Adaptación basada en Ecosistemas en pequeñas fincas de granos básicos en Guatemala y Honduras

En Centroamérica, el maíz y el frijol son usualmente cultivados por agricultores que tienen pequeñas áreas de tierra y viven en situación de vulnerabilidad. El cambio climático representa una importante amenaza para estos pequeños agricultores de granos básicos, poniendo en peligro sus sistemas de producción y medios de vida. El uso de Adaptación basada en Ecosistemas (AbE) puede ayudarlos a enfrentar el cambio climático, pero existe poca información sobre el tema. El objetivo de este trabajo fue caracterizar las estrategias de AbE que los pequeños agricultores de granos básicos de cuatro paisajes de Guatemala y Honduras utilizan para aumentar su resiliencia frente al cambio climático. A través de entrevistas y mediciones en campo en 160 fincas, entre julio 2014 y junio 2015, 1) se exploró qué tan común es el uso de las diferentes prácticas de AbE, 2) se documentaron las características biofísicas de estas prácticas, y 3) se determinó si la implementación y características de las prácticas difieren entre paisajes. Los resultados indican que muchos de los pequeños agricultores de granos básicos usan prácticas de AbE, aun cuando cultivan áreas pequeñas (parcelas de maíz de ~0,68 ha), tienen un bajo nivel de educación y bajo acceso a capacitaciones o consejos técnicos. Las prácticas más comunes fueron el uso de árboles dispersos, huertos caseros y cercas vivas. Resultados de un análisis de ANDEVA indican que hubo diferencias significativas en el uso de diferentes prácticas entre agricultores, que sugiere que las adoptan en respuesta a sus medios de vida y condiciones biofísicas. El estudio sugiere que los pequeños agricultores de granos básicos tienen la experiencia y el conocimiento para utilizar prácticas de AbE, y que ven beneficios derivados de su implementación; sin embargo, para ampliar el uso de estas prácticas, se necesita más apoyo técnico, financiero y político

Uso de prácticas de Adaptación basada en Ecosistemas por pequeños cafetaleros en Centroamérica

Introducción. En Centroamérica, los pequeños caficultores están amenazados por el aumento en las temperaturas y los cambios en los patrones de lluvia. Una estrategia para apoyar a las comunidades de pequeños agricultores a adaptarse al cambio climático es el uso de prácticas de Adaptación basada en Ecosistemas (AbE), las cuales integran la conservación, restauración y manejo sostenible de ecosistemas y biodiversidad. Sin embargo, existe poca información de cómo los productores utilizan estas prácticas. Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el uso de once prácticas de AbE entre pequeños agricultores de café, de cinco paisajes ubicados en Costa Rica, Honduras y Guatemala, así como comparar las características biofísicas y frecuencia de uso de las mismas entre paisajes. Materiales y métodos. La caracterización de las prácticas de AbE se realizó utilizando mapeo participativo, entrevistas, y mediciones de área y estructura y composición de la vegetación, entre julio 2014 y junio 2015. La comparación entre paisajes se realizó mediante un análisis de varianza. Resultados. Los resultados indican que muchos pequeños agricultores de café están implementando activamente el uso de prácticas AbE, entre ellas el uso de árboles de sombra en cafetales, los surcos en contorno, los huertos caseros y las cercas vivas. Sin embargo, existieron diferencias importantes entre paisajes en cuanto al uso y las características de AbE implementadas. Conclusión. Estas diferencias sugieren que los productores adaptan el uso de dichas prácticas en respuesta a los contextos sociales y biofísicos del medio en donde viven, y que existe valor en hacer intercambio de productores de diferentes regiones para compartir su conocimiento sobre estas prácticas

Local perceptions of the livelihood and conservation benefits of small-scale livelihood projects in rural Madagascar.

Small-scale livelihood projects are widely used in forest conservation and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD)+ initiatives; however, there is limited information on how effective these projects are at delivering livelihood and conservation benefits. We explored local perceptions of the effectiveness of small-scale livelihood projects in delivering livelihood and conservation benefits in eastern Madagascar. Our results suggest that small-scale livelihood projects vary greatly in their ability to deliver livelihood benefits, and that the type of livelihood project (e.g., agriculture, beekeeping, fish farming, or livestock production) has a significant impact on which livelihood benefits are delivered. Many small-scale livelihood projects, regardless of project type, are perceived to contribute to forest conservation efforts. Our study highlights that small-scale livelihood projects have the potential to contribute to both improved livelihoods and enhanced forest conservation, but also illustrates the need for more information on the factors that lead to project success.</p

Gestión del conocimiento. Perspectiva multidisciplinaria. Volumen 6

El libro “Gestión del Conocimiento. Perspectiva Multidisciplinaria”, Volumen 6, de la Colección Unión Global, es resultado de investigaciones. Los capítulos del libro, son resultados de investigaciones desarrolladas por sus autores. El libro es una publicación internacional, seriada, continua, arbitrada de acceso abierto a todas las áreas del conocimiento, que cuenta con el esfuerzo de investigadores de varios países del mundo, orientada a contribuir con procesos de gestión del conocimiento científico, tecnológico y humanístico que consoliden la transformación del conocimiento en diferentes escenarios, tanto organizacionales como universitarios, para el desarrollo de habilidades cognitivas del quehacer diario. La gestión del conocimiento es un camino para consolidar una plataforma en las empresas públicas o privadas, entidades educativas, organizaciones no gubernamentales, ya sea generando políticas para todas las jerarquías o un modelo de gestión para la administración, donde es fundamental articular el conocimiento, los trabajadores, directivos, el espacio de trabajo, hacia la creación de ambientes propicios para el desarrollo integral de las instituciones

Treatment with tocilizumab or corticosteroids for COVID-19 patients with hyperinflammatory state: a multicentre cohort study (SAM-COVID-19)

Objectives: The objective of this study was to estimate the association between tocilizumab or corticosteroids and the risk of intubation or death in patients with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) with a hyperinflammatory state according to clinical and laboratory parameters. Methods: A cohort study was performed in 60 Spanish hospitals including 778 patients with COVID-19 and clinical and laboratory data indicative of a hyperinflammatory state. Treatment was mainly with tocilizumab, an intermediate-high dose of corticosteroids (IHDC), a pulse dose of corticosteroids (PDC), combination therapy, or no treatment. Primary outcome was intubation or death; follow-up was 21 days. Propensity score-adjusted estimations using Cox regression (logistic regression if needed) were calculated. Propensity scores were used as confounders, matching variables and for the inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTWs). Results: In all, 88, 117, 78 and 151 patients treated with tocilizumab, IHDC, PDC, and combination therapy, respectively, were compared with 344 untreated patients. The primary endpoint occurred in 10 (11.4%), 27 (23.1%), 12 (15.4%), 40 (25.6%) and 69 (21.1%), respectively. The IPTW-based hazard ratios (odds ratio for combination therapy) for the primary endpoint were 0.32 (95%CI 0.22-0.47; p < 0.001) for tocilizumab, 0.82 (0.71-1.30; p 0.82) for IHDC, 0.61 (0.43-0.86; p 0.006) for PDC, and 1.17 (0.86-1.58; p 0.30) for combination therapy. Other applications of the propensity score provided similar results, but were not significant for PDC. Tocilizumab was also associated with lower hazard of death alone in IPTW analysis (0.07; 0.02-0.17; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Tocilizumab might be useful in COVID-19 patients with a hyperinflammatory state and should be prioritized for randomized trials in this situatio

Structure, diversity and the conservation value of tropical dry forests in highly fragmented landscapes

Although tropical dry forests are among the most degraded and fragmented biomes in the world, we still have a poor understanding of their basic ecological features and conservation status, particularly in the Neotropics. Here, we assess the diversity, composition, structure and conservation value of tropical dry forests in a highly fragmented landscape in Nicaragua. We established 31 plots and transects in and along river corridors, secondary forests, living fences and pasture-woodlands. We recorded all trees with diameters at breast height ≥ 2.5 cm using Hill numbers (qD, where q = 0, 1 or 2) and estimated the richness and diversity of trees in each forest type. We calculated the Importance Value Index (IVI) to species and family levels and, finally, performed a Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) ordination and an Analysis of Similarities (ANOSIM) using the Bray-Curtis index of similarity. Diversity (1D, 2D) but not species richness (0D) differed between forest types (P = 0.01 and 0.66, respectively). IVI was highest for the legume family Fabaceae, followed by the Moraceae and Malvaceae (27.8, 11.1 and 10.5, respectively). Vachellia pennatula, Guazuma ulmifolia and Bursera simaruba had IVIs >30%, the former two being the most abundant trees in all forest types. An analysis of community similarity revealed that each forest type had a distinct composition (P < 0.01, R2 = 0.30), thereby underlining the importance of conserving all these different types of land cover

Efecto del riego y la fertilización sobre la calidad de plántulas forestales con potencial uso para restauración del bosque tropical seco

Seedling quality is a key factor influencing growth and survival after transplantation, but few studies have evaluated the effect of cultural practices on the quality of seedlings of broadleaf species natives of the tropical dry forest. In this study, we evaluated the effect of irrigation and fertilization on the quality of forest seedlings with potential use for&nbsp;&nbsp; tropical dry forests restoration. A completely randomized design was used to test the effect of two intensities of irrigation and fertilization on the quality of seedlings of Swietenia humilis Zucc, Cedrela odorata L. (both Meliaceae) and Ceiba Pentandra, C.F. Gaertn (Malvaceae) during 75 days in the nursery. The Dickson seedling quality index was significantly different between species because of irrigation (P &lt; 0.05). The root mass fraction differed between species because of the additional fertilization (P &lt; 0.05). Slenderness also differed between species depending on irrigation (P &lt; 0.0001) and fertilization (P &lt; 0.05). The application of additional nutrients significantly increased the diameter of the root neck in the three species (P &lt; 0.05) and the ratio of dry root biomass and area (P &lt; 0.05). The height of the seedlings and the total dry weight of the seedlings was higher with additional nutrients and constant irrigation (P &lt; 0.05) and (P &lt; 0.05), respectively. Our data indicate that the seedlings obtained are of high quality and could guarantee greater post-transplant survival.La calidad de plántulas es un factor clave que influye en el crecimiento y sobrevivencia luego del trasplante, pero pocos estudios han evaluado el efecto de las prácticas culturales sobre la calidad de especies latifoliadas nativas del bosque seco tropical. En este estudio, se evaluó el efecto del riego y la fertilización sobre la calidad de plántulas forestales con potencial uso para restauración de bosques secos tropicales. Se utilizó un diseño completamente aleatorizado para probar el efecto de dos intensidades de riego y de fertilización sobre la calidad de plántulas de Swietenia humilis Zucc, Cedrela odorata L. (ambas Meliaceae) y Ceiba Pentandra, C.F. Gaertn (Malvaceae) durante 75 días en vivero. El índice de calidad de plántulas de Dickson fue significativamente diferente entre especies debido al riego (P &lt; 0,05). La fracción de masa de raíz difirió entre especies debido a la fertilización adicional (P &lt; 0,05). La Esbeltez difirió entre especies en función del riego (P &lt; 0,0001) y la fertilización (P &lt; 0,05). La aplicación de nutrientes adicionales incremento significativamente el diámetro al cuello de la raíz en las tres especies (P &lt; 0,05) y la relación de biomasa seca de raíz y área (P &lt; 0,05). La altura de las plántulas y el peso seco total fue mayor con nutrientes adicionales y riego constante (P &lt; 0,05 y P &lt; 0,05 respectivamente). Nuestros datos indican que las plántulas obtenidas son de alta calidad y podrían garantizar una mayor sobrevivencia post trasplante

Table_1_Multi-dimensional temperature sensitivity of protected tropical mountain rain forests.docx

IntroductionTropical mountain rain forests (TMRF, natural forests at > 300 m asl) are globally important for biodiversity and ecosystem services and are believed to be highly vulnerable to climate change. But there are no specific approaches for rigorous assessment of their vulnerability at the landscape and local scales necessary for management for adaptation. We address the challenge of evaluating the ecological sensitivity to temperature of TMRF, applying a multidimensional approach in protected areas over a 440–2,950 m asl altitudinal gradient in Costa Rica, synthesizing results of a long-term research programme (2012-present). We evaluate the sensitivity to the current spatial temperature gradient of eleven ecosystem properties in three categories: forest composition and diversity, thermal characteristics of forest stands and forest structure and dynamics.MethodsData are from 29 to 32 plots of 50 m x 50 m (0.25 ha) distributed over the gradient, in which all trees, palms and tree ferns ≥ 10 dbh are identified to species and measured for recruitment, growth and mortality. An experimental study of leaf litter decomposition rates was carried out in twelve plots. Current and future (SSP 585, 2070) values of mean annual temperatures MAT were obtained from online climate surfaces. Thermal characteristics of forest stands were determined using MATs of species occurrences in GBIF and include a new index, the Community Thermal Capital Index (CTCI), calculated as CTI-MAT.ResultsWe classified degrees of sensitivity to temperature as very weak, weak, moderate or substantial. All eleven ecosystem properties are substantially sensitive, so changes in their values are expected under rising temperatures. Species density, the community temperature index CTI, tree recruitment and mortality rates and leaf litter decomposition rates are positively related to temperature, while the community weighted mean thermal niche breadth, the CTCI, net basal area increments, stand basal area and carbon in aboveground biomass are negatively related. Results point to zones of vulnerability in the protected areas.DiscussionIn montane forests, positive values of the CTCI–climate credit– robust basal area growth and very low mortality and leaf litter decomposition rates suggest healthy ecosystems and no risk of mountaintop extinction. Lowland forests may be vulnerable to degradation and biotic attrition, showing current basal area loss, high mortality and climate debts. National and local actors are participating in a process of adoption of the sensitivity analysis and recommendations regarding zones of vulnerability.</p

Table_2_Multi-dimensional temperature sensitivity of protected tropical mountain rain forests.docx

IntroductionTropical mountain rain forests (TMRF, natural forests at > 300 m asl) are globally important for biodiversity and ecosystem services and are believed to be highly vulnerable to climate change. But there are no specific approaches for rigorous assessment of their vulnerability at the landscape and local scales necessary for management for adaptation. We address the challenge of evaluating the ecological sensitivity to temperature of TMRF, applying a multidimensional approach in protected areas over a 440–2,950 m asl altitudinal gradient in Costa Rica, synthesizing results of a long-term research programme (2012-present). We evaluate the sensitivity to the current spatial temperature gradient of eleven ecosystem properties in three categories: forest composition and diversity, thermal characteristics of forest stands and forest structure and dynamics.MethodsData are from 29 to 32 plots of 50 m x 50 m (0.25 ha) distributed over the gradient, in which all trees, palms and tree ferns ≥ 10 dbh are identified to species and measured for recruitment, growth and mortality. An experimental study of leaf litter decomposition rates was carried out in twelve plots. Current and future (SSP 585, 2070) values of mean annual temperatures MAT were obtained from online climate surfaces. Thermal characteristics of forest stands were determined using MATs of species occurrences in GBIF and include a new index, the Community Thermal Capital Index (CTCI), calculated as CTI-MAT.ResultsWe classified degrees of sensitivity to temperature as very weak, weak, moderate or substantial. All eleven ecosystem properties are substantially sensitive, so changes in their values are expected under rising temperatures. Species density, the community temperature index CTI, tree recruitment and mortality rates and leaf litter decomposition rates are positively related to temperature, while the community weighted mean thermal niche breadth, the CTCI, net basal area increments, stand basal area and carbon in aboveground biomass are negatively related. Results point to zones of vulnerability in the protected areas.DiscussionIn montane forests, positive values of the CTCI–climate credit– robust basal area growth and very low mortality and leaf litter decomposition rates suggest healthy ecosystems and no risk of mountaintop extinction. Lowland forests may be vulnerable to degradation and biotic attrition, showing current basal area loss, high mortality and climate debts. National and local actors are participating in a process of adoption of the sensitivity analysis and recommendations regarding zones of vulnerability.</p

Data_Sheet_1_Multi-dimensional temperature sensitivity of protected tropical mountain rain forests.docx

IntroductionTropical mountain rain forests (TMRF, natural forests at > 300 m asl) are globally important for biodiversity and ecosystem services and are believed to be highly vulnerable to climate change. But there are no specific approaches for rigorous assessment of their vulnerability at the landscape and local scales necessary for management for adaptation. We address the challenge of evaluating the ecological sensitivity to temperature of TMRF, applying a multidimensional approach in protected areas over a 440–2,950 m asl altitudinal gradient in Costa Rica, synthesizing results of a long-term research programme (2012-present). We evaluate the sensitivity to the current spatial temperature gradient of eleven ecosystem properties in three categories: forest composition and diversity, thermal characteristics of forest stands and forest structure and dynamics.MethodsData are from 29 to 32 plots of 50 m x 50 m (0.25 ha) distributed over the gradient, in which all trees, palms and tree ferns ≥ 10 dbh are identified to species and measured for recruitment, growth and mortality. An experimental study of leaf litter decomposition rates was carried out in twelve plots. Current and future (SSP 585, 2070) values of mean annual temperatures MAT were obtained from online climate surfaces. Thermal characteristics of forest stands were determined using MATs of species occurrences in GBIF and include a new index, the Community Thermal Capital Index (CTCI), calculated as CTI-MAT.ResultsWe classified degrees of sensitivity to temperature as very weak, weak, moderate or substantial. All eleven ecosystem properties are substantially sensitive, so changes in their values are expected under rising temperatures. Species density, the community temperature index CTI, tree recruitment and mortality rates and leaf litter decomposition rates are positively related to temperature, while the community weighted mean thermal niche breadth, the CTCI, net basal area increments, stand basal area and carbon in aboveground biomass are negatively related. Results point to zones of vulnerability in the protected areas.DiscussionIn montane forests, positive values of the CTCI–climate credit– robust basal area growth and very low mortality and leaf litter decomposition rates suggest healthy ecosystems and no risk of mountaintop extinction. Lowland forests may be vulnerable to degradation and biotic attrition, showing current basal area loss, high mortality and climate debts. National and local actors are participating in a process of adoption of the sensitivity analysis and recommendations regarding zones of vulnerability.</p