Título del artículo:

Biological activity of sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis linneo) and potential uses in human health: A review

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis Linneo) is an ancestral plant originating in the Amazon jungle that has been adopted as a food source due to its high nutritional value, which has gradually been recognized to have potential benefits for human health. Diverse prospective studies have evaluated the effect of consuming components from the plant, derivatives from its seeds, leaves and shell on preventing the risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammatory disease, dermatitis and controlling tumor proliferation, especially given its recognized high content of essential fatty acids, phenolic compounds and vitamin E, showing antioxidant, hypolipidemic, immunomodulation and emollient activity, as well as the capacity to remove heavy metals from aqueous solutions. This review offers a complete description of the existing information on the use and biological activity of P. volubilis L., based on its essential lipid components and evidenced on its use in the field of human health, in prevention, therapeutic and nutritional contexts, along with industrial uses, making it a promising bioresource.

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Food Technology and Biotechnology

Título del artículo:

Invention and pilot study of the efficacy and safety of the supratube device in continuous supraglottic aspiration for intubated and mechanically ventilated patients

Background: Bronchoaspiration of content that accumulates in the supraglottic area (eg, saliva, gastroesophageal reflux) is a risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia. A continuous supraglottic suction system may decrease the risk of bronchoaspiration in these patients. Objective: (1) Constructing a conceptual model and functional prototype of a continuous supraglottic suction device for use in humans; (2) defining functional characteristics in ex vivo swine head models; and (3) evaluating its efficacy and safety in mechanically ventilated patients. Methods: Study conducted in three phases. First phase: definition of distances and diameters of the triangle determined by dental arch, posterior oropharynx and vallecula, and diameter of the oropharynx in axial projection; and identification of the declining area of supraglottic suction. Second phase: design engineering and functional prototype evaluated in ex vivo models. Third phase: evaluation of device use in terms of safety and efficacy in ventilated patients. Results: We obtained a final functional model of the SUPRAtube device injected into PVC for medical use. Device effectiveness in in vitro simulation showed a high and fast suction capacity of liquid and thick volumes. Study of swine heads allowed to validate the shape, size and functional fenestration of the device. Study in intubated and mechanically ventilated patients showed a high supraglottic suction capacity and the absence of local adverse events during 72 (7–240) hours of continuous operation. Conclusion: Our study describes the process of conceptualization, design and production of a practical, safe, low-cost continuous supraglottic suction device without representing antibiotic pressure, which appears to be a new complementary preventive strategy for the standard management of intubated and mechanically ventilated patients.

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Medical Devices: Evidence and Research

Título del artículo:

Sodium intake and high blood pressure among adults on caloric deficit: a multi-year cross-sectional analysis of the U.S. population, 2007–2018

Small studies have shown reduced sodium-sensitivity of blood pressure in obese adolescents on a caloric deficit. We aimed to explore the association between mean daily sodium intake and prevalent hypertension among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults on a calorie deficit. We used a design-based regression model to explore the association between sodium intake and prevalent hypertension. We also conducted sensitivity analyses using multiple imputation chained equations and propensity score matching. We also measured the effect of a binary exposure derived from the widely recommended threshold of 2.3 grams of sodium intake per day. Among 5756 individuals, we did not detect any significant association between increased sodium and the odds of hypertension (OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.90; 1.05). All our sensitivity analyses are consistent with our main findings. People on a calorie deficit—a component of healthy weight loss—without malnutrition saw no benefit in reduced sodium intake to lower blood pressure. These results highlight the need to explore new population-specific strategies for sodium intake reduction, including new dietary prescription approaches to improve dietary adherence and reduce the risk associated with sodium-deficient diets.

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Journal of Human Hypertension

Título del artículo:

Effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on neuromuscular performance and body composition in elite futsal players

Spyrou, K, Alcaraz, PE, Marín-Cascales, E, Herrero-Carrasco, R, Cohen, DD, Calleja-Gonzalez, J, Pereira, LA, Loturco, I, and Freitas, TT. Effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on neuromuscular performance and body composition in elite futsal players. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2309–2315, 2021—Recent world events (i.e., COVID-19 pandemic) led to an unparalleled situation in sports. Players were forced to stay at home for a prolonged period and not allowed to use their team’s training facilities or even exercise outdoors. The main aim of this study was to examine the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on neuromuscular performance and body composition in futsal players. Ten elite male players performed a 10-m sprint, horizontal and vertical jump, and body composition measurements before and after the quarantine (i.e., 70 days). Pre-post confinement differences in horizontal jump distance, countermovement jump variables, sprinting time, and body composition were analyzed by a paired sample t-test and effect sizes (ESs). A large and significant decline was observed in sprint ability (p 5 0.004; ES 5 1.31). Small and nonsignificant differences were found in horizontal jump performance (p 5 0.243; ES 5 20.39). Nonsignificant differences were observed in countermovement jump (CMJ) height (p 5 0.076; ES 5 20.63) but moderate-to-large significant declines were found in CMJ eccentric deceleration impulse, rate of force development, peak power, velocity, and landing peak force (p # 0.05; ES 5 20.52 – 1.23). Finally, trivial and nonsignificant differences were obtained on body composition parameters. In summary, sprint performance and specific CMJ kinetic variables were significantly affected by long-term reduced training, whereas vertical jump height and horizontal jump distance and body composition were not. Practitioners are advised to implement efficient sprint-oriented and eccentric-oriented training strategies to optimize return to competition after prolonged detraining periods.

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Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

Título del artículo:

Metachromatic leukodystrophy: Diagnosis and treatment challenges

Metachromatic leukodystrophy is a neurological disease of the lysosomal deposit that has a significant impact given the implications for the neurodegenerative deterioration of the patient. Currently, there is no treatment available that reverses the development of characteristic neurological and systemic symptoms. Objective. Carry out an updated bibliographic search on the most critical advances in the treatment and diagnosis for LDM. A retrospective topic review published in English and Spanish in the Orphanet and Pubmed databases. Current treatment options, such as enzyme replacement therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation aimed at decreasing the rapid progression of the disease, improving patient survival; however, these are costly. The pathophysiological events of intracellular signaling related to the deficiency of the enzyme Arylsulfatase A and subsequent accumulation of sulphatides and glycosylated ceramides have not yet been established. Recently, the accumulation of C16 sulphatides has been shown to inhibit glycolysis and insulin secretion in pancreatic cells. The significant advance in technology has allowed timely diagnosis in patients suffering from LDM; however, they still do not have an effective treatment.

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Bionatura

Título del artículo:

Performance of big businesses and economic growth in Latin America

The objective of this research is to establish the relationship between the number and sales of big businesses and per capita economic growth for a selection of Latin American countries in the period 1996-2016. Using the database of big businesses prepared by América Economía magazine, and with a longitudinal data analysis methodology, it is found that there is a positive link between the performance of big businesses and economic growth in the economies of the region. This finding implies the need to establish conditions that allow the proper development of this type of economic organization.

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Revista Venezolana de Gerencia

Título del artículo:

Antihypertensives and Statin Therapy for Primary Stroke Prevention: A Secondary Analysis of the HOPE-3 Tria

Background and Purpose: The HOPE-3 trial (Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation-3) found that antihypertensive therapy combined with a statin reduced first stroke among people at intermediate cardiovascular risk. We report secondary analyses of stroke outcomes by stroke subtype, predictors, treatment effects in key subgroups. Methods: Using a 2-by-2 factorial design, 12 705 participants from 21 countries with vascular risk factors but without overt cardiovascular disease were randomized to candesartan 16 mg plus hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg daily or placebo and to rosuvastatin 10 mg daily or placebo. The effect of the interventions on stroke subtypes was assessed. Results: Participants were 66 years old and 46% were women. Baseline blood pressure (138/82 mm Hg) was reduced by 6.0/3.0 mm Hg and LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; 3.3 mmol/L) was reduced by 0.90 mmol/L on active treatment. During 5.6 years of follow-up, 169 strokes occurred (117 ischemic, 29 hemorrhagic, 23 undetermined). Blood pressure lowering did not significantly reduce stroke (hazard ratio [HR], 0.80 [95% CI, 0.59-1.08]), ischemic stroke (HR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.55-1.15]), hemorrhagic stroke (HR, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.34-1.48]), or strokes of undetermined origin (HR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.41-2.08]). Rosuvastatin significantly reduced strokes (HR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.52-0.95]), with reductions mainly in ischemic stroke (HR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.37-0.78]) but did not significantly affect hemorrhagic (HR, 1.22 [95% CI, 0.59-2.54]) or strokes of undetermined origin (HR, 1.29 [95% CI, 0.57-2.95]). The combination of both interventions compared with double placebo substantially and significantly reduced strokes (HR, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.36-0.87]) and ischemic strokes (HR, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.23-0.72]). Conclusions: Among people at intermediate cardiovascular risk but without overt cardiovascular disease, rosuvastatin 10 mg daily significantly reduced first stroke. Blood pressure lowering combined with rosuvastatin reduced ischemic stroke by 59%. Both therapies are safe and generally well tolerated. Registration: URL: Https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT00468923.

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Stroke

Título del artículo:

Perceptions of barriers to innovate in Colombian manufacturing firms: an analysis by technological intensity

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that impede innovation in Colombian manufacturing firms, as measured by the level of technological intensity. Design/methodology/approach: The authors used data from 1,850 firms to determine the barriers associated with information and internal capabilities, risks and environment. Findings: The main results of this study confirm that potentially innovative firms of low technological intensity are more likely to ascribe high importance to obstacles associated with information and internal capabilities, when compared with innovative firms. The abandonment of innovative projects, family-operated enterprises and investment in R&D are all related to an increased perception of obstacles to innovation, while investments in information and communication technologies have an opposite effect. Variables as partnerships and export behaviour, have different effects depending on the level of technological intensity. Originality/value: This study investigates the obstacles to innovation of a firm as determined by its characteristics and as measured against its level of technological intensity. Previous studies have investigated barriers to innovation in technologically advanced sectors (Lachman and López, 2019) and technology-based SMEs (De Moraes Silva et al. 2020) or how the technological intensity of the firm determines access to university knowledge for overcoming barriers (Kanama and Nishikawa, 2017). The only study to analyse barriers to innovation by measuring a firm’s technological intensity was conducted into Mexican manufacturing and services sector companies by Santiago et al. (2017).

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Competitiveness Review

Título del artículo:

Nursing leadership, associated sociodemographic and professional factors: The perception of leaders and evaluators

Objective: To assess the leadership styles of the assistance Nursing professionals and their associated sociodemographic and professional factors. Materials and methods: An analytical and cross-sectional study. The sample comprised 75 Nursing professionals and 170 Nursing assistants selected for convenience. The Multifactorial Leadership Questionnaire was applied to assess leadership and the organizational result variables. Results: The predominant leadership styles were as follows: transformational (mean of 3.43) and transac tional (3.40), which presented high correlation rates with satisfaction, efficacy and additional effort. The leadership style least perceived by the staff was corrective/avoidance (2.10). In transformational leadership, behavioral influence and inspirational motivation presented better scores in the leaders’ self-perception. Age, marital status and having children evidenced statistically significant differences with the transformational and transactional leadership styles; work experience was significant with transactional leadership. Conclusions: In their work, Nursing professionals denote encouraging practices that are inherent to transformational leadership, which is related to changes in the organizational culture, leads to motivating and inspiring the subordinates to transcend the routines and increases their satisfaction and commitment to their duties, thus being an important factor in health institutions.

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Aquichan

Título del artículo:

Size and weight of coffee beans regarding altitudinal ranges in coffee-growing areas in Toledo, Norte de Santander (Colombia)

The research objective is to establish the relationship between the size and weight of Arabica coffee beans and five altitudinal gradients, from 1,000 to 1,800 MAMSL, in the Toledo municipality, Norte de Santander, Colombia. Four farms were randomly selected per gradient, and the 2017 and 2018 harvests were analyzed, obtaining 40 observations. We classified 120 g of green beans per sample by size and weight using sieves # 18, 16, and 14, and weighed 50 green beans per sample to determine the trends by altitudinal zone. The data obtained were examined by descriptive analysis, variance, and Student\'s t-Test. The highest value of grain size retained in sieve # 18 was 17.99 g ± 8.16 g (Zone 2), and the lowest was 12.87 g ± 5.30 g (Zone 1); in sieve # 16, the highest value was 87.30 g ± 18.60 g (Zone 2), and the lowest was 62.56 g ±s 19.49 g (Zone 1); in sieve # 14 the highest value was 52.86 g ± 18.20 g (Zone 1) and the lowest value was 28.60 g ± 10.10 g (Zone 2). As to the residues, the highest value corresponded to floor 5 with an average of 16.03 g ± 10.63 g, and Zone 3 obtained the lowest value with 8.82 g ± 3.54 g.

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Ciencia Tecnologia Agropecuaria

Título del artículo:

Temporal prediction of the number of deaths from traffic accidents in the United States

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Bionatura

Título del artículo:

Imaging manifestations of pulmonary melioidosis: a case series

Melioidosis is an endemic disease in Southeast Asia and Oceania caused by the gram-negative bacillus Burkholderia pseudomallei. We studied 15 adult patients from Colombia with microbiologically diagnosed pulmonary melioidosis. We reviewed 15 chest X-rays and 10 chest computed tomography (CT) studies. Of the 15 patients, 87% met the criteria for acute infection and 13% met the criteria for chronic infection. The most common findings on chest X-rays were consolidation (86%), nodules (26%), and cavitation (20%). On CT studies, consolidation and nodules were observed in 90% of cases; the areas of consolidation were predominantly located in the basal and central zones in 60%. Areas of cavitation were observed in 50%, pleural effusion in 60%, and mediastinal lymph nodes in 30%. In patients with acute pulmonary melioidosis (n = 8), the findings observed were nodules (100%), mixed pattern with nodules and consolidation (87%), pleural effusion (88%), and mediastinal lymph nodes (25%). The two patients with chronic pulmonary melioidosis both had cavitation. Acute lung infection with B. Pseudomallei has radiologic manifestations similar to those of pneumonia due to other causes. In areas where the disease is endemic, it is essential to include acute melioidosis in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules and chronic melioidosis in the differential diagnosis of cavitated chronic lung lesions.

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Radiologia

Título del artículo:

Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Internal Consistency, Gender Differential Item Functioning and Discriminant Validity of the Fear of COVID-5 Scale Amidst Emerging Adult University Students in Mexico

The study aimed to perform confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, gender differential item functioning, and discriminant validity of the Fear of COVID-5 Scale in emerging adult students of a university in Mexico. Confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency (Cronbach\'s alpha and McDonald\'s omega), and gender differential item functioning were estimated (Kendall tau b correlation). The Fear of COVID-5 Scale showed a one-dimension structure (RMSEA = 0.07, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.96, and SRMR = 0.02), with high internal consistency (Cronbach\'s alpha of 0.78 and McDonald\'s omega of 0.81), non-gender differential item functioning (Kendall tau b between 0.07 and 0.10), and significant discriminant validity (Higher scores for fear of COVID-19 were observed in high clinical anxiety levels). In conclusion, the Fear of COVID-5 Scale presents a clear one-dimension structure similar to a previous study.

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Omega (United States)

Título del artículo:

Nursing Intervention To Prevent Delirium In Critically Ill Adults

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of a nursing intervention for delirium prevention in critically ill patients. Method: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with a non-equivalent control group and with evaluation before and after the intervention. 157 Patients were part of the intervention group and 134 of the control group. Patients were followed-up until they were discharged from the ICU or died. The incidence of delirium in both groups was compared. Additionally, the effect measures were adjusted for the propensity score. Results: The incidence and incidence rate of delirium in the control group were 20.1% and 33.1 per 1000 person-days (CI 95% 22.7 to 48.3) and in the intervention group was 0.6% and 0.64 per 1000 person-days (CI 95% 0.22 to 11.09), respectively. The crude Hazard Ratio was 0.06 (CI 95% 0,008 to 0,45) and adjusted 0.07 (CI 95% 0,009 to 0,60). The number needed to be treated was six. Conclusion: Low incidence of delirium in critically ill patients intervened demonstrated the effectiveness of interventions. The average intervention time was 4 days with a 15-minutes dedication for each patient.

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Revista da Escola de Enfermagem

Título del artículo:

Considerations and guidance for the structure, organisation, and operation of cardiometabolic prevention units: A consensus statement of the Inter-American Society of Cardiology

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income regions such as Latin America. This is because of the combination and interaction in different proportions of a high prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors and socioeconomic and cultural characteristics. This reality brings about the need to change paradigms to consistently and systematically boost cardiovascular prevention as the most cost-effective medium- to long-term strategy to reduce their prevalence in medium- and low-resource countries, not only in Latin America but also in other global regions. To achieve the therapeutic goals in various diseases, including CVD, the current literature demonstrates that the most effective way is to carry out the patient’s diagnosis and treatment in multidisciplinary units. For this reason, the Inter American Society of Cardiology (IASC) proposes the creation of cardiometabolic prevention units (CMPUs) as a regional initiative exportable throughout the world to standardise cardiovascular prevention based on the best available evidence. This ensures homogeneity in the global management of cardiometabolic risk factors and access to quality medicine independently of the population’s social situation. These guidelines, written by a panel of experts in cardiovascular prevention, defines what a CMPU is, its objectives and the minimum requirements for it, as well as proposing three categories and suggesting an operational scheme. It must be used as a guide for all individuals or centres that, aware of the need for multidisciplinary and standardised work, want to create a unit for the comprehensive management of cardiometabolic risk established as an international research network. Lastly, the document makes meaningful points on the determination of cardiovascular risk and its importance. These guidelines do not cover specific targets and therapeutic schemes, as these topics will be extensively discussed in another SIAC publication, namely a statement on residual cardiometabolic risk.

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Global Heart

Título del artículo:

Neoliberal commensuration and new enclosures of the commons: mining and market–environmentalism governmentalities

Colombia’s Santurbán páramo wetlands are vital water supply sources for highland communities’ livelihoods and downstream cities such as Bucaramanga. Nevertheless, they face strong degeneration because of large-scale mining extraction. Seeking to harmonize divergent interests between conservation policies, domestic water supply and mining–energy development, the national government laid out land-use zones and delimited use of the Santurbán páramo since 2014. This article illustrates how hydro-territorial tensions between the mining company, the government and citizen mobilizations for water end up fencing in the collective assets of smallholder páramo residents. To understand this complex enclosure process, we show how foreign mining capital interests, urban citizens’ claims for water and government ecological boundary-making paradoxically converge. Commensuration of water meanings and values, while bridging diverse worldviews, generates new enclosures of the commons. Engaging with the conceptualization of ‘hydrosocial territories’ and neoliberal reconfiguration politics, we contribute to debates on how modernist commensuration works to commodify water and territory, disqualifying peasants’ territorial self-governance. We conclude that Santurbán páramo residents’ hydro-territorial rights are subject to the interests of social forces competing for control over this páramo territory, whether to transfer rural water to cities or to establish large-scale mining.

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Territory, Politics, Governance

Título del artículo:

A bioinspired peptide in tir protein as recognition molecule on electrochemical biosensors for the detection of e. Coli o157:H7 in an aqueous matrix

Currently, the detection of pathogens such as Escherichia coli through instrumental alternatives with fast response and excellent sensitivity and selectivity are being studied. Biosensors are systems consisting of nanomaterials and biomolecules that exhibit remarkable properties such as simplicity, portable, affordable, user-friendly, and deliverable to end-users. For this, in this work we report for the first time, to our knowledge, the bioinformatic design of a new peptide based on TIR protein, a receptor of Intimin membrane protein which is characteristic of E. coli. This peptide (named PEPTIR-1.0) was used as recognition element in a biosensor based on AuNPs-modified screen-printed electrodes for the detection of E. coli. The morphological and electrochemical characteristics of the biosensor obtained were studied. Results show that the biosensor can detect the bacteria with limits of detection and quantification of 2 and 6 CFU/mL, respectively. Moreover, the selectivity of the system is statistically significant towards the detection of the pathogen in the presence of other microorganisms such as P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. This makes this new PEPTIR-1.0 based biosensor can be used in the rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of E. coli in aqueous matrices.

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Molecules

Título del artículo:

Changes in the protein profile of e. Coli o157: H7 against treatment with ib-m1 and ionp@ib-m1

Escherichia coli O157: H7 is a pathogenic bacterium which is recognized for the ability to resist multiple antibiotics; accordingly, complications occur in the treatment of infections caused by this bacterium. The Ib-M1 peptide and the IONP @ Ib-M1 bioconjugate have emerged as a new antimicrobial alternatives against E. coli O157: H7. The mechanism of action of Ib-M1 and IONP @ Ib-M1 against this bacterium is still unknown; therefore, the goal of this research was to identify the change in the proteins profile of E. coli O157: H7 after treatment with Ib-M1 and IONP @ Ib-M1 as a first step to determine its mechanism of action. For this, the proteins were obtained first, and then a two-dimensional electrophoresis was performed to finally determine the variability of the protein profiles. Once the protein profiles were obtained, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out. 72 differentially expressed proteins were identified, which can be connected to the effect on the bacterium’s growth in the presence of Ib-M1 and IONP @ Ib-M. These proteins are involved in acyl groups transfer processes (Yhbs protein), lipoprotein translocation (LolA protein) and amino acid transport (GpmA protein), among others.

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Revista Colombiana de Quimica

Título del artículo:

A Machine Learning based Method for Managing Multiple Impulse Purchase Products: An Inventory Management Approach

algorithms could provide as a means of producing efficient and flexible inventory management methods. In this way, although there are some methods to carry out this practice, none are set up for impulse purchase products. This article illustrates this perspective within the context of an impulse purchase product provisioning problem and shows how group policies based on a clustering process can result in better (lower cost) groupings. To solve this problem, a method is proposed for finding a near-optimal inventory grouping solution. The key innovation in this solution is the idea to form groups for the items that have similar demand or ordering and cost characteristics. Subsequently, once the clusters have been formed, it was necessary to look at aggregating impulse purchase SKUs, and then two grouping techniques or heuristics that both consider common characteristics and develop some ordering decision rules are presented. The results show that the proposed method can be used to cluster impulse purchase products more effectively and the grouping techniques applied were efficient in terms of solution quality. The aim of the proposed unsupervised clustering-based method was not only to provide a classification of SKUs free of subjectivity processes but also to provide an approach to apply more efficient inventory policies for impulse purchase products.

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Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review

Título del artículo:

Effect of method of synthesis on antifungal ability of ZnO nanoparticles: Chemical route vs green route

To compare the antifungal effect of two nanomaterials (NMs), nanoparticles of zinc oxide were synthesized by a chemical route and zinc oxide-based nanobiohybrids were obtained using green synthesis in an extract of garlic (Allium sativum). The techniques of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Infrared (IR) and Ultraviolet Visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopies and Scanning (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopies (TEM) were used to determine the characteristics of the nanomaterials synthesized. The results showed that the samples obtained were of nanometric size (< 100 nm). To compare their antifungal capacity, their effect on Cercospora sp. was evaluated. Test results showed that both nanomaterials had an antifungal capacity. The nanobiohybrids (green route) gave an inhibition of fungal growth of ~72.4% while with the ZnO-NPs (chemical route), inhibition was ~87.1%. Microstructural studies using High Resolution Optical Microscopy (HROM) and ultra-structural analysis using TEM carried out on the treated strains demonstrated the effect of the nanofungicides on the vegetative and reproductive structures, as well as on their cell wall. To account for the antifungal effect presented by ZnO-NPs and ZnO nanobiohybrids on the fungi tested, effects reported in the literature related to the action of nanomaterials on biological entities were considered. Specifically, we discuss the electrical interaction of the ZnO-NPs with the cell membrane and the biomolecules (proteins) present in the fungi, taking into account the n-type nature of the ZnO semiconductor and the electrical behavior of the fungal cell membrane and that of the proteins that make up the protein crown.

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Advances in Nano Research

Título del artículo:

Representations of Colombian Andean farmers on climate change and mitigation and adaptation strategies

This article presents the findings of research conducted in a rural community located in Norte de Santander Department, Colombia, on farmers\' representations of the impacts of climate change. The analysis of the behavior of temperature and average rainfall in the period 1985-2015 was put together concerning the local knowledge of the farmers. The approach was developed through 56 multiple choice questions surveys done to 144 producers intentionally selected from a group of 1,933 farmers, analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The findings indicate a broad opinion by farmers of the effects of climate change due to the gradual increase in temperature that causes changes in the bimodal system and intensity of rainfall; reduction in agricultural and livestock production, product quality and quantity; intensification of pest and disease attacks; reduction in water sources and water quality; extinction and migration of species of flora and fauna; and effects on the family’s comfort during work and rest hours, health and hygiene. Likewise, local strategies and the participation of public institutions in the mitigation and adaptation to climate change are evident.

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Revista de Economia e Sociologia Rural

Título del artículo:

Impacts of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Rice Growth, Development, and Stress Management With a Particular Emphasis on Strigolactone Effects on Root Development

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widely distributed soil-borne microorganisms, which have a symbiotic relationship with several terrestrial plants. They play a key role in plant growth promotion and development, plant nutrient homeostasis, soil nutrient management, and induction of plant defense mechanisms against pest infestation and disease incidences. This interaction of AMF with rice plants has been studied in great detail, providing distinct perspectives on the natural basis of nutrient transport, stress management, improvement of soil health, and induction of systemic plant resistance. This review highlights the responses of (i) AMF interaction with rice plants, (ii) AMF colonization and sporulation potential in rice rhizosphere, (iii) AMF species as a source of inoculum for rice production, (iv) AMF for rice plant maintenance and durability, and (v) AMF responses to other soil microorganisms. Additionally, a new class of phytohormones known as strigolactone (SLs) has been briefly described covering the various forms of analogs, isomers, and membrane transporters. The role of SLs in pre-symbiotic molecular talks, induction of energy metabolism in mitochondria, spore germination, stimulation of hyphal branches, and the relationships of SLs synthesis with soil nutrient content provides in-depth insights into the mechanisms involved in improving AMF interactions with rice plants.

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Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis

Título del artículo:

Work psychosocial conditions influencing on absenteeism: Evaluation of an explicative model

The purpose of this study is to evaluate an explanatory model of work absenteeism, based on the relationship between psychosocial risk factors and the mediation of the perception of social relationships and work stress. This was based on the predictions of theoretical models such as Demands-Con-trol, Unbalance Effort-Rewards and Social Support, implicit in the instrument used; as well as in the research background consulted. It is justified principally by the impact that absenteeism has on the stability of organizations and the relevance of its prediction for the Psychology of Work and Organizations. For the fulfillment of the objective, a modeling SEM is carried out with the psychosocial risk and absenteeism measurement data made with 252 workers of an agro-industrial company of the department of Cesar in Colombia; 96 % of participants were men, with an average age of 35 years, the majority did not complete secondary studies, 89 % were in operational positions, the majority in indefinite hiring; workers less than 6 months old had been excluded. The Psychosocial Risk Battery of Colombian researchers Villalobos, Vargas, Rondón, y Felknor (2013a, 2013b) was applied. This is one of the few validated and standardized instruments on Colombian population that measures psychosocial risk globally and conforms to the definitions legally accepted in the country regarding such occupational hazards. This battery measures workers\' perception of intra-occu-pational risk factors, in particular, demands for work, control over work, social relations and leadership, as well as rewards and recognition for work; Likewise, it evaluates the extra-labor psychosocial risk associated with working conditions, as well as symptoms of work-related stress. The path analysis was executed using statistical software SPSS v25 and AMOS v24; the goodness-of-fit for the models was verified with indicators CMIN/ DF, CFI, TLI y RMSEA; the correlations coefficients between variables and the function “modification Indices” of AMOS was operated to specify the appropriate model to the data. Based on goodness-of-fit measures, the initial theoretical model was discarded. In a second model, the mediating role of the social relations factor is ruled out and Unjustified Absenteeism, Non-Remunerated Absenteeism and Work Accident Absenteeism were excluded, but the adjustment of the model was not adequate either. In a third model, the factors Control on Work and Rewards were also excluded, although the fourth model, that inlayed correlations between de independent variables was the one who had the best goodness of fit; so, it is affirmed that only some specific forms of absenteeism are determined by work-related stress due to the arrangement of risk before interpersonal relationships and labor demands, combined with risk from extra-labor conditions. The inclusion of interpersonal relationships in the model is fully expected based on the findings of different previous investigations. On the other hand, the exclusion of the control factor over work was unexpected, since in previous studies it was more related to absenteeism than the demands of work. It is suggested that the findings should be taken with caution, given the limitations of the research, in particular, the homogeneity of the participants and the lack of comparability with other productive contexts; However, the relevance of the study is sustained in the fact that it is one of the first attempts in the country that uses explanatory models to establish the effects of psychosocial risk factors on organizational outcomes. Complementing the above, the possibility of using the Psychosocial Risk Battery together with the measurement of other important organizational outcomes such as presenteeism, motivation and job satisfaction, job performance and productivity, organizational commitment, accident rate in the workplace, among others, are also considered to empirically validate various models exposed in theory or corroborated in other countries and productive sectors.

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Interdisciplinaria

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Beauty centers: An overview of their biosafety conditions in Valledupar, Colombia

Introduction: The risk of transmission of microorganisms in aesthetic and beauty centers is high when mitigation measures are not adopted; thus, it is necessary to constantly review the conditions of these centers, in order to prevent diseases and make the corresponding decisions. Objectives: To assess biosafety conditions of beauty centers in Valledupar, Colombia. Methods: This study followed a descriptive methodology and was based on the administration of a survey focused on determining which services are provided in beauty centers, on which activities are developed by their staff, and the conditions under which services are provided. Results: Study results that 93% of centers are legally constituted; furthermore, the most commonly provided service was hairdressing, with 21%. Only 9% of workers were covered by a social insurance system. In terms of social insurances, centers did not comply with minimum requirements. Conclusions: The aesthetic centers in Valledupar are not complying with requirements from biosafety protocols set forth by legislation and are thus adopting inadequate procedures.

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Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Trabalho

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Reframing Technological Innovation Capabilities: Empirical Evidence and a Framework for Study

A firm’s technological innovation capabilities are dependent on the cultivation of strategic expertise and competitive technologies. Current literature does not adequately represent the wide-ranging perspectives on this topic or instill an appropriate amount of apprehension over the competitiveness of current firms’ technological innovation capabilities. This chapter contributes to the micro-foundations of technological innovation research by defining the technological innovation capabilities of both individuals and firms and clarifying their relationship to a firm’s competitiveness. First, this chapter will present a conceptual framework of the dimensions required to build competitiveness through technological innovation capabilities. Second, building on the framework, this paper will offer empirical evidence based on a case study of SMEs, providing valuable insights into their capacity for technological innovation.

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Palgrave Studies in Democracy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Growth