Áreas verdes públicas y su aprovechamiento para las actividades recreativas de los ecuatorianos

This research aims to analyze public green areas and their use for recreational activities of Ecuadorians. The World Health Organization states that recreation is a necessary activity for the maintenance and improvement of the physical and mental health of citizens, which is why public green areas are essential for cities, which improve the quality of life. of people in each city, and is part of the Sustainable Development Goals, promoted by the UN. The methodology used was framed in a documentary methodology with a bibliographic design. In Ecuador, there are numerous spaces that are part of the urban green areas where citizens recreate and enjoy their free time, such as parks, squares, squares, sports venues, among others, which over time have evolved according to the demands of the citizens themselves and also a product of the planning and management carried out by the government, which is of great importance to preserve the AVP in adequate conditions for the enjoyment and rest of the citizens. Finally, it is mentioned that the AVPs are fundamental within the national territory, and their adequate distribution and preservation contribute significantly to the development of its citizens, the preservation of these AVPs is a joint effort between the State, the private company and the citizens, since that culture, citizen identity, social and political values can be preserved and can attract economic benefits to the city. Keywords: recreation, health, public green areas, citizen.Esta investigación tiene como objetivo analizar las áreas verdes públicas y su aprovechamiento para las actividades recreativas de los ecuatorianos. La Organización Mundial de la Salud manifiesta que la recreación es una actividad necesaria para el mantenimiento y mejora de la salud física y mental de los ciudadanos, es por ello que, las áreas verdes públicas son fundamentales para las ciudades, que mejoran la calidad de vida de las personas en cada ciudad, y forma parte de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible, que promueven la ONU. La metodología utilizada se enmarcó en una metodología documental con un diseño bibliográfico. En Ecuador, existen numerosos espacios que forman parte de las áreas verdes urbanas donde los ciudadanos se recrean y disfrutan de su tiempo libre, como parques, plazas, plazoletas, escenarios deportivos entre otros, que con el pasar del tiempo han ido evolucionando de acuerdo a las exigencias de los propios ciudadanos y también producto de la planificación y gestión que realiza el gobierno, lo cual es de gran importancia conservar las AVP en condiciones adecuadas para el disfrute y descanso de los ciudadanos. Finalmente, se menciona que las AVP son fundamentales dentro del territorio nacional, y su adecuada distribución y preservación contribuye notablemente al desarrollo de sus ciudadanos, la preservación de estas AVP, es un trabajo mancomunado entre el Estado, la empresa privada y los ciudadanos, ya que se puede preservar la cultura, la identidad ciudadana, los valores sociales, políticos y puede atraer beneficios económicos a la ciudad. Palabras claves: recreación, salud, áreas verdes públicas, ciudadanos. ABSTRACT This research aims to analyze public green areas and their use for recreational activities of Ecuadorians. The World Health Organization states that recreation is a necessary activity for the maintenance and improvement of the physical and mental health of citizens, which is why public green areas are essential for cities, which improve the quality of life. of people in each city, and is part of the Sustainable Development Goals, promoted by the UN. The methodology used was framed in a documentary methodology with a bibliographic design. In Ecuador, there are numerous spaces that are part of the urban green areas where citizens recreate and enjoy their free time, such as parks, squares, squares, sports venues, among others, which over time have evolved according to the demands of the citizens themselves and also a product of the planning and management carried out by the government, which is of great importance to preserve the AVP in adequate conditions for the enjoyment and rest of the citizens. Finally, it is mentioned that the AVPs are fundamental within the national territory, and their adequate distribution and preservation contribute significantly to the development of its citizens, the preservation of these AVPs is a joint effort between the State, the private company and the citizens, since that culture, citizen identity, social and political values can be preserved and can attract economic benefits to the city. Keywords: recreation, health, public green areas, citizen. Información del manuscrito:Fecha de recepción: 25 de enero de 2023.Fecha de aceptación: 17 de abril de 2023.Fecha de publicación: 17 de mayo de 2023

Development of a multiplex real-time PCR surveillance assay for monitoring the health status of Ecuadorian amphibians at risk of extinction

Chytrid fungi and viruses within the genus Ranavirus have been associated with mass mortality events and declines in amphibian populations worldwide. The fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) was reported in Ecuador; however, other chytrid fungi like Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) or ranaviruses have not been described in the country so far. To prevent the introduction of pathogens into amphibian populations under conservation programs and to implement a successful disease surveillance program, the development of a sensitive and specific diagnostic assay was required. We describe here the optimization of one TaqMan probe-based multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay that enables the simultaneous detection of Bsal and ranavirus, and one monoplex TaqMan qPCR assay for the detection of Bd. Standard curves, with a high linear correlation (r2 > 0.995), were generated using a synthetic genome template (gBlocks®) containing the target sequences from all three pathogens. Different samples from skin, liver, kidney, spleen, and lung from six different amphibian species were tested, and both qPCR assays showed highly reproducible and reliable results. To our knowledge, this method is the first multiplex qPCR system developed in Ecuador for identifying amphibian pathogens and represents a valuable tool for the early detection of these pathogens and for infection and co-infection monitoring in future epidemiological surveillance of amphibian species at risk of extinction

Elevational and local climate variability predicts thermal breadth of mountain tropical tadpoles

The climate variability hypothesis posits that increased environmental thermal variation should select for thermal generalists, while stable environments should favor thermal specialists. This hypothesis has been tested on large spatial scales, such as latitude and elevation, but less so on smaller scales reflective of the experienced microclimate. Here, we estimated thermal tolerance limits of 75 species of amphibian tadpoles from an aseasonal tropical mountain range of the Ecuadorian Andes, distributed along a 3500 m elevational range, to test the climatic variability hypothesis at a large (elevation) and a small (microhabitat) scale. We show how species from less variable thermal habitats, such as lowlands and those restricted to streams, exhibit narrower thermal tolerance breadths than highland and pond-dwelling species respectively. Interestingly, while broader thermal tolerance breadths at large scales are driven by higher cold tolerance variation (heat-invariant hypothesis), at local scales they are driven by higher heat tolerance variation. This contrasting pattern may result from divergent selection on both thermal limits to face environmental thermal extremes at different scales. Specifically, within the same elevational window, exposure to extreme maximum temperatures could be avoided through habitat shifts from temporary ponds to permanent ponds or streams, while minimum peak temperatures remained invariable between habitats but steadily decreased with elevation. Therefore an understanding of the effects of habitat conversion is crucial for future research on resilience to climate change

Evaluación de ideas de negocio: caso sector lácteo

El mundo globalizado y competitivo se presentan casos de negocios que tras los primeros años de vida, fracasan, debido a la forma en que son administradas, falta de evaluación y aplicación de prácticas idóneas para medir su rendimiento. Se vuelve imprescindible investigar sobre un mecanismo que evalúe los emprendimientos nacientes. El objetivo del presente estudio fue caracterizar un modelo de evaluación de negocio para los emprendedores del sector lácteo en Latacunga, pues el Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos (2016) muestra que en Cotopaxi el sector productivo de mayor crecimiento es el sector lácteo, por lo que la investigación se direccionó a este entorno. Para el desarrollo del estudio en el sector lácteo se desarrolló un instrumento basado en el lienzo de CANVAS, se lo adaptó y se puso a criterio de tres expertos para su validez. Se aplicó el instrumento a once nuevos emprendimientos del sector objeto de estudio, cuya existencia se encontraba de entre 1 a 3.5 años (rango de la segunda etapa del desarrollo empresarial). Se sistematizó los datos con ayuda de una hoja electrónica y se generaron matrices orientadas a establecer la confiabilidad del diagnóstico para las ideas de negocio, determinando, de entre los emprendimientos estudiados, valores máximos y mínimos por ellos alcanzados en cada uno de los nueve módulos de análisis, los que a su vez se convirtieron en indicadores de regulación para el buen funcionamiento de los mismos; se identifican adicionalmente, por medio de semaforización, áreas de riesgo para ser atendidas por los emprendedores de manera inmediat

Post‐epizootic microbiome associations across communities of neotropical amphibians

Microbiome–pathogen interactions are increasingly recognized as an important element of host immunity. While these host-level interactions will have consequences for community disease dynamics, the factors which influence host microbiomes at larger scales are poorly understood. We here describe landscape-scale pathogen–microbiome associations within the context of post-epizootic amphibian chytridiomycosis, a disease caused by the panzootic chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. We undertook a survey of Neotropical amphibians across altitudinal gradients in Ecuador ~30 years following the observed amphibian declines and collected skin swab-samples which were metabarcoded using both fungal (ITS-2) and bacterial (r16S) amplicons. The data revealed marked variation in patterns of both B. dendrobatidis infection and microbiome structure that are associated with host life history. Stream breeding amphibians were most likely to be infected with B. dendrobatidis. This increased probability of infection was further associated with increased abundance and diversity of non-Batrachochytrium chytrid fungi in the skin and environmental microbiome. We also show that increased alpha diversity and the relative abundance of fungi are lower in the skin microbiome of adult stream amphibians compared to adult pond-breeding amphibians, an association not seen for bacteria. Finally, stream tadpoles exhibit lower proportions of predicted protective microbial taxa than pond tadpoles, suggesting reduced biotic resistance. Our analyses show that host breeding ecology strongly shapes pathogen–microbiome associations at a landscape scale, a trait that may influence resilience in the face of emerging infectious diseases.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Disease reservoirs threaten the recently rediscovered Podocarpus Stubfoot Toad (Atelopus podocarpus)

The Andes have experienced an unprecedented wave of amphibian declines and extinctions that are linked to a combination of habitat reduction and the spread of the fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). In the present study, a range of high-altitude habitats in Southern Ecuador were surveyed for the presence of Bd. With a particular focus on Yacuri National Park, infection data are presented from across the resident amphibian community. This community contains a once putatively extinct species which was rediscovered in 2016, the Podocarpus Stubfoot Toad (Atelopus podocarpus). Across species, local Bd prevalence was 73% in tadpoles (n = 41 individuals from three species) and 14% in adults (n = 43 individuals from 14 species). Strikingly, 93% (14/15) of tested tadpoles of the recently described local endemic, Gastrotheca yacuri, were infected with a high pathogen load, suggesting that this species likely acts as a reservoir of infection in Yacuri. These findings show that the threat of disease for A. podocarpus still exists, and that this species requires urgent action to ensure its survival

Riding the Wave: Reconciling the Roles of Disease and Climate Change in Amphibian Declines

We review the evidence for the role of climate change in triggering disease outbreaks of chytridiomycosis, an emerging infectious disease of amphibians. Both climatic anomalies and disease-related extirpations are recent phenomena, and effects of both are especially noticeable at high elevations in tropical areas, making it difficult to determine whether they are operating separately or synergistically. We compiled reports of amphibian declines from Lower Central America and Andean South America to create maps and statistical models to test our hypothesis of spatiotemporal spread of the pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), and to update the elevational patterns of decline in frogs belonging to the genus Atelopus. We evaluated claims of climate change influencing the spread of Bd by including error into estimates of the relationship between air temperature and last year observed. Available data support the hypothesis of multiple introductions of this invasive pathogen into South America and subsequent spread along the primary Andean cordilleras. Additional analyses found no evidence to support the hypothesis that climate change has been driving outbreaks of amphibian chytridiomycosis, as has been posited in the climate-linked epidemic hypothesis. Future studies should increase retrospective surveys of museum specimens from throughout the Andes and should study the landscape genetics of Bd to map fine-scale patterns of geographic spread to identify transmission routes and processes

Riding the Wave: Reconciling the Roles of Disease and Climate Change in Amphibian Declines

We review the evidence for the role of climate change in triggering disease outbreaks of chytridiomycosis, an emerging infectious disease of amphibians. Both climatic anomalies and disease-related extirpations are recent phenomena, and effects of both are especially noticeable at high elevations in tropical areas, making it difficult to determine whether they are operating separately or synergistically. We compiled reports of amphibian declines from Lower Central America and Andean South America to create maps and statistical models to test our hypothesis of spatiotemporal spread of the pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), and to update the elevational patterns of decline in frogs belonging to the genus Atelopus. We evaluated claims of climate change influencing the spread of Bd by including error into estimates of the relationship between air temperature and last year observed. Available data support the hypothesis of multiple introductions of this invasive pathogen into South America and subsequent spread along the primary Andean cordilleras. Additional analyses found no evidence to support the hypothesis that climate change has been driving outbreaks of amphibian chytridiomycosis, as has been posited in the climate-linked epidemic hypothesis. Future studies should increase retrospective surveys of museum specimens from throughout the Andes and should study the landscape genetics of Bd to map fine-scale patterns of geographic spread to identify transmission routes and processes

Engineering a future for amphibians under climate change

1. Altered global climates in the 21st century pose serious threats for biological systems and practical actions are needed to mount a response for species at risk. 2. We identify management actions from across the world and from diverse disciplines that are applicable to minimizing loss of amphibian biodiversity under climate change. Actions were grouped under three thematic areas of intervention: (i) installation of microclimate and microhabitat refuges; (ii) enhancement and restoration of breeding sites; and (iii) manipulation of hydroperiod or water levels at breeding sites. 3. There are currently few meaningful management actions that will tangibly impact the pervasive threat of climate change on amphibians. A host of potentially useful but poorly tested actions could be incorporated into local or regional management plans, programmes and activities for amphibians. Examples include: installation of irrigation sprayers to manipulate water potentials at breeding sites; retention or supplementation of natural and artificial shelters (e.g. logs, cover boards) to reduce desiccation and thermal stress; manipulation of canopy cover over ponds to reduce water temperature; and, creation of hydrologoically diverse wetland habitats capable of supporting larval develpment under variable rainfall regimes. We encourage researchers and managers to design, test and scale up new initiatives to respond to this emerging crisis