Factors influencing caking of cane sugar

Objective: Identify variables that influence the process of caking of cane sugar to propose the path diagram showing the possible paths that cause - effect relationship. Design/methodology/approach: The methodological work of this research was based on the research and review of the scientific literature in the main databases of indexed academic journals. Results: From the literature review factors, according to the authors they correspond to the factors causing caking of cane sugar were considered, including physicochemical properties you will have, packaging and storage conditions. These were part of the construction of the diagram of hypothetical paths the phenomenon of caking. Limitations on study/ implications: The studies carried out regarding the cause-effect phenomenon have been very limited, since there are few publications in the main databases of indexed journals. Thus, it is also noted that the publications are not recent in their majority. Findings/Conclusions: The main factors affecting the development of caking on cane sugar can be classified into: Physicochemical (humidity, temperature of the product and particle size), packaging (liner) and storage conditions (relative humidity and ambient temperature). Keywords: Lumpiness, sugar, path diagrams.Objective: To identify variables that influence the cane sugar caking process in order to develop a path diagram showing the possible cause-effect relationship between caking and the factors leading to it. Design/methodology/approach: The methodological work was based on a literature review of the subject following a search through the databases of indexed scientific journals. Results: Based on the literature review, the most cited causal factors of cane sugar caking are physicochemical properties, packaging, and storage conditions. These factors were used in constructing the path diagram of the caking phenomenon. Study limitations/implications: Studies carried out on the cause-effect relationship behind this phenomenon have been very limited as evidenced by the small number of scientific papers found on this subject in the search. Additionally, most of these articles are not recent. Findings/Conclusions: The main factors affecting the development of caking in cane sugar can be classified as: physicochemical (moisture, product temperature and particle size), packaging (liner) and storage conditions (ambient relative humidity and temperature)

Characterization of self-guided trails on the Xihuingo Volcano, state of Hidalgo (Mexico)

Objective: In addition to being a tool for environmental education, hiking allows you to appreciate nature and cause social changes that can translate into behaviors and decisions in favor of its protection. The objective of the research was to generate the necessary information to travel the Xihuingo Volcano trails in a self-guided and safe manner. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology consisted of following the guidelines established for the preparation of the Topoguide, as well as those considered in the Excursion Information Method (MIDE) and the processing of tracks with Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, basing this on the use of Geographic Information Systems. Results: As a result, data on local history, culture and biodiversity were obtained; descriptions, time estimates and profiles of the routes; the identification of places of interest and maps; and digital files for use in GPS receivers. Limitations on study/implications: The limitations in the data are related to the precision margin of the GPS receivers during the recording of the information (±3 m), as well as the number of records on biodiversity at the time of consultation. Findings/conclusions: The data obtained highlight the wide biological diversity that the site houses, with an important representativeness in endemic and native species, some in a state of ecological risk, and can be the basis for the creation of a tourism project for the benefit of the local population, facing the problems of mining, illegal logging and grazing observed in the area, as a strategy for the conservation of the natural environment. Keywords: conservation, nature, hiking.Objective: hiking allows us to appreciate nature; it is also an environmental education tool, causing social changes which can be directed towards behaviors and decisions in favor of environmental protection. The objective of this study was to generate the necessary information in order to hike the trails of the Xihuingo Volcano (state of Hidalgo, Mexico), self-guided and with safety.Design/Methodology/Approach: the methodology consisted of monitoring the guidelines established for the preparation of the Topographic guide, as well as those considered in the Excursion information method (MIDE) and the processing of tracks with global positioning system (GPS) receivers, using a geographic information system as interface.Results: data on local history, culture and biodiversity were obtained. As well as descriptions, time estimates, and profiles of the routes; with the identification of places of interest in maps; and digital files to be used in GPS receivers.Limitations of the study/Implications: the limitations in the data are related to the precision margin of the GPS receivers during the recording of the information (±3 m). As well as the number of records on biodiversity at the time of consultation.Findings/Conclusions: data obtained highlight the wide biological diversity located at the site, with important representation of endemic and native species, some of them in status of ecological risk. These species can be the basis for the creation of a tourism project for the benefit of the local people. Such a program would face the ecological problems derived from mining, illegal logging, and grazing observed in the area, as a strategy for the conservation of the natural environment

Atractivos turísticos culturales Zongolica Veracruz, México

La actividad turística en el municipio de Zongolica, Veracruz, México, se centra en el aprovechamiento de sus sitios naturales, y es considerado un destino deturismo de aventura

Agroecosystem and rural tourism: Bibliometric analysis and its conceptual relationship from 2014 to 2020

Objective: Analyze scientific papers close linked to the concepts of agroecosystems, rural tourism and its conceptual relationship. Design/methodology/approach: A search of papers published from 2014 up to 2020 in Science Direct (https://www.sciencedirect.com) was conducted, using key words related to the agroecosystem concept and rural tourism. Later, a bibliometric and text analysis was performed. Results: The concept of agroecosystems has been dynamic through time and related to other disciplines. However, research relating this concept with rural tourism is scarce. Limitations of the study/implication: Research proposals on agroecosystems associated to rural tourism are limited. Findings/Conclusions: Papers with the conceptual evolution of agroecosystems integrating rural tourism are scarce. So, it is suggested to study the agroecosystem in its different aspects, but considering their cultural and historical basis.Objective: Analyze scientific papers close linked to the concepts of agroecosystems, rural tourism and its conceptual relationship. Design/methodology/approach: A search of papers published from 2014 up to 2020 in Science Direct (https://www.sciencedirect.com) was conducted, using key words related to the agroecosystem concept and rural tourism. Later, a bibliometric and text analysis was performed. Results: The concept of agroecosystems has been dynamic through time and related to other disciplines. However, research relating this concept with rural tourism is scarce. Limitations of the study/implication: Research proposals on agroecosystems associated to rural tourism are limited. Findings/Conclusions: Papers with the conceptual evolution of agroecosystems integrating rural tourism are scarce. So, it is suggested to study the agroecosystem in its different aspects, but considering their cultural and historical basi

Exploitation of plantain (Musa spp.) plantations as an agrotourist element

Objective: To publicize the processes and alternative uses that plantain cultivation may have, in addition to places with tourist potential in the town of Monte Salas, Fortín de las Flores, Veracruz, Mexico Design / Methodology / Approach: A methodology based on stages was carried out where a compression of the space of the study area was made, anthropological analysis, description of the process of the banana leaf, commercial analysis, development of a sustainable product and a bonding stay in the country of Colombia Results: In the town of Monte Salas, Fortín, de las Flores Veracruz, Mexico, plantain cultivation was analyzed as an outstanding element of the landscape, together with the process of leaf roast production as a value-adding strategy to generate biodegradable co-products. Through the dissemination of audiovisual capsules on social networks, places with tourist potential were made known and together with the implementation of the offer of biodegradable co-products, it was demonstrated that banana leaf can be used alternately. Study limitations / implications: Due to the health contingency experienced, it was not possible to carry out a workshop programmed for the locality. Conclusions: Making it known that new products can be created that are biodegradable and that have no impact on the environment brought with it the acceptance of creating the dishes made with the leaf, and also its successful implementation in the tourist field I believe the possibility for tourists to come to the town of Monte Salas, Fortín de las Flores, Veracruz, Mexico to discover its agro-systemic landscape.Objective: To analyze the processes and alternative uses that plantain cultivation may have, in addition toplaces with tourist potential in the town Monte Salas, municipality of Fortín de las Flores, Veracruz, Mexico.Design/Methodology/Approach: A review of the space of the study area was performed, as well as ananthropological analysis, description of the process of the plantain leaf used to prepare local food, commercialanalysis, development of a sustainable product, and a research stay in Colombia.Results: In Monte Salas, Fortín de las Flores, Veracruz, Mexico, plantain cultivation is regarded as anoutstanding element of the landscape, together with the process of leaf roast production as a value-addingstrategy to generate biodegradable co-products. Through the dissemination of audiovisual capsules on socialnetworks, places with tourist potential were made known and together with the implementation of the offer ofbiodegradable co-products, it was demonstrated that plantain leaf can be used alternately.Study Limitations/Implications: Due to the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) coronavirus pandemic, the dissemination of our findings and products were restricted.Conclusions: Novel biodegradable products can be manufactured from plantain leaves, which created aspecial interest of local tourists to visit Monte Salas and enjoy the agrosystemic landscape

Advances in the selection program of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) varieties in the Colegio de Postgraduados

Objective: To describe the advances in the sugarcane variety selection program that is carried out by the Campus Córdoba of the College of Postgraduates in Agricultural Sciences located in Amatlán de los Reyes, Veracruz, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: For the selection of sugarcane varieties, the methodology developed by the Institute for the Improvement of Sugar Production (IMPA) was used, and for the varietal description, the protocol of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) was implemented. Results: In 2009, the Campus Córdoba started the varietal selection program with more than 6 thousand hybrids from 40 crosses, of which 4422 materials were selected after showing resistance to the sugarcane mosaic virus. From the 4422 materials of the seedling phase, 352 clones were selected and evaluated in the Furrow Phase, selecting 57 varieties for the Plot Phase. Of these 57 varieties, 36 were selected in the Adaptability Test Phase, and 27 in the following Agroindustrial Evaluation Phase. Of these last 27 varieties, estimated yields are greater than 100 t ha-1, with good quality of juices and agronomic characteristics. Study limitations/implications: The program has faced climate and budget challenges, delaying progress. Currently, the Covid-19 pandemic has drastically affected our research. Findings/conclusions: This breeding and variety selection program started with 6,000 crosses, of which to date there are 27 in advanced stages of selection, with the possibility of adaptation and good yields for the area of influence of the Campus Córdoba.Objective: To describe the advances in the sugarcane variety selection program that is carried out by the Campus Córdoba of the College of Postgraduates in Agricultural Sciences located in Amatlán de los Reyes, Veracruz, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: For the selection of sugarcane varieties, the methodology developed by the Institute for the Improvement of Sugar Production (IMPA) was used, and for the varietal description, the protocol of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) was implemented. Results: In 2009, the Campus Córdoba started the varietal selection program with more than 6 thousand hybrids from 40 crosses, of which 4422 materials were selected after showing resistance to the sugarcane mosaic virus. From the 4422 materials of the seedling phase, 352 clones were selected and evaluated in the Furrow Phase, selecting 57 varieties for the Plot Phase. Of these 57 varieties, 36 were selected in the Adaptability Test Phase, and 27 in the following Agroindustrial Evaluation Phase. Of these last 27 varieties, estimated yields are greater than 100 t ha-1, with good quality of juices and agronomic characteristics. Study limitations/implications: The program has faced climate and budget challenges, delaying progress. Currently, the Covid-19 pandemic has drastically affected our research. Findings/conclusions: This breeding and variety selection program started with 6,000 crosses, of which to date there are 27 in advanced stages of selection, with the possibility of adaptation and good yields for the area of influence of the Campus Córdoba

Incorporating causal structure among traits using a multitrait genomic selection index

Production gains achieved through conventional breeding methods are gradually declining. Producing more food requires the development and implementation of novel new and genetic technologies. The goal in breeding programs is to choose candidates that produce offspring with best phenotypes. In conventional selection the best candidate is selected with high genotypic values (unobserved) in the assumption that this is related to observed phenotypic values for several traits. Multi-trait selection indices are used to identify superior genotypes when a number of traits are to be considered simultaneously. Often, the causal relationship among the traits is well known. For example, the causal structure among yield components is well known where traits that develop earlier will affect those that develop later ( Dofing and Knight, 1992). Structural equation models (SEM) have been used to describe the causal relationships among variables in many biological systems. We present a method for multi-trait genomic selection that incorporates causal relationships among traits by coupling SEM with a Smith-Hazel index that incorporates markers. The method is applied to field data from the Nebraska winter wheat breeding program. One of the selection indices proposed in this research has the attributes to account the variability of all the available molecular markers through the use of Principal Components Analysis (PCA) by using 250 PC\u27s which explained approximately 99% of the total variability, and to incorporate causal relationships among yield and yield contributors. We found that the correlation and the relative efficiency increased for the proposed Smith-Hazel indices when the causal information among traits was accounted by the vector of weights (b) which includes the causal path coefficients into the causal matrix ( Λ). On the other hand, when selection is based on a primary trait, for example yield, the proposed SIs increased the mean yield of the best 28 (Top 10%) genotypes to 7 %. Keywords: Selection Index (SI), Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), yield components, multi-trait, genomic selection (GS), principal component analysis (PCA), principal components (PC\u27s)

Incorporating Molecular Markers and Causal Structure among Traits Using a Smith-Hazel Index and Structural Equation Models

The goal in breeding programs is to choose candidates that produce offspring with the best phenotypes. In conventional selection, the best candidate is selected with high genotypic values (unobserved), in the assumption that this is related to the observed phenotypic values for several traits. Multi-trait selection indices are used to identify superior genotypes when a number of traits are to be considered simultaneously. Often, the causal relationship among the traits is well known. Structural equation models (SEM) have been used to describe the causal relationships among variables in many biological systems. We present a method for multi-trait genomic selection that incorporates causal relationships among traits by coupling SEM with a Smith–Hazel index that incorporates markers. The method was applied to field data from a Nebraska winter wheat breeding program. We found that the correlation and the relative efficiency increased for the proposed Smith– Hazel indices when the total causal information among traits was accounted for by the vector of weights (b), which includes the causal path coefficients in the causal matrix (Λ). On the other hand, when selection was based on a primary trait, for example yield, the proposed SI increased the mean yield of the best 28 (Top 10%) genotypes to 7%

URBAN GREEN AND RESILIENCE: AN EXPLORATION IN CÓRDOBA, FORTÍN AND AMATLÁN, VERACRUZ, MEXICO

This article shows the amount and location of Urban Green (VU) in Amatlán, Córdoba and Fortín, Veracruz, Mexico, in the context of urban resilience to global warming. The objectives of this work are: 1) to know the situation of this resource in terms of its availability (endowment) by present area; 2) measure the distances that separate the green from the population; and 3) determine the population served through the Public Urban Green (VUP) and Urban Green in general (VU-NDVI), as well as contrast with the endowment and distance recommendations of the Secretariat of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development (SEDATU).. The working hypotheses are: a) Fortn, Córdoba and Amatlán have a VUP allocation below that recommended by the WHO, but have the possibility of higher allocations, considering the VU-NDVI; and b) Fortín, Córdoba and Amatlán have a VUP system at a maximum distance of 400 meters from each block, and contain VU-NDVI areas at smaller distances. With census and cartographic data, satellite image processing, use of Geographic Information Systems, field verification of the data, and statistical analysis, the amount of VUP and VU-NDVI, the green area endowments per inhabitant, and the distances that separate the two types of green in the population. The results showed, on the one hand, that the allocation of VUP per inhabitant is below the WHO recommendations, but not the VU-NDVI and, on the other hand, that the VUP exceeds the maximum distance recommended by SEDATU, but not thus the VU-NDVI. Finally, it is pointed out that, although the majority of the population is served with VUP in accordance with SEDATU (although with very varied surfaces), the VU-NDVI serves 100% of it. The results show the potential of the latter to increase the share of green in cities such as those analyzed

Selection and Fitting of Mixed Models in Sugarcane Yield Trials

Mixed models are a useful tool for the analysis of sugarcane field trials in which sugarcane varieties are allocated in different locations and phenotypic traits are evaluated in the same experimental unit (plot) over time. One challenge to analyze these data is how to build a good mixed model when no experimental design is planned, because all sugarcane varieties in the area of influence of a sugar mill are planted in different years due to the age of the crop and there is no spatial information on all plots. The aim of this research was to examine and to determine the most appropriate mixed model for estimating cane stalk yield of sugarcane varieties when previously there was no planned experimental design. Cane stalk yields of 26 sugarcane genotypes harvested in 24 different locations and in different crop cycles (age) were analyzed. The randomized block nested design (plot within block) with ratoon crop as a class variable in the mixed model was the best for the mean comparisons in sugarcane genotype trials (Model 3), allowing a gain in information. The randomized block design approach helps to fit more general random effects, and the covariance structures helps to improve the performance of mixed model repeated measures. This study emphasizes the need to improve the process of finding a good enough mixed model, that is, how to define the mean structure and the best covariance structure for model sugarcane trials that enables more powerful and efficient parameter estimations. The results showed how a more appropriate mixed model might help avoid errors of judgment in sugarcane genotype recommendations for enhancing the productivity of the cane industry