Areas Of Colombia Research Articles

Flood‐induced metal contamination in the topsoil of floodplain agricultural soils: A case‐study in Colombia

AbstractAnomalously cold conditions in the tropical Pacific, related to a strong La Niña event, affected numerous countries in 2010. Several areas in Colombia were severely impacted, including agricultural fields in La Mojana floodplain that were completely flooded for almost 2 years. This study assesses the effects of flooding on the levels, spatial distribution, and sources of trace metals in 222 agricultural topsoils of this floodplain. Our results show that mean concentrations of Cu 48.4 mg kg−1 (11–103 mg kg−1), Zn 79.2 mg kg−1 (6–207 mg kg−1), Ni 58.1 mg kg−1 (17–101 mg kg−1), Pb 3.2 mg kg−1 (0.13–14 mg kg−1), Cd 0.56 mg kg−1 (0.05–1.4 mg kg−1), Mn 411 mg kg−1 (55–1,277 mg kg−1), and Hg 0.10 mg kg−1 (0.05–0.22 mg kg−1) were higher than the world's averages. Topsoils revealed different degrees of pollution depending on the metal, of which Pb was the most problematic element, with 82% of the soil samples classified as heavily contaminated. Principal component analysis suggests that soil contamination was primarily derived from poor agricultural practices and contaminated river overflows from upstream mining areas. Our results show that an extreme flood event might increase the bioavailability of metals (especially Pb) for crops in most (66%) of the agricultural soils, posing a potential threat to human health.

Formal institutions, informal institutions and entrepreneurial activity: A comparative relationship between rural and urban areas in Colombia

The study of the impact of institutions on entrepreneurship has been a topic of great interest in recent years. Nevertheless, less attention has been paid to the relation that can exist between the spatial context and the entrepreneurial activities. Specifically, institutions and the space of entrepreneurial activities in a country have rarely been considered as a whole. This paper attempts to bridge the gap between these two aspects and seeks to examine the entrepreneurial activity in rural areas in comparison with urban areas based on the formal and informal institutions in an emerging economy such as Colombia. It claims that the formal institutions affect rural and urban entrepreneurs differently, examining the moderating effect of the informal institutions on this relation. Using a hierarchical logic model with panel data, 30 cities in Colombia over the period 2000–2013 are used as samples to explore the differences between rural and urban areas. It is found that the informal institutions achieve greater influence in the rural areas; these areas are favored to a greater extent by the social norms, since they are smaller territories with greater integration between citizens. However, the existence of subjective and objective insecurity affects rural entrepreneurial activity in a wider scope than urban entrepreneurial activity, decreasing the creation of new ventures.

Reflexiones sobre el bienestar universitario virtual en Colombia

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo describir los servicios en salud mental que se ofertan desde el área de bienestar universitario en Colombia, así como, los alcances y limitaciones, entre ellos, la falta de una distinción clara en la ley entre servicios en salud física y mental y la baja cobertura de los servicios en salud mental para toda la comunidad estudiantil. Frente a estas dos falencias se plantea una propuesta para mejorar la oferta de servicios en salud mental que incluye aspectos como: la implementación de un servicio de consejería psicológica virtual y el aumento en el número de profesionales que atienden a los estudiantes universitarios. Finalmente, se mencionan los retos que existen para lograr la implementación adecuada de esta propuesta en el futuro como son: la necesidad de formar profesionales en consejería psicológica virtual e incluir en la ley del psicólogo colombiano las características de los servicios psicológicos virtuales y los lineamientos que se deben considerar para ofertar servicios de consejería psicológica virtual de buena calidad.

Editorial

For the publication of volume 35, issue 64, of Cuadernos de Administración by Universidad del Valle, we have taken several steps in strengthening the dissemination of the knowledge that is brought forward with each new issue, all to continue consolidating ourselves as one of the most relevant publications in the area in Colombia. As a result of the call for this issue, and after a rigorous process of blind evaluation based on the judgment of the selected peers, we have decided to publish 7 papers on this occasion, which we hope will contribute to the expansion of knowledge and serve as drivers for reflection by our readers and reference for authors who are delving into these topics. We extend our gratitude to the members of the Editorial Committee, to the authors and to each of the peer evaluators because, through their work, they contribute to the improvement of our publication and to the dissemination of knowledge above all.The first paper is entitled “Individual unlearning from the point of view of managers in mergers and acquisitions situations in Brazil”, is the result of a research process based on the Brazilian companies managers study method, with mergers and acquisitions; among the results is that many of them have experienced some unlearning. This paper seeks to understand this phenomenon and to make possible its analysis in each context.
 “Sustainability index, evaluated by University Sustainable Development Units: Colombian University case study”, is the title of the second paper published in this issue. It corresponds to an index proposal constructed with a seven-step methodology. The index serves enterprise-wide decisions, where comparisons and best practices can be achieved.The third paper, “Perceptions of the Colombian business sector in relation to its role in post-conflict scenarios”, is where its authors present a very relevant topic from the perception of entrepreneurs about the “role of the Colombian business sector in the post-conflict and peace-building scenario”. Using quantitative methods, a survey was conducted on 200 companies located in the main cities of Colombia throughout different economic sectors. The results show that there is a willingness to participate in the post-conflict period, but there is a lack of awareness and some concerns about the extent of the participation. “Platforms for SMEs as business models: a user-centric activity system approach” is the fourth paper in this issue, where the authors reflect on the use of web 2.0 tools in SMEs and present their results on the acquisition and retention of users as a business strategy and their relationship with the value proposition and business model. In the fifth paper, “Limited financial rationality by owners or managers of Mexican micro-companies”, the authors propose a hierarchical categorization of the behaviors of the people who make financial decisions, from the analysis of limited rationality and within learning processes within the companies.“Simulation model for the management of internal container transport in a seaport” is the title of the sixth paper of this issue. The proposal seeks to make the containers internal transport process more efficient, incorporating other variables previously not considered directly. Applying the model can achieve increased operator productivity.Finally, the title of the last paper “MBAs and career development: a literature review from the perspective of human capital”, the authors systematize the results of their research on the subject in relevant journals on the effect of pursuing an MBA on management. They analyze three dimensions of human capital and present as a discussion, some implications and the possibility of new research. The content of each of these seven papers is the sole responsibility of their authors. This issue becomes a new opportunity for the national and international scientific community to judge the outcome of each of these proposals.

PB2124 OVERALL SURVIVAL OF MULTIPLE MYELOMA (MM) PATIENTS IN COLOMBIA: REPORT OF THE COLOMBIAN REGISTRY FOR HEMATO‐ONCOLOGICAL DISEASES (RENEHOC) ASOCIACIÓN COLOMBIANA DE HEMATOLOGÍA Y ONCOLOGÍA (ACHO)

Background:In recent years, survival of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has markedly improved as a result of the introduction of several novel therapies, with an in increment in overall survival (OS) of up to 80% at 4 years. However, the majority of the reported data originates from clinical trials which are subject to bias, by including mainly optimal patients and treatment conditions. Managing MM in Colombia and other low and middle‐income countries can be challenging due to delays on diagnosis and treatment, as well as health care access barriers. RENEHOC is a retrospective‐prospective registry documenting diagnosis, treatment characteristics and outcomes in hematologic neoplasias in Colombia, supported by ACHO.Aims:The aim of the present study is to estimate survival rates of MM patients in an unselected population and analyze possible factors associated with these outcomes.MethodsAn ambispective multicentric study was conducted based on data collected by RENEHOC during 2018, by centers in the most populated areas in Colombia. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze patient's demographic and clinical characteristics. The Kaplan‐Meier method was used to assess overall (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) rates. Hazard Ratios (HR) using Cox proportional regression modeling was estimated. Variables considered as prognostic factors for analysis were: Sex, age, time from onset symptoms to diagnosis (TSD), induction chemotherapy, ISS, Durie‐Salmon (DS), type of monoclonal component and consolidation with autologous transplant (ASCT).Results:We present data from 334 patients. Mean age at diagnosis was 64.4 years (SD ± 11.09); 55.9% were male. The most common symptoms at diagnosis were bone pain (76.6%), anemia (59.5%) and pathological fractures (43.1%). Mean time TSD was 10.3 months (SD ± 10.8). Renal failure was present in 25.1% of cases; 34% of them required dialysis. IgG was the most common monoclonal component (52.7%). Molecular cytogenetic prognostic characterization was available only in 20% (n = 67). The majority of patients were staged as advanced by DS (DS IIIA or IIIB: 64%, N = 214) and high‐risk by ISS (ISS 1: 15.3%, ISS 2: 24.8%, ISS 3: 31.4%, unknown: 28.1%). Nine patients received radiotherapy as first‐line treatment and 235 chemotherapy. The most common induction regimens were CyBorD (53%), VTD (15%), Bortezomib‐dexa (7%), and VISTA (6%). Partial response or better was achieved in 67% of the patients after first‐line, without significant differences in response between regimens. Only 25% (n = 83) of the patients received ASCT as consolidation therapy in first line. 7% (n = 24) were transplanted latter. 24% (n = 80) were considered to elegible but could not undergo ASCT due to administrative barriers.Median OS and DFS were 56.5 and 46 months. Survival rates were superior in patients treated with triplet combinations (CyBorD 56.2 and 55; VTD 46.3 and 46; Vd 31.6 and VISTA 36.6 and 28 months). At 5 years, OS was 76.8% and DFS was 73.2%. On multivariate analysis, the only factor associated with improvement in OS was ASCT as consolidation (HR 0.34; p = 0.001, CI 0.17‐0.66).Summary/Conclusion:OS and DFS were similar to the outcomes reported in the existing literature mainly assessed in high‐income countries. ASCT as consolidation therapy was the only factor affecting survival. Health care access barriers played an important role on prolonged TSD, low rate of prognostic evaluation and low rates of transplantation in patients otherwise eligible for it. Efforts such as RENEHOC allows us to identify flaws in patient care that affect prognosis, and start efforts to correct them.image

Frontier development policy and local governance in South America

ABSTRACT This paper studies the dynamics of horizontal and vertical coordination arising from a set of sectoral and intersectoral projects in the border areas of Colombia–Venezuela and Brazil–Argentina. These are characterized by some common features such as population density, conurbation and trade patterns that in the absence of border regulation policies strengthen border security and development guidelines and extend local leadership. Officials and directors named in local governance networks were surveyed and interviewed at the municipal level. This research concludes that patterns of feedback between the local and the national are fundamental to the success of limited and informal initiatives, but strategic in cross-border cooperation and interaction.

Characterization of the phenotypic variability in Colombian weedy rice (Oryza spp.)

AbstractWeedy rice (Oryza spp.) is considered one of the main weeds in cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.) around the world, having a great impact on both yield and quality of crop rice. Recent studies have characterized the range of morphological and genetic diversity in weedy rice from different locations and have revealed that there is often great morphological diversity within growing regions. No systematic attempt to characterize phenotypic diversity of weedy rice in Colombia, where this group of weeds greatly affects rice production, has yet been carried out. This study seeks (1) to establish the range of variation in various morphological characters for weedy rice collected in the five production zones of Colombia and to compare these with commercial varieties and landraces sown in the country, (2) to determine the association between weedy rice morphotypes and rice production areas in the country, and (3) to assess whether any association exists between morphology and recently discovered genetic groupings for weedy rice in Colombia. Based on a sampling of rice production areas in Colombia and evaluation of 27 phenotypic traits, a two-step cluster analysis identified four morphological groups for weedy rice in Colombia. These groupings had some limited association with geography and the genetic ancestries of weedy rice. Clustering showed that awn and apiculus color and awn length and presence are the most important predictors in defining morphological groupings. Understanding and classifying the morphological diversity may be helpful in understanding weedy rice origins, evolution, and potential management practices.

Trastornos neurológicos en el embarazo: revisión de la literatura

Los trastornos neurológicos representan un gran número de condiciones que pueden afectar el desarrollo apropiado del embarazo, los cuales tienen un alto índice de morbimortalidad en estas pacientes representando un alto riesgo obstétrico. Entre estos trastornos se encuentran la epilepsia, preeclampsia, eclampsia, estrés, síndrome de HELLP y migraña, por mencionar algunos. Para prevenir la aparición o de cualquiera de estos síntomas, es importante planificar y tener un control adecuado del embarazo, permitiendo estar al tanto de las alteraciones de la salud de la madre como del feto.

Tracking dengue virus type 1 genetic diversity during lineage replacement in an hyperendemic area in Colombia.

Dengue virus (DENV) is a flavivirus responsible for the most common and burdensome arthropod-borne viral disease of humans[1]. DENV evolution has been extensively studied on broad geographic and time scales, using sequences from a single gene[2,3]. It is believed that DENV evolution in humans is dominated primarily by purifying selection due to the constraint of maintaining fitness in both humans and mosquitoes[4,5]. Few studies have explored DENV evolutionary dynamics using whole genome sequences, nor have they explored changes in viral diversity that occur during intra-epidemic periods. We used deep sequencing of the viral coding region to characterize DENV-1 evolution in a Colombian population sampled during two high-prevalence dengue seasons in which serotype dominance shifted. Our data demonstrate patterns of strain extinction and replacement within DENV-1 as its prevalence waned and DENV-3 became established. A comparison of whole-genome versus single-gene-based phylogenetic analyses highlights an important difference in evolutionary patterns. We report a trend of higher nonsynonymous to synonymous diversity ratios among non-structural (NS) genes, and statistically significantly higher values among these ratios in the NS1 gene after DENV-1 strain replacement. These results suggest that positive selection could be driving DENV evolution within individual communities. Signals of positive selection coming from distinct samples may be drowned out when combining multiple regions with differing patterns of endemic transmission as commonly done by large-scale geo-temporal assessments. Here, we frame our findings within a small, local transmission history which aids significance. Moreover, these data suggest that the NS1 gene, rather than the E gene, may be a target of positive selection, although not mutually exclusive, and potentially useful sentinel of adaptive changes at the population level.

Drivers of forest cover changes in the Chocó‐Darien Global Ecoregion of South America

AbstractTropical rain forests are suffering the highest deforestation and reforestation ever recorded. Interactions between direct (proximate or direct causes) and indirect (underling or indirect causes) drivers could cluster these forest cover changes forming hotspots (areas that exhibit significant spatial correlation of deforestation or reforestation transitions). Using land use–land cover maps and global (I) and local (Ii) Moran's tests, we identified these hotspots in the Chocó‐Darien Global Ecoregion (CGE) of South America, a natural region that was declared one of the top 25 hotspots for conservation priorities in the world. Subsequently, we tested and studied the effects and interactions between deforestation and reforestation hotspots and their direct and indirect drivers using Bayesian Structural Equation Modeling (Bayesian SEM). We found that deforestation and reforestation were spatially auto‐correlated forming hotspots (I = 0.49, P = 0.001 for deforestation transitions and I = 0.48, P = 0.001 for reforestation transitions). Also, hotspots of deforestation and reforestation were auto‐correlated within municipality borders (I = 0.5, P = 0.001 for deforestation transitions; I = 0.49, P = 0.001 for reforestation transitions). Eighteen municipalities located on the border between Colombia and Ecuador showed significant aggregations of deforestation hotspots, while thirty‐four municipalities in three areas of Colombia and the area between the Colombian and Ecuadorian border showed significant clustering of reforestation hotspots. Eleven of these municipalities presented significant clustering of both reforestation and deforestation hotspots. The Bayesian SEM for deforestation showed that population growth and road density were indirect drivers of deforestation hotspots (0.191 and 0.127 standard deviation units). The Bayesian SEM for reforestation found that armed conflicts, Gross Domestic Product, and average annual rain were indirect drivers related to reforestation hotspots (0.228, 0.076, and 0.081 standard deviation units, respectively). Our assessment shows a novel methodology to study interactions among direct and indirect drivers of forest change and their potential dissimilar effects on forest transitions.

Evaluación de la eficiencia de biodepuración para aguas de pozos profundos en la sabana de Bogotá

En este artículo se evaluó el proceso de biodepuración de agua a ser utilizada en riegos de hortalizas en Chía, Cundinamarca; el proyecto tuvo como objetivo evaluar el tiempo y acción fitodepuradora con la presencia de tres especies de macrófitas —Eichornnia crassipes, Scirpus californicus y Lemna minor— que por tener características de fácil adaptación fueron seleccionadas. Para realizar la verificación de la acción del biosistema se generó un proceso de evaluación por medios físicos, químicos y microbiológicos, además de utilizar grupos control de Spinacia oleracea, cultivada en la zona de estudio. Se logró concluir que el biosistema posee un alto rendimiento de biodepuración, alcanzando un porcentaje de remoción óptimo para uso agrícola; adicionalmente, el sistema es funcional frente a su construcción, utilización y mantenimiento, dando respuesta a la crítica situación de las aguas empleadas para riego en esta zona colombiana.

Topological alternatives for photovoltaic integration in rural areas

The importance of implementing solar generation systems in rural areas in Colombia lies not only in providing access to the electric power population, but also in the use of current technologies to enhance their socioeconomic growth. The difficulties for its realization lie in technical limitations and access to the site, preventing mayors, heads of council and communities in general can correctly estimate the topology that suits their needs, falling into deceptions by companies that offer them oversized systems or those that do not meet your technical needs. In this document an analysis is made of the different possible topologies for rural areas, offering a methodology for its implementation with two cases of use as real examples.

Diversifying knowledge governance for climate adaptation in protected areas in Colombia

Protected areas face many threats, including the observed and projected impacts of climate change, yet there is little evidence that adaptation strategies are providing comprehensive solutions to deal with ecological transformation due to changing climates. In this article we explore whether, how and to what extent the governance of knowledge helps or hinders managerial change towards more proactive climate adaptation. We applied a knowledge governance framework that addresses social and cultural dimensions of environmental decision-making, alongside the institutional arrangements that support particular knowledge-based relationships, to document the knowledge-based processes in place for managing protected areas under uncertain climate change in Colombia. We found that the results of scientific experimentation and modelling (mainly in the natural sciences) are often stated as the preferred source of knowledge to inform decision making, forming a dominant narrative that climate adaptation can and should be driven by scientific and technical information. However, institutional arrangements in practice were typically more diverse in the knowledge sources that contribute to protected area policy and practice. This indicates a significant mis-match between the desired knowledge base for climate adaptation governance, and the actual knowledge processes that underpin effective planning. We propose that understanding institutional arrangements that shape adaptation decision contexts can help to address barriers for using climate information effectively, including understanding its limitations. It can also help managers identify opportunities to draw on existing diverse and rich knowledge systems to support the institutional transformations needed to enable strategic planning and management for effective climate adaptation.

Transforming urban water governance through social (triple‐loop) learning

AbstractThe sustainable development of cities is threatened by a worldwide water crisis. Improved social learning is urgently needed to transform urban water governance and make it more integrated and adaptive. However, empirical studies remain few and fragmented. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to analyse how social learning has supported or inhibited sustainable transformations in urban water governance. On the basis of multiple case studies conducted in urban, flood‐prone areas in Colombia, the Philippines, South Africa, India, and Sweden, we study learning processes related to different aspects of water management and governance. Our results show that transformations in water governance are often triggered by crises, whereas other potentials for transformation are not tapped into. Furthermore, learning is often inhibited by “lock‐ins” created by powerful actors. We conclude that there is a need for more proactive design of governance structures for triple‐loop learning that take into account the identified barriers and supporting principles.

Effects of Institutional Work on the Emergence and Importance of Organizations in the Huila Sub-region Area in Colombia: An Agent-based Modeling Approach

Effects of Institutional Work on the Emergence and Importance of Organizations in the Huila Sub-region Area in Colombia: An Agent-based Modeling Approach

Gestión catastral en las zonas rurales de Colombia: una oportunidad para el desarrollo territorial

Rural areas in Colombia are the ones that have suffered the most historically because of the armed conflict present in the territory for more than 50 years. The distribution of land, measured by the Gini coefficient, places Colombia as the fifth most unequal country in the world, which has led to the correlation of the inequitable distribution of the legal property of the land with the persistent high poverty figures in the countryside. The formation, updating and cadastral conservation allow to obtain information of the territory that serves for the prioritization of investment in rural areas. Additionally, the cadastral management allows an increase in municipal revenues thanks to an increase in the unified property tax, progressive tax - to more land property, plus tax payment - that allows a targeted investment that allows the improvement of the social conditions of the rural population in Colombia.

Characterization of coal residues for possible use as construction material

The objective of this research is to show the possible capacities that the waste left by the exploitation of coal mines could have, this in order to reduce the pressure exerted on the environment. In the specific case of this research, the aim is to use this waste for the production of asphalt and to use it in certain areas of Colombia that are difficult to access due to the complexity of the terrain and construction costs. The studies carried out in a thermal power plant located in New Delhi, India, were analyzed. This plant produces coal waste which is stored without any use and thus, turning it into an environmental risk for the area. Among the tests that were carried out, flexible pavement layers were created, giving favorable results in certain conditions.

Diseño de una base de datos para la caracterización de los estudios de la especialización en patología de la construcción, enfocados en viviendas unifamiliares y multifamiliares en Colombia

La Especialización en Patología de la Construcción de la Vicerrectoría de Universidad Abierta y a Distancia, de la Universidad Santo Tomás, es única en su área específica en Colombia; a lo largo de su actividad académica, los estudiantes han realizado proyectos de grado para diferentes tipos de edificaciones y de obras civiles, dichos Trabajos Profesionales Integradores (TPI) tienen por finalidad restituir a la obra su función constructiva y arquitectónica inicial, para ello se analizan aspectos como capacidad resistente, integridad, forma y aspecto. Con base en el análisis de esta información se establece un diagnóstico y se proponen unas alternativas técnicamente fundamentadas para la reparación, si esta fuere posible; a fin de organizar la información de los diferentes trabajos de grado, y como parte esencial del proyecto de investigación se requiere el diseño de una base de datos que organice y clasifique la información.

Propuesta de modelo en dinámica de sistemas para toma de decisiones en selección de proyectos verdes

Post-conflict era in Colombia after the enactment of the peace agreements between the government and armed groups has caused a growing interest in the social, environmental and economic needs of the communities affected by armed conflict, today known as “collective reparation subjects”. This interest is perceived through the continuous calls by national and local governments to companies and the scientific community, which seek to contribute to the regional challenges in terms of environmental conservation, biodiversity, and peacebuilding within these communities. Considering this new scenario, selection and decision-making processes on this issues need to be transformed, so that, in addition to selecting the best projects, communities are actively involved, thus generating benefits related to social learning and knowledge appropriation.Therefore, the aim of this research is to propose a methodology that involves different scientific methods for enabling community participation and knowledge construction on social, environmental and economic dynamics, in order to incorporate the analysis of information directly obtained from communities in decision-making processes for the selection of green projects. For the development of the proposed methodology for green projects assessment and prioritization, we suggest the integration of dynamic systems modeling, participatory modeling and the analytical network process (anp). With our results we expect to contribute from a scientific perspective to the development of a sustainable and participatory model that can be applied in decision-making processes. In addition, from a practical approach, we expect this work facilitates decision-making in the selection processes of green projects taking place in post-conflict areas in Colombia.

Responding to Climate Change in Tropical Countries Emerging from Armed Conflicts: Harnessing Climate Finance, Peacebuilding, and Sustainable Food

Linking climate action with sustainable development goals (SDGs) might incentivize social and political support to forest conservation. However, further examination of the conceptual entry points for linking efforts for reducing forest-based emissions with those for delivering SDGs is required. This review paper aims to contribute to fulfilling this research need. It provides insights into the links between conserving forests for climate change mitigation and peacebuilding. Specifically, the paper examines opportunities to harness climate finance for conserving forests and achieving long-lasting peace and sustainable food. It does so via a literature review and the examination of the Orinoquia region of Colombia. The findings from the literature review suggest that harnessing climate finance for conserving forests and peacebuilding is, in theory, viable if the activities are designed in accordance with social, institutional, and economic factors. Meanwhile, the Orinoquia region provides evidence that these two seemingly intractable problems are proposed to be solved together. At a time when efforts for reducing forest-based emissions are being designed and targeted at (post-) conflict areas in Colombia and elsewhere, the paper’s findings might demonstrate the compatibility of programs aimed at reducing forest-based emissions with efforts relating to peacebuilding and sustainable food to both environmental and non-environmental government agencies.