Linking teaching and research to enhance student learning and scholarly activities at the University of Cuenca

Las laderas andinas orientales con su clima húmedo constante y sus suelos bien drenados son el ambiente de alta diversidad que forman el lugar ideal para la vida de las comunidades epífitas en los árboles y los micro-relieves como la Araceae, Bromeliaceae, Piperaceae, Orquídeas, Setaria sphacelata, entre otras especies. Del mismo modo la interacción ingeniosa y armoniosa entre educación e investigación constituye la base del semillero del aprendizaje y de las diversas actividades académicas, lo cual realza la excelencia universitaria.The eastern Andean slopes with their constantly humid climate and well-drained soils are a centre of extremely high diversity forming a hot spot for epiphytic communities on trees and micro-reliefs such as Araceae, Bromeliaceae, Piperaceae, Orquideas, Setaria sphacelata, among other species. Similarly the ingenious and harmonious interaction of education and research forms the basis of the breeding ground for student learning and scholarly activities, enhancing university excellence.Cuenc

Aplicaciones del modelo WAVE: simulación del crecimiento del cultivo y del movimiento del agua y los agroquímicos en la zona no saturada del suelo.

Expansion of human activities has major impact on the environment, generating changes that must be countered, such as climate change and dispersion of pollutants from industry and agriculture, through strategies that enable the conservation of soil and water reserves. The implementation of strategies with systems approach, covering mathematical simulation models, enables better decision making and a better understanding of the complexity and interaction of the different processes that affect the fate of nutrients, pollutants and chemicals in the environment - soil –  on cultures and dynamic water. The WAVE system is presented in this article as a mathematical tool that describes the transport and transformations of matter and energy in the soil, crops and unsaturated soil, however it is not support the processes of water groundwater, drains and rivers. La expansión de las actividades humanas tiene gran impacto en el medio ambiente, generando cambios que deben ser contrarrestados, como el cambio climático y la dispersión de contaminantes de la industria y la agricultura; a través de estrategias que permitan la conservación del suelo y de las reservas de agua. La implementación de estrategias con enfoque de sistemas, que abarque modelos de simulación matemáticos, permite una mejor toma de decisiones y una mejor comprensión de  la complejidad y la interacción de los diferentes procesos que afectan el destino de los nutrientes, contaminantes y sustancias químicas en el medio ambiente - suelo-  en los cultivos  y en las zonas de movimiento de aguas. El sistema WAVE se presenta en el presente artículo como una herramienta matemática que describe el transporte y transformaciones de la materia y la energía en el suelo, los cultivos y el suelo no saturado, sin embargo no es compatible con los procesos de las aguas subterráneas, drenajes  y ríos

COMPARACIÓN ENTRE PLUVIÓMETROS CUANTIFICA DIFERENCIAS EN EL MONITOREO DE LA PRECIPITACIÓN

Por décadas se ha trabajado para corregir las medidas de precipitación, sin embargo estos esfuerzos han sido escasos en zonas tropicales montañosas. Cuatro pluviómetros de balancín (TB), con distinta resolución y comúnmente utilizados en las montañas de los Andes, fueron comparados en este estudio: un DAVIS-RC-II, un HOBO-RG3-M, y dos TE525MM (con y sin una pantalla Alter contra el viento). El desempeño de estos pluviómetros, instalados en el Observatorio Ecohidrológico Zhurucay, sur del Ecuador, a 3780 m s.n.m., se evaluó en relación al sensor de mejor resolución (0,1 mm), el TE525MM. El efecto de la intensidad de precipitación y condiciones del viento también se analizó utilizando 2 años de datos. Los resultados revelan que (i) la precipitación medida por el TB de referencia es 5,6% y 7,2% mayor que la de pluviómetros con resolución de 0,2 mm y 0.254 mm, respectivamente; (ii) la subestimación de los sensores de menor resolución es mayor durante eventos de baja intensidad—una máxima diferencia de 11% para intensidades 1 mm h1; (iii) intensidades menores a 2 mm h1, que ocurren el 75% del tiempo, no pueden ser determinadas con exactitud para escalas menores a 30 minutos debido a la resolución de los pluviómetros, e.g. sesgo absoluto > 10%; y (iv) el viento tiene un efecto similar en todos los sensores. Este análisis contribuye a mejorar la exactitud y homogeneidad de las medidas de precipitación en los Andes mediante la cuantificación del rol clave de la resolución de los pluviómetros.//Efforts to correct precipitation measurements have been ongoing for decades, but are scarce for tropical highlands. Four tipping-bucket (TB) rain gauges with different resolution that are commonly used in the Andean mountain region were compared-one DAVIS-RC-II, one HOBO-RG3-M, and two TE525MM TB gauges (with and without an Alter-Type wind screen). The relative performance of these rain gauges, installed side-by-side in the Zhurucay Ecohydrological Observatory, south Ecuador, at 3780 m a.s.l., was assessed using the TB with the highest resolution (0.1 mm) as reference, i.e. the TE525MM. The effect of rain intensity and wind conditions on gauge performance was estimated as well. Using 2 years of data, results reveal that (i) the precipitation amount for the reference TB is on average 5.6 to 7.2% higher than the rain gauges having a resolution of 0.2 mm and 0.254 mm respectively; (ii) relative underestimation of precipitation from the gauges with coarser resolution is higher during low-intensity rainfall mounting to a maximum deviation of 11% was observed for rain intensities 1 mm h1; (iii) precipitation intensities of 2 mm h1 or less that occur 75% of the time cannot be determined accurately for timescales shorter than 30 minutes because of the gauges’ resolution, e.g. the absolute bias is >10%; and (iv) wind has a similar effect on all sensors. This analysis contributes to increase the accuracy and homogeneity of precipitation measurements throughout the Andean highlands, by quantifying the key role of rain-gauge resolution

Modeling of Nitrogen in River Water Using a Detailed and a Simplified Model

To model catchment surface water quantity and quality, different model types are available. They vary from detailed physically based models to simplified conceptual and empirical models. The most appropriate model type for a certain application depends on the project objectives and the data availability. The detailed models are very useful for short-term simulations of representative events. They cannot be used for long-term statistical information or as a management tool. For those purposes, more simplified (conceptual or meta-) models must be used. In this study, nitrogen dynamics are modeled in a river in Flanders. Nitrogen sources from agricultural leaching and domestic point sources are considered. Based on this input, concentrations of ammonium (NH4-N) and nitrate (NO3-N) in the river water are modeled in MIKE 11 by taking into consideration advection and dispersion and the most important biological and chemical processes. Model calibration was done on the basis of available measured water quality data. To this detailed model, a more simplified model was calibrated with the objective to more easily yield long-term simulation results that can be used in a statistical analysis. The results show that the conceptual simplified model is 1800 times faster than the MIKE 11 model. Moreover the two models have almost the same accuracy. The detailed models are recommended for short-term simulations unless there are enough data for model input and model parameters. The conceptual simplified model is recommended for long-term simulations

Modeling hydrological consequences of climate and land use change - Progress and Challenges

RESUMEN Este artículo resume el estado del arte en relación a la modelación hidrológica y su capacidad de predecir los efectos del cambio climático y del uso de la tierra sobre el ciclo hidrológico. En conclusión, se abordan los retos investigativos que la comunidad científica debería considerar para poder observar y modelar, a escala regional, el ciclo hidrometeorológico en respuesta a los cambios de origen antropogénico sobre el clima y el uso de la tierra. Los resultados presentados en este documento son el producto de una extensa revisión de literatura científica y de la experiencia personal de los autores. Dado que el enfoque principal de este artículo es el de modelación hidrológica, muchos otros aspectos tales como las buenas prácticas de la gestión integrada de los recursos hídricos, la gobernabilidad transfronteriza de las aguas, el establecimiento de marcos de trabajo institucionales, la potenciación de las comunidades locales para su participación efectiva en la gestión del agua y en la formulación de políticas, entre muchos otros aspectos muy relevantes, no se consideran en este artículo para evitar que el enfoque del mismo se diluya de manera innecesaria. Palabras clave: Modelación hidrológica, cambio climático, cambio del uso de la tierra, retos de investigación, revisión extensa de literatura. ABSTRACT This paper provides the state-of-the-art in hydrologic modeling regarding its capability of predicting the effects of climate and land use change on the hydrological cycle. In conclusion, the research challenges are pinpointed, which the community should address as to be able to observe and model, at a regional-scale, the coupled climate-water cycle in response to the human induced changes in climate and land use. The findings presented herein are a compilation resulting from an extensive literature review and the personal expertise of the authors. Given the focus on hydrologic modeling, many other aspects such as the best practices of integrated water resources management, cross-boundary water governance, the establishment of institutional frameworks, empowerment of local communities to participate effectively in water management and policy making, among many other very relevant aspects, were intentionally not considered as not to dilute the focus of the paper

Numerical Analysis of the Transport and Fate of Nitrate in the Soil and Nitrate Leaching to Drains

In this study, the transport and fate of nitrate within the soil profile and nitrate leaching to drains were analyzed by comparing historic field data with the simulation results of the DRAINMOD model. The nitrogen version of DRAINMOD was used to simulate the performance of the nitrogen transport and transformation of the Hooibeekhoeve experiment, situated in the sandy region of the Kempen (Belgium) and conducted for a 30-year (1969–1998) period. In the analysis, a continuous cropping with maize was assumed. Comparisons between experimentally measured and simulated state variables indicate that the nitrate concentrations in the soil and nitrate leaching to drains are controlled by the fertilizer practice, the initial conditions, and the rainfall depth and distribution. Furthermore, the study reveals that the model used gives a fair description of the nitrogen dynamics in the soil and subsurface drainage at field scale. From the comparative analysis between experimental data and simulation results it can also be concluded that the model after calibration is a useful tool to optimize as a function of the combination “climate-crop-soil-bottom boundary condition” the nitrogen application strategy resulting in an acceptable level of nitrate leaching for the environment

Engaging GPs in insulin therapy initiation : a qualitative study evaluating a support program in the Belgian context

Background: A program supporting the initiation of insulin therapy in primary care was introduced in Belgium, as part of a larger quality improvement project on diabetes care. This paper reports on a study exploring factors influencing the engagement of general practitioners (GPs) in insulin therapy initiation (research question 1) and exploring factors relevant for future program development (research question 2). Methods: We have used semi-structured interviews to answer the first research question: two focus group interviews with GPs who had at least one patient in the insulin initiation program and 20 one-to-one interviews with GPs who were not regular users of the overall support program in the region. To explore factors relevant for future program development, the data from the GPs were triangulated with data obtained from individual interviews with patients (n=10), the diabetes nurse educator (DNE) and the specialist involved in the program, and data extracted from meeting reports evaluating the insulin initiation support program. Results: We found differences between GPs engaged and those not engaged in insulin initiation in attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control regarding insulin initiation. In general the support program was evaluated in a positive way by users of the program. Some aspects need further consideration: job boundaries between the DNE and GPs, job boundaries between GPs and specialists, protocol adherence and limited case load. Conclusion: The study shows that the transition of insulin initiation from secondary care to the primary care setting is a challenge. Although a support program addressing known barriers to insulin initiation was provided, a substantial number of GPs were reluctant to engage in this aspect of care. Important issues for future program development are: an interdisciplinary approach to job clarification, a dynamic approach to the integration of expertise in primary care and feedback on protocol adherence. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT0082449

Why do GPs hesitate to refer diabetes patients to a self-management education program: a qualitative study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Self-management support is seen as a cornerstone of good diabetes care and many countries are currently engaged in initiatives to integrate self-management support in primary care. Concerning the organisation of these programs, evidence is growing that engagement of health care professionals, in particular of GPs, is critical for successful application. This paper reports on a study exploring why a substantial number of GPs was (initially) reluctant to refer patients to a self-management education program in Belgium.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Qualitative analysis of semi-structured face-to-face interviews with a purposive sample of 20 GPs who were not regular users of the service. The Greenhalgh diffusion of innovation framework was used as background and organising framework.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Several barriers, linked to different components of the Greenhalgh model, emerged from the interview data. One of the most striking ones was the limited readiness for innovation among GPs. Feelings of fear of further fragmentation of diabetes care and frustration and insecurity regarding their own role in diabetes care prevented them from engaging in the innovation process. GPs needed time to be reassured that the program respects their role and has an added value to usual care. Once GPs considered referring patients, it was not clear enough which of their patients would benefit from the program. Some GPs expressed the need for training in motivational skills, so that they could better motivate their patients to participate. A practical but often mentioned barrier was the distance to the centre where the program was delivered. Further, uncertainty about continuity interfered with the uptake of the offer.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The study results contribute to a better understanding of the reasons why GPs hesitate to refer patients to a self-management education program. First of all, the role of GPs and other health care providers in diabetes care needs to be clarified before introducing new functions. Feelings of security and a basic trust of providers in the health system are a prerequisite for participation in care innovation. Moreover, some important lessons regarding the implementation of an education program in primary care have been learned from the study.</p

Temporal dynamics in dominant runoff sources and flow paths in the Andean Páramo

Funded by Central Research Office of the Universidad de Cuenca (DIUC) Secretaría de Educación Superior, Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SENESCYT 112–2012) . Grant Number: SENESCYT 112-2012 German Research Foundation (DFG) . Grant Number: BR2238/14-1Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Excess mortality attributed to heat and cold: a health impact assessment study in 854 cities in Europe

MCC Collaborative Research Network: Souzana Achilleos (Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus), Jan Kyselý (Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic), Ene Indermitte (Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia), Jouni J K Jaakkola and Niilo Ryti (Center for Environmental and Respiratory Health Research, and Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland), Mathilde Pascal (Santé Publique France, Department of Environmental Health, French National Public Health Agency, Saint Maurice, France), Antonis Analitis (Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece), Klea Katsouyanni (School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King’s College, London, UK), Patrick Goodman (Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland), Ariana Zeka (Institute for the Environment, Brunel University London, London, UK), Paola Michelozzi (Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy), Danny Houthuijs and Caroline Ameling (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Centre for Sustainability and Environmental Health, Bilthoven, Netherlands), Shilpa Rao (Norwegian institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway), Susana das Neves Pereira da Silva and Joana Madureira (Department of Epidemiology, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal), Iulian-Horia Holobaca (Faculty of Geography, Babes-Bolay University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania), Aurelio Tobias (Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, Spanish Council for Scientific Research, Barcelona, Spain), Carmen Íñiguez (Department of Statistics and Computational Research, Universitat de València, València, Spain), Bertil Forsberg (Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden), and Martina S Ragettli (Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland).Online publication has been corrected. Correction available online 2 July 2024 https://doi.org/10.1016/S2542-5196(23)00171-7Background: Heat and cold are established environmental risk factors for human health. However, mapping the related health burden is a difficult task due to the complexity of the associations and the differences in vulnerability and demographic distributions. In this study, we did a comprehensive mortality impact assessment due to heat and cold in European urban areas, considering geographical differences and age-specific risks. Methods: We included urban areas across Europe between Jan 1, 2000, and Dec 12, 2019, using the Urban Audit dataset of Eurostat and adults aged 20 years and older living in these areas. Data were extracted from Eurostat, the Multi-country Multi-city Collaborative Research Network, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, and Copernicus. We applied a three-stage method to estimate risks of temperature continuously across the age and space dimensions, identifying patterns of vulnerability on the basis of city-specific characteristics and demographic structures. These risks were used to derive minimum mortality temperatures and related percentiles and raw and standardised excess mortality rates for heat and cold aggregated at various geographical levels. Findings: Across the 854 urban areas in Europe, we estimated an annual excess of 203 620 (empirical 95% CI 180 882-224 613) deaths attributed to cold and 20 173 (17 261-22 934) attributed to heat. These corresponded to age-standardised rates of 129 (empirical 95% CI 114-142) and 13 (11-14) deaths per 100 000 person-years. Results differed across Europe and age groups, with the highest effects in eastern European cities for both cold and heat. Interpretation: Maps of mortality risks and excess deaths indicate geographical differences, such as a north-south gradient and increased vulnerability in eastern Europe, as well as local variations due to urban characteristics. The modelling framework and results are crucial for the design of national and local health and climate policies and for projecting the effects of cold and heat under future climatic and socioeconomic scenarios.Funding: The study was funded by Medical Research Council of the UK (MR/V034162/1 and MR/R013349/1), the Natural Environment Research Council UK (NE/R009384/1), the EU’s Horizon 2020 (820655), and the EU’s Joint Research Center (JRC/SVQ/2020/MVP/1654). AU and JK were supported by the Czech Science Foundation (22–24920S). VH has received funding from the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement (101032087).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio