Universidad de Concepción and In the area of Health, you will discover Advances in Scientific Research the scientific foundations for certain Nearly one-hundred years ago, the founders of the Universidad Concepción, led by Enrique Molina, dreamed of a university that would both educate professionals for Chile and create knowledge in multiple disciplines. Our University bell tower today stands as a memorial to our numerous important achievements, serving to reflect dreams come to fruition. Scientific research has played a fundamental role in reaching these dreams. The impact of scientific investigation is reflected by several research statistics for 2017 – 95 approved Fondecyt projects; more than 900 ISI publications; 30 requested and 17 granted patents; and numerous licensed technologies. These laudable accomplishments are the result of the highly qualified professionals and cutting-edge technology our University has dedicated to scientific research, extending across different faculties, schools, and more than 20 research centers. For these reasons, the current edition of the R+D+i Digest is dedicated to fundamental research – to our investigators and students actively working in laboratories and the field to create knowledge.
traditional medicines, about how math can be used to predict lung damage, and about possibilities for intercultural health. In the Economy/Entrepreneurship section, we talk about the emergence of organic foods, particularly for blueberries, and we assess the global status of Chilean businesses in regards to patenting. Touching on Education, we present a case from our Los Ángeles Campus for environmental education, and we try to explain the love-hate relationship many have with math. In the Society section, you will gain insights on the rights you have to your own image, particularly in a hyperconnected world, which is in addition to an article on inclusion in transportation. Finally, the Art/ Architecture section includes a report on an interesting study led by two researchers who analyzed an old architecture supplement from the El Sur newspaper. Claudio Valdovinos Zarges Vice-Rector of Research and Development Concepción, March 2018
As with prior editions of the R+D+i Digest, space limitations and the annual amount of research results mean that the following pages reflect just a sample of some of the attained achievements. For example, in the Astronomy section, you will learn about photographs taken of the farthest reaches of our galaxy, the birth of a supermassive protostar, and the movement of stars and gas filaments in the Orion constellation. Regarding the Environment, we provide thoughts on the threat of invasive exotic species and on the worldwide distribution of water and uses in food production. EDITORIAL
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