Department Of Cundinamarca Research Articles

To cross or not to cross: patterns and predictability of vertebrate roadkill in three road corridors in the department of Cundinamarca, Colombia

Roadkills are among the most important threats to wildlife worldwide. In Colombia, few studies have evaluated the impact or patterns of this threat and many aspects are yet to be evaluated. Bogotá and Cundinamarca are the most populated areas in the country, but no information is available regarding this threat in this area. Here we evaluated the incidence of roadkill in three main road corridors between August 2018 and November 2019, estimating its magnitude, patterns and influencing variables. All roadkill records were collected and characterized spatially, temporally, and taxonomically. We then modeled the effect of landscape variables on roadkill incidence. We surveyed 88 times, covering 12,120 km and obtaining 52 records of 15 species. Mammals were the most affected taxa (67.30 %), followed by reptiles (19.12 %). We identified 38 hotspots. Sinuosity was found to be the most influential variable in the probability of roadkill, with overall probabilities concentrated in the medium risk (60-70 %), and 20 % showing high probabilities (90-100 %). These findings lay the groundwork for long-term monitoring, promoting implementation of measures to reduce the effect of this threat to wildlife in the department.

An Assessment of Sustainability of Dual-Purpose, Dairy and Beef Cattle Production Systems in the Cundinamarca Department (Colombia) Using the MESMIS Framework

An Assessment of Sustainability of Dual-Purpose, Dairy and Beef Cattle Production Systems in the Cundinamarca Department (Colombia) Using the MESMIS Framework

Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of resistance to fenhexamid, carboxin, and, prochloraz, in Botrytis cinerea isolates collected from cut roses in Colombia.

Gray mold, caused by Botrytis sp., is a significant disease in Colombian rose crops and its control depends primarily on the intensive use of chemically synthesized fungicides. Despite the importance of this pathogen, there is limited information in Colombian floriculture about molecular taxonomy of species, fungicide resistance of populations and their genetic mechanism of resistance. In this study, we analyze 12 isolates of this fungus collected from rose-producing crops in the Department of Cundinamarca and conducted phylogenetic analysis using HSP60, G3PDH, and RPB2 gene sequences. Additionally, we realize phenotypic and genotypic characterization of resistance to the fungicides fenhexamid, carboxin, and prochloraz, evaluating the in vitro EC50 and presence of mutations of target genes of each isolate. All isolates were characterized as Botrytis cinerea in the phylogenetic analysis and presents different levels of resistance to each fungicide. These levels are related to mutations in target genes, with predominancy of L195F and L400F in the ERG27 gene to fenhexamid resistance, H272R/Y in the SDHB gene for carboxin resistance, and Y136F in the CYP51 gene for prochloraz resistance. Finally, these mutations were not related to morphological changes. Collectively, this knowledge, presented for the first time to the Colombian floriculture, contribute to a better understanding of the genetic diversity and population of B. cinerea from rose-producing crops in the department of Cundinamarca, and serve as a valuable tool for making informed decisions regarding disease management, future research, and improving crop management and sustainability in the Colombian floriculture industry.

Model of innovation in agriculture 4.0 processes in the department of Cundinamarca, Colombia

Innovation in agriculture plays a fundamental role in the transition of said production towards more sustainable schemes, hence the importance of its study, especially in relation to production processes. The literature shows that although several studies have been carried out that examine the variables that intervene in the innovation processes in the agricultural sector, there is a lack of studies that examine the innovation processes in Colombia. This is why the fundamental objective of this research is to develop a model that explains the main factors that are related to process innovation in the agricultural sector, using concepts derived from organizational innovation process models developed in the literature. The factors identification methodology used a sample of 1,190 Agricultural Production Units (UPA) collected in the National Agricultural Survey, incorporating only producers from the department of Cundinamarca, Colombia. With this sample, and using for the analysis the variables that are developed in the literature, a principal components factorial analysis was carried out, as well as a second-order confirmatory factorial analysis. The factor analysis shows three latent factors, among them “Innovation in Raw Materials”, “Innovation in crops” and “Innovation in management of External Factors”, which, being the most significant for the process innovation process, should be considered as fundamental part of the government's public policies to facilitate its adoption in Colombian agriculture in the future.

Understanding Agrarian Reform in Colombia: The Story from a Field Visit during the International Land Grabbing Conference 2024

During the International Land Grabbing Conference 2024 in Colombia, the authors had the opportunity to visit two sites of agrarian reform struggle in the Department of Cundinamarca, where efforts to curb land grabbing are being implemented: the San Joaquín Farm in the municipality of Puerto Salgar, and the Zona Reservo Campesino in the municipality of Venecia. Given the long-standing history of agrarian issues in Colombia and the hopeful political will of the current Colombian president, it is intriguing to discuss the authors' findings from this field visit to understand the achievements in the implementation of agrarian reform in Colombia, as well as the challenges faced in resolving agrarian issues confronted by farmers and rural communities. Based on observations, it is evident that the success of agrarian reform implementation relies on the political will of the government and efforts to involve farmer organizations, as well as addressing policy barriers. A state-centered approach, with the involvement of social actors such as farmer organizations and NGOs, can overcome structural and institutional obstacles. Furthermore, sustainable livelihoods for farmers must be prioritized, considering the cultural and historical context of the farmers and the need for balanced resource management with a subjective approach to agricultural organization, which can facilitate farmer regeneration and the success of agrarian reform in Colombia.

Exact linearization and control of a mobile robot for the inspection of soil resources in Solanum tuberosum crops.

In recent years, the development of robots for agro-industrial applications, such as the cultivation of Solanum tuberosum potatoes, has aroused the interest of the academic and scientific communities. This is due, at least in part, to the complexity of modeling and robustly controlling some dynamics inherent to nonlinear behaviors normally attributed to the different technologies associated with the movement of these autonomous vehicles and their non-holonomic constraints. The different nonlinear dynamics of mobile robots are usually represented by state-space models. However, given some equilibrium and stability characteristics, the implementation of effective controllers for the robust parametric tracking and variation problem requires techniques that allow the operability of robots around regions of stable equilibrium. Feedback linearization control is one such technique that attempts to mathematically eliminate nonlinear expressions from the plant model. However, this technique requires an observable and controllable mathematical model. If there is some relationship between the model inputs and a controlled output that allows the relative degree of the control law to be determined, the controller design and implementation are posed as a linear issue. Flat filters developed from the generalized proportional integral control approach are an alternative that could facilitate the design of controllers for these linearized systems. From these flat filters, it is possible to obtain the transfer function of a controller without relying on the derivatives of the system output. This work proposes the design of a controller via exact linearization and its equivalent flat filter for a robot inspector of the soil resource of S. tuberosum crops in the department of Cundinamarca, Colombia. The actuator motion constraints resulted in a robot with two degrees of mobility and one non-holonomic constraint. Numerical validation of this system suggests that it can be an effective solution to the problem of tracking control at changing references by providing a system capable of navigating through crop rows. The results suggest correct tracking for linear and circular trajectories. However, the control lacks the ability to track spiral-type trajectories.

Almacenamiento de carbono en suelos bajo pasturas de sistemas productivos lecheros altoandinos

The different agricultural practices on the soil affect its capacity to capture and store organic carbon (CO), causing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that influence climate change. The aim of this research was to evaluate carbon storage in soils of 16 livestock systems in the municipality of Guatavita, department of Cundinamarca, Colombia. Four groups were defined: 1. Systems with Modern Technology (ES: SPTM), 2. Medium Productivity Systems (ES: SPMP), 3. Traditional Systems (ES: SPT), and 4. Eco-friendly systems (ES: SPEA), according to the type of environmental supply and technologies used in the above-mentioned systems. We determined the carbon storage by calculating the percentage of organic carbon (% CO) using the Walkley & Black method; by evaluating the bulk density (ES: DA) through a paraffinized clod and the depth of the soil sample taken with a helicoidal auger. The results showed statistical differences (P > 0.05) for the variables % CO and DA between some groups, but not for carbon storage. We found that group 4 presented a storage of 179.18 tons of carbon/hectare (tC/ha), followed by group 2 with 170.48 tC/ha, group 1 with 137 tC/ha, and group 3 with 135.07 tC/ha. The DA values of all the systems ranged from medium to high despite this condition and its relationship with the CO content; it is concluded that Guatavita livestock systems are ample fixers of atmospheric carbon in soils and contribute to mitigating the harmful effects of global climate change.

Characterization of the Cattle Production Systems in the Department of Cundinamarca (Colombia), Proposals for Sustainability

The aim of this document is to analyze the bovine production systems in the Department of Cundinamarca (Colombia) as an initial part of the strategic plan to implement sustainable and efficient technological proposals in this region of the Andes. Descriptive and productive agricultural data related to bovine production of the 116 municipalities were analyzed using a multivariate analysis method (principal component, cluster and variance analysis). The information contained quantitative variables regarding three topics: general information (geographical, cadastral and productive), a municipal bovine inventory, and productive information about the cattle farms. The analysis enabled us to generate three clusters of bovine production systems as follows: Cluster 1, representative of the dual-purpose activity, made up of 48 medium-climate municipalities, of which 64.6% of the municipal farms correspond to dual-purpose production with an average farm size of 5.2 ha, a carrying capacity of 1.2 UGM/ha and milk production per cow of 7.75 L/d; Cluster 2, made up of 36 cold-climate municipalities dedicated mainly to dairy production on farms (65.9%) of approximately 3.8 ha, with a carrying capacity of 2.3 UGM/ha and milk production per cow of 14.34 L/d.; and Cluster 3, made up of 32 warm-climate municipalities dedicated mainly to beef production on farms. In this cluster, 66.6% of the farms correspond to beef production of approximately 8.5 ha, with a carrying capacity of 1.2 UGM/ha and milk production of 6.35 L/d. Colombia’s climatic diversity and the wide range of bovine livestock activities are among the main strengths that make up the system’s advantages. However, the low technological development in the majority of the bovine livestock farms, which is related to variables such as low carrying capacity, as in Clusters 1 and 3 and with the low employment generated by bovine production in Colombia, are opportunities to improve the livestock industry. It is advisable to continue working to obtain data on important aspects of the system such as technology, nutrition, reproductive management (including artificial insemination), the economy and environmental and social aspects, in order to delve deeper into the sustainability of productive systems.

Analysis of Productivity and Competitiveness in Beekeeping: A Case Study of Cundinamarca, Colombia

Purpose: The objective of this article is to analyze the productivity and competitiveness of beekeepers located in the department of Cundinamarca, Colombia. Theoretical framework: Measuring productivity and competitiveness is a fundamental aspect of business management. In the case of beekeeping in Colombia, which has artisanal nature based on local knowledge and traditional practices, there is usually a lack of records and information that would allow this type of study. Design/Methodology/Approach: We designed a questionnaire related to productive factors and competitiveness in beekeeping and applied it to members of the Association of Environmentalist Beekeepers. We determined the productive index and the profitability of assets and equity -identified as measures of the beekeepers’ productivity and competitiveness- for the year 2020 using a quantitative analysis. Findings: The depreciation of fixed assets is the highest production cost. The organizational and technological management implemented by the producers, as well as the time dedicated to beekeeping, are relevant factors to achieve productivity and business competitiveness. Research, Practical & Social implications: This research has expanded the comprehension of beekeeping as an activity with profound economic, social, and environmental impacts. This study can be a basis for other research works and policy design oriented to achieve a comprehensive measurement of business performance and make programs to impulse the beekeepers in the country. Originality/Value: This research broadens the understanding of the importance of cost management in the productivity and competitiveness of the beekeepers studied. We do not approach productivity as the quantity of honey and pollen produced but as the production efficiency. Competitiveness was evaluated using globally accepted indicators and easily interpreted to measure business performance.

Excessive Use of Mobile Phones and Social Networks Among Colombian University Students

INTRODUCTION: Social networks facilitate interactions among individuals, organizations, and communities. Their usage, especially among young people, has become increasingly widespread. This surge in usage has been linked to various impacts on individuals' daily lives and well-being, particularly in academic and emotional aspects. OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to examine the extent to which excessive use of social networks (SN) contributes to social isolation among undergraduate students aged 18 to 35, residing in the departments of Cundinamarca, Boyaca, and Meta in Colombia. This phenomenon is primarily due to problematic cell phone use. METHODS: We administered two established instruments: the "Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale (MPPUS-10)" adapted by Foerster et al. (2015), and the "Addiction to Social Networks Questionnaire " developed by Escurra & Salas (2014). Statistical analyses included descriptive techniques, multivariate Henze-Zirkler normality test, univariate Shapiro-Wilk test, as well as non-parametric methods such as Spearman's correlation and the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Key findings of this study include: (i) the identified intervention and mitigation strategies in the literature predominantly focus on prevention programs and family support with an emphasis on bolstering young people's self-esteem; (ii) 15.46% of the sample exhibited problematic cell phone use, with 25.96% indicating high intensity of social network use; (iii) significant differences were observed in relation to age and geographic location, while gender and socio-economic stratum did not exhibit a statistically significant impact; (iv) the statistical analysis demonstrated a positive and significant relationship with the dimensions of the Escurra & Salas (2014) instrument, namely Interest in Social Media (ISM), concern about lack of control (LC), and Excessive use of SN (EU). CONCLUSION: The Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale (MPPUS-10) emerges as a concise and effective tool for identifying problematic cell phone use, and its association with excessive social network usage underscores the interconnectedness of these behaviours. This research sheds light on the prevalence of these issues among Colombian university students and provides valuable insights for targeted intervention and support strategies, emphasizing the importance of bolstering self-esteem in youth.

An Approach to Overcome the Limitations of Surveillance of Asbestos Related Diseases in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: What We Learned from the Sibaté Study in Colombia.

The asbestos industry began its operations in Colombia in 1942 with the establishment of an asbestos-cement facility in Sibaté, located in the Department of Cundinamarca. Despite extensive asbestos use and production in Colombia, the country lacks a reliable epidemiological surveillance system to monitor the health effects of asbestos exposure. The Colombian health information system, known as SISPRO, did not report mesothelioma cases diagnosed in the municipality, posing a significant challenge in understanding the health impacts of asbestos exposure on the population of Sibaté. To address this issue, an active surveillance strategy was implemented in Sibaté. This strategy involved conducting door-to-door health and socioeconomic structured interviews to identify Asbestos-Related Diseases (ARDs). Validation strategies included a thorough review of medical records by a panel of physicians, and the findings were communicated to local, regional, and national authorities, as well as the general population. The active surveillance strategy successfully identified a mesothelioma cluster in Sibaté, revealing the inadequacy of the existing health information system in monitoring asbestos-related diseases. The discovery of this cluster underscores the critical importance of implementing active surveillance strategies in Colombia, where governmental institutions and resources are often limited. The findings of this study emphasize the urgent need for Colombia to establish a reliable epidemiological surveillance system for asbestos-related diseases (ARDs). Active surveillance strategies can play a crucial role in identifying mesothelioma clusters and enhancing our understanding of the health effects of asbestos exposure in low- and middle-income countries.

Analysis of the solidarity economy in rural tourism

This article analyzes the development of rural community-based tourism from a case study in the municipality of Sibaté in the department of Cundinamarca, Colombia. The objective of this article is to identify the success factors that determine tourism development in the rural territory, its relationship with the communities and territorial appropriation. The methodological horizon was structured from a mixed approach and the case study was used as a method; in-depth interviews were conducted and the analysis process was supported by the grounded theory of the data. The results show that the determining factors in the development of tourism are community empowerment, recognition of the symbolic value of local resources and community-based organization. It is concluded that the "Sibatenado" tourism initiative succeeded in activating the multifunctionality of the rural territory, overcoming the traditional productive vision and potentiating the possibilities of revaluing the rural territory.

Physical and Thermal Characterization of Achira (Canna edulis Ker) Fiber Obtained from Food Industry Waste in the Department of Cundinamarca, Colombia

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in effectively managing agro-industrial waste. One promising approach that has gained attention is exploring this waste to develop new composite materials, especially polymeric materials, with diverse applications across various industries. This study focuses on comprehending the physical and thermal properties of fibrous residues derived from achira (Canna edulis Ker). To achieve this, several analyses, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), have been conducted. Additionally, parameters such as moisture percentage, moisture absorption, bulk density, and lignin percentage have been calculated. The results indicate similarities between achira fibers and other characterized fibers, such as bamboo and other natural fibers studied in scientific research. Based on these findings, it is evident that integrating achira fibers into polymeric matrices is a feasible option. The results of this research offer an opportunity to utilize these materials and contribute to the advancement and strengthening of the recycled raw materials market, promoting sustainability and the circular economy.

Mapping the distribution of armored harvestmen (Opiliones, Laniatores) in Colombia: updated list of species, taxonomic contributions, and insight of diversity in protected areas.

Colombia is a biodiverse country with 1,486 protected areas covering almost 50 million hectares, yet little is known about the biodiversity they harbor, particularly in terms of harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones). This study provides a comprehensive updated summary of the armored harvestmen (Laniatores) species found in Colombia with a list of 173 nominal species, focusing on the Laniatores fauna found in protected areas and its diversity is detailed and analyzed. Maps with all records associated with ecoregions and protected areas in Colombia are presented. Additionally, three new Laniatores species are described here: Phalangodusandresisp. nov. from the department of Cundinamarca, and Ventrifurcaphallainasp. nov. and Ampycellafortunatasp. nov. from the department of Valle del Cauca; and a new family assignment is proposed for Paraphalangodus Roewer, 1915, placing it in the family Nomoclastidae. Information available on Laniatores in the National System of Protected Areas is still scarce and promoting strategies to facilitate the regulatory procedures for collecting specimens in these areas and increasing investment in basic science projects, are suggested to improve the understanding and study of the Laniatores fauna and other invertebrates in Colombia. Finally, a chronicle and timeline set of figures of species of Laniatores from Colombia, described by various authors during three periods, is given.

Drone system for risk management

This article is a product of the project "Estudio para identificar las capacidades tecnológicas en las pymes de la Villa de San Diego de Ubaté", developed by the Creing seedbed of the systems engineering program of the Universidad de Cundinamarca Seccional Ubaté during the year 2022. Objective: To develop an assistance system using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to support the Fire Department in risk management in the Villa de San Diego Ubaté. Method: Research conducted around the use of different programming languages for the creation of the website, trying to maintain the optimization of, where the user can find all the information about the service, likewise, is included mathematical and physical research with which you can analyze the flight characteristics according to the properties of the drone. Results: Mathematical and physical research applied to the analysis of the flight characteristics is evidenced, taking into account the properties and functionalities of the drone.[1] and the geographical details of the municipality of Ubaté-Cundinamarca, a bibliographic inquiry where the history, classification and Colombian regulations are supported, as well as the planning and the different tools and activities that are developed for the achievement of the project. Conclusion: The use of drones in different fields has intensified in recent years, however, although they are very useful for quick access to areas with difficulties or precarious situations, drone systems have not been implemented that allow surveillance and attention to these situations in a timely manner in the northern area of the department of Cundinamarca. Limitation of the study: this project is focused on the study and analysis for the municipality of Villa de San Diego de Ubaté due to the relevance of the sector and the study, as well as the ease of information gathering.

Looks are deceiving: a cladistic analysis, three new species, and a new diagnosis of Paravima Caporiacco, 1951 (Opiliones: Agoristenidae)

A morphological cladistic analysis, consisting of 45 terminals and 58 characters was performed to evaluate the monophyly of the genusParavimaCaporiacco, 1951, and its relationship to other Leiosteninae. The analysis resulted in two most parsimonious trees, all recoveringParavimaas monophyletic with the inclusion of two species formerly described inAvimaRoewer, 1949, therefore, the following nomenclatural acts are herein proposed:Paravima plana(Goodnight & Goodnight, 1949)comb. nov., andParavima quirozi(González-Sponga, 1981)comb. nov.,Avima vigirima(Villarreal-M & Rodríguez-Manzanilla, 2003) is here considered as a junior subjective synonym ofP. quirozi(González-Sponga, 1981)comb. nov.,Paravima acanthoconusVillarreal-Manzanilla & DoNascimiento, 2005 is here considered as a junior subjective synonym ofParavima propespeluncaGonzález-Sponga, 1987, andParavima flumencaurimarensisGonzález-Sponga, 1987 is here considered as a junior subjective synonym ofParavima goodnightorumCaporiacco, 1951. Additionally, three new species are described:P. lokurasp. nov.(Tamá National Natural Park, Norte de Santander department) andP. magistrisp. nov.(Los Tunos Natural Reserve, Cundinamarca department), both from Colombia; andP. totorosp. nov.(Henri Pittier National Park, Aragua state) from Venezuela. Finally, an emended generic diagnosis, a key for all the species, and a distributional map are presented.

A new Bolitoglossa (Amphibia, Caudata, Plethodontidae) from the Cordillera Oriental of Colombia.

A new salamander species of the genus Bolitoglossa is here described from the cloud forests of the western slopes of the Cordillera Oriental of Colombia, in the Cundinamarca department. The most salient characters of this new species are its numerous maxillary and vomerine teeth, its moderate webbing on hands and feet, its short and robust tail, and its chromatic variation. Based on molecular analyses this new species is assigned to the adspersa species group and its status established as the sister species of B.adspersa, with which it was previously confused. Lastly, the distribution, natural history, and conservation status of the new species are discussed.

Zoning of Potential Areas for the Production of Oleaginous Species in Colombia under Agroforestry Systems

Due to the need to develop more agroforestry systems, the Moringa oleifera, Olea Europea, Glycine max, Brassica napus, Helianthus annuus, and Jatropha curcas are identified as unconventional species for their expansion under these systems in Colombia. With the Colombian Environmental Information System (SIAC) database, zoning was carried out according to the agroclimatic species requirements and optimal coverage for their production. As a result, a total area of 212,977.2 km2 was identified, mainly including the departments of Casanare, Arauca, Vichada, Guajira, Córdoba, Meta, Magdalena, Cesar, Tolima, and Cundinamarca. The species and associations species with the most options for productive expansion are Moringa (75,758 km2), Moringa, Jatropha, and Sunflower (42,515.1 km2), Moringa and Jatropha (37,180.4 km2), Jatropha (20,840 km2), Jatropha and Sunflower (17,692.1 km2), Olive (7332.1 km2), and Soybean (3586.3 km2). Of the potential agroforestry areas to their establishment, 36% correspond to herbaceous and/or shrubby vegetation, 34% to grasses, and 22% to heterogeneous agricultural areas. This research is the first step to representing the agronomic versatility of these promising species and their potential contribution to the diversification of the agri-food and agroforestry sectors.

Integrated Characterization of Mudstones in the Andes of Colombia: Understanding Its Complexities for Risk Mitigation

This article presents a comprehensive vision of particularities and constraints of the Paja Formation in the Northern Andes of Colombia, supported by personal, institutional, and academic experiences, including a doctoral thesis in completion (geomorphology and risks research line). Such fine-grained marine rocks cause severe damage in diverse zones, with little spread, and are very unfavorable, especially within the Eastern Cordillera (departments of Santander and Cundinamarca), whose socio-environmental problems motivated a popular legal action in the municipality of Vélez due to the cracking and collapse of houses, damage to roads and landslides in the urban area, as well as flows, subsidence, and high hydrogeochemical dynamism or rare earths, although they also presented spontaneous ignition at the rural area. Understanding how these problems originate and interrelate is the main objective of the work. At the beginning, we include some brief definitions, terms, and key approaches to understand the consolidated geomaterials, location, and background of the problem; then, the results of meso–macro–micro studies, obtained by combining the field techniques and conventional instrumental laboratory analyses (tests on the chemistry of water and soil, description of samples with magnifying glasses, petrography with a polarized light microscope, micromorphology of regoliths–colluvions) of nanoscientists (emphasizing RXD-RXF, SEM, IR-Raman spectroscopy, TOC-TS) are presented. These characterizations and new knowledge must be socially and institutionally appropriated and applied in land use planning and risk management for the sustainability of challenging environments with the stratiforms of Lower Cretaceous rocks and associated Quaternary deposits in populated mountainous areas and contrasting intertropical hydroclimatological regimes, geologically active, so unstable and insecure.

A Model for the Implementation of Lean Manufacturing in Textile SMEs in the Department of Cundinamarca

A Model for the Implementation of Lean Manufacturing in Textile SMEs in the Department of Cundinamarca