percentagem de mistura binária e capsaicina, ea variável resposta foi o alongamento em percentagem. As condições óptimas foram de 25% de mistura binária, o perfil de temperatura 140/145/155/150°C, e 0,5% de capsaicina, que mostraram um efeito antimicrobiano preliminarmente. Observou-se que o material obtido tinha propriedades melhores do que as encontradas para os filmes baseados em amido nativo.