Jalisco Research Articles

Ecological and taxonomic dissimilarity in species and higher taxa of reptiles in western Mexico.

Reptiles are one of the most diverse groups of vertebrates in the world that are distributed in almost all ecosystems. Many of these studies have focused on exploring their diversity patterns across different environments; and recent studies on reptile alpha and beta diversity have incorporated a multifaceted approach into their analysis to have more comprehensive evaluations. This study presents an assessment of the taxonomic diversity of reptile patterns using methods that incorporate the assessment of higher taxa. Likewise, the taxonomic dissimilarities between reptile communities in the physiographic regions of the state of Jalisco were analyzed. Evaluations for the groups of snakes and lizards independently are presented. We use the taxonomic distinctiveness index that assesses the complexity of the taxonomic structure of communities through hierarchical classification above the species level to measure the relationships between taxa. The dissimilarity of the taxonomic structure in each community was also analyzed. Beta diversity partitions were performed to identify the contribution of turnover and the differences in richness. We determined that alpha diversity of species and higher taxa maintain different patterns, indicating that Jalisco presents regions with overrepresentation of reptile families and genera, as well as regions with an opposite trend. The representation of higher taxa is higher in the lizard group, although in terms of species richness snakes are the most prominent group. The turnover is the most important component at species and higher taxa, with similar values for lizards and snakes. The findings presented show that incorporating phylogenetic information about species through taxonomic relationships provides complementary information that species diversity per se, especially at the level of alpha diversity.

Molecular Positivity of Porcine Circovirus Type 2 Associated with Production Practices on Farms in Jalisco, Mexico

The modernization of pig production has led to increasingly larger populations of pigs. This dynamic allows for accelerated production and ensures a steady pork supply but also facilitates the spread of infections. PCV2 is a ubiquitous virus and can cause PCV2-associated diseases, depending on production practices. This study aimed to evaluate the conditions of pig production in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, and correlate them with PCV2. A total of 4207 serum samples from 80 farms were analyzed. Epidemiological data were collected and used to investigate factors associated with PCV2 detection. A relative frequency of approximately 30% was detected, primarily in grower pigs maintained on multisite farms. Several production practices, particularly biosecurity measures, were associated with PCV2 on the analyzed farms.

Kuit: An Enterprise's Commitment to Sustainability through Technological Development

This article is a case study that aims to show how Kuit, a social enterprise, addresses the challenge of technological management while meeting its social, environmental and economic business objectives. The study examines innovation through technological development as part of a business strategy to promote ethical and sustainable business practices, which are focused on the health and well-being of people through the production and distribution of kombucha. The relevance of the case study lies in showing the technological management strategy implemented by the founders of Kuit, which has led them to a process innovation and a patent application. This innovation has been recognized by the Secretariat of Innovation, Science and Technology of the State of Jalisco, with Kuit being one of the five finalists for the 2021 Jalisco Innovation Award. Innovation has allowed Kuit to be a sustainable company both technically and financially, fulfilling its social and environmental mission.

Social and environmental dimensions of public spaces of the indigenous territory of the Sierra de Manantlan mountain range, Jalisco state, western Mexico

The social and environmental dimension of the public space occupants of the indigenous territory of the Sierra de Manantlan, Jalisco, has a crucial place in the heritage of Mexico, such is the case of its form of idiosyncrasy, mutual interaction, and coexistence. The cultural, political, and economic organizations the Sierra de Manantlan mark an identity of the native peoples, where their customs, communal life, and solidarity work are preserved. The research objective was to evaluate the social perception and environmental habitability conditions of public space occupants in the towns of Chacala and Telcruz. Therefore, semi-structured interviews were conducted for the primary actors in both study areas and 259 information cards were applied to the inhabitants with data regarding social interaction variables and meteorological conditions in two seasons (summer and winter of a calendar year). Regarding data analysis and statistical purposes, the Pearson and Spearman correlations was used according to the needs of the study. The results revealed that the occupants of public spaces mostly report the pleasure of interacting in said spaces; however, they indicate that they would like an intervention or remodeling in the place that would encourage greater interaction with their neighbors, family, and friends. Another additional fact is that climatic variables, especially in summer, harm the desire to attend or stay in said spaces because of the lack of natural elements or bioclimatic devices that mitigate the environmental impact.

Chronology of paleontological research in Jalisco, Mexico

The state of Jalisco has an important paleontological richness represented bydeposits that are located, mainly, in areas related to lake vessels. Although thefossils have been attractive to the residents, there are no known written recordsrelated to their use before the 19th century in the region. This work shows thehistorical development of paleontological research in Jalisco, presenting achronology organized in four stages that correspond to half a century each (exceptthe last one). An exhaustive review of the literature was carried out to organize theworks, their themes and institutions involved in each of the stages, including allthe publications located. Within each stage, the chronology is also organized bytaxonomic groups or specific topics. A growing and diversified trend of works isobtained, especially in stage 4, probably reinforced by the founding of theMuseum of Paleontology of Guadalajara and in which the number of workspublished is equal to the sum of the three previous stages

Chronology of paleontological research in Jalisco, Mexico

The state of Jalisco has an important paleontological richness represented bydeposits that are located, mainly, in areas related to lake vessels. Although thefossils have been attractive to the residents, there are no known written recordsrelated to their use before the 19th century in the region. This work shows thehistorical development of paleontological research in Jalisco, presenting achronology organized in four stages that correspond to half a century each (exceptthe last one). An exhaustive review of the literature was carried out to organize theworks, their themes and institutions involved in each of the stages, including allthe publications located. Within each stage, the chronology is also organized bytaxonomic groups or specific topics. A growing and diversified trend of works isobtained, especially in stage 4, probably reinforced by the founding of theMuseum of Paleontology of Guadalajara and in which the number of workspublished is equal to the sum of the three previous stages

Chronology of paleontological research in Jalisco, Mexico

The state of Jalisco has an important paleontological richness represented bydeposits that are located, mainly, in areas related to lake vessels. Although thefossils have been attractive to the residents, there are no known written recordsrelated to their use before the 19th century in the region. This work shows thehistorical development of paleontological research in Jalisco, presenting achronology organized in four stages that correspond to half a century each (exceptthe last one). An exhaustive review of the literature was carried out to organize theworks, their themes and institutions involved in each of the stages, including allthe publications located. Within each stage, the chronology is also organized bytaxonomic groups or specific topics. A growing and diversified trend of works isobtained, especially in stage 4, probably reinforced by the founding of theMuseum of Paleontology of Guadalajara and in which the number of workspublished is equal to the sum of the three previous stages.

The cleptoparasitic bee genus <i>Odyneropsis</i> in México (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Epeolini)

A new species of cleptoparasitic bees, Odyneropsis chamelae Roig-Alsina, new species, is described from the state of Jalisco, México. Odyneropsis apache Griswold and Parker, described from southwestern USA, is reported for the first time in México. Odyneropsis apicalis Ducke was the only species previously known to occur in México and a lectotype is designated. Notes on the variability of O. apicalis in color and morphology, a key to the Mexican species, and distributional data are presented.

Tillandsia tequilana (Tillandsioideae; Bromeliaceae), a new saxicolous species from Jalisco, Mexico

Tillandsia tequilana, a new species from the state of Jalisco, Mexico, is described and illustrated. The proposed species is compared to T. aguascalientensis, T. moronesensis, and T. schusteri, taxa with some morphological similarities. Tillandsia tequilana differs from these species in the shape and size of the leaf sheath, spikes and floral bracts, in the shape of the sepals, and also in the flowering time. Images and a distribution map of the new species are included.

Taxonomic and Functional Diversity of Reptiles in a Heterogeneous Landscape of Jalisco State, West-Central Mexico

Reptiles are threatened by anthropogenic landscape transformation, largely due to agriculture. However, ecosystems nowadays constitute a matrix of fragmented landscapes. We analyzed a heterogeneous landscape’s reptile taxonomic and functional diversity patterns across ten land cover/use types in Jalisco state, in west-central Mexico. At the alpha diversity level, we assessed the taxonomic diversity using q-order indices, and functional diversity with multidimensional indices (FRic, FDiv, and FEve) by land cover/use. We evaluated the differences in species composition among land cover/use types (beta diversity). We utilized multidimensional distance-based analyses (dbRDA) to evaluate the association between reptile diversity, habitat structure, and environmental variables. Species richness did not correlate with functional richness across land cover types overall, except for riparian habitat surrounded by crops (RH-C), which exhibited higher species richness and functional diversity. Secondary vegetation surrounded by temperate forest (SV-TF), riparian habitat surrounded by tropical dry forest (RH-TDF), and RH-C were the land cover/use types with the most functional groups. Herbaceous cover is crucial for preserving both reptile diversity facets in this landscape. These findings suggest that the availability of resources (e.g., riparian habitat and herbaceous cover) regardless of perturbation level could be more relevant for reptile diversity than the condition (tropical vs. temperate) due to the high plasticity and adaptation of the group. It is essential to recognize the ecological value of these habitats by adopting a holistic approach that values the intrinsic and ecological importance of reptile diversity.

Hechtia marabascoensis (Hechtioideae; Bromeliaceae), a novelty from Colima and Jalisco, Mexico

Recent botanical explorations carried out in the states of Colima and Jalisco, Mexico, led to the discovery of a novelty of Bromeliaceae: Hechtia marabascoensis which is described and illustrated. The proposed taxon is compared to H. chamelensis, H. pacifica, and H. reticulata, species with the most similarities. A morphological description, images, and a distribution map of the new species are included, as well as an identification key and a list of examined specimens of all Hechtia species known to date from the states of Colima and Jalisco.

Infestation of Cattle with the Tick Amblyomma mixtum in the States with the Highest Cattle Inventory in Mexico

A Objective: The Amblyomma mixtum tick is one of the main parasites affecting cattle in Mexico. Epidemiological records of A. mixtum in leading states in the national cattle industry, such as Jalisco, Chiapas, Michoacán, Tabasco, and Veracruz, are outdated since this tick species was previously classified as A. cajennense. The objective was to update the records of the A. mixtum tick in the states of Jalisco, Chiapas, Michoacán, Tabasco, and Veracruz, as well as the main ixodicide molecules used for its control. Methodology: From March 2022 to July 2023, ticks were collected from cattle in 46 bovine production units (BPUs) distributed in the states mentioned above. Identification was performed using standardized taxonomic keys. Scanning electron microscopy was performed on specimens corresponding to A. mixtum. Results: Out of a total of 619 specimens of the genus Amblyomma from 22 PBUs, it was confirmed that 100% correspond to the species A. mixtum. Amitraz, an ixodicide molecule belonging to the chemical class of amidines, was used in 63.2% of the BPUs where the presence of A. mixtum was also reported. Conclusions: This research confirms cattle infestation with A. mixtum in states with the highest cattle production in Mexico. Further studies with a focus on resistance and extension are required to prolong the usefulness of available tools, including ixodicides, for integrated control of A. mixtum infestations where this tick infests cattle in Mexico.

Impacto mediático y efecto corruptor en el combate a violencias domesticas en el centro de justicia para la mujer en Jalisco México

El uso de medios de comunicación para influir positiva o negativamente en un proceso de carácter judicial tiene repercusiones graves dentro de las dinámicas sociales de aprovechamiento de las políticas públicas en materia de combate a la violencia familiar. A través de este estudio enfocado en la Red de Centros de Justicia para la Mujer en el Estado de Jalisco, se busca un acercamiento descriptivo y normativo para delimitar una problemática en particular, la complejidad que presupone la confluencia de diversas dependencias de la administración pública en un espacio que, por su naturaleza jurídica y su relevancia mediática, puede llegar a generar un efecto corruptor que afecte la correcta administración de justicia por medio de la alteración o fabricación de hechos o pruebas, provocando una dinámica de alta carga laboral frente a una baja efectividad, así como una percepción de impunidad, tanto para mujeres, como para hombres.

A new species of Thamnophis (Serpentes, Colubridae) from Jalisco, Mexico, with a discussion on the phylogeny, taxonomy, and distribution of snakes related to Thamnophis scalaris

Garter snakes in the genus Thamnophis from Mexico have a long and convoluted taxonomic history. From 2015 to 2022, we conducted a comprehensive sampling of Mexican Thamnophis species, aiming to link molecular phylogenies with the recognized species related to T. scalaris in the highlands of Mexico. Here, we present an analysis of mitochondrial DNA to resolve the status of two enigmatic highland Thamnophis populations. Our research resulted in the identification and morphological characterization of a previously undescribed Thamnophis species from the state of Jalisco in western Mexico. We also clarify the identity and relationships of several previously enigmatic populations of Thamnophis. This work presents new data for Thamnophis phylogenetics from the Mexican highlands and offers a framework for future conservation efforts.

Correlation between Personality Traits and Dimensions of Anxiety in Young Students in the State of Jalisco

Introduction. Young people are highly susceptible to manifesting the various dimensions of anxiety, which have been associated with certain personality traits. Objective. To determine the association between personality traits (PT) and the dimensions of clinical anxiety (CA), trait anxiety (TA), and state anxiety (SA) in young students in the areas of health sciences in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Method. Five hundred and twenty-one students (with an average age of 20.5 years) enrolled in psychology, nursing, and nutrition degree programs participated, 75.2% of whom were women. From Abril 2020 to May 2021, a cross-sectional design was used to virtually evaluate CA (Beck’s inventory), TA and SA (the Spielberger inventory), and PT (Eysenck’s inventory). Linear regression analysis was used to calculate correlations (R) and determination coefficients (R2) to predict the dimensions of anxiety in relation to PT. Results. 25.7% and 24.8% of participants scored for severe and moderate CA respectively, while 54.3% obtained high scores for TA and SA. For CA, the neuroticism PT yielded an R of .607 and an R2 of .367; for TA, an R of .803 and an R2 of .644; and for SA, an R of .735 and an R2 of .540. Discussion and conclusion. The high correlation between the neuroticism PT and anxiety in young people was probably exacerbated by the restrictive conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. In young students, the neuroticism PT is a predictor for the development of various dimensions of anxiety.

Unraveling genetic contributions to neurodevelopmental disorders and epilepsy in a pediatric cohort from a Mexican state

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) encompass a broad spectrum of conditions that significantly impact personal, social, academic, or occupational functioning from an early age. Epilepsy emerges as a significant comorbid condition, featuring a complex interplay between neurodevelopmental processes and epileptogenesis, likely rooted in genetic abnormalities. This research is a descriptive observational study designed to assess the contribution of genetic variations to the clinical presentation of NDDs in a pediatric population from the Mexican state of Jalisco, aiming to enhance diagnostic and management strategies. The patients underwent comprehensive clinical evaluations and personalized genetic testing using next-generation sequencing techniques, and their relatives were studied only on a case-by-case basis if information regarding the mode of inheritance was needed. This study included 24 patients and 30 relatives. Diagnoses of Mendelian inheritance diseases were identified in 14 patients, including cases with mutations not previously associated with NDDs. Genetic testing revealed a variety of pathogenic and likely pathogenic mutations, as well as variants of uncertain significance, across a range of genes implicated in NDDs. Notable findings included new mutations related to low-prevalence genetic syndromes and the identification of both inherited and de novo mutations contributing to the neurodevelopmental phenotypes observed. Our findings underscore the complex genetic landscape of NDDs and epilepsy, highlighting the crucial role of genetic evaluation in elucidating the etiology of these disorders within the studied population. The integration of genetic testing into the diagnostic process for NDDs not only facilitates a more precise diagnosis but also informs prognostic outlooks and guides tailored intervention strategies. Moreover, this study advocates for the continued exploration of genetic underpinnings in NDDs to further refine diagnostic accuracy, improve therapeutic approaches, and support familial decision-making, and emphasizing the importance of genetics in advancing neurodevelopmental medicine.

Americans in Pursuit of an Age-Friendly Retirement Haven in Mexico

ABSTRACT International retirement migration is becoming an increasingly popular trend as older adults seek a more age-friendly place to spend their golden years. In light of this under-studied but increasingly popular phenomenon, this research provides distinctive insights into the challenges and benefits for retirement migration. Using a qualitative design, this study examines the lived experiences of 20 non-Hispanic white retirees (mean age = 72) residing in the Lake Chapala Area (LCA) of the Mexican state of Jalisco. Data from a semi-structured questionnaire produced themes associated with acculturation, an affordable lifestyle, a nostalgic social environment, volunteering opportunities, a healthy aging lifestyle, access to medical services, and residential permanency. Findings indicate that participants were highly satisfied with their migration decision including the welcoming and friendly local culture, an affordable lifestyle, access to quality health care, and the many opportunities to remain physically and socially active. With the passage of time most retirees in our sample were prone to shift their attachments to the LCA with plans of making this destination their forever home. The findings demonstrate the importance of aging in a place of choice and the spatial experiences linked to an age-friendly retirement community.

The carbon footprint of livestock farms under conventional management and silvopastoral systems in Jalisco, Chiapas, and Campeche (Mexico)

Livestock production is one of the most important agricultural sources of greenhouses gasses (GHG). Transforming the livestock sector is a critical task to mitigate the effects of climate change, and the implementation of silvopastoral systems (SPS) may be a way to do so. Carbon footprint (CF) estimation was carried out for 131 conventional livestock farms (CONF) and SPS farms (SPSF) selected in the states of Jalisco, Chiapas and Campeche (Mexico). GHG emissions were estimated based on interviews with the farmers and farm monitoring to collect information about management, milk production and the live weight gain (LWG) of calves (for meat production) using national emission factors. Emissions from animals, fossil fuels, electricity and nitrogen fertilizers were estimated using Tier I and II criteria. Land use distribution was recorded for each farm, and their carbon fixation in total biomass and soils was estimated using studies from tropical Latin America. CF was estimated for area and for production of milk and the LWG of calves. SPSF had lower GHG emissions, higher carbon fixation rates and a better CF than CONF (5.7 vs. 8.0 t CO2e/ha/year; 6.9 vs. 5.5 t C/ha/year and − 5.0 vs. −2.9 t CO2e/ha/year, respectively). The CF of milk production and calf LWG were − 68.6 to −4.6 kg CO2e/kg and − 3.2 to −0.1 t CO2e/kg, respectively. Our results highlight the importance of implementing SPS to mitigate climate change in livestock production, given its contribution to GHG emissions and the importance of capturing atmospheric carbon in biomass and soils. National and regional policies should focus on promoting implementing SPS as an active and effective strategy for improving CF in livestock farms.

Intelligent system for the optimization of eco-mobility operation processes aimed at public transportation in the state of Jalisco

The following work proposes a working model using artificial intelligence techniques to benefit employees working in public transport, specifically in the area of electric transport to batteries, with the help of data collection that this area generates daily, it is proposed to make a capture of these data and to start in a first instance, integrating predictive skills with the help of Machine Learning, for the prediction of autonomy for each bus in operation, to know the operating status of the batteries and to generate more efficient maintenance plans.

Supply chain for the sustainability of beekeepers in the state of Jalisco, Mexico

The search for food sovereignty led the Mexican government to implement strategies to encourage local production and consumption. There are, however, products that, despite their quality, present obstacles in their distribution and direct sale or leave little or no profit margin for producers. Understanding and improving the supply chain helps improve this situation. Honey producers in the country face this problem due to the presence of intermediaries and unfair competition from imported products of lower quality and price. Therefore, the objective of this research is to evaluate the internal and external factors that affect the beekeeping supply chain in Jalisco to identify the type of strategies that contribute to overcoming current problems. To do this, a 5-stage methodology is applied: 1) definition of the research question; 2) design of measuring instruments and surveys; 3) application of instruments through the non-probabilistic snowball sampling technique; 4) data analysis; and 5) determination of relevance of the research. The results show the need to define appropriate production and marketing strategies to strengthen organizations and horizontally and vertically integrate the supply chain. Among the conclusions, the need to improve product income stands out through cooperation or configuration of short supply chains, creation of institutions and standardization of comprehensive hive management practices.