Argentine Government Research Articles

Head lice were also affected by COVID-19: a decrease on Pediculosis infestation during lockdown in Buenos Aires.

Pediculosis is a worldwide disease affecting school-aged children produced by the presence of the head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer, an obligate ectoparasite on the human scalp feeding exclusively on blood. Transmission occurs primarily through direct physical head-to-head contact. In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a variant of the coronavirus. Therefore, on March 18, 2020, the Argentinean government established mandatory isolation for an indefinite period. This obligatory isolation interrupted regular classes avoiding direct contact between children, thus affecting the dispersal route of individuals and the evolution of head louse populations. In this study, we evaluated through an online survey how confinement affected the prevalence of lice during lockdown compared to the situation prior to confinement. The survey allowed to discriminate the different control strategies, the number of treatments, and the amount of insects recorded by parents. Data of 1118 children obtained from 627 surveys were analyzed. As the main result, it was observed that prevalence of lice decreased significantly from before (69.6%) to during (43.9%) COVID-19 lockdown. Moreover, head lice infestation was more effectively controlled in households with up to 2 children in comparison to households with 3 or more children. This is the first study that analyzed the prevalence of head lice during COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, this work demonstrated the impact of social distance in the population dynamics of head lice and how it could affect the control strategies in the future.

Carbon tax to lower emissions: the likely impact of carbon emissions tax on households in South Africa

The South African government, along with other countries, has signed the Paris Agreement to commit to lowering carbon dioxide emissions. This has led to the introduction of carbon tax in different countries to combat global warming. The Mexican government was the first to introduce carbon tax amongst the emerging economies back in 2014, while the Argentine government implemented carbon tax in January 2018. The South African government followed suite and introduced carbon tax effective 5 June 2019. Households are expected, however, to be weighed down by the levy as the carbon fuel levy will be implemented at 9 and 10 cents per litre on petrol and diesel respectively. The impact on strained households’ income is expected to emanate from the already high fuel prices, which have been on a rising trajectory since the beginning of 2019.

Learning energy efficiency networks in Latin America: Lessons learned from the Argentinean case

AbstractThe article describes the results achieved so far in the implementation of five Learning Energy Efficiency Networks (LEENs) and Energy Management Systems (EMSs) in industry, based on ISO 50001. These LEENs are a component of the Energy Efficiency Project between the European Union and the Argentinean Government (www.eficienciaenergetica.net.ar). Their objective is to implement EMS for the participants, and prepare them for certification of the ISO 50001 Standard. This EU funded Project aims to support the Government of Argentina in its efforts to modernize its energy sector through the creation of an enabling environment for energy efficiency and the facilitation of technologies and transfer of knowledge for key sectors, such as industry. The LEEN and EMS are a collaborative methodology between different industrial actors pursuing a common objective, using the exchange of experiences and receiving technical support offered by experts. These Networks have been and are being widely used in the industrial sector of Germany, where there is the largest number of Learning Networks; there are also Latin American experiences in applying Learning Networks in industrial sectors in Mexico, led by the National Commission for the Efficient Use of Energy (CONUEE). Since the initiation of the Project in Argentina, this concept has been applied to about 60 industrial companies distributed in five regional networks. The article concludes with the implementation and results of these networks so far in Argentina, along with suggestions on designing future strategies for LEENs, promoting their expansion all over the industrial sector in Latin America.This article is categorized under: Energy Efficiency > Climate and Environment

Aprender fabricando juguetes. Recorrido hacia una experiencia de educar para la paz fuera de la escuela en Argentina

La tradición pacifista del movimiento judeo progresista internacional consolidado en París en 1937 y particularmente del argentino, desde 1941, es una marca fundacional que persiste. La alternancia entre democracias y dictaduras no fueron obstáculo para que aún con restricciones, las actividades recreativas destinadas a niñas, niños y adolescentes tuvieran siempre un componente solidario e internacionalista, reconociendo el potencial aporte social de la infancia y un modo particular de entender las relaciones entre personas y con la realidad. En 1975, mientras la democracia del segundo peronismo era atacada por fuerzas paramilitares, se expandía el Plan Cóndor. Chile y Uruguay, muy cercanos territorialmente, vivían en dictadura. La proximidad geográfica y las diferencias de los tiempos de los golpes de estado hicieron que Argentina se convirtiera en refugio de exiliados y en espacio de generación de acciones solidarias y de resistencia. En ese contexto se reunieron por dos días, niños y niñas de entre 10 y 12 años para fabricar juguetes que fueron enviados a pares con sus madres presas o clandestinas. También se produjeron murales y esculturas tematizadas, al tiempo que se ensayaban modos de autogestión democrática de convivencia, como una particular forma de intervenir y analizar los hechos que los rodeaban.

Eating habits and lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 lockdown: A comparative study (before and during isolation) on the 9 de Julio city (Buenos Aires, Argentina) population

Following the COVID-19 proliferation beyond China’s borders at the beginning of 2020, containment measures have been taken by different countries around the globe. Citizens were forced to stay at home. Specifically, on March 19th, the Argentine Government decided to implement the “Social, preventive and mandatory isolation”, strategy that unfortunately impacts on the lifestyle, the practise of physical activity and on the nutritional aspect of the population. The aim of this study was analize eating habits and lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 lockdown on the 9 de Julio city, Bs. As., Argentina. The survey was conducted using Google Form. The questionnaire was divided into different sections: sociodemographic data, eating habits, physical activity and concepts and emotions associated with isolation. The research reached 287 responses with a medium socioeconomic level. During isolation, the frequency of purchases decreased. It was observed an increase in the consumption of pasta, bread and cakes. Concerning the physical activity, approximately 70% declared to train before the COVID-19 lockdown, decreased by 13% during the lockdown. Other activities conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown; the most mentioned were cleaning the house, cooking, watching television, series and movies. A percentage greater than 50% of the surveyed population associated the situation of lockdown with positive emotions (share with my family, stay at home); while only 24% associate it with negative emotions (anxiety, anguish, fear). It is expected that most habits will return to normal, however, it would be interesting to know which of those developed, adopted and implemented during lockdown will remain in the new normality.

A Longitudinal Study on the Emotional Impact Cause by the COVID-19 Pandemic Quarantine on General Population.

COVID-19 pandemic represents, not only a public physical health emergency, but a mental health serious problem as well. However, little is known about the psychological impact of the quarantine during this pandemic. The aim of this study is to assess the emotional impact of the lockdown measures imposed by the Argentinian government to fight the virus. For this, a survey was distributed on social network. We surveyed the Argentinian general population twice: 2 days after the mandatory quarantine started (time 1), and 2 weeks later (time 2). Anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II; and affect was assessed using the Positive and Negative Affect Scale. A total of 6057 people answered both surveys. In addition, different socio-demographic factors were considered, such as risk factors for COVID-19, age, gender, educational level, variation in family income due to quarantine, number of children, whether they have older adults in charge or not and the number of hours viewing information about COVID-19. Statistically significant variations were observed between the two time points. The effect size, however, was very small. Depression tends to increase slightly, while levels of anxiety and affect (positive and negative) tend to decrease. Also, some slight differences related to the socio-demographic factors were found. Findings suggests that sustaining the lockdown measures could have a larger effect on mental health in the long term. It is necessary to continue monitoring emotional distress and other related mental health problems on the general population. It is also necessary to create programs aimed at promoting mental health, and to distribute information about it.

Un cambio de gobierno en el contexto de la pandemia global en las políticas públicas de educación superior en Argentina (de diciembre de 2019 a julio de 2020)

El cambio de gobierno en Argentina, con signo político muy diferente en sus lineamientos, sociales y económicos, tuvo lugar el 10 de diciembre de 2019. El gobierno del presidente Alberto Fernández se destacó por las propuestas en educación superior, un estrato con fuertes resonancias políticas debido al intenso debate que se ha suscitado a partir de la Reforma Universitaria de 1918. Apenas habían transcurrido algo más de tres meses cuando el 12 de marzo se declara la emergencia sanitaria y el 20 de marzo se emite el Decreto 297/2020 que decide el aislamiento social preventivo y obligatorio. Entre las metas y planes de gobierno y la invasión de la pandemia, en la realidad mundial y local, ocurrieron reacomodamientos y acciones, que intentaremos compartir desde una perspectiva latinoamericanista la cual reconoce el desacuerdo y la grieta.

The US–Latin America Cancer Research Network

PURPOSE The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Center for Global Health promotes global oncology research to reduce cancer burden worldwide. In 2009, NCI launched the Latin American Cancer Research Network (LACRN) to support a clinical cancer research network in Latin America. LACRN was started by a coalition of research institutions through bilateral collaborative agreements between the US Department of Health and Human Services and the governments of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay. The LACRN is supported through a research contract to a study coordination center and subcontracts to 6 low- and middle-income country sites. The participating countries have a shared goal that meets the specific research needs of the regions. The overarching purpose of this endeavor is to implement high-quality standards for conducting clinical research studies and developing collaborative cancer research projects. METHODS NCI supported a clinical breast cancer project for LACRN, “Molecular profiling of breast cancer (MPBC) in Latin American women with stage II and III breast cancer receiving standard neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.” The molecular profiling of breast cancer study was conducted in 40 hospitals and research institutions across 5 countries with a study population of approximately 1,400 patients. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Establishing a comprehensive network in Latin America and their research institutions yielded an incredible research resource that can be used in future studies, driven by the network. Throughout the process of developing and implementing studies, LACRN helped identify key elements of the functionality of research networks, such as the pivotal role of institutional and government commitment for sustainability; the importance of building multidisciplinary teams, transparent communications, and training; the ability to combine translational, epidemiology, and clinical research to close research gaps; and the application of new technologies to standard cancer clinical care.

Argentine Concordat as an International Agreement Regulating the Law of Patronage

In the history of relations between the Argentinean government and the Holy See, two ideas are permanently intertwined: signing the Concordat and defending national patronage. The changes that occurred in the 1960s indicated that exercising the right of patronage, based on the principles outlined in the Constitution, was impossible, and the peaceful establishment of the principles of bilateral relations could only be indicated through an international agreement. The Concordat signed by Argentina in 1966 removed the national patronage, but the changes to the content of the Constitution were introduced only in 1994. The aim of the study is to show the concordat agreement concluded in 1966 by Argentina with the Holy See as an example of an international agreement. The main focus is the presentation of concordat standards for the institution of patronage. Due to the subject and purpose of the study, the work uses methods typical of social sciences in the legal science discipline. The dogmatic-legal method is the basis for consideration of the Concordat as a source of Argentine law, and as an auxiliary method, the historical-legal method was used to show the historical background of the presented issue.

Conflict or Cooperation? Political Relations between Governors and Mayors in Major Cities in Argentina

This article explores the nature of the relations between the governors and the mayors of major cities in Argentina. The vast majority of the literature assumes that municipal governments in Argentina are weak, and that mayors therefore align with the provincial authorities. This study argues that there is more diversity in the relations between officials of both levels, and that, in some cases, these relations are openly contentious. Four ideal types of relations are identified, based on political affiliation and type of relation, through the systematisation of 43 cases of major Argentine cities.

Restructuring Argentina's airline networks: Successes and challenges

Argentina's aviation networks underwent significant restructuring after the 2015 election of President Mauricio Macri. Historically constrained by poor aviation infrastructure, economic uncertainty, currency devaluations, labor unrest, comparatively weak passenger demand, and operational barriers to low-cost carriers (LCCs), Argentina's airline networks have experienced deep restructuring in both providers and network interactions. With less than 0.3 trips per capita in Argentina, compared to 3.0 in the mature U.S. aviation market, analysts argue that there is significant potential for moving bus and automobile travelers to airlines, and to expanding Argentina's airline connectivity profitably throughout the region. LCCs such as Flybondi, Norwegian, Air Europa, Sky, JetSmart, and others are challenging long-standing transportation relationships in the region and developing new routes for consumers. A set of interlinked questions aims to understand Argentina's changing aviation geography. Comparing O-D data from 1972, 1982, 1996, and 2019, the results indicate a significant reorganization of Argentinas domestic and regional network interactions, with modest adjustments to its global north-south connections. Challenges include outcomes of a recent change in Argentina's government and the long-term impact of the global COVID19 pandemic on the aviation system.

Comparative Higher Education Policy Under Nondemocratic Regimes in Argentina and Chile: Similar Paths, Different Policy Choices

Despite their common historical roots, two higher education systems in Latin America differ dramatically in their financing mechanisms. In Argentina, the national government completely subsidizes undergraduate programs in public institutions, while Chile relies mostly on tuition fees charged to individuals attending public institutions. Through quantitative and qualitative secondary sources, this paper shows that class interests (structural approach) and economic policies (ideational approach) played a major role in explaining comparative policy outcomes in these nondemocratic regimes. The article makes an explicit contribution to the understanding of comparative policy choices in nondemocratic regimes.

Los recordatorios de los desaparecidos durante la última dictadura argentina (1976-1983): análisis crítico del género

Neste artigo, analisa-se um gênero discursivo surgido aproximadamente no ano 1988: o recordatório de desaparecido durante a última ditadura argentina (1976-1983). Utiliza-se a abordagem apresentada por Meurer (2005), que analisa o gênero desde as categorias propostas por Fairclough (1992) para a Análise Crítica do Discurso. O recordatório de desaparecidos é um gênero híbrido, pois possui algumas das características de vários gêneros discursivos. Estes são, em primeiro lugar, aqueles tradicionalmente relacionados à circunstância da morte e, em segundo lugar, , o que poderíamos chamar "gêneros da memória", associados à memória das vítimas do terrorismo de Estado; além disso, apresentam a busca de informações sobre o paradeiro de pessoas, fora do contexto de uma ditadura. A análise realizada aqui enfoca especialmente nos recordatórios que Estela Barnes de Carlotto, presidente da Associação “Avós da Plaza de Mayo”, escreveu para sua filha Laura Carlotto, detida-desaparecida durante o último governo militar na Argentina.

Management of COVID-19 Outbreak in Argentina: The Beginning.

The aim of this study was to analyze the impact coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had in Argentina during its initial stage, identify the measures taken to try to mitigate its impact, and briefly compare it with the influenza A H1N1 pandemic in 2009. This is a descriptive study. Pandemics constitute a serious problem to global health with a major impact on the affected countries' populations. The recent COVID-19 outbreak represents one of the most important viral pandemics lately. It reached Argentina 64 days after the first case was identified in China. Since then, several measures were taken by the Argentinian government to try to mitigate its impact in this initial stage. An updated report of the current situation and its management in different countries is of vital importance regarding global health issues and may serve for feedback and decision-making.

Variables relacionadas al estrés percibido durante el aislamiento por COVID-19 en Argentina

INTRODUCCIÓN: La pandemia ocasionada por COVID-19 impacta en la salud psicológica, aumentando significativamente los niveles de estrés experimentados por las personas. OBJETIVO: Primero, analizar la relación entre variables sociodemográficas, poseer personas a cargo, pertenecer a población de riesgo (o tener alguien cercano que pertenezca) y el estrés percibido durante la pandemia ocasionada por COVID-19, en argentinos/as de 18 a 85 años. Segundo, explorar dichas relaciones durante los períodos de Aislamiento Social Preventivo y Obligatorio (ASPO) decretados por el gobierno de Argentina. MÉTODO: La muestra estuvo compuesta por 5512 personas que respondieron a la encuesta COVIDiSTRESS entre el 1 de abril y el 7 de junio. RESULTADOS: Las personas más jóvenes, las mujeres, los/as desempleados, los/as que contaban con nivel educativo bajo, tenían personas a cargo o pertenecían a la población de riesgo (o tenían a alguien cercano que pertenezca) presentaron mayores niveles de estrés. En los períodos 2 y 3 de ASPO se observaron relaciones particulares entre el estrés y algunas variables sociodemográficas. CONCLUSIONES: Discutimos los resultados a la luz de evidencias previas y se exponen consideraciones sobre la implicancia de los mismos en el campo de la salud mental.

Governmental cabinets in the context of functioning of the atypical presidential system of government in Argentina in the second half of the XX century

Governmental cabinets in the context of functioning of the atypical presidential system of government in Argentina in the second half of the XX century

Political consumerism in emerging markets: the case of Argentina

The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that trigger behaviour of political consumerism in Argentina. According to our research almost 45% of survey's respondents are identified as political consumers. The research aims to find out how much better recent Echegaray's (2016) conceptual top-down corporate mobilisation model in comparison to his bottom-up model, based on post-materialism and sub-politics, explains political consumerism in Argentina. Besides deductive verification of both models, the paper also explores whether further recent model's extensions, using variables of moral obligation and political media usage, would shed more light into the investigated topic. According to our research the corporate mobilisation model better explains behaviour of political consumerism in current Argentina than the post-materialist sub-politicisation model. Further extensions of this model proved even higher significance. Political consumption behaviour is explained mainly by high interest in business and politics, which brings important implications for Argentinian companies and government in the forms of socially responsible practices' implementation and promotion to the common benefit of Argentinian society.

Mental and Physical Health and Hygienic, Nutritional and Daily Habits during Quarantine in COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The outbreak of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) was declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. The Argentinian government adopted a preventive social isolation and lockdown strategy as an exceptional measure in this critical world context. This lockdown strategy has kept a large number of people in isolation and affected many aspects of people’s lives. Objective: To describe the physical and mental health status and possible changes in hygienic, nutritional and, daily habits during quarantine in the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Method: An online anonymous survey was sent to the general population of Buenos Aires city, 434 people answered the questionnaire. Results: Fifty-one percent of respondents were between 40 and 70 years old. Most respondents were female (75.8%) and had higher education (62.2%). Thirty point eight percent had a pre-existing disease and in 50.7% of these cases, the usual symptoms experienced by respondents remained unchanged. The onsets of anxiety (38.2%), depression symptoms (27.9%), sleep disorders (20.5%), and irritability (27.2%) were reported during the isolation period. Also, changes in eating habits (55.5%) were reported. Significant improvement was reported in personal hygiene (80.2%) and home cleaning (81.3%) habits. It was also observed that despite the isolation some people continued doing physical activity. Conclusions: Respondents did not report significant changes in the symptoms of their preexisting diseases and had a positive mindset towards personal hygiene and home cleaning. Also, reported continuity in physical activity during isolation. However, the onset of psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression, irritability and sleep problems, and, changes in eating habits were observed during the quarantine.

Desafíos de la Administración Pública. El retorno de la democracia y el proyecto informático en Argentina

Con el retorno de la democracia en 1983, el gobierno argentino intentó llevar adelante un proyecto de transformación del complejo informático-electrónico (CIE) por medio de la construcción de un diseño institucional tripartito que se encargaría de la formulación y ejecución de las políticas destinadas a ese sector. Al momento de ejecutar las políticas formuladas, la administración nacional se encontró con ciertos obstáculos que no habían sido considerados y que condicionaron el éxito del proyecto.
 Se trata, en consecuencia, de una investigación orientada a reflexionar críticamente sobre las dificultades que afrontan las administraciones públicas al momento de planificar y gestionar políticas públicas tecnológicas como las de informática.
 Para llevar a cabo el análisis pretendido es que se conformó un abordaje teórico-metodológico que integra los conceptos de política pública, de análisis de políticas públicas, de políticas de ciencia y tecnología y más específicamente de culturas políticas.

Entre o discurso e o vivido: la casa de los conejos, de laura alcoba

La casa de los conejos (2008), de Laura Alcoba, é uma narrativa em primeira pessoa sobre a repressão e a resistência ao governo ditatorial argentino pelos Montoneros, em 1976. No contexto dos estudos contemporâneos da memória, em que a subjetividade e os relatos das experiências de vida são cada vez mais valorizados, como compreendemos o movimento de a autora buscar fontes documentais em sua narrativa? Dada a grande categorização de tipos de memória, como podemos classificar as evocações da autora? Concluímos que a busca documental confirma a necessidade de a autora sustentar, pelo registro impresso, suas lembranças individuais que também são coletivas; que seu relato testemunhal transita entre a verdade, a subjetividade, a sacralização e, finalmente, que suas memórias se encontram entre pós-memória e memória herdada, configurando uma “memória híbrida”. Beatriz Sarlo, Marcio Seligmann-Silva, Maurice Halbwachs, Michael Pollak são alguns dos nossos referenciais teóricos.