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This study explores the effectiveness of online and blended teaching methods in developing cross-curricular skills crucial for an ideal engineering profile among undergraduate students. Involving 587 online and 635 blended students across 11 Latin American universities, the research incorporates Likert tests for student perceptions and Mann-Whitney statistical tests for hypothesis scrutiny. Challenges emerged due to diverse academic contexts and the subjective nature of self-reported perceptions. Despite these hurdles, findings highlight the blended method's superior effectiveness in fostering key engineering skills. The study not only contributes to teaching method exploration but also addresses challenges in cross-cultural research settings, enhancing our understanding of the complexities and adaptations required for cross-curricular skill development in engineering education.

Significant research has delved into the methodologies and practices teachers use to foster interculturality in the high school and college foreign language curriculum. Yet, little is known about the intercultural teaching practices teachers use in non-elite communities where inequity, lack of access, and inclusion have prevailed, especially during COVID-19. This case study describes how three teachers in three Colombian state schools, where economic divides are notorious, teach for interculturality in distance and virtual learning educational environments during the outbreak of COVID-19. Findings indicate that teachers' approach to interculturality could be categorized into four intercultural teaching practices: 1) moving from the known to the unknown, 2) going beyond factual information, 3) challenging existing sources, and 4) contextualizing through authenticity. These practices offer guidance and instructional moves about how to teach for interculturality locally and worldwide.

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the relationship between users' perceived barriers to using virtual and augmented reality technology from stakeholders, identifying perspectives and gaps regarding technology acceptance. Design/methodology/approach: The Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory method is useful for quantitatively evaluating the causal relationship between factors. Combining this method with the grey approach ensures greater accuracy even with limited information. A Scoping Review was conducted to identify the barriers, and data were extracted from a questionnaire administered to experts in the field. Findings: Seven diverse barriers were identified by users, and cause-and-effect relationships were estimated. The results indicate three primary causal barriers and three highly dependent barriers. One of the identified barriers is not relevant in this model. Originality/value: Virtual and augmented reality technologies have been gaining popularity since 2018, allowing users to interact with a virtual environment. These technologies are primarily used in training and education areas. However, due to the innovative nature of the topic, there are a small number of studies on technology acceptance, especially in the Brazilian context. Therefore, this paper contributes to the literature and assists in applying technologies in industries.

Purpose: Higher education is undergoing a significant transformation, demanding a rethinking of instructional methods, the establishment of novel assessment frameworks and the incorporation of state-of-the-art technologies to advance the development of learning competencies. The use of simulations is an alternative that offers satisfactory results and favors learning in new generations. This study aims to present a methodology for assessing the advancement of self-directed learning (SDL) in participants through simulation techniques and show that the incorporation of simulations can improve participants' SDL skills. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses a quantitative approach to evaluate the evolution of various competencies related to SDL among participants. Includes the application of scales specifically designed to measure readiness for SDL, the use of factor analysis to identify and validate essential factors and conducting hypothesis testing to verify shifts in students' perceptions regarding the significance of SDL-related skills. Findings: The findings of this study reveal a positive impact of simulations on the SDL readiness. Factor analysis identified five key factors: self-management skills, openness to learning opportunities, initiative and independence in learning, self-concept as an effective learner and desire for Learning. The use of simulations significantly improved critical thinking, logical reasoning, analysis and decision-making capabilities. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique as a valuable tool for developing SDL skills and highlight the potential of such interventions in complex and uncertain learning environments. Research limitations/implications: The study provided valuable insights into the impact of simulations in the logistics field, particularly in the development of SDL-related skills. There is a need for studies in other areas of knowledge that would allow for the generalization of these results. Likewise, it is advisable to use scales that measure the development of other types of skills. Additionally, the study's focus on short-term effects may not fully capture the long-term development of SDL-related skills. Future research should address these limitations, expand the sample size, conduct longitudinal studies and explore possible contextual and external factors that may influence SDL outcomes in various educational settings, leading to broader and more robust conclusions. Practical implications: The practical implications of this study are significant for both higher education institutions and educators in the logistics domain. The positive impact of the serious game on participants' SDL skills highlights the potential of incorporating interactive and engaging learning tools in the curriculum. Educators can leverage serious games to foster critical thinking, logical reasoning and decision-making abilities in their students. Moreover, the identified key factors influencing SDL development provide valuable guidance for designing targeted interventions to enhance students' self-management, initiative and love for learning. Social implications: The social implications of this study underscore the importance of equipping individuals with SDL skills in a rapidly changing world. By integrating serious games and fostering SDL competencies, higher education institutions can contribute to a more adaptable and resilient workforce. Empowering students with critical thinking, innovative thinking and independent learning, they can enhance their ability to navigate the challenges of the labor market. This, in turn, may lead to a more informed and proactive society capable of addressing complex issues and making well-informed decisions. Originality/value: This article arises from empirical exploration with students from two countries in Latin America (Mexico and Colombia), examining the importance of games in developing SDL skills. Furthermore, it promotes the use of a methodology with a low level of complexity, and that can be replicated with different games. This perspective adds valuable insights to the existing literature, offering practical implications for educators and institutions seeking effective strategies to promote SDL skills among students.

The purpose of this research was to analyze the effects of a writing strategy for text production among primary school students with different cognitive styles (CS) in the field dependence-independence (FDI) dimension. The writing strategy is based on collaborative work, autonomous work, and work integrating technology, which is referred to as ACOTEC. The study was developed with a population of 63 students distributed in two randomly formed groups: one control and one experimental group. The control group developed writing exercises guided by a conventional strategy following the writing teaching processes according to the institution's curriculum, while the experimental group adopted the ACOTEC strategy for the writing exercises. The results show the promising effects of the strategy on improving text production skills among primary school students with different CS in the FDI dimension.

This Article analyses the effectiveness of Simulation-Based Learning Model ASEAN Meeting in enhancing critical thinking skills and academic performance compared to the conventional teaching method among 216 International Relations undergraduate students on the north coast of Colombia. A t-student test, Welch test, and the Kendall Tau correlation coefficient were used to analyses the perceptions and academic performance from 216 undergraduate Asia Pacific Politics courses for two years. A pre-test, post-test, and achievement of academic objectives questionnaire were applied, as well as a verification test of previous knowledge and focus groups at the end of the courses. It was found that simulations fostered an inquiry-based attitude to represent a country's agenda not achieved through the conventional method, thus enhancing deductive and inductive reasoning, recognizing assumptions, and drawing inferences capabilities.

This research aimed to investigate the impact of Simulation-Based Learning (SBL), specifically within the Model United Nations (MUN) framework, on enhancing critical thinking and improving academic performance in a sample of 42 undergraduate students studying International Relations at a university in Northern Colombia. The objectives were to measure the students' attitudes towards SBL and its impact on their academic achievement in two Economic Development courses. A Student's t-test was applied to compare the effectiveness of SBL with traditional instruction, and performance values were analyzed using minimum, maximum, and average statistics. The focus was on how effectively SBL encouraged an inquiry-based approach in students and their understanding of a country's objectives, and how this translated into their academic success. The results indicated that the implementation of simulations significantly boosted the students' understanding, thereby leading to improved learning outcomes. These findings suggest that SBL within the Model of United Nations (MUN) framework can be an effective tool in fostering critical thinking and enhancing academic performance among International Relations students.

Psychosocial intervention programs are carried out in Latin American communities with socioeconomic disadvantage to improve their quality of life; few evaluations are carried out to measure their effectiveness. The study aimed to determine if intervention processes in vulnerable communities might favor the children's development. An analysis of variance was used to find the dependence between different intervention processes and the cognitive development of 97 children between 3 and 6 years old. No relationship was found between the type of intervention received by the communities and their infants' global cognitive development. However, the children of the community intervened by multiple agents and services showed significant differences related to a better performance in dimensions such as language, rhythm, memory, and attention. It is necessary to ensure nutrition and guarantee quality education, early stimulation, spaces of relationship with peers, and a community aware of their co-responsibility in childcare to improve children's cognitive development.

This study compared the effectiveness of the Project-Based Learning method (PBL) with the conventional teaching method in developing cross-curricular skills and improving academic performance among 1064 undergraduate students at the north coast of Colombia. A t-student test, Welch test, and the Tau Kendall correlation coefficient were used to analyse the PBL and non-PBL groups in 40 Economic Integration courses in three years. A pre-test, post-test, and achievement of academic objectives questionnaire was applied, as well as a verification test of previous knowledge and a focus group at the end of the courses. It was observed that the PBL method is superior in the development of "problem-solving" and "teamwork" skills only of five observed. The application of the PBL method was associated with the fulfilment of two of the five academic objectives analysed, which is confirmed by the feedback from the focus groups. This research contributes to the analysis of the usefulness of teaching methods in different geographical contexts.

Studies on the effectiveness of the Project-Based Learning (PBL) method in different local contexts require non-conventional approaches that clarify if the methodology is suitable in other settings compared to the conventional teaching practice. This study examined students' perception of the effectiveness of the PBL method in developing cross-curricular competencies and improving the academic performance of undergraduate students in the Colombian Caribbean coast. A sum of Wilcoxon ranges and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used on two groups of 481 students who were taught using the traditional method and the PBL method from six professors of the Economic Development course. It was observed that the autonomy and problem-solving competencies received a positive impression from the students and that the application of the PBL method was superior to the traditional teaching method in improving academic performance. However, it was found that the characteristics of social communication within the local context limited the reflection of the participants in the PBL group. This study contributes to future studies by using a complementary instrument that provides an analysis of the effectiveness of teaching methods in different geographical contexts.

Differentiated geographical and institutional contexts imply the need to examine the effectiveness of non-conventional approach learning methods in contrast to generalist assumptions. One way is to examine the perceptions of undergraduates of a teaching method applied to specific individuals, geographical contexts, and their relationship to achieving the objectives of the course. This study analysed students' perceptions of the effectiveness of the Project-Based Learning (PBL) method within the Colombian Caribbean. The study used both Chi-square, Wilcoxon rank sum and independent variable correlation tests in a survey of 340 students in the Economic Development undergraduate course in a total of four cohorts over two years. The students compared the PBL to a traditional teaching method to fulfill the course's objectives, identifying cross-curricular skills that were considered better and worse during the learning process. It was found that only competencies of Autonomy and Critical Thinking had significant positive perceptions when using the PBL revealing that perceptions of students form a complementary tool that contributes to the analysis of the usefulness of teaching methods in different geographical contexts.

Copyright of Redes is the property of Redes-Revista Hispana para el Analisis de Redes Sociales 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.)

In Colombia's Orinoco, wildfires have a profound impact on ecosystem dynamics, particularly affecting savannas and forest–savanna transitions. Human activities have disrupted the natural fire regime, leading to increased wildfire frequency due to changes in land use, deforestation, and climate change. Despite extensive research on fire monitoring and prediction, the quantification of fuel accumulation, a critical factor in fire incidence, remains inadequately explored. This study addresses this gap by quantifying dead organic material (detritus) accumulation and identifying influencing factors. Using Brown transects across forests with varying fire intensities, we assessed fuel loads and characterized variables related to detritus accumulation over time. Employing factor analysis, principal components analysis, and a generalized linear mixed model, we determined the effects of various factors. Our findings reveal significant variations in biomass accumulation patterns influenced by factors such as thickness, wet and dry mass, density, gravity, porosity, and moisture content. Additionally, a decrease in fuel load over time was attributed to increased precipitation from three La Niña events. These insights enable more accurate fire predictions and inform targeted forest management strategies for fire prevention and mitigation, thereby enhancing our understanding of fire ecology in the Orinoco basin and guiding effective conservation practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High incidences of congenital syphilis have been reported in areas along the Pacific coast of Colombia. In this retrospective study, conducted during 2018-2022 at a public hospital in Buenaventura, Colombia, we analyzed data from 3,378 pregnant women. The opportunity to prevent congenital syphilis was missed in 53.1% of mothers because of the lack of syphilis screening. Characteristics of higher maternal social vulnerability and late access to prenatal care decreased the probability of having >1 syphilis screening test, thereby increasing the probability of having newborns with congenital syphilis. In addition, the opportunity to prevent congenital syphilis was missed in 41.5% of patients with syphilis because of the lack of treatment, which also increased the probability of having newborns with congenital syphilis. We demonstrate the urgent need to improve screening and treatment capabilities for maternal syphilis, particularly among pregnant women who are more socially vulnerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales is the property of Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicas y Naturales 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: This study explores the impacts of attacks perpetrated in the context of armed conflict, to female health workers in three Colombian territories. Methods: We conducted a document review of the reports and databases of the Colombian Truth Commission, 17 in-depth semi-structured interviews with experts on the national and regional armed conflict and the medical mission, and 26 female health workers who were victims of attacks. Results: Experts and female health workers reported attacks to health activities, facilities, equipment, and personnel, including attacks to traditional doctors belonging to indigenous communities. The most frequent attacks were threats and retention of health personnel; theft of supplies and medicines; damage and use of infrastructure and means of transport for purposes other than health care; and hinderance of health service provision. The attacks occurred in a framework of structural violence that intersects with poverty, racism, and gender bias. The impacts of these attacks include gender-based violence, significant disruption of the lives of health workers, and physical, emotional, psychological, social, and economic effects on the victims and their families. The government response to protect victims and populations has been absent or insufficient. Conclusions: Attacks to health care were reported in all the studied territories obstructing adequate health care. Impacts of these attacks affect negatively the professional and personal life of the workers and are aggravated by structural violence and absent or little institutional response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Innovar: Revista de Ciencias Administrativas y Sociales 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.)

Water is essential for life on Earth, playing fundamental roles in climate regulation, ecosystem maintenance, and domestic, agricultural, and industrial processes. A total of 70% of the planet is covered by water. However, only 2.5% is fresh water, and much of it is inaccessible. Groundwater is the main source of the planet's available water resources. For that reason, groundwater is a critically important resource, and is increasingly vulnerable due to the climate crisis and contamination. These challenges threaten the availability of clean and safe water, necessitating an understanding of effective and sustainable management. This review presents an overview of the concepts of aquifers and groundwater. Also, it reflects on the importance of these resources in developing countries such as Colombia (South America). In addition, it considers the characteristics of mineral waters, their uses, and associated risks, as well as their exploration and control policies. Colombia is a country with immense water and biological wealth and is crucial to maintaining the climate and availability of global water resources. Nevertheless, managing Colombia's aquifers is a challenge, as many have not yet been fully explored. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to study hydrogeochemistry through the application of advanced technologies to analyze the dynamics, distribution, and quality of groundwater, as well as its vulnerability to pollution and climate change. On the other hand, the consumption of mineral groundwater can have health benefits, such as positive cardiovascular and gastrointestinal effects. But geogenic, biogenic, or anthropogenic elements such as heavy metals and microplastics can pose a risk to human health. The need for proper management of water resources to prevent risks to human health and the environment is emphasized. Therefore, an integrated approach to water resource management will ensure conservation and sustainable use, secure a continuous supply of freshwater, and facilitate adaptation to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological abnormalities in bats are rarely reported and, particularly, ocular problems are relatively scarce in the literature. We present a review of the records of ocular alterations in bats of the American continent and document for the first time a case of ocular alteration in the species Saccopteryx bilineata in northern Colombia. In this study we found cases of corneal opacity (5/19 individuals), lesions and trauma, microphthalmia (4/19 individuals), anophthalmia (4/19 individuals) and adnexal diseases (2/19 individuals). We encourage researchers to report their observations of bats with ocular anomalies, as this information could be useful for estimating occurrence rates and addressing questions associated with the social behaviour of the species and on their effects on natural populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study explores how pedagogical reflection on ethics influences dishonest behavior in academia. A quasi-experiment is carried out with 109 industrial engineering students in Colombia, focusing on the phenomenon of corruption in Latin America. The results show an initial positive effect on the recognition and reduction of academic plagiarism, which decreases over time. The study supports the theory of planned behavior by finding that deep deliberation can shape behaviors. In addition, it incorporates the acceptance of guilt as part of the necessary reflection. The study highlights the need to teach ethics in a contextualized manner and through inductive pedagogical mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although some studies have been carried out about suicidal behavior in the adolescence in Colombia, it has been necessary to carry out research with larger samples and from different regions of the country, examining aspects of ideation such as suicidal planning, which tends to predict suicidal attempts, taking into account that sex differences in attempts and such ideation among Colombian adolescents have not been sufficiently investigated. This study examined sex differences in the number of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation (seriously thinking about suicide and planning to commit suicide in the last twelve months), among 1659 adolescents aged 13 to 19 years (54 % female), from four cities of Colombia (Bogotá, Bucaramanga, Tunja and Yopal). In addition, adolescents who reported having thought of a suicide plan were compared with those who had not, in a series of individual and socio-family variables previously related to suicidal behavior. The instruments used were the Checklist SCL-90-R, the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory (CADRI), the Behavior Assessment System for Children 3rd Ed. (BASC-S3), a self-report questionnaire on psychological variables, and a self-report questionnaire on incidents of violence between parents witnessed by adolescents. Non-parametric tests (Mann Whitney U, effect size for this test, Chi Square, Odds Ratio) were used, due to the nominal and ordinal nature of some variables and because the quantitative variables were not normally distributed in the sample. Women reported more suicide attempts than men, and significantly more (p = .05) reported serious thoughts of suicide and a suicide plan. The participants who thought about a suicide plan in the last twelve months presented a significantly higher range of scores (p = .05) of the psychopathological symptoms measured with the SCL-90R and the BASC-S3, such as somatization, obsessions-compulsions, depression, anxiety, hostility and psychoticism, in the global severity index of the SCL-90R, in the clinical and school maladjustment indices of the BASC-S3, as well as a smaller range of scores in the personal adjustment index and the scales of this BASC index (interpersonal relations, relations with parents, self-esteem and self-confidence). They also reported a higher frequency of sexual, relational, verbal-emotional, physical violence and threats from their partner or ex-partner, examined by the CADRI, as well as a higher consumption of alcoholic beverages, marijuana and inhalants, violent physical punishment by parents or another caregiver, feeling neglected by the father and mother, running away from home, poor relationships with parents and siblings, and poor academic performance. The probability of thinking about a suicidal plan was higher (OR = 2.0) among those who reported feeling so sad or hopeless that they had to interrupt their normal activities, almost every day, for two weeks or more; having been physically punished in a violent way by a parent or other caregiver; having been forced to a sexual act by an older person, a peer, a family member or a stranger; having been abandoned totally or for a considerable time by the mother; having been thrown out of the house by one of the parents and having witnessed acts of physical, verbal or other types of violence between the parents. These results indicate that adolescents who have a greater vulnerability to suicidal behavior could be identified among those who present negative family circumstances, such as poor relationships with parents, domestic violence and observation of violence between parents, as well as negative social circumstances, such as poor interpersonal relationships, sexual violence and intimate partner violence, which could lead to the development of psychopathological symptoms, substance use, poor academic performance and other manifestations of clinical, educational and personal maladjustment, in order to carry out an intervention that decreases the likelihood of suicide attempts. They also show the importance of developing prevention alternatives from an ecological perspective, including peers, parents and teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Virtual Universidad Católica del Norte is the property of Revista Virtual Universidad Catolica del Norte 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 Dictamen Libre is the property of Universidad Libre Seccional Barranquilla 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.)

This Article analyses the effectiveness of Simulation-Based Learning Model ASEAN Meeting in enhancing critical thinking skills and academic performance compared to the conventional teaching method among 216 International Relations undergraduate students on the north coast of Colombia. A t–student test, Welch test, and the Kendall Tau correlation coefficient were used to analyses the perceptions and academic performance from 216 undergraduate Asia Pacific Politics courses for two years. A pre-test, post-test, and achievement of academic objectives questionnaire were applied, as well as a verification test of previous knowledge and focus groups at the end of the courses. It was found that simulations fostered an inquiry-based attitude to represent a countrýs agenda not achieved through the conventional method, thus enhancing deductive and inductive reasoning, recognizing assumptions, and drawing inferences capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium wilt of banana caused by the soil-borne fungi Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4) (Syn. Fusarium odoratissimum), is a major threat to the global banana industry. Aiming to identify predisposing soil factors for Fusarium wilt of banana (FWB) TR4, the 23 physical and chemical soil properties were studied in three commercial banana farms in La Guajira, Colombia. Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from areas affected by the disease (affected plots) and disease-free areas (healthy plots). Five repetitions per farm were considered, with a total sample of n = 30. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Subsequently, the debiased sparse partial correlation (DSPC) algorithm was applied. Organic matter (OM), pH, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and cation-exchange capacity on the exchange complex (ECEC), showed significant differences between the affected and healthy plots. In addition, the bulk density and saturated hydraulic conductivity (HC) were associated suggesting that physical attributes, such as soil compaction and poor drainage, create favorable conditions for FWB. According to the DSPC algorithm, the HC variable presented a grade of 5 and an intermediation of 14.67, which indicates that it has significant associations with BD, sand, porosity, ECEC, and OM and plays a critical role in the connection of other variables in the network and the differentiation of healthy and affected plots. These findings establish a baseline of information under field conditions in Colombia, which can be used to design soil management strategies to mitigate the detrimental effects of Foc TR4 by creating less favorable conditions for the pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Procesamiento del Lenguaje Natural is the property of Sociedad Espanola para el Procesamiento del Lenguaje Natural 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 Therya is the property of Asociacion Mexicana de Mastozoologia, A. C. 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 obscure mealybug Pseudococcus viburni (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is recorded for the first time from Colombia based on specimens collected on Opuntia cylindrica (Lam.) DC., Mammillaria sp. (Cactaceae), Escallonia paniculata (Ruiz & Pav.), Roem. & Schult. (Escalloniaceae), Ficus carica L. (Moraceae), Coffea arabica L. (Rubiaceae), Citrus sp. (Rutaceae), Cestrum nocturnum L. and Solanum betaceum Cavanilles (Solanaceae). Multiple methods were used to identify P. viburni because it belongs to the "Pseudococcus maritimus" complex, a group composed of more than 60 species with high variation in morphological characteristics. The specimens were identified based on the morphology and morphometric analysis of third‐instar nymphs and adult females. This morphological identification was corroborated by data on geographical distribution, plant hosts and a molecular identification using two different loci, CO1 (mtDNA) and the 28S ribosomal gene (nuclear genome). An updated list of species of Pseudococcus Westwood recorded from Colombia and information on morphological variation found in the studied specimens from Brazil and Colombia are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Psiquiatria is the property of Asociacion Colombiana de Psiquiatria 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.)

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is one of the most consumed vegetables in Colombia and department of Cundinamarca ranks first in terms of production. One of the problems that has been detected in the Bogotá savanna is that, although producers usually apply fertilizers in excess, the average yield obtained is well below the potential, largely because there is no tool to determine the appropriate nutritional status. This research proposed to determine the norms of the Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) for lettuce cultivation in the savanna of Bogotá, to balance the plant nutritional status previously selecting, using Monte Carlo analysis techniques, one of eight different methods to divide the population sample into high and low yield. Field data were collected from farms representing 12% of the area planted in 2018 according to Cundinamarca statistics. Plant nutritional status was determined at early vegetative growth using established laboratory techniques, and crop yield was recorded at the end. The splitting methods showed that the maximum difference with the lowest variance was obtained using the Cate and Nelson proposal applied on the predicted values of a regression analysis between yield and plant nutrient concentration, taking care that the size of the subpopulations was greater than or equal to 25% of the sample size. Once the DRIS standards were determined, DRIS indices were calculated for each sampling point and, as a result, potassium and phosphorus were the most frequent deficient elements due to imbalance, while iron and copper were the most frequent elements in excess. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mobility plan and the road infrastructure works implemented, together with the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) connected bus system in its first two phases, generated optimistic expectations about the reduction of lethal crashes in the city. This research studies the relationship between investments in transportation infrastructure in the city and the distribution of traffic fatalities. Although it is not strictly speaking an impact assessment, the approach we propose performs geostatistical contrasts between intervened and non-intervened areas, using a geographically weighted model that attempts to model the spatial variability of the factors associated with the intra-urban road traffic crash rate, controlling for infrastructure interventions and some proxy indicators of urban structure. The findings reveal that fatalities decreased in areas both with and without intervention. Despite the expectation of reducing fatal injuries, the differential effects of the interventions were relatively small. The risk of road traffic crashes was even increased in critical points of the city with recurrent lethal crashes. The effects of road interventions on fatal road traffic crashes in Cali did not correspond to the high social and economic costs involved in the BRT system and the work plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since there is no consensus in the previous literature on the factors that affect innovation capability in the context of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the objective of the article is to analyze the variables that affect this capability in industrial MSMEs in Colombia's Atlántico Department. For this, we develop a positivist, explanatory, and non-experimental cross-sectional study, using a survey applied to 400 industrial MSMEs. The results show that organizational learning, intellectual capital, and knowledge management directly and statistically significantly affect innovation capability. We concluded that in this type of company flexibility, informality, and control style, favor the development of strategies that allow the organization to face the environment´s demands, based on innovative and sustainable solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing interspecific adaptive genetic variation across environmental gradients offers insight into the scale of habitat-dependent heritable heterotic effects, which may ultimately enable pre-breeding for abiotic stress tolerance and novel climates. However, environmentally dependent allelic effects are often bypassed by intra-specific single-locality genome-wide associations studies (GWAS). Therefore, in order to bridge this gap, this study aimed at coupling an advanced panel of drought/heat susceptible common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) × tolerant tepary bean (P. acutifolius A. Gray) interspecific lines with last-generation multi-environment GWAS algorithms to identify novel sources of heat and drought tolerance to the humid and dry subregions of the Caribbean coast of Colombia, where the common bean typically exhibits maladaptation to extreme weather. A total of 87 advanced lines with interspecific ancestries were genotyped by sequencing (GBS), leading to the discovery of 15,645 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Five yield traits were recorded for each genotype and inputted in modern GWAS algorithms (i.e., FarmCPU and BLINK) to identify the putative associated loci across four localities in coastal Colombia. Best-fit models revealed 47 significant quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) distributed in all 11 common bean chromosomes. A total of 90 flanking candidate genes were identified using 1-kb genomic windows centered in each associated SNP marker. Pathway-enriched analyses were done using the mapped output of the GWAS for each yield trait. Some genes were directly linked to the drought tolerance response; morphological, physiological, and metabolic regulation; signal transduction; and fatty acid and phospholipid metabolism. We conclude that habitat-dependent interspecific polygenic effects are likely sufficient to boost common bean adaptation to the severe climate in coastal Colombia via introgression breeding. Environmental-dependent polygenic adaptation may be due to contrasting levels of selection and the deleterious load across localities. This work offers putative associated loci for marker-assisted and genomic selection targeting the common bean's neo-tropical lowland adaptation to drought and heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we analyze the impact of Venezuelan migration on the female labor market in Colombia. Following the economic crisis in Venezuela, more than 1.5 million Venezuelans arrived in Colombia in the period 2016–2019. Using an instrumental variables approach, we find that the sudden influx of millions of migrants reduced the labor force participation of less-skilled native women due to a disproportionate increase of competition in economic activities in which they were more concentrated. On the other hand, migration positively affected the labor force participation for high-skilled women with children. When testing the underlying mechanisms of this latter result, we find a reduction in the time spent on childcare and an increase in the probability of hiring domestic service, explained by a decrease in the cost of this service due to the Venezuelan exodus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the cessation of academic activities from the face-to-face format to confinement and virtual classes, in which little is studied about its effect on mental health. Objective. Determine levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in medical students in Mexico and Colombia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, depression, anxiety, and stress were compared by gender, education status, and country. Method. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 426 medical students. Data was collected using an online survey containing the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21) questionnaire. Results. Overall scores for depression, anxiety, and stress were 6.7 ± 1.2, 8.8 ± 1.2, and 5.6 ± 1.2, respectively. Females had significantly higher overall scores for depression (.24-fold increase), anxiety (.25-fold increase), and stress (.40-fold increase) than males (p ≤ .01). The risk for anxiety and stress by school year showed that basic years were associated with higher scores than advanced years (.25 and .38-fold increase, respectively). For females, starting medical school did show an increased risk of depression when compared to male students in their basic years (.38-fold increase). Lastly, students from Mexico had an increased risk for depression and anxiety (p ≤ .022 and p ≤ .004, respectively) but not for stress (p ≤ .402), when compared to students from Colombia. Discussion and conclusion. Significant anxiety and depression were observed in medical students from Mexico and Colombia. Factors associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety are students in their basic years as well as being female. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID 19 pandemic has resulted in the generation of new dynamics at the social and economic level; among which stands out what is related to work stress of people who return to their jobs after preventive confinement. In this way, the present study seeks to define the effects of work stress in hotel companies in the city of Sincelejo during the post-pandemic era. At the methodological level, a quantitative study with a descriptive level is described, in which a Likert scale questionnaire related to the effects of work stress from the psychological, physical and emotional aspects is applied to a sample of 53 collaborators belonging to 20 companies in the hotel sector from the city of Sincelejo (Colombia). The results found in the study show the presence of the effects of work stress within the workers involved in the collection process; especially in emotional and physical stress. Based on the findings, it is possible to conclude that currently within the tourism sector there is a presence of work stress and its effects; a fact that could be accentuated by the personal and social consequences of COVID 19, which not only affected the health of people but has also generated an adverse effect on companies in sectors such as tourism due to the drop in tourism worldwide in previous years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a novel methodology to assess the financial risk to crops in highly weather-volatile regions. We use data-driven methodologies that use singular value decomposition techniques in a low-income economy. The risk measure is first derived by applying data-driven frameworks, a Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) to productive coffee crops in Colombia (163 weather stations) during 2010–2019. The objective is to understand the future implications that index insurance tools will have on strategic economic crops in the country. The first stage includes the identification of the PCA components at the country level. The risk measure, payouts-in-exceedance ratio, or POER, is derived from an analysis of the most volatile-weather-producing regions. It is obtained from a linear index insurance model applied to the extracted singular-decomposed tendencies through SSA on first-component data. The financial risk measure due to weather volatilities serves to predict the future implications of the payouts-in-exceedance in both seasons—wet and dry. The results show that the first PCA component contributes to forty percent of the total variance. The seasonal forecast analysis for the next 24 months shows increasing additional payouts (PO), especially during the wet season. This is caused by the increasing average precipitation tendency component with POERs of 18 and 60 percent in the first and second years. The findings provide important insights into designing agricultural hedging insurance instruments in low-income economies that are reliant on the export of strategic crops, as is the case of Colombian coffee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective : To understand the issues associated with temporary disability (TD) in Colombia, particularly clinical, legal, operational, and economic aspects, and their implications for the health and occupational risks systems. Materials and methods : A qualitative study with a social and participatory research approach, using expert panels as a technique for data collection, which leads to a definition of categories based on the findings from our experts and existing literature. After this, researchers draw conclusions from the findings. Results : The information provided by the experts was analyzed and categories and codes were defined. The categories conceived for the study were: i) diagnosis (disease or injury), ii) duration of temporary disability, iii) economic management of disabilities (by the entities responsible), iv) clinical management of disabilities, v) socioeconomic factors, vi) normative factors (legal), vii) positions/perspectives of the actors involved and implications for the Social Security System, and viii) methodology for estimating the cost of temporary disability. Conclusion : Considering the problems generated by TD in Colombia, it is necessary to establish clearly for all actors the origins of disabilities and how they are determined from the clinical, legal, and operational perspectives. This is because the country needs to minimize inefficiency and waste in health caused by temporary disabilities, phenomena that are avoidable and require an intersectoral joint effort for their approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Neotropics are highly diverse in avian species. Neotropical countries contribute a large part of the estimated diversity of haemosporidian parasites reported for the planet's tropical zones. However, sampling is limited and biased, illustrated by only 30% of the genetic records (barcodes) from non-passerines, most of them not linked to a nominal species. This paper aimed to perform the molecular and morphological characterization of the haemosporidians that infect non-passerine birds from Colombia deposited in the biological collection named "Grupo de Estudio Relación Parásito Hospedero (GERPH)". We analyzed 1239 samples from twelve biomes and two animal care facilities. Phylogenetic relationships using barcodes and mitochondrial genomes were estimated. In addition, the reports of haemosporidian infections in non-passerine birds from the Neotropics recorded after 1978 were summarized. We reported the presence of thirteen morphological haemosporidian species, four potential new species deposited in GERPH, a host range expansion for two Plasmodium species, and a barcode sequence for Haemoproteus caprimulgi. We confirmed the species associated with 56 molecular lineages reported in other neotropical countries at the genus level. Thus, biological collections and curated databases such as MalAvi are essential to support integrative approaches demanded in modern taxonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The long-term performance of an engineering work depends on the quality and treatment of the underlying soils, which support the structure and, in the case of pavements, depends In addition, the characteristics of the other intermediate granular layers that are part of the structure, since an unstable soil can cause problems in the performance and stability of the works, so their improvement, through an adequate study and management of the situation, is usually the most expeditious way to obtain a structure that is capable of providing satisfactory support to the loads and the effect of some climatic factors to which it will be subjected during its service life. Through this study, which consisted in the characterization of a material for Granular Subbase from the Aggregates de Sucre Quarry, located in the municipality of Tolú Viejo (Department of Sucre), in northern Colombia, it was possible to obtain the curves of compaction, based on the moisture vs. dry density ratio, for various compaction energies. According to the results obtained, it was possible to establish that the maximum dry density increased as the compaction energy increased. Meanwhile, in the case of optimal compaction humidity, although it did not have such a marked behavior, a tendency to decrease was noted as the compaction energy increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three major age-related oil families, clustered into seven groups, were identified in the Llanos basin based on advanced geochemical technologies that unveiled complex mixtures throughout the basin. The analyses included the conventional whole oil and biomarker analysis and the more refined and advanced GC-MS/MS analysis. The latter provided for terrestrial diterpane-based age-specific arrays that discriminated between Cretaceous and Cenozoic floral types. The analysis of asphaltene hydrous pyrolysates revealed the initial charges to the reservoirs, often of early maturity, but also strongly biodegraded and overprinted by fresh oil charges. Extensive analysis on diamondoids allowed the characterization of the late maturity charges, differentiation between mixed and singly-sourced oils and the ability to tie together earlier with later generated oil components of oil mixtures. Oils from Family A are the most widespread in the basin, found in the southern Llanos and in the Foothills and are derived from Lower Cretaceous to Cenomanian marine shale with a terrigenous input. Within Family B, of Upper Cretaceous age, two main source facies were identified, one with a siliciclastic marine input, corresponding to Groups 4 and 5. They have the highest concentrations of the C 25 highly branched isoprenoid (HBI) and occur in the Northern and Eastern Llanos and in the Axial Zone of the Eastern Cordillera. The other facies has a more calcareous aspect, identified mainly in the Southern Llanos designated as Groups 2 and 3. Family C, of Cenozoic age, is restricted to the Foothills and two oil Groups were distinguished: Group 6 as the only endmember of a terrigenous Cenozoic facies, identified in Oil 7, and Group 7 shows a Cenozoic terrigenous facies and varying degrees of mixing with a marine Cretaceous input. These families are mixed in a variety of ways, having mixtures from different facies, while others show multiple charges from the same facies. • The integration of advanced geochemical technologies led to the recognition of three major age-related oil families across the Llanos basin, clustered into seven groups. • The comprehensive analysis of hydrous pyrolysates of asphaltenes and extended diamondoids allowed the recognition of mixing of different charges along the basin. • Strong oleanane and a diterpane signature with high rosane, led to the identification of a Cenozoic terrigenous source facies in the Foothills. • Highly biodegraded carbonate marine facies are characteristic of the southern Llanos, while a siliceous marine signature is more common in northern and central Llanos. • The light oils from the Foothills display a mixture of a marine shale and a terrigenous Cenozoic facies varying in contribution from south to north. [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]

In democracies around the world, societies have demonstrated that elections can have major consequences for the environment. In Colombia, the 2022 presidential elections will take place at a time when progress towards peace has stalled and socioeconomic, security, and environmental conditions have deteriorated. The recent declines in these conditions largely coincide with the change of government after the 2018 elections, and the associated rise to power of a party that boycotted the peace negotiations from the beginning. These indicators suggest that 2018 marked the end of a decade of improvements in safety, wealth, and equality—societal factors that can interact with the environment in multiple ways. A spike in assassinations of land and environmental defenders in 2019 and 2020 made Colombia one of the most dangerous places in the world for environmentalists. With the 2022 presidential election, Colombians will once again decide who will govern the country and what new social, economic, and environmental policies will be implemented. In preparation for elections like this, we believe that it is important for scientists with relevant backgrounds to highlight relationships between political events and the environment, to enrich the political debate, help prioritize public resources, and inform policy-making. Here, we provide a multidisciplinary analysis of different socioeconomic and environmental trends that can help inform the public and decision-makers. We intend for this analysis to be useful not only in Colombia, but also to other societies under similar situations, managing biodiversity-rich ecosystems in socio-political environments of increasing violence, poverty, and inequality. • Political events like a peace process and elections can affect the environment. • Peace talks in Colombia improved socio-economic and environmental trends. • Violence, poverty and inequity spiked in Colombia after the 2018 election year. • Environmental outcomes of government's attitude toward conflict are rarely analyzed. • 2022 election can be a breakpoint toward a more sustainable peace and environment. [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]

AIMED, Chía, Colombia; 7Andean Cluster - Respiratory & Immunology, AstraZeneca, Bogotá, Colombia; 8Respiratory & Immunology AstraZeneca, The Hague, the NetherlandsCorrespondence: John Carlos Pedrozo-Pupo, PREVICARE LTDA. Programa de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia, Tel +57 603017384712, Email [email protected] Purpose: Overuse of short-acting β2-agonists (SABAs) for asthma is associated with a significant increase in exacerbations and healthcare resource use. However, limited data exist on the extent of SABA overuse outside of Europe and North America. As part of the multi-country SABA use IN Asthma (SABINA) III study, we characterized SABA prescription patterns in Colombia. Patients and Methods: This observational, cross-sectional cohort study of SABINA III included patients (aged ≥ 12 years) with asthma recruited from seven sites in Colombia. Demographics, disease characteristics (including investigator-defined asthma severity guided by the 2017 Global Initiative for Asthma report), and asthma treatments prescribed (including SABAs and inhaled corticosteroids [ICS]) in the 12 months preceding the study were recorded using electronic case report forms during a single study visit. Results: Of 250 patients analyzed, 50.4%, 33.2%, and 16.4% were enrolled by pulmonologists, general medicine practitioners, and allergists, respectively. Most patients were female (74.0%) and had moderate-to-severe asthma (67.6%). Asthma was partly controlled or uncontrolled in 57.6% of patients, with 15.6% experiencing ≥ 1 severe exacerbation 12 months before the study visit. In total, 4.0% of patients were prescribed SABA monotherapy and 55.6%, SABA in addition to maintenance therapy. Overall, 39.2% of patients were prescribed ≥ 3 SABA canisters in the 12 months before the study visit; 25.2% were prescribed ≥ 10 canisters. Additionally, 17.6% of patients purchased SABAs over the counter, of whom 43.2% purchased ≥ 3 canisters. Maintenance medication in the form of ICS or ICS/long-acting β2-agonist fixed-dose combination was prescribed to 36.0% and 66.8% of patients, respectively. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that prescription/purchase of ≥ 3 SABA canisters were common in Colombia, highlighting a public health concern. There is a need to improve asthma care by aligning clinical practices with the latest evidence-based treatment recommendations to improve asthma management across Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the municipality of Pitalito, Huila, Colombia, there is a high degree of ignorance about cognitive functional diversity, by generating a social problem, which raises barriers and prevents the inclusion of people in this condition. Thus, the problem of labor inclusion for people with functional diversity arises from the lack of knowledge of this condition, from the wrong perception of their capabilities, from the educational deficiencies regarding labor competencies and from the lack of governmental intervention in the dissemination of public policies for inclusion. Finally, strategies are proposed under the triple helix innovation model to achieve effectiveness in the inclusive processes of social, educational, and labor insertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]