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This study unveils the causal effect of authoritative violence on individuals’ likelihood to migrate. Specifically, we examine the migration patterns of Venezuelans during the 2017–2018 political and economic crisis. We draw insights from regional-level data on civilian casualties caused by security forces, along with information extracted from the ENCOVI-2018 survey data that captures migration flows. The estimates rely on travel time from the capital city as an instrumental variable and are robust to the inclusion of several household- and socio-economic regional-level characteristics. The findings strongly suggest that authoritative violence is a significant non-economic push factor for international migration. Moreover, additional evidence indicates that this type of violence influences the skill composition of migrants, especially in the context of South-to-South migration flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. coexist in several endemic areas, and there are few studies of Chagas disease and leishmaniasis coinfection worldwide; for this reason, the objective of this work was to determine the Chagas disease and leishmaniasis coinfection in several rural communities co-endemic for these diseases. Methods: A total of 1107 human samples from six co-endemic rural communities of Cojedes state, Venezuela, were analyzed. Serum samples were evaluated by ELISA, indirect hemagglutination, and indirect immunofluorescence for Chagas disease diagnosis, and individuals were evaluated for leishmaniasis by leishmanin skin test (LST). Approximately, 30% of the individuals were also analyzed by PCR (blood clot samples) for T. cruzi and for Leishmania spp. Results: The 14.7% of the individuals were positive to Trypanosoma cruzi infection by serology, and 25.8% were positive to Leishmania spp. current or past infection by LST. Among the group with PCR results, 7.8% were positive for T. cruzi, and 9.4% for Leishmania spp. The coinfection T. cruzi/Leishmania spp. was 6.5%. The T. cruzi DTUs of the positive blood clot samples were TcI, revealed using the molecular markers: (i) intergenic region of the miniexon, (ii) D7 divergent domain of the 24Sα rDNA, (iii) size-variable domain of the 18S rDNA, and (iv) hsp60-PCR–RFLP (EcoRV). The Leishmania species identified were L. (Leishmania) mexicana and L. (Viannia) braziliensis. Conclusion: A high prevalence was found for T. cruzi and Leishmania spp. single and coinfections in almost all communities studied, being these results of relevance for the implementation of control programs in co-endemic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is estimated that 6–7 million people worldwide are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. In Venezuela, Chagas disease remains a public health problem. In this work, T. cruzi isolates from six species of triatomines and mammals of the orders Didelphimorphia and Xenarthra, captured in rural communities of Monagas, underwent parasitological and molecular characterization. A total of 471 triatomines and 17 mammals were captured, with a natural infection rate of 41.4% and 70.6%, respectively. In the male NMRI mouse model used for parasitological characterization (prepatent period, parasitemia curve, mouse mortality, and tissular parasitism), T. cruzi isolates exhibited high lethality due to their pronounced virulence, irrespective of the parasite load in each mouse, resulting in a mortality rate of 75%. Among the vector isolates, in the mouse model, only 2 out of 6 remained alive, while the rest perished during the evaluation. Conversely, the isolates from mammals proved fatal for all the inoculated mice. All isolates were identified as belonging to DTU TcI, based on the molecular markers such as the intergenic region of the miniexon, D7 divergent domain of the 24Sα rDNA, size-variable domain of the 18S rDNA, and hsp60-PCR–RFLP-EcoRV. This study demonstrates the presence of vectors and mammalian reservoirs naturally infected with T. cruzi in communities of Monagas, the 9th largest and 9th most populous state in Venezuela. This situation represents a neglected epidemiological problem demanding urgent attention and imperative health care intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When men migrate from Venezuela for survival, they bring with them a forming political self related to local daily encounters with threatening political practices in their country of origin and through transit countries. The political self is formed in interpersonal interactions in the pursuit to sustain life even as trust has been eroded. Increased attention to lived experience within survival migration brings together migration studies, political science, and psychodynamic theories related to violence and trust. Drawing from pastoral care encounters in Ecuador, the article provides a nascent construct on the political self that influences men in terms of their own sense of care, responsibility, and personhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyrtocarpa is a generic name that has been applied to members of a complex of dry-habitat Neotropical taxa, but recent investigations have revealed that in fact this group represents three distinct genera. Tumultivenia and Uniostium, two new genera of Anacardiaceae-Spondioideae, are described and illustrated, as is one new species, Cyrtocarpa caribaea. Both new genera are strongly supported as distinct in a published phylogeny. Uniostium velutinifolium was originally published in Bursera and subsequently combined in both Tapirira and Cyrtocarpa, while Tumultivenia caatingae was originally published in Cyrtocarpa. The number of locules and number and position of opercula in the pyrene provide the salient characters distinguishing these genera. The new species is a distinctive member of Cyrtocarpa sensu stricto but requires more collections (including flowering material) as well as material for molecular studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In general, migrants in illegal situations encounter a greater barrier to accessing medical care because of their migration status due to not having the required documentation to be able to obtain insurance in the receiving country. Objective: To evaluate the association between migration status and the use of health services in the Venezuelan population residing in Peru. Methods: Data from the second Survey Directed to the Venezuelan Population Residing in Peru (ENPOVE) of 2022 were analyzed. The dependent variable was use of health services in the last month. The exposure variable was migration status (legal/illegal). Generalized linear models of the Poisson family with link log function were used to obtain crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR), for potential confounding variables. Additionally, we evaluated the association of interest, stratified by gender. Findings: Data from 1569 migrants were analyzed. Participants with illegal migration status represented 32.4% (men: 24.3%; women: 36.7%); likewise, 58.1% did not use health services. Illegal migration status was associated with lower health care use (aPR: 0.75; 95%CI: 0.61–0.92). Likewise, after stratifying by sex, the association was maintained only in male migrants (aPR: 0.53; 95%CI: 0.39–0.82) but not in women (aPR: 0.84; 95%CI: 0.67–1.05). Conclusion: 58.1% of Venezuelan migrants in Peru did not seek medical attention despite having health problems. Having an illegal immigration status leads to a lower probability of using these services, especially in men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite observations have been used to measure methane (CH4) emissions from the oil and gas (O&G) industry, particularly by revealing previously undocumented, very large emission events and basin-level emission estimates. However, most satellite systems use passive remote sensing to retrieve CH4 mixing ratios, which is sensitive to sunlight, earth surface properties, and atmospheric conditions. Accordingly, the reliability of satellites for routine CH4 emissions monitoring varies across the globe. To better understand the potentials and limitations of routine monitoring of CH4 emissions with satellites, we investigated the global observational coverage of the TROPOMI instrument onboard the Sentinel-5P satellite—the only satellite system currently with daily global coverage. A 0.1° × 0.1° gridded global map that indicates the average number of days with valid observations from TROPOMI for 2019–2021 was generated by following the measurement retrieval quality-assurance threshold (≥ 0.5). We found TROPOMI had promising observational coverage over dryland regions (maximum: 58.6%) but limited coverage over tropical regions and high latitudes (minimum: 0%). Cloud cover and solar zenith angle were the primary factors affecting observational coverage at high latitudes, while aerosol optical thickness was the primary factor over dryland regions. To further assess the country-level reliability of satellites for detecting and quantifying CH4 emissions from the onshore O&G sector, we extracted the average annual TROPOMI observational coverage (TOC) over onshore O&G infrastructure for 160 countries. Seven of the top-10 O&G-producing countries had an average annual TOC < 10% (< 36 days per year), which indicates the limited ability to routinely identify large emissions events, track their duration, and quantify emissions rates using inverse modelling. We further assessed the potential performance of the latter by combining TOC and the uncertainties from the global O&G inventory. Results indicate that the accuracy of emissions quantifications of onshore O&G sources using TROPOMI data and inverse modeling will be higher in countries located in dryland and mid-latitude regions and lower in tropical and high-latitude regions. Therefore, current passive-sensing satellites have low potential for frequent monitoring of large methane emissions from O&G sectors in countries located in tropical and high latitudes (e.g., Canada, Russia, Brazil, Norway, and Venezuela). Alternative methods should be considered for routine emissions monitoring in these regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.) is an economically important crop in tropical regions, and viral diseases are main production constraints. The main objective of this study was to identify naturally occurring cassava virus X (CsVX) infections in selected cassava germplasm accessions commonly used in breeding programs in the Amazon region of Brazil. Out of 14 accessions analyzed, three showed the presence of CsVX. Comparative analysis of nucleotide and amino acid sequences within the CP region revealed the highest identities of 82.3% and 97.2%, respectively, with a CsVX sequence from Venezuela (NC_034375). Notably, this Venezuelan sequence exhibited close relationships with nearly complete CsVX sequences from Brazil, China, and Colombia, as assembled in this study. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic diversity of CsVX and highlight the potential implications of novel potexvirus infections specifically in the cassava production context in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a tribute to Rasanayagam (Rudy) Rudran, a renowned primatologist and conservationist. Born in Sri Lanka, Rudy conducted groundbreaking research on langurs and blue monkeys, studying their behavior and ecology. He faced challenges and adapted to socio-political conditions during his fieldwork in Uganda and Venezuela. Rudy also made significant contributions to conservation efforts in Sri Lanka, including the establishment of national parks and raising environmental awareness among the local population. He continued to work on primate conservation even after retiring from the Smithsonian Institution. Rudy's legacy as a teacher and mentor in the field of conservation is widely recognized and respected. [Extracted from the article]

Reducing methane emissions from fossil fuel exploitation (oil, gas, coal) is an important target for climate policy, but current national emission inventories submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are highly uncertain. Here we use 22 months (May 2018-Feb 2020) of satellite observations from the TROPOMI instrument to better quantify national emissions worldwide by inverse analysis at up to 50 km resolution. We find global emissions of 62.7 ± 11.5 (2σ) Tg a−1 for oil-gas and 32.7 ± 5.2 Tg a−1 for coal. Oil-gas emissions are 30% higher than the global total from UNFCCC reports, mainly due to under-reporting by the four largest emitters including the US, Russia, Venezuela, and Turkmenistan. Eight countries have methane emission intensities from the oil-gas sector exceeding 5% of their gas production (20% for Venezuela, Iraq, and Angola), and lowering these intensities to the global average level of 2.4% would reduce global oil-gas emissions by 11 Tg a−1 or 18%. High-resolution satellite data enables a unique verification of national methane emissions worldwide. Global estimates are 63 Tg a−1 for oil-gas, 30% higher than the UNFCCC reports due to under-reporting by four largest emitters, and 33 Tg a−1 for coal, consistent with previous estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The territory of the Wayuu indigenous people comprises a small, low mountain range surrounded by a large desert that extends from Colombia to Venezuela in the Guajira peninsula. In pre-Columbian times, Wayuu livelihoods relied mainly on fishing and hunting in the littoral zone. Following the Spanish conquest, in their fight to maintain their territorial integrity they turned to rearing cattle, goats, and sheep they captured from colonists. They maintained their struggle against colonisation post-independence. In Colombia they have only recently obtained political devolution through legal recognition of their indigenous territories. Their economy now relies on animal husbandry to combat food insecurity. Our ethnographic study of Wayuu pastoralism confirmed our hypothesis that rearing goats and sheep has become integral to maintaining their cultural traditions, and revealed that the role of both male and female herders has become instrumental in their rituals, and integral to maintaining their longstanding patterns of reciprocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current era of the attention economy, users find themselves in social networks over-saturated with advertising that tends not to catch the public's attention or have great credibility. In this sense, brands are trying to get closer to their audiences by using non-invasive, user-generated storytelling strategies with a more natural and experience-focused message. This research aims to compare which narrative elements used by the official accounts of 5 Ibero-American nation brands on Instagram and by the users (UGC) of hashtags promoted from those official accounts generate greater organic interaction on that social network (likes and comments). With a correlational view, we seek to compare whether the promotion of countries generates greater interaction between those generated by owned media and by users (UGC). For this purpose, two analysis sheets were designed and validated to perform quantitative, descriptive, and correlational content analysis and were applied, on the one hand, to 5 official profiles of Ibero-American countries (Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, and Venezuela) and on the other hand, using the hashtags promoted from these official accounts, the 100 posts of user-generated content (UGC) with greater relevance according to the platform were chosen. The main results show that Reels reach almost five times higher than any other type of posts in UGC accounts, while on the contrary, in corporate accounts, they are the types of content with the least interactions. Unlike what one might think, contests (giveaways) on official accounts generated fewer likes and social responsibility content, and posts featuring influencers and celebrities also failed to achieve significant interactions. Overall, official accounts generate the same amount of likes as UGC but significantly fewer comments. Brands only outperform UGC in likes in individual Photographs or Photo Rolls, while UCG outperforms brands in Reels for both metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2018, Twitter has steadily released into the public domain content discovered on the platform and believed to be associated with information operations originating from more than a dozen state-backed organizations. Leveraging this dataset, we explore inter-state coordination amongst state-backed information operations and find evidence of intentional, strategic interaction amongst thirteen different states, separate and distinct from within-state operations. We find that coordinated, inter-state information operations attract greater engagement than baseline information operations and appear to come online in service to specific aims. We explore these ideas in depth through two case studies on the coordination between Cuba and Venezuela, and between Russia and Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violence is a significant social problem in many cities throughout the world. In seeking to prevent or control violence, communities have put in place a variety of interventions. Many of these rely on the formal criminal justice process to arrest, prosecute, and imprison offenders. However, formal social control is well known to be an incomplete solution to violence. As a result, some communities have experimented with community-based solutions. One such approach is Cure Violence, an initiative that treats violence as a public health issue. Based on methods used to prevent the spread of infectious disease, Cure Violence seeks to stop the spread of violence within communities. This study presents qualitative results on the implementation of Cure Violence in Trinidad and Tobago, a two-island nation in the southeastern Caribbean near Venezuela. We conducted 36 in-depth semi-structured interviews and two focus groups with a variety of stakeholders, including program staff, residents, family members of victims, and police. Our findings suggest that the implementation of Cure Violence in Trinidad and Tobago led to educational and employment support for community members and a reduction in violence, particularly retaliation killings in the target communities. Our results are useful for understanding the factors that shape the implementation of community-based violence reduction initiatives like Cure Violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We aimed to determinate the frequency of this association and compare the features of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) with and without associated autoimmune diseases (AD) in a Latin American (LATAM) population in clinical practice. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with NMOSD according to the 2015 diagnostic criteria. Patients from Argentina (n=77), Brazil (n=46), and Venezuela (n=17) were enrolled and classified into two groups as follows: with AD or without AD. Clinical, paraclinical (including aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-ab) status), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and prognosis data were analyzed and compared. Kaplan-Meier (KM) and the Nelson-Aalen estimator analyses were performed to estimate both time and the cumulative hazard risk of disability reaching an EDSS≥4; and time for the first recurrence. Results: Out of 140 patients, 33 (23.5%) patients had associated an AD at presentation. The most frequent associated AD was Hashimoto disease (n=10) followed by lupus (n=7) and Sjogren's syndrome (n=6). However, rituximab use (42.4% vs. 21.5%, p=0.02), female gender (82.2% vs. 100%, p=0.006), corticospinal lesions on MRI (0% vs. 12.5%, p=0.01) at onset, and positivity for antinuclear antibodies (21.2% vs. 48.4%, p=0.03) were significantly associated with NMOSD patients with AD in comparison to NMOSD patients without AD. No differences were found in other clinical and paraclinical aspects between groups. KM and Nelson-Aalen estimator analyses did not show differences between groups. Conclusion: NMOSD patients associated with AD were observed in 23.5%. In addition, NMOSD patients with and without associated AD were similar in most evaluated features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Venetoclax (VEN), an anticancer drug, was subjected to photolytic and oxidative degradation studies. The comprehensive degradation profiling of VEN in both conditions was reported. All the degradation products (DPs) were separated on reversed phase HPLC by employing an X-Bridge C18 column with ammonium acetate (pH adjusted to 3.20 with acetic acid) and organic solvent mixture of methanol with acetonitrile in the ratio of 90 : 10 as mobile phase. The overall results showed that it underwent significant degradation upon exposure to light (acidic pH) and oxidative (H2O2 at room temperature and 2,2-azobisisobutyronitrile at 40°C) conditions. A total of fifteen new DPs were identified with high resolution mass spectrometry data generated from liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry system. This information was used for the establishment of a complete degradation pathway of VEN. Additionally, in silico properties, viz., absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET), of VEN and its DPs were predicted with admetSAR software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new direction on the link between a measure of exchange rate volatility on trade flows is to estimate nonlinear models to determine if trade flows respond to exchange rate volatility in an asymmetric manner. In this paper we consider the U.S. trade flows with 12 South American partners. Estimates of traditional trade models revealed that only U.S. exports to Paraguay and Venezuela and its imports from Peru responds adversely to exchange rate volatility in the long run. However, estimates of nonlinear models predicted that U.S. exports to Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, and Venezuela, and its imports from Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela are affected asymmetrically. Clearly, the nonlinear approach yields relatively more significant outcomes than the linear approach and must be the norm for future research on the topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainfall forecasting is an important input for decision-making in multiple areas, such as water resource planning and management associated with agriculture, hydropower generation, hydration in soils, and reducing vulnerability and risk in the integration of the corresponding systems. However, due to the spatial-temporal variability of rainfall amounts, it is very difficult to achieve high precision in the forecasts. This research addresses the challenge of rainfall forecasting by proposing the application of a methodology based on a combination of techniques within the framework of wavelet decomposition principles, the machine learning approach, and a lagged regression model. We implemented wavelet decomposition in a preprocessing phase followed by the use of a long short-term memory network (LSTM) and proposed a prediction enhancement phase in which the outputs were optimized by algorithms for monthly rainfall forecast corrections. The methodology was implemented at four weather stations in Venezuela, and it was compared with transfer function models, multiple regression and other powerful forecasting methods. The research results suggest that our approach improved the performance accuracy by correcting rainfall forecasting biases, achieving adjusted coefficients of determination greater than 0.76 and normalized mean absolute error (NMAE) values less than 0.31. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrophthora kuijtiana (Santalaceae), a new species of mistletoe endemic to the páramos and subpáramos of the Venezuelan Andes, is described and illustrated. We discuss aspects of its ecology, and taxonomic affinities with Dendrophthora davidsei. In addition, we report a new record (D. paucifolia) and two updates (D. karuaiana y D. warmingii) to Dendrophthora in Venezuela and present a dichotomous key to identify the species of Dendrophthora reported for the Guaramacal National Park. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Returnee entrepreneurs are often represented in migration and development discourses as agents of development. This assumes that they acquire valuable socio-economic resources abroad which help them to create successful businesses upon return. However, we have scant knowledge of the impact of the geopolitical context on returnee entrepreneurs or their coping strategies. Latin American returnees in particular have received little attention and few studies focus on migrants with 'South-to-South' return trajectories. Emphasising the role of territorial conflicts and the agency of individuals, I use a feminist geopolitical perspective to address these gaps. I contribute to migration, mobility, and development studies by studying whether Colombian migrants returning from Venezuela can reintegrate as successful entrepreneurs. Further, I offer the concept of transmobilities to study the cross-border nature of strategies of reintegration. The 30 returnees studied have a trajectory of repeated forced mobilities, ranging from internal displacement in Colombia, subsequent emigration to Venezuela, and final deportation to Colombia by Venezuela's government. I combine the qualitative methods of multi-sited ethnography, biographical interviews, mental maps, and participatory Minga workshops. The analysis shows that Colombian returnees face intense difficulties in reintegrating despite their strong motivation and entrepreneurial spirit. The geopolitical context of armed struggle, an absent Colombian state, and territorial conflicts between Colombia and Venezuela create an unfavourable environment for returnee entrepreneurs. Consequently, they develop transmobility strategies — including the movement of people, goods, and capital across national borders — at the risk of their own lives. The simplistic discourse of returnees as agents of development needs to be revised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary metabolites play essential roles in ecological interactions and nutrient acquisition, and are of interest for their potential uses in medicine and biotechnology. Genome mining for biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) can be used for the discovery of new compounds. Here, we use metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to analyze BGCs in free-living and particle-associated microbial communities through the stratified water column of the Cariaco Basin, Venezuela. We recovered 565 bacterial and archaeal metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and identified 1154 diverse BGCs. We show that differences in water redox potential and microbial lifestyle (particle-associated vs. free-living) are associated with variations in the predicted composition and production of secondary metabolites. Our results indicate that microbes, including understudied clades such as Planctomycetota, potentially produce a wide range of secondary metabolites in these anoxic/euxinic waters. Genome mining for biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) can be used for the discovery of new compounds of biotechnological interest. Here, the authors use metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to identify diverse BGCs in free-living and particle-associated microbial communities through the stratified water column of the Cariaco Basin, Venezuela. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ecuador is a major host country for Colombians fleeing violence and Venezuelans escaping a complex humanitarian crisis, many of whom are pregnant women. Methods: We used national birth registry data (2018–2020) to compare the maternal care and infant outcomes of Venezuelan and Colombian immigrants with Ecuadorian nationals. Results: Venezuelan immigrants had a lower adjusted odds (AOR) for adequate prenatal care (AOR = 0.64;95%CI = 0.62,0.67) but a higher AOR for institutional (AOR = 2.68;95%CI = 1.84,3.93) and C-section delivery (AOR = 1.28;95%CI = 1.23,1.32) and birthing infants who were moderate-late preterm (AOR = 1.12;95%CI = 1.05,1.20), very preterm (AOR = 1.20;95%CI = 1.04,1.40), extremely pre-term (AOR = 1.65;95%CI = 1.27,2.14), low birthweight (LBW) (AOR = 1.11;95%CI = 1.05,1.17), very LBW (AOR = 1.35;95%CI = 1.12,1.62), and extremely LBW (AOR = 1.71;95%CI = 1.36,2.16). Colombians had decreased AORs for adequate prenatal care (AOR = 0.82;95%CI = 0.78,0.87) but increased AORs for institutional (AOR = 2.03;95%CI = 1.19,3.46) and C-section deliveries (AOR = 1.07;95%CI = 1.01,1.13) and birthing infants with moderate-late preterm (AOR = 1.17;95%CI = 1.05,1.30) but not LBW. Discussion: The findings underscore the need to address the causes of adequate prenatal care, excess C-sections, and poorer infant outcomes among refugee and immigrant women, especially Venezuelans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is no characterization of resource use in the hospital setting for immigrants in Colombia, we aimed to describe the resource use by Venezuelan immigrants, comparing those enrolled in the national health insurance system with those with and without the ability to pay. Methods: Retrospective review in the billing data system of our Hospital from 2011 to 2020. We collected information for 6,837 hospital episodes associated with 1,022 Venezuelan patients, hospital's billing information for all services rendered was extracted. Results: The mean cost per patient event were 4,595 USD for those without the ability to pay, costing 2.37 times more than a legal resident insured. Care in the ICU, inpatient days, surgery, and OB-GYN department consume most resources provided to vulnerable migrants. Discussion: Enrolment in the national health insurance may allow better access to health services by vulnerable Venezuelan migrants and thus reduce resource use for the health system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is twofold. First, it provides a comprehensive assessment of the financial disincentives to enter formal employment implied by the design of the tax-benefit system in five Latin American countries: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Then, it analyzes the extent to which formalizing informal workers would contribute to increase fiscal capacity in the region. The results show a wide variation in financial disincentives to enter formal employment, with formalization tax rates ranging between 8.5 percent in Venezuela and 42 percent in Colombia. Formalization tax rates are particularly high for self-employed informal workers, and mainly driven by the high costs associated with social insurance contributions. The analysis further shows that potential entries to formal employment would raise tax revenue in all countries, but mainly through the effect of increased social insurance contributions, whereas personal income tax revenue would have a marginal contribution, except in Bolivia and Venezuela. Interestingly, potential formalization of informal workers with the highest probability of being formal would allow capturing a substantial share of the additional tax revenue lost due to informality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shrubs are one of the most common plant growth forms acting as nurses, but their effects on community organization along elevation gradients and how these are linked with ecophysiological effects on beneficiaries remain poorly understood in alpine ecosystems. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a dominant shrub (Hypericum laricifolium) on local community structure, microhabitat conditions and the water relations of associated species along an elevation gradient (4100–4400 m) in the high tropical Andes of Venezuela. We compared species richness and diversity, total plant density and cover and the abundance of each species near and away from the shrubs. Incident radiation (PAR), air temperature (Tair) and humidity (ARH) and soil water content (SWC) under the shrub's crowns and outside were measured. We selected species with positive and negative spatial associations with the shrub and compared their water status in individuals growing under shrubs and outside. Our focal shrub had net positive effects on local richness and diversity and vegetation cover, these effects being more pronounced in drier areas at lower elevations. PAR was lower, and SWC was higher under shrubs, and they had positive effects on the water potential and leaf-air water pressure deficits of other species at all elevations, regardless of their spatial association with this nurse. Hence, our results suggest that water stress could be an important driver of the facilitation effects of shrubs at a community scale in these tropical alpine ecosystems. However, the species-specific effects of these nurses, and how these change with elevation, could be linked other limiting factors that remain to be better understood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy-exporting countries have always been isolated when it comes to energy security since according to the traditional definition of energy security, it is believed that there are no energy security-associated problems in these countries. Over the recent years, exporting countries have encountered the issue of single-product economy on a much larger scale, due to large oil revenues; they are facing more and more problems in the field of energy security every day. In this regard, the present paper primarily identified the challenges and factors affecting energy security and sustainable development related to energy in these countries. Afterwards, this information was employed for the construction of a composite index to measure the energy security and sustainability in these countries using the fuzzy BWM method. This composite index was utilized for a period of 14 years in five energy-exporting countries, namely Iran, Iraq, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. The results obtained herein were fully consistent with the process of the changes in energy security in the mentioned countries and indicated the weaknesses and obstacles of these countries in the field of oil and oil economy. The results of a 14-year evaluation of the composite index show that Saudi Arabia, followed by Russia, Iran, Iraq, and Venezuela, displays the best performance in the field of energy security and sustainability and has an ascending trend and significant progress in the index value. Although Russia is in second place, it represents a descending trend. Iran, which is in third place on the slope of changes, has a falling but gentler trend. Iraq has a rising trend in the index value despite being in fourth place. The lowest level of energy security belongs to Venezuela with a sharp descending trend and naturally the worst performance in the field of energy security and sustainability. Examining these obstacles, it was observed that the economic-technological issues were a heavier burden than the social and environmental ones. In the economic-technological sector, oil-free per capita GDP, the share of non-energy exports in total exports, and the share of investment in the energy sector in total investment were the biggest obstacles, indicating the urgent need to change macro policies, exit the single-product economy, and adopt policies to increase the value added and reduce the sale of raw energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the Americas, the continent with the highest number of COVID-related deaths according to WHO statistics. In Latin America, strict confinement conditions at the beginning of the pandemic put recycling activity to a halt and augmented the consumption of plastic as a barrier to stop the spread of the virus. The lack of data to understand waste management dynamics complicates waste management strategy adjustments aimed at coping with COVID-19. As a novel contribution to the waste management data gap for Latin America, this study uses a virtual and participatory methodology that collects and generates information on household solid waste generation and composition. Data was collected between June and November 2021 in six countries in Latin America, with a total of 503 participants. Participants indicated that the pandemic motivated them to initiate or increase waste reduction (41%), waste separation (40%), and waste recovery (33%) activities. Forty-three percent of participants perceived an increase in total volume of their waste; however, the quantitative data showed a decrease in household waste generation in Peru (−31%), Honduras (−25%), and Venezuela (−82%). No changes in waste composition were observed. Despite the limited sample size, this data provides a much-needed approximation of household waste generation and composition in the pandemic situation during 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mangrove forests are characterized by a high carbon storage capacity. Anthropogenic activities and the climate change are threatening the stability of these ecosystems, specially those that are surviving on extreme environmental conditions, representing the most susceptible groups. This study aims to understand the geochemical differences of soils of mangrove forest with diverse degree of development of Rhizophora mangle and Avicennia germinans, located in two semi-arid regions from the Falcon state, Venezuela. The soil samples were collected in Punta Caimán region (dwarf mangroves of less than 2 meters height) and Boca de caño lagoon (fully developed mangroves of up to 8 meters height). The trace elements and macronutrients were determined in two sequential extraction, first with 1M HCl followed by an extraction with ultrapure grade H N O 3 . Results showed that, in general, dwarf mangroves have limited capability to accumulate organic matter in the soil (average TOC of 0.6 ± 0.2 % ) and that the sampled surface soils from the dwarf mangrove region had no differences with deeper material. On the other hand, the TOC of soils dominated by developed mangroves is 6 ± 2 % , representative of semi-arid conditions. Moreover, the soils dominated by dwarf mangroves are characterized high concentrations of trace elements related to the chalcophile group. The difference in soil chemistry between Rhizophora mangle and Avicennia germinans becomes significant when mangroves are fully developed. Finally, soils of dwarf mangrove forests presented a greater concentration of trace elements than soils of fully developed mangroves, which might be due to a different sediment source, to an anthropogenic influence or to the difference in organic matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is devoted to the attempts of the administration of Joe Biden to normalize relations with radical leftist regimes (Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua). At the same time, the negotiation process is complicated by bureaucratic and ideological difficulties. The purpose of this study is to identify key obstacles to improving interactions between Washington and the antagonist countries. The main trends in the foreign policy of the United States in the region, as well as the behavior of the governments of Latin American countries, will be analyzed. The results of this investigation will contribute to a better understanding of inter-American relations and will determine the trajectory of the transformation of the White House's course in the Western Hemisphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between June 2018 and April 2019, a sampling campaign was carried out to collect PM2.5, monitoring meteorological parameters and anthropogenic events in the Sartenejas Valley, Venezuela. We develop a logistic model for PM2.5 exceedances (≥ 12.5 µg m−3). Source appointment was done using elemental composition and morphology of PM by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). A proposal of an early warning system (EWS) for PM pollution episodes is presented. The logistic model has a holistic success rate of 94%, with forest fires and motor vehicle flows as significant variables. Source appointment analysis by occurrence of events showed that samples with higher concentrations of PM had carbon-rich particles and traces of K associated with biomass burning, as well as aluminosilicates and metallic elements associated with resuspension of soil dust by motor-vehicles. Quantitative source appointment analysis showed that soil dust, garbage burning/marine aerosols and wildfires are three majority sources of PM. An EWS for PM pollution episodes around the Sartenejas Valley is proposed considering the variables and elements mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Foraminispora rugosa is a species reported from Brazil, Venezuela, French Guiana, Costa Rica and Cuba. It is a basidiomycete in the Ganodermataceae family. In this study, both chemical composition and cytotoxicity of the ethanolic extract of F. rugosa were investigated for the first time. Results: Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the identification of the specimens, and the results of cytotoxicity assays showed that at concentrations of 7.8–500.0 µg/mL the ethanolic extract displayed weak cytotoxicity against the tested cell lines. Five oxylipins were identified by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight and mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF–MS). Conclusions: This study provides new insights into the current knowledge of bioactive compounds produced by macrofungi, and provides data for future biological assays with relative selectivity and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 22-member ensemble from CMIP6 is used to analyze the projected changes and seasonal behavior in surface air temperature over South America during the twenty-first century. In the future projections, CMIP6 models shown a high dependency to the socioeconomic pathway over each country of South America. The multimodel ensemble projects a continuous increase in the annual mean temperature over South America during the twenty-first century under the three future scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5). Besides, it was possible to identify consistent positive trends across all the models, with values between 0.45 ± 0.05 and 2.05 ± 0.31 °C cy−1 under the historical experiment, however largest trends occurs for the projection periods (near, mid and far future), with values between − 0.87 ± 0.84 to 2.88 ± 0.60 °C cy−1 (SSP1-2.6), 1.41 ± 0.88 to 5.32 ± 0.81 °C cy−1 (SSP2-4.5) and 4.75 ± 0.58 to 8.76 ± 0.74 °C cy−1 (SSP5-8.5) with maximum values at Bolivia, Brasil, Paraguay and Venezuela whilst minimum values for Argentina and Uruguay, regardless of the SSP scenario used. From the seasonal behavior analysis was possible to identify maximum values between January and March whilst minimum between June and July, except in Brasil, Venezuela and Guyana–Surinam–French Guayana, with annual range decreasing as the latidude decreases. By the end of the twenty-first century the annual mean temperature over South america is projected to increase between 0.92–2.11 °C, 0.97–3.37 °C and 1.27–6.14 °C under SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 projection scenarios respectively. This projected increase of temperature across the continent will produce negative repercussions in the social, economic and political spheres. The results obtained in this study provide insights about the CMIP6 performance over this region, which can be used to develop adaptation strategies and might be useful for the adaptation to the climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) conducted a study to identify health needs and access barriers of Venezuelan migrants and refugees at La Guajira and Norte de Santander Colombian border states. The Migration History tool was used to gather information that included various health-related issues such as referred morbidity, exposure to violence, mental health, and access to health care services. A group migration profile with long-term permanence plans was identified. Was evidenced an important share of young population (50% under 20), indigenous people (20%), and returnees (11%). The respondents referred to a mixed pattern of chronic and acute diseases, for which the main difficulty was accessing diagnosis and continuous treatment. Health-seeking behavior was identified as the main barrier to access health care services. The article compiles main findings on the Venezuelan migrants and refugees' health conditions, contributing important evidence for the humanitarian responses in migration contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The political and economic crisis in Venezuela has originated an unprecedented migration. As of November 2020, 1.04 million Venezuelans have moved to Peru. Understanding their health profile is needed to identify their needs, provide care and secure resources without affecting the healthcare of nationals. We quantified the burden of multimorbidity and disability in the Venezuelan population in Peru. We analyzed the 2018 Survey of Venezuelan Population Living in Peru; population-based with random sampling survey in six cities in Peru. Participants were asked about the presence of 12 chronic conditions (self-reported); this information was grouped into 0, 1 and ≥ 2 conditions (i.e., multimorbidity). Disability was also ascertained with a self-reported questionnaire adapted from the short version of the Washington Group on Disability Statistics. Socioeconomic variables were analyzed as potential determinants. Variables were described with frequencies and 95% confidence interval (95% CI), compared with Chi2 test, and association estimates were derived with a Poisson regression reporting prevalence ratio and 95% CI. Results accounted for the complex survey design. The analysis included 7554 migrants, mean age 31.8 (SD: 10.2), 46.6% were women, 31.7% migrated alone and 5.6% had refugee status. The prevalence of multimorbidity was 0.6% (95% CI 0.4–0.9%), and was often present in women (p < 0.001), people ≥ 50 years (p < 0.001) and those without recent job (p < 0.001). The prevalence of disability was 2.0% (95% CI 1.5–2.7%), and was common among people ≥ 50 years (p < 0.001) and those without recent job (p < 0.001). Migration alone and refugee status were not associated with multimorbidity or disability. The self-reported prevalence of multimorbidity and disability in Venezuelan migrants in Peru was low, and were not strongly influenced by migration status. While these results could suggest a healthy migrant effect, the healthcare system should be prepared to deliver acute and preventive care for these migrants, while also securing primary prevention to delay the onset of chronic conditions in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past few years, an increasing growth has been observed in the demand for premium or specialty chocolates, including single origin, produced exclusively from cocoa beans from selected regions, characterized by a specific chemical profile. A comparative study was made with commercial dark chocolates produced with cocoa from Brazil, Cuba, Madagascar, Mexico, Dominican Republic, São Tomé and Venezuela, including nutritional profile, bioactive compounds, mineral composition, organic acids and methylxanthines. Results presented a significant influence of geographical origin on the chemical profile, based on post-hoc single-step multiple comparison Tukey's HSD test and principal component analysis (PCA). Brazil presented the highest content on PUFA and riboflavin. Brazil and Madagascar presented the highest content on γ-tocopherol, α-tocopherol, antioxidant activity and citric acid. Venezuela presented the highest niacin, Fe and caffeine content. Mexico presented the highest content on fructose. São Tomé presented the highest levels on minerals S and P. However, further investigations should aim for a higher standardization on critical stages, from the selection of varieties to industrial processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I estimate the effect of the Venezuelan exodus on the Colombian labor market. The economic and social crisis in Venezuela triggered one of the most important migratory exoduses in recent decades: more than 4 million Venezuelans left their country and close to 1.8 million arrived in Colombia. I show that an increase in 1 p.p of labor supply due the migratory flow caused a decline in hourly wages in Colombia of 0.4% and a negative effect of 0.1 p.p. on the employment rate of low-skilled workers. The drop in wages was greater for men, low-skilled and informal workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guanarito virus (GTOV) is a member of the family Arenaviridae and has been designated a category A bioterrorism agent by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is endemic to Venezuela's western region, and it is the etiological agent of "Venezuelan hemorrhagic fever" (VHF). Similar to other arenaviral hemorrhagic fevers, VHF is characterized by fever, mild hemorrhagic signs, nonspecific symptoms, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia. Patients with severe disease usually develop signs of internal bleeding. Due to the absence of reference laboratories that can handle GTOV in endemic areas, diagnosis is primarily clinical and epidemiological. No antiviral therapies are available; thus, treatment includes only supportive analgesia and fluids. GTOV is transmitted by contact with the excreta of its rodent reservoir, Zygodontomys brevicauda. The main reasons for the emergence of the disease may be the increase in the human population, migration, and changes in land use patterns in rural areas. Social and environmental changes could make VHF an important cause of underdiagnosed acute febrile illnesses in regions near the endemic areas. Although there is evidence that GTOV circulates among rodents in different Venezuelan states, VHF cases have only been reported in the states of Portuguesa and Barinas. However, due to the increased frequency of invasions by humans into wildlife habitats, it is probable that VHF could become a public health problem in the nearby regions of Colombia and Brazil. The current Venezuelan political crisis is causing an increase in the migration of people and livestock, representing a risk for the redistribution and re-emergence of infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potato, Solanum tuberosum, is the fourth most important crop for human food and is of social and economic significance especially for developing countries. Burkholderia gladioli, an aerobic, gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium, is a plant and human opportunistic pathogen, which we previously observed in potatoes and paprika plants in Venezuela. Here, we use an isolate of this bacterium as a model to establish a pathogenicity test for the 'Arbolona negra' (native Venezuelan) and 'Granola' potato cultivars by establishing an experimental pathosystem using in vitro produced leaves and microtubers. For this, we inoculated microtubers and leaves from in vitro plants with different concentrations of B. gladioli cultures. The results show statistically significant differences in the incidence, severity and post-inoculation colonization of the pathogen. This is the first report of a pathogenicity study of B. gladioli infecting potatoes using an in vitro system under controlled environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2020, 77% of malaria cases in the Americas were concentrated in Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia. These countries are characterized by a heterogeneous malaria landscape and malaria hotspots. Furthermore, the political unrest in Venezuela has led to significant cross-border population movement. Hence, the aim of this study was to describe spatial patterns and identify significant climatic drivers of malaria transmission along the Venezuela-Brazil-Guyana border, focusing on Bolivar state, Venezuela and Roraima state, Brazil. Malaria case data, stratified by species from 2016 to 2018, were obtained from the Brazilian Malaria Epidemiology Surveillance Information System, the Guyana Vector Borne Diseases Program, the Venezuelan Ministry of Health, and civil society organizations. Spatial autocorrelation in malaria incidence was explored using Getis-Ord (Gi*) statistics. A Poisson regression model was developed with a conditional autoregressive prior structure and posterior parameters were estimated using the Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation with Gibbs sampling. There were 685,498 malaria cases during the study period. Plasmodium vivax was the predominant species (71.7%, 490,861). Malaria hotspots were located in eight municipalities along the Venezuela and Guyana international borders with Brazil. Plasmodium falciparum increased by 2.6% (95% credible interval [CrI] 2.1%, 2.8%) for one meter increase in altitude, decreased by 1.6% (95% CrI 1.5%, 2.3%) and 0.9% (95% CrI 0.7%, 2.4%) per 1 cm increase in 6-month lagged precipitation and each 1 °C increase of minimum temperature without lag. Each 1 °C increase of 1-month lagged maximum temperature increased P. falciparum by 0.6% (95% CrI 0.4%, 1.9%). P. vivax cases increased by 1.5% (95% CrI 1.3%, 1.6%) for one meter increase in altitude and decreased by 1.1% (95% CrI 1.0%, 1.2%) and 7.3% (95% CrI 6.7%, 9.7%) for each 1 cm increase of precipitation lagged at 6-months and 1 °C increase in minimum temperature lagged at 6-months. Each 1°C increase of two-month lagged maximum temperature increased P. vivax by 1.5% (95% CrI 0.6%, 7.1%). There was no significant residual spatial clustering after accounting for climatic covariates. Malaria hotspots were located along the Venezuela and Guyana international border with Roraima state, Brazil. In addition to population movement, climatic variables were important drivers of malaria transmission in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical glacier melt provides valuable water to surrounding communities, but climate change is projected to cause the demise of many of these glaciers within the coming century. Understanding the future of tropical glaciers requires a detailed record of their thicknesses and volumes, which is currently lacking in the Northern Andes. We calculate present-day (2015–2021) ice-thicknesses for all glaciers in Colombia and Ecuador using six different methods, and combine these into multi-model ensemble mean ice thickness and volume maps. We compare our results against available field-based measurements, and show that current ice volumes in Ecuador and Colombia are 2.49 ± 0.25 km3 and 1.68 ± 0.24 km3 respectively. We detected no motion on any remaining ice in Venezuela. The overall ice volume in the region, 4.17 ± 0.35 km3, is half of the previous best estimate of 8.11 km3. These data can be used to better evaluate the status and distribution of water resources, as input for models of future glacier change, and to assess regional geohazards associated with ice-clad volcanoes. Measurement(s) Glacier Thickness Technology Type(s) Velocity based inversion Factor Type(s) Ice thickness Sample Characteristic - Environment glacier Sample Characteristic - Location Northern Andes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we extend the geographic distribution of a rare Octomeria species, first described from Venezuela: Octomeria romerorum is reported for the first time from Brazil. Apart from considerably extending the distribution of the species, this record also represents the first documented collections since its description in 1990. We provide a short description of the species, as well as a photographic plate, data on its ecology and distribution, and taxonomic comments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma rangeli and Leishmania spp. are parasites that coexist in several endemic areas. The identification of these parasites in hosts is important for the control programs. Methods: 216 samples from human blood (101), blood of other mammals (45) and triatomine intestinal content and hemolymph (70), from an endemic area of Venezuela, were analysed. The samples were evaluated by; serology (only humans) and PCR for T. cruzi in human, other mammals and triatomines, PCR for T. rangeli in mammals-including human and triatomines and PCR for Leishmania in mammals-including human. Results: The 9.9% of the human samples were positive for T. cruzi by serology, 11.9% by PCR, 4% for T. rangeli PCR and none for Leishmania spp. PCR. 60% of the samples of other mammals showed DNA amplification for T. cruzi, 42.2% for T. rangeli and 4.4% for Leishmania spp. 61.4% of the triatomine samples showed DNA amplification for T. cruzi and 10% for T. rangeli. Conclusions: High T. cruzi infection was detected in mammals and triatomines compared with T. rangeli. Low leishmanial infection was detected in other mammals. It is the first time that T. cruzi/T. rangeli coinfection, in humans, Canis familiaris (dog), and Bos Taurus (cow), were reported world-wide, and that this coinfection was described in Tamandua tetradactyla (anteater) from Venezuela. The coinfection T. cruzi/T. rangeli in mammals-including humans and triatomines, and coinfection T. cruzi/Leishmania spp. in non-human mammals, show the risk for trypanosomic zoonoses in this endemic area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi) is an economically important species in The Bahamas, where it is protected from fishing and is a mainstay for the shark dive tourism industry. Significant declines in abundance are suspected throughout much of its range, making the study of its life history and spatial ecology important for effective fisheries management and conservation planning. We used tag-recapture data collected in The Bahamas between 2008 and 2020 to investigate the species' linear movements, population characteristics, life history, and growth. Sharks moved little between tag and recapture events (range: 0 to 8 km) despite multiple years at liberty for many sharks (range: 2 days to 7.1 years). We found no evidence of seasonal migration. We used a combined-sex von Bertalanffy growth function to estimate an asymptotic mean length at age (TL∞) of 205.8 cm total length and a growth coefficient (k) of 0.06. Theoretical maximum longevity was 43.3 to 57.8 years. Median male length at maturity (L50) was 148.9 cm total length (95% CI: 146.1–151.5 cm), which likely occurs around 14.8 years of age. Our results indicate slower growth of the Caribbean reef shark in The Bahamas than previously estimated in Venezuela. Our results suggest the Caribbean reef shark may be more vulnerable to overfishing and extirpation at the northern extent of its range than previously considered and that large no-take areas may be an effective conservation tool for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant sexual and breeding systems, temporal variations in sex expression, and herkogamy were investigated. Of the 294 plant species surveyed, 73.8% were hermaphroditic, 18.7% monoecious, and 7.5% dioecious. The frequency of adichogamy (71.7%) was higher than that of dichogamy (28.3%) in hermaphrodite and monoecious species, and protandry was more common than protogyny. There was a higher proportion of herkogamous species (80.6%) to non-herkogamous species. Dioecious species were associated with trees, frugivory, and late seral stages, and monoecy was associated with herbaceous life forms, the C4 metabolism, and disturbed habitats. Outbreeding systems were the most abundant in a subsample of 84 plant species: no agamospermy (98.4%), non-spontaneous self-pollination (64.3%), xenogamy (65.4%), and self-incompatibility (39.3%), followed by mixed breeding systems. Non-spontaneous self-pollinated and xenogamous plants were mostly woody species from undisturbed areas dispersed either by frugivores or abiotically. Self-incompatibility was also mainly a strategy of woody species that flowered during the dry period. Mixed breeding strategies: partial spontaneous self-pollination, partial xenogamy, and partial self-incompatibility were more frequent in disturbed areas. Thus, outbreeding was the main form of reproduction in the undisturbed forest. We recommend that these forest relics be maintained as reservoirs in order to protect them in their original state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations in the carbonaceous aerosol contents, organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC), in particulate matter less than 10 μm in size (PM10), were analyzed at sites influenced by coal mining in an open-pit mine located in northern Colombia. Samples were collected during different seasonal periods throughout 2015. Meteorological variables for each site were examined during the different seasons. Aerosols were detected using a thermal-optical reflectance protocol method. The highest PM10 concentrations, between the ranges of 28.2 ± 8.2 μg m−3 and 75.0 ± 36.5 μg m−3, were recorded during the dry season. However, the highest concentrations of OC (4.8–14.2 μg m−3) and EC (2.9–13.9 μg m−3) in PM10 were observed during the transition period between the dry and wet seasons. The strong correlation between OC and EC in PM10 (r = 0.6–1.0) during the transition season indicates a common primary combustion source. High OC (> 8.3 μg m−3) and EC (> 6.9 μg m−3) concentrations were associated with low wind speeds (< 2.1 m s−1) moving in different directions. Analyses of the sources of atmospheric aerosol pollutants in the mining area in northern Colombia showed that the daily maximum total carbon concentrations were mainly associated with regional atmospheric transport of particulate matter from industrial areas and biomass burning sites located in the territory of Venezuela. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses the asymmetric impact of financial development, trade openness, and environmental degradation on economic growth in Venezuela between 1980 and 2019 using the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model. Findings from the bounds test indicate the presence of cointegration between the series in the model. Further findings from the study showed evidence of a significant negative long-run impact of negative shocks to financial development on long-run economic growth, thereby confirming that declining financial development hinders economic growth in Venezuela. Furthermore, positive and negative shocks of trade openness show a positive impact on economic growth in the long run. Meanwhile, in the short-run, negative shocks to financial development negatively impacts economic growth, while one year lagged negative shocks to financial development improve the short-run economic growth. More so, results from the long-run asymmetric test reveal that only financial development has a significant asymmetric effect on economic growth. However, errors to the system are adjusted at a speed of 38%. This study, thus, recommends the improvement of the financial sector and removing barriers to trade where possible, while adopting low carbon emissions for economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, cross-border importation of malaria has become a challenge to malaria elimination. The border areas between Brazil and Venezuela have experienced high numbers of imported cases due to increased population movement and migration out of Venezuela. This study aimed to identify risk factors for imported malaria and delineate imported malaria hotspots in Roraima, Brazil and Bolivar, Venezuela between 2016 and 2018. Data on malaria surveillance cases from Roraima, Brazil and Bolivar, Venezuela from 2016 to 2018 were obtained from national surveillance systems: the Brazilian Malaria Epidemiology Surveillance Information System (SIVEP-Malaria), the Venezuelan Ministry of Health and other non-government organizations. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the risk factors for imported malaria. Spatial autocorrelation in malaria incidence was explored using Getis-Ord (Gi*) statistics. During the study period, there were 11,270 (24.3%) and 4072 (0.7%) imported malaria cases in Roraima, Brazil and Bolivar, Venezuela, respectively. In the multivariable logistic regression for Roraima, men were 28% less likely to be an imported case compared to women (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.665, 0.781). Ages 20–29 and 30–39 were 90% (AOR = 1.90; 95% CI 1.649, 2.181) and 54% (AOR = 1.54; 95% CI 1.331, 1.782) more likely to be an imported case compared to the 0–9 year age group, respectively. Imported cases were 197 times (AOR = 197.03; 95% CI 175.094, 221.712) more likely to occur in miners than those working in agriculture and domestic work. In Bolivar, cases aged 10–19 (AOR = 1.75; 95% CI 1.389, 2.192), 20–29 (AOR = 2.48; 95% CI 1.957, 3.144), and 30–39 (AOR = 2.29; 95% CI 1.803, 2.913) were at higher risk of being an imported case than those in the 0–9 year old group, with older age groups having a slightly higher risk compared to Roraima. Compared to agriculture and domestic workers, tourism, timber and fishing workers (AOR = 6.38; 95% CI 4.393, 9.254) and miners (AOR = 7.03; 95% CI 4.903, 10.092) were between six and seven times more likely to be an imported case. Spatial analysis showed the risk was higher along the international border in the municipalities of Roraima, Brazil. To achieve malaria elimination, cross-border populations in the hotspot municipalities will need targeted intervention strategies tailored to occupation, age and mobility status. Furthermore, all stakeholders, including implementers, policymakers, and donors, should support and explore the introduction of novel approaches to address these hard-to-reach populations with the most cost-effective interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose of the study: Several studies implicate skeletal muscle as a physio-pathological target among the metabolic disturbances of diabetes, or with the mechanisms shared by sarcopenia and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present study aimed to determine the relationship between sarcopenia and T2DM in outpatients of the Zulian Diabetes Institute, Maracaibo, Venezuela. Methods: A case–control study was performed on patients diagnosed with T2DM that went to the Zulian Diabetes Institute between January and June 2019. After obtaining a final sample of 131 patients with T2DM, control subjects were selected in a 1:1 ratio according to sex. The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) criteria were followed to diagnose sarcopenia, so muscle mass, muscle strength, and muscle performance were determined. Results: A total of 261 patients were evaluated (131 with T2DM and 131 controls), with no differences in mean age (with T2DM 63.6 ± 9.3 vs. controls 63.6 ± 9.4 years old; p = 0.99). The prevalence of sarcopenia in control subjects was 9.9% and in subjects with diabetes 25.2%; p < 0.01; decreased muscle strength was the component with the most significant difference within the two groups (controls 16.8% vs. T2DM 49.6%; p < 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, subjects with worse metabolic control had a greater risk of sarcopenia (OR, 3.31; 95%CI, 1.10–9.97; p = 0.03). Conclusion: The prevalence of sarcopenia was higher in subjects with T2DM, especially in those with worse metabolic control and normal weight status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares the development of the tourism industry in two different Latin American locations: a municipality of Chile's Araucanía and Venezuela's Gran Sabana. In both locations, part of the indigenous population shows interest in the development of this industry, which presents potential as a source of locally generated income. This comparison focuses on examining how property rights and relations shape and are reshaped by the expansion of tourist activities in these locations, shedding light on two additional questions: first, the socioeconomic conditions that help explain the increasing participation of the indigenous population in the expansion of tourism in these regions; second, a cultural phenomenon that this expansion stimulates: the circulation of discursive representations of local environments as permanently inscribed with a particular form of collective labor. This paper will conceptualize this labor as "cultural labor" and, drawing from theorizations of the fetishism of commodities, will argue that the widespread appeals to this labor constitute a (paradoxical) form of discursive defetishization that is fostered by the logic of the tourist industry. This form of defetishization discursively subverts the principle of concealment that pervades commodity fetishism as theorized by Marx, but it is nonetheless a functional part of a social process that reinscribes and rearticulates capital as a social relation among the populations of these regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coast of Venezuela plays an important role in the history of colonial occupation, such as pearls exploitation, slavery, settlement and maritime trade, since the beginning of the sixteenth century. The natural morphology of the coast was conducive to the establishment of natural ports. In 2007, a pile of cannons was found by a fisherman in the town of La Sabana to the south-east of the main port of La Guaira. The site presents a group of bronze cannons dated from the second half of the sixteenth to the first half of the seventeenth century; there are also iron cannons. Five guns were extracted illegally and were recovered by the Institute of Cultural Heritage to avoid illegal trade, where they have been restored and preserved. The bronze artillery presents decorated elements which suggest that they were made by at least three different masters from Portugal, Belgium and Germany. The earliest one dates back to 1553 and belongs to a series of pieces founded by masters Remigy de Halut. The recovery of the cannons promoted underwater prospections carried out between 2010 and 2011 in risky areas of looting. The methodology used was based on visual surveys and non-invasive in situ treatment. The surveyed area is located in shallow waters between 2 and 10 m depth. The purpose was the observation of diagnostic elements in order to determine a chronology of the remains. Most of the archaeological materials found are related to an Atlantic ship from the modern period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]