Search

Introduction: Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) viruses are zoonotic pathogens affecting humans, particularly equines. These neuroarboviruses compromise the central nervous system and can be fatal in different hosts. Both have significantly influenced Colombia; however, few studies analyse its behaviour, and none develop maps using geographic information systems to characterise it. Objective: To describe the temporal-spatial distribution of those viruses in Colombia between 2008 and 2019. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study, based on weekly reports by municipalities of the ICA, of the surveillance of both arboviruses in equines, in Colombia, from 2008 to 2019. The data were converted into databases in Microsoft Access 365®, and multiple epidemiological maps were generated with the Kosmo RC1®3.0 software coupled to shape files of all municipalities in the country. Results: In the study period, 96 cases of EEE and 70 of VEE were reported, with 58% of EEE cases occurring in 2016 and 20% of EEV cases in 2013. The most affected municipalities for EEE corresponded to the department of Casanare: Yopal (20), Aguazul (16), and Tauramena (10). In total, 40 municipalities in the country reported ≥1 case of EEE. Conclusions: The maps allow a quick appreciation of groups of neighbouring municipalities in different departments (1° political division) and regions of the country affected by those viruses, which helps consider the expansion of the disease associated with mobility and transport of equines between other municipalities, also including international borders, such as is the case with Venezuela. In that country, especially for EEV, municipalities in the department of Cesar are bordering and at risk for that arboviral infection. there is a high risk of equine encephalitis outbreaks, especially for VEE. This poses a risk also, for municipalities in the department of Cesar, bordering with Venezuela. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Colombia, there is a constitutional guarantee to carry out dignified death. However, despite having been developed from various resolutions of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MinSalud), the practice can be complex due to the intervention of various actors with whom there may even be a conflict of rights. This article raises questions such as: what should be done when a euthanasia procedure is requested and the fundamental rights of the actors involved come into conflict? Are the regulations on the subject clear, complete, precise, and effective? Do the actors involved in these conflicts -- such as health service providers, patients, doctors -- see their rights in conflict in the euthanasia procedure in Colombia? To answer these questions, a study of the concepts of the right to a dignified death, conscientious objection, active and passive euthanasia, assisted suicide, and mercy killing was carried out, as well as the test of reasonableness and the principle of proportionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista CES Derecho is the property of Universidad CES 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.)

Introduction. This paper introduces the results of a research work made in Pereira and Dosquebradas, in the Risaralda province, about the economic and mechanic feasibility of the conversion of internal combustion engines to flex fuel systems. For the study, a sample of taxi drivers was chosen in the region, given the high consumption of fossil fuel they require for every day of work. Objective. To determine the economic and mechanic feasibility of converting the internal combustion engines taxis in Pereira and Dosquebradas have, to flex fuel systems. Materials and methods. In order to have reliable estimated data, in the cities mentioned, a systematic sampling model in twelve specific places with more than 10 taxis parked was used. 5 taxis were surveyed in each place, completing a 348 taxi drivers surveyed. Results. Results demonstrate that, even though conversion is feasible under mechanic terms for mixtures below E-85, and also brings a significant increase in the control of pollutant emissions to the atmosphere, it is not economically feasible in Colombia, given the current market conditions. Conclusion. Even though the research work was made in two cities in the Colombian coffee crops zone, it can be concluded, with a 95% of reliability that results in any other Colombian town will be the same, demonstrating an economic unfeasibility to convert engines to flexible systems countrywide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]