The Impact of Covid19 on Traditional Higher Education in Ecuador

COVID19 forced the educational processes to a radical change. The face-to-face classes suddenly went virtual. This coup challenged teachers and their classroom methodologies to new forms of virtual / digital interaction. The jump generated a significant change that we have not yet managed to measure. For this reason, the present study focuses on analyzing and reflecting on how higher education teachers in Ecuador have assumed the educational changes from the face-to-face model to the virtual / digital mode in the current pandemic context, highlighting the level of familiarity with ICT. Methodologically, the study describes and compares, through the teachers' testimony, the difficulties, strategies and opportunities that they experienced with their students in virtual / digital learning environments. The results identify the most important problems and aspects when teaching distance classes in the face of virtual / digital learning environments. In conclusion, it reflects on the shortcomings and weaknesses of our preparation as teachers. It also points out how the current crisis visualizes the precariousness of the national educational system itself

Microstructural and electrochemical analysis of Sb2O5 doped-Ti/RuO2-ZrO2 to yield active chlorine species for ciprofloxacin degradation

ABSTRACT: A Sb2O5 doped-Ti/RuO2-ZrO2 (Ti/SbRuZr) electrode is used to perform the abatement of ciprofloxacin (CIP, C17H18FN3O3). The catalyst was prepared using the Pechini method, and subsequently characterized by XRD, SEM-EDS, EIS and CV. The microstructural analysis of Ti/SbRuZr shows the formation of RuO2 (P42/mnm) and ZrO2 (P2/m) crystalline phases, with an average crystallite size about twice (61.2 nm) lower than Ti/RuO2 (109 nm). Additionally, SEM micrographs reveal that ZrO2 affects the morphological features of the deposited RuO2 layer, turning it into a more heterogeneous material. The electrode capacity was evaluated through the elimination of antibiotic activity (AA) of CIP, revealing that 83 and 45% of AA was removed using Ti/SbRuZr and Ti/RuO2, respectively at 0.19 A h L−1. According to CV analysis, the electrochemical mechanism for CIP degradation was found to proceed through active chlorine species (Cl2-active) on Ti/SbRuZr. This facile kinetics occurring on the ternary catalyst resulted from a high charge transfer resistance for oxygen evolution reaction, as revealed by EIS analysis. HPLC, HPLC-MS, and density functional theory were employed to propose a reaction pathway for CIP degradation. Findings from this work stands out prospective applications of anodic electrochemical oxidation to efficiently eliminate CIP, and the associated proliferation of antibiotic resistant microorganisms in aqueous media

Reflexões sobre a construção histórica do conceito de espaço: uma aproximação

Nowadays, we are familiar and close to the term space in architecture, but this was not always the case. This paper investigates the position of some authors who began to think about the relationship between space and architecture between the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, pointing out the repeated lack of interest in the subject in the 1930-40s, and then facing the approximation concept that took place in the field of architecture in the 1950s-60s. This method of chronological succession allowed us to understand the complexity of the theme and outline a contemporary approach to its understanding, but without concluding with a precise definition, because, after thinking about possible theoretical approaches, it seems unlikely that there is a single meaning for this concept.Hoy en día estamos familiarizados y próximos al término espacio en arquitectura, pero no siempre fue así. Este artículo indaga la posición de algunos autores que comenzaron a pensar en la relación entre espacio y arquitectura entre finales del siglo XIX y principios del XX, se indica también el desinterés por el tema en la década siguientes, de 1930-40, para luego enfrentarse a la aproximación conceptual que tuvo lugar en el campo de la arquitectura en las décadas de 1950 y 1960. Este método de desenvolvimiento cronológico permitió comprender la complejidad del tema y esbozar un enfoque contemporáneo para su comprensión, pero sin concluir con una definición precisa, pues, después de pensar en posibles enfoques teóricos, parece poco probable que exista un significado único para este concepto.Hoje em dia, temos familiaridade e proximidade com o termo espaço em arquitetura, mas isso nem sempre foi assim. Neste artigo, indaga-se o posicionamento de alguns autores que começaram a pensar as relações entre espaço e arquitetura entre finais do século XIX e início do XX, apontando a reiterada falta de interesse pelo assunto nos anos 1930-40, para depois encarar a aproximação conceitual que se deu no âmbito da arquitetura nos anos 1950-60. Esse método de sucessão cronológica permitiu entender a complexidade do tema e esboçar uma aproximação contemporânea de sua compreensão, mas sem concluir com uma definição precisa, pois, após pensar em possíveis aproximações teóricas, parece pouco provável que exista uma acepção única para tal conceito

Levantamiento catastral con dron y equipo GPS, vinculado a un Sistema de Información Geográfica y al Sistema de Referencia Geodésico Lambert Sirgas Es-2007, de un sector del casco urbano de Victoria, Departamento De Cabañas, El Salvador

El presente trabajo contiene de los fundamentos teóricos y técnicos para la realización de un levantamiento catastral urbano usando dron y GPS, así como el procesamiento de la información obtenida para la vinculación de los datos en un sistema de información geográfic

Instagram como Herramienta de Comunicación Digital para la Gestión Municipal: Un Estudio de Caso del Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado de Yantzaza, Ecuador

This study examines the effectiveness of the Instagram account of the Autonomous Decentralized Government of Yantzaza as a digital communication tool for the dissemination of socially relevant, touristic, and municipal project information, aiming to optimize community interaction and maximize benefits. The research adopts a qualitative methodological approach, focusing on understanding digital communication strategies. Data collection is achieved through observation to detail the published content, interviews with experts to understand strategic usage and decision-making regarding Instagram, and finally, a focus group with individuals from different generations to gather their perceptions and experiences. The Instagram account of the Yantzaza Municipality is noted for addressing social interest and tourism topics, demonstrating an effort to connect with the citizens. However, it highlights the need for improved segmentation and strategic use of the platform's features to maximize its impact. Implementing a social media plan aligned with the institution's vision and mission, managed by digital communication specialists, will allow for more precise and effective content delivery. This strategic approach promises not only to enrich community interaction but also to strengthen the municipality's digital presence.El presente trabajo examina la efectividad de la cuenta de Instagram del Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado de Yantzaza como herramienta de comunicación digital para la divulgación de información de interés social, turístico y proyectos municipales, con el fin de optimizar la interacción con la comunidad y maximizar los beneficios. El estudio tiene un enfoque metodológico cualitativo, guiado a examinar la comprensión de las estrategias de comunicación digital. La recolección de datos se logra a través de la observación, para detallar el contenido publicado. Entrevistas para conocer el uso estratégico y decisiones del uso de Instagram. Y finalmente, un grupo focal a individuos de diferentes generaciones para conocer sus percepciones y experiencias. La cuenta de Instagram del Municipio de Yantzaza destaca por abordar temas de interés social y turístico, evidenciando el esfuerzo por conectar con la ciudadanía. Sin embargo, resalta la necesidad de mejorar la segmentación y el uso estratégico de las funcionalidades de la plataforma para maximizar su impacto. La implementación de una planificación para redes sociales, alineada con la visión y misión de la institución y gestionada por especialistas en comunicación digital, permitirá una mayor precisión y efectividad en la entrega de contenidos. Esta aproximación estratégica promete no solo enriquecer la interacción con la comunidad sino también fortalecer la presencia digital del municipio

Radiologic images of the thoracic cavity of Golden Retriever dogs affected by muscular dystrophy

A distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD) é uma doença de origem genética, cuja principal manifestação clínica é enfraquecimento e atrofia progressiva dos músculos. Os cães da raça Golden Retriever podem apresentar distrofia muscular, com características genotípicas e fenotípicas muito próximas à distrofia muscular humana, sendo considerado o modelo animal mais apropriado para o estudo da DMD. Foram realizadas radiografias torácicas látero-laterais e dorsoventrais de 10 cães Golden Retriever afetados pela distrofia muscular, com o objetivo de relatar as alterações radiográficas associadas a essa patologia. O exame radiográfico da cavidade torácica evidenciou: (a) padrão pulmonar intersticial e alveolar predominante, (b) um quadro de pneumonia e edema pulmonar em fase inicial, (c) a cardiomegalia como o principal achado de comprometimento circulatório na cavidade torácica, (d) O megaesôfago torácico foi observado deslocando a traquéia e silhueta cardíaca ventralmente e, (e) a cúpula diafragmática apresentou modificação morfológica, mostrando protrusão para o interior da cavidade torácica e hérnia hiatal, com deslocamento do estômago para o espaço mediastino caudal. Os achados de necropsia evidenciaram efusão pleural e enfisema pulmonar e lesões compatíveis com processos degenerativos e metaplásicos da musculatura diafragmática e intercostal. A avaliação radiográfica constituiu-se como um meio diagnóstico auxiliar essencial na identificação de doença cardíaca e respiratória em cães Golden Retriever acometidos pela Distrofia Muscular, capaz de identificar processos pneumônicos primários, permitindo o estabelecimento de terapêutica adequada de tratamento, com prognóstico reservado nos estágios mais avançados desta alteraçãoDuchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder with clinical signs of muscular weaknesses and progressive atrophy. Golden Retriever dogs show similar genotypic and phenotypic characteristics to Human Muscular Dystrophy and are considered a proper animal model for DMD studies. Latero-lateral and dorso-ventral thoracic radiographies were obtained from 10 Golden Retriever dogs affected by muscular dystrophy, to investigate possible radiographic alterations. Thorax radiographic examination revealed (a) interstitial and alveolar pattern, (b) initial phases of pneumonia and pulmonary edema, (c) cardiomegaly as a principal alteration in the thoracic cavity, (d) megaesophagus displacing the trachea and heart silhouette, and (e) cranial protrusion of the diaphragm lining into the thorax with development of a hiatus hernia displacing the stomach to the caudal mediastinum. Postmortem examination showed pleural effusion, pulmonary emphysema, degenerative and metaplasic processes in the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. Radiographic examination was considered essential for the diagnosis of cardiac and respiratory disease in Golden Retriever dogs affected by muscular dystrophy, and to identify the primary pulmonary process and to provide the establishment of suitable therapeutic treatment, with a reserved prognosis in advanced stage of the diseas

Maternal Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Levels Decrease during Early Pregnancy in Normotensive Pregnant Women but Are Higher in Preeclamptic Women—A Longitudinal Study

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) is an endocrine factor involved in glucose and lipid metabolism that exerts pleiotropic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum FGF-21 profile in healthy and mild preeclamptic pregnant women at each trimester of pregnancy; (2) Methods: Serum FGF-21 levels were determined by ELISA in a nested case-control study within a longitudinal cohort study that included healthy (n = 54) and mild preeclamptic (n = 20) pregnant women, women at three months after delivery (n = 20) and eumenorrheic women during the menstrual cycle (n = 20); (3) Results: FGF-21 levels were significantly lower in the mid-luteal phase compared to the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle in eumenorrheic women (p < 0.01). Maternal levels of FGF-21 were significantly lower in the first and second trimesters and peaked during the third trimester in healthy pregnant women (p < 0.01). Serum levels of FGF-21 in healthy pregnant were significantly lower in the first and second trimester of pregnancy compared with the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and postpartum (p < 0.01). Serum FGF-21 levels were significantly higher in preeclamptic compared to healthy pregnant women during pregnancy (p < 0.01); (4) Conclusions: These results suggest that a peak of FGF-21 towards the end of pregnancy in healthy pregnancy and higher levels in preeclamptic women might play a critical role that contributes to protecting against the negatives effects of high concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and hypertensive disorder. Furthermore, FGF-21 might play an important role in reproductive function in healthy eumenorrheic women during the menstrual cycle

Mycobacterium paratuberculosis sheep type strain in Uruguay: evidence for a wider geographic distribution in South America

Johne's disease (JD) is an economically important disease of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP), which also infects other species including humans. Two major MAP strain types are currently recognized: sheep (S) and cattle (C) types. Information on JD prevalence and MAP types infecting small ruminants in South America is limited, and all but one of the MAP types reported from this region are of the C type. This study describes clinicopathological, molecular and microbiological findings in 11 cases of JD caused by a type S MAP strain, and estimated true within-flock prevalence in a ~735-sheep operation in Uruguay. Postmortem examination and histology (hematoxylin-eosin and Ziehl-Neelsen stains) of samples from 41 selected sheep revealed lymphohistiocytic/granulomatous enteritis and mesenteric lymphadenitis in 11 animals, with moderate/severe multibacillary lesions in 6 clinical cases, and minimal/mild paucibacillary lesions in 5 sub-clinical cases. Immunohistochemistry using an antibody against Mycobacterium bovis that cross-reacts with MAP (2 cases), and transmission electron microscopy (1 case), revealed myriads of intrahistiocytic mycobacteria. MAP was isolated in one case and detected by PCR in 6 cases. The S type of MAP was identified using a multiplex PCR that distinguishes between S and C types, and PCR-REA. The estimated true within-flock prevalence was ≤ 2.3%. This represents the first communication on within-flock prevalence of JD associated with a type S MAP strain in South America and the second documentation of this strain in the subcontinent. Additional studies are required to better understand the molecular epidemiology of the different MAP types in the region.Centro de Diagnóstico e Investigaciones Veterinaria

Abdominal and pelvic ultrasonography in healthy golden retriever dogs, carriers and affected by gradual muscular dystrophy

A distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD) é um tipo de distrofia muscular em humanos caracterizada por uma doença genética ligada ao cromossomo X. O cão golden retriever portador da distrofia muscular (GRMD) tem sido intensamente estudado e considerado o modelo mais representativo para a doença observada em humanos. Assim, como forma de verificar anormalidades em órgãos internos nesses animais, foi realizado o exame ultra-sonográfico de 24 cães golden retriever saudáveis, portadores e afetados pela distrofia muscular. O exame ultra-sonográfico do GRMD diagnosticou aumento hepático de moderado a severo, incluindo os vasos hepáticos e seus ramos e aumento de ecogenicidade da vesícula biliar e vesícula urinária. Entretanto, não foram observadas imagens claras de alterações no baço e nos vasos ramos da aorta. A partir disso, acreditamos que o exame ultra-sonográfico constitui-se em um procedimento útil no acesso de órgãos abdominais em cães afetados pela distrofia muscular.Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one type of human’s muscular dystrophy characterized by a genetic disorder linked to the X chromosome. The Golden Retriever muscular dystrophic (GRMD) has been extensively studied and considered the best resembling model to the human disease. Therefore, for identifying internal organs abnormality in GRMD, abdominal and pelvic ultrasonography was performed in 24 golden retriever dogs, either healthy or muscular dystrophic in different levels of disease. The GRMD ultrasonographic exams diagnosed moderate to severe liver enlargement, including hepatic vessels and their branches and increase of echogenicity in gallbladder and urinary bladder. However was not-clearly recognized pathologic images from spleen and aortic vessels were accessed. Therefore, we believe, the ultrasonographic exam was an useful procedure to the assessment of abdominal organs in dogs affected by muscular dystrophy