Percepciones estudiantiles de un proyecto de internacionalización del currículum virtual entre dos universidades mexicanas

Higher education institutions regard internationalization as a mechanism by which they can educate competent people to understand and face global challenges. The project Global Virtual Room represents an internationalization of the curriculum practice between Universidad Anahuac Xalapa and the Centro Universitario de Los Lagos of Universidad de Guadalajara (CU Lagos), based on collaborative virtual sessions to dialogue and discuss among international experts. This document analyses from a qualitative-phenomenographical approach, the perceptions of the participating students to know the extent in which this experience contributed to the development of the intercultural and global competencies. Results show correspondence in building such competencies, particularly in attitudes related to intercultural, acceptance and empathy elements. The contribution of this research focuses on the diversification of the internationalization process, the evaluation of its effects on students and to foster virtual collaboration.Las Instituciones de Educación Superior (IES) conciben a la internacionalización del currículum como un mecanismo para formar personas competentes en la comprensión y solución de problemas globales. El proyecto Aula Virtual Global representa una práctica de internacionalización del currículum entre la Universidad Anáhuac Xalapa (UAX) y el Centro Universitario de Los Lagos de la Universidad de Guadalajara (CU Lagos), basada en sesiones colaborativas virtuales de diálogo y discusión con expertos internacionales. Este documento analiza desde un enfoque cualitativo fenomenográfico, las percepciones de los estudiantes participantes para conocer cómo esta experiencia contribuyó a sus competencias interculturales y globales. Los resultados muestran correspondencia en la construcción de dichas competencias, particularmente en actitudes relacionadas con la interculturalidad, la aceptación y la empatía. Las aportaciones de esta investigación abonan a la diversificación de la internacionalización, a la evaluación de sus efectos en los estudiantes y a la promoción de la colaboración virtual

Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm with a Bio-Inspired Aging Model

A Particle Swarm Optimization with a Bio-inspired Aging Model (BAM-PSO) algorithm is proposed to alleviate the premature convergence problem of other PSO algorithms. Each particle within the swarm is subjected to aging based on the age-related changes observed in immune system cells. The proposed algorithm is tested with several popular and well-established benchmark functions and its performance is compared to other evolutionary algorithms in both low and high dimensional scenarios. Simulation results reveal that at the cost of computational time, the proposed algorithm has the potential to solve the premature convergence problem that affects PSO-based algorithms; showing good results for both low and high dimensional problems. This work suggests that aging mechanisms do have further implications in computational intelligence

Broadleaf weeds associated with the cultivation of habanero chili (Capsicum chinensis) in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Objective: Identify the weeds, presents in seed Banks, associated with the cultivation of habanero pepper in the Yucatan Peninsula and may be hosts of pests. Design/methodology/approach: Soil samples obtained from the plots established with habanero pepper. They were brought the greenhouse for the emergence and development of the present weeds for identification through images and with the support of herbarium. The floristic diversity was identified by means of indices. Symptomatic plants DNA was obtained to confirm the presence of begomovirus. Results: 31 families identified where the Asteraceae family stands out. The floristic composition in the three states was different; the dominant species were Amaranthus spinosus, Parthenium hysterophorus and Acmella oppositifolia for Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo respectively. Yucatán was the state with the greatest diversity. Several species registered are recognized viral host. Limitation/implications: The seed Banks present constants variation from one cycle to another, which limits obtaining the total of the species present in the samples obtained. Conclusion: It is necessary to have the knowledge of present weed species to propose improvements in the technological packages and allow a sustainable management.Objective: To identify the weeds associated with habanero chili cultivation in the Yucatan Peninsula that can be considered pest hosts. Design/Methodology/Approach: Composite soil samples were obtained from plots established with habanero chili in the states of Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo. The samples were taken to a greenhouse, where the weeds emerged and developed. The weeds were identified through images and with the support of herbariums. Indeces were used to identify the state with the greatest floristic diversity. DNA from symptomatic plants was obtained to confirm the presence of begomovirus. Results: The Asteraceae family stood out among the 31 weed families that were identified. The floristic composition was different in the three states. The dominant species were Amaranthus spinosus, Parthenium hysterophorus, and Acmella oppositifolia in Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo, respectively. The state with the greatest diversity and richness was Yucatán. Twenty-six out of the thirty-one symptomatic samples tested positive for begomovirus. Limitations/Implications: The seed banks have constant variations from one cycle to another; consequently, it is not possible to obtain the total of the species present in the samples. Conclusions: It is necessary to establish the weed species present to propose improvements in technological packages and achieve sustainable management

Análisis de la implementación de los enfoques transversales de Género, participación juvenil y reparador del proceso PDET en el Marco del acuerdo de paz en el Catatumbo Norte santandereano

This article allows us to visualize how the transversal approaches of gender, youth participation, and restorative approach are implemented in the municipalities addressed by the PDET Development Program with a Territorial Approach and once prioritized by the PARTICIPAZ project. In addition, the successful experiences resulting from the PDET process are described that made it possible to advance and make visible the transversal approaches of Gender, Territorial and reparative and the contributions to the construction of a culture of peace in Catatumbo and support the entity in the different actions to its missionary function. . The above as a product of the development of a participatory action research (PAR); For this, it is important to mention that we studied how the PDET works and the objective of its 8 pillars that will be deepened in the writing, in addition to a sweep of the pertinent information from documents related to the PDET, community and municipal agreements, among others. It is important to highlight that in terms of the theoretical-methodological documents the approach was made under the gender and transversal approaches in the light of Social Work from the community method.El presente artículo permite vislumbrar cómo se implementan los enfoques transversales de Género, participación juvenil, y  enfoque reparador en los municipios abordados por el Programa de Desarrollo con Enfoque Territorial PDET y a su vez priorizados por el proyecto PARTICIPAZ. Además, se describen las experiencias exitosas resultado del proceso PDET que permitieron avanzar y visibilizar los enfoques transversales de Género, Territorial y reparador y los aportes a la construcción de cultura de paz en el Catatumbo y apoyar la entidad en las diferentes acciones inherentes a su función misional. Lo anterior como producto del desarrollo de una investigación acción participativa (IAP); para esto es importante mencionar, que se estudió cómo funciona el PDET y el objetivo de sus 8 pilares que serán profundizados en el escrito, además de un barrido de la información pertinente de documentos relacionados con el PDET, pactos comunitarios, municipales, entre otros. Es importante resaltar que en cuanto a los documentos teóricos-metodológicos del abordaje se hizo bajo los enfoques de género y los enfoques transversales a la luz del Trabajo Social desde el método comunitario

Amaranth production in Tulyehualco Xochimilco, Mexico City

During 2010-2019 amaranth has been cultivated in at least 11 states in Mexico, in Mexico City is grown in the municipalities of Xochimilco, Milpa Alta and Tláhuac, highlighting Xochimilco for harvested area and production with 82.9 ha and 91.7 t which represents 60.4% and 55.6% respectively. The objective of the research is to know the form of production and commercialization of amaranth in Tulyehualco, Xochimilco to identify and propose improvement actions. The information was obtained through the application of a survey through a non-probability sampling for convenience, with the criterion of selection of individuals who were willing to be surveyed, and the survey was applied from September to December 2019, to 35 producers, 3 marketers and 4 transformers. The production of amaranth is carried out in two ways, by means of chapin and directly, by its traditional way of producing it the crop is ancestral in those areas, so there is a millenary knowledge of the families that are dedicated to the planting of the crop. Amaranth production has a positive cost benefit ratio R (B / C), however in direct sowing production this is better. Planting with a seedbed (Chapin) has higher costs and yield, however, this does not compensate the producer in profits. For a potential impact at the amaranth production level, the adoption of technologies related to density, nutrition and technical recommendations for pest and disease control.Objective: To know the form of production and commercialization of amaranth in Tulyehualco, Xochimilco, to identify and propose improvement actions. Methodology: During 2010-2019, amaranth was cultivated in at least 11 states in Mexico, while in Mexico City it is grown in the municipalities of Xochimilco, Milpa Alta and Tláhuac. Xochimilco stands out due to harvested area and production, with 82.9 ha and 91.7 t which represents 60.4% and 55.6% respectively. The information was obtained through the application of a survey through non-probability sampling for convenience, with the selection criterion of individuals who were willing to be surveyed, and the survey was applied from September to December 2019, to n=35 producers, n=3 marketers and n=4 transformers. Amaranth production is carried out in two ways, by means of chapin and directly, and due to its traditional way of producing the crop is ancestral in those areas, so there is a millenary knowledge of the families that are dedicated to planting the crop. Results: Amaranth production has a positive cost benefit ratio R (B / C) although production is better in direct sowing. Planting with a seedbed (Chapin) has higher costs and yield, however, this does not compensate the producer in profits. Conclusions: For a potential impact at the level of amaranth production, the adoption of technologies related to density, nutrition and technical recommendations for pest and disease control is necessar

ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by chemical precipitation to increase germination and bioactive compounds in sprouts of Raphanus sa-tivus L.

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine the influence of priming with zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs-ZnO) on germination, photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds and zinc content of radish sprouts. Design/methodology/approach: A total of five NPs-ZnO treatments and one control treatment each with four replications under a completely randomized design were evaluated. Results: The NPs-ZnO evaluated increased the variables of germination, photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds and zinc content compared to untreated radish sprouts. Limitations on study/implications: It is difficult to establish a response model of the effects of NPs because the shape, size, surface charge, chemical composition and concentration of NPs can cause different impacts on seed germination. Findings/conclusions: The use of NPs-ZnO could be an effective way to enrich crops, since moving Zn through plant tissues will cause an accumulation of this micronutrient. Keywords: Raphanus sativus, nanofertilizer, zinc oxideObjective: To examine how priming radish (Raphanus sativus L.) sprouts with zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs-ZnO) affects their germination, photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds, and zinc content. Design/methodology/approach: We evaluated five NPs-ZnO treatments and a control sample with four replications under a completely randomized design. Results: Sprouts treated with NPs-ZnO showed increased germination variables, photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds, and zinc content as compared to untreated radish sprouts. Study limitations/implications: It is hard to establish a response model for the effects of NPs since their shape, size, surface charge, chemical composition, and concentration may have a differentiated impact on seed germination. Findings/conclusions: Using NPs-ZnO could be an effective way to enrich crops, since the passage of Zn through plant tissues will cause an accumulation of this micronutrient

Elements to improve the management and commercialization of dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus (Haworth) D.R. Hunt)

The objective of this study is to describe and identify problems and potentials of the production and commercialization of pitahaya in the socio-economic context of the town of San Luis Atolotitlan, Caltepec, Puebla. A questionnaire was applied to 20 producers who are also marketers of the Rural Production Association of San Luis Atolotitlan, Caltepec between March and May 2020. The cultivation of pitahaya is part of a diversified system of crops in a social context of migration, under educational level and with extensive dependence on local buyers, however with minimal maintenance practices, use of organic fertilizers and average yields, which, if management is improved and, above all, marketing and transformation channels are identified and diversified, could be the system that stimulates the economy of the region. A potential for these actions are the young producers, with a higher degree of education and with an innovative attitude.The objective of this study is to identify production and commercialization problems and potential of dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) in the socioeconomic context of San Luis Atolotitlan, Caltepec, Puebla, Mexico. A questionnaire was applied between March and May 2020 to n=20 producers-marketers of the Asociación de Producción Rural de San Luis Atolotitlan, Caltepec. The cultivation of dragon fruit is part of a crop diversification system within a social context characterized by migration, low education, and extensive dependence on local buyers. In addition, its maintenance practices, use of organic fertilizers, and average yieldsare minimal. However, if management is improved and transformation and marketing channels are identified and diversified, the system will be able to boost the economy of the region. Young producers, with a higher educational level and with an innovative attitude, could improve those measures

Contaminación de alimento comercial seco para perro por Aspergillus flavus y aflatoxinas en Aguascalientes, México

Commercial dry food (CDF) for dogs is a whole grain ration thoroughly mixed and die-cut with heat and pressure to give it the shape of kibble. CDF is formulated with several agro-industrial ingredients and by-products of agricultural and livestock origin. Contamination by Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxins (AFs) in foods has been shown to be a global problem that causes harm to human and animal health. The objective was to evaluate the presence of fungal microbiota and contamination by AFs in CDF. A random sample (n= 77) of marketed CDF was selected in Aguascalientes, Mexico. The samples were processed and cultured by serial dilutions, obtaining monosporic isolates, which were characterized morphologically, toxigenically (HPLC), and molecularly (PCR). The concentration of AFs in CDF was quantified by HPLC. Fungal growth was observed in 53.2 % of CDF, and 7.8 % exceeded the maximum permissible limit (MPL=106 CFU/g). The genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Mucor, Alternaria, and Fusarium were found (69.4, 12.9, 9.4, 4.7, 1.7, and 1.1 %, respectively). All CDF samples showed contamination by AFs (14.8 ± 0.3 μg/kg), and 11.8 % exceeded the MPL (20.0 μg/kg) suggested by the regulations; contamination was significantly associated (P<0.05) with some ingredients used, CDF moisture, and inclusion of fungicides and sequestrants. The results obtained suggest that the CDF manufacturing process does not wholly eliminate contamination by fungi or by the AFs present in the ingredients used for its formulation; consequently, these remain in the finished product, putting at risk the health of dogs and the efficacy of the food chain.El alimento comercial seco (ACS) para perro es una ración integral completamente mezclada y troquelada con calor y presión para darle forma de croqueta. El ACS está formulado con diversos ingredientes y subproductos agroindustriales de origen agrícola y pecuario. La contaminación por Aspergillus flavus y por aflatoxinas (AFs) en los alimentos se ha demostrado que es un problema global que causa daños a la salud humana y animal. El objetivo fue evaluar la presencia de microbiota fúngica y contaminación por AFs en el ACS. Una muestra aleatoria (n=77) de ACS comercializado se seleccionó en Aguascalientes, México. Las muestras fueron procesadas y cultivadas por diluciones seriadas, obteniendo aislados monospóricos, los cuales se caracterizaron morfológica, toxigénica (HPLC) y molecularmente (PCR).  La concentración de AFs en ACS se cuantificó por HPLC. En el 53.2 % de ACS se observó crecimiento fúngico y 7.8 % superaron el límite máximo permisible (LMP=106 UFC/g). Se encontraron los géneros Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Mucor, Alternaria y Fusarium (69.4, 12.9, 9.4, 4.7, 1.7 y 1.1%, respectivamente). Todas las muestras de ACS mostraron contaminación por AFs (14.8 ± 0.3 µg/kg) y el 11.8 % excedió el LMP (20.0 µg/kg) sugerido por la normatividad; la contaminación se asoció significativamente (P<0.05) con algunos ingredientes empleados, humedad del ACS e inclusión de fungicidas y secuestrantes. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que el proceso de elaboración del ACS no elimina completamente la contaminación por hongos ni por las AFs presentes en los ingredientes empleados para su formulación; en consecuencia, éstos permanecen en el producto terminado poniendo en riesgo la salud de los perros y eficacia de la cadena alimenticia

Antineoplastic effects of the DNA methylation inhibitor hydralazine and the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid in cancer cell lines

BACKGROUND: Among the epigenetic alterations occurring in cancer, DNA hypermethylation and histone hypoacetylation are the focus of intense research because their pharmacological inhibition has shown to produce antineoplastic activity in a variety of experimental models. The objective of this study was to evaluate the combined antineoplastic effect of the DNA methylation inhibitor hydralazine and the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid in a panel of cancer cell lines. RESULTS: Hydralazine showed no growth inhibitory effect on cervical, colon, breast, sarcoma, glioma, and head & neck cancer cell lines when used alone. On the contrary, valproic acid showed a strong growth inhibitory effect that is potentiated by hydralazine in some cell lines. Individually, hydralazine and valproic acid displayed distinctive effects upon global gene over-expression but the number of genes over-expressed increased when cells were treated with the combination. Treatment of HeLa cells with hydralazine and valproic acid lead to an increase in the cytotoxicity of gemcitabine, cisplatin and adriamycin. A higher antitumor effect of adriamycin was observed in mice xenografted with human fibrosarcoma cells when the animals were co-treated with hydralazine and valproic acid. CONCLUSION: Hydralazine and valproic acid, two widely used drugs for cardiovascular and neurological conditions respectively have promising antineoplastic effects when used concurrently and may increase the antitumor efficacy of current cytotoxic agents

Factores de riesgo asociados a la presencia de aborto y desempeño reproductivo en ganado lechero de Aguascalientes, México

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of risk factors on the occurrence of abortion and their impact on select reproductive efficiency parameters in dairy herds in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Three hundred and fifty three (353) serum samples from aborted or non-aborted cows in 23 dairies with records were collected.Los objetivos del estudio fueron determinar el efecto de factores de riesgo sobre la ocurrencia del aborto, y su impacto sobre algunas medidas de eficiencia reproductiva en hatos de Aguascalientes. Se obtuvieron 353 sueros de vacas que abortaron y que no abortaron de 23 hatos con registros