Land Use Changes and Their Perception in the Hinterland of Barranquilla, Colombian Caribbean

The coastal strip of the western peri-urban area of Barranquilla in the Atlántico Department (Colombia) is experiencing changes in human-environment interactions through infrastructure, residential, and tourism projects in a vulnerable landscape. In the hilly area, fragments of biodiverse tropical dry forest still exist in various states of conservation and degradation. To understand the interrelated social, economic, and ecological transformations in the area, we analyzed land use change on the local scale including the local community’s perception, because the local community is a key actor for sustainable land use. For the analysis of the interrelated social, economic, and ecological processes, we combined visual interpretation of high-resolution satellite imagery, on-site field land use mapping, and a spatial statistical analysis of the distribution of land use classes with in-depth interviews and a participatory GIS workshop, thus benefitting from the complementary methodological strengths of these approaches. The case study is the rural community of El Morro, which exhibits the typical social, economic, and ecological changes of the coastal strip of the western peri-urban area of Barranquilla. The local community perceives a continuous loss of forest area, but observations from on-site field mapping cannot confirm this linear trend. We observed a gradual replacement of traditional land uses such as smallholder agriculture, charcoal production, and cattle breeding by services for tourism, gated community projects for urban dwellers, and infrastructure projects; these spatial developments have several characteristics of rural gentrification. We conclude that the drivers of environmental degradation have changed and the degradation increased. The development projects of external companies have been rejected by the local community and have induced environmental consciousness among community members. Thus, the local community has become an advocate for sustainable land use in the study area

Design of algorithms for the construction of 3-dimensional models of the human crystalline lens

Quantification of the anterior segment of the human eye (cornea, iris, and crystalline lens) is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of common eye conditions such as presbyopia and cataracts. Quantification requires measurement of patient’s eye and the construction of accurate 3-D models from these measurements. Measurements are usually obtained using a non-invasive high-resolution optical imaging technique known as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). From these measurements, one of the most relevant steps to obtain accurate 3-D models is the development of high-quality and reliable image segmentation algorithms. In this bachelor’s thesis we first describe state-of-the-art image segmentation algorithms of the anterior segment of the eye, which are based on traditional image processing techniques. Also, we present a discussion about their results and shortcomings. Then, we present the main goal of this project: to improve the performance and address the shortcomings of the traditional image processing-based segmentation algorithms. To do so, an image segmentation model based on deep learning was created. A comparison between both image segmentation models will be carried out. The results obtained show that model performance and reliability, key aspects for the quantification of anterior segment of the human eye, are superior using deep learning. The proposed deep learning model could have a strong positive impact on the quantification of the human eye, which in turn could help in the diagnosis and treatment of high-prevalence eye conditions.Ciencia e Ingeniería de dato

Crop residues in corn-wheat rotation in a semi-arid region increase CO2 efflux under conventional tillage but not under no-tillage system

Appropriate management of crop residue plays a key role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. However, it has been inadequately implemented in general agricultural management practices. In a field investigation using static chambers, we evaluated the effects of crop residue at three different rates - 100 % (R100), 50 % (R50), and residue removal (R0) - on carbon dioxide (CO2) efflux. The field study was conducted in corn-wheat rotation under conventional (CT) and no-tillage (NT) systems in a semi-arid region. The main results showed that CO2 efflux was positively correlated with higher soil temperature (0.43–0.79) and microbial biomass carbon (0.66–0.89). The crop residue treatments affected these traits. A strong positive relationship between CO2 efflux and the crop residue (R2 = 0.96, CT and R2 = 0.9 for NT) was observed. In the CT system, significant increases were detected among residue rates on cumulative CO2 efflux, where R100 and R50 resulted in 36 % and 25 % higher cumulative CO2 efflux, respectively, than R0. In contrast, there was no significant difference in cumulative CO2 efflux among the crop residue retention (R100 and R50) and removal (R0) treatments under the NT system. Our study revealed that crop residue retention led to increased CO2 efflux under the CT system in semi-arid conditions during the first year of application, while under the NT system, CO2 efflux was not impacted by crop residue. Our results indicate that there is considerable potential for improving soil management practices in the context of soil degradation, climate change, increasing crop productivity, and carbon (C) sequestration

RPAS's utilization for obtaining of geographical information for the generation of detailed studies of management of the municipal risk

La utilización de los RPAS en operaciones civiles cada vez son más comunes, de esta forma se plantea la utilización de estas herramientas para la captura de información que permita generar los insumos necesarios para la interpretación y análisis de la información generada por estas tecnologías para dar cumplimiento a los requerimientos legales y técnicos necesarios para realizar los planes detallados de gestión del riesgo municipal y los respectivos diseños para sus obras de mitigación según las medidas planteadas. Se proponen dos áreas pilotos para el análisis de los riesgos por inundación y movimientos en masa para realizar los modelos y análisis con los RPAS.The use of RPAS in civil operations is becoming more common, in this way it is proposed the use of these tools to capture information that allows generating the necessary inputs for the interpretation and analysis of the information generated by these technologies to comply To the legal and technical requirements necessary to carry out the detailed municipal risk management plans and the respective designs for their mitigation works according to the measures proposed. Two pilot areas are proposed for the analysis of flood risks and mass movements to perform the models and analysis with the RPA

Biocatalysis as Useful Tool in Asymmetric Synthesis: An Assessment of Recently Granted Patents (2014–2019)

The broad interdisciplinary nature of biocatalysis fosters innovation, as different technical fields are interconnected and synergized. A way to depict that innovation is by conducting a survey on patent activities. This paper analyses the intellectual property activities of the last five years (2014–2019) with a specific focus on biocatalysis applied to asymmetric synthesis. Furthermore, to reflect the inventive and innovative steps, only patents that were granted during that period are considered. Patent searches using several keywords (e.g., enzyme names) have been conducted by using several patent engine servers (e.g., Espacenet, SciFinder, Google Patents), with focus on granted patents during the period 2014–2019. Around 200 granted patents have been identified, covering all enzyme types. The inventive pattern focuses on the protection of novel protein sequences, as well as on new substrates. In some other cases, combined processes, multi-step enzymatic reactions, as well as process conditions are the innovative basis. Both industries and academic groups are active in patenting. As a conclusion of this survey, we can assert that biocatalysis is increasingly recognized as a useful tool for asymmetric synthesis and being considered as an innovative option to build IP and protect synthetic routes

Environmental impacts of corn silage production: influence of wheat residues under contrasting tillage management types

Acknowledgements The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by Iran National Science Foundation (INSF). Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Granada / CBUA.Funding Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Granada / CBUA. This study received financial support provided by the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF).Data Availability The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, (A. C. C.), upon reasonable request.The intensification of specific land management operations (tillage, herbicide, etc.) is increasing land degradation and contributing to ecosystem pollution. Mulches can be a sustainable tool to counter these processes. This is particularly relevant for rural areas in low-income countries where agriculture is a vital sector. In this research, the environmental impact of different rates of wheat residues (no residues, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) in corn silage cultivation was evaluated using the life cycle assessment (LCA) method under conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) systems in a semi-arid region in Karaj, Iran. Results showed that in both tillage systems, marine aquatic ecotoxicity (ME) and global warming potential (GWP) had the highest levels of pollution among the environmental impact indicators. In CT systems, the minimum (17,730.70 kg 1,4-dichlorobenzene (DB) eq.) and maximum (33,683.97 kg 1,4-DB eq.) amounts of ME were related to 0 and 100% wheat residue rates, respectively. Also, in the CT system, 0 and 100% wheat residue rates resulted in minimum (176.72 kg CO2 eq.) and maximum (324.95 kg CO2 eq.) amounts of GWP, respectively. However, in the NT system, the 100% wheat residue rate showed the minimum amounts of ME (11,442.39 kg 1,4-DB eq.) and GWP (120.21 kg CO2 eq.). Also, in the NT system, maximum amounts of ME (17,174 kg 1,4-DB eq.) and GWP (175.60 kg CO2 eq.) were observed with a zero wheat residue rate. On-farm emissions and nitrogen fertilizers were the two factors with the highest contribution to the degradation related to environmental parameters at all rates of wheat residues. Moreover, in the CT system, the number of environmental pollutants increased with the addition of a higher wheat residue rate, while in the NT system, increasing residue rates decreased the amount of environmental pollutants. In conclusion, this LCA demonstrates that the NT system with the full retention of wheat residues (100%) is a more environmentally sustainable practice for corn silage production. Therefore, it may be considered one of the most adequate management strategies in this region and similar semi-arid conditions. Further long-term research and considering more environmental impact categories are required to assess the real potential of crop residues and tillage management for sustainable corn silage production.Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Granada/CBUAIran National Science Foundation (INSF

Soil Nitrous Oxide Emissions Following Crop Residues Management in Corn-Wheat Rotation Under Conventional and No-Tillage Systems

Agricultural activity is the major anthropogenic source of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from terrestrial ecosystems. Conservation agriculture including crop residue management can play a key role in enhancing soil resilience to climate change and mitigating N2O emissions. We investigated the effects of crop residue rates, including 100 % (R100), 50 % (R50), and residue removal (R0), on N2O emissions in corn-wheat rotation under conventional (CT) and no-tillage (NT) systems. The key factors evaluated affecting N2O emissions included soil temperature, soil moisture, soil ammonium, and soil nitrate concentrations. Results showed that the N2O emissions increased with the increasing rate of residue under both CT and NT systems. Both R100 and R50 significantly (p < .05) increased the N2O emissions compared to R0 during the annual rotation cycle. Soil moisture and mineral nitrogen (ammonium and nitrate) were the main driving factors that stimulated N2O emission in both CT and NT systems. In the NT and CT systems, cumulative N2O emissions showed a significant increase with R50 (+75.5 % in NT, +36.5 % in CT) and R100 (+134 % in NT, +40 % in CT) as compared to R0. Furthermore, no significant differences were found between R100 and R50 in the CT system, while in the NT system significant increases were observed for R100 compared to R50. Overall, our study justified as a first approach only during the first year that crop residue removal led to decreased N2O emissions under semi-arid conditions. However, due to the deteriorating impact of crop residue removal on crop productivity and soil C sequestration, this management method cannot be considered a sustainable agronomic practice. We suggest long-term studies to determine the appropriate rate of postharvest crop residue to achieve less N2O emissions and climate-friendly agricultural practices.Iran National Science Foundation (INSF)National Research, Development & Innovation Office (NRDIO) - Hungary TNN 12345

Crop residues in corn-wheat rotation in a semi-arid region increase CO2 efflux under conventional tillage but not in a no-tillage system

Appropriate management of crop residue plays a key role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. However, it has been inadequately implemented in general agricultural management practices. In a field investigation using static chambers, we evaluated the effects of crop residue at three different rates - 100 % (R100), 50 % (R50), and residue removal (R0) - on carbon dioxide (CO2) efflux. The field study was conducted in corn-wheat rotation under conventional (CT) and no-tillage (NT) systems in a semi-arid region. The main results showed that CO2 efflux was positively correlated with higher soil temperature (0.43–0.79) and microbial biomass carbon (0.66–0.89). The crop residue treatments affected these traits. A strong positive relationship between CO2 efflux and the crop residue (R2 = 0.96, CT and R2 = 0.9 for NT) was observed. In the CT system, significant increases were detected among residue rates on cumulative CO2 efflux, where R100 and R50 resulted in 36 % and 25 % higher cumulative CO2 efflux, respectively, than R0. In contrast, there was no significant difference in cumulative CO2 efflux among the crop residue retention (R100 and R50) and removal (R0) treatments under the NT system. Our study revealed that crop residue retention led to increased CO2 efflux under the CT system in semi-arid conditions during the first year of application, while under the NT system, CO2 efflux was not impacted by crop residue. Our results indicate that there is considerable potential for improving soil management practices in the context of soil degradation, climate change, increasing crop productivity, and carbon (C) sequestration.Universidad de Granada/CBUAIran National Science Foundation (INSF

Contribución a las Senecioneae andinas (Compositae), parte III: Una especie nueva de Senecio del norte de Chile

A new species of Senecio L. from northern Chile is described on the basis of morphological evidence. It is a caespitose species characterized by displaying vertical hypogeous stems, fleshy spatulate leaves, subentire or distantly and shallowly dentate, discoid capitula with yellowish disc florets, anthers, and style branches, and long-pilose achenes. It is compared with the morphologically related species S. algens Wedd., S. altoandinus Cabrera, and S. cremnicola Cabrera. Detailed pictures of living plants are provided.Se describe una especie nueva de Senecio L. del norte de Chile debido a su particular morfología. Es una especie cespitosa a la que caracterizan sus tallos hipogeos y verticales, sus hojas espatuladas, carnosas, subenteras o somera y superficialmente dentadas, sus capítulos discoideos con flósculos, anteras y ramas estilares amarillentos y el largo indumento de sus aquenios. Su morfología se compara con la de las especies afines S. algens Wedd., S. altoandinus Cabrera y S. cremnicola Cabrera. Se presentan fotografías detalladas de la nueva especie en su hábitat

Estrategia sobre ubicación y funcionamiento de estaciones de transferencia para el manejo de residuos sólidos en Colombia

El Artículo 1o del Decreto 1713 de 2002 definió como uno de los componentes y actividades del servicio público domiciliario de aseo, la transferencia de residuos sólidos previo a su disposición final. Entre tanto, a partir de septiembre de 2005 y abril de 2009 comienzan a operar las estaciones de transferencia del Valle de Aburra y Palmaseca, respectivamente; convirtiéndose en las dos únicas alternativas del país para realizar este tipo de práctica. Adicionalmente, en Bogotá fue clausurada una de ellas y actualmente se debate la viabilidad de este proyecto en diferentes zonas del país.Por consiguiente, teniendo en cuenta la utilidad de este tipo de infraestructura, necesarias para elaprovechamiento de economías de escala asociadas a la prestación del servicio público de aseo, el presente trabajo busca estimar el tamaño de mercado y distancia óptima al relleno sanitario, a partir de la cual es viable contar con estaciones de transferencia (ET) para el manejo de residuos sólidos en Colombia. Estas estimaciones se realizaron mediante la metodología diferencias en diferencias, a través de un modelo de datos panel con efectos aleatorios y análisis estático comparativo de optimización matemática. Esta técnica, permitió comparar el comportamiento de los costos totales de producción durante 2006 a 2008 entre firmas recolectoras de residuos sólidos que cuentan o no con ET. Entre los principales resultados, se destaca que un mercado capaz de generar un monto mayor oigual a 162 toneladas de residuos sólidos día, debe contar con una o más ET para minimizar loscostos variables unitarios de la firmas. Igualmente, las empresas que implementan estaciones detransferencia tienen un incremento representativo en sus costos fijos unitarios anuales, ascendiéndolos a 149.970 pesos (412 pesos día); en comparación con firmas que no llevan a cabo este tipo de proyectos.Finalmente, en Colombia la distancia óptima de referencia donde debe ubicarse una estación de transferencia es 34,51Km, contados a partir del área centroide donde se presta el servicio; dado que en este punto cruzan los costos unitarios anuales de producción para las firmas con y sin ET. Adicionalmente, si el sitio de disposición final para residuos sólidos se encuentra a una distanciamayor de 34,51Km, es indispensable que las compañías prestadoras del servicio construyan ET para que puedan ser costo eficiente. Disminuyendo así, sus gastos unitarios variables mediante el uso de transporte a granel en lugar de camiones recolectores para trasladar directamente los residuos sólidos al relleno sanitario.manejo de residuos sólidos, estaciones de transferencia, tamaño óptimo demercado, distancia óptima del relleno sanitario, datos panel, efectos aleatorios, diferencias endiferencias, análisis estático comparativo de optimización matemática.