University of Atacama

The presence of dye pollutants in aquatic systems has raised serious concerns about their ecological and human health impacts. In response, wide research has focused on the removal of dye pollutants. The ultimate goal of this work is to explore the factors that can be effective in dye removal with NiFe2O4 nanoparticles in aqueous solutions. Herein, the NiFe2O4 (NF) NPs, NiFe2O4/g-C3N4 (NFCN) nanocomposites with an active interface and g-C3N4 (gCN) powders were prepared by a hydrothermal method and a simple pyrolysis method, respectively. The XRD, UV–vis-NIR, HRSEM, TEM, VSM and BET were used to explore the properties of the samples. The XRD and TEM confirmed the existence of NF and gCN in NFCN nanocomposites. The VSM confirmed the ferrimagnetic behaviour of NFCN. The methylene blue (MB) degradation was performed using NF, gCN and NFCN under visible light irradiation for 90 min. The NFCN exhibited ~ 92% degradation efficacy after 90 min comparatively higher than bare NF and gCN which may be due to the efficient charge separation. The resistivity of all samples was found by the EIS study. The quenching test showed that h⁺ and$\cdot \,{\text{O}}_{{2}}^{ - }$ were the main ROS for the degradation process. The recycle test confirmed the stability and reusability of NFCN. From the results, it is inferred that NFCN is a suitable material for the dye degradation of textile effluents.

The widespread use of antibiotics to treat infectious diseases in humans and animals has raised significant environmental concerns due to their presence in soils. The interaction between natural aluminosilicates such as allophane, both with and without iron oxides (FexOy) and organic matter (OM) coatings, in the adsorption of Ciprofloxacin (CIP) remains still unexplored. The objective of this study is to establish the role of different soil components, OM and FexOy, in the adsorption of CIP in soils. Santa Bárbara (SB) series soil and chemically treated substrates without OM (SB1) and without OM and FexOy (SB2) were characterized. All CIP adsorption studies were conducted through batch experiments in an electrochemical cell, by using square wave voltammetry to determine CIP concentration. Adsorption isotherms revealed two types of adsorption sites in the SB soil: instantaneous and time dependent. The Langmuir-Freundlich model explained cooperative adsorption, while the Freundlich model aligned with SB1 and SB2 samples. SB1 showed higher adsorption capacity but lower intensity than SB2. The removal of OM and FexOy notably influences the adsorption behavior, resulting in lower capacities than the original SB soil. This study emphasizes the complex interaction between CIP and soil components. The adsorption data highlights the strong binding of CIP to soil particles and substrates, suggesting a low leaching potential. The calculated GUS index of 2.758 further supports this, indicating a moderate leaching potential and reinforcing the importance of understanding the strength of CIP binding in environmental matrices. This knowledge is crucial for assessing its mobility and developing strategies to minimize its environmental impact.

The aim of this study is to describe and interpret how pedagogy students build their professional identity during professional practices, from their subjective theories. An interpretive descriptive study and qualitative methodology were used. The sampling is of a theoretical type and is made up of 7 students from three pedagogy careers at a public university in the Atacama region, Chile. Episodic interviews and a discussion group were applied. The Grounded Theory was used, obtaining as results subjective theories about the sense and meaning of the professional teaching identity and the teaching profession, the process of construction of the professional identity, the characteristics of the constructed identity and suggestions for this training process. In addition, an explanatory model of the construction of professional identity in the context of professional practice was developed. In the discussion and conclusion, the findings are analyzed in light of the literature. Keywords: professional identity; teacher training; professional practice; subjectivity

The aim of this study is to describe and interpret how pedagogy students build their professional identity during professional practices, from their subjective theories. An interpretive descriptive study and qualitative methodology were used. The sampling is of a theoretical type and is made up of 7 students from three pedagogy careers at a public university in the Atacama region, Chile. Episodic interviews and a discussion group were applied. The Grounded Theory was used, obtaining as results subjective theories about the sense and meaning of the professional teaching identity and the teaching profession, the process of construction of the professional identity, the characteristics of the constructed identity and suggestions for this training process. In addition, an explanatory model of the construction of professional identity in the context of professional practice was developed. In the discussion and conclusion, the findings are analyzed in light of the literature. Keywords: professional identity; teacher training; professional practice; subjectivity

Background: Inconsistencies in the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) factor structure and current research and clinical guidelines highlight the need for continued exploration of its psychometric evidence. Furthermore, only one study has assessed its measurement invariance (MI), while the only FSFI psychometric study conducted in Chile lacks quality and representativity. Aim: Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the FSFI (ie, structural and convergent validity, and reliability) in a Chilean sample of women, while also examining MI across relationship status and age groups. Method: A sample of 2595 sexually active adult women (Mage=32.10, SDage=10) was derived from a broader Chilean study (Chilean National Sex and Sexuality Study). We used a confirmatory factor analysis to determine its structural validity, sexual satisfaction (SS) dimensions to establish its convergent validity, and Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega to assess the reliability of its scores. Outcomes: Measures of goodness-of-fit. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis supported a six-factor structure. Internal consistency indices for all FSFI dimensions ranged from good to excellent. MI was achieved across socio-demographic variables at the factor covariance level. Convergent validity indicated modest-to-moderate effects in satisfaction differences based on relationship status. Among other findings, Chilean women in a relationship had significantly higher satisfaction with their sexual communication and compatibility than those who were single, which is consistent with previous findings. Meanwhile, women at risk of experiencing sexual problems scored significantly lower across all SS dimensions than those not at risk. Clinical Implications: This study provides evidence that the FSFI is a valid, reliable, and invariant tool for the clinical practice in the sexual health of Spanish-speaking Latino Americans, especially that of Chilean women’s sexual function (SF) and problems. Strengths & Limitations: This study provided a comprehensive analysis of the FSFI’s psychometric validity evidence, demonstrating its reliability and validity across diverse Chilean women while also offering its first assessment of MI and confirming its suitability for clinical and research use in Spanish-speaking Latino women. Conversely, this study’s main caveat lies in having a predominantly younger, cisgender, and heterosexual sample.

Background Natural products, such as propolis, are an important source of biologically active compounds with the potential to treat health disorders. Propolis is a well-known waxy resin recognized for its antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and cytotoxic effects. Objective In this study, we aimed to clarify the formation mechanism of propolis nanoparticles from the perspective of their stability and chemical composition. By evaluating the light absorption behaviour of the nanoparticles formed in different media and quantifying the polyphenols, we show that they are superficially hydrophobic nanoparticles with the capacity to encapsulate some polar compounds. Methods Biological activity was evaluated by in vitro cell viability performed on NIH/3T3 fibroblasts incubated with 10, 100, and 1000 μg/mL of propolis nanoparticles for 48 hours. Results The results show that nanoparticles are cytocompatible, with a proliferation effect. In contrast, the results of the viability of metastatic murine B16F10 cells indicate that a dose with a concentration of 5 μg/mL in the cell culture media is sufficient to stop the abnormal cell growth, having an antitumor effect. This effect might be related to the flavonoids present in the propolis nanoparticles. In vivo dermal irritability tests on New Zealand rabbits show that propolis nanoparticles' aqueous dissolution was non-irritant. Conclusion According to the results obtained from this study, reducing the size of raw propolis down to nanoparticles and dispersing them in water solvents enhance its positive effects. The superficially hydrophobic propolis nanoparticles encapsulate active compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which also confirms their ability to generate selective effects on the cells, depending on their nature.

Background The aim of the study was to analyze the relative and absolute reliability of intra-session comparisons of three repetitions in a protocol for assessment peak muscle strength in a knee extension and flexion exercise in competitive female soccer players. Methods The participants in this research are professional level female soccer players. Peak muscle strength was assessed with functional electromechanical dynamometry (FEMD) for the knee muscles with the following movements: knee flexion (FLE) and extension (EXT). Each movement was assessed at a speed of 0.4 m·s⁻¹ unilaterally, recording peak muscle strength values in the concentric phase (CON) and an eccentric phase (ECC). Results Null differences (ES < 0.19) were detected in the measurements of peak muscle strength of the extensors and flexors of the right and left knee in their concentric or eccentric phases. In the intra-set reliability measures, they reported acceptable absolute reliability (CV% < 9.71) and extremely high relative reliability (ICC = 0.92–0.98). Conclusion In relation to the results of this study, it can be concluded that the FEMD presents a high relative and absolute intra-series reliability for the evaluation of muscle strength in knee extension and flexion in female soccer players. These reported antecedents may facilitate a more specific evaluation of the function of the muscles of the lower limbs.

In recent years, there has been a rise in the use of electrochemical and advanced oxidation methods to treat the industrial wastewater. The efficiency of several approaches for treating industrial wastewater, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), electro–Fenton (EF) and pulsed–electro–Fenton (PEF) processes were all investigated. In evaluation to the H2O2, EF, and PEF technologies, the results showed that the PEF process produced 100 % total color and 98 % chemcial oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency with a low consumption of power of 3.4 kWhrm⁻³. The experimental parameters comprised the following: COD – 2500 mg L⁻¹, pH – 3, H2O2 – 300 mg L⁻¹, distance between electrode – 0.75 cm, current – 0.40 A, cycle of pulse duty – 0.75, combination of electrode – Fe/Fe, stirring speed – 500 rpm and treatment duration (TD) – 125 min. It was demonstrated that increasing the TD, current, and H2O2 while lowering the COD content improved the COD elimination efficiency while employing a iron (Fe/Fe) electrode combination with wastewater pH of 3. The efficiency of the EF process has been reduced in comparison to the PEF process because of the development of an impermeable oxide layer on the cathode and the oxidation–induced corrosion on the anode. Consequently, experimental results have indicated that the PEF could be a more promising technology than the EF method for eliminating pollutants from wastewater with reduced power consumption and process efficiency.

This review is the first to focus specifically on the interaction of metal complexes with surfactants, an area of growing interest due to its potential in improving solubility and biological properties. Drug-based metal complexes containing organic ligands often exhibit poor solubility in aqueous media, limiting their study and practical applications. The addition of surfactants plays a pivotal role in not only solubilizing these metal complexes but also enhancing their biological properties. The surfactant molecules can act as ligands, improving solubility while altering the morphology and coordination modes of complexes. This review provides a concise discussion of how surfactant interactions can enhance solubility and influence biological processes. It also covers the mechanism behind these interactions, their impact on bioavailability, and the techniques as well as factors that influence the interaction of surfactants with metal complexes.

A large human-induced sediment supply (~ 400 Mt) took place on the Atacama Desert rocky coast (~ 26° S) as a result of the dumping of copper mine tailings between 1938 and 1990. We show that the input of this large sediment load has affected the natural sediment dynamics in this coastal area. The coastal system counterbalanced this abrupt increase in sediment supply with rapid accretion while the dumping was active. A different accretion pattern is observed in each of the two bays that received tailings. In one of them, the tailings input occurred in its center, resulting in a radial-to-rectilinear pattern that caused the growth of an existing pocket beach. In the other bay, where the alongshore transport is hindered by a small central rocky headland, the sediment input occurred on a lateral headland, resulting in a lateral-to-bypassed pattern that triggered the formation of two artificial beaches. Once the dumping of tailings ceased, the artificial beaches have been in a period of strong erosion, although the most recently formed beach still experiences northward accretion. This work contributes to assessing the impact of large human-induced sediment supplies on rocky coasts, providing valuable data for investigating current and future coastal changes according to both natural forces and human activities and their consequences.

Water 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.

Background Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing public health concern in Chile, contributing significantly to hospitalizations due to acute and chronic complications. Objective This study aims to analyze trends in T2D hospitalizations over 4 years (2019–2022), focusing on patient demographics, reasons for admission, and hospitalization outcomes. Methods This retrospective observational study used data from the FONASA Open Data platform, covering 31,692 hospitalizations from 65 hospitals funded through the Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG) payment mechanism. Data were analyzed for trends in age, sex, length of stay, and primary causes of hospitalization. Statistical methods included Prais-Winsten regression to assess trends and compare hospitalization rates by gender and age groups. Results Hospitalizations increased from 4066 in 2019 to 9628 in 2022, with the mean age rising from 65.2 ± 10.6 years to 68.4 ± 11.3 years. Peripheral circulatory complications were the leading cause of hospitalization, accounting for 70.2% of cases, followed by ketoacidosis (12.2%) and ophthalmic complications (9.1%). Male hospitalizations grew significantly, from 8.6% in 2019 to 20.2% in 2022, outpacing the increase in female hospitalizations, which reached 10.2% in 2022. The mean length of stay showed variability, with a slight increase in 2022 (11.3 ± 15.8 days). Conclusions This study highlights the increasing burden of T2D hospitalizations in Chile, particularly among older adults and male patients. Peripheral circulatory complications remain the primary cause of admission, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to improve diabetes management and reduce hospitalizations. Keywords such as diabetes mellitus, hospitalizations, complications, trends, and Chile are central to this analysis.

Universities have been the focus of numerous studies on health promotion initiatives, mainly centred on results that determine outcomes and impacts. This study explores the perceptions of various community members regarding implementing the university health promotion policy. We employed qualitative methods (case study); semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted at a Chilean university to gather data based on both inductive and deductive analyses. A comprehensive schema of students', professors' and administrative/technical staff's perceptions was established. We found a generally positive assessment of the policy and its promotion of healthy lifestyle environments. However, participation within the university community was uneven, with each group identifying different barriers to increased involvement: high academic workloads (students), research and administrative responsibilities (professors), and limited availability of health and wellness‐promoting activities (administrative/technical staff). The findings suggest that future educational health initiatives should incorporate health indicators into management practices, enhance wellness literacy and empower community members to foster greater engagement. From a methodology perspective, study design enables the replication of health policy or program deployment in educational community health settings.

Sustainability in supply chains (SC) is a topic that has been widely discussed recently and, similarly to the quest to develop green SCs, it does not contemplate the integration of economic and social dimensions of sustainable SC management (SSCM). This article proposes a conceptual framework to provide key factors that act as a valuable tool to further develop quantitative models of location, inventory and transportation (LIT) problems in SSCs. The objectives of this paper are to: (i) review the literature by focusing on conceptual frameworks for sustainable SC; (ii) map and construct the conceptual framework blocks by describing each element and dimension; and (iii) validate the conceptual framework. The conceptual framework comprises five main blocks: SC structures, sustainable inputs, quantitative models, inventory policies and sustainability objectives. These five blocks are then formed by different dimensions and elements, which are described in this paper and validated in a mining case study. The results show that no previous studies propose a reference conceptual framework to model a sustainable LIT problem in a CLSC context, which is the main novelty of this paper. Finally, the conceptual framework is validated and applied as a diagnostic tool in two copper mining companies.

The establishment of the possible presence of life on Mars (past or present) is based on the study of planetary analogues, which allow in situ analysis of the environments in which living organisms adapt to often extreme conditions. Although Mars has been a candidate for hosting life, based on observations made decades ago, it is thanks to the characteristics identified in environments, mainly volcanic, that it has been possible to calibrate instruments and detail the features of the red planet. In this paper, we present a review of the main characteristics of different planetary analogues, particularly deepening the study of Antarctica, to later expose the factors studied in Deception Island that have contributed to considering it as an analogue of Mars from different perspectives. Although geological and geomorphological studies on the analogies of the island already exist, detailed analyses that present the approach of astrobiological analogues are required, thus allowing further research.

Background/Objectives: Aging involves a series of changes non-pathological age-related conditions, some of which impact the cognitive functioning of older adults. Executive functions are cognitive skills often affected in this process, although they have been shown to improve after physical exercise interventions. This protocol aims to describe the procedures that will be carried out in a systematic literature review, including a meta-analysis of the effects of resistance interventions on the main dimensions of exec-utive function in cognitively healthy older adults compared to active or passive control groups. Methods: The PRISMA-P guidelines will be followed. Eligibility criteria will be organized based on the PICOS strategy (older adults with normal cognition ≥60 years; chronic resistance interventions ≥4 weeks; active or passive control group; direct measures of executive function). The PubMed, EBSCO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases will be used. The risk of bias and quality of evidence will be measured using RoB2 and GRADE, respectively. The DerSimonian–Laird random-effects model will be used for the meta-analysis. The effect size will be calculated using Hedges’ g with a 95% confidence interval and p < 0.05 to indicate statistical significance. Discussion: The results of the proposed review may be useful to justify the design and implementation of treatment plans based on resistance training for the prevention and management of cognitive changes typical of aging among older adults.

A novel hybrid hexa-octagonal photonic crystal fiber (PCF) is designed by integrating a hexagonal arrangement of elliptical air holes in the core using soft glass and an octagonal lattice of circular air holes in the cladding. This study presents a comparative analysis of the fiber parameters, including confinement loss, non-linearity, effective area, birefringence, and chromatic dispersion, for two configurations: (i) hybrid hexa-octagonal PCF with a horizontal arrangement of air holes in the core, and (ii) hybrid hexa-octagonal PCF with a vertical arrangement of air holes in the core. Both configurations are examined by varying the pitch size, arrangement, and shape of air holes while maintaining identical design and operational features. Simulations are conducted using the full vector finite element method (FEM). Numerical results indicate that the confinement loss for vertically and horizontally arranged air holes is 1.098 × 10⁻⁵ dB km⁻¹ and 1.0743 × 10⁻⁵ dB km⁻¹, respectively. High birefringence values of 0.07366 and 0.00434, and chromatic dispersion values of −3404.665 ps nm⁻¹ km and −3391.6705 ps nm⁻¹ km, respectively, are obtained at an operating wavelength of 1.55 µm, making the fiber suitable for sensing and communication applications. The designed hexa-octagonal PCF has potential applications in the fiber optic sensing due to its assorted features.