Management In Colombia Research Articles

Pension funds in Colombia and implications: A bibliometric analysis from Scopus

This study delves into the dynamic landscape of pension funds in Colombia, examining both its current research status and practical implications. Understanding the state of pension systems is crucial for individuals' financial security and a country's overall economic stability, especially given factors such as an aging population and evolving socio-economic dynamics. By comprehensively analyzing scholarly publications on Colombian pension funds using the Scopus database, this research sheds light on key trends and contributors shaping policy formulation and financial planning. The analysis covers a period from 1987 to 2023, identifying 71 relevant articles through keyword searches and filters. Various metrics, including publication trends, citations, international collaboration, and authorship dynamics, were quantitatively assessed. The results reveal an annual growth rate of 5.37%, with research articles comprising 81.69%, review articles 7.04%, and other formats like books, book chapters, and conference papers making up 11.27% of the total documents. Notably, countries such as the UK, the USA, Spain, and Colombia emerge as key contributors to the literature. Among authors, Mesa-Lago, L., stands out as a significant figure, with one of the earliest publications on the topic. The findings underscore the growing importance of pension funds in Colombia, particularly in the context of fund performance research amid financial crises. The prevalence of international collaboration suggests a global interest in understanding and contributing to the development of Colombian pension systems. Furthermore, the study identifies research gaps, particularly in areas concerning the socio-economic impact of pension policies, providing a roadmap for future investigations. Policymakers, financial practitioners, and researchers can leverage these insights to inform strategic decision-making and address critical challenges in optimizing pension fund management in Colombia.

Water Management as a Social Field: A Method for Engineering Solutions

This paper proposes the use of Pierre Bourdieu’s sociological concepts of social fields, capital, and habitus to analyze water management in Colombia. By mapping the social dynamics of water management, this study examines the interactions and power relationships among agents, including government agencies, private companies, academic institutions, non-profits, and local communities. The analysis reveals how various forms of capital, such as economic, cultural, social, and symbolic, influence water management practices, policies, and the distribution of power. Integrating agent-based modeling with hydrological simulations provides a more nuanced understanding of how social dynamics influence water management. This interdisciplinary approach helps develop more adaptive and equitable strategies by capturing the complex interactions between human behavior and environmental factors. This study highlights the need to localize the analysis of the social field to capture regional customs and specific social dynamics. This localized approach ensures that water management strategies are more relevant, context sensitive, and sustainable. This paper advocates for the wider adoption of agent-based modeling in water management, proposing a methodology that combines the engineering principles of practical problem solving and adaptive design with an understanding of the social complexities in water management.

Improved outcomes of pediatric patients with swallowing disorders through a multidisciplinary dysphagia clinic in a tertiary care children's hospital in Colombia

AbstractMultidisciplinary clinics bring together multiple specialists to care for patients with complex diseases, such as swallowing disorders. Little information exists regarding dysphagia in pediatric patients and its multidisciplinary management in Colombia. This study aimed to characterize patients under the age of 18 with swallowing disorders treated in a multidisciplinary dysphagia clinic at San Vicente Fundacion Hospital in Medellin, Colombia, between 2014 and 2021. A longitudinal, descriptive, observational study with retrospective data collection was conducted. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained at three points. A total of 293 patients were included. The most frequent underlying diseases were neurological (mainly cerebral palsy), followed by genetic disorders, with Down syndrome being the most representative. More than 50% of the patients had been hospitalized at least twice for dysphagia. The diagnosis was primarily clinical, supported by a videofluoroscopic swallowing study. The primary prescribed intervention was speech therapy, followed by an alternate feeding route. This study described pediatric patients with swallowing disorders seen in a multidisciplinary clinic. This overview provides healthcare personnel with an understanding of the complexity of swallowing disorders and their relationships to various medical conditions in children.

Smart Ecological Points, a Strategy to Face the New Challenges in Solid Waste Management in Colombia

Smart Ecological Points, a Strategy to Face the New Challenges in Solid Waste Management in Colombia

Supporting Multi-Stakeholder Participation Processes: A Serious Game Application for Watershed Management in Colombia

Supporting Multi-Stakeholder Participation Processes: A Serious Game Application for Watershed Management in Colombia

De los datos a las decisiones: estrategias de control bajo un modelo de gestión por resultados en la defensa jurídica del Estado

In the fabric of public management in Colombia, two fundamental elements emerge as protectors of the State: fiscal control and legal defense. Often, these essential pieces go unnoticed but are vital for ensuring the fulfillment of the objectives of the rule of law and the protection of public resources. In this article, we will explore the importance of fiscal control and legal defense in Colombia, from their legal foundation to the latest innovations, such as the State's Litigation Information System and the Results-Based Management Model.

Integrated coastal zone management in Colombia: 25 years of implementing an environmental planning policy

Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) emerged as a strategy ecosystem approach for management seas and coasts, responding to international agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity with the Jakarta Mandate and the Convention on Climate Change. Colombia, located in the northern part of South America with coasts on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, has institutionally adopted the ICZM for 25 years, establishing definitions, procedures, and instruments. The purpose of this work is to analyse the implementation of the ICZM in Colombia, as well as to identify future actions, considering the lessons learned. A participatory diagnosis was carried out using the Delfi method and an analysis of ICZM progress indicators. It was found that the implementation of the policy has been carried out through applied scientific research in order to build the methodology known (COLMIZC), which has become a reference for Latin America and is widely discussed in comparison to regional advances. The ICZM process has made it possible to consolidate a public policy, giving it relevance within the environmental agenda and the country's development plans. However, the creation of other political instruments that have not been well articulated with environmental policy has led to uncoordinated actions. Colombia has advanced conceptually and methodologically in the configuration of a political and regulatory framework. It is important to strengthen capacities in institutions and communities to provide local interventions with national and global impact. It is a priority to coordinate with the territorial authorities and influence sectoral planning.

Preliminary Diagnosis of Integrated Coastal Management in Colombia

Over the years, a growing number of coastal areas around the world have been affected by the mismanagement and misuse of their natural resources, which has attracted the interest of countries to implement strategies that modify public policies to create actions with a sectoral focus towards the coastal zone, with achieving sustainable use of the seas and coasts. Colombia, being a megadiverse country due to the large number of coastal ecosystems that make it up, has been affected by environmental problems such as pollution, loss of biodiversity and damage to ecosystems due to construction and infrastructure. Due to the above, the objective of this research is to carry out a preliminary diagnosis, supported by a search for documents associated with integrated coastal management through the Google Scholar platform, in such a way that allows us, taking as a guide the decalogue of Barragán (2012), to know the current situation of the coastal areas of the Republic of Colombia. In the results we find that Colombia has policies that aim to implement the sustainable use of coastal resources, however, it does not have regulations that have Integrated Coastal Management as their main theme, which causes the competencies and institutions interested in contributing to the protection of natural resources do not have adequate legal support. On the other hand, relevant advances were found in terms of instruments related to Integrated Coastal Management as well as in education and sustainability, since initiatives for education and training have been implemented. Important advances have also been found in the knowledge and distribution of information in digital media. There are several universities that offer master’s and doctoral degrees with a focus on coastal management, but unfortunately the offer is not enough. Likewise, there are not enough financial resources for the implementation of integrated management, and although citizen participation is incipient, it is becoming more and more organized. Keywords: Politics, coastal zone, environmental problems, natural resources, Colombia.

Aquifers and Groundwater: Challenges and Opportunities in Water Resource Management in Colombia

Water is essential for life on Earth, playing fundamental roles in climate regulation, ecosystem maintenance, and domestic, agricultural, and industrial processes. A total of 70% of the planet is covered by water. However, only 2.5% is fresh water, and much of it is inaccessible. Groundwater is the main source of the planet’s available water resources. For that reason, groundwater is a critically important resource, and is increasingly vulnerable due to the climate crisis and contamination. These challenges threaten the availability of clean and safe water, necessitating an understanding of effective and sustainable management. This review presents an overview of the concepts of aquifers and groundwater. Also, it reflects on the importance of these resources in developing countries such as Colombia (South America). In addition, it considers the characteristics of mineral waters, their uses, and associated risks, as well as their exploration and control policies. Colombia is a country with immense water and biological wealth and is crucial to maintaining the climate and availability of global water resources. Nevertheless, managing Colombia’s aquifers is a challenge, as many have not yet been fully explored. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to study hydrogeochemistry through the application of advanced technologies to analyze the dynamics, distribution, and quality of groundwater, as well as its vulnerability to pollution and climate change. On the other hand, the consumption of mineral groundwater can have health benefits, such as positive cardiovascular and gastrointestinal effects. But geogenic, biogenic, or anthropogenic elements such as heavy metals and microplastics can pose a risk to human health. The need for proper management of water resources to prevent risks to human health and the environment is emphasized. Therefore, an integrated approach to water resource management will ensure conservation and sustainable use, secure a continuous supply of freshwater, and facilitate adaptation to climate change.

Integrated Water Resources Management in Colombia: A Historical Perspective

Resumen El paradigma de la gestión integrada propone manejar un recurso, como el agua, considerando sus interrelaciones con otros componentes del entorno. Esa visión se ha adoptado como política en varios países, incluyendo a Colombia, pero sus resultados no han sido satisfactorios. Este artículo estudia el enfoque de “integración” en anteriores arreglos normativos, haciendo una revisión histórica de los mismos para entender cómo ha evolucionado en Colombia la percepción y el manejo del entorno por parte de la sociedad. Se muestra como la noción del entorno complejo e integrado, no es exclusivo de las políticas actuales, sino que está presente desde hace varios siglos, por lo que su consideración no significa una garantía de éxito. Se proponen estrategias para mejorar los resultados de los arreglos normativos recientes.

Stakeholder Engagement around Water Governance: 30 Years of Decision-Making in the Bogotá River Basin

Effective stakeholder engagement is vital for sustainable water management in the Bogotá River Basin, which faces serious environmental and socio-economic challenges, including water scarcity, pollution, and inequitable distribution. Engaging diverse stakeholders can promote shared decision-making, identify common goals, and enhance the implementation of sustainable water governance strategies. Taking this into account, this research evaluates multi-stakeholder engagement in the Bogotá River Basin in Colombia over the past 30 years to promote sustainable water management in the face of current global challenges. The research methodology includes a desk-based and systematic review, as well as policy analysis using descriptive and quantitative methods. With the use of MAXQDA software, we identified 74 national, regional, and local policies focused on stakeholder engagement for water management in Colombia, which were narrowed down to 22 documents for the Bogotá River Basin. The policy analysis is based on the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) indicator for Principle 10 to self-assess the level of legal framework implementation and stakeholder engagement. The self-assessment pointed out that despite the strong legal background and the enhancement of stakeholder engagement via formal and informal participatory mechanisms in the first stages of policy-making, there is a lack of engagement in the evaluation and follow-up phases, leading to box-ticking mechanisms. The findings suggest that effective stakeholder engagement needs to be comprehensive in policy-making processes, especially in the evaluation and follow-up stages. Moreover, the river basin’s management can improve by making a clear disclosure about the outcomes of participatory processes. This research concludes that promoting shared decision-making, identifying common goals, and enhancing the implementation of sustainable water management strategies can greatly benefit the Bogotá River Basin. These efforts can lead to more effective and efficient use of water resources and ultimately contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment.

Multizonal observational study conducted by clinical practitioners on Repatha® use in patients with hyperlipidemia (ZERBINI): Colombian results

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) represents the primary cause of death and disability globally, with elevated cholesterol as one of the leading risk factors for CVD. We describe the clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and effectiveness of evolocumab in treating hyperlipidemia. MethodsObservational study conducted through a chart review of patients with hyperlipidemia receiving evolocumab as part of clinical management in Colombia. ResultsThis study included 115 patients treated with evolocumab. A total of 101 patients (87.8%) had a history of CVD, 13 (11.3%) familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), and 23 (20%) type 2 diabetes. Thirty-nine patients reported intolerance to any statin (33.9%). The median value of LDL-C before initiation of evolocumab was 147mg/dL (IQR: 122.5–183.7mg/dL). Within the first 3 months of treatment, LDL-C value dropped to a median value of 53mg/dL (IQR: 34.0–95.5mg/dL), showing a reduction of 63.9%. The median LDL-C values remained below 45mg/dL until the end of follow-up. Among the patients with available data, up to 61% achieved an LDL-C level below 55mg/dL at the 10–12-month follow-up. A total of 72% of patients were persistent with treatment. Safety results showed a low frequency of hospitalizations (≤2%) and treatment-emergent adverse drug reactions (5.2%). No serious adverse events were reported. ConclusionsEvolocumab was associated with reductions in LDL-C levels, with a relative decrease of 63.9% within the first 3 months of treatment. Low rates of interruptions due to adverse events and adequate medication persistence was reported.

Rethinking environmental news coverage through Agenda-Setting and the normative function of attributes

We examined the dominant substantive and affective attributes in 358 news items related to water and waste management in Colombia over five years. The results revealed that the studied texts focused more on the existence of attributes of environmental problems and on positive emotions related to good management practices, than on the effects and solutions. These results explore how Agenda-Setting theory can provide practical guidance for journalists to rethink their environmental coverage from a normative perspective.

Draft genome assembly for the colombian freshwater bocachico fish, Prochilodus magdalenae.

We report the first draft genome assembly for Prochilodus magdalenae, the leading representative species of the Prochilodontidae family in Colombia. This 1.2-Gb assembly, with a GC content of 42.0% and a repetitive content of around 31.0%, is in the range of previously reported characid species genomes. Annotation identified 34,725 nuclear genes, and BUSCO completeness value was 94.9%. Gene ontology and primary metabolic pathway annotations indicate similar gene profiles for P. magdalenae and the closest species with annotated genomes: blind cave fish (Astyanax mexicanus) and red piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri). A comparative analysis showed similar genome traits to other characid species. The fully sequenced and annotated mitochondrial genome reproduces the taxonomic classification of P. magdalenae and confirms the low mitochondrial genetic divergence inside the Prochilodus genus. Phylogenomic analysis, using nuclear single-copy orthologous genes, also confirmed the evolutionary position of the species. This genome assembly provides a high-resolution genetic resource for sustainable P. magdalenae management in Colombia and, as the first genome assembly for the Prochilodontidae family, will contribute to fish genomics throughout South America.

Comparison between telestroke versus face-to-face thrombolysis models in stroke management in Colombia

Introduction: The incidence of stroke continues to rise globally, as it remains an important cause in overall mortality and disability. Given the fact that several patients cannot access thrombolytic therapy due to neurologist unavailability or because of geographic barriers, Teleictus and Telestroke have become reasonable alternatives for providing treatment. Objective: The Teleictus network in Colombia was first implemented in 2018 in Boyacá; Our main goal was to compare the results of two models approaching patient care in stroke: Telestroke versus Face-to-face thrombolysis. Materials and Methods: This was an observational, analytic study using a retrospective cohort. Sociodemographic, clinical, protocol thrombolysis related and clinical evolution variables were considered into the study. Results 65 patients were allocated to the Face-to-face thrombolysis model and 35 were set into the Telestroke model. Median age was 69 and 67 years respectively; both groups had a higher proportion of women than men. Median symptom-onset-to-door time was 136 min in the Face-to-face thrombolysis and 81 min in the Telestroke model p = 0.0083. Median start NIHSS was eleven points for the former and twelve for the latter. At discharge, both groups had a median NIHSS score of 4. Conclusions: Thrombolytic therapy showed safety and efficacy. First and second level institutions are key in the setup of the Telestroke and Teleictus algorithms. More studies are needed to further evaluate this intervention.

Predictive Modeling of Above-Ground Biomass in Brachiaria Pastures from Satellite and UAV Imagery Using Machine Learning Approaches

Grassland pastures are crucial for the global food supply through their milk and meat production; hence, forage species monitoring is essential for cattle feed. Therefore, knowledge of pasture above-ground canopy features help understand the crop status. This paper finds how to construct machine learning models to predict above-ground canopy features in Brachiaria pasture from ground truth data (GTD) and remote sensing at larger (satellite data on the cloud) and smaller (unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)) scales. First, we used above-ground biomass (AGB) data obtained from Brachiaria to evaluate the relationship between vegetation indices (VIs) with the dry matter (DM). Next, the performance of machine learning algorithms was used for predicting AGB based on VIs obtained from ground truth and satellite and UAV imagery. When comparing more than twenty-five machine learning models using an Auto Machine Learning Python API, the results show that the best algorithms were the Huber with R2 = 0.60, Linear with R2 = 0.54, and Extra Trees with R2 = 0.45 to large scales using satellite. On the other hand, short-scale best regressions are K Neighbors with an R2 of 0.76, Extra Trees with an R2 of 0.75, and Bayesian Ridge with an R2 of 0.70, demonstrating a high potential to predict AGB and DM. This study is the first prediction model approach that assesses the rotational grazing system and pasture above-ground canopy features to predict the quality and quantity of cattle feed to support pasture management in Colombia.

Applying agroclimatic seasonal forecasts to improve rainfed maize agronomic management in Colombia

Climate variability affects crop production in multiple and often complex ways. The development and use hybrid crops with greater productivity and tolerance to climate shocks is one of the approaches to climate adaptation and agricultural intensification. Since hybrid crops are more expensive for the producer, risk management is of paramount importance. Here, we pose that there is high potential for the Colombian maize sector to use crop-specific climate services for risk reduction. We used the CERES-Maize crop model connected to seasonal climate forecasts developed via Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) across key maize growing areas in Colombia to assess the performance of a maize-specific agroclimatic forecast to inform two key decisions, namely, the choice of sowing dates and genotypes. We find that the agroclimatic models perform well at discriminating yield categories (above, below, and normal) with discrimination capacity of up to 70–80 % for the ‘below normal’ and ‘above + below normal’ categories. Consistent with this, agroclimatic forecasts typically predict the optimal planting date with an error of 3 pentads or less. They also predict the optimal choice of genotype correctly around 50–70 % of the time depending on the site or season of interest. Notably, we identify specific cases in which the agroclimatic forecast is misleading but argue that the overall value of the forecasts outweighs these cases. Future work should focus on expanding the scope of the agroclimatic prediction to include other relevant farming decisions that are influenced by climate, and on the improvement of climate forecast performance.

Lessons learned and challenges for environmental management in Colombia: The role of communication, education and participation strategies

Environmental management has increasingly focused on promoting social engagement in biodiversity and ecosystem services conservation as a way to foster sustainability. However, a critical challenge that still remains is the adequate implementation of strategies of communication, education, and participation (CEPA) oriented to reconnect the social and ecological dimensions in the systems. This study analyzed the main features and types of CEPA implemented by the Colombian Regional Autonomous Corporations in environmental management projects that consider ecosystem services. We found a variety of CEPA focused on a wide range of stakeholders. Communication and education were the most frequently implemented in the projects. Within communication, spreading information about the projects was the most common, while education focused on instrumental training of local communities. Participation, the less frequently implemented, mainly aimed to ensure government and decision-makers involved in the initial phases of the projects. We conclude that there is a need to increase and improve education strategies in conservation projects to make decisions based on critical and reflective thinking, and foster the engagement of a broader set of stakeholders in the processes.

Sharks and marine batoids management in Colombia: Policy instruments, management duty and implications for their populations and stakeholders

Until March 2021, marine Chondrichthyans in Colombia were fishery resources, administered under the Ministry of Agriculture (MinAgricultura) with the fisheries authority had an NPOA Sharks as a guide for their management. After that, and under the Decree 281 of 18 March 2021 issued by the Ministry of Environment of Colombia, a new policy (called the Environmental Plan for the protection and conservation of sharks, marine rays, and chimaeras of Colombia)emerged, and the management duty of Chondrichthyans changed from a fishery resource to a hydrobiological resource, thereby prohibiting commercial use of those species and transferring its management to the government’s environmental sector. This paper discusses the two policy instruments created for the same group of fishes, the consequences of changing the government management duty from one sector to another by the new policy created, and the implications for the environmental, fisheries, control, and surveillance sectors, civil organizations, and even for sharks. In addition, a logical framework analysis method was carried out to identify shark vulnerability and stakeholders, and to analyze both policy instruments and their positive and negative outputs. Part of the environmental sector celebrated the issued decree as an unprecedented achievement for Colombia. In contrast, other stakeholders, including the fisheries sector, declared that the ban on sharks/batoids for trade and fishing indirectly affects marine fisheries and fishers since these species are commonly bycatch in most of them. Consequently, shark/batoid bycatch management was raised as the central management issue since fishing activity is the main threat for elasmobranchs. Alternatives are proposed for conservation and fisheries to coexist, obtaining mutual benefits, avoiding confrontation, and heading towards sustainable development from different perspectives.

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide and eosinophil count in induced sputum to guide the management of children with asthma: a cost-utility analysis

IntroductionPrevious evidence has shown that fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and eosinophil count in induced sputum (EO) are cost-effective relative to standard of care in guiding the management of children with persistent asthma. There is some doubt as if there are differences between these two biomarkers in terms of costs and benefits. Clarifying this doubt would allow prioritization of the design of clinical practice guidelines. The study aimed to compare in terms of costs and benefits these biomarkers in patients with asthma between 4 and 18 years of age.MethodsA Markov model was used to estimate the cost-utility of asthma management using FeNO and EO in patients between 4 and 18 years of age. Transition probabilities, cost and utilities were estimated from previously published local studies, while relative risks were obtained from the systematic review of published randomized clinical trials. The analysis was carried out from a societal perspective.ResultsThe expected annual cost per patient with EO was US $1376 (CI 95% US $1376–US $1377) and for FeNO was US $1934 (CI 95% US $1333–US $1334), with a difference of US $42.3 between these strategies. The Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) per person estimated with EO was 0.95 (CI 95% 0.951–0.952) and for FeNO was 0.94 (CI 95% 0.930–0.940), with a difference of 0.01 between these strategies. The NMB with EO was US $4902 (CI 95% 4900–4904) and for FeNO was US $4841 (CI 95% 4839–4843). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of EO was $3566 per QALY gained regarding FeNO.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that induced sputum-guided management is a strategy cost-effective over FeNO and standard asthma management in Colombia. This evidence should encourage the adoption of any of these techniques to objectively guide the management of children with asthma in routine clinical practice in low-resource settings.