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This two-cycle action research explores how Colombian students from rural and urban areas construct community knowledge by exploring funds of knowledge using dialogue journals. Thirty-three seventh graders from an urban school participated in the first phase and 19 sixth graders from a rural school and 18 eighth graders from an urban school in the second phase. Data were gathered through journals, artifacts, audio recordings, narratives, focus groups, and interviews. Results revealed how students learned to see and re-signify their communities and territory by exploring the knowledge held by their families and community members. Then dialogue journals were valuable tools to verbalize and communicate their perceptions and understandings about their communities and funds of knowledge.

Objective: School activities are demanding for adolescents and activate strategies to manage them, promoting specific behaviours and outcomes in the academic environment. Drawing from the motivational theory of coping, coping included multiple adaptive strategies that are relevant to understand educational outcomes. This study is focused to examine the relation between adaptive coping, school adjustment and academic achievement in the adolescent. Method: Participants were 1376 adolescents (mean age = 12.89; SD = 1.00; 51.38% girls) from Colombia, South America. They were surveyed using questionnaires and school grades were collected, in a cross-sectional design. The mediational model was tested using latent-variable structural equation modelling. Results: Coping was significantly related to school adjustment, school adjustment was related to academic achievement, and the indirect effect of coping on academic achievement through school adjustment was significant. The direct effect of coping on academic achievement was not significant. Coping-adjustment-achievement path model is verified, without obtaining support for adjustment as an independent variable. Conclusions: The findings suggest that students' academic coping plays a role in better academic achievement by enhancing positive school adjustment.

This paper deals with research on inclusion concentrating on the pedagogical implications derived from a qualitative case study that looked into three hard-of-hearing (HHs) students' perspectives and retrospectives on their schooled EFL learning. Data came from narratives gathered in autobiographical writings and interviews. Although there is a good body of literature on pedagogy in terms of strategies for dealing with HHs, few works have counted on the student's perspectives. The authors' insights, one of them being hard-of-hearing, call for truly inclusive policies and practices that address the categories developed in this case study, namely: (1) deafness separates HHs from people; (2) hearing aids are not like glasses; and (3) an exemption is not inclusion. The authors feel that the recommendations made are valid for learners with or without disabilities.

In the context of advocacy of the rights of minorities, communities should research about the learning rights of individuals with hearing loss. This article reports a case study that looked into the retrospectives and perspectives of three hard-of-hearing participants (HHs) on learning another language. The data on retrospectives refer to the participants' narrative accounts that -as adults today- assess what they have gone through. The data on perspectives refer to what the participants wish were done about by school communities, and society. For HHs the interpretation of language goes beyond the reception of sounds; it draws on reading the body language, context, attitudes, and affectivity. The purpose of examining their testimonies, in the form of narratives, is to contribute to the understanding of how they re-signified their struggles. The results of the study fell into three dimensions: Affective, Attitudinal, and Communicative. These involved family, teachers, classmates, and participants. The results suggest that 1. HHs feel capable of mastering an L2 in integrated classrooms, 2. Language policies and standardized exams misrepresent the HHs' capabilities, and 3. Classroom equity demands material selection and methodological adjustments as well as teacher training in inclusive practices.

The purpose of this case study was to examine the effects of games for working memory training to enhance language learning in low performance students given that a considerable body of research has demonstrated that, among other factors, working memory may account for individual differences in linguistic achievement. The population consisted of nine low performance language students (English as a foreign language) from second, fourth, and sixth semester in the English and French program at Universidad de Nariño, Colombia, who received working memory training games during a six-week period. The results showed general improvement in the subjects' overall language performance during the sessions and in class, which confirmed the premise that if students are given a set of strategies to exercise and improve their memory, they are likely to use and replicate them when training is not taking place.

This paper reports the findings of a study aimed at characterizing the assessment process in an English Language Teacher Education Program (ELTEP, henceforth) at a Colombian public university. Perceptions of teachers and students, revision of some official documents such as course syllabi and test samples, and class observation were used to respond to the inquiries of this study. Interviews, questionnaires, field diaries, and documentary records were employed to gather information for this qualitative-descriptive study. Data analysis suggests that despite the general guidelines proposed by the institution in terms of assessment of learning, and some good evaluative practices implemented by the professors of the ELTEP, the consolidation of an approach is required; an approach understood as criteria and pedagogical procedures that guide both teachers and students, and one that promotes more formative, fair and democratic assessment.

This paper presents a study that looked into the structuring of tasks that may foster oral fluency in an intensive eight-week course with 25 young adult and adult learners of English as a foreign language in a format of tutoring sessions for conversation. The action research involved two teachers and a research advisor, coauthors of this paper. Researchers identified two drawbacks: learners claimed that instruction was not helpful for them to use English outside the classroom, and that they had difficulty in retaining information in long-term memory. With surveys, interviews, observations and videos, the research team gathered data on students' progress, goals, performance and beliefs. The pedagogical intervention with "Task-Supported Teaching" (TST) produced these results: a) TST promoted cooperation b) the degree of participation correlated with the students' purpose for learning English, and c) TST raised awareness on the acquisition of speaking.

Changes to the pedagogy of foreign languages (FL) have taken place with the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). These changes provide instructors with opportunities to become meaning facilitators and designers. This article presents the rationale behind the pedagogy for a university course to enhance FL for academic purposes. It refers to three editions of a course with around 15 students each, native speakers of Spanish who self-assessed as being in an A2 to B1-English proficiency level in the scale of the Common European Framework of Reference. They came equipped with disciplinary knowledge in education and needed to build the state of the art of their research proposals. They submitted an account of up-to-date literature and research reports. The course, aided by ICT, helped them search, find, understand and integrate to their projects valuable literature available in English and in Romance languages. Students drafted their research interest in English and prepared an oral presentation. The needs of the FL learners were better served for they were directly connected to what they do at the university, which is, among other things, to determine the quality and authority of the sources and therefore interpret and assess texts related to their field of expertise. The article proposes moving away from a focus on language to a focus on problem solving and presents strategies, procedures, and ICT support. The article problematizes the issue of proficiency defined in terms of the type of problems language users could solve to meet their needs rather than in terms of language level.

This article reports on a study carried out in a foreign language school at a Colombian public university. Its main purpose was to analyze the extent to which the use of authentic materials and tasks contributes to the enhancement of the communicative competence on an A2 level English course. A mixed study composed of a quasi-experimental and a descriptive-qualitative research design was implemented by means of a pre-test, a post-test, observations, semi-structured interviews, surveys, and diaries. The findings showed that the use of authentic materials and tasks, within the framework of a pedagogical project, had an impact on students' communicative competence progress and on the teaching practices of the experimental group teacher.

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Microplastics, plastic fragments smaller than 5 mm present in the environment due to the decomposition of larger plastics, can cause damage to various ecosystems and species of pollinating insects, such as Apis mellifera bees. These bees play a crucial role in the ecology and production of honey and pollen, also serving as bioindicators of environmental quality as they are sensitive to contaminants such as microplastics. In this study, we evaluated the presence of microplastics in these insects and their products—pollen, and honey—collected in August 2021 and August 2023 in rural areas (Tabio and Guasca) of Cundinamarca, Colombia, and urban areas (Universidad Nacional de Colombia and Pontificia Universidad Javeriana) of Bogotá, Colombia. Each year, 24 bees, 10 g of honey, and 5 g of pollen were collected per sampling point. Microplastics in bees and their products were identified and quantified by stereomicroscopy, with or without hydrogen peroxide digestion pretreatment. Microplastics were found in bees, pollen, and honey in both periods, with an increase in their quantity observed over time due to increasing environmental pollution. Blue fibers were the most common microplastics, with a greater amount recorded in 2023 compared to 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study estimates the effects of economic activity on the quality of education in various regions of Colombia. To estimate this effect, we first calculate an index of quality of education. Second, we use a spatial regression model to estimate the effect of the spatial heterogeneity of the regions on this index of quality. Third, we use a dynamic data panel methodology and instrumental variables to estimate a causal relationship, where electricity consumption data and light intensity from satellite images are used to measure the economic activity. The principal results show that economic activity has a positive effect on the quality of education and the effects are persistent over time. However, the effects of the previous quality of education on current quality disappear over time. Therefore, the quality of education does not reproduce endogenously in time. These findings have practical implications for research on education and for comparative education.

Aim: Schizomids are one of the less-known arachnid groups in terms of their natural history and ecology. However, due to their remarkable short-range endemic distribution, they may be vulnerable to climate change and habitat loss. In Colombia, although the national IUCN red list of threatened invertebrates has categorized species of schizomids as vulnerable (VU), this assessment was based on expert criteria. Therefore, information about the ecology of schizomids is critical for a more accurate reassessment of their conservation status. In this study, we describe the habitat of two species of Surazomus in endangered Andean tropical forests of Colombia after a sampling effort of 15.12 m2 (n = 168 soil samples) and the collection of 6999 soil fauna individuals from the samples. We analyzed soil fauna communities associated with schizomids as well as different forest and environmental variables from permanent plots installed a decade ago in the Sabana de Bogotá region. Detailed information on climate, plant communities, and forest structure was obtained from these plots. Thus, we provide the first comprehensive habitat description of schizomids including both above- and belowground compartments. We found that each species lives in specific habitats with different soil fauna communities, suggesting a potential association between geographical fidelity and habitat conditions. This result could indicate that schizomids are highly sensitive to dramatic environmental changes, such as those experienced in the Andean region of Colombia. Implications for insect conservation: Our study is valuable for the future reassessment of the conservation status of schizomids in the country, particularly considering that the previous categorization was based on expert criteria. Since habitat conditions and soil fauna communities are species-specific, schizomids could be disproportionately vulnerable to climate change and human disturbances in the Colombian Andes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on an action research project conducted with six ninth grade students in a rural public school in Colombia. The purpose of the study was to determine how the implementation of three reading strategies (skimming, scanning, and making predictions), when reading topics selected by learners, helps them to improve their reading comprehension and promotes their autonomy in the learning process. The results show that these learners developed some autonomous features such as making decisions for learning and doing assigned homework, increasing reading awareness and motivation. Additionally, the training on reading strategies allowed them to succeed in their reading comprehension. We conclude that these reading strategies are tools that take learners along the path of autonomy.

This article reports the findings of a study which examined how student teachers could be empowered as more reflective practitioners through journal keeping and blog group discussions. It was carried out with six student teachers who developed their practicum over six months. Data were collected through journals, blogs, metaphors, conferences and a questionnaire. The results demonstrated that student teachers enriched their perceptions about what reflective teaching implied. Furthermore, journal keeping was approached as an informed process by virtue of which student-teachers could go beyond the descriptive documentation of what happened in their classes. Their journal entries also revealed reflective references, most of which were mainly focused on evaluating teach ing, diagnosing and solving problems.

In this paper, we report an experiment intended as a tool to introduce chemistry and materials science students to several chemical concepts through the determination of the best experimental conditions for the formation of calcium oxide (lime) from a source of high content of calcium carbonate (eggshells). Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and qualitative tests were used to optimize the experimental conditions of calcination temperature and time for the formation of calcium oxide.

Background: The economic assessment of health care models in palliative care promotes their global development. The purpose of the study is to assess the cost-effectiveness of a palliative care program (named Contigo) with that of conventional care from the perspective of a health benefit plan administrator company, Sanitas, in Colombia. Methods: The incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) and the incremental net monetary benefit (INMB) were estimated using micro-costing in a retrospective, analytical cross-sectional study on the care of terminally ill patients enrolled in a palliative care program. A 6-month time horizon prior to death was used. The EQ-5D-3 L questionnaire (EQ-5D-3 L) and the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL) were used to measure the quality of life. Results: The study included 43 patients managed within the program and 16 patients who received conventional medical management. The program was less expensive than the conventional practice (difference of 1,924.35 US dollars (USD), P = 0.18). When compared to the last 15 days, there is a higher perception of quality of life, which yielded 0.25 in the EQ-5D-3 L (p < 0.01) and 1.55 in the MQOL (P < 0.01). The ICUR was negative and the INMB was positive. Conclusion: Because the Contigo program reduces costs while improving quality of life, it is considered to be net cost-saving and a model with value in health care. Greater availability of palliative care programs, such as Contigo, in Colombia can help reduce existing gaps in access to universal palliative care health coverage, resulting in more cost-effective care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface water resources have played a fundamental role in the development of human societies. Considering that different agricultural and industrial activities are carried out in the Acacias River basin, the main objective of this research was to analyze the influence of land use on the water quality in this area by identifying the main sources that influence river water quality. The methodology consisted of establishing 12 sampling stations with different land uses at three times. The National Sanitation Foundation-Water Quality Index (NSF-WQI) was applied to the obtained water quality evaluation data. The main results showed that the stations associated with urban centers presented a higher concentration in the following variables: fecal coliforms, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and phosphates. The principal components analysis revealed a close relation between the parameters of fecal coliforms, phosphates and BOD, and the pollution processes by organic matter, which are probably related to domestic and industrial wastewater discharges, and to detergents in urbanized areas. The parameters with the greatest range of values were total dissolved solids and turbidity. These results coincide with what was observed in the correlation analysis. Finally, nitrates showed higher concentrations at stations 6 and 7, associated with agricultural and industrial influence areas (i.e., oil palm crops in the basin). This study about the Acacias River is, thus, extremely important for the region, and concludes that the river's self-purifying capacity allows improved water quality in the areas where the predominant land use is not associated with human settlements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes alternative development coalitions, their contradictions and complexities, and how they promoted a steeply unequal agrarian change through illicit crop substitution. We zoom into two paramilitary-controlled territories in Colombia. We show that those programs counted with significant support from, and were actually driven by, long coalitions that included regional and national politicians, sectors of the rural rich, paramilitary leaders, Colombian government and United States agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista ION is the property of Universidad Industrial de Santander and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The diversity of soil microbial organisms is rarely considered in restoration scenarios, even though this diversity is an important component of the ecological complexity that we aim to understand. Plant growth promoting microorganisms can positively affect plants by providing nutrients regularly, producing phytohormones to stimulate root growth and development, and modifying the rhizosphere environment. The present study evaluated, over a 5‐month period, the effects of inoculation of Inga densiflora nurse seedlings with rhizospheric microorganisms taken from a neighbor forest habitat, in the context of an early‐stage ecological restoration project in a Tropical Dry Forest area invaded by Guinea grass (Panicum maximum). The inoculation's effect on two response variables was evaluated: (1) growth of the seedling (I. densiflora), and (2) the diversity of bacteria and fungi, with an emphasis on genera associated with rhizosphere that promote vegetation growth. Bacterial and fungal diversity were evaluated using the metabarcoding method and Hill numbers q = 0, 1, and 2. Significantly higher microorganism diversity was found in the rhizosphere of inoculated seedlings compared to non‐inoculated seedlings. However, no significant differences were found in the growth of inoculated versus non‐inoculated seedlings. This evidence suggests that, in the short term and through a restoration context, inoculating trees with microorganisms taken directly from a neighboring forest can increase bacterial diversity, and possibly also fungal diversity. While understanding the intricacies of these processes requires further study, this technique seems to be a promising approach for recovering the diversity of rhizosphere microbiomes during ecological restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of reproduction in wild Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) is scarce. Here we provide novel information about litter size, birth timings, courtship and multi-generational groups in a population in the Chingaza massif in Colombia. Pregnant females, mothers with cubs, estimated birth times, and litter size were registered through camera trapping of a population at the Chingaza massif (Colombia) between 2011 and 2016. A total of 34 independent records of reproductive female bears were obtained. Twenty-eight (28) different reproductive females were recognized by external key features. Six different females were recorded only pregnant, two others were recorded pregnant and later with cubs, and 20 others were recorded only with cubs. In total, 29 cubs were recorded in 22 litters, with a mean litter size of 1.27 (SD = 0.45): 16 litters with one cub, 5 with 2 cubs, and 1 with 2 cubs + a big cub from a previous litter (>1 year). The highest records of mothers with little cubs were obtained for the low rain season in December, January, and February, full of dry-season-fruiting Ericaceae shrubs. Likewise, the highest estimated births were obtained during the rainy time in June. Multi-generational groups and the courtship behaviors are reported for the first time in Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Individuals with a normal weight may have metabolic alterations at risk for chronic non-communicable diseases. The prevalence of this condition and associated factors have not been reported in Latin American populations. We aimed to estimate the presence and associated factors of Metabolically Unhealthy Normal Weight (MUNW) in adults from a public program for the control and prevention of chronic diseases in Medellín, Colombia. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Overweight and normal weight were characterized according to the absence or presence of one or more components of the metabolic syndrome, obtaining four phenotypes: Metabolically Healthy Normal Weight (MHNW), MUNW (phenotype of interest), Metabolically Healthy Overweight (MHO), and Metabolically Unhealthy Overweight (MUO). The association of these phenotypes with sociodemographic variables of lifestyles and increased waist circumference was conducted by using logistic regression. Results: In 37,558 individuals (72.7% women), the prevalence of MUNW was 23.3%. Among the additional phenotypes, MUO was found to be more prevalent (71.6%), while MHNW and MHO were very slightly common, 2% and 3.1%, respectively. In a multiple model, the factors associated with MUNW were age over 60 years (trend [OR 1.56 95% CI 0.97– 2.52] p-value = 0.066), living in a rural area ([OR 1.58 95% CI 1.09– 2.29] p-value = 0.015), and increased waist circumference ([OR 1.68 95% CI 1.45– 1.95] p-value < 0.001). Male gender was inversely associated with all phenotypes (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Almost a quarter of the analyzed population presented MUNW. People living in a rural area and over 60 years old were more likely to present MUNW. Men were less likely to present the weight phenotypes studied, although they could have been underrepresented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colombia experienced a substantial increase in annual migration flow from Venezuela from 2013 to 2019, accumulating 1.7 million migrants by the end of 2019. According to migration data, 2016 was a breaking point in migration growth, with an increase of 137.57% compared with 2015 and at which time the influx of migrant workers began to be massive, rapid, and involuntary. In this regard, the research paper investigates, using a difference-in-differences model, the impacts on the labor market across different definitions of the informal workforce, testing the hypothesis that short-term labor migration increased (1) the number of employed individuals in companies with a workforce of fewer than five people, (2) the number of employed individuals not contributing to the social security system, and (3) the relative participation of the informal workforce in total employment from 2015 to 2018. The main results indicate an expansion in the labor market's informal segment, increasing the number of non-returned native workers in the informal workforce without significant increases in the participation of informality in total employment. The results remain robust across various samples in models adjusted for departmental-, municipal-, and individual-level data. Following the economic theory, the research findings seem to follow a transmission mechanism in which migrant workers reduce labor costs and increase production in informal markets, providing better conditions to increase informal jobs for native workers. Several national and international stakeholders implementing income-generation alternatives in the border departments focusing on migrant employment services could find the research findings helpful in at least two aspects: (1) fighting cultural stereotypes upon which basis native workers tend to see migration as a threat to their current job holdings requires evidence that shows migrant workers contribute to economic growth and employment; (2) promoting better public policies to take advantage of initial conditions that favor labor integration of migrant workers such as cultural and language similarities among natives and migrants works better when there is evidence of the migration's positive impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ginecología y Obstetricia de México is the property of Federacion Mexicana de Ginecologia y Obstetricia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: Culturable and unculturable microorganisms have been associated with periodontitis. Their differential proportions and composition have not been evaluated by their severity and complexity defined by stages in the 2018 AAP-EEP classification. Methods: One hundred eighty subgingival biofilm samples were collected in Spain and Colombia from subjects categorized as health/gingivitis: periodontitis stages I/II periodontitis stages III/IV. Target culturable microorganisms (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Eubacterium nodatum) and target unculturable microorganisms (Filifactor alocis, Eubacterium saphenum, Eubacterium brachy, Desulfobulbus oralis) were evaluated by quantitative PCR analysis. In addition, their differences and association with periodontal status were analyzed by ANCOVA and logistic regression models once adjusted to age, current smoking, and country. Results: P. gingivalis was significantly associated with periodontitis stages I/II, OR 2.44 (CI 95% 1.08–5.47) and stages III/V, OR 6.43 (CI 95% 2.43–16.9). T forsythia, OR 7.53 (CI 95% 2.07–27.4); D. oralis, OR 5.99 (CI 95% 2.71–13.23); F. alocis, OR 10.9 (CI 95% 4.56–23.2); E. brachy, 3.57 (CI 95% 1.40–9.11); and E. saphenum, 4.85 (CI 95% 1.99–11.7) were significantly associated only with stages III/IV periodontitis. P. gingivalis evidenced significant differences with the increase in the severity of the periodontal lesion: 2.97 colony forming unit (CFU)/μL (CI 95% 2.32–3.54) health/gingivitis, and 4.66 CFU/μL (CI 95% 4.03–5.30) and 5.90 CFU/μL (CI 95% 5.20–6.48) in stages I/II and III/IV respectively (p < 0.0001). Unculturable microorganisms only evidenced differences in concentration in stages III/IV compared with health-gingivitis (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Culturable and unculturable are strongly associated with stages III/IV periodontitis. Classic culturable microorganisms are more sensitive to differentiate between stages of periodontitis in the quantitative analysis. Clinical relevance: Future interventional studies of periodontal disease should include Filifactor alocis, Eubacterium saphenum, Eubacterium brachy, and Desulfobulbus oralis as possible markers of therapy response and as indicators of progressive disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Historia y Sociedad (01218417) is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Facultad de Ciencias Humanas y Economicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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Copyright of Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología is the property of Fundacion Salud, Ciencia y Tecnologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Colombian Journal of Statistics / Revista Colombiana de Estadística is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by obligate intracellular protozoa of the genus Leishmania. This infection is characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations, with symptoms greatly dependent on the causal parasitic species. Here we present the design and application of a new 70-kDa heat shock protein gene (hsp70)-based marker of 771 bp (HSP70-Long). We evaluated its sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic performance employing an amplicon-based MinION™ DNA sequencing assay to identify different Leishmania species in clinical samples from humans and reservoirs with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). We also conducted a comparative analysis between our novel marker and a previously published HSP70 marker known as HSP70-Short, which spans 330 bp. Methods: A dataset of 27 samples from Colombia, Venezuela and the USA was assembled, of which 26 samples were collected from humans, dogs and cats affected by CL and one sample was collected from a dog with VL in the USA (but originally from Greece). DNA was extracted from each sample and underwent conventional PCR amplification utilizing two distinct HSP70 markers: HSP70-Short and HSP70-Long. The subsequent products were then sequenced using the MinION™ sequencing platform. Results: The results highlight the distinct characteristics of the newly devised HSP70-Long primer, showcasing the notable specificity of this primer, although its sensitivity is lower than that of the HSP70-Short marker. Notably, both markers demonstrated strong discriminatory capabilities, not only in distinguishing between different species within the Leishmania genus but also in identifying instances of coinfection. Conclusions: This study underscores the outstanding specificity and effectiveness of HSP70-based MinION™ sequencing, in successfully discriminating between diverse Leishmania species and identifying coinfection events within samples sourced from leishmaniasis cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the new world scenario, the internationalization of science, technology and innovation represents a fast track for the development of nations and the solution of the global challenges posed by the 2030 Agenda. The above reflects on the importance of science and technology as determining factors to promote sustainable development and especially to overcome any scenario of health and economic crisis generated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has promoted the creation of programs that are in favor of investment in human resources and infrastructure to strengthen local capacities, long-term financing for the development of scientific and technological projects, as well as the implementation of new mechanisms that favor the institutionalization of science, technology and innovation policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood density (WD) is a key functional trait related to ecological strategies and ecosystem carbon dynamics. Despite its importance, there is a considerable lack of information on WD in tropical Andean forests, particularly regarding its relationship with forest succession and ecosystem carbon cycling. Here, we quantified WD in 86 upper Andean tree and shrub species in central Colombia, with the aim of determining how WD changes with forest succession and how it is related to productivity. We hypothesized that WD will increase with succession because early successional forests will be colonized by acquisitive species, which typically have low WD, while the shaded understory of older forests should favor higher WD. We measured WD in 481 individuals from 27 shrub and 59 tree species, and quantified aboveground biomass (AGB), canopy height, net primary production (NPP) and species composition and abundance in 14, 400-m², permanent plots. Mean WD was 0.513 ± 0.114 (g/cm³), with a range between 0.068 and 0.718 (g/cm³). Shrubs had, on average, higher WD (0.552 ± 0.095 g/cm³) than trees (0.488 ± 0.104 g/cm³). Community weighted mean WD (CWMwd) decreased with succession (measured as mean canopy height, AGB, and basal area); CWMwd also decreased with aboveground NPP and stem growth. In contrast, the percentage of NPP attributed to litter and the percent of shrubs in plots increased with CWMwd. Thus, our hypothesis was not supported because early successional forests had higher CWMwd than late successional forests. This was related to a high proportion of shrubs (with high WD) early in succession, which could be a consequence of: 1) a low seed availability of trees due to intense land use in the landscape and/or 2) harsh abiotic conditions early in succession that filter out trees. Forest with high CWMwd had a high %NPP attributed to litter because they were dominated by shrubs, which gain little biomass in their trunks. Our findings highlight the links between WD, succession and carbon cycling (biomass and productivity) in this biodiversity hotspot. Thus, WD is an important trait that can be used to understand upper Andean forest recovery and improve forest restoration and management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ciencia y Sociedad is the property of Ciencia y Sociedad and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Unique high Andean ecosystems in South America as the "páramos" have been the object of conservation plans in the last decade. In Colombia, this spurred heated discussions when their conservation was promoted through the cartographic demarcation of their boundaries: what counts as "páramo" and what kind of activities should be allowed there have been highly contested topics. As part of a multisited ethnography that studies the case of páramos conservation with biologists, geographers, and campesinos in the Sumapaz region of Colombia, I argue that the analysis of boundaries is a crucial matter in the unfolding of conservation. By analyzing how boundaries are configured, coordinated, and contested in the conservation of páramos in Colombia, I advance an ontological approach to boundary-making as practices embedded in the concrete transformation of environmental worlds through the involvement of multiple agents such as humans, plants, and technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of death and impairment in Colombia. There is unequal access to occupational therapy for stroke survivors and few data on services provided by occupational therapists. The study explored the experiences of Colombian occupational therapists working in stroke rehabilitation. Method: A total of 11 occupational therapists involved in the stroke rehabilitation in Colombia took part in two focus groups. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis within a critical realist theoretical framework. Findings: Three main themes were identified. First, participants discussed the 'occupational therapy service', highlighting changes since the 1970s, examples of contemporary good practice, and a range of barriers. Second, 'attitudes' included the impact of other professions views of occupational therapy and also the effects of low pay. Third, 'action/way forward' involved proposals for improving the current situation. Conclusion: Occupational therapists engaged in stroke rehabilitation in Colombia report a number of barriers. However, some draw inspiration from their past while others stress some strengths in current services. Future research should focus on occupational therapy stroke rehabilitation in Colombia's regions and explore the impact of conflict and post-conflict contexts. In addition, occupational therapists' efforts to improve professional representation should be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the activities most representative of the agricultural sector in Colombia is the production of biodegradable fique fiber. The efficiency of the defiberization process of the fique leaves is very low since a mere 4% of the total weight of the leaf (cabuya) is used and marketed. The remaining 96%, composed of fique juice and bagasse, is considered to be waste and discarded, impacting the environment. The aim of this work was to study fique bagasse as a source of cellulose nanoparticles (CNCs). CNCs were obtained by acid hydrolysis and added at 10% to films made from cassava thermoplastic starch (TPS) by the casting method. Structural changes in the CNCs, TPS, and their mixtures were characterized by FTIR-ATR and their morphology and particle size by SEM and TEM microscopy, respectively. Thermal properties were analyzed using DSC and TGA, along with their effect on mechanical properties. Changes in the FTIR spectra indicated that the chemical method adequately removed hemicellulose and lignin from the fiber surface of fique bagasse. The CNCs showed a diameter and length of 7.5 ± 3.9 and 52.7 ± 18.1 nm, respectively, and TPS 10% CNC obtained an increase in mechanical strength of 116%. The obtainment of CNCs from lignocellulosic materials can thus be viewed as a favorable option for the subsequent reinforcement of a polymeric matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluate the impact of ownership concentration on dividend smoothing for six Latin American economies characterized by both a low level of investor protection and high ownership concentration. Using a panel data set, we find that firms with higher ownership concentration tend to engage more in dividend smoothing, which is more evident for firms with high growth opportunities and greater financial constraints. Our results also show that companies with a mandatory minimum dividend rule (Brazil and Chile) do not engage in dividend smoothing as much as companies without this regulation (Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru). These results are consistent with the idea that in countries where the legal system does not protect minority shareholders, firms would smooth dividends to build a reputation for moderation in expropriating shareholders. According to our results, this need for reputation would be more important for firms with high ownership concentration, more growth opportunities, and greater financial constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is an analysis of how a set of factors influenced the decision to adopt information and communication technologies (ICTs) in small businesses in Colombia; for this purpose, a logistic modeling is applied, wherein the explained variable represents the companies' decision to adopt ICTs. The main explanatory elements include demographic aspects of the owner, the company characteristics, and the legal practice of the company and its social capital. Data from the Microbusiness Survey 2019 conducted by the National Administrative Department of Statistics of Colombia were employed. The results show that traits such as owner age and gender affect adoption. Furthermore, variables such as the age and size of the company, the amount of computer equipment, business formalization practices, and social capital influence the use of these technologies. Therefore, it follows that the individual features of business owners are also determinants of technology adoption, and their inclusion becomes essential to supplement the analysis of these issues. In addition, the study supports the evidence that the acceptance of these technologies is positively related to the business size and infrastructure. By exploring, for example, the business formalization factor, a positive effect is obtained; consequently, the implementation of legal practices is linked to the ICT use. Thus, some of the areas for policy implementation would be, on one hand, the endowment of computer equipment, since it is a critical aspect in these small businesses, for which a subsidy policy for the acquisition of devices would be useful. In addition, the promotion of business formalization practices could lead to an improvement in the firm's culture of technology use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Santander, located in the Andean region of Colombia, is one of the 32 departments of the country. Its population was shaped by intercontinental admixture between autochthonous native Americans, European settlers, and African slaves. To establish forensic databases of haplotype frequencies, the evaluation of population substructure is crucial to capture the genetic diversity in admixed populations. Total control region mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid haplotypes were determined for 204 individuals born in the seven provinces across the department. The maternal native heritage is highly preserved in Santander genetic background, with 90% of the haplotypes belonging to haplogroups inside A2, B4, C1, and D. Most native lineages are found broadly across the American continent, while some sub-branches are concentrated in Central America and north South America. Subtle European (6%) and African (4%) input was detected. In pairwise comparisons between provinces, relatively high F ST values were found in some cases, although not statistically significant. Nonetheless, when provinces were grouped according to the principal component analysis results, significant differences were detected between groups. The database on mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid control region haplotype frequencies established here can be further used for populational and forensic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a solar energy collection system based on a parabolic solar collector adjusted to the conditions and availability of energy was designed to examine this type of collection device and evaluate the energy potential when installed in an educational institution. To do this, data from the historical series of solar radiation compiled by the POWER project (Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources) were analyzed and compared with data from the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies in Colombia (IDEAM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Agricolas is the property of University of Narino, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The escalating global energy demand, driven by heavy reliance on fossil fuels, worsens environmental degradation and triggers socio-economic shifts in extraction and refinery hubs. In Colombia, the energy matrix is predominantly fossil-based (76%), with hydroelectric power accounting for 70% of electricity generation. However, renewable energy sources only contribute 2% to the national energy mix. To reduce emissions by 20% by 2030, Colombia has presented an energy transition roadmap. The need for bioenergy production in Colombia arises from the residual biomass availability, the potential to provide sustainable energy access, and the potential to mitigate climate change impacts, while addressing energy poverty and enhancing energy security. This study presents an overview of biogas production in Colombia, emphasizing the need for financial resources to overcome barriers. Policy incentives, awareness campaigns, and research and development play a vital role in fostering social acceptance, technology adoption, and optimizing biogas production processes. Collaborative efforts among the government, private sector, and local communities are recommended to ensure wide-scale adoption of biogas, promoting economic, social, and environmental sustainability. By enabling informed decision-making, this research supports the transition to renewable energy sources and the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on bioenergy. The aim of this study is to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with biogas production in Colombia, including technical, economic, social, and environmental aspects, and provide recommendations for promoting its sustainable implementation and widespread adoption in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biomédica: Revista del Instituto Nacional de Salud is the property of Instituto Nacional de Salud of Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

aime Sánchez-Vallejo,2 Juan S Izquierdo-Condoy31Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia; 2Pneumology Service, IPS Neumovida, Armenia, Colombia; 3One Health Research Group, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, EcuadorCorrespondence: Juan S Izquierdo-Condoy, OneHealth Global Research Group, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador Calle de los Colimes y Avenida De los Granados, Quito, 170137, Tel +593992561230, Email [email protected] Purpose: The aim of this research was to evaluate the technique of using inhaled drugs in patients with a confirmed history of COPD and describe errors in inhaler technique.Patients and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with a history of COPD using inhalation therapy, attending pulmonology consultation between August 2020 and April 2021 in Armenia, Colombia. A non-probabilistic sample of 80 adult participants was calculated, and the inhalation technique was evaluated (depending on the device used) using a scale validated for Colombia. Descriptive analysis of the qualitative variables was performed using frequencies and percentages. The Chi-Square test and Fisher's exact test (in corresponding cases) were used to look for association relationships between categorical variables.Results: A total of 80 participants were evaluated, of which 66.3% (n = 53) were male, and 32.5% were older than 80 years. Clinically, 30.0% (n = 24) were classified as Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC) grade 3, and 51.2% (n = 41) had at least one exacerbation per year. The main comorbidity was hypertension (40.3%). Pressurized metered-dose inhalers with spacer were the most used device at 22.7% (n = 39). Incorrect technique (at least one error in the steps of the inhalation technique used) was found in 48.7%. The most frequent error among all the techniques was the failure to perform pre-inspiratory exhalation. No significant differences were observed between the development of the technique and the characteristics of the participants.Conclusion: Nearly half of the patients who use inhalation devices make errors in the technique. Patient education and training of healthcare personnel represent a fundamental pillar in mitigating the incorrect use of these devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No microbiological criteria were included in the 2018 EFP-AAP classification of periodontal diseases that could be used to differentiate between stages and grades. Furthermore, differences in the subgingival microbiome depending on stage and grade have not been established. Sixty subgingival biofilm samples were collected in Spain (n = 30) and Colombia (n = 30) from three distinct patient categories: those with periodontal health/gingivitis (n = 20), those with stage I-II periodontitis (n = 20), and those with stage III-IV periodontitis (n = 20). Patients were evaluated by 16S rRNA gene amplification sequencing. Amplicon sequence variants were used to assign taxonomic categories compared to the Human Oral Microbiome Database (threshold ≥97% identity). Alpha diversity was established by Shannon and Simpson indices, and principal coordinate analysis, ANOSIM, and PERMANOVA of the UNIFRAC distances were performed using QIIME2. Although differences in the alpha diversity were observed between samples according to country, Filifactor alocis, Peptostreptococcaceae [XI][G-4] bacterium HMT 369, Fretibacterium fastidiosum, Lachnospiraceae [G-8] bacterium HMT 500, Peptostreptococcaceae [XI][G-5] [Eubacterium] saphenum, Peptostreptococcus stomatis, and Tannerella forsythia were associated with periodontitis sites in all stages. However, only F. alocis, Peptostreptococcaceae [XI][G-4] bacterium HMT 369, Peptostreptococcaceae [XI][G-9] [Eubacterium] brachy, Peptostreptococcaceae [XI][G-5] [Eubacterium] saphenum, and Desulfobulbus sp. HMT 041 were consistent in stage III-IV periodontitis in both countries. Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia were differentially expressed in severe lesions in the countries studied. Although some non-cultivable microorganisms showed differential patterns between the different stages of periodontitis, they were not the same in the two countries evaluated. Further studies using larger samples with advanced next-generation techniques for high-throughput sequencing of phyla and non-cultivable bacteria within the subgingival microbiome could provide more insight into the differences between stages of periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]