Una aproximación filosófica al concepto de naturaleza

This article is a philosophical elucidation about the concept of nature in relation to man. The question is not idle: is there something such as nature, or is it only a way of stringing together everything that is not man-made? Given that the ethical, political and instrumental dimension that will be adopted depends on the way in which this concept is constructed. The concept of life is also analyzed. It is concluded that the solutions for biosphere sustainability must be radical and that there is no need to depend on the ghost of our disappearance as a species to make definitive and long-term decisions

Physical-chemical properties and microstructural characterization of traditional mexican chili (Capsicum annuum L.) powders.

Es un artículo científico publicado en la revista Agro Productividad, la cual se encuentra indizada en CONACyT, LATINDEXThe chili (Capsicum annuum L.) (Solanaceae) is native of America, is consumed as vegetable, spice, and as source of vitamins A, C and E, carotenoids, and capsaicin which produce the characteristic pungency of Capsicum species. The chili in Mexico is usually processed in dried form to conserve its color and flavor. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the physical-chemical properties and characterize the microstructure of four varieties of traditional Mexican chili (Capsicum annuum L.) powders: “Arbol”, “Guajillo”, “Piquin” and “Mole ranchero” (Ancho chili). Physical-chemical properties of chili powders were evaluated by means of moisture content, particle size, aerated and tapped bulk density, Carr index, Hausner ratio, angle of repose (flow properties), capsaicin, and carotenoids content. Microstructure of samples was characterized by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. ANOVA analysis and Tukey test were performed to evaluate the significant statistical difference between samples at 95% of confidence level. “Arbol”, “Guajillo”, “Piquin” and “Mole Ranchero” chili powders presented a cohesive behavior respect to its flow properties related to aerated and tapped bulk density, angle of repose, Carr Index, and Hausner ratio values under moisture content between 6.59-14.48 g H2O/100g d.s. “Arbol” and “Piquin” chili powders presented the higher capsaicin content, while “Guajillo” and “Mole ranchero” showed the higher carotenoids content. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of secondary amide, phenolic groups, alkanes, and aliphatic chains that belong to capsaicin structure at specific absorption bands. Microstructure of chili powders presented particles with surface imperfections as cracks and dents, and smooth surface that influence physical- chemical and flowability properties. Moisture content between 6.59 and 14.48 g H2O/100g d.s. influences the physical- chemical properties, flowability and microstructure of traditional Mexican chili powders. To improve physical- chemical properties and flowability behavior of chili powders is required that moisture content be lower than 6.59 H2O/100g d.s

Quality Seal for Artisanal Chorizo in Valle de Toluca: Keys to Obtaining a Collective Brand

Artículo CientíficoObjective: To identify the socioeconomic and cultural conditions necessary for obtaining a quality seal for artisanal chorizo in Valle de Toluca, Mexico. Methodological Design: A qualitative approach was made from the perspective of Localized Agrifood Systems, for the analysis of an artisanal food. The participative approach, observation, and semi-structured interviews were useful tools to carry out the research. Results: Valle de Toluca has a traditional food that identifies it, as is the case of chorizo in its red and green versions, around which there is the possibility of implementing a quality seal for its differentiation and protection. Limitations: The study was limited to the work carried out with the chorizo producers belonging to Valle de Toluca; in this sense it is necessary to assess the implementation of a differentiating seal for a traditional food which faces disloyal competition, both from the producers’ trade union and from the food industry, consisting in the elaboration of generic products that have the same name, although their quality is not the same. Conclusions: It is necessary to develop a participative and territorial perspective.Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologí

Construction of Social Sustainability in Milk Production Systems in Central Mexico

Objective: To build mathematical models to evaluate the social sustainability of small-scale milk production systems. Design/Methodology/Approach: Thirty small-scale cowsheds were analyzed. Two models were built using multivariate regression, estimated with ordinary least squares and considering the factors that producers perceive as important for social sustainability. Results: The first model (ER) included tangible variables and the second intangible variables (SR). Both models explained more than 80% of the variables associated with social sustainability. Study Limitations/Implications: The results represent an effort to link the statistical analysis with qualitative data that is difficult to quantify. Conclusions: The ER and SR models represent a proposal for counting immaterial indicators so they can be incorporated into the sustainability analysis. Both models could be a methodological proposal to connect statistical data with purely qualitative data such as perceptionThis study is part of the project with key 129449/2009 financed by CONACy

Flora, vegetación y paisaje de la región de las altas montañas de Veracruz, México, elementos importantes para el turismo de naturaleza

Objective: To describe the flora, vegetation and landscape of the Altas Montañas region of Veracruz, as important elements for nature-based tourism. Design/methodology/approach: Through an exhaustive checking of bibliography, CORU herbarium and database of MEXU herbarium, we obtained an estimation of floristic richness of the region. By means of fieldwork for more than 10 years in the region and review of literature, we described here the dominant vegetation types and landscapes.    Results: 3180 species of vascular plants are estimated for the Altas Montañas region. We also described nine types of natural vegetation and concerning the landscape, we described three main groups: high mountains, medium mountains and lowlands. Study limitations/implications: No limitations were found in this study. Discoveries/conclusions: The number of plant species in this region is high, compared to Tehuacán-Cuicatlán or Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserves. In the same way, there is a high number of ecosystems, so there is also a very attractive and diverse landscape to develop any kind of nature-based tourism.Objetivo: Describir la flora, vegetación y el paisaje de la región de las Altas Montañas de Veracruz, como elementos importantes para el turismo de naturaleza Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Se llevó a cabo una revisión exhaustiva de literatura, del herbario CORU y de la base de datos del herbario MEXU, con el fin obtener una estimación de la riqueza florística de la región. Mediante recorridos de campo realizados por más de 10 años en la región y la revisión de literatura, se describieron los tipos de vegetación presentes y los tipos de paisaje dominantes. Resultados: Para la región de las Altas Montañas de Veracruz se estiman 3180 especies de plantas vasculares, así como también se describen nueve tipos de vegetación natural. Concerniente a la descripción del paisaje se observan tres grandes grupos: montañas altas, montañas medias y tierras bajas. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: No se enfrentaron limitaciones en el presente estudio. Hallazgos/conclusiones: El número de especies de plantas de esta región es alto, comparado con Reservas de la Biosfera como Tehuacán-Cuicatlán o Los Tuxtlas. Existe un alto número de ecosistemas, por lo que también hay un paisaje muy atractivo y variado para realizar el turismo de naturaleza en cualquiera de sus modalidades

Evaluación de la fertilización convencional y de liberación controlada, sobre la calidad de plantas de jagua (Genipa americana L.) en vivero

Objective: Select the type and dose of fertilizer suitable for the best quality, highest accumulation of dry biomass and photosynthetic rate in plants of G. americana L. during the nursery stage. Design/methodology/approach: A completely randomized experimental design with four repetitions was used. The plants were evaluated for a period of three months in nursery, for which at 20 days of age they were transplanted in 310 cm3 polyethylene tubes using a substrate composed of vermiculite, perlite and peat, which was mixed with Conventional fertilizer (CF) Triple 17 (17N-17P-17K) in doses of 3.3 (low), 6.6 (medium) and 10 kg * m-3 (high), and Osmocote® controlled release fertilizer (CRF) (15N-9P -12K), in doses of 10 (low), 20 (medium) and 30 kg * m-3 (high), plus a control without fertilization. The variables were measured: neck diameter, height, root length, aerial and radical biomass, robustness index (IR), biometric proportionality index (IPB), Dickson quality index (ICD) and photosynthetic rate. The averages were compared by the Tukey test at a 5% confidence level. Results: The plants of G. americana L. fertilized with Osmocote® in its three doses (high, medium and low) showed the highest growth in all morphological variables; in IR the Osmocote® generated plants of better quality than the control, the IPB only the high dose of Osmocote® was different from the control although it is considered of lower quality; and in the ICD the low and medium doses were better than the control since they are considered of better quality; the photosynthetic rate was better with the application of Osmocote® fertilizer in all its doses than Triple 17 and the control. Limitations on study/implications: The low dose (10 kg * m-3) of the Osmocote® fertilizer presents a good option to generate plants of G. americana L. since it did not show differences with the high dose, however nutritional deficiencies will be noticed after three months after of the transplant. Findings/conclusions: With the application of the Osmocote® controlled-release fertilizer in its three doses, plants of G. americana L. are obtained with better morphological attributes, greater biomass accumulation and photosynthetic rate than with the application of the conventional Triple 17 fertilizer.Objetivo: Seleccionar el tipo y dosis de fertilizante adecuado para obtener la mejor calidad, mayor acumulación de biomasa seca y tasa fotosintética en plantas de G. americana L. durante la etapa de vivero. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Se empleó un diseño experimental completamente al azar con cuatro repeticiones. Las plantas fueron evaluadas por un periodo de tres meses en vivero, para los cual a los 20 días de edad fueron trasplantadas en tubetes de polietileno de 310 cm3 de capacidad utilizando un sustrato compuesto de vermiculita, perlita y turba, el cual se mezcló con fertilizante convencional (FC) Triple 17 (17N-17P-17K) en dosis de 3.3 (baja), 6.6 (media) y 10 kg*m-3 (alta), y fertilizante de liberación controlada (FLC) Osmocote® (15N-9P-12K), en dosis de 10 (baja), 20 (media) y 30 kg*m-3 (alta), más un testigo sin fertilización. Se midieron las variables: diámetro del cuello, altura, longitud de raíces, biomasa aérea y radical, índice de robustez (IR), índice de proporcionalidad biométrica (IPB), índice de calidad de Dickson (ICD) y tasa fotosintética. Las medias fueron comparadas por la prueba de Tukey a un nivel del 5% de confianza. Resultados: Las plantas de G. americana L. fertilizadas con Osmocote® en sus tres dosis (alta, media y baja) presentaron el mejor desempeño en todas las variables morfológicas; en IR el Osmocote® generó plantas de mejor calidad que el testigo, en el IPB la dosis alta de Osmocote® fue de menor calidad que le testigo; y en el ICD las dosis baja y media resultaron ser mejores en calidad que el testigo; la tasa fotosintética fue mejor con la aplicación del fertilizante Osmocote® en todas sus dosis , respecto al fertilizante Triple 17 y al testigo. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: La dosis baja (10 kg*m-3) del fertilizante Osmocote® presenta una buena opción para generar plantas de G. americana L. ya que no presentó diferencias con la dosis alta, sin embargo se notar deficiencias nutrimentales a partir de los tres meses después del trasplante. Hallazgos/conclusiones: Con la aplicación del fertilizante de liberación controlada Osmocote®, en sus tres dosis, se lograron obtener plantas de G. americana L. con mejores atributos morfológicos, mayor acumulación de biomasa y tasa fotosintética, respecto a la aplicación del fertilizante convencional Triple 17

EVALUACIÓN DE LA PROGENIE DE GALLOS CRIOLLOS (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) CON CUELLO DESNUDO Y CRESTA ROSA

Objective: To evaluate the distribution of plumage [naked neck (Na) or normal (NN)] and the type of comb [simple (SC) or rose (RC)] in the progeny of creole roosters (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) with Na and RC. Design/methodology/approach: A completely random design was used, two groups, each one consisting of a rooster with Na and RC, and eight hens NN with SC were used to evaluate the type of neck and comb, and initial weight of the progeny. Results: The 53% of the progeny presented Na and 47% NN, while 81% showed RC and 19% SC. The initial live weight was similar in Na than in NN chickens and similar in RC and SC birds. Limitations on study/implications: In the revised of the literature, little information was found on the progeny of creole chickens with naked neck and rose comb. Hallazgos/conclusiones: Los resultados del presente trabajo demostraron que al cruzar gallos cuello desnudo y cresta rosa con gallinas cuello normal y cresta simple en su progenie se pueden observar ambos tipos de cuello y una mayor presencia de pollos con cresta rosa, sin presentar diferencia de peso inicial. Findings/conclusions: The results of the present work showed that when crossing roosted naked neck and rose comb with hens normal neck and simple crest in their progeny, can be observed both types of neck and a greater presence chickens with rose comb, without presenting a difference in weight initial.Objetivo: Evaluar la distribución del plumaje [cuello desnudo (CD) o cuello normal (CN)] y tipo de cresta [cresta simple (CS) o cresta rosa (CR)] en la progenie de gallos criollos (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) con cuello desnudo CD y CR. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar, dos grupos, cada uno conformado por un gallo con CD y CR, y ocho gallinas CN con CS fueron utilizados para evaluar la distribución del plumaje, tipo de cresta, y peso inicial de la progenie. Los datos fueron analizados con una prueba de Chi-cuadrada. Resultados: El 53% de la progenie presentó CD y el 47% CN, mientras que, el 81% mostró CR y el 19% CS. El peso vivo inicial fue similar en pollos CD comparados con CN y similar con CR y CS. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: En la revisión de literatura revisada se encontró poca información sobre la progenie de pollos criollos con cuello desnudo y cresta rosa Hallazgos/conclusiones: Los resultados del presente, demostraron que al cruzar gallos cuello desnudo y cresta rosa con gallinas cuello normal y cresta simple en su progenie se pueden observar ambos tipos de cuello y mayor cantidad de pollos con cresta rosa, sin presentar diferencia de peso inicial

LA VALORACIÓN ECONOMICA EN GANADERÍA

Livestock production companies represent an important weight in the economy of many countries and, therefore, tools are necessary which help livestock producers in making decisions to determine the value of their assets, such as livestock, in a quick and accurate manner. The problem is that there are no such tools for the valuation; therefore, in this study, we attempt to present a view of the current situation of livestock valuation, showing theoretical models of unitary valuation for some species in function of the contribution of the future benefits that it generatesLas empresas ganaderas representan un peso importante en la economía de muchos países, y por ello, son necesarias herramientas que ayuden a los ganaderos en la toma de decisiones para determinar de forma rápida y real el valor de sus activos, tales como los animales vivos. El problema es que no existen tales herramientas para la valoración, por ello, el este estudio, se pretende dar una visión de la situación actual de la valoración del ganado, mostrando modelos teóricos de valoración unitaria para algunas especies en función de la contribución de los beneficios futuros que genere

BIFUNCIONALIDAD DE LAS PROTEÍNAS Y PÉPTIDOS DE LA LECHE, PERSPECTIVAS DE SU USO

Objective: The aim of this study was to show some of the technological and biological properties of whey proteins and peptides reported in the literature. Design / methodology / approach: A search was made through scientific publications in different scientific and academic databases such as Scielo, Scopus, Latindex, Redalyc, Google Scholar, among others. Results: The literature reports that whey peptides and proteins have important biological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-thrombotic, anti-hypertensive, anti-cancer and antioxidant. On the other hand, whey proteins have important technological characteristics that make them useful in the food industry. Study limitations / implications: More studies are required in order to establish a dual function (biological-technological) of the whey peptides and proteins. Findings / conclusions: Whey peptides and proteins can be an alternative of bifunctional use, taking advantage of their biological and technological activity in the development of functional foods for the prevention, treatment and control of common diseases in our country such as hypertension, type II diabetes and different types of cancer.Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo fue mostrar algunas de las propiedades tecnológicas y biológicas de las proteínas y péptidos de suero de leche reportadas en la literatura. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Se realizó una búsqueda a través de publicaciones científicas en diferentes bases de datos científicas y académicas como Scielo, Scopus, Latindex, Redalyc, Google académico entre otras. Resultados: La literatura reporta que los péptidos y proteínas de suero de leche tienen actividades biológicas importantes como son la antimicrobiana, anti-trombótica, anti-hipertensiva, anticancerígena y antioxidante. Por otro lado, las proteínas del suero de leche cuentan con características tecnológicas importantes que las hacen útiles en la industria de los alimentos. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: Se requieren de más estudios para poder establecer una función dual (biológica-tecnológica) de los péptidos y proteínas de suero de leche. Hallazgos/conclusiones: Los péptidos y  proteínas  de suero de leche pueden ser una alternativa de uso bifuncional aprovechando su actividad biológica y tecnológica en el desarrollo de alimentos funcionales para la prevención, tratamiento y control de enfermedades comunes en nuestro país como la hipertensión, la diabetes tipo II y diferentes tipos de cáncer

EFECTO DEL NIVEL DE ALIMENTACION SOBRE LA PRODUCCION DE GAS METANO IN VITRO.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of four levels of simulated in vitro feeding on the production of in vitro methane.  Design/methodology/approach: The simulated levels of feeding in vitro were: 5.7 kg DM, 11.9 kg DM, 19.5 kg DM and 21.8 kg DS since these levels of feeding can be found in vivo in different livestock farms in the world. The technique of in vitro gas production was used to incubate samples of native grass dominated by Penisetum clandestinum (80%) and weeds (20%) in four levels; DM0.57, DM1.19, DM1.95, DM2.18 at 12, 24, 48 and 72 h. Results: Significant differences (p<0.05) were found between the different levels of DM at 12 hours, with DM0.57 and DM1.19 being different from DM1.95, DM2.18. At 24 h DM0.57 presented the lowest concentration and was significantly different (P<0.05) of the other levels of DM. At 48 and 72 h, DM1.19 was significantly different (P<0.05) than the rest of the levels studied since it presented the lowest concentration of CH4, while DM0.57 at 72 h presented the highest concentration of CH4. Study limitations/implications: The results of this study were obtained from an in vitro study, therefore, they are not directly applicable to enteric emissions in vivo; however, they represent an approximation to how much metabolizable energy can be lost in the form of methane. Findings/conclusions: A linear effect was observed from the four levels of feeding simulated in vitro over the accumulated production of methane at 12 h post-incubation. The levels DM0.57 and DM1.19 presented the lowest methane production at 24 and 48 h, respectively.Objetivo: evaluar el efecto de cuatro niveles de alimentación simulados in vitro sobre la producción de metano in vitro. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Los niveles de alimentación simulados in vitro fueron; 5.7 kg MS, 11.9 kg MS, 19.5 kg MS y 21.8 kg MS ya que estos niveles de alimentación pueden presentarse in vivo en diferentes explotaciones ganaderas del mundo. Se utilizó la técnica de producción de gas in vitro para incubar muestras de pasto nativo dominado por Penisetum clandestinum (80%) y malezas (20%) en cuatro niveles; MS0.57, MS1.19, MS1.95, MS2.18 a las 12, 24, 48 y 72 h. Resultados: se encontraron diferencias significativas (p<0.05) entre los diferentes niveles de MS a las 12 h, siendo diferentes MS0.57 y MS1.19 de MS1.95, MS2.18. A las 24 horas MS0.57 presentó la menor concentración y fue diferente significativamente (P<0.05) de los otros niveles de MS. A las 48 y 72 h MS1.19 fue significativamente diferente (P<0.05) al resto de los niveles evaluados ya que presentó la menor concentración de CH4 mientras que MS0.57 a las 72 h, presentó la mayor concentración de CH4. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: los resultados de este trabajo fueron obtenidos a partir de un estudio in vitro; por lo tanto, no son aplicables directamente a las emisiones entéricas in vivo, no obstante, se tiene una aproximación de cuanta energía metabolizable se puede perder en forma de metano. Hallazgos/conclusiones: se observó un efecto lineal de los cuatro niveles de alimentación simulados in vitro sobre la producción acumulada de metano a las 12 h posterior a la incubación. Los niveles MS0.57 y MS1.19 presentaron la menor producción de metano a las 24 y 48 h, respectivamente