Rainfall variability in the upper Napo River Basin, Ecuadorian Amazon

The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of elevation and other terrain characteristics over the spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall. A comparative analysis was conducted between several methods of spatial interpolations using mean monthly precipitation values in order to select the best. Following those previous results it was possible to fit an Artificial Neural Network model for interpolation of monthly precipitation values for a period of 20 years, with input values such as longitude, latitude, elevation, four geomorphologic characteristics and anchored by seven weather stations, it reached a high correlation coefficient (r=0.85). This research demonstrated a strong influence of elevation and other geomorphologic variables over the spatial distribution of precipitation and the agreement that there are nonlinear relationships. This model will be used to fill gaps in time-series of monthly precipitation, and to generate maps of spatial distribution of monthly precipitation at a resolution of 1km2

Elaboración de una herramienta computacional para el diseño óptimo de redes de distribución de baja tensión de la Empresa Eléctrica Regional Centro Sur C. A.

El presente trabajo elabora una herramienta computacional para el diseño óptimo de redes de distribución de baja tensión, pertenecientes a la Empresa Eléctrica Regional Centrosur C.A., la misma está basada en un modelo matemático de programación no lineal entera mixta, elaborada en el software de optimización AMPL, que proporcionará mejores criterios al momento de la planificación de operación de una red de baja tensión, además este trabajo contribuye con resultados obtenidos en simulación con dos herramientas adicionales, como lo son: OpenDSS y la plantilla de cálculo de caídas de tensión de la CENTROSUR C.A.The present work elaborates a computational tool for the optimal design of low voltage distribution networks, belonging to the Regional Electrical Company Centrosur C.A., it is based on a mathematical model of mixed whole nonlinear programming, elaborated in the optimization software AMPL, which will provide better criteria when planning the operation of a low voltage network, in addition this work contributes with results obtained in two additional tools, such as: OpenDSS and the calculation template of voltage drops of the CENTROSUR C.A.Ingeniero EléctricoCuenc

Climate change and agricultural workers’ health in Ecuador: occupational exposure to UV radiation and hot environments

Climate change is a global concern but little is known about its potential health effects in workers from non-industrialized countries. Ecuadorian workers from the coast (hot environments) and Andean region (elevated UV radiation) might be at particular risk of such effects. In the Andean region, measurements of UV index show maximum levels exceeding 11, a level considered being extreme according to the WHO. Also, an increased incidence of skin cancer was reported the last decennium, this being the second most common cancer type in men and women. In the coast, a high reported prevalence of kidney disease in agricultural workers is suggested to be related to exposure to hot temperatures. The scarce data available on occupational health in Ecuadorian agricultural workers raise the need for further investigation. Data worldwide shows an increasing prevalence of UV radiation- and heat stress-related illnesses in agricultural workers and urges the adoption of preventive measures