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Infographic. Progressing rehabilitation after injury: Consider the \'control-chaos continuum\'

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British Journal of Sports Medicine

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Effect of glyphosate on microbiota, soil quality and biofortified bean crop in Codazzi, department of Cesar, Colombia

Strategies aimed at achieving food safety in crops of high nutritional value should be carried out through sustainable agricultural practices aimed at soil conservation, high yield and food safety. This latter characteristic implies food production without detectable traces of agrochemicals that threaten health. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of the herbicide glyphosate on the chemical and biological fertility of the soil and to determine its residual activity on biofortified bean seeds in Codazzi, Department of Cesar, Colombia. The method included a correlational analysis of soil quality, crop yield and residuality in bean grains. The treatments included glyphosate application and synthetic and natural mulches, compared to manual control. The results showed differences in the response of chemical, microbiological and yield indicators between treatments and the initial conditions of the bean rhizosphere. The use of the herbicide glyphosate in mulch-free soil generates yield losses of 29% associated with a higher incidence of pests and fungal diseases; in all treatments, no glyphosate residuality was detected in seeds; however, residuality was detected in other molecules derived from insecticides associated with the local production system. In conclusion, in plots with high weed pressure by Cyperus rotundus, the use of mulch is recommended as an alternative to maintain bean productivity over time; by offering protection against the effect of the herbicide on both the root system of the plant and the soil microbiota of the biofortified bean crop.

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Revista Argentina de Microbiologia

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Design and content validity verification of an instrument to evaluate access to hospital infrastructure in Colombia

The present study determined the content validity of an instrument to assess Colombian health institutions physical access. The questionnaire was designed by the authors of the study, based on the Colombian Technical Standard of Accessibility to the Physical Environment 6047 framework. The content validity was carried out by six experts. To the score the content validity, the researchers designed a qualification template, and calculated a content validity index dividing the relevance and pertinence score of each item/question by the number of experts who evaluated the question. Based on methodological recommendations from the literature, items with content validity index ≤ 0.78 were eliminated from the questionnaire or modified in their wording in accordance with the recommendations of the expert reviewers. The content validity index of the scale was found to be excellent (0.95). In total, 2 questions were eliminated due to their low relevance index (≤ 0.78). The final questionnaire has 69 questions. The importance of determining the validity of the scale in the present study, lies in the fact that a firm scientific basis must be constructed to verify whether such an instrument accurately measures reality.

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Journal of Physics: Conference Series

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Technology and mathematics as a cognitive component

The objective of the study was to analyze the technological impact and cognitive attributes of technology for the construction of meaningful learning of mathematics students at Universities in Ecuador and Colombia. The sample was non-probability, with the participation of 1124 students. A mixed study of sequential explanatory design was applied. In the quantitative phase, correlational method, were applying a digital questionnaire, the data were analyzed through multiple regression and statistical analysis of nested variance to two variables demonstrating the need to implement mathematical software. In the qualitative phase, the mathematical software Wiris and Geogrebra were implemented and results merged by the contrasting method. The conclusions demonstrate the impact of digital connectivity, distinguishing technology as a cognitive component through dynamic knowledge. The method was effective to the development of logical analytic thinking; boosted the activity of the right limbic lobe.

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Journal of Physics: Conference Series

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Polymorphism rs4998 of the ADRB3 gene and its relationship with the body mass index

Introduction: At 2007 in Colombia it was estimated that a portion 56 % from the adult population was obese, a condition that is considered a public health problem with implications in the development of coronary heart disease. Objective: Determine the distribution of allelic and genotypic frequencies and the relation of the polymorphism rs4998 of the ADRB3 gene with the Body Mass Index in a population of teachers and administrators of an university institution in Colombia. Methods: DNA extraction was carried out by a commercial method, for specific DNA amplification, specific primers not labeled with fluorochromes were used, fragments obtained were purified by SAP and EXOSAP enzymes, and finally minisequencing was performed in the ABI PRISM 310 and later electropherogram reading. The analysis of the sociodemographic variables was performed using univariate methods and bivariate methods using significance tests such as: Pearson’s Chi2 test and Fisher’s exact test. Logistic models were used to evaluate association. Results: The genotype frequencies found were 0.96 GG, 0.014 CG and 0.020 CC. The allele frequencies were 0.027 C and 0.973 G. The sample was found in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with Chi2 = 81.153 (1) (p = 0.000) and the population structure was calculated by means of the Fst test = 0.743. Discussion: Finding the population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, indicates that individuals were mixed randomly. The coefficient of inbreeding or statistical Fst, is very close to one, which indicates that the population has a high structure or genetic differentiation and there is fixation of the mutated allele G. This could obtain false associations with the pathology of interest. Conclusion: The frequencies obtained in this study do not fit the proposed gene models for association studies, therefore, it is recommended to increase the sample size for future researches or to propose case-control studies.

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Nutricion Clinica y Dietetica Hospitalaria

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Survey of knowledge for diagnosing and managing prediabetes in Latin-America: Cross-sectional study

Background: Prediabetes has been proposed as a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite the clinical importance of prediabetes, little is known about the level of knowledge, beliefs and barriers to screening and treating prediabetes amongst care health providers in Latin America. The aim of the present survey was to evaluate the knowledge and beliefs about prediabetes amongst in Latin American health care providers. Methodology: In a cross-sectional study, we adapted the written survey designed by the Johns Hopkins University group, and applied it to health care providers across Latin America during three meetings, in 2017, and with physicians from primary care centers in Bucaramanga, Colombia convened in 2017. The survey consisted of questions under four headings, diabetes screening, management of prediabetes, pharmacological treatment - metformin use, and demographic information. We perform a descriptive analysis to determine the differences in responses between different medical specialties. Results: The majority of the care providers that answered the survey were Colombian physicians, 54.5% of respondents had 10 years or more since completing their training and more women responded. Only 9.5% identified the 12 prediabetes risk factors described in the literature. The most common risk factor identified was a family history of diabetes, followed by overweight, a sedentary lifestyle and dyslipidemia, while ethnicity was the risk factor least commonly. 47.1% answered that laboratory tests to detect prediabetes are fasting glucose and HbA1C, 82.5% correctly identified fasting plasma glucose as the best test, 35.9% correctly responded that to the recommended weight loss goal is 5 to 7% and 49.1% that 150 min is considered the minimum level of physical activity per week. 78% agreed that the identification and treatment of prediabetes is important. 56% believed that patients with prediabetes progress more rapidly to diabetes and 40.6% considered that metformin could reduce the risk of diabetes in patients already diagnosed with prediabetes. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that there are important gaps in the knowledge of the diagnosis, clinical implications and management of prediabetes amongst Latin America health providers.

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Diabetology and Metabolic Syndrome

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Use of clinical prediction rules in children with traumatic brain injury in emergency departments in Colombia

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate how pediatricians in emergency departments in Bogotá, Colombia use clinical prediction rules in traumatic brain injury (TBI), by. Material and methods: This was a survey applied to 80 pediatricians assigned to five pediatric emergency departments. Participants were invited via email. Under informed consent, a virtual questionnaire consisting of 12 questions was applied between November 2018 and February 2019. Results: Of the total, 62.5% said they used any of the rules or clinical algorithm. Not aware of these guidelines was the most frequent reason for not to use them. It was noted that there is no well-defined criteria for deciding performing tomography skull in mild TBI. Conclusion: Strengthen education seems necessary to unify the medical decisions around the TBI in children, in order to improve the quality of care and costs.

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Revista Mexicana de Pediatria

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Obstructive uropathy in canine: Clinical case report

The present study shows the case of a 7-year-old male canine who was admitted to the veterinary clinic «Vet Center», Bucaramanga, Colombia, for an alleged poisoning picture. The patient showed signs of depression, dysuria, strangury, haematuria and vomiting. Haematological assessment and urinalysis revealed a picture of dehydration and urinary infection. Blood chemistry showed insufficiency and postrenal azotemia, and the ultrasound examination showed the presence of a urolith and urinary bladder repletion, confirming the diagnosis of obstructive uropathy. For the stabilization of the patient, a Nelaton urinary catheter was placed to empty the bladder and hydro propulsion was done. Besides, maintenance intravenous solutions with 0.9% NaCl, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory were prescribed. Finally, cystotomy was performed to remove the urolith, in addition to a urethrostomy due to the recurrence of the obstruction.

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Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias del Peru

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Ontogeny and histochemistry of sporangia and receptacle scales of the epiphytic fern pleopeltis Macrocarpa (Polypodiaceae)

Introduction: The ontogeny of sporangia and furthermore the struc­ture and function of the receptacle scales showed by the sori of some fern species are topics scarcely represented in the scientific literature. Objectives: To describe and analyze the ontogeny of sporangia and receptacle scales of Pleopeltis macrocarpa. Methods: During March and April of 2017, fertile fronds of P. macrocarpa were collected from tree stems located in the plant nursery “El Edén de las flores”, municipality of Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia. The samples were fixed and processed according to the standard protocols for embedding and sectioning in paraffin and resin. Sections obtained in resin (0.5 μm) were stained with Toluidine blue. The additional descriptions of the anatomy and histochemistry required specific reagents, applied for the determination of primary walls, secondary walls, nuclei, lignin, polyphenols, polysaccharides, pectic substances and cellulose. The observations and photographic records were performed by photonic and epifluorescence microscopy. For the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique, the sori were dehydrated with 2,2- Dimethoxypropane, dried to critical point and coated with gold. Results: The sori are superficial, vascularized and have mixed development, covered by receptacle scales that detach as the sporangia reaches maturity. The leptosporangiate type sporangium have long stalks of primary walls, the annulus of the sporangia shows secondary walls with “U” shaped thickenings rich in lignin. The epidermal cells of the receptacle originate the sporangia and receptacle scales. The mitotic division events of these two structures are initially similar, but then diverge for the reproductive and vegetative differentiation of these two organs. Meiosis is simultaneous and the spore tetrads are arranged in a decussate or tetragonal shape. The cellular tapetum is initially unstratified but becomes bistratified by mitotic division. The inner layer of the tapetum cells break originating a plasmodial tapetum. During the sporoderm development, the first structure formed is the exospore, composed of sporopolenin, followed by the endospore composed of cellulose, pectin and carboxilated polysaccharides, and finally the perispore. The histochemistry and epifluorescence results indicate that both the sporangia and immature receptacle scales have cell walls of cellulosic. These structures as well as those of the sporangium wall cells maintain its composition during matu­ration. Whereas, the epidermal wall cells of the shields from the mature receptacle scales are characterized by thickened cuticle. The polyphenols are present during all the development stages of the sporangia and receptacle scales. Starch is abundant in the early stages of development of the receptacle cells and sporangial primordia. Conclusions: The ontogeny of the sporangia of P. macrocarpa is similar to the described for leptosporangiate ferns. The receptacle scales are mainly protective structures, its morphology and cell wall composition prevent desiccation or humidity loss of the sporangia during the labile stages of development. These results agree with the protective function attributed to the peltated pluricellular scales present in the vegetative structures of drought tolerant species of ferns and angiosperms.

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Revista de Biologia Tropical

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Dengue in Santander State, Colombia: fluctuations in the prevalence of virus serotypes are linked to dengue incidence and genetic diversity of the circulating viruses

Objective: To investigate the link between fluctuations in the prevalence of dengue virus (DENV) serotypes and the number of dengue cases in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga, Santander State, Colombia, in the 2007–2010 and 2014–2017 periods. Method: Viruses were isolated from febrile patient samples by direct application to C6/36-HT cells and typed using monoclonal antibodies. We performed autocorrelation and cross-correlation analyses to determine whether fluctuations in the prevalence of DENV serotypes and dengue cases were correlated. Full envelope (E) gene sequences were employed to examine the genetic diversity of serotypes circulating by using a phylogenetic approach. Results: All four dengue virus serotypes were detected. DENV-1 was the dominant serotype in both periods followed by DENV-3 or DENV-2 depending on the period; DENV-4 was the least prevalent virus in both periods. Cross-correlation analyses suggest a temporal relation between the fluctuations in the prevalence of DENV serotypes, which were almost simultaneous (lag = 0) or related to recent past fluctuations (lag > 1.0) in the number of dengue cases. Data suggest that a sustained predominance of DENV-1, an increase of the DENV-4 prevalence, and a switch from DENV-3 to DENV-2 could be linked to an outbreak. Circulating viruses were grouped into Genotype V, Asia/American III and II for DENV-1, -2, -3 and -4, respectively; intragenotypic diversity was detected. Conclusions: The present work highlights the need of comprehensive studies on dynamics of DENV in Colombia to understand transmission of dengue and evaluate the effectiveness of a vaccination programme.

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Tropical Medicine and International Health

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Strategic, Successful, and Sustained Synergy: The Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases Hypertension Program

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Global Heart

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Chroman-4-one hydrazones derivatives: synthesis, characterization, and in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial effects

In searching for better therapeutic alternatives to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), this study aimed to obtain and evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of new chroman-4-one hydrazones derivatives. Compounds were prepared and characterized, and then transformed into hydrazonas for molecular optimization. Their cytotoxicity was tested in different cell types using an in vitro MTT assay and the efficacy was evaluated using an in vitro macrophage intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis and L. (V) braziliensis by flow cytometry. The therapeutic effect of two formulations of chroman-4-one hydrazones on the CL induced by L. (V) braziliensis in golden hamsters was determined according to the size of lesions after treatment. The effect of these compounds in the production of inflammatory mediators and cell migration was also determined by in vitro assays using human fibroblasts models. Neither cytotoxicity nor genotoxicity was observed. The benzoic acid hydrazone derivative 2-(2,3-dihydro-4H-1-benzopyran-4-ylidene) hydrazide (4), produced a higher percentage of clinical cures, followed by benzoic acid, 2-(2,3-dihydro-4H-1-benzothiopyran-4-ylidene) hydrazide (3), while benzoic acid, 2-(2,3-dihydro-1,1-dioxide-4H-1-benzothiopyran-4-ylidene) hydrazide (5) and 4-pyridinecarboxylic acid, 2-(4H-1-benzopyran-4-ylidene) hydrazide (6) caused a poor therapeutic response. The compound 4 also showed an effect in the inflammatory and fibroblast migration processes. In conclusion, this is the first report of antileishmanial activity combined with inflammatory and wound healing properties. Results obtained here suggest that this strategy could be a good alternative for development of new drugs for the treatment of CL.

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Medicinal Chemistry Research

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An oligo-His-tag of a targeting module does not influence its biodistribution and the retargeting capabilities of UniCAR T cells

Recently, we established the controllable modular UniCAR platform technology to advance the efficacy and safety of CAR T cell therapy. The UniCAR system is composed of (i) target modules (TMs) and (ii) UniCAR armed T cells. TMs are bispecific molecules that are able to bind to the tumor cell surface and simultaneously to UniCAR T cells. For interaction with UniCAR T cells, TMs contain a peptide epitope sequence which is recognised by UniCAR T cells. So far, a series of TMs against a variety of tumor targets including against the prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) were constructed and functionally characterised. In order to facilitate their purification all these TMs are expressed as recombinant proteins equipped with an oligo-His-tag. The aim of the here presented manuscript was to learn whether or not the oligo-His-tag of the TM influences the UniCAR system. For this purpose, we constructed TMs against PSCA equipped with or lacking an oligo-His-tag. Both TMs were compared side by side including for functionality and biodistribution. According to our data, an oligo-His-tag of a UniCAR TM has only little if any effect on its binding affinity, in vitro and in vivo killing capability and in vivo biodistribution.

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Scientific Reports

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Usable rainwater volume; Results of a hydrological study conducted at the Universidad de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia

This study was carried out at the \"Universidad de Santander\", in Bucaramanga, Colombia, to calculate the volume of rainwater capturable from the roofs of five campus buildings, as the blueprints for these surfaces were available to obtain their areas. Roof areas were first obtained for the Guane, Motilón, Arhuaco, Chibcha and Yariguíes buildings, from which rainwater can be captured. Intensity, duration, and frequency curves from the \"Instituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales\" were then used to calculate a design flow, yielding the diameter of the pipe necessary to evacuate the water captured. In addition, data from the \"Universidad de Santander\" meteorological station was evaluated to obtain monthly rainfall figures. The highest-yielding structure was the Motilón building, with approximately 80 m3 in the months of May and November, 2018, as this structure has the largest roof area, and the area experienced its greatest quantity of rain during these months. The total accumulation predicted by the study was 1837.96 m3 annually, sufficient to suggest the possibility of its use in restrooms, gardens, and floor washing at the \"Universidad de Santander\", Bucaramanga, Colombia. The volume of water calculated is variable on a yearly basis, and was estimated by means of one year of rainfall readings from the university\'s meteorological station. Hydraulic structures designed for the purpose of capturing this water would require a specific study, taking into account the records of other nearby meteorological stations, and making necessary provision for the storage of water in excess of expected volumes.

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Journal of Physics: Conference Series

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Multicriteria analysis of methane mitigation options on offshore oil and gas production platforms

The oil and gas exploration and production sector are one of the most significant methane emitters through fossil fuel combustion and fugitive emissions. In Brazil, there are few studies focused on the mitigation of methane in the oil sector. The objective of the present work is to use a multicriteria analysis methodology to compare different methane mitigation technologies applicable to offshore oil and gas platforms. In the study, six different mitigation options were compared through the analytic hierarchy process methodology, considering environmental, financial and operational criteria. The results were calculated for each mitigation option considering the scores of each criterion and their respective relative weights, obtained in the prioritization of the elements. This unique score obtained through the analytic hierarchy process made it possible to compare the mitigation alternatives. The alternative that received the best score considering the evaluated criteria was the recovery of vapor from cargo tanks associated with methane reuse, being highlighted mainly due to its high potential for mitigation.

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Journal of Physics: Conference Series

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Obtaining biogas for use during construction of residential buildings

The present study examines the technical and economic feasibility of a biodigester to generate biogas from organic waste, such as human and food residues, generated during construction projects. Based on existing data and the scaling model selected, the quantity of such waste was estimated on a per-worker basis over a period of 30 days; yielding a daily average of 86 grams of food waste, 250 grams of stool, and 1.5 liters of urine. These estimates are scalable for the calculation of periods of greater or lesser duration. The data, variables, and calculations were analyzed using a technological tool developed for this study, such that other users or parties interested in the use of a biodigester for the management of organic wastes and biogas generation in construction projects can enter the relevant data for their project and generate scaling and cost data as an output. The use of a biodigester for construction projects is based on real-life experience in various sectors, for the most part in rural areas and domestic applications; while factors such as space, maintenance, and safety, among others, have hindered the use of this technology in the construction sector. Nevertheless, its implementation in new construction projects drives positive social, environmental, and economic impacts, as it reduces the volume of organic wastes for disposal, and substitutes for the use of fossil fuels. The latter results in a reduction of pollution, and improves the environment, with corresponding positive effects upon human health and wellbeing. It also represents an opportunity to reduce the cost of gas consumed during the construction process of residential buildings.

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Journal of Physics: Conference Series

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Implementation of research agendas in the training of engineers: Academic training with social sense

The implementation of research intervention strategies is presented as the main theme of this longitudinal study, within the framework of the application of the research agenda of engineering programs. Classroom work, training practices, business practices, classroom projects, and research group projects are proposed as training scenarios. The strategies are actions that are applied in three productive processes of interest for the engineering, such as: (i) productive process of object systems (ii) primary biomass productive process and (iii) primary artisanal cosmetics production process. The objective is to show the results of the research agendas application as an academic process planning tool for form research competencies. Three cases have presented that show the knowledge construction and the research intervention traceability in different the engineer fields in his training process. The three production processes become application centers of an area of the engineer research interest, as is the supply chain optimization. In the results, the planning methods of the agenda highlight, with the collective construction of knowledge of the training process, the targeting of the area of research interest, the linking of actors, the articulation of research lines of the program, and the scope of the strategies of intervention and didactics by scenarios. The study shows training relevant processes in the economic, social and environmental fields, promoting collective learning opportunities and fostering innovation through inclusive industrialization.

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Journal of Physics: Conference Series

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Study for the dispersion of particulate matter emissions from a steel industry using Gaussian Plume equation through computational modeling

Mathematical models allow evaluating air pollutants effects to the environment, being a relevant tool for planning and regulatory purposes. The present study aims to evaluate the air quality of Volta Redonda, Brazil, due to particulate matter emitted by stationary point sources of a large steel plant using meteorological data from three monitoring stations. A mathematical model was developed linking Matlab® and RStudio®, using the Gaussian dispersion equation and Google Maps to visualize the results. Observed data revealed southern, north-western and northern light prevailing winds that were used to simulate stable and unstable atmosphere conditions according Pasquill-Guifford classification. Results have exposed elevated concentrations of particulate matter in ambient air, reaching particularly Santa Cecilia neighbourhood. National air quality standards recently updated were partially met however numerous violations were indicated, considerably higher in Santa Cecilia station (47.98%), followed by Belmonte (6.69%) and Retiro (4.17%), indicating a forthcoming need for an update of the technologies and processes that emit particulate matter to improve the city air quality, preventing from environmental and human health effects.

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Journal of Physics: Conference Series

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Market analysis of the target population for the creation of waterproof paint to mitigate environmental impacts in Bucaramanga, Colombia

In this study, a target population of hardware stores that sell paint in the city of Bucaramanga, Colombia was determined. Through a survey, we proceeded to investigate in business the different uses that give expanded polystyrene that generally serves as a product packaging element. A univariate and bivariate analysis of the variables used in this study was carried out with statistical package for the social sciences to make a diagnosis of the different uses of expanded polystyrene and its use in construction materials. Therefore, use the expanded polystyrene to reduce the volume in sanitary landfills through the creation of waterproofing paint. The gradual process of industrialization of the new paint based on expanded polystyrene EPS will allow mitigating the transit of these wastes to sanitary landfills to reduce environmental impact, will allow the emergence of a new production chain as a commitment to a social industry that will receive economic benefits for the improvement of the quality of life of the actors that will intervene in said productive chain. It has not been implemented because some scientists believe that the inputs required to mix expanded polystyrene are expensive and the industry would not be willing to take on. It is observable that the scientific community is also not interested in exploring limonene alternatives so that the criteria of a mixture with environmentally friendly expanded polystyrene are maintained.

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Journal of Physics: Conference Series

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Characterization of biodeteriorating microorganisms in buildings in Bucaramanga, Colombia

The action of the microorganisms upon the integrity of the constructing material is termed Biodeterioration, concrete resistance to the action of the microorganisms is considered an indirect measurement of its durability and could be used as a marker of the integrity of the structure. In Colombia, the studies considering this parameter are rare. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize the microbial communities present in areas with evident deterioration in the selected buildings. To accomplish this, isolation, culturing and molecular identification of the isolates was performed. Results showed that Cladosporium spp, Aspergillus spp, Mucor spp, Penicillium spp, Penicillium spp, Rhizopus spp, Fusarium spp, Geotrichum spp, and bacterial genera such as Bacillus spp and Amphibacillus spp, coexist within the biofilms sampled. This study is a description and a starting point to deepen the characterization of these communities and to understand the role they perform in the integrity of the building materials considering the climatic and environmental conditions.

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Journal of Physics: Conference Series

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Effects of climate change on the resources of the rural ecosystem, a view from farmer perspectives

This paper presents the results obtained from the categorization of the social representations of farmer groups on the effects of climate change on the biodiversity of their farms, developed in a rural area of the Colombian Andes. A mixed methodology was used throughout the analysis of the behavior of rainfall and temperature between the years 2010-2017 and the implementation of an open survey on 144 farmers, of which its data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics through descriptive estimators and an analysis of variance and multiple comparison mean tests, respectively. Furthermore, a qualitative analysis, supported by Corbin and Strauss\' Grounded Theory, was carried out on 18 farmer families using semi-structured interviews. The hypothesis testing determined the existence of significant differences between the mean temperatures of the years observed when obtaining a value of Fc = 3.50, highly significant at 1%, and a value of Fc = 2.79, significant at 5%, P<0.05, for the mean rainfall. In the descriptive analysis, farmers\' perception of the negative effects of climate change was evident in the decrease in the availability of water from natural sources (80.6%), deterioration in water quality (50.0%), variations in rainfall intensity (82.0%) and in local bimodal rainfall patterns (79.0%). The inferential analysis determined that the proportion of farmers reporting a disappearance of species due to intense heat or rainfall differs significantly from the level of p<0.05, over those who reported that these conditions have not caused variations in flora and fauna. The qualitative analysis verified the effects of climate change on rural biodiversity resources, which were expressed in 4 emerging categories: 1) Biodiversity resources in the process of extinction, 2) resilient resources, 3) emerging biodiversity, and 4) new agricultural business opportunities. The findings reveal that from a farmers\' perspective climatic variations are affecting species of fauna and flora in rural communities.

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Journal of Physics: Conference Series

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Biofertilizing potential of a fertilizer based on cienego and native microorganisms in corn seeds

In the development of the productive process of stone aggregates, during the stage of washing and extraction of sludge from the decanter wells, a \"cienego\" sand is produced in an approximate quantity of 24.75 tons per day, of which only 10% per day is commercialized, the remaining 90% must be discarded, causing financial detriment, impact on the environment in terms of pollution by handling the product that is discarded, occupation of useful areas and landscape degradation, among other impacts negatively affecting the companies in the sector, and their environment. The objective of this research was to evaluate a fertilizer based on cienego and three native microorganisms (Azotobacter sp, 1 Azotobacter sp, 2 and Pseudomonas sp) in corn seeds. For this purpose, three native strains of diazotrophic bacteria were isolated from soil samples of oil palm crops in Tibú, located at Norte de Santander, Colombia, which were biochemically identified using traditional culture media. These isolates were inoculated into corn seeds in trays with sterile soil plus ciénego at 70/30 ratio respectively, and the plant growth-promoting effect was recorded every 4 days, by measuring morphological variables such as height, number of leaves, number of roots, length and germination rate. The results showed that Azotobacter sp, 2 treatment presented a higher production of roots, reached greater height (cm), number of leaves and germination rate in comparison to control treatment after 12 days of monitoring, besides directly influencing the percentage of organic matter in the substrate and elements such as calcium, potassium and phosphorus, allowing greater productivity and corn seed yield once these were germinated.

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Journal of Physics: Conference Series

Título del artículo:

Structural study of hydrogen absorption properties using Thermocalc software for application in energy storage

The interest in developing experiments and processes in general through mathematical modelling or simulation, has been growing considerably in recent decades; the previous, insofar as it offers highly reliable results that have an impact on advantages such as reduction of the risk associated with the execution of costly or difficult to reproduce experiments since they handle many variables or even the elimination of times associated with the execution of said experiments. For its part, the study of hydrogen storage alloys represents a fundamental element in the so-called hydrogen economy, which seeks the integration of hydrogen as an alternative solution to dependence on fossil fuels, due that this energy vector has a high energy density when is compared to the gasoline and the only residue of this process is water vapor that will undoubtedly reduce CO2 emissions. Thus, in this study a simulation of the evolution of the microstructure of hydrogen storage alloys based on TiCrV is developed, using ternary systems at different temperatures; this evolution is the result of the phase change when the elements are subjected from high temperatures to room temperature, obtaining a body-centered cubic structure. Likewise, the solidification process of the components present in the alloy is studied to corroborate the final structure with experimental data. In preliminary results, it is observed that the simulation throws a body centered structure, and in the solidification process, a remnant of a compact hexagonal structure is observed. This Ti-Cr-V system is widely studied due to its large hydrogen storage capacity, which can be used for technological purposes.

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Journal of Physics: Conference Series

Título del artículo:

Estimation of potential hydrogen production from palm kernel shell in Norte de Santander, Colombia

This work sought to estimate the economic and environmental potential of palm kernel shell for hydrogen production as energy vector in Norte de Santander, Colombia. A field research determined that the department generates monthly 14082 t of palm biomass of which 12501 of palm kernel shell remain available for their use. The proximate and ultimate analyses of the palm kernel shell report high heating value (19.53 MJ/kg) compared with other agro-industrial biomasses, high content of volatile material (69.82% w/w) and fixed carbon (21.68% w/w), promoters of chemical reactions in pyrolysis and gasification processes, respectively. In the Aspen Plus® simulation process of the palm kernel shell gasification at 900 °C and steam/biomass ratio of 1.5, a yield is obtained of hydrogen production of 40.7%, equivalent to a monthly production in Norte de Santander of 51.6 t. Using H2 in the generation of electric power permits producing 470.9 MWh/month that represent theoretical utilities of US$27734.5. In another scenario, 55848.8 gal/month of gasoline are substituted, equivalent to US$11708.6 through the sale of carbon credits. Regarding diesel, 45905.1 gal are replaced per month, which add US$9725.4 through the commercial transaction in the carbon market. It is concluded that using palm kernel shell as primary source to obtain H2, has, in principle, a favorable economic and environmental impact for sustainable development of the department of Norte de Santander, besides contributing to the knowledge base on the penetration of this vector in Colombia\'s energy matrix; however, more detailed technical and economic studies are needed to conclude regarding the economic viability of this energy conversion process.

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Journal of Physics: Conference Series

Título del artículo:

Biomethane production potential from selected agro-industrial waste in Colombia and perspectives of its use in vehicular transport

The proper disposal and management of the waste generated from the agro-industrial activity in Colombia constitute a problem with environmental, economic and social implications, such that its solution constitutes a matter of national interest. Thus, the objective of this work is to estimate the potential of biomethane production by biochemical conversion of selected agro-industrial waste and, its use is proposed in vehicular transport currently moved by natural gas. Methodologically, the study relies on official statistics of the national entities that report the volume of crops and waste generated yearly, Three crops were selected, applying criteria of abundance, geographic distribution, and energy properties: sugarcane, palm oil, and rice; the waste considered for each of them were sugarcane bagasse, empty fruit bunches of palm oil and rice straw. The conversion of said waste to energy vectors is by anaerobic digestion producing biogas, and from its purification, biomethane. The volume of biomethane obtained was 1,290x106 m3/year. This important value was compared with studies from other countries. The prospects for the final use of biomethane as vehicle fuel are promising. So, biomethane is a potentially attractive develop option in Colombia, which would make it necessary to carry out more specific and detailed studies include economic, environmental and social aspects that would positively impact the route to the sustainable development of the country.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Journal of Physics: Conference Series