Why if 20% of over 50 million people who visit New York City yearly, and disburse half of total touristic spending, about $20 billion per year, The Metropolitan Opera is not currently addressing them to come to the house? Goals: 1. To demonstrate that The Metropolitan Opera has not yet a clear strategy addressing the visitors crowd coming to New York City. 2. To propose a strategy to achieve it. Methods: First, collecting information at the Metropolitan Opera house concerning visitors’ origins. Then, reviewing tourism trends and data in NYC, to finally search for correlations between the Met Opera marketing strategies and the tourists’ approaches in the city. Results: Visitors are coming to The Met by their own interests to get to know the house and get the live experience. They revealed that one of their main drives to attend a performance at The Met was having been exposed to Met Productions through the HD Live program in their hometowns. Nonetheless, Met staffers proved that visitors have not been yet a priority for the organization. Conclusion: The financial situation at The Met Opera is unsound, when an audience and resources are timidly coming to the door; there’s an urge to suitably address this crowd to improve the unstable finances of one of the greatest performing arts organizations in the world.

During the last decade massive immigration of people, regardless of its reason has been a new challenge for many countries around the world. People leave their homes in pursuit of safety and protection but in many cases they fail and not only do not find a new home but also unintentionally/intentionally affect the quality of the hosting country and jeopardize its vitality. On the one hand immediate (short term) effects of immigration need to be considered in order to define the structure of the emerging community and also its interaction with the existing one (hosting country). On the other hand, since there is no clear prediction for life expectancy of these communities, in long term what is left of these transitions can be very decisive for the future of the existing community. According to the United Nations refugee commission ACNUR, Latin America and the Caribbean is the third region most affected due to migration issues with 3.99 million compared with the rest Africa 13.5, Asia 20, Europe 2.6. Inside the region Colombia is the country with the highest number of people that have been displaced, and Ecuador as the host country with the biggest refugee population. Colombian farmers leave their homes in the countryside to live in the suburbs of big cities. The forced change of residence transforms the idea of own self and about the space occupied, their physical location in the place of arrival shows the precarious conditions surrounding them, lying outsourced and crumbled from this space they built for themselves and their family. This physical and emotional transit characterizes the notion of displacing, because it becomes key to understand the struggle to reinvent a place for them in the urban space where new ways of appropriation of space emerge. Such transit also brings the conflict of coexistence between newcomers and resident migrants, the territory appears as a space where they must acquire their own house and stabilize their living conditions. In this project firstly immigration and its short/long time effects on several cases will be studied. Afterwards considering the life span of these settlements (future Identity) a proposal based on integration of communities through specific arrangement of housing (based on introducing modular design) that encourage the public participation in development of the habitat, a prototype will be suggested.

There are several theories of cognition, each taking a different position on the nature of cognition, what a cognitive system should do, and how a cognitive system should be analyzed and synthesized. From these, it is possible to discern three broad classes: the cognitivist approach based on symbolic information processing representational systems; the emergent systems approach embracing connectionist systems, dynamical systems, and enactive systems, all based on a lesser or greater extent of principles of self-organization, and the hybrid approach which combine the best of the emergent systems and cognitivist systems. Our research focuses on implementing a hybrid architecture for cognitive agents supported by both cognitivist and emergent approaches. On the one hand, the cognitivist approach provides an explicit knowledge representation through the use of symbolic AI techniques. On the other hand, the emergent approach defines three evolutionary strategies as observed in nature: Epigenesis, Ontogenesis, and Phylogenesis, endowing the architecture with implicit knowledge learning, sub-symbolic representations, and emergent behavior guided by bio-inspired computational intelligence techniques.

For several years, researchers have developed techniques to replace and enhance the capabilities of our neural system by means of implantable electrical stimulation technologies. Even though important work has been done in this field, further progress must be accomplished in terms of miniaturization in order to ensure comfort, simpler surgical implantation procedures, and the capability of using multiple wireless smart stimulators for achieving more muscle recruitment. In the past, with the objective of accomplishing an unprecedented level of miniaturization, we have proposed the development of implantable stimulators that would act as rectifiers of AC current supplied by external electrodes. Here it is described the development and evaluation of an addressable stimulator based on discrete component technology as a proof-of-concept of the proposed method. This macroscopic version of the stimulator is capable of generating magnitude controlled bipolar pulses according to commands modulated in the AC current. Multiple evaluations were done to test the device, including DC current testing, in-vitro and invivo testing, concluding that the developed system is an effective proof-of-concept of the method proposed, being able to perform controlled electrical stimulation. Electrical current testing showed that anodal and cathodal currents were generated, and in-vivo testing showed the effective electrical stimulation of an anesthetized earthworm. It is concluded that the idea of developing smart rectifiers as implantable stimulators is feasible. This represents a first step towards the design of an implantable device with a miniaturization level without precedents.

Previous studies have shown that residential water consumption in Phoenix, Arizona is significantly related to changes in climate, although that sensitivity varies substantially from one census tract to another. In this investigation, we determine the empirical relationship between water consumption and variations in temperature and precipitation. We find the sensitivity of consumption to either climate variable is positively related to the percent of land covered in mesic irrigated landscaping, mean household income, lot size, and percent of single-family residential lots containing swimming pools. We use estimated changes in temperature and precipitation for 50 model – scenario combinations presented by the IPCC, and we determined that mean water consumption should increase by an average of over three percent by 2050, but the climate-induced change in consumption varies considerably across the census tracts.

Resumen: Investigación académica de carácter cualitativo e inductivo, en la cual se establece un trabajo colaborativo y participante con las mujeres que son parte de la Colectiva de Mujeres Refugiadas, Exiliadas y Migradas, con el fin de hablar desde su propia intervención y captar su voz en primera persona. Un proceso en el cual las mujeres de la Colectiva contribuirán en la construcción investigativa a través de sus relatos personales y profesionales, siendo constructoras y orientadoras de la misma dinámica, con el fin que lo plasmado asegure su representatividad, además de aportar en la validez y fiabilidad investigativa. Una construcción de miradas subjetivas de las mujeres víctimas de desplazamiento extrafronterizo ocasionado por el impacto del conflicto armado en Colombia que permitirá comprender y reflexionar acerca de su reconfiguración personal y los nuevos escenarios de participación creados como estrategia organizativa y de identificación hacia su reivindicación y resistencia como sujetas activas y lideresas sociales. Mediante el método biográfico-narrativo y un modelo de inducción analítica, se interpretarán las vivencias, pensamientos y sensaciones (motivaciones, razones e intereses) personales y comunes de las mujeres que por ocasión del conflicto armado interno se vieron obligadas a dejar el país (Colombia) en condición de exilio forzado para re-construir su vida personal, reivindicar su autonomía y fortalecer sus liderazgos como sujetas políticas en el exilio, refugio y migración, hacia una incidencia en el proceso de paz de Colombia desde una perspectiva de género y una transformación en el país receptor (España). Abstract: Qualitative and inductive academic research in a collaboration and with the participation of women who are part of “Colectiva de Mujeres Refugiadas, Exiliadas y Migradas”, in order to write about their intervention and to capture their voice in first person. A process in which women from this group will contribute in the investigative construction through their personal and professional stories. They will be able to build and guide the dynamic with the purpose to reflect their own representativeness and to contribute in the validity and investigative reliability. A construction based in the subjective views of women victims of extra-frontier displacement, caused by the impact of the armed conflict in Colombia, will allow us to understand and reflect on their personal reconfiguration and the new scenarios of participation created as an organizational strategy and identification. All of these, as a symbol of their resistance as political activists and social leaders. Using the biographical-narrative method and a model of analytic induction, thoughts, experiences and feelings of these women will be interpreted (motivations, reasons and interests). These female individuals were forced to leave the country by the internal conflict and had to reconstruct their personal life, to claim their autonomy and to strengthen their leadership as political activists in exile, refuge and migration, towards an impact on the peace process in Colombia from a gender perspective and a transformation in their host country (Spain).

Abstract: Bone remodeling is a continuous physiological process that requires constant generation of new osteoblasts from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Differentiation of MSCs to osteoblast requires a metabolic switch from glycolysis to increased mitochondrial respiration to ensure the sufficient energy supply to complete this process. As a consequence of this increased mitochondrial metabolism, the levels of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) rise. In the current study we analyzed the role of forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) in the control of ROS levels in human MSCs (hMSCs) during osteogenic differentiation. Treatment of hMSCs with H2O2 induced FOXO3 phosphorylation at Ser294 and nuclear translocation. This ROS-mediated activation of FOXO3 was dependent on mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 (MAPK8/JNK) activity. Upon FOXO3 downregulation, osteoblastic differentiation was impaired and hMSCs lost their ability to control elevated ROS levels. Our results also demonstrate that in response to elevated ROS levels, FOXO3 induces autophagy in hMSCs. In line with this, impairment of autophagy by autophagy-related 7 (ATG7) knockdown resulted in a reduced capacity of hMSCs to regulate elevated ROS levels, together with a reduced osteoblast differentiation. Taken together our findings are consistent with a model where in hMSCs, FOXO3 is required to induce autophagy and thereby reduce elevated ROS levels resulting from the increased mitochondrial respiration during osteoblast differentiation. These new molecular insights provide an important contribution to our better understanding of bone physiology. Resumen: La remodelación ósea es un proceso fisiológico continuo que demanda la generación constante de nuevos osteoblastos a partir de células madre mesenquimales (CMMs). La diferenciación de las CMMs a osteoblastos requiere un cambio de glicólisis a respiración mitocondrial para así asegurar la obtención de suficiente energía. Como consecuencia, los niveles endógenos de especies reactivas del oxígeno (ERO) se elevan siendo perjudiciales para la integridad celular. En el presente estudio hemos analizado el papel de FOXO3 en el control de ERO en las CMMs durante la diferenciación osteogénica. El tratamiento de las CMMs con H2O2 induce la fosforilacion de FOXO3 en la serina 294 resultando en la translocación de FOXO3 al núcleo. Dicha activación mediada por el aumento de ERO es dependiente de la actividad de JNK. Al disminuir los niveles de FOXO3, la diferenciación osteoblástica se deteriora y las CMMs pierden su capacidad para controlar los niveles de ERO. Adicionalmente, nuestros resultados demuestran que en presencia de ERO, FOXO3 induce la autofagia en CMMs. En este orden de ideas, la disminución en los niveles de ATG7 da lugar a una reducción de la capacidad de las CMMs para regular los niveles elevados de ERO, junto con una reducción de la diferenciación de osteoblastos. Tomados en conjunto, nuestros resultados son consistentes con un modelo en el que FOXO3 es necesario para inducir la autofagia y por lo tanto reducir los niveles elevados de ERO que resultan del aumento de la respiración mitocondrial durante la diferenciación de osteoblastos. Estos nuevos conocimientos moleculares son importantes para una mejor comprensión de la fisiología ósea.

Resumen: Se presentan los primeros registros del flamenco americano (Phoenicopterus ruber) para el piedemonte del departamento del Meta en la Orinoquia Colombiana. Se realizaron tres observaciones en vida silvestre de la especie en las zonas inundadas de un cultivo de arroz de riego (Oryza sativa) en los años 2008 y 2010. Estos registros podrían corresponder a la ampliación de rango de la especie, a la presencia de individuos vagabundos o a la introducción tipo trasplante de la especie a esta región del país. Se analizó la situación de P. ruber en la Orinoquia Colombiana, se proponen las posibles rutas de arribo de la especie a esta región del país (si fuese una ampliación de rango geográfico) y se discuten la tenencia de fauna silvestre en cautiverio. Abstract: The first sightings of the American or Caribbean flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) in the foothills of the Meta department in the Colombian Orinoco region are presented here. Three observations of the species were made in the wild in the flooded areas of an irrigated rice (Oryza sativa) paddy from 2008 to 2010. These records could show how the species range is becoming extended, the presence of individual vagrants or the species transplant-type introduction into this region of Colombia. The circunstances regarding P. ruber’s presence in the Colombian Orinoco region is analysed, possible arrival routes for the species to this region of Colombia are proposed (if one is dealing with an expansion of geographical range) and captive wildlife occupancy are discussed.

Abstract: Proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis are tightly regulated by extracellular stimuli including hormones, growth factors and cytokines. A balance between these processes is a critical requirement for tissue homeostasis and loss of this balance can result in development of disease. The binding of such mediators to their cognate receptors induces activation of intracellular signal transduction cascades that, through regulation of transcription, eventually results in altered gene expression and changes in cell fate decisions. Constitutive activation of oncogenic signalling pathways by loss of tumor suppressors and activation of oncogenes causes malignant transformation, which is characterized by a differentiation block and the ability of the cancer cells to proliferate and survive independent of growth factor signals. Recently both oncogenes and tumor suppressors have been shown to be critical regulators of autophagy in response to cellular stress. In this review current data concerning a novel role for FoxO transcription factors in regulating autophagy will be discussed. Resumen: La proliferación, diferenciación y apoptosis son procesos estrictamente regulados por estímulos extracelulares que incluyen hormonas, factores de crecimiento y citoquinas. El equilibrio entre dichos procesos es crítico para la homeostasis del tejido y su perdida puede resultar en el desarrollo de enfermedades. La unión de estos mediadores a sus receptores induce la activación de cascadas intracelulares que a través de la regulación de la transcripción, se traducen en la expresión de genes alterados. La activación constitutiva de rutas de señalización oncogénicas por la pérdida de supresores tumorales y la activación de oncogenes provoca la transformación maligna, que se caracteriza por un bloqueo en la diferenciación y por la capacidad de las células cancerosas de proliferar y sobrevivir independiente de las señales del factor de crecimiento. Recientemente se ha demostrado que oncogenes y supresores tumorales son reguladores críticos de la autofagia en respuesta al estrés celular. En esta revisión bibliográfica se analiza el nuevo rol del factor de trascripción FOXO en la regulación de la autofagia.

Abstract: Mass transportation and citizen mobility is one of the most relevant topics in urban planning nowadays. A brief analysis shows the importance of bicycle promotion as a mean of transportation not only for the low implementation costs, but also because of the environmental gains for the city and its inhabitants. This analysis is focused on bicycle promotion policies in Bogotá, Colombia, and states some brief conclusions about the next steps. Resumen: El transporte masivo y la movilidad de la ciudadanía es uno de los ítems más importantes a tener en cuenta en cuanto a planeación urbana. Un corto análisis muestra la importancia de la promoción del uso de la bicicleta como medio de transporte, no sólo por los bajos costos de implementación, sino por los logros medioambientales que benefician a la ciudad y a sus habitantes. El presente análisis se enfoca en las políticas de promoción del uso de la bicicleta en Bogotá, Colombia, y plantea unas cortas conclusiones así como pasos a seguir.