De Agua Research Articles

Bio-Organic Inputs, Height of Tier and Stocking Density: Their Effects on the Production Performance and Egg Quality of HISEX Layer Chicken

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of using natural bio-organic supplements, varying cage heights, and different stocking densities on the egg-laying performance and egg quality of layer chickens at the Poultry Project for Layer Chicken of JRMSU- Tampilisan Campus in Zamboanga del Norte. The study involved 162 eight-month-old layer chickens divided into six groups and replicated thrice. These chickens were housed in cages of different heights and stocking densities to evaluate their impact on egg production and quality. The results demonstrated that providing chickens with fermented plant juice in their water, derived from madre de agua (Trichanthera gigantea), significantly influenced egg weight and resulted in higher returns above feed and supplement costs. Furthermore, maintaining the cages at a height of 3 feet proved optimal for egg weight. The number of birds in a cage also played a significant role, with four birds per cage affecting egg production and feed and water intake. Interestingly, cages housing three birds exhibited the best feed conversion ratio. Regarding egg quality, the natural supplements did not yield significant differences, but cage height influenced the weight of the eggshells, favoring the 3-foot height. Moreover, the number of birds in a cage impacted the thickness of the yolk. Overall, the study underscored the crucial role of natural supplements, cage height, and stocking density in achieving optimal egg production and quality from layer chickens.

Reef refugia in the aftermath of past episodes of global warming

In the face of rising global temperatures, coral reefs experience coral mass bleaching and mortality. Subtropical and mesophotic environments may represent refugia for reef corals under climate change, where they can survive and eventually recolonize degraded areas. Using a comprehensive database of fossil reefs, we empirically assess the efficacy of subtropical, deeper, and turbid mesophotic environments to restore coral reefs after past global warming events. We focus on tropical coral reefs over the last 275 million years and four rapid climate warming events, which coincided with global reef crises in the geological record. In the aftermath of such hyperthermal events, we observed an increase in the proportions of reefs occurring in deeper (blue) mesophotic environments. Additionally, we found a trend of reef distributions and coral shifting towards higher latitudes. The number of coral occurrences in turbid (brown mesophotic) environments also increased after hyperthermal events. Our results suggest that subtropical, blue, and brown mesophotic environments may have served as immediate refugia for shallow-water coral species escaping warming seawater. While the patterns of reef range shifts and the establishment of blue and brown mesophotic refugia following ancient hyperthermal events provide some hope for coral reefs under current climate change, re-establishement of background reef conditions took most times millions of years.Ante el incremento de temperatura global, los arrecifes coralinos están experimentando eventos masivos de blanqueamiento y mortalidad. Los ambientes subtropicales y mesofóticos pueden representar refugios para los corales arrecifales, en los cuales pueden escapar de los efectos del cambio climático, sobrevivir y desde allí recolonizar áreas previamente degradadas. Mediante el uso de una exhaustiva base de datos en arrecifes coralinos, en este estudio se evaluó empíricamente la eficacia de los ambientes subtropicales y mesofóticos, tanto de aguas turbias someras (marrones) como de aguas claras profundas (azules), en la recuperación de arrecifes coralinos después de eventos hipertermales en el pasado. Nuestro enfoque estuvo en los arrecifes coralinos tropicales durante los últimos 275 millones de años y cuatro eventos de calentamiento climático rápido, los cuales coinciden con crisis globales en la ocurrencia de arrecifes en el registro fósil. Como consecuencia de dichos eventos hipertermales, observamos un aumento del número de arrecifes en ambientes mesofóticos de aguas profundas (azules). Además, encontramos una tendencia en la distribución de arrecifes y corales que se desplazan hacia latitudes más altas. También se observó un aumento en el número de corales que estuvieron presentes en ambientes de aguas turbias (marrones) después de dichos eventos hipertermales. Nuestros resultados sugieren que, en el pasado, los ambientes subtropicales, mesofóticos azules y mesofóticos marrones pudieron haber servido como refugios inmediatos para las especies de coral de aguas someras, en los cuales encuentran condiciones atenuantes ante el calentamiento oceánico. Si bien los patrones de desplazamiento de los arrecifes en el rango latitudinal y el establecimiento de refugios mesofóticos de aguas marrones y azules posteriores a eventos hipertermales brindan una luz de esperanza para el futuro de los arrecifes coralinos de cara al cambio climático actual, nuestros resultados evidencian que el restablecimiento de los arrecifes puede tomar millones de años.

Perceived Quality of Service in Tourist Transportation in the City of Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador

This study investigates the perceived quality of tourist transportation services in Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador, utilizing the SERVQUAL model to assess service quality. Through an examination of the gap between tourists’ expectations and their actual experiences, the research aims to evaluate service quality. A survey of 203 tourists who utilized the “Chivas” tourist ground transportation service forms the basis of the analysis. The findings reveal significant negative gaps across all dimensions of service quality, indicating a shortfall in meeting tourists’ expectations. Notably, the reliability dimension exhibits the most pronounced gap, highlighting the importance of fulfilling service commitments to cultivate trust. The study underscores the crucial role of service quality in the tourism sector and proposes targeted improvements, including enhancing facility modernity, providing staff training, and enhancing service responsiveness and reliability. Addressing these gaps has the potential to enrich the tourist experience, bolster the positive image of transportation services, and enhance the city’s appeal.

Assessing functional connectivity and anthropogenic impacts on Ambystoma altamirani populations in Bosque De Agua, Central Mexico

Assessing functional connectivity and anthropogenic impacts on Ambystoma altamirani populations in Bosque De Agua, Central Mexico

Characterization of antimicrobial resistance profiles in Escherichia coli isolated from captive mammals in Ecuador.

This study focuses on the AMR profiles in E. coli isolated from captive mammals at EcoZoo San Martín, Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador, highlighting the role of wildlife as reservoirs of resistant bacteria. The aim of this research is to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profiles of E. coli strains isolated from various species of captive mammals, emphasizing the potential zoonotic risks and the necessity for integrated AMR management strategies. A total of 189 fecal samples were collected from 70 mammals across 27 species. These samples were screened for E. coli, resulting in 90 identified strains. The resistance profiles of these strains to 16 antibiotics, including 10 β-lactams and 6 non-β-lactams, were determined using the disk diffusion method. Additionally, the presence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) genes and other resistance genes was analyzed using PCR. Significant resistance was observed, with 52.22% of isolates resistant to ampicillin, 42.22% to ceftriaxone and cefuroxime, and 27.78% identified as ESBL-producing E. coli. Multiresistance (resistance to more than three antibiotic groups) was found in 35.56% of isolates. Carnivorous and omnivorous animals, particularly those with prior antibiotic treatments, were more likely to harbor resistant strains. These findings underscore the role of captive mammals as indicators of environmental AMR. The high prevalence of resistant E. coli in these animals suggests that zoos could be significant reservoirs for the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The results align with other studies showing that diet and antibiotic treatment history influence resistance profiles. The study highlights the need for an integrated approach involving veterinary care, habitat management, and public awareness to prevent captive wildlife from becoming reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Improved waste management practices and responsible antibiotic use are crucial to mitigate the risks of AMR in zoo environments and reduce zoonotic threats.

Analysis of undercounting and oversizing of water meters: empirical exercise of the Aguas de Cartagena S.A. E.S.P. Metrology Laboratory

Este estudio empírico es un adelanto de la implementación de plan de reposición de medidores y diseño de método para perfiles de consumo y tablas de caudales de contadores de ¾”, 1” y 2” en Aguas de Cartagena S.A. Persigue explicar lo logrado en cuanto al análisis de subcontaje y sobredimensionamiento en los aparatos de medición de los diámetros indicados, bajo método propio ad hoc, además expone una revisión aproximada de la literatura. Se concluye en el cierre que, analizar la experiencia empresarial es novedosa y pertinente.

Experiences of community-based water supply organizations partnerships in rural areas of Colombia

Abstract Clean water for human consumption in rural areas of Latin America and the Caribbean is usually provided by community-based water supply organizations (CBWSOs). Collaborative partnerships with community-based water supply organizations (CBWSOPs) are established to tackle technical and institutional challenges concerning safe water supply. This article analyses some features of the CBWSOs and their partnerships, based on the experience of ACUANARIÑO and ASDAL – Tres Esquinas, two CBWSOs located in Valle del Cauca – Colombia, following their participation at the local, municipal (ASOOCSAS Tuluá), subnational (Asociación de Organizaciones Comunitarias Prestadoras de Servicios Públicos de Agua y Saneamiento de Colombia (AQUACOL)), national (COCSASCOL), and transnational levels (CLOCSAS). The main findings of this work, after using a participatory approach, are that initial partnerships between CBWSOs emerge from informal agreements built on the neighbourhood logic typical of rurality; however, as moving towards higher scales, agreements become more formal to allow for dialogue and discussion with governmental organizations in the water and sanitation sector. This is also a strategy for the recognition of community water management. Thus, CBWSOPs are construed under a collaborative and non-profit approach, in the manner of water operator partnerships.

Population and Conservation Status of Bighorn Sheep in the State of Baja California, Mexico

The bighorn sheep in Mexico is classified as at-risk by the Mexican federal government. In the state of Baja California, wild sheep can be observed throughout the length of the state from the USA–Mexico border south to the Agua de Soda mountain range. This research aimed to document the historical trend of the bighorn population based on aerial surveys conducted in 1992, 1995, 1999, 2010, and 2021, and the abundance, distribution, and structure of bighorn sheep populations in Baja California, based on an aerial survey conducted from 8–14 November 2021, covering thirteen mountain ranges. The estimated sheep population in 2021 was based on the number of individuals observed; the sightability of the animals; the area sampled; and the total area of habitat available. In 30.5 flight hours, 456 bighorn sheep were observed, with an estimated population of 1697 ± 80 individuals. The observation rate was 16 sheep sighted per hour of flight, and the ram:ewe:lamb ratio was 62:100:19. When the results of the 2021 flight were compared to the results of the previous aerial surveys, there was a large variation between the data, which was related to the lack of consistency between the sampling designs used in each study. Nevertheless, a statistical test of the results of aerial surveys conducted in the state suggest that the Baja California bighorn sheep population remained stable between 1992 and 2021. This study highlights the need to standardize wild sheep aerial surveys by defining flight paths and establishing a consistent duration of flights. On the other hand, Baja California authorities should consider modifying the current conservation strategy for bighorn sheep to increase the species’ population in the state by initiating community-based wildlife conservation programs in rural communities.

Relationship between social skills and self-esteem in adolescents from Cantón Baños, Ecuador

INTRODUCTION: Adolescence is a stage of important changes at a biopsychosocial level, the study of elements of a cognitive and socio-affective nature in this period can contribute significantly to ensure a better accompaniment. OBJECTIVE: To relate social skills and self-esteem in adolescents in the canton of Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador. METHOD: This is a quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive-correlational, cross-sectional study in which 247 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 participated. The Social Skills (CHASSO III) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale instruments were used. RESULTS: 38.87% of the adolescents maintained a high level of self-esteem, while 78.54% of them presented an average level of social skills, the dimensions with the highest means being: facing criticism (X= 12.44), apologizing (X= 12.45) and rejecting requests (X= 12.79). The presence of a low positive correlation (0.230) between the study variables through Pearson correlation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate statistically significant differences, that is, the higher the level of social skills, the higher the level of self-esteem and mutually. Likewise, in future research, include families to understand the assessment and influence that parents have on the personal development of their adolescent children.

Estimates of Soil Organic Carbon in the Ojos de Agua and El Quinillal Forests in the Central Huallaga of Peru

The Peruvian Amazon has experienced large losses of forest cover due to changes in land use, contributing to increases in CO2 in the atmosphere. This study estimated the organic carbon content of forest soil in two forests “Ojos de Agua” and “El Quinillal” in the Central Huallaga of Peru, establishing three types of cover: (i) primary, (ii) intervened, and (iii) deforested. For this purpose, 24 plots of 100 m2 were established and samples were extracted at a depth of 0–20 cm. The effect of the type of forest cover on soil carbon (Organic Carbon‐SOC, Inorganic Carbon‐SIC, Saturated Carbon‐SC, Critical Carbon‐CC, Saturated Carbon Deficit‐SCD, and Organic Carbon‐OC) was analyzed by means of an Analysis of Variance, correlation. Likewise, the relationship between carbon (C) and soil properties was evaluated by principal component analysis and correlation network. The results indicated that the highest SOC averages were found in the primary forests of Ojos de Agua and El Quinillal with 3.54% and 2.51%. The lowest values were found in the deforested forests with 1.34% and 1.46%. The calculation of the saturated C levels of the soil showed an average of 28.63% ± 2.14% and the saturated carbon deficit of 26.63% ± 2.45%, whereas the critical threshold of C showed an average of 2.21% ± 0.18%. The highest SOC content found in the Ojos de Agua primary forest is due to the presence of dominant forest species such as Manilkara bidentata and Brosimum alicastrum. Likewise, the C deficit in the soils of the study area is very alarming because it is very close to saturation levels, especially in deforested forests.

Human burials during the hunter‐gathering/farming transition in Ojo de Agua, Northern Patagonia, Argentina

AbstractThis paper explores the implications of the conformation of formal burial areas in the southernmost limit of agricultural dispersion in South America. Previous research proposed the development of cemeteries or formal burial areas due to specialization in using specific habitats and the development of territorial ownership. From a paleoecological background, we hypothesize that hunter‐gatherers intensified resource exploitation and develop territoriality in population growth and pressure over resources. The expectation is that formal burial areas emerged in this context to legitimize the ties with the territory and ensure exclusive access to the land and its resources. To evaluate this hypothesis, we analyzed a mortuary context from southern Mendoza (Central Western Argentina), named Ojo de Agua, by describing the site's characteristics, burial modality, presence of grave goods, age at death profile, and evidence of violence. This site has two main conditions for handling our hypothesis: (1) the chronology and spatial localization coincide with the temporal and geographic dispersion of pre‐Hispanic cultigens; (2) systematic procedures during fieldwork led us to access a significant amount of information not available in other mortuary contexts of the area. Our results point to Ojo de Agua as a cemetery that emerged in the frame of increasing territoriality and conflict with neighboring groups and permitted us to improve our knowledge about the dynamic relationship between human population, environment, and cultural responses in the context of intensification and contact with food production. These results deepen recent studies in the same line but with a greater resolution.

The Neogene to Quaternary evolution of the Neuquén Andes broken foreland forced by tectonic, climatic and surface processes (southern Central Andes)

The Andes offer a distinctive example of the intricate interplay among climate, tectonics, and surface processes. This is exemplified by the mountain range's north-south orientation, which contrasts with the prevailing east-west wind direction. This interplay controls the uplift evolution of the broken foreland and thus the sediment transfer and erosion from mountain ranges to their forelands. The Neuquén Andes is a peculiar segment of the southern Central Andes, registering dramatic North-South variabilities in elevation, climate, and tectonic intensities established during the Neogene and Quaternary. In this study, we aimed to identify the tectono-stratigraphic evidence of the Neogene to Quaternary evolution of paleo-environments and drainage networks in the intramountainous basin of Pampa de Agua Amarga in the broken foreland of the southern Neuquén Andes of Argentina.Starting with a non-depositional and/or erosional phase during the Paleogene, the Pampa de Agua Amarga Basin underwent several phases of syn-orogenic sedimentation in the late Oligocene to early Miocene. The basin gradually shifted from a lacustrine to an alluvial depositional environment, with alluvial deposits becoming dominant in the mid-Miocene and fluvial deposits dominating in the Pliocene. A significant event occurred during the late Pliocene to early Pleistocene when coarse fluvial deposits were deposited, marking the last aggradation phase. In the early Pleistocene, the onset of incision triggered the drainage system to cut through the downstream topographic barrier. The excavation of the basin was abrupt, as evidenced by a mid-Pleistocene stepped fluvial terrace and alluvial fan that filled a large canyon across the southern end of the downstream topographic barrier.The study confirms the regional trend that Miocene basin infill is related to dry climate and high tectonic uplift, which overwhelmed the erosive power of the drainage network. The lowering of tectonic uplift intensity in the southern Neuquén Basin during the Plio-Pleistocene, along with sudden fluctuations in the global colder and wetter climate, ultimately led to the excavation of the intramountainous basin. The Westerlies Wind Belts generate high precipitation rates in the southern Neuquén Andean Cordillera, feeding the Negro River catchment in the retroarc Andean broken foreland. Consequently, the erosive power of the Negro River catchment overcame the declining tectonic uplift, causing significant erosion of the entire broken foreland and Cordillera of the southern Neuquén Andes. Conversely, more intense tectonic uplifts in the northern Neuquén Andes built a more effective orographic barriers that limited precipitation rates of both the Westerlies Wind Belt and South America Summer Monsoon, and preserved the intramountainous basins and mountain interior from erosion.

Limnogeology of the Agua de la Zorra Formation (Middle–Upper Triassic), Cuyana Basin, NW Argentina: Emphasising lacustrine carbonates

Lacustrine systems are complex and highly sensitive in responding to allogenic factors like tectonics, climate and volcanism but also present within lake processes that are difficult to disentangle. The Agua de la Zorra Formation (Middle–Upper Triassic) outcropping in the Paramillos de Uspallata sub-basin, Cuyana rift Basin (SW Gondwana), is composed of deltaic–fluvial–lacustrine–volcaniclastic deposits. The lacustrine system presents carbonate deposits, as almost every other sub-basin within the Cuyana rift. This makes it an exceptional case for analysing limnogeological questions in an extensional tectonic regime linked to volcanism (basalt flow and tuff deposits) and studying lacustrine carbonate in that particular setting. This study focuses on a high-resolution stratigraphic, sedimentologic, petrographic and limnogeological investigation of the Agua de la Zorra depositional system to understand its evolution through space and time; and to reconstruct the development of the carbonate factory within the palaeolake. Stratigraphic correlation of five sedimentary logs across the sub-basin allowed the identification of a deltaic–lacustrine facies association and a progradational–retrogradational stacking pattern interpreting the palaeolake as an overfilled lake basin type. Five facies associations represent a delta front, prodelta, lake margin, lake centre and volcanic episodes. The stratigraphic analysis allowed interpreting that volcanic episodes were diachronous during the evolution of the Agua de la Zorra system; the development of a well-established axial fluvial system upsection and the coeval migration of the highest accommodation point and lake centre northwards. Carbonate deposits are part of the lake margin subenvironment and immediately overlie volcanic basalts and are laterally linked to altered sandstones in contact with basalts. Their microfabric is characterised by fibro-radial spar mosaics and laminated carbonate, interpreted as inorganic authigenic calcite precipitation. This and their restricted extent support that alkaline lava flows in contact with the palaeolake water column triggered carbonate precipitation. Stratigraphic, sedimentologic, limnogeological and petrographic analyses strongly support volcanism and tectonics as the main allogenic factors controlling the Agua de La Zorra lacustrine system evolution.

Mineral and crystal chemical study of pseudo-C2/mnon-metamict chevkinite-(Ce): An investigation into the intracrystalline distribution of LREE, HREE, and octahedral cations in samples from the Azores and Pakistan

AbstractThe cation distribution among the A, B, C, and D sites of 13 crystals of chevkinite-(Ce) by X-ray single-crystal diffraction and electron microprobe analyses is reported in this article. The general formula of chevkinite-(Ce) is A4BC2D2O8(Si2O7)2, where A = REE, Ca, Th, Sr; B = Fe, Mn, Mg; C = Fe, Ti, Nb, Zr, Mg, Al; and D = Ti. Ten crystals come from quartz-bearing syenite samples of Agua de Pau (Azores Islands), and three are euhedral chevkinite crystals of a quartz-bearing pegmatite from Tangir Valley, northwestern Pakistan. The real space group for these samples is P21/a, but the average structure in space group C2/m was used for structural refinement and further interpretation. Cation distribution was determined by minimization of the function fΣNσ2 that represents the sum of the squared numbers of standard deviation by which each expected quantity differs from the calculated one. Both X-ray diffraction and electron microprobe data were considered in minimization. Our results show that the two non-equivalent A sites are occupied dominantly by REE and Ca, distributed mainly as a function of their ionic size. Lanthanum enters only the 10-coordinated A2 site, whereas heavier and smaller REE enter only the 8-coordinated A1. Furthermore, comparison between bond valence sum and formal charge revealed highly stretched bonds for the A1 polyhedron, suggesting that bond lengths are too long for HREE. These findings can help better characterize the well-known ability of chevkinite to fractionate LREE from HREE. The Azores chevkinite is particularly enriched in Nb relative to its host rock. Our results show that Ti occupancy in the D sites can be as low as ca. 50% due to the presence of significant amounts of Nb, besides Fe and Zr. For two Azores crystals showing patchy zoning, a complex history of late-stage crystallization is inferred, with multiple events of Ca and REE enrichments. One of these crystals showed the best structure refinement, implying that late-magmatic to deuteric alteration stages did not affect its crystallinity. The CaO content of Azores chevkinites practically spans the entire chevkinite field in the chevkinite/perrierite CaO vs. FeO discrimination diagram. In addition, we identified possible structural stability limits that can be linked to the occupancy of the B site at high CaO, and of the C sites at high-FeO contents. The Pakistan chevkinites were also analyzed by Mössbauer spectroscopy. Only one Fe3+ component was identified, which occupies the C sites. Among the two ferrous doublets, the component with the highest isomeric shift value is Fe2+ entering the most distorted crystallographic site B, while the other, representative of a less distorted octahedral site, corresponds to Fe2+ entering the D sites.

Signal Post Hill and Agua de la Zorra: two geological sites studied by Charles Darwin on the Beagle voyage and their contributions to geoheritage

Abstract Charles Darwin's research during the second voyage of HMS Beagle is examined within the context of Charles Lyell's ideas on crustal movement. Darwin's pre-voyage training is summarized and the impact on his own subsequent theorizing of his commitment early in the voyage to a Lyellian theoretical framework is analysed. Two sites studied by Darwin which he interpreted as strong support for Lyell's theory of vertical crustal mobility are examined: the first is Signal Post Hill in the Cape Verdes, visited in 1832; the second is Agua de la Zorra in Argentina, visited in 1835. Darwin's work at both sites was key to his first theory of globally-balanced elevation and subsidence as an explanation for the structure and distribution of coral reefs. The case is made that both sites are of international geoheritage importance and that their protection should be assured with enhanced access and interpretation.

Ancient mitochondrial genome diversity in South America: Contributions from Quebrada del Toro, Northwestern Argentina.

The objective of this study was to enhance our understanding of the population history in South America, specifically Northwestern Argentina, by analyzing complete ancient mitogenomes of individuals from the Ojo de Agua archeological site (970 BP) in Quebrada del Toro (Salta, Argentina). We analyzed teeth from four individuals from the site Ojo de Agua (970 ± 60 BP), located in Quebrada del Toro (Andean region of Northwestern Argentina). DNA extracts were converted to double-stranded DNA libraries and indexed using unique dual-indexing primer combinations. DNA libraries were then enriched for the complete mitochondrial genome, pooled at equimolar concentrations, and sequenced on an Illumina® MiSeq™ platform. Reads from high quality libraries were trimmed, merged, and then mapped to the revised Cambridge Reference Sequence. The aDNA damage patterns were assessed and contamination estimated. Finally, variants were called, filtered, and the consensus mitogenome was constructed and used for haplogroup assignment. We also compiled available mitogenome sequences from ancient and present-day populations from the Southcentral Andes and other surrounding regions in Argentina. Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic reconstructions were obtained using the generated dataset. We successfully obtained the complete mitogenome sequence from one individual with an average depth coverage of 102X. We discovered a novel haplotype that was assigned to haplogroup D1. Phylogenetic reconstructions suggests that this haplotype falls within the sister branches of the D1j lineage, forming a well-supported clade. The estimate TMRCA of this clade that includes D1j and its sister branches ranged between 12,535 and 18,669 ya. The sequence analyzed in this study represents the first ancient mitogenome from within the valley region in Northwestern Argentina. We found that a representative of a lineage highly associated with D1j was already present approximately 1000 BP in the region. Our results agree with the proposed origin of D1j in other regions north of Patagonia and independent of the Pacific coast fast migratory route, contrary to what was originally hypothesized. This study highlights the lack of information regarding pre-Hispanic genetic diversity and contributes to the knowledge about the peopling process in South America.

Diagenesis of continental carbonates linked to the evolution of the flexural margin of the Triassic Sorocayense-Hilario rift sub-basin, Argentina

The lithostratigraphic units that conform the Sorocayense Group and fill the Sorocayense-Hilario sub-basin represent an alluvial-fluvial-lacustrine succession with significant volcanic supply during its deposition. They are namely the Cerro Colorado del Cementerio, Agua de los Pajaritos, Monina, Hilario and El Alcázar formations and present several carbonate levels. The genesis, diagenesis, and main controlling factors on continental carbonates present a means to understand basin evolution through the study of their petrography and chemical elemental composition through cathodoluminescence techniques. We have identified six microfacies: a) homogeneous micrite, b) bioclastic micrite, c) dolomicrite, d) laminated micrite, e) oncolitic packstone, and f) sparitic carbonate. Among these microfacies, six cementation and alteration phases have been identified: a) micritization, b) mechanical compaction, c) calcitic cementation, d) sparitic cementation, e) microsparitic cementation, and f) chemical compaction. This analysis allowed establishing a chronology of the diagenetic modifications undergone by the carbonates. Results support diagenesis was controlled mainly by tectonics showing major impact in carbonate facies identified at the flexural margin of the rift. The effect would have been linked to exertion of a paleohydrological effect favoring lateral meteoric water migration through faulting. The presence of dolomite in some of the microfacies is linked to the presence of montmorillonite as the dominant Mg-rich-phyllosilicate in clay assemblages most likely acting as the potential source. In turn, Mg is more likely to be replaced by Mn leading to luminescent carbonate microfacies.

Benthic foraminiferal morphogroups and their response to relative sea-level changes in the upper Hauterivian-lower Barremian Agua de la Mula Member of the Agrio Formation (Patagonia, Argentina)

A morphogroup analysis of the upper Hauterivian-lower Barremian foraminiferal assemblages from the Agua de la Mula Member of the Agrio Formation (Neuquén Basin, Argentina) reveled six associations based on benthic foraminiferal morphogroups identified by means of cluster analysis and treated with multivariate methods. In order to assess the paleoenvironmental significance of the morphogroup associations, they were evaluated in relation to sampled geographic localities, ammonite biozones, sedimentary facies, and position into depositional sequences of the five sections analyzed. For this purpose, the statistical techniques of RDA, partial-RDA, PERMANOVA, and PCoA were applied. The morphogroup associations MgFA1, MgFA4, MgFA5 and MgFA6 revealed high percentages of planoconvex, biconvex and conical forms, with an inferred epifaunal habit and active herbivorous feeding strategy. The remaining MgFAs2 and 3 are mainly represented by planispiral tests with lenticular, flattened and elongated forms, attributed to shallow infaunal lifestyle and detrital and bacterial scavenger feeding habit. Sedimentation rates and associated food availability were considered the main controlling factors in the distribution of morphogroups across the analyzed tract of the basin, revealing differences between proximal and distal sectors. In the sections characterized by higher terrigenous input, in a most proximal position of the basin, food increases downward in the sediments and so shallow infaunal morphogroups prevail (MgFAs2–3). At the same time, shallow infaunal-dominated associations are distributed throughout 3rd-order regressive systems tracts that commonly are associated with high sedimentation rates. Associations mostly represented by epifaunal morphogroups (MgFAs1, 4–6) recur at 3rd-order transgressive systems tracts where low sedimentary input characterizes the sequences, favoring long exposure of organic matter at the seafloor. Moreover, epifaunal forms with grazing herbivorous and detritivorous habits increase throughout the distal sector of the basin, following the decreasing supply of organic matter in settings farther from sedimentary input.

Paleoenvironmental significance of benthic foraminiferal associations of the Hauterivian to Barremian marine beds of the Neuquén Basin, Patagonia, Argentina

The upper Hauterivian-lower Barremian sedimentary sequences of the Agua de la Mula Member of the Agrio Formation (Neuquén Basin, Argentina) represent shallow marine environments characterized by mixed siliciclastic‑carbonate deposition. Ten benthic foraminiferal associations based on species composition were defined and evaluated in relation to explanatory variables such as facies, sequence stratigraphy, location and age. Variations in sedimentation rates, food and oxygen availability related to relative sea-level changes largely control distribution of the benthic foraminiferal associations. Four associations (Guttulina sp., Polymorphinids, Spiroplectammina sp.2-Haplophragmoides sp.1, and Planularia madagascariensis) are mostly composed by shallow infaunal, bacterial and detritivorous foraminiferal scavengers that largely occur in sandy facies within 3rd-order regressive systems tracts. These associations are thought to be indicative of well oxygenated and organic matter-rich sediments below the sediment-water interface. The remaining six associations consist of epifaunal, mainly opportunistic foraminifera with active herbivorous and detritivorous trophic strategies. Among them, Epistomina hechti - Epistomina australis and Reinholdella hofkeri associations occur in fine-grained, dark shales throughout 3rd-order transgressive systems tracts, and are considered related to oxygen and food stressed environment. An integrated approach, using benthic foraminifera (alpha diversity analysis, epifaunal/infaunal ratio) and multivariate statistical methods (cluster analysis, RDA, partial-RDA, PERMANOVA, PCoA), allowed to evaluate the paleosynecological significance of benthic associations, and to relate certain paleoenvironmental settings to relative sea-level changes recorded in the Agua de la Mula Member. The application of foraminiferal associations analysis in the paleoenvironmental interpretations led to recognize the influence of major relative sea-level changes in shaping higher-frequency sequences for this sector of the Neuquén Basin. Such approach can also be applied to other sectors of the basin and to high-frequency sedimentary sequences of comparable shallow marine settings.

Consumption of Sugary Drinks among Urban Adults in Colombia: Association with Sociodemographic Factors and Body Adiposity.

Calories from sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) contribute to the development of noncommunicable diseases. There is limited knowledge of the intake of SSBs and their correlates in developing countries. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the consumption of multiple SSBs and their sociodemographic correlates in an urban adult population from Colombia, South America. This was a probabilistic, population-level study of adults aged 18 to 75 from five cities representing different regions of Colombia. Dietary intake was assessed employing a 157-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire that inquired about intake over the last year. The consumption of regular soda, low-calorie soda, homemade and industrialized fruit juices, energy drinks, sport drinks, malt drinks and traditional sugar cane infusion ("agua de panela") was analyzed for the total sample and subgroups defined by sociodemographic and clinical factors of interest. The study included 1491 individuals (female: 54.2%, mean age: 45.3, overweight: 38.0%, obese: 23.3%). Sugary beverages contributed, on average, 287 Cal/d among women and 334 Cal/d among men, representing 8.9% of total daily calories (TDC). Women in the lowest SEL consumed 10.6% of their TDC from sugary drinks, as opposed to 6.6% for those in a high SEL. For men, this difference was not present (p-value for interaction = 0.039). Interestingly, a higher educational level correlated with a lower consumption of calories from sugary drinks only among men. Fruit juices were by far the main source of sugary drinks, and their consumption did not change sizably by sex and socioeconomic or educational level. Among women, there was a negative association between socioeconomic level (SEL) and consumption of regular soda, a 50% difference between extreme levels. The intake of low-calorie soda was much higher among men than women, and it more than tripled in the highest vs. lowest SEL among men. The consumption of energy drinks was heavily concentrated in men of low SEL. Colombian urban adults obtain a considerable proportion of their calories from sugary drinks, especially vulnerable groups such as women with lower education. Given the recent acceleration of the obesity epidemic in Latin America, strategies to limit the intake of such liquid calories may provide important public health benefits.