Central Ecuador Research Articles

Implications of the eruptive behavior based on volcanic ash emitted during the 2015 activity of the Cotopaxi volcano, Ecuador

The glacial-peaked Cotopaxi stratovolcano in Central Ecuador became visibly active in 2015 for a duration of 101 days, when due to hydrothermal event significant amounts of volcanic particles together with gases precipitated in its surrounding. A detailed day-by-day sampling of these ash particles has led to a thorough morphological, mineralogical and geochemical evaluation in order to characterize the origin and the behavior of the volcano. The mostly trachy-andesitic samples lacked of juvenile material. All evaluated particles, minerals and lithics are of sharp, angular to subangular shapes. Discrimination diagrams and geochemical analysis evidenced a negative correlation between silica (SiO2) and sulfur (SO3), particularly on stronger eruptive occasions. The current study may serve for a general public awareness of volcanic behavior, as the results are able to evaluate and characterize the uprising degree of volcanic explosivity and range of associated hazards in this and similar volcanoes worldwide. Therefore, an immediate evaluation of such volcanic material will be able to result in calming the authorities and the public alike, allowing to offer an additional but decisive tool in the vigilance restless volcanoes.

Determination of Soil Contamination Due to the Influence of Cemeteries for the Surrounding Land and People in Central Ecuador—Worldwide Implications

Human decomposition processes generate pulses of nutrients, such as carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in the form of ammonium and nitrate (NO3−), which are released into the surrounding environment. The little exploration related to the potential of cadaveric leachate to influence the physical chemistry and biology of the soil makes it difficult to obtain data and scientific evidence, and subsequently the predominant objective of the current study was to determine soil contamination through the analysis of parameters of physical chemistry that included organic matter (OM), NO3−, texture, humidity, and pH. Soil samples were taken at different depths in two temporary trials (the dry and rainy seasons) in central Ecuador. The Kruskal–Wallace and ANOVA statistical analyses determined significant differences in relation to the sampling sections and by categories, while there were no significant differences in the inter-season analysis; therefore, the study was based on the data obtained in the dry season. The results indicate a tendency towards contamination in cemeteries categorized as critical, that is, moderate, light, and not suitable due to the high values of OM and humidity measured. On the contrary, the soils that corresponded to the cemeteries classified as suitable yielded low values of the analyzed parameters, which corroborates their capacity for the present and future location of cemeteries. Monitoring and managing soil health is crucial to ensure sustainable environmental practices and protect public health; nonetheless, additional research is suggested to confirm the findings of the current study.

Evaluation of Water Contamination Caused by Cemeteries in Central Ecuador—A Warning for the Authorities

Evaluation of Water Contamination Caused by Cemeteries in Central Ecuador—A Warning for the Authorities

Lifestyles and academic stress among health sciences students at the National University of Chimborazo, Ecuador: a longitudinal study.

The significant changes experienced by university students in their training are inherent to educational processes. Social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, online education and the reopening of higher-education institutions produced substantial variations in the lifestyle of university students in health sciences and generated academic stress and perceived stress. This study was conducted at the National University of Chimborazo (UNACH), a public institution located in Riobamba, central Ecuador, the diverse student's population provided an ideal setting for examining the interplay between academic and perceived stress, lifestyle factors, and learning modalities. The research focused on health sciences students across six academic programs. The university's geographical position and demographic characteristics offered a representative sample for investigating these factors within the context changing. To compare academic and perceived stress and university students' lifestyles at two different periods: (1) during the mandatory social confinement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic with an online learning modality (T1); (2) in the post-pandemic period with a return to face-to-face activities (T2). An observational, analytical, quantitative, and longitudinal study. Students from six programs (Nursing, Physiotherapy, Clinical Laboratory, Medicine, Dentistry, and Clinical Psychology) from the Faculty of Health of the National University of Chimborazo-Ecuador (n = 2,237) participated voluntarily, the students had one mean age of M = 21.31 (SD = 2.36) at T1 and M = 22.94 (SD = 2.40) at T2. Non-probability convenience sampling was employed due to the accessibility of the student population and the importance of including the maximum number of relevant individuals within the study population. The following instruments were used: Nola Pender's Lifestyle Profile Questionnaire, Cognitive Systemic Inventory for the study of academic stress, and Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale. In T1 and T2, students reported high levels of stress, and increased unhealthy lifestyle increased with the return to classrooms. Additionally, upon returning to face-to-face activities (T2), the mean score applied to the responses of Nola Pender's Lifestyle Profile Questionnaire decreased from M = 113.34 (SD = 23.02) to M = 107.2 (SD = 29.70; p < 0.001). There was significant difference (p < 0.001) in academic stress in T1 [M = 66.25 (SD = 15.66)] and T2 [M = 64.00 (SD = 17.91)]. Upon returning to university classrooms (T2), the number of students who reported an "unhealthy" lifestyle increased. Academic stress was high in T1 and T2 and was reported higher in online activities during social isolation.

Bioclimatic analysis of three buildings by Gilberto Gatto Sobral. Study case Universidad Central del Ecuador

The bioclimatic quality of three buildings by architect Gilberto Gatto Sobral at Universidad Central del Ecuador was evaluated with two objectives: to find problems that might affect users’ health and productivity, and to establish if climate had a significant role in the design of these buildings The buildings included two faculties: Law and Economics, and the General Administration. Bioclimatic quality was established by comparing existing levels of temperature, relative humidity, and natural light against comfort standards and the local climate. Data were measured over two years in space samples using data loggers. It was concluded that all buildings have spaces outside of comfort being too cold and dark; and climate played a minor role because despite attempts to control natural light, the thermal behavior of materials and the sun’s apparent movement were ignored.

Frequency of episiotomy practice in an institution in Quito, Ecuador 2009-2022

To determine the prevalence of episiotomy over a 14-year period and to explore its association with maternal, delivery, and neonatal variables using administrative data. This is a cross-sectional study. Women who had a vaginal delivery with a live newborn at a referral hospital for obstetric care in Ecuador were included. Consecutive sampling was employed. ICD-10 records and the perinatal information system (PIS) were utilized. Sociodemographic, gestational, delivery, and neonatal variables were assessed. Descriptive analysis was performed. The overall and yearly prevalence was determined. Exploratory bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. The study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Universidad Central del Ecuador. A total of 11,862 records were analyzed. The overall prevalence of episiotomy was 36.69 %, with a maximum of 42 % and a minimum of 28 %. There is an implied trend towards a reduction in frequency from 2019 to 2022. A positive association was found between episiotomy and maternal age under 20 years, previous cesarean section, absence of a companion during delivery, term newborns, and large for gestational age newborns. A negative association was found with previous vaginal deliveries. The prevalence of episiotomy exceeds the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO). Clinical practice guidelines should consider potentially modifiable maternal and neonatal factors in their recommendations. Prospective studies should be conducted to evaluate the safety of the procedure, confirm these observations, and use robust methodologies to assess if there is a real decrease in its practice.

Understanding motivational determinants of gastronomic tourism during peak seasons. Empirical evidence from Latacunga City in Central Ecuador

Abstract This empirical study examines the motivational determinants driving the consumption of traditional local food and beverages in Latacunga in Central Ecuador (South America). This geographical area embraces a rich cultural and historical heritage, making it a year-round destination for tourists looking to experience its unique local cuisine and festivals. An online survey was conducted between September 2021 and February 2022, during which 445 valid questionnaires were collected; these were quantitatively analysed using binary logistic regression analysis. Model-based findings revealed that age, taste, health and safety concerns, cultural experience, and expenditure were the most significant factors influencing the consumption of traditional local food and beverages. This information will help understand tourists’ behaviour concerning gastronomic tourism, and help develop optimal positioning, branding, and marketing strategies for sustainable development at top-ranking destinations, particularly cities in Central Ecuador and other international cities featuring similar tourism characteristics.

Unraveling the genomic landscape of Campylorhynchus wrens along western Ecuador's precipitation gradient: Insights into hybridization, isolation by distance, and isolation by the environment.

Environmental gradients have the potential to influence genetic differentiation among populations ultimately leading to allopatric speciation. However, environmental gradients can also facilitate hybridization between closely related taxa. We investigated a putative hybrid zone in western Ecuador, involving two polytypic wren species (Aves: Troglodytidae), Campylorhynchus zonatus and C. fasciatus. Our study addressed two primary questions: (1) Is there evidence of population structure and genetic admixture between these taxa in western Ecuador? and (2) What are the relative contributions of isolation by distance and isolation by the environment to the observed genetic differentiation along the environmental gradient in this region? We analyzed 4409 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 112 blood samples sequenced using ddRadSeq and a de novo assembly. The optimum number of genetic clusters ranged from 2 to 4, aligning with geographic origins, known phylogenetics, and physical or ecological constraints. We observed notable transitions in admixture proportions along the environmental gradient in western Ecuador between C. z. brevirostris and the northern and southern genetic clusters of C. f. pallescens. Genetic differentiation between the two C. f. pallescens populations could be attributed to an unreported potential physical barrier in central western Ecuador, where the proximity of the Andes to the coastline restricts lowland habitats, limiting dispersal and gene flow, especially among dry-habitat specialists. The observed admixture in C. f. pallescens suggests that this subspecies may be a hybrid between C. z. brevirostris and C. fasciatus, with varying degrees of admixture in western Ecuador and northwestern Peru. We found evidence of isolation by distance, while isolation by the environment was less pronounced but still significant for annual mean precipitation and precipitation seasonality. This study enhances our understanding of avian population genomics in tropical regions.

Predicting the potential distribution and coexistence of Chagas disease vectors in the Americas.

Predicting the potential distribution and coexistence of suitable geographic areas for Chagas disease vectors in the Americas is a crucial task for understanding the eco-epidemiological dynamics of this disease. The potential distribution and coexistence of 3 species-Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), Cavernicola pilosa (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), and Rhodnius pictipes (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) were modeled. Presence records were obtained and environmental variables were selected based on correlation analysis, Jackknife analysis and knowledge of the biology and natural history of the species. The MaxEnt algorithm included in the kuenm package of R software was used for modeling the potential distribution, and various scenarios of the BAM diagram (Biotic, Abiotic, and Movement variables) were evaluated. The variables contributing to the final models were different for each species. Rhodnius pictipes showed a potential distribution in South America, particularly in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname. Areas with environmentally suitable conditions for R. prolixus were located in southern Brazil, Peru, Colombia, southern Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, whereas for C. pilosa they were in southeastern Brazil, southeastern Central America, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Co-occurrence analysis revealed distinct patterns in the neotropical region, with some areas indicating the potential distribution of 1 or more species. In Brazil, occurrence and co-occurrence areas were concentrated in the northwest and southeast regions. Overall, this study provides valuable information on the potential distribution and coexistence of vectors, which can inform targeted vector control strategies and contribute to global efforts in combating Chagas disease.

Rubiaceae Americanarum Magna Hama Pars LII. New Species and Taxonomic Notes for Notopleura (Palicoureeae) of South America

Eight species of Notopleura (Benth.) Bremek. are newly described here, all but one in Notopleura subg. Notopleura. Notopleura aurantiaca C. M. Taylor is found from Ecuador to Peru and western Brazil; N. bracteata C. M. Taylor in central Peru; N. cajamarcana C. M. Taylor in northern Peru; N. divaricata C. M. Taylor in western Colombia; N. harlingii C. M. Taylor in central Ecuador; N. kosnipatana C. M. Taylor in southern Peru; N. valenzuelae C. M. Taylor in central Peru; and N. stevensonii C. M. Taylor, which belongs to Notopleura subg. Viscagoga (Baill.) C. M. Taylor, in central Colombia. The identities of several published names that apply to species of Notopleura are clarified, new combinations are made for three older names that apply to previously described species, and several other names are newly synonymized here. Notopleura chasaliodes (Kunth) C. M. Taylor is based on Uragoga chasaliodes Kunth and is an older name for N. plagiantha (Standl.) C. M. Taylor; N. paramorum (Standl.) C. M. Taylor is based on Psychotria paramorum Standl. and is an older name for N. pithecobia (Standl.) C. M. Taylor; and N. semimetralis (K. Krause) C. M. Taylor is based on P. semimetralis K. Krause and is an older name for N. vargasiana C. M. Taylor. The identities of several other names are also newly clarified: P. albacostata Rusby is a distinct species, treated here as the new combination N. albacostata (Rusby) C. M. Taylor; Hoffmannia striata Rusby is a synonym of N. tolimensis (Wernham) C. M. Taylor; and P. dudleyi Steyerm. is a synonym of N. paramorum. Additionally, eight names are lectotypified and the nomenclatural status of Uragoga Baill. is discussed.

Evaluation of the Synergies of Land Use Changes and the Quality of Ecosystem Services in the Andean Zone of Central Ecuador

The scarcity of information that allows for understanding the importance of natural resources from an economic approach is often a limitation to establishing parameters related to environmental investment in conservation plans. This study proposes a methodology that allows for modeling the variability of páramo land uses and the EV of the Chambo-Ecuador sub-basin from bioeconomic monitoring that links the economic rent of páramo land uses with remote sensing tools and geographic information systems. Multilayer Perception, Markov Chains, and Automata Cells algorithms were efficient for the detection of land uses in páramo; the normalized differential humidity index was the most relevant variable to identify crops, showing that leaf properties and water stress are linked to crop yields in the Andean region. The páramo decreased by 13% between 2000 and 2010, increasing its degradation to 19% between 2010 and 2020. A 28% reduction is expected between 2000 and 2030; the EV between 2000 and 2020 was $2.86 × 108 and $2.59 × 108 respectively. In 2030, EV is expected to decrease to $2.48 × 108. Transitions in land use and EV are associated with productive dynamics, which decrease environmental services, such as water retention and carbon storage, intensifying changes in the ecosystem climate.

Ecotourism carrying capacity of the Cotopaxi National Park, Central Ecuador

The present research is based on the calculation of the ecotourism carrying capacity of the trails and tourist sites of the Cotopaxi National Park (PNC), according to an established methodology, for which a variety of thematic maps were considered. These were used to calculate the real carrying capacity, which together with the management capacity of the park, its effective carrying capacity was calculated. The limiting magnitudes of the correction factors were obtained through in situ measurements, using the "Total Station M3" topographic equipment, which determined the lengths of the trails with corresponding problems, in addition to the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The results obtained from the Effective Carrying Capacity (ECC) of the main trails of the PNC, reflect that the trails Limpiopungo lagoon and Parking lot –José Rivas shelter, with CCE values of 1086 people/day and 635 people/day respectively, are only exceeded during Ecuadorian national holidays

Evaluation of Non-Technical Skills in Students Throughout the Medical Course in Ecuador.

This research focuses on assessing non-technical skills (NTS), comprising behavioral aspects that support an individual's expertise in personal and professional performance. Due to varied terminology, including "soft skills" and other terms, NTS is less understood, leading to a potential gap in the literature and limited attention to their development. This study establishes the need for a comprehensive evaluation of NTS to obtain an objective and complete profile of NTS in students pursuing medicine at the Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE) during 2023, using a standardized and benchmarked psychometric instrument. A cross-sectional study assessed 1035 students from the first to the 12th semester using the CompeTEA® Test, which evaluates 5 factors encompassing 20 competencies and includes sincerity as a reliability condition. Scores were corrected, analyzed, and standardized using TEAcorrige. The study group comprised 1035 undergraduate medical students (36.8% of students at UCE in 2023), with a mean age of 22.1 years (2.7 standard deviation), and 687 (66.4%) were female. We obtained an average score of 77.7 in sincerity. Factors such as intrapersonal, interpersonal, task development, and managerial skills showed variations throughout the course, with some competencies developing positively in intermediate clinical stages. At the same time, most exhibited a decrease toward the end of the program. Comparisons with population levels revealed 19 competencies at Level 2 and 1 competency predominantly at Level 1. The moderate to low development, with no significant differences based on demographic variables, suggests the need for specific interventions in NTS within comprehensive medical education.

Phylogenetic analysis reveals a new net-winged beetle genus of Eurrhacini (Coleoptera, Lycidae) from the Pacific slopes of Central America and Ecuador.

The first phylogenetic inference of Calopterini and Eurrhacini focused on Calocladon and related taxa was carried out. A data matrix composed of 46 species and 51 morphological characters was assembled and analyzed using parsimony and model-based approaches. Eurrhacini were recovered monophyletic. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses highly supported the Calocladon clade including also Atlanticolycus, Cladocalon, and Gorhamium gen. nov. as its sister clade. Our trees consistently recovered monophyly of the new genus with two new species: Gorhamiumbidentatum sp. nov. (Panama, Baru Volcano) and G.unidentatum sp. nov. from the Pacific slopes of Ecuador. A revised key to the genera of Eurrhacini is given and illustrations of distinguishing characters are provided. Phylogenetic relationships of Eurrhacini and character evolution are discussed.

Single nucleotide variants in the CCL2, OAS1 and DPP9 genes and their association with the severity of COVID-19 in an Ecuadorian population.

COVID-19 has a broad clinical spectrum, ranging from asymptomatic-mild form to severe phenotype. The severity of COVID-19 is a complex trait influenced by various genetic and environmental factors. Ethnic differences have been observed in relation to COVID-19 severity during the pandemic. It is currently unknown whether genetic variations may contribute to the increased risk of severity observed in Latin-American individuals The aim of this study is to investigate the potential correlation between gene variants at CCL2, OAS1, and DPP9 genes and the severity of COVID-19 in a population from Quito, Ecuador. This observational case-control study was conducted at the Carrera de Biologia from the Universidad Central del Ecuador and the Hospital Quito Sur of the Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social (Quito-SUR-IESS), Quito, Ecuador. Genotyping for gene variants at rs1024611 (A>G), rs10774671 (A>G), and rs10406145 (G>C) of CCL2, OAS1, and DPP9 genes was performed on 100 COVID-19 patients (43 with severe form and 57 asymptomatic-mild) using RFLP-PCR. The genotype distribution of all SNVs throughout the entire sample of 100 individuals showed Hardy Weinberg equilibrium (P=0.53, 0.35, and 0.4 for CCL2, OAS1, and DPP9, respectively). The HWE test did not find any statistically significant difference in genotype distribution between the study and control groups for any of the three SNVs. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that individuals with the GG of the CCL2 rs1024611 gene variant had an increased association with the severe COVID-19 phenotype in a recessive model (P = 0.0003, OR = 6.43, 95% CI 2.19-18.89) and for the OAS1 rs10774671 gene variant, the log-additive model showed a significant association with the severe phenotype of COVID-19 (P=0.0084, OR=3.85, 95% CI 1.33-11.12). Analysis of haplotype frequencies revealed that the coexistence of GAG at CCL2, OAS1, and DPP9 variants, respectively, in the same individual increased the presence of the severe COVID-19 phenotype (OR=2.273, 95% CI: 1.271-4.068, P=0.005305). The findings of the current study suggests that the ethnic background affects the allele and genotype frequencies of genes associated with the severity of COVID-19. The experience with COVID-19 has provided an opportunity to identify an ethnicity-based approach to recognize genetically high-risk individuals in different populations for emerging diseases.

Gender differences in the digital competencies of students at the Universidad Central del Ecuador, Variables Potential to Develop Them and Information Management

The study aims to establish the differences between female and male students at the Central University of Ecuador in terms of the development of digital competencies in the variables potential to develop them and information management. The hypothesis was that female students of the Universidad Central del Ecuador had less development of digital competencies than male students in the variables potential for developing them and information management. It was concluded that in the first variable, female and male students showed similar potential to develop digital competencies; in the second variable, in all indicators, women had less mastery than men, so the hypothesis was verified.&#x0D; Keywords: digital divide, digital competence, university students, gender, ICTs.&#x0D; Resumen&#x0D; El estudio responde al objetivo Establecer diferencias entre el alumnado femenino y masculino de la Universidad Central del Ecuador en cuanto al desarrollo de las competencias digitales en las variables Potencial para desarrollarlas y Gestión de la Información. La hipótesis planteada fue: El alumnado femenino de la Universidad Central del Ecuador presenta menor desarrollo de las competencias digitales que el alumnado masculino en las variables Potencial para desarrollarlas y Gestión de la Información. Se concluyó que, en la primera variable, el alumnado femenino y masculino manifiestan tener similar Potencial para desarrollar Competencias Digitales; en la segunda variable, en todos los indicadores las mujeres tienen menor dominio que los hombres, por lo que se verificó la hipótesis planteada. La estructura de este artículo incluye una breve revisión teórica, el método utilizado, los resultados obtenidos, la discusión y conclusiones.&#x0D; Palabras Clave: Brecha digital, Competencia digital, Estudiantes universitarios, Género, TIC.

Seismic imaging of the Northern Andean subduction zone from teleseismic tomography: a torn and fragmented Nazca slab

SUMMARY The Nazca-South America subduction zone in Ecuador is characterized by a complicated along-strike geometry as the slab transitions from flat slab subduction in the south, with the Peruvian flat slab, to what has been characterized as ‘normal’ dipping subduction beneath central Ecuador. Plate convergence additionally changes south to north as the trench takes on a convex shape. Highly heterogeneous bathymetry at the trench, including the aseismic oceanic Carnegie Ridge (CR), and sparse intermediate-depth seismicity has led many to speculate about the behaviour of the downgoing plate at depth. In this study, we present a finite-frequency teleseismic P-wave tomography model of the northern Andes beneath Ecuador and Colombia from 90 to 1200 km depth. Our model builds on prior tomography models in South America by adding relative traveltime residuals recorded at stations in Ecuador. The complete data set is comprised of 114 096 relative traveltime residuals from 1133 stations across South America, with the added data serving to refine the morphology of the Nazca slab in the mantle beneath the northern Andes. Our tomography model shows a Nazca slab with a fragmented along-strike geometry and the first teleseismic images of several proposed slab tears in this region. At the northern edge of the Peruvian flat slab in southern Ecuador, we image a shallow tear at 95–200 km depth that appears to connect mantle flow from beneath the flat slab to the Ecuadorian Arc. Beneath central Ecuador at the latitudes of the CR, the Nazca slab is continuous into the lower mantle. Beneath southern Colombia, the Malpelo Tear breaks the Nazca slab below ∼200 km depth.

Rediscovery and redescription of Oxycheila buestani Wiesner with the first female record and new methodology for observation of Oxycheila Dejean and Oxygonia Mannerheim (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae).

Biodiversity within the family Cicindelidae (Coleoptera) was studied with respect to ecology in two neighbouring localities on the western slopes of the Andes in central Ecuador. Four different methods were used along two neighbouring streams. One of them, a night vision camera, was successfully used for the first time during the night observation of adults of Oxycheila Dejean, 1825 and Oxygonia Mannerheim, 1837 to record their natural behaviour. The following six species of Cicindelidae were observed together: Oxycheila affinis W. Horn, 1900, Oxycheila pearsoni Wiesner, 1999, Oxycheila brzoskai Wiesner, 1999, Oxycheila buestani Wiesner, 1999, Pseudoxycheila chaudoiri Dokhtouroff, 1882 and Oxygonia oberthueri W. Horn, 1896. The female of the rare Oxycheila buestani is described for the first time here, and the complete redescription of this species, including colour photographs of habitus, habitat and diagnostic characters, is presented.

Depression and anxiety among medical students in virtual education during COVID-19 pandemic

The lockdown derived from the declaration of a pandemic due to SARS-CoV-2 in March 2020 by the World Health Organization altered daily activities, including the academic ones, which were adapted to virtuality. In Ecuador, the new modality of study had an increase in the use of electronic devices that triggered new problems. To stablish the prevalence of depression and anxiety among medical students from the Universidad Central del Ecuador (Central University of Ecuador) in virtual education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional analytic study conducted between June and July of 2021 in students from first to tenth semester during virtual education. All studied subjects were evaluated using an electronic survey, depression and anxiety variables were assessed with the BDI-II and GAD-7 scales, respectively. In addition, sociodemographic data were collected, including the family APGAR. A response rate of 63.3% (1528 students) was obtained. Overall prevalence of depression was 37.8% and the prevalence of anxiety 30.3%. Lower-years students were the most affected by these pathologies. The protective factors found were physical activity and psychological support in religion, whereas the main risk factors found were a dysfunctional family, lack of an exclusive study space and low academic performance. Furthermore, the frequency of depression and anxiety was significantly higher in women. The virtual modality showed a high prevalence of depression and anxiety in medical students.

Increasing knowledge of Cymbiapophysa Gabriel & Sherwood, 2020 (Araneae, Theraphosidae): general distribution, key to species, and three new species from Ecuador.

Three new species of Cymbiapophysa Gabriel & Sherwood, 2020 are described from south, central, and north-western Ecuador, showing the wide range of distribution that this genus has in Ecuador and its biogeographical provinces. These three new species are easily differentiated from other congeners based on keel morphology of the male palpal bulb. Supplementary information about the locality of C.magna Sherwood, Gabriel, Brescovit & Lucas, 2021 is provided, alongside additional data on morphology and some commentaries about the general distribution and biogeography of Cymbiapophysa. Additionally, a taxonomic key for males of Cymbiapophysa species is presented, based on the palpal bulb morphology.