GMOs and Economic Development in Peru: A Myth or an Opportunity?

Peru has a 10-year ban on genetically modified (GM) crops and food that was approved by the Peruvian congress in 2011. Is it scientifically justified or is it a cause and effect fallacy that will make Peru fall behind in taking advantage of this technology and its potential benefits to everyone else in the economy? In order to answer this question, a literature review was carried out to examine the three most commonly used arguments against genetically modified organisms (GMOs) by farmers and all those related to the agriculture industry, reaching the conclusion that they are not one hundred percent plausible. Further research showed the multiple, potential economic benefits that GM seeds could bring about to Peru, which are related to increased labor productivity, the development of human capital, and the expansion of renewable energy sources and its implications for trade and employment – the environmental and health benefits of GMO varieties are also discussed. This paper elaborates on such matters by applying different macro and microeconomic concepts, i.e., market structures and competition, the theory of the firm, and scarcity, among others; and provides insights about the different socio-economic realities present in Peru and possible ways to improve them.Peru has a 10-year ban on genetically modified (GM) crops and food that was approved by the Peruvian congress in 2011. Is it scientifically justified or is it a cause and effect fallacy that will make Peru fall behind in taking advantage of this technology and its potential benefits to everyone else in the economy? In order to answer this question, a literature review was carried out to examine the three most commonly used arguments against genetically modified organisms (GMOs) by farmers and all those related to the agriculture industry, reaching the conclusion that they are not one hundred percent plausible. Further research showed the multiple, potential economic benefits that GM seeds could bring about to Peru, which are related to increased labor productivity, the development of human capital, and the expansion of renewable energy sources and its implications for trade and employment – the environmental and health benefits of GMO varieties are also discussed. This paper elaborates on such matters by applying different macro and microeconomic concepts, i.e., market structures and competition, the theory of the firm, and scarcity, among others; and provides insights about the different socio-economic realities present in Peru and possible ways to improve them

Dependency ratios in healthy ageing.

Although people are living longer, there is no discernible pattern about the quality of life in an increasing lifespan. This restricts our capacity to predict and prepare for the consequences of population ageing. Accordingly, we propose a population ageing indicator that combines demographic and disability prevalence data through a characteristics approach and explore different scenarios to account for uncertainty in life quality projections. Our results, available for 186 countries, show that countries that rank older under conventional chronological ageing measures may rank younger under our qualitative measure. Additionally, we find substantial differences in our projections depending on different health assumptions, demonstrating the risk of using ageing indicators that make implicit assumptions about health characteristics.This work is the result of a 2018 Ignacio H. Larramendi Research Grant of Fundación MAPFRE. AR-U' work received funding from the Gillings Fellowship in Global Public Health and Autism Research, Grant Award YOG054. JO acknowledges the financial support of Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (formerly, Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness), Project ECO2016-76506-C4-3-R

Bioclimatic and Landscape Factors drive the Potential Distribution of Philaenus spumarius, Neophilaenus campestris and N. lineatus (Hemiptera, Aphrophoridae) in Southeastern Iberian Peninsula

Philaenus spumarius and Neophilaenus campestris are the main vectors of the invasive bacteria Xylella fastidiosa and key threats to European plant health. Previous studies of the potential distribution of P. spumarius reveal that climatic factors are the main drivers of its distribution on the Mediterranean Basin scale. Other local studies reveal that the landscape could also have a role in the distribution of both species of P. spumarius and N. campestris. Our work is aimed at understanding the role and importance of bioclimatic and landscape environmental factors in the distributions of the vector and potential vector species P. spumarius, N. campestris, N. lineatus and L. coleoptrata on a regional scale across the Autonomous Community of Murcia (SE Spain), a region with relevant environmental gradients of thermality and crop intensity. We used sweeping nets for sampling 100 points during eight months in 2020. Using bioclimatic landscape composition and topographical variables, we carried out habitat suitability models for each species using the maximum entropy algorithm (MaxEnt). Distribution results for P. spumarius, N. campestris and N. lineatus indicate a gradient in habitat suitability, with the optimum in the coldest and wettest areas in landscapes with a high proportion of forest. All three species are absent from the southern third of the study region, the hottest, driest and most intensively cultivated area. These results are useful and should be considered in contingency plans against possible invasions of X. fastidiosa in Mediterranean regions.This research was funded by Dirección General de Producción Agrícola, Ganadera, Pesca y del Medio Marino (Comunidad Autónoma de la Región de Murcia)

Learning styles and academic achievement in distance learning college students

Se estudia la relación entre estilos de aprendizaje y rendimiento académico en universitarios de educación a distancia en tres etapas. En la primera se establecen las preferencias de los estilos de aprendizaje; en la segunda etapa se establece la relación entre los estilos de aprendizaje y el rendimiento académico; y en la tercera se analizan las relaciones entre los estilos de aprendizaje, los hábitos de estudio y el ambiente socioacadémico y tecnológico, con el rendimiento académico. Los resultados indican que en los estudiantes de pregrado predominan los estilos de aprendizaje teórico y activo, mientras que no se encuentran preferencias en los estudiantes de posgrado. Se observa relación entre los estilos de aprendizaje y el rendimiento académico en los niveles de pregrado y posgrado y se incluyen recomendaciones para consolidar la educación a distancia en el espacio de la enseñanza superior. === === ABSTRACT === === The relationship between learning styles and academic achievement in distance learning college students is analyzed following three steps: The first step identifies the learning style preferences; The second step establishes the relationship between learning styles and academic achievement; The third step analyzes the relationship among learning styles, study habits, and social-academic and technological environment, with academic achievement. Results reveal that theoretic and active learning styles are predominant in undergraduate students while no postgraduate preferences were shown. There is a relationship between undergraduate level and postgraduate level. Recommendations suggesting the continuity of research on this topic are included, in order to consolidate the modality of distance learning at the college level

A Risk Programming Model for Shrimp Farming in Honduras

A linear programming (LP) profit-maximization model and a Target MOTAD risk programming model were developed to identify optimal management strategies and associated risk levels for the aquaculture of penaeid shrimp in Honduras. Data for this study were provided by three cooperating shrimp farms and included complete production records of 1,004 ponds during the period 1997-99. Production records were analyzed to characterize pond productivity on a month-to-month basis. Subsequently, an LP model was developed which was used to formulate a profit-maximizing annual plan of activities. For each month of the year, the model assumed that the farm manager had the option of selecting among 18 production activities characterized by varying stocking densities, lengths of grow-out periods, and water exchange regimes. The basic model was adapted to three different farm-size scenarios. Results of the LP model indicated that farm income is maximized by selecting intermediate densities, long grow-out cycles, and low water-exchange rates. Additionally, ponds should only be stocked in specific months of the year. Next, Target MOTAD matrices were developed for each farm-size scenario to quantify the levels of risk associated with the profit-maximizing solutions and identify alternative production plans. However, resolution of the Target MOTAD models indicated low risk levels associated with the LP solutions and an unnecessary reduction of profit if risk levels were to be further depressed. It then appears that the management strategies selected by the LP models enable farm managers to achieve the two-fold objective of maximization of farm profit coupled with low risk levels.Keywords: economic optimization, risk, Target MOTAD, shrimp farming

Diseño estructural del pavimento de la calle 45 en el centro poblado El Milagro - la Libertad

El presente trabajo de investigación tiene como objetivo elaborar el diseño estructural del pavimento de la Calle 45 en el Centro Poblado El Milagro – La Libertad, mediante una investigación descriptiva – tipo aplicada; el diseño se realizó mediante la metodología AASHTO 93. La vía de estudio, es una vía principal, donde, circulan vehículos en ambos sentidos, que tiene carencia de pavimento, esto hace dificultoso el pase de vehículos y de transeúntes. Se realizará dos propuestas: el diseño estructural del pavimento flexible y rígido, teniendo en cuenta la Norma Técnica Peruana (Manual de carreteras: suelos, geología, geotecnia y pavimentos,2013) del Ministerio de Transporte y Comunicaciones, para establecer los espesores de las capas de pavimento. Se realizó estudios básicos de ingeniería como: el estudio de mecánica de suelos, obteniendo un suelo de tipo Grava pobremente graduada con CBR de 21.5%; y el estudio de tráfico vehicular, donde el tráfico que se proyecta para 20 años es de 1’913,196 para el pavimento flexible y 2’357,216 para el pavimento rígido. Los resultados que se han obtenido para los espesores del pavimento flexible es una carpeta asfáltica de 5 cm, base de 22 cm y una sub base de 15 cm, con costo directo de cuatro millones ciento sesenta mil novecientos quince con 69/100 (s/ 4’160,915.69) y para el pavimento rígido: la losa de concreto es 20 cm y una base de 15 cm, con costo directo de seis millones ciento cincuenta y un mil seiscientos cuarenta y tres con 03/100 (s/ 6’151,643.03). Se concluye que le pavimento rígido es la alternativa más viable con respecto a su durabilidad, siendo menos vulnerable en una posible activación de la quebrada del leónThe objective of this research work is to elaborate the structural design of the pavement of Calle 45 in the Centro Poblado El Milagro - La Libertad, through descriptive research - applied type; The design was carried out using the AASHTO 93 methodology. The study road is a main road, where vehicles circulate in both directions, which has a lack of pavement, this makes it difficult for vehicles and pedestrians to pass. Two proposals will be made: the structural design of the flexible and rigid pavement, taking into account the Peruvian Technical Standard (Manual of highways: soils, geology, geotechnics and pavements, 2013) of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, to establish the thickness of the layers of pavement. Basic engineering studies were carried out such as: the study of soil mechanics, obtaining a poorly graded Gravel-type soil with CBR of 21.5%; and the vehicular traffic study, where the traffic projected for 20 years is 1,913,196 for flexible pavement and 2,357,216 for rigid pavement. The results that have been obtained for the thicknesses of the flexible pavement is an asphalt layer of 5 cm, a base of 22 cm and a sub-base of 15 cm, with a direct cost of four million one hundred sixty thousand nine hundred fifteen with 69/100 (s / 4'160,915.69) and for the rigid pavement: the concrete slab is 20 cm and a base of 15 cm, with a direct cost of six million one hundred fifty-one thousand six hundred forty-three with 03/100 (s / 6'151,643.03) . It is concluded that the rigid pavement is the most viable alternative with respect to its durability, being less vulnerable in a possible activation of the lion's gorge.Tesi

Y ¿ahora qué? Mi primera clase de español : propuesta de secuencia didáctica para la primera clase de español como lengua extranjera nivel 1 para el Centro Latinoamericano de la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

La secuencia didáctica y el material desarrollado en este proyecto pretenden dar cuenta de la influencia que puede tener la ansiedad en lenguas extranjeras en una primera clase de ELE. Esta secuencia tiene sustento en los principios del enfoque léxico y de desarrollo de materiales y está planteada para el contexto de los cursos del Centro Latinoamericano de la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. Tras haberse implementado se evidenció que tanto el material como la secuencia ejercieron una influencia positiva sobre los niveles de ansiedad en lenguas extranjeras de los estudiantes, quienes manifestaron haberse sentido cómodos la mayor parte del tiempo con la clase y con el material y las actividades propuestas, haber aumentado su seguridad frente a la nueva lengua y haber aprendido lo necesario para conocerse con otras personas.The teaching sequence and the material developed in this project are intended to inform about the influence that foreign language anxiety can have in a class of SFL. This sequence has support in the principles of the lexical approach and materials development and is adressed to the context of the courses of the Centro Latinoamericano of the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. After being implemented is evident that both the material and the sequence had a positive influence on the students levels of foreign language anxiety, who claimed that they had felt comfortable most of the time with the class, the material and the proposed activities, also that they have increased their security towards the new language and have learned how to stablish contact with other people.Magíster en Lingüística Aplicada del Español como Lengua ExtranjeraMaestrí

Behavioral symptoms related to cognitive impairment

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are core features of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. On one hand, behavioral symptoms in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can indicate an increased risk of progressing to dementia. On the other hand, mild behavioral impairment (MBI) in patients who usually have normal cognition indicates an increased risk of developing dementia. Whatever the cause, all dementias carry a high rate of NPI. These symptoms can be observed at any stage of the disease, may fluctuate over its course, are a leading cause of stress and overload for caregivers, and increase rates of hospitalization and early institutionalization for patients with dementia. The clinician should be able to promptly recognize NPI through the use of instruments capable of measuring their frequency and severity to support diagnosis, and to help monitor the treatment of behavioral symptoms. The aims of this review are to describe and update the construct 'MBI' and to revise the reported NPS related to prodromal stages of dementia (MCI and MBI) and dementia stages of Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration.Fil: Dillon, Carol. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas “Norberto Quirno”; ArgentinaFil: Serrano, Cecilia Mariela. Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas “Norberto Quirno”; ArgentinaFil: Castro, Diego. Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas “Norberto Quirno”; ArgentinaFil: Perez Leguizamón, Patricio. Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas “Norberto Quirno”; ArgentinaFil: Heisecke Peralta, Silvina Lidia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas “Norberto Quirno”; ArgentinaFil: Taragano, Fernando Emilio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas “Norberto Quirno”; Argentin

Dependency ratios in healthy ageing

Although people are living longer, there is no discernible pattern about the quality of life in an increasing lifespan. This restricts our capacity to predict and prepare for the consequences of population ageing. Accordingly, we propose a population ageing indicator that combines demographic and disability prevalence data through a characteristics approach and explore different scenarios to account for uncertainty in life quality projections. Our results, available for 186 countries, show that countries that rank older under conventional chronological ageing measures may rank younger under our qualitative measure. Additionally, we find substantial differences in our projections depending on different health assumptions, demonstrating the risk of using ageing indicators that make implicit assumptions about health characteristics

Living in a cold tropical mountain: do the microhabitat use and activity pattern change with elevation in the high-Andean lizard Stenocercus trachycephalus (Squamata: Tropiduridae)?

The high mountain environment is a tough habitat that imposes many challenges to reptiles. As temperature decreases with altitude and has a dramatic variation throughout the day in the tropical mountains, ectotherms must cope with these harsh conditions. We studied the use of microhabitat and activity patterns of Stenocercus trachycephalus in the eastern Andes mountain range of Colombia. Three localities were sampled across the wide altitudinal distribution of this lizard species, in a range from 2,670 to 3,950 m a.s.l. The initial hypothesis was that these natural history traits would change with altitude but instead, we found that they remained roughly consistent, showing the great plasticity of this species. The results support that this lizard is a microhabitat-generalist using principally herb across the gradient, rarely shifting to specific plants or microhabitats such as rocks depending on availability. Regarding the activity pattern, this species was active throughout the day from 8:00 to 16:00 with a similar pattern along the gradient. Nevertheless, some differences were detected across localities. The activity pattern shifted from bimodal in the lower locality to unimodal in the higher ones. As expected, a correlation between temperature and activity patterns was found in one of the study sites. However, this was not the case for the lower and mid-elevation localities, where there was no correlation between these variables. The mid-elevation study site was the most interesting locality as the use of microhabitat relied virtually just on the herb stratum and the activity was constrained to the morning hours. These findings may be the result of the synergic effects of other ecological variables (weather variability, human impact, predation, population structure, or reproductive season). Our study gives the basis for a better understanding of how behavior (microhabitat choice and hours of activity) of ectotherms can help to counter thermal constraints in the neotropics when facing an altitudinal gradient. Further studies should focus on the thermal biology of this species, considering the influence of anthropic impact on these lizards’ populations