State Of Mexico Research Articles

Unholy Trinity: State, Church, and Film in Mexico by Rebecca Janzen (review)

Unholy Trinity: State, Church, and Film in Mexico by Rebecca Janzen (review)

Application of Random Forest in a Predictive Model of PM10 Particles in Mexico City

Over time, predictive models tend to become more accurate but also more complex, thus achieving better predictive accuracy. When the data is improved by increasing its quantity and availability, the models are also better, which implies that the data must be processed to filter and adapt it for initial analysis and then modeling. This work aims to apply the Random Forest model to predict PM10 particles. For this purpose, data were obtained from environmental monitoring stations in Mexico City, which operates 29 stations of which 12 belong to the State of Mexico. The pollutants analyzed were CO carbon monoxide, NO nitrogen oxide, and PM10 particulate matter equal to or less than 10 μg.m-3, NOx nitrogen oxide, NO2 nitrogen dioxide, SO2 sulfur dioxide, O3 ozone, and PM2.5 particulate matter equal to or less than 2.5 μg.m-3. The result was that when calculating the certainty of our model, we have a value of 80.40% when calculating the deviation from the mean, using 15 reference variables.

Determination of geometric properties of cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao L.)

Objective: To determine the linear physical dimensions of dried Mexican cocoa beans to estimate their geometric properties and differentiate them through a principal component analysis. Design/Methodology/Approach: For the research, 51 dry samples of cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao L.) were collected from three producer states in Mexico. The physical properties of cocoa beans were determined based on their linear dimensions: length, width, thickness, geometric diameter, sphericity, volume, and shape factor. Moisture, average weight, and ether extract were also determined. Results: The results revealed the relation between linear and geometric properties, particularly the fact that bean weight is significant (p<0.001) regarding all the properties evaluated, except moisture. Said relation explained 98.8% of the total variation in the first two components observed in the cocoa samples from the three states (Tabasco, Chiapas, and Oaxaca). Average bean weight, sphericity, and volume contributed the most to the total variation. Findings/Conclusions: The only quantitative variable that showed significance was bean weight. The other measurements—length, width, and thickness—did not. However, there was significance when coupling the measurements in the expressions of surface area and volume.

Promoting Sustainability in Manufacturing Companies in Coahuila, Mexico: Integrating Sustainable Practices Into Organizational Culture

Objective: The objective is to obtain the validity of the relationships between the four factors of Denison's model: involvement, consistency, adaptability, and mission, and their impact on sustainability. Theoretical Framework: This article explores the competitive role of organizational culture in sustainability in the northern state of Mexico, characterized by manufacturing processes in which waste, energy, and water manifested as significant components of the region and the country. Method: The data were collected with the application of the standardized questionnaire called Denison Organizational Culture Survey and its impact on the sustainability indicators of the Global Reporting Initiative, applying a structural equation model based on SmartPLS 4. 0. Research Implications: The best results obtained in companies where external focus prevails, with stability and flexibility, that is, with an organizational culture where mission and adaptability are pillars. Originality/Value: The conclusions highlight contributions to the academic and business environment, applying a model that makes visible aspects challenging to assimilate in management due to the intangibility of the organizational culture.

A Day in the Cornfields: A Western Otomi Narrative

This paper focuses on Western Otomi, a Mexican native language spoken in the municipality of Temoaya in the State of Mexico (ISO 639-3 ott). Speakers recognize themselves as dri ñatho, which means ‘I still speak’ and differentiate themselves from people who only speak Spanish, even though they belong to the same community, as i ñamfo ‘they speak Spanish’. This variety is underdocumented, mainly transmitted by oral tradition and spoken at home or with friends and neighbors. Hence, receptive speakers are common. Through this narrative from a Western Otomi speaker, we are offered a glimpse into what a day in the cornfields is like. In addition, this narrative gives us general insight into some features of the language. So, after introducing the cultural context of it, I present the narrative.

Isolation and Characterization of Thermophilic Bacteria from a Hot Spring in the State of Hidalgo, Mexico, and Geochemical Analysis of the Thermal Water.

Hot springs worldwide can be a source of extremophilic microorganisms of biotechnological interest. In this study, samplings of a hot spring in Hidalgo, Mexico, were conducted to isolate, identify, and characterize morphologically, biochemically, and molecularly those bacterial strains with potential industrial applications. In addition, a physicochemical and geochemical examination of the hot spring was conducted to fully understand the study region and its potential connection to the strains discovered. The hot spring was classified as sulfate-calcic according to the Piper Diagram; the hydrogeochemical analysis showed the possible interactions between minerals and water. Eighteen bacterial strains were isolated with optimal growth temperatures from 50 to 55 °C. All strains are Gram-positive, the majority having a rod shape, and one a round shape, and 17 produce endospores. Hydrolysis tests on cellulose, pectin, and xylan agar plates demonstrated enzymatic activity in some of the strains. Molecular identification through the 16S rDNA gene allowed classification of 17 strains within the Phylum Firmicutes and one within Deinococcus-Thermus. The bacterial strains were associated with the genera Anoxybacillus, Bacillus, Anerunibacillus, Paenibacillus, and Deinococcus, indicating a diversity of bacterial strains with potential industrial applications.

Bioconcentration capacity of moss Leskea angustata Tayl., for heavy metals and its application in the atmospheric biomonitoring of a metropolitan area

In this work, the bioconcentration capacity of heavy metals Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in the moss Leskea angustata Tayl., exposed under laboratory conditions was evaluated, and subsequently the usefulness of moss for the heavy metals' biomonitoring associated with suspended particulate matter in air of the Toluca Valley Metropolitan Area was determined by means of the moss bag technique. To achieve the aims, bioassays were carried out in the laboratory with the moss, the exposure for a period of 6 months of the moss bags in the sites of the Automatic Atmospheric Monitoring Network of the Government of the State of Mexico and their subsequent analysis through of elemental and structural characterization techniques. The results of the bioassays on the moss L. angustata, demonstrate that this moss has adequate bioconcentration capabilities to be used as a biomonitor of heavy metals in polluted areas. The structural characterization of the moss L. angustata, shows that this moss has good adsorption characteristics (presence of functional groups, surface area of 19.87 m2 g−1, average pore diameter equal to 2.86 nm and a total pore volume of 0.014218 cm3 g−1). The significant correlations between Cd–Zn–Pb and between Pb and Zn with PM2.5, as well as a strong correlation between Pb and Zn with PM10, allow us to establish that these three metals have their main origin in the domestic combustion of wood and liquid petroleum gas (LP gas), as well as emissions from agricultural burning in the study area. Cu has a different origin than other metals and PM10 and PM2.5. The findings demonstrate a strong association between anthropogenic activities - such as domestic wood and LP gas combustion, agricultural burning emissions, vehicular emissions, tire wear, and industrial activities - and the detection, entrapment, and accumulation of several heavy metals by L. angustata moss.

Development of regional economic growth in key states in Mexico through filmmaking

Mexico has a rich history in the film industry which traditionally has been financed under the secretariat of culture from the federal and state levels. Throughout the years, there have been several incentives by various local governments to try to regenerate goods and services in this sector through grants, and cultural policies as has happened in other similar developing countries that have begun to see filmmaking as a means of building national identity and economic growth. This study offers a combination of evaluations in order to measure the effect of certain factors within the industry through the use of a linear regression model, annual growth rate estimate, and financial analysis of grants directed towards this industry as an attempt to provide a complete measure for future cultural-economic policy evaluation in these types of creative-cultural industries. Results show that the evaluation of the industry can provide insights into the resilience of these sectors in a geographic state, that the economic-health crisis might offer an opportunity to resurge growth within these creative-cultural industries, and that subsidies and grants do affect its overall growth, and sustainability.

Assessment of the sustainability criteria for forest management in Amanalco de Becerra, state of Mexico

El manejo forestal sustentable considera la gestión de los bosques para lograr uno o más objetivos específicos, como la producción continua de productos y servicios forestales, sin reducir sus valores inherentes y productividad futura, debiendo contemplar los sectores social, económico y ambiental al momento de aprovechar el bosque. Se visitó el bosque de ejidatarios en Amanalco de Becerra, Estado de México, con el objetivo de observar las prácticas forestales e identificar y documentar si cumplen con los principios de sustentabilidad fijados por la Norma Mexicana NMX-AA-143-SCFI-2008 con fines de certificación. La metodología consistió en ubicar los predios bajo manejo y, con ayuda de los prestadores de servicios técnicos forestales, se realizó la inspección de las áreas de corta y prácticas de manejo, considerando los nueve criterios fijados por la norma. Como resultado se obtuvo que las áreas bajo manejo y aprovechamiento cumplen con los estándares de sustentabilidad fijados por los organismos certificadores en todo el proceso, en las etapas de planeación, elaboración y ejecución. De 11 ejidos con los que cuenta el municipio, siete cuentan con el certificado y los cuatro restantes están en proceso; sin embargo, también se incluyen limitaciones tecnológicas, diferencias de visión entre los miembros y falta de organización.

Bioactive compounds and physicochemical attributes of loquat fruits in Mexico

The loquat is a fruit found in some regional markets of Mexico, and information on its quality is limited. The physicochemical properties and antioxidant potential of loquat fruit pulp produced in the states of Mexico, Oaxaca, and Veracruz were evaluated. The fresh weight (fw) of the fruits was about 15 g. The acidity of the pulp showed variations between 0.60 and 0.93%. The Total soluble solids values were between 14.5 and 17.3 °Bx. The concentration of total phenols was 3.5 mg g-1dw, and the flavonoids represented 62% of the bioactive compounds. The content of carotenes was higher in fruits from the State of Mexico (75.4 µg EβC g-1dw) that achieved the largest fruit size. In the ABTS and FRAP assays, Veracruz fruits had the highest antioxidant capacity but the smaller fruit size. The total sugar mean content was 6.8% fw. In general, the loquat fruit was of commercial small size, and in the tropical conditions of Veracruz attained high phenolic contents.

Distribution rule for allocation problems with priority agents using the least square method

We use the least-squares method for inconsistent systems to find a new allocation rule for rationing and surplus problems. In particular, we study allocation problems considering different priorities to satisfy the agents’ demands, which influence how the distribution is carried out. The new distribution rule is proposed by choosing different inner products defined in linear algebra and providing explicit formulas for assigning resources to the agents. Moreover, we illustrate how it can recover different allocation rules by adequately defining the priorities. As an application of the rationing problem with priority agents, we consider real data for allocating police officers in the states of Mexico. In this example, the agents represent the states of Mexico, and their priorities were established based on the criminal incidence. Also, we compute and compare the resource distribution given by classic allocation rules and the percentage of loss obtained with each one.

A camouflaged diversity: taxonomic revision of the thorny lacewing subfamily Symphrasinae (Neuroptera, Rhachiberothidae).

Species of the thorny lacewing subfamily Symphrasinae (Neuroptera: Rhachiberothidae) are revised. Prior to this work, 42 species were known in the genera Anchieta Navás, 1909, Plega Navás, 1928, and Trichoscelia Westwood, 1852. Herein, the number of species is increased to 60, 23 of which are newly described. Species previously known are redescribed, and their taxonomic status is revised. Keys, diagnoses, and high-resolution images for all species are presented. The distribution range of Anchieta is now known from Costa Rica to southern Brazil with a total of 11 species, of which three are newly described. The genus Plega is known from southwestern United States to southern Brazil and includes 28 species of which 14 are described as new. Moreover, the genus Trichoscelia occurs from central and southern Mexico to Argentina, with a total of 21 species, of which six are herein newly described. A phylogenetic analysis of Symphrasinae based on morphological characters recovered the three symphrasine genera as monophyletic, with Anchieta sister to Plega + Trichoscelia. The three genera are newly diagnosed based on a cladistic framework. Within the genus Anchieta, bee-mimicking species comprise a monophyletic group, while wasp-mimicking species form a laddered sequence to that lineage. Within Plega, three lineages are recovered, the first mostly composed of South and Mesoamerican species, the second with species predominantly from Central America and central and southern Mexico, and a third clade encompassing species mostly from central and northern Mexico and southwestern United States. By contrast, relationships between species of Trichoscelia were poorly resolved because of a simplified and conserved morphology of this group.

Evaluation of the environmental impacts of the smallholder milk-production system in Central Mexico.

In order to analyze the environmental performance of Smallholder Dairy Farms (SHDFs) located in the State of Mexico, a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) was carried out using two methodological approaches (A1 and A2) to estimate and interpret environmental impacts. A1 consisted in obtaining the average inputs and outputs of 15 SHDFs to generate a representative farm life cycle inventory, while A2 included an individual environmental impact analysis per SHDF to obtain average values of the contributions per analyzed midpoint impact category. The feed production subsystem generated the highest contributions to environmental impacts per liter of raw milk produced. Estimated emissions based on A2 approach, resulted in higher environmental impacts compared to results obtained with A1. The estimated values for the midpoint impact categories obtained with A2: Climate change, Fossil depletion, Terrestrial acidification, and Agricultural land occupation, were 8.73%, 30.77%, 100%, and 20.49% higher compared to A1 approach, respectively. While A2 provides more accurate results, it requires more time and resources compared to the integration of a panel of representative dairy farms.

Prediction of edapho-climatic parameters in the incidence of Campylobacter spp. in northwestern Mexico.

Campylobacter spp. is one of the main causes of enteric zoonotic infections worldwide. In Mexico, although a commonly detected pathogen in both children and adults, there is limited surveillance and few studies. The northern part of Mexico stands out for an unnoticed outbreak of Campylobacter jejuni due to contaminated drinking water, which caused an abrupt increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome in the local population. Although it is suggested that its distribution in nature is related to edaphic and climatic factors, this relationship is scarcely known. To understand abiotic factors driving the occurrence and prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in three municipalities from three states in northwestern Mexico (Chihuahua, Sonora, and Baja California), we used the kriging interpolation method of unsampled areas and the correspondence analysis of 23 environmental variables. Of the three municipalities evaluated, Janos in Chihuahua (CHIH), has the highest number of geographic areas classified as high and medium incidence, followed by Santa Cruz, Sonora (SON) and Mexicali, Baja California (BC). Mexicali (BC) edaphic variables limit the potential incidence of the bacterium, mainly due to the lack of soil moisture and its difficulty of surviving on dry surfaces, related to electrical conductivity and salinity. Janos (CHIH) presents limitations in terms of soil water availability, although its presence is more heterogeneous (2 to 8 months). Santa Cruz (SON) has the highest soil water availability (4 to 5 months), and presents pH, texture and low percentage of salinity conditions for the potential incidence of Campylobacter spp. Mexicali (BC) reports a temperature in the warmest month of up to 43°C, which could influence the presence of thermophilic species. The annual precipitation is another limiting factor for the potential incidence of Campylobacter spp. since it does not exceed 509.5 mm, contributing to Janos (CHIH) as the municipality with the highest potential incidence of this bacterium.

“That is when I understood everything”: Ideological trajectories of pro-choice female doctors in Mexico

ObjectivesThere is little global evidence about how physicians become abortion clinicians or advocates. We describe the ideological trajectories of self-identified pro-choice female Mexican doctors and the factors that made them become pro-choice. Study DesignIn this qualitative study we conducted semi-structured interviews with members of the Mexican Network of Female Pro-choice Physicians (Red de Médicas por el Derecho a Decidir - México). Participants came from 8 diverse states in Mexico. We used a feminist epistemology approach and analyzed data using inductive coding as well as a priori categories (becoming pro-choice, trajectories, and training). ResultsWe included 24 female pro-choice physicians. We identified five intersecting factors that influenced becoming pro-choice: feminism, personal experiences, confrontation with the inequalities and violence that women experience, role models, and routine exposure to abortion care. Participants described three ideological trajectories: being pro-choice before studying medicine, not having a specific opinion, and changing from “pro-life” to “pro-choice”. Participants described an absence of abortion training in medical schools or stigmatizing training, and the use of alternative training sources. ConclusionIn the absence of training on abortion during the medical education, a combination of intersecting personal as well as work-related experience may turn doctors in to pro-choice abortion clinicians and/or advocates. Training on abortion care in medical education and stigma reduction in Mexican society is essential. The findings of this study may be used to develop comprehensive medical curricula as well as strategies directed at doctors in who have never received training on abortion care, such as promoting interactions between doctors and non-medical abortion providers, education on inequalities and violence against women, moving beyond a public health to a human rights and gender perspective, and exposure to routine safe abortion care. ImplicationsMexican female doctors become pro-choice clinicians who provide abortion care and/or advocates in spite of their medical education.

Social mechanisms for the development of irregular human settlements in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico

The work presents partial results of a research carried out by the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, oriented to the analysis of urban growth that develops on the periphery of cities through informal and illegal land occupation processes. The analysis aims to address the social practices and mechanisms that the population exercises to satisfy their land and housing needs, taking the city of Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico as a case study. The results show that the State and real estate developers express their interest in developing the city in a formal way, in which they satisfy the needs of the population with high economic resources and leave aside the poorest population, who practice social actions for the development of irregular human settlements.

Advice for the improvement of teaching practices: Lived experiences in basic education in a state in southeastern Mexico

Advice for the improvement of teaching practices: Lived experiences in basic education in a state in southeastern Mexico

Threads of Rebellion: Indigenous Gender Dynamics among Nahua, Purépecha, and Totonac women in the Mexico State, Mexico

This comprehensive research investigates the complex nexus of agency, power dynamics, cultural nuances, resistance, and indigenous perspectives, with a particular focus on feminist theories and insights from Sherry Ortner. This research focuses on the perpetuation of traditional gender roles among Nahua, Purépecha, and Totonac women and girls migrating to rural-urban areas in the State of Mexico, specifically San Francisco Tepojaco, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico State, Mexico. It examines how ethnic cultural frameworks and the prevalence of gender-based violence contribute to these roles, utilizing Pierre Bourdieu’s habitus theory. The study advocates for contesting and reforming entrenched gender norms to achieve genuine gender parity. Adopting a materialist and transnational lens, the study underscores the critical need to redefine notions of agency, tethering them to a critique of neoliberal capitalism and confronting the entrenched gender binary prevalent in the neoliberal epoch. It underscores the paramountcy of active and quotidian agency, advocating for an intersectional approach that grapples with the multifaceted dimensions of gender oppression, inclusive of the unique experiences of Nahua, Purépecha, and Totonac communities. Moreover, it underscores the efficacy of collective agency in challenging habitus and reshaping deeply ingrained cultural norms. Within this framework, the paper delves into the perpetuation of traditional gender roles among Nahua, Purépecha, and Totonac women and girls migrating to rural-urban areas in the State of Mexico.

Impacts of projected urban growth on simulated near-surface temperature in Mexico City Metropolitan Area: Implications for urban vulnerability

Urbanization impacts the surface temperature fields increasing the vulnerability of urban residents to heat exposure. Identifying vulnerable urban populations to extreme heat exposure is crucial to develop mitigation and adaptation strategies towards sustainability. We used an urban growth model (SLEUTH) to simulate emerging urban areas in Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA) under a hypothetical land-use policy scenario projected to 2060 in which no restrictions were posed to urban growth. SLEUTH outputs were used in the numerical model Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) to quantify expected changes in near-surface temperature within the MCMA. We calculated and mapped heat exposure as differences in average (Tmean), maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) temperatures over the diurnal cycle between future and current land cover conditions. Population vulnerability to projected increases in heat exposure was determined using a set of socioeconomic indicators. SLEUTH simulations showed an urban area expansion of nearly 4,790 km2 by 2060. Overall, changes in Tmin were greater than changes observed for Tmax and Tmean. Tmean, Tmax and Tmin increases up to 0.6°C, 1.3°C and 2.6°C, respectively, were recorded for the MCMA with greatest temperature changes observed in the State of Mexico. Results suggested the presence of socioeconomic disparities in the projected spatial exposure of urban-induced heat in MCMA. We argue that our results could be used to inform and guide locally tailored actions aimed at reducing exposure and increasing population´s capacities to cope and adapt to future threats.

Effect of physical characteristics of coffee grain (Coffea arabica L.) cultivated in Temascaltepec, state of Mexico, on the roasting process

The Finca the Illusion produces coffee that earned second place in the 2018 and fourth place in the 2019 and 2021 “Cup of Excellence Mexico” competitions (represented by technician Federico Barrueta). Due to the scarce physicochemical and organoleptic information on coffee from the southern region of the State of Mexico, the objective of this study was to evaluate the physical and sensory characteristics of coffee (Coffea arabica L. var. Caturra Rojo) grown at Finca the Illusion in Temascaltepec, State of Mexico. A completely randomized design was established with two treatments (Finca the Illusion and Finca Soconusco) and three repetitions (350 g each). The variables analyzed in the coffee were defects, percentage of defect-free grain, density, moisture, water activity, and sensory evaluation of the beverage. At Finca the Illusion, the main defect was fungal damage, which can be prevented with proper practices during the collection of coffee cherry and classification of green coffee. The moisture (10.1%), density (0.69 kg/L), and water activity value (0.51) were within the optimal range. The roasting was medium-light, and the cupping score was 86, corresponding to an Excellent Specialty Origin coffee.