Carabid beetles of tropical dry forests display traits that cope with a harsh environment

The tropical dry forest (TDF) ecosystem is characterised by strong seasonality exasperated periodically by the El Nino/southern oscillation (ENSO). The environment produced by this event could constrain the survival of small organisms, such as insects. Carabid beetles were collected in a TDF in Armero, Colombia, during wet and dry seasons in both El Nino and non-El Nino periods. A series of traits linked to desiccation resistance were measured to characterise their adaptation to the TDF environment and to investigate changes experienced by carabid beetles during both episodes in quantitative (assemblage) and qualitative (traits) parameters. We found no difference in the presence of traits between El Nino and non-El Nino episodes, but carabid assemblages changed significantly in composition and assemblage structure between these episodes. During both periods, small-sized and nocturnal species dominated the assemblages, but in terms of number of individuals, medium and large-sized, and visual hunter species dominated. Calosoma alternans and Megacephala affinis were the most abundant species with high dispersal capacity. Carabid beetles exhibited morphological traits well-adapted to drought experienced in TDF, including when it is exasperated by ENSO. However, long-term studies can help to elucidate the real effects of ENSO and to confirm the adaptation of carabid beetles to cope with this extreme environment.Peer reviewe

Investigación aplicada en personas de la tercera edad en la ZMG

Trabajo de obtención de grado en el que se presenta el modelo de negocio para una plataforma web interactiva que sirva para que las personas de la tercera edad tengan en un solo sitio a los oferentes de productos, servicios y actividades que sean de su interés. El desarrollo de esta plataforma fue el resultado de una investigación aplicada a personas de la tercera edad en la zona metropolitana de Guadalajara

Produccion y comercio del cacao en la Zona Bananera del Magdalena

Para el presente estudio se tomó la Zona Bananera como base de esta evaluación por ser el núcleo productor del departamento. Se hizo un estudio de la Sierra Nevada como área potencial para ser una de las grandes zonas productoras del cultivo de cacao en el Magdalena. Como muestra representativa se tomó un 10,6 % del área plantada y un 10,5 % de las explotaciones cacaoteras existentes en la zona bananera. Las fincas encuestadas fueron elegidas al azar a través de unos listados suministrados por el INCORA y FEDECACAO. Para la obtención de datos generales se tomó la información de instituciones y personas vinculadas, de una u otra forma, al cultivo. En la zona se observaron las siguientes características con relación al cultivo y al producto: Una baja productividad en los cultivos ocasionadas por la alta incidencia de Monilias; Una inestabilidad en la extensión del cultivo por causa de esta enfermedad; Una alta competencia existente por la compra del producto; La Sierra Nevada surge como tabla salvadora para elevar la producción del departamento en los próximos años

Natural ester fluids applications in transformers as a sustainable dielectric and coolant

New requirements for a better sustainable energy policy around the world is easy to observe, many projects in sustainable energy are developed wherein the academia works together the authorities and commercial firms such as electrical grid utilities. In distribution transformers one of the suggested solutions is to replace mineral oils used as dielectric and coolant for natural ester fluids, they provide improved technical properties making them a safe substitute of mineral oil. Natural esters are based on clean technology in order to guarantee requirements from utilities. The main goal of the present paper is to present a technical-economic analysis obtained from five years of applications of oil-immersed transformers using natural ester fluids in Colombia. The methodology considers forty-four oil-immersed distribution Transformers, a half use mineral oil and the other side use natural ester, operating under the same load regime. Results evidenced the feasibility of implementing this technology because the costs are very similar and the reduction of risks and environmental impact is considerable. © 2019 Author(s)

THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF SEEDS FOR AGRICULTURE

Seeds present a fundamental role since the beginnings of agriculture, propelling the agricultural development of different people in different ages of human history. Its importance has been linked to the possibility of domesticating the most diverse plants in the past and, nowadays, of providing many biotechnological advancements represented by the most diverse cultivars and hybrids introduced into the market. However, the expression of all its capacities depends on the quality of this supply represented by the sum of physical, genetic, sanitary, and physiological attributes. This review shows how the physiological component of the quality of seeds has influenced the agricultural process for the most diverse crops, notedly, for major crops, forages, or vegetables. It is highlighted its central role in fulfilling the growing demands of a growing world population. We emphasize the preoccupation of research, development, and innovation actions in the sense of recognizing the factors that influence the physiological quality of seeds, developing and enhancing methods to estimate, preserve, and increase it, and how the adoption of high physiological quality seeds has influenced the development of the major crops.As sementes representam papel fundamental desde os primórdios da agricultura, impulsionando o desenvolvimento agrícola dos diferentes povos, em diferentes épocas da História da humanidade. Sua importância esteve ligada à possibilidade de domesticação dos mais diversos cultivos, no passado, e, atualmente, são portadoras de inúmeros avanços biotecnológicos, representados pelas mais diversas cultivares e híbridos lançados no mercado. A expressão de todas as suas potencialidades, porém, depende da qualidade desse insumo, representada pelo somatório de atributos, físicos, genéticos, sanitários e fisiológicos. A presente revisão pretende evidenciar como o componente fisiológico da qualidade de sementes tem influenciado o progresso da agricultura para os mais diferentes cultivos, notadamente, para as espécies de grandes culturas, forrageiras e hortaliças, ressaltando seu protagonismo para o atendimento das crescentes demandas de uma população mundial em constante crescimento. Destaca-se a preocupação das ações de pesquisa, desenvolvimento e inovação no sentido de conhecer os fatores que influenciam a qualidade fisiológica das sementes, desenvolver e aprimorar métodos para estimá-la, preservá-la ou incrementá-la e como a adoção de sementes de elevada qualidade fisiológica tem impactado o desenvolvimento dos principais cultivos

Startups tecnológicas y seguridad industrial: soluciones innovadoras para la gestión de riesgo y prevención de accidentes laborales en la bananera San Francisco

The objective of this research was to analyze the current state of industrial safety at Bananera San Francisco, evaluate the challenges and risks associated with banana production, investigate innovative technological solutions in the field of industrial safety, and propose practical recommendations for their implementation in the company. To achieve these objectives, a methodology was used that included the collection of information through review of scientific literature and relevant documents, the identification of challenges and risks through interviews, surveys and direct observation, the analysis of technological solutions through cases of study, visits to companies and interviews with experts, the evaluation of the impact of technological solutions implemented in other industries and the formulation of practical recommendations based on the results obtained.The results of the investigation revealed specific challenges and risks in the industrial safety of Bananera San Francisco, such as lack of training, obsolete machinery, and chemical risks. Likewise, it was found that technologies such as IoT, artificial intelligence and data analysis can improve risk management and prevent occupational accidents in the company. In addition, it was evidenced that the adoption of technological solutions has led to a reduction in work accidents, improvement in operational efficiency and a decrease in associated costs in other industries. In conclusion, the implementation of technological solutions such as updating machinery, real-time monitoring systems with IoT sensors and the integration of artificial intelligence technologies in Bananera San Francisco is recommended.El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar el estado actual de la seguridad industrial en la Bananera San Francisco, evaluar los desafíos y riesgos asociados a la producción bananera, investigar soluciones tecnológicas innovadoras en el ámbito de la seguridad industrial y proponer recomendaciones prácticas para su implementación en la empresa. Para lograr estos objetivos, se utilizó una metodología que incluyó la recopilación de información a través de revisión de literatura científica y documentos relevantes, la identificación de desafíos y riesgos mediante entrevistas, encuestas y observación directa, el análisis de soluciones tecnológicas a través de casos de estudio, visitas a empresas y entrevistas con expertos, la evaluación del impacto de soluciones tecnológicas implementadas en otras industrias y la formulación de recomendaciones prácticas basadas en los resultados obtenidos. Los resultados de la investigación revelaron desafíos y riesgos específicos en la seguridad industrial de la Bananera San Francisco, tales como falta de capacitación, maquinaria obsoleta y riesgos químicos. Asimismo, se encontró que tecnologías como IoT, inteligencia artificial y análisis de datos pueden mejorar la gestión de riesgos y prevenir accidentes laborales en la empresa. Además, se evidenció que la adopción de soluciones tecnológicas ha llevado a una reducción de accidentes laborales, mejora en la eficiencia operativa y disminución de costos asociados en otras industrias. En conclusión, se recomienda la implementación de soluciones tecnológicas como la actualización de maquinaria, sistemas de monitoreo en tiempo real con sensores IoT y la integración de tecnologías de inteligencia artificial en la Bananera San Francisco.&nbsp

Plant dispersal strategies of high tropical alpine communities across the Andes

Dispersal is a key ecological process that influences plant community assembly. Therefore, understanding whether dispersal strategies are associated with climate is of utmost importance, particularly in areas greatly exposed to climate change. We examined alpine plant communities located in the mountain summits of the tropical Andes across a 4,000-km latitudinal gradient. We investigated species dispersal strategies and tested their association with climatic conditions and their evolutionary history. We used dispersal-related traits (dispersal mode and growth form) to characterize dispersal strategies for 486 species recorded on 49 mountain summits. Then we analysed the phylogenetic signal of traits and investigated the association between dispersal traits, phylogeny, climate and space using structural equation modelling and fourth-corner analysis together with RLQ ordination. A median of 36% species in the communities was anemochorous (wind-dispersed) and herbaceous. This dispersal strategy was followed by the barochory-herb combination (herbaceous with unspecialized seeds, dispersed by gravity) with a median of 26.3% species in the communities. The latter strategy was common among species with distributions restricted to alpine environments. While trait states were phylogenetically conserved, they were significantly associated with a temperature gradient. Low minimum air temperatures, found at higher latitudes/elevations, were correlated with the prevalence of barochory and the herb growth form, traits that are common among Caryophyllales, Brassicaceae and Poaceae. Milder temperatures, found at lower latitudes/elevations, were associated with endozoochorous, shrub species mostly from the Ericaceae family. Anemochorous species were found all along the temperature gradient, possibly due to the success of anemochorous Compositae species in alpine regions. We also found that trait state dominance was more associated with the climatic conditions of the summit than with community phylogenetic structure. Although the evolutionary history of the tropical Andean flora has also shaped dispersal strategies, our results suggest that the environment had a more predominant role. Synthesis. We showed that dispersal-related traits are strongly associated with a gradient of minimum air temperatures in the Andes. Global warming may weaken this key filter at tropical alpine summits, potentially altering community dispersal strategies in this region and thus, plant community structure and composition.Fil: Tovar, Carolina. Royal Botanic Gardens; Reino UnidoFil: Melcher, Inga. University of Amsterdam; Países BajosFil: Kusumoto, Buntarou. Royal Botanic Gardens; Reino Unido. University Of The Ryukyus, Okinawa; JapónFil: Cuesta, Francisco. Universidad de Las Américas.; EcuadorFil: Cleef, Antoine. University of Amsterdam; Países BajosFil: Meneses, Rosa Isela. Universidad Católica del Norte; ChileFil: Halloy, Stephan. Ministry For Primary Industries; Nueva ZelandaFil: Llambi, Luis Daniel. Universidad de Los Andes; VenezuelaFil: Beck, Stephan G.. Universidad Mayor de San Andrés; BoliviaFil: Muriel, Priscilla. Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador; EcuadorFil: Jaramillo, Ricardo Luis. Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador; EcuadorFil: Jacome, Jorge. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana; ColombiaFil: Carilla, Julieta. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Ecología Regional. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Ecología Regional; Argentin

Risk factors associated with mortality in severely ill COVID-19 patients: cohort study

Background: Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who require intensive care unit (ICU) demand multidisciplinary care, which is decisive for their intervention and prognosis. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors for mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients in Bogota, Colombia.  Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study (from March 2020 to February 2021) which included critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU. Electronic medical records were reviewed, and demographic and clinical data were collected. A logistic regression model was performed. Mortality was considered as the dependent variable, and the clinical and demographic variables as explanatory factors.  Results: We included 562 patients with an overall mortality of 42%, associated comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus (51%), grade 2 obesity (75%), and age over 65 years (51%). The logistic regression model showed that patients over 65 years of age [odds ratio (OR): 3.23 (2.28 - 4.59)]; diabetes mellitus [OR: 1.68 (1.16 - 2.44)], and grade 2 obesity [OR: 3.5 (1.31 - 9.77)] were risk factors for mortality in COVID-19 patients at the ICU.  Conclusion: This study reported that age over 65 years, diabetes mellitus, and grade 2 obesity were risk factors for death in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Ciencias de la Biología y Agronomía

Este volumen I contiene 17 capítulos arbitrados que se ocupan de estos asuntos en Tópicos Selectos de Ciencias de la Biología y Agronomía, elegidos de entre las contribuciones, reunimos algunos investigadores y estudiantes. Se presenta un Estudio Comparativo de los Recursos Hidrológico-Forestales de la Microcuenca de la Laguna de Epatlan, Pue. (1993 a 2014); la Situación Actual de la Mancha de Asfalto en Maíz (Zea mays L.) en los Municipios de Jiquipilas y Ocozocoautla, Chiapas, México; las poblaciones sobresalientes de maíz de la raza Zapalote Chico, en la Región Istmeña de Oaxaca; Se indica el índice de área foliar de cultivo de Chile Poblano mediante dos métodos en condiciones protegidas; Esquivel, Urzúa y Ramírez exploran el efecto de la biofertilización con Azospirillum en el crecimiento y producción de Jitomate; esbozan su artículo sobre la determinación del nivel de Heterosis en híbridos de Maíz para la Comarca Lagunera; una investigación sobre la estabilización de semilla de Solanum lycopersicum durante el almacenamiento y estimulación de la germinación; acotan sobre el CTAB como una nueva opción para la detección de Huanglongbing en cítricos, plantean su evaluación sobre el aluminio y cómo afecta la vida de florero de Heliconia psittacorum; indican sobre el impacto del H-564C, como un híbrido de maíz con alta calidad de proteina para el trópico húmedo de México; presetan su investigación sobre la producción de Piña Cayena Lisa y MD2 (Ananas comosus L.) en condiciones de Loma Bonita, en Oaxaca; acotan sobre el efecto de coberteras como control biológico por conservación contra áfidos en Nogal Pecanero; esbozan sobre la caracterización de cuatro genotipos de Frijol Negro en Martínez de la Torre, Veracruz, México; presentan una caracterización hidroecológica de la microcuenca de Arroyo Prieto, Yuriría, Gto., y alternativas para su restauración ambiental; presentan su investigación sobre el efecto del hongo Beauveria bassiana sobre solubilización de fosfatos y la disponibilidad de fósforo en el suelo; plantean su investigación sobre la Germinación y regeneración in vitro de Epidendrum falcatum LINDL; esbozan su artículo sobre genotipos de frijol negro y su tolerancia a sequía terminal en Veracruz, México