Central Colombia Research Articles

Association of Paraoxonase-1 Q192R (rs662) Single Nucleotide Variation with Cardiovascular Risk in Coffee Harvesters of Central Colombia.

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1), a high-density lipoprotein-associated antioxidant enzyme, hydrolyzes several organophosphate pesticides and oxidized lipids. The PON1 Q192R polymorphism affects the catalytic efficiency and is considered a risk factor for pesticide intoxication and cardiovascular disease (CVD) but the association is not consistent between individuals or populations. We aimed to study the association of PON1 Q192R polymorphism with CVD risk in coffee harvesters of central Colombia. Demographics were collected from 205 subjects via standardized questionnaires. Lipid profiles and serum butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) were measured by standard procedures. The calculated 10-year atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risk was used as the cardiovascular risk estimate. Q192R genotype was determined by real-time PCR. Prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and the 10-year ASCVD risk was 33%, 62%, and 22%, respectively. BChE levels were no indicative of recent pesticide exposure, although a positive correlation was observed with BChE and hypercholesterolemia. The Q192R genotype frequencies were 38% (QQ), 44% (QR), and 18% (RR). We found an association of the 192Q genotype with hypertension. The results of this study signal the importance to evaluate the influence and potential interactions of BChE and PON1 192Q allele with known genetic and environmental factors implicated in the pathogenesis of CVD.

Pyroclastic deposits of San Diego maar, central Colombia: an example of a silicic magma-related monogenetic eruption in a hard substrate

Abstract The San Diego maar is a volcano located at the middle of the Colombian Central Cordillera that forms part of the dispersed and isolated Samaná Volcanic Field (with at least three volcanoes). San Diego is excavated on Triassic metamorphic rocks and Neogene sub-volcanic andesitic units, and forms approximately 15 m of mostly unconsolidated eruption-related deposits. These deposits were divided into four stratigraphic units (U1–U4) that together define the evolution of the eruption: (1) an unsteady vent-clearing stage; (2) drier to wet pyroclastic base surges; (3) dry base surges; and (4) a final wet stage. At the end of the activity, the crater was enlarged due to a complex set of rock falls and slides in the crater walls. Finally, the volcanic activity switched to a magmatic phase, creating a dacitic dome. The northern dome flank was affected by a gravitational collapse that produced a small-volume debris avalanche. The eruption style of the San Diego maar was controlled by the stratigraphic, structural and hydrogeological characteristics of the substrate, as well as the surficial environmental condition. In addition, the mountainous terrain around the maar crater controlled the deposit extension. These constraints provide additional information for a hazard assessment related to this type of eruption in the region.

Descomposición de hojas y colonización de macroinvertebrados acuáticos en dos microcuencas tropicales (Manizales, Colombia)

Nutrient fluxes in low-order streams of both tropical and temperate regions depend on leaves and tree branches originated from their riparian forests. This substratum suffers physical, chemical and biological breakdown, and can be colonized by several benthic macroinvertebrates. However, the effect of different levels of disturbance and degradation operating on these forested streams such as livestock in cattle-dominated landscapes, remains poorly understood, this is particularly noticeable in many mountain areas of Colombia. Goals. To evaluate the breakdown rates and colonization dynamics of benthic macroinvertebrates on leaves of Eucalyptus sp. and Tibouchina lepidota in tropical streams immersed into livestock matrices. Methods. During March to May 2014, we conducted a field experiment using single and mixed (1:1) leaf treatments of both plant species into fine- and coarse-mesh litterbags, in two contrasting streams (reference [La Elvira]/ disturbed [Chuscales]) of the Chinchina River in central Colombia (Manizales, Caldas). Results. Leaf mass losses were significantly higher in Eucalyptus sp., followed by the mixed (1:1) and T. lepidota treatment into coarse vs. fine mesh bags. However, the higher decomposition rates (k days-1, mean ± SE) were registered at La Elvira for Eucalyptus sp. (fine mesh, k = - 0.0145 ± 0.0026; coarse mesh, k = - 0.0143 ± 0.0019) and, Chuscales for the mixed treatment (fine, k = - 0.0181 ± 0.0053; coarse, k = - 0.0153 ± 0.0046), comparatively. Contrary, macroinvertebrate abundance and density were generally higher in reference than in disturbed stream, and concomitantly to the diversity. However, these variables changed over the sampled period, with higher abundance values registered at 30 days (1129 individuals) and 45 days (958 individuals) in the reference and disturbed stream, respectively. Chironomids and the collectors’ functional feeding group were the most abundant during all sampling. Conclusions. The results showed that breakdown rate differences between streams cannot be attributed specifically to changes in macroinvertebrate community composition, structure or density and that mesh size more than the livestock effect can influence macroinvertebrate communities colonizing in-stream organic matter; however, further studies are necessary to confirm these results.

Means of transportation choice for the residents of Villavicencio, Colombia: A quantitative analysis

This study describes the decision making process used by the residents of Villavicencio – department of Meta, central Colombia – to choose among different means of transport for their daily needs. This study constitutes an attempt to bring the attention to the traffic problem in Villavicencio, where the increase in the use of cars and motorcycles in the last decade has been exponential, with the result of generating a number of unresolved challenges-road accidents, traffic congestion, pollution and occupation of public space.This study uses data from the survey ‘Encuesta domiciliaria origen-destino’ conducted in the municipality of Villavicencio in 2008 and applies a multinomial logit model to establish the probability of choosing the mean of transport conditioned on a number of controls related to the individuals’ socioeconomic characteristics, to the location of the work and that of the dwelling.The results of both the descriptive statistics and the econometric model show that the variables related to the age of the resident, his/her socioeconomic level, time and cost of the journey are among the variables which mostly influence the resident decisions when choosing the mean of transport. In view of the constant increase in the traffic congestion and road related accidents recorded in the last decade in the area, the priority of the both the central Government and local Government should be the improvement of the public transport service – which is almost absent – and the creation of a safer environment to allow residents to cycle and to walk without impending danger.

Effect of paraoxonase-1 Q192R (rs662) sequence variant with cardiovascular risk in coffee harvesters of central Colombia

Effect of paraoxonase-1 Q192R (rs662) sequence variant with cardiovascular risk in coffee harvesters of central Colombia

中部コロンビアトリマ県の平均流量の異なる3つの水系における 2015/2016年のエルニーニョの稲生産への影響

中部コロンビアトリマ県の平均流量の異なる3つの水系における 2015/2016年のエルニーニョの稲生産への影響

Relación entre madurez neuropsicológica y presencia–ausencia de la conducta de gateo

Neuropsychological maturity is the level of organization and maturational development that allows the development of behavioral and cognitive age-appropriate individual functions, crawling behavior is the first harmonic motion in which the baby uses his head and his both lower extremities as superior, to support and move, it allows the establishment of connections between brain hemispheres, leading to the intercom that simplifies the work of the brain and promotes the maturation of the cognitive functions of the infant, the objective of this research was compare neuropsychological maturity in children 5 and 6 years of age who presented behavior crawling with those who had not, the sample consisted of 50 students from private schools in central Colombia. It was a quantitative study with a comparative-descriptive cross-sectional design, in which the history and the parent questionnaire battery neuropsychological evaluation Infantil (ENI) developed by Matute, Rosselli, Ardila y Ostrosky (2007) and was used Maturity Questionnaire Neuropsychological Children (CUMANIN). First, he made the selected sample, the instruments are applied, and the results were analyzed and finally publicly sustained research. It was concluded through statistical Wilcoxon Shapiro applied to compare the scores of the two groups possibly psychomotor scale depends on crawling; regarding the performance when comparing the 2 groups with the Chi-square statistic best results are evidenced in nine scales the group presented crawling behavior with respect to the group that did not crawl.

Effectiveness of conservation areas for protecting biodiversity and ecosystem services: a multi-criteria approach

ABSTRACTIn land planning strategies, methods to quantify ecosystem services (ESs) are now used to complement biodiversity assessments. Tension arises when areas important for biodiversity do not spatially co-occur with important areas for ESs. We investigate the effectiveness of protected areas in simultaneously protecting biodiversity and ESs in central Colombia and identify complementary areas. We map, integrate using a multi-criteria technique and correlate five indicators (sensitive species, ecological systems, habitat quality, scenic beauty and water provision). Reflecting the uncertainty in criteria weights, multiple maps were created and overlain with current protected areas to investigate their effectiveness. A consensus and an uncertainty map were calculated to identify multifunctional areas (high value for biodiversity and high provision of ESs and low uncertainty). Protected areas show low to intermediate levels of effectiveness (3–56% percentage overlap with simulated areas), with water provision being the service least effectively protected. Indicators do not show high levels of correlation (all p < 0.57). Sensitive species are negatively correlated with all other indicators. High representativeness levels were found around the city of Bogotá; still, extensive multifunctional areas are not contemplated under any protection status. We advocate the use of our approach to identify multi-purpose areas that are robust to divergent stakeholder opinions.EDITED BY Berta Martin-Lopez

From Symbolic Violence to Symbolic Reparation. Strengthening Resilience and Reparation in Conflict-Affected Areas through Place-(re)making. Examples from the West Bank and Colombia

Based on examples from the West Bank and central Colombia, this paper investigates how, in conflict settings, symbolic violence affects populations and their perceptions of place, lifestyle and cul...

Evidence of recent deep magmatic activity at Cerro Bravo-Cerro Machín volcanic complex, central Colombia. Implications for future volcanic activity at Nevado del Ruiz, Cerro Machín and other volcanoes

In the last nine years (2007–2015), the Cerro Bravo-Cerro Machín volcanic complex (CBCMVC), located in central Colombia, has experienced many changes in volcanic activity. In particular at Nevado del Ruiz volcano (NRV), Cerro Machin volcano (CMV) and Cerro Bravo (CBV) volcano. The recent activity of NRV, as well as increasing seismic activity at other volcanic centers of the CBCMVC, were preceded by notable changes in various geophysical and geochemical parameters, that suggests renewed magmatic activity is occurring at the volcanic complex.The onset of this activity started with seismicity located west of the volcanic complex, followed by seismicity at CBV and CMV. Later in 2010, strong seismicity was observed at NRV, with two small eruptions in 2012. After that, seismicity has been observed intermittently at other volcanic centers such as Santa Isabel, Cerro España, Paramillo de Santa Rosa, Quindío and Tolima volcanoes, which persists until today.Local deformation was observed from 2007 at NRV, followed by possible regional deformation at various volcanic centers between 2011 and 2013. In 2008, an increase in CO2 and Radon in soil was observed at CBV, followed by a change in helium isotopes at CMV between 2009 and 2011. Moreover, SO2 showed an increase from 2010 at NRV, with values remaining high until the present.These observations suggest that renewed magmatic activity is currently occurring at CBCMVC. NRV shows changes in its activity that may be related to this new magmatic activity. NRV is currently exhibiting the most activity of any volcano in the CBCMVC, which may be due to it being the only open volcanic system at this time. This suggests that over the coming years, there is a high probability of new unrest or an increase in volcanic activity of other volcanoes of the CBCMVC.

Investigating the reliability of H/V spectral ratio and image entropy for quantifying the degree of disintegration of weak rocks

Characterization and quantification of disintegration behavior of weak rocks, such as shales, claystones, mudstones, and siltstones, are usually a difficult task because of their extremely diverse nature. These rocks present numerous stability problems along cut slopes around the world because they can change rapidly from rock-like to soil-like materials upon exposure to natural climatic conditions. Engineers often overestimate the design parameters for cut slopes in these rocks when laboratory tests are performed on fresh samples. Adjusting the design parameters for the anticipated amount of disintegration can be problematic because of the complex and time-dependent nature of disintegration behavior. In this study, we investigate the reliability of using microtremor H/V spectral ratio, derived from microtremor signals, and image entropy, obtained from image analysis techniques, for quantifying the varying degrees of disintegration. During 2011–2014, both techniques were used to study disintegration of slopes cut through claystones, mudstones, and limestones along the 80-km stretch of a highway between Bogotá and Tunja in central Colombia. For image analysis, a new algorithm was developed to discriminate between varying degrees of disintegration across the complete color structure of the image, avoiding the gray-scale transformation that is usually time consuming. The results indicate significant correlations between the degree of disintegration of the cut face, the dominant frequency estimated from the microtremor H/V ratio, and the image entropy values, suggesting that H/V ratio and image entropy can be reliable techniques for quantifying the degree of disintegration.

Stenorhynchosaurus munozi, gen. et sp. nov. a new pliosaurid from the Upper Barremian (Lower Cretaceous) of Villa de Leiva, Colombia, South America

From one of the most complete Lower Cretaceous rock sequences in the world (in Villa de Leiva region, central Colombia), we describe a new genus and species of pliosaurid plesiosaur Stenorhynchosaurus munozi. Stenorhynchosaurus displays a series of features which differentiate it from all the other Cretaceous pliosaurid genera: the anterior of the vomer, in ventral view, posterior of the palatal premaxilla-maxilla suture, contacting the posterior palatal process of the premaxilla level with the third maxillary alveolus; rostrum narrow and elongated with straight sides in dorsal view; lacrimal forming the anterior border and greater part of the ventral border of the orbit and broadly borders the maxilla anteriorly; anterior interpterygoid vacuity present; internal nares located between vomer and maxilla at the level of 13th-15th maxillary alveoli; anterior of rostrum and mandible without lateral expansion or marked increase in size of the functional alveoli; penultimate premaxillary alveolus slightly larger than adjacent premaxillary alveoli; homodont maxillary functional alveoli, with fourth tooth positions very slightly enlarged with respect to the neighboring alveoli; homodont dentary dentition; and epipodials extremely short. Based on morphological analysis of phylogenetic characters, Stenorhynchosaurus most likely nests within the increasingly inclusive Pliosauridae and Pliosauroidea, however, as currently defined, firm inference for referral of Stenorhynchosaurus to Thalassophonea is much more problematic, but ultimately seems likely based on characters shared with Pliosaurus and Brachaucheninae. However, this uncertainty indicates Thalassophonea requires rigorous redefinition. As to whether Stenorhynchosaurus is a member of the currently exclusively Jurassic genus Pliosaurus, or the Cretaceous sub-family Brachaucheninae, remains equivocal. © 2016. Acad. Colomb. Cienc. Ex. Fis. Nat. All rights reserved.

Phytoliths produced by common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), achira (Canna indica L.), and squash (Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché), crop species from Boyacá, Colombia

Silica structures were analyzed in three species used by both pre-Hispanic and present-day populations in central Colombia: squash, common bean, and achira. In squash (Cucurbita ficifolia Bouche), structures were found in leaves and fruit epidermis, with undulated scalloped phytoliths and trichome forms. In achira (Canna indica L.), globular phytoliths with circular ornamentation in the center were found in leaves and corresponded to the Globulolita morpho-tribe. In common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), elongated phytoliths with hooked ends were found on leaves and belonged to the Capilusita morpho-tribe. Through the standardization of the phytolith extraction protocol (dry ashing method), we established that leaves are the structures with the highest content of phytoliths in the species studied.

Turning Atrocity Prevention Inside-Out: Community-Based Approaches to Preventing, Protecting, and Recovering from Mass Violence

Abstract: This article reviews recent research and evolving practice of community-based approaches This article reviews recent research and evolving practice of community-based approaches to preventing and mitigating mass violence. It considers growing evidence that externally driven international interventions in response to violence are failing due to a lack of recognition and support for local actors, and increasing research into locally-led efforts, such as community protection strategies, early warning and response systems, interreligious peacebuilding, and postatrocity trauma healing. Drawing from examples from a wide range of cases, including Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Colombia, and Sri Lanka, the article identifies key lessons for improving atrocity prevention policy and practice. Based on examination of the literature and case studies, it argues for a fundamental shift in the field of atrocity prevention from external interventionism toward supporting local peace agency.

Institutions, Civilian Resistance, and Wartime Social Order: A Process-driven Natural Experiment in the Colombian Civil War

AbstractWhy do armed groups fighting in civil wars establish different institutions in territories where they operate? This article tests the mechanisms of a theory that posits that different forms of wartime social order are the outcome of a process in which an aspiring ruler—an armed group—expands the scope of its rule as much as possible unless civilians push back. Instead of being always at the mercy of armed actors, civilians arguably have bargaining power if they can credibly threaten combatants with collective resistance. Such resistance, in turn, is a function of the quality of preexisting local institutions. Using a process-driven natural experiment in three villages in Central Colombia, this article traces the effects of institutional quality on wartime social order.The FARC were everything in this village. They had the last wordon every single dispute among neighbors. They decided whatcould be sold at the stores, the time when we should all go home, andwho should leave the area never to come back.... They alsomanaged divorces, inheritances, and conflicts over land borders.They were the ones who ruled here, not the state.— Local leader, village of Librea, municipality of ViotáWe [the peasant leaders] are the authority here.People recognize us as such. [The FARC] could not takethat away from us. They didn’t rule us.— Local leader, village of Zama, municipality of Viotá

Delivering User Information in Resource-constrained Urban Transit Systems: The Case of Ibague, Colombia

Efficient and functional public transport systems are essential to mitigate the effects of congestion and pollution in the world cities. Many cities in Latin America feature public transport systems operated by small private companies loosely regulated by transit authorities with limited technical resources. In this context, both operators and regulators neglect user information as an important component of the system. This paper describes the experience of developing an information system for the public transport system in Ibague, an emerging city of 650 000 inhabitants in central Colombia. The system relies on crowed-sourced, user-generated data which was gathered, consolidated and structured by our research group using innovative and affordable methods that are easily applicable to other systems.

中部コロンビアでの灌漑頻度、窒素施肥量、遺伝子型の乾季作稲収量への予備評価

中部コロンビアでの灌漑頻度、窒素施肥量、遺伝子型の乾季作稲収量への予備評価

Chemical profiling combined with multivariate analysis of unfractionated kernel-derived extracts of Zea mays landraces from central Colombia

Unfractionated extracts from twenty-five colored and uncolored Zea mays kernel landraces collected in Colombia were characterized according to tristimulus colorimetry parameters (L, C and h), antioxidant capacity (DPPH●, ABTS●+ and FRAP), total phenolic, flavonoids and anthocyanins contents (TPC, TFA and TAC, respectively), and RP-HPLC-MS-DAD analysis. Good correlations were found between TPC values and antioxidant capacity. All chemical data were also correlated using multivariate analysis in order to observe chemical variations and identify patterns. The multivariate analyses on quantitative and antioxidant activity data of all landraces separately resulted in differentiation regarding chemical data and origin. In addition, the clustering on chromatographic data using chemometrics was found to be correlated with quantitative values, antioxidant capacity, color and origin, indicating metabolite variability among extracts. The results therefore indicated that chemical composition can be considered a crucial factor to differentiate landraces as well as determine their variability regarding relative metabolite contents. TPC values and isoquercetin and cyanidin malonylglucoside relative contents were found to be the most discriminating factors among landraces. The present work constitutes the first study focused on chemical profiling combined with multivariate analysis as a tool for discriminating colored Zea mays kernels.

Kriging and Local Polynomial Methods for Blending Satellite-Derived and Gauge Precipitation Estimates to Support Hydrologic Early Warning Systems

Robust estimates of precipitation in space and time are important for efficient natural resource management and for mitigating natural hazards. This is particularly true in regions with developing infrastructure and regions that are frequently exposed to extreme events. Gauge observations of rainfall are sparse but capture the precipitation process with high fidelity. Due to its high resolution and complete spatial coverage, satellite-derived rainfall data are an attractive alternative in data-sparse regions and are often used to support hydrometeorological early warning systems. Satellite-derived precipitation data, however, tend to underrepresent extreme precipitation events. Thus, it is often desirable to blend spatially extensive satellite-derived rainfall estimates with high-fidelity rain gauge observations to obtain more accurate precipitation estimates. In this research, we use two different methods, namely, ordinary kriging and κ-nearest neighbor local polynomials, to blend rain gauge observations with the Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation satellite-derived precipitation estimates in data-sparse Central America and Colombia. The utility of these methods in producing blended precipitation estimates at pentadal (five-day) and monthly time scales is demonstrated. We find that these blending methods significantly improve the satellite-derived estimates and are competitive in their ability to capture extreme precipitation.

Returning Home: Movement Strategies of Sub-Andean Birds in a Modified Landscape

We documented movement of a long-distant migrant (Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus) and two understory resident species (Chestnut-capped Brush-finch Buarremon brunneinuchus and Streak-capped Treehunter Thripadectes virgaticeps) in a fragmented landscape dominated by a pasture matrix in a Sub-Andean region of central Colombia. Swainson's Thrush had no detectable difficulties traversing a pasture matrix and returning to the capture site. Chestnut-capped Brush-finch and Streak-capped Treehunter (understory resident species) avoided making lengthy flights and used stepping-stones and nearby corridors to ease their movement. Providing stepping stones such as live fences and isolated trees and maintaining corridors can enhance functional connectivity in regions with fragmented forests, aiding the conservation of bird species.