Caribbean Colombia Research Articles

Possible evidence for geomagnetic intensity anomaly around 5500 BP from archaeomagnetic analyses of San Jacinto pottery, Caribbean Colombia

San Jacinto archaeological site in Northern Colombia hosts America's oldest pottery, radiometrically dated between 5940 ± 60 BP and 5190 ± 40 BP. Eleven ceramic fragments were subjected to detailed archaeomagnetic and archaeointensity investigation. Alternating field and thermal demagnetization, as well as magnetic mineralogy experiments, were carried out before double heating paleointensity determination to select the most suitable samples. Magnetic susceptibility vs. temperature curves revealed that magnetite and hematite grains are the main carriers of the thermoremanent magnetization. However, the contribution of hematite in total remanence seems to be negligible. Thirty-six samples corresponding to six pottery fragments were selected for Thellier-type paleointensity determinations. Mean intensity values range from 50.7 ± 4.7 to 65.3 ± 11.9 μT while virtual Axial Dipole Moments vary from 12.6 ± 1.2 to 16.2 ± 2.9 × 1022 Am2, indicating high geomagnetic field strength compared to values predicted by global geomagnetic models. This represents the first evidence of relatively high archaeointesities before 1000 BC. Similar or even higher geomagnetic strengths are observed in the Levant around 1100–800 BC and SW Pacific Region at 1450 AD. The actual cause of such anomalously high intensity, often attributed to the processes in the vicinity of the Core-Mantle Boundary, is still not fully understood.

Gulf of Urabá (Caribbean Colombia), a Tropical Estuary: A Review with Some General Lessons About How it Works

Gulf of Urabá (Caribbean Colombia), a Tropical Estuary: A Review with Some General Lessons About How it Works

Not all that glitters is gold: Can the real scenic value of the Colombian Caribbean coast be restored?

Currently, coastal erosion, extreme urbanization, woody debris, litter, sewage, noise, and beach driving are severely affecting the scenic value of the Caribbean Coast of Colombia. To determine the current state of this situation and give management inputs, this paper provides the scenic assessment of 300 coastal sites using the Coastal Scenery Evaluation System (CSES). The CSES assesses values from a checklist of 18 physical and 8 human parameters and allows calculation of a scenic evaluation index (D Value), which classifies coastal sites into five classes: Class I, usually natural areas of top scenic characteristics, to Class V, poor scenic natural areas with a higher impact of human interventions. Along the study area, 52 coastal sites (17.3%) appeared in Class I; 40 (13.3%) in Class II; 56 (18.7%) in Class III; 55 (18.3%) in Class IV, and 97 sites (32.3%) in Class V. This evaluation provides a complete assessment overview of the Caribbean Colombia coastal scenery and serves as baseline for implementation of management strategies. This management must be based on scientific knowledge and should address not only human use values, but also the maintenance and preservation of the environmental quality of the coast.

"One feels anger to know there is no one to help us!". Perceptions of mothers of children with Zika virus-associated microcephaly in Caribbean Colombia: A qualitative study.

The epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV) was associated with a sudden and unprecedented increase in infants born with microcephaly. Colombia was the second most affected country by the epidemic in the Americas. Primary caregivers of children with ZIKV-associated microcephaly, their mothers mainly, were at higher risk of suffering anxiety and depression. Often, these women were stigmatized and abandoned by their partners, relatives, and communities. This study aimed to understand the perceptions about ZIKV infection among mothers of children born with microcephaly during the ZIKV epidemic in Caribbean Colombia, and the barriers and facilitators affecting child health follow-up. An exploratory qualitative study, based on Phenomenology and Grounded Theory, was conducted in Caribbean Colombia. Data were collected through In-Depth Interviews (IDI) from women who delivered a baby with microcephaly during the ZIKV epidemic at Clínica Salud Social, Sincelejo, Sucre District (N = 11). The themes that emerged during the interviews included experiences from their lives before pregnancy; knowledge about ZIKV; experiences and perceptions when diagnosed; considering a possible termination of pregnancy, and children's clinical follow-up. In some cases, women reported having been told they were having a baby with microcephaly but decided not to terminate the pregnancy; while in other cases, women found out about their newborn's microcephaly condition only at birth. The main barriers encountered by participants during children's follow-up included the lack of psychosocial and economic support, the stigmatization and abandonment by some partners and relatives, and the frustration of seeing the impaired development of their children. This study contributed to identifying the social, medical, psychological, and economic needs of families with children affected by the ZIKV epidemic. Commitment and action by local and national governments, and international bodies, is required to ensure sustained and quality health services by affected children and their families.

Coastal subsidence increases vulnerability to sea level rise over twenty first century in Cartagena, Caribbean Colombia

Cartagena is subsiding at a higher rate compared to that of global climate-driven sea level rise. We investigate the relative sea level rise (RSLR) and the influence of vertical land movements in Cartagena through the integration of different datasets, including tide gauge records, GPS geodetic subsidence data, and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) observations of vertical motions. Results reveal a long-term rate (> 60 years) of RSLR of 5.98 ± 0.01 mm/yr. The last two decades exhibited an even greater rate of RSLR of 7.02 ± 0.06 mm/yr. GPS subsidence rates range between − 5.71 ± 2.18 and − 2.85 ± 0.84 mm/yr. InSAR data for the 2014–2020 period show cumulative subsidence rates of up to 72.3 mm. We find that geologically induced vertical motions represent 41% of the observed changes in RSLR and that subsidence poses a major threat to Cartagena’s preservation. The geodetic subsidence rates found would imply a further additional RSLR of 83 mm by 2050 and 225 mm by 2100. The Colombian government should plan for the future and serve as an example to similar cities across the Caribbean.

Rudolf Schlechter's South-American orchids IV. Schlechter's "network": Venezuela and Colombia

The fourth chapter of the series about Rudolf Schlechter’s South-American orchids again presents abridged biographical information about the botanists and orchid collectors that formed part of Schlechter’s South-American network and who traveled and worked in those countries on the continent’s northern and Caribbean coasts, through Venezuela and Colombia. In the case of Colombia, we cross the isthmus of Darien and arrive for the first time on the Pacific coast of South America. As in other chapters, brief geographical and historical introductory outlines are presented for each of these countries, followed by a narrative on those orchidologists who visited the area, chronologically by the dates of their botanical collections.
 Keywords/Palabras clave: biography, biografía, history of botany, historia de la botánica, Orchidaceae
 For accessing the high-resolution PDF, please follow this link: https://n9.cl/13ugw

Notas sobre las algas marinas de la Reserva Internacional de la Biosfera Seaflower, Caribe Colombiano VIII: nuevos registros de algas rojas (Rhodophyta) de San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina, Colombia

Antecedentes y Objetivos: En la última década, la investigación ficológica en la Reserva Internacional de Biosfera Seaflower ha revelado una diversidad en su flora marina que no había sido previamente apreciada. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo contribuir al conocimiento de la biodiversidad macroalgal del Archipiélago de San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina en el Caribe Colombiano, adicionando 11 nuevos registros de algas rojas. Métodos: Las algas fueron recolectadas alrededor de las islas en 10 puntos, cubriendo diferentes ecosistemas, por medio de buceo SCUBA a profundidades entre 0 y 37 m. El muestreo se realizó entre agosto y noviembre de 2009, diciembre de 2012 y septiembre de 2019 durante la Expedición Científica Seaflower. Las algas recolectadas se conservaron en una solución de formalina/agua de mar al 4%. La identificación se realizó mediante microscopio óptico y literatura especializada. Todos los especímenes fueron depositados en el herbario JIW del Departamento de Biología de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, en Bogotá, Colombia. Resultados clave: Se presentan 11 nuevos registros de especies de macroalgas rojas para la Reserva Internacional de la Biosfera Seaflower en el Mar Caribe. Seis taxa fueron previamente citados para el Caribe colombiano: Botryocladia spinulifera, Champia taironensis, Dasya caraibica, Pterocladiella bartlettii, Seirospora occidentalis y Spyridia aculeata subsp. complanata. Las restantes cinco especies son nuevos registros para el país: Botryocladia cf. bahamensis, Botryocladia cf. bermudana, Ceramium brevizonatum var. caraibicum, Gloioderma iyoense y Wrightiella tumanowiczii. Con estos resultados la Reserva Internacional de Biosfera Seaflower presenta un total de 153 especies de rodófitas, pertenecientes a 12 órdenes, 27 familias y 73 géneros. Conclusiones: Con las investigaciones realizadas en los últimos 10 años, el número de taxones registrados ha aumentado de 202 a 325, lo que representa un aumento de 62% en el conocimiento de la diversidad macroalgal y ubica al Archipiélago en la segunda región más diversa del Caribe colombiano.

Embedding research into health services in Latin America and the Caribbean: experiences and challenges of the Technical Support CenterExperiências e desafios do Centro de Apoio Técnico na pesquisa integrada aos serviços na América Latina e Caribe

RESUMENEn este artículo se describen los principales modelos de integración, las experiencias de éxito y los retos del trabajo conjunto de los investigadores y los tomadores de decisiones participantes en la iniciativa Incorporación de la Investigación para Avanzar en el Cumplimiento de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ER-SDG), y la experiencia del Centro de Apoyo Técnico (CAT). En junio de 2018 se otorgó financiamiento, previa selección, a 13 proyectos de investigación de 11 países de ingresos medios y bajos de América Latina y el Caribe (Argentina, Bolivia, Brasil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haití, Paraguay, Perú y República Dominicana). Los proyectos debían estar centrados en los cambios que se requieren a nivel de sistema, políticas o programas para mejorar la salud y basarse en el trabajo conjunto de investigadores y tomadores de decisiones, a fin de acercar la generación de evidencias a la toma de decisiones en los sistemas y servicios de salud. El CAT apoyó y orientó la producción de resultados de calidad y de utilidad para la toma de decisiones. La experiencia confirmó el valor de iniciativas como ER-SDG en la consolidación de puentes entre el mundo de la investigación sobre implementación de políticas, programas y sistemas de salud, y el mundo de los funcionarios encargados de operar esos programas, servicios e intervenciones relacionadas con la salud. Se resalta la necesidad de respetar y aprovechar cada contexto, y los arreglos y patrones específicos de relación entre investigadores y tomadores de decisiones, mediante incentivos para la integración.

Embedding research into health services in Latin America and the Caribbean: experiences and challenges of the Technical Support Center.

ABSTRACTThis article describes the main models for embedding research and the successful experiences and challenges faced in joint work by researchers and decisionmakers who participated in the Embedding Research for the Sustainable Development Goals (ER-SDG) initiative, and the experience of the Technical Support Center. In June 2018, funding was granted to 13 pre-selected research projects from 11 middle- and low-income countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Paraguay, and Peru). The projects focused on the system-, policy-, or program-level changes required to improve health and build on the joint work of researchers and decisionmakers, with a view to bringing together evidence production and decision-making in health systems and services. The Technical Support Center supported and guided the production of quality results useful for decision-making. This experience confirmed the value of initiatives such as ER-SDG in consolidating bridges between research on the implementation of health policies, programs, and systems, and the officials responsible for operating health-related programs, services, and interventions. It highlighted the importance of both respecting and taking advantage of each context—and the specific arrangements and patterns in the relationships between researchers and decisionmakers—through incentives for embedded research.

Macroalgae associated with aerial roots of <i>Rhizophora mangle</i> in Islas del Rosario, Colombia, Southwestern Caribbean

The roots of the red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle, provide a nursery habitat for many species, due to the tridimensional structure they provide, which delimits an area difficult to access to large predators. Moreover, they provide a hard substrate for many benthonic species, which attach to the roots and contribute to the tridimensional structure of the ecosystem. Among these organisms, there are several macroalgae, which contribute to the primary productivity of the ecosystem and provide food and shelter to herbivores. In the present study we identified the macroalgae associated with the roots of Rhizophora mangle, in Cholón beach, Rosario Islands National Park, Caribbean Colombia. We report a total of 36 species of macroalgae: 21 Rhodophyta, eleven Chlorophyta, and four Phaeophyceae. Of these, 19 are new records for the islands, and six are new records for Colombia. This is the first study on the macroalgae associated with mangrove roots in the Colombian Caribbean, and it highlights both the high diversity of the marine flora of the Southwestern Caribbean, as well as the paucity of studies on the topic.

New mineralogical data on platinum-group minerals from the Río Santiago alluvial placer, Esmeraldas province, Ecuador

Mineralogical studies on platinum-group minerals found in placer deposits from the Río Santiago (Ecuador) are scarce. In this investigation, one sample collected from the Río Santiago alluvial placer was studied via a multi-disciplinary approach, including optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe, and Raman spectroscopy. Whole-rock geochemistry data of the sample confirms elevated Au and platinum-group elements contents and the chondrite-normalized pattern reveals pronounced positive Ir and Pt anomalies. Free grains of platinum-group minerals were separated via hydroseparation techniques and identified as: i) Pt-Fe alloy (Pt3Fe), ii) tulameenite (Pt2FeCu) and iii) hongshiite (PtCu). The most abundant platinum-group mineral is Pt-Fe alloy (85%) that occasionally hosts cuprorhodsite (CuRh2S4) inclusions. Although the primary source remains unknown, the geochemical and mineralogical data suggests that the source of platinum-group minerals in the Río Santiago alluvial placer is a mafic-ultramafic Ural-Alaska type complex. Possible primary sources are the mafic and ultramafic rocks found in the mafic basement of the coastal region and the Western Cordillera (Piñón, San Juan and Pallatanga units), which derive from the Late Cretaceous Caribbean Colombia Oceanic Plateau (CCOP).

High Seroprevalence of Antibodies against Arboviruses among Pregnant Women in Rural Caribbean Colombia in the Context of the Zika Virus Epidemic.

Mosquito-borne viruses such as dengue (DENV), chikungunya (CHIKV), and Zika (ZIKV) have spread in recent decades. We aimed to assess seroprevalence of arboviral infections in pregnant women living in Cereté, Caribbean Colombia. In 2016 a cross-sectional facility-based sero-survey study was performed among pregnant women (N = 90). Most of them (66%) reported at least one symptom or sign compatible with arboviral infection over the previous 15 days. All screened women had a positive IgG for DENV, 89% for ZIKV, and 82% for CHIKV. One woman tested positive for ZIKV IgM. This study shows the high exposure among pregnant women to arboviruses in endemic areas, shown by the high seroprevalence of past arboviral infections. Given the evidence on the potential risks of these arboviral infections on pregnancy and infant outcomes, these results highlight the need for continuous epidemiological surveillance of arboviral diseases, particularly among those most of risk of their harmful consequences.

Perceptions and Emotional State of Mothers of Children with and without Microcephaly after the Zika Virus Epidemic in Rural Caribbean Colombia.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy can cause neurological manifestations such as microcephaly. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of ZIKV and mental health in women exposed to ZIKV during pregnancy in Colombia. This was a mixed-methods study based on structured interviews and psychological tests. Structured interviews were transcribed and analysed with Atlas Ti software. A grounded theory approach was applied. Quantitative analysis was performed with Statistical Package for Social Science, SPSS, V. 20. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Universidad de Córdoba, Montería. Seventeen women participated in the study; nine of them were mothers of children with microcephaly. Maternal age ranged from 16 to 41 years old. The main themes discussed during interviews were: feelings, support, sources of information, and consequences on children’s health. Women with children affected by microcephaly showed worse mental health compared to women with normocephalic children. Maternal mental health worsened after 24 months from giving birth. Perceptions regarding disease severity and lack of knowledge were considered to affect maternal mental health. Social support and spirituality were key determinants for caregivers. Future research is needed to further study coping mechanisms and mental health outcomes over time by affected populations.

Pollination of Bactris guineensis (Arecaceae), a potential economically exploitable fruit palm from the Colombian Caribbean

Regardless of the ecological and economical importance of palms, their pollination strategies and the identities of their true pollinators are still contentious subjects. Bactris guineensis grows in open areas in lowland Caribbean Colombia. Its fruits have long been an important component of local economy and are now targeted for broader scale production for the Colombian market. We explored details of the reproductive biology of B. guineensis in its natural environment to understand the various elements of pollen flow dynamics that ensure optimal fruit yield. During two consecutive years, we investigated the phenology, floral biology and pollination ecology of a wild population of B. guineensis in the department of Sucre, northern Colombia. Monthly production of buds, inflorescences and ripe infructescences were quantified. Pollen carrying capacity, efficiency and fidelity of anthophilous insect species associated with B. guineensis were calculated and used to define their role as effective pollinators. Bactris guineensis is protogynous and exhibits ephemeral nocturnal anthesis. In spite of strict xenogamy the average reproductive success was over 75%, attributed to high pollen vector efficiency. Twenty-seven insect species representing three orders were recorded as floral visitors, but the only effective pollinators were minute flower weevils and sap beetles. At the beginning of the female phase of anthesis, when pistillate flowers are receptive, inflorescences of B. guineensis warm up to over 12 °C above ambient air and emit a balsamic scent, attracting swarms of several hundred to thousands of beetles loaded with pollen. A second, shorter-lasting floral heating event takes place by dusk in the following day (or the male phase), which culminates with pollen shedding of staminate flowers and departure of the pollinators. Anthesis events that are highly synchronized with activity patterns of specialized scent-oriented pollinators ensure the high reproductive success of B. guineensis at our study site. Plans for large scale production should prioritize insect-friendly practices and investigation on the role of volatile floral kairomones for pollinator attraction.

No evidence supports the use of ether and chloroform inhalation for treating COVID-19.

This article describes the main models for embedding research and the successful experiences and challenges faced in joint work by researchers and decisionmakers who participated in the Embedding Research for the Sustainable Development Goals (ER-SDG) initiative, and the experience of the Technical Support Center. In June 2018, funding was granted to 13 pre-selected research projects from 11 middle- and low-income countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Paraguay, and Peru). The projects focused on the system-, policy-, or program-level changes required to improve health and build on the joint work of researchers and decisionmakers, with a view to bringing together evidence production and decision-making in health systems and services. The Technical Support Center supported and guided the production of quality results useful for decision-making. This experience confirmed the value of initiatives such as ER-SDG in consolidating bridges between research on the implementation of health policies, programs, and systems, and the officials responsible for operating health-related programs, services, and interventions. It highlighted the importance of both respecting and taking advantage of each context—and the specific arrangements and patterns in the relationships between researchers and decisionmakers—through incentives for embedded research.

Revision of the Astyanax orthodus species-group (Teleostei: Characidae) with descriptions of three new species

The Astyanax orthodus species-group includes nine species: Astyanax boliviensis sp. nov., A. bopiensis nom. nov., A. embera sp. nov., A. gandhiae sp. nov., A. moorii comb. nov., A. orthodus, A. superbus, A. villwocki and A. yariguies comb. nov. The group is diagnosed by the presence of a series of pinnate-shaped marks (chevrons) located along the lateral midline, which extends from the humeral region to the caudal peduncle. Astyanax bopiensis nom. nov. is proposed as a substitute name for Astyanacinus multidens, which, along with Astyanax yariguies comb. nov., we reassign to Astyanax.We also propose the synonymy of Astyanacinus with Astyanax. The members of the A. orthodus species-group are distributed in northwestern South America, occurring in the Patia River drainage (A. embera sp. nov.) of the Pacific coast of Colombia, the Atrato River Basin (A. orthodus), the Magdalena River Basin (A. yariguies comb. nov.) of Caribbean Colombia, streams of the southern flank of the Andes of the Orinoco Basin in Venezuela (A. superbus), in the upper Amazon River Basin of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru (A. villwocki, A. gandhiae sp. nov.), from the upper Paraguay River (A. moorii comb. nov.), the Madidi and Mamore Rivers, Bolivia (A. boliviensis sp. nov. and A. bopiensis nom. nov.). All species currently included in Astyanacinus are reassigned to the Astyanax orthodus species-group.

Notes on marine algae in the International Biosphere Reserve Seaflower, Caribbean Colombia, VII: Additions to the benthic flora of San Andrés Island

Se presentan diez nuevos reportes de especies de macroalgas rojas para la Reserva Internacional de la Biosfera Seaflower en el Mar Caribe. Cuatro taxones fueron previamente citados para el Caribe colombiano: Dohrniella antillarum, Halydictyon mirabile, Taenioma nanum y Aglaothamnion cordatum. Las restantes seis especies son nuevos registros para el país: Callithamniella tingitana, Frikkiella searlesii, Lejolisia exposita, Melanothamnus gorgoniae, Monosporus indicus y Wrangelia gordoniae. Todas las algas fueron colectadas en hábitat de arrecife coralino (9–17 m de profundidad), y todas las especies menos una son algas de tamaño diminuto, creciendo principalmente sobre coral muerto o como epifitas de algas más grandes. Se discuten las características morfológicas y reproductivas de cada especie, así como las novedades de su distribución.

Jason McGraw , The Work of Recognition: Caribbean Colombia and the Postemancipation Struggle for Citizenship (Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 2014), pp. xiii + 328, $34.95, pb.

Jason McGraw , The Work of Recognition: Caribbean Colombia and the Postemancipation Struggle for Citizenship (Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 2014), pp. xiii + 328, $34.95, pb. - Volume 49 Issue 3

LEGISLACIÓN COLOMBIANA RELACIONADA CON LOS ECOSISTEMAS DE MANGLAR

To highlight the advances in knowledge gained on mangrove ecosystems in the Caribbean and Pacific Colombia, there was a revision of standards related directly and indirectly. From this review we obtained a significant amount of information presented and discussed in this article. This information confirms that these coastal wetlands have considerable potential that has not yet been tapped properly and that the ecological conditions of the species involved, can be assured that proper management, conservation and sustainable use, to ensure enough recovery promising.

Notes on the marine algae of the International Biosphere Reserve Seaflower, Caribbean Colombia VI: New records of Phaeophyceae from Old Providence and Santa Catalina.

Two species of brown algae (Phaeophyceae), Bachelotia antilarum (Grunow) Gerloff and Dictyota humifusa Hornig, Schnetter & Coppejans, are reported for the first time for the Archipelago of San Andres, Old Providence and Sainte Cataline, part of the International Biosphere Reserve Seaflower .