Zulia State Research Articles

New Galumnidae (Acari, Oribatida) from the Merida and Zulia States, Venezuela

Three new species of the family Galumnidae (Oribatida)—Sacculogalumna zuliaensis sp. nov., Pergalumna (Pergalumna) convergens sp. nov. and Carinogalumna meridaensis sp. nov.—are described, based on adults collected from cloud forest in the Merida State, Western Venezuela, and pasture meadow in the Zulia State, Northwestern Venezuela. The genera Sacculogalumna and Carinogalumna are registered in the Venezuelan fauna for the first time. Identification keys to the known species of Sacculogalumna and Carinogalumna are provided.

Alimentación de rumiantes a pastoreo y producción de metano

Climate change limits the release of radiation from the earth's atmosphere, a product of the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHG) such as CO2, methane, ammonia, among others. Ruminants contribute methane to the atmosphere when fed with low quality forage diets, which in the light of different conservationist organizations, qualifies them as major pollutants. When Venezuela signed the Kyoto Protocol in 2004, it undertook to establish a GHG measurement system, as well as scientific research on the subject; however, there are still no research groups in the country dedicated to the permanent measurement of GHG contributions from these production systems. Grazing pastures and forages of medium to low quality, with high contents of cell wall of low degradability, produce a positive balance towards the generation of methane of enteric origin, which could be mitigated if these feeding schemes are improved, tending to improve the digestibility of basic diets. Methane production by these production systems in the state of Zulia is calculated at 209 Gg, 7.1 % of the total inventoried at the national level; however, the lack of research in this area, as well as of systematic inventories of local herds, prevents obtaining accurate data in this regard.

Phenotypic and genotypic study of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from a wastewater treatment plant in Zulia state, Venezuela.

Antibiotic-resistance in bacteria is a global health problem, and wastewater treatment plants can play a role in their dissemination. In this work, we used PCR and plasmid transformation to characterize antibiotic-resistance and the phylogenetic groups of Escherichia coli isolated from a treatment plant in Zulia, a state in western Venezuela. Thirty-six bacteria isolates were analyzed, of which 27 resulted resistant by disc diffusion primarily to tetracycline and sulfisoxazole but also to trimethoprim, chloramphenicol, ampicillin, and cip-rofloxacin. The tetA, sul2, floR, and blaTEM resistance genes were frequently present and, in most cases, transferable. dfrA12, tetB, sul3, sul1, and aadA2genes also were detected. The integrase gene intI1 was common in multidrug-resistant isolates. These results suggest that E. coli from the treatment plant is a reservoir of antibiotic-resistance genes, which signify a potential health threat. Additionally, the phylogroup C was predominant, which is unusual and may represent an adaptation of this group to environmental conditions or per-haps the most frequent phylogroup entering from the influent.

Factores agroclimáticos y de manejo que afectan la producción de leche en el municipio Catatumbo, estado Zulia, Venezuela

Introducción— La producción de leche es un rasgo básico en la eficiencia de los sistemas de producción y la mejor manera de evaluar el comportamiento productivo del rebaño; esta producción tiene estrecha relación con diversos factores, entre los que destacan la raza, la alimentación, las condiciones ambientales, las instalaciones, el número de partos y, en general, el sistema de producción. Objetivo— Describir los factores agroclimáticos y de manejo que afectan la producción de leche en una finca ganadera doble propósito. Metodología— El estudio se desarrolló desde el paradigma positivista con enfoque cuantitativo, siendo una investigación descriptiva con diseño de campo no experimental y longitudinal. Se tomaron en cuenta registros de la producción de leche y factores agroclimáticos a través del programa ganadero y la estación meteorológica, respectivamente, disponible en la finca, y se consideró una encuesta estructurada con 57 preguntas cerradas para observar los factores de manejo llevados a cabo. Resultados— Los registros más altos en temperatura (38°C - 39°C) corresponden en aquellos donde la producción de leche es menor (entre 13.181 l y 16.926 l). Simultáneamente, los valores de precipitación más altos, es donde la producción de leche disminuyó de una manera importante. En la unidad de producción no se le proporcionan a los animales suplementos, solo realizan pastoreo rotativo, realizando un corte después de este. El movimiento de rebaño lo hacen en todas las fases del ciclo productivo del animal; de acuerdo al peso del mismo. Asimismo, casi siempre existe rotación del personal, y las razones serían conductas inapropiadas y otras ofertas de trabajo hacia los subalternos. Por otra parte, la producción de leche mensual y el promedio de producción por lactancia se ubicó entre 64.29 l/mes y 173 l/mes; y 73.79 l/días de lactancia y 209, 86 l/días de lactancia, respectivamente. La tasa de mortalidad en becerro estuvo entre 0% y 2.88%; y en adultos de 0% a 1.29%. En cuanto al peso de crías nacidas y de becerros destetados, los promedios se ubicaron entre 26.27 kg y 35.97 kg; y 162 kg a 182 kg, equitativamente; mientras que los litros de leche por hectárea estuvieron entre 35.15 l/ha y de 90.88 l/ha. Conclusiones— De los factores agroclimáticos evaluados, la temperatura es uno de los que mayor incide en la producción de leche; en cuanto al manejo, la suplementación en la alimentación así como también fertilizar los pastos y aumentar los días de descanso se consideran prácticas necesarias de inclusión en el manejo de la finca. También se sugiere tomar en cuenta dentro de su plan de manejo, prácticas para mitigar el estrés calórico generado en los animales y así reducir en su mínima expresión el efecto de este en la producción de leche.

Sources of conflicts in the execution of projects in companies of the oil sector in the Eastern Coast of the Lake of Zulia state

The objective of the investigation was to describe the sources of conflicts in the execution of projects in companies of the oil sector in the Eastern Coast of the Lake of Zulia state. The type of research was descriptive, with a non-experimental field design. The population was made up of 22 subjects who hold the positions of Managers, Leaders and Project Engineers. The data collection technique used was the survey, subjected to a validation process by the judgment of seven experts in the area, and reliability was determined by means of the Alpha-Cronbach Coefficient, which was 0.92, being very high reliability. Subsequently, descriptive and inferential statistics were used by obtaining measures of central tendency and variability, allowing the corresponding analysis and discussion of results to be generated. As a proposal, the strategic guideline was generated for the identification of the sources of conflicts in the execution of projects.

Petrogenetic constraints of the La Quinta Formation igneous rocks, Serranía del Perijá, northern Colombian Andes

La Quinta Formation is a Triassic-Jurassic volcano-sedimentary unit that crops out along both flanks of the Serranía de Perijá, in Cesar and La Guajira departments of Colombia, and Zulia state in Venezuela. It is mainly composed of red clastic sedimentary rocks (siltstones, sandstones, and minor conglomerates), interbedded with volcanic rocks and cut by small stocks. The volcanic horizons are mainly formed by rhyolitic tuffs and lava flows (basalts and andesites).
 
 Andesites and basalts are constituted by plagioclase, clinopyroxene, biotite, magnetite, apatite, and zircon, whereas rhyolites and tuffs are formed by plagioclase, ß quartz, biotite, and sanidine. EMPA analyses revealed that plagioclase display varying compositions from labradorite-andesine in intermediate and basic rocks to oligoclase in rhyolites. Besides, clinopyroxene from basalts was classified as augite, and several hydrothermal mineral phases were also recognized, such as epidote, Ca-zeolites, and andradite-grossular. Using ILMAT (ilmenite-magnetite) geothermometer, temperature and oxygen fugacity conditions of 700-730°C and +1.2 ∆NNO were determined for dolerite.
 
 Whole-rock geochemistry results evidence that La Quinta Formation volcanic rocks belong to the sub-alkaline (calc-alkaline) series, displaying compositions from basaltic andesites to rhyolites. Chondrite normalized REE and incompatible elements spidergrams show typical features of subduction-related magmatism and depict three groups of rocks (basic, intermediate, and acid) with contrasting geochemical behaviors. Hence, each group could have formed during single magmatic events associated with different magmatic suites. Nevertheless, the three groups have features that suggest a genesis related to an Andean-type supra-subduction zone, which agrees with the regional tectonic assemblage during Triassic-Jurassic times.

Effects of depth in semi-controlled artificial incubation on egg hatching success of <em>Crocodylus acutus</em> (Cuvier, 1807) and hatchlings biometry

Semi-controlled artificial incubation methods of crocodile eggs use low technology devices where one or more parameters cannot be controlled, but with the advantage that they are less expensive and logistically more feasible. This study evaluated the effect of different artificial incubation depths on the hatching success of eggs of Crocodylus acutus, under semi-controlled conditions, and analyzed biometric data of the hatchlings. The crocodile nests were collected from sandbanks of the two rivers (Río Negro and Río Santa Rosa), both located at Machiques de Perijá, Zulia state, Venezuela. The results showed a significant and positive effect on hatching success when the eggs were buried at 2 cm depth, compared to those at 10 cm and 20 cm. The hatching success at 2 cm depth was 82.43%. Also, we found that the size and weight of the hatchlings, as well as the relationships between these biometric variables, depend on the place of origin of the nests. The highest hatching percentage obtained at 2 cm was probably due to the effect of optimal incubation temperatures at this depth. The isolation and controlled heating system of the incubation room would prevent extreme fluctuations in temperature, favoring greater hatching at 2 cm depth. Differences in the biometric aspects of the hatchlings could be associated with differences in the size and the physiological status of the females from both sites.

Canids (Caninae) from the Past of Venezuela

There are three extant species of wild canids in Venezuela: Urocyon cinereoargenteus, Cerdocyon thous, and Speothos venaticus, excluding the feral domestic dog (Canis familiaris). However, a review of paleontological material that was published previously, along with newly reported ancient specimens, reveals a distinct historical diversity for the same region. The gray fox, U. cinereoargenteus, is the only small-sized taxon and the only Vulpini (true fox) identified to date in the fossil record of Venezuela; its presence is limited to the late Pleistocene of the Mene de Inciarte site, Zulia State. In contrast, large canids are more abundant. Aenocyon dirus (subtribe Canina), the dire wolf from the late Pleistocene, was reported from the sites El Mene de Inciarte, Muaco in Falcón State, and for the first time in El Breal de Orocual (ORS20) in Monagas State. The genus Protocyon, a native South American canid (subtribe Cerdocyonina), is recognized in the country from late Pleistocene Inciarte (Protocyon troglodytes sensu lato), and late Pliocene–early Pleistocene Orocual (ORS16) (Protocyon orocualensis sp. nov.). Finally, we report a possible genus Theriodictis from the late Pleistocene Orocual; this is a Cerdocyonina not previously mentioned for the northern region of South America. These records present broader diversity and suggest a more complex evolutionary history than previously thought for South American canids.

Itinerario geológico virtual: propuesta didáctica desde los afloramientos de la Formación El Milagro

The teaching of Earth Sciences must ensure the knowledge that students must have regarding the geography of their immediate environment. The objective of the research is to propose a virtual itinerary based on the outcrops of the El Milagro Formation for the teaching of geological processes in the Earth Sciences training area. The methodological line is descriptive and projective, with a field design. The instruments used were a questionnaire with closed questions and a standardized knowledge test, validated by four (4) experts. In the investigation of the technological didactic resources used by the teachers, it was obtained that in the "web pages" indicator, 50% claim never to use them in the teaching of Earth Sciences; It stands out that 100% say they never design virtual geological itineraries. In reference to the level of knowledge about geological processes that students have, only an average of 30% answered correctly in the items that group the indicators "vegetation, "lithology", "erosion", "stratigraphic processes" and "slope processes" of the Miracle Formation, which denotes weakness in the domain of knowledge. To give solvency to the indicated diagnosis, a virtual geological itinerary is proposed based on the outcrops of the El Milagro Formation of Zulia state (Venezuela) to stimulate the teaching of geological processes in General Secondary Education. Its application manages to promote educational dynamics in the area of ​​Earth Sciences training.

Humanitarian Projects Development from Universidad del Zulia SIGHT Affinity Group

This work aims to divulge the volunteering experiences within humanitarian projects development from Universidad del Zulia SIGHT affinity group in Venezuela. At first, “Una mano por tu Facultad” project carried out in 2019 is described, which had the active participation of volunteers from the RE-IEEE-LUZ student branch and the SIGHT-LUZ affinity group and resulted in the recovery of twenty-six (26) classrooms and four (4) laboratories of the Faculty of Engineering. Furthermore, a new project is underway in response to COVID-19, which is focused on a distance education system using funds approved by the Humanitarian Activities Committee (HAC) and the Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology (SIGHT) of the Institute of Engineers Electrical and Electronic (IEEE). This group has the objective of bringing technologies-based solutions to problems existing in local communities in the Zulia State, Venezuela.

Bases para el diseño de una política pública para la educación nutricional en enfermedades cardiometabólicas en el Municipio Maracaibo, Estado Zulia

Las enfermedades cardiometabólicas son de alta prevalencia en edades donde existe una mayor productividad. Esta condición representa un problema público que implica su análisis en el ámbito de las políticas públicas localizadas en contextos específicos como el caso del Municipio Maracaibo del Estado Zulia en Venezuela. El estudio propone elaborar el diseño de una política pública relativa a la educación nutricional, mediante la gestión de proyectos estratégicos para prevenir, educar y controlar las referidas enfermedades. El estudio fue desarrollado durante el período 2019-2020. En lo metodológico se fundamentó en el enfoque de marco lógico que permiten cuestionar y analizar la realidad estudiada, a través de la organización de un diseño de investigación estructurado en un nivel prospectivo-estratégico que implica la sistematización del problema público. El resultado plantea un proyecto didáctico de intervención comunitaria orientado a disminuir la prevalencia de enfermedades cardiometabólicas en esta región del país, mediante un programa de educación nutricional para promocionar estilos de vida saludables. Se concluye que la definición de las enfermedades cardiometabólicas como problema estructurado en el ámbito social, es un prerrequisito para el diseño de una política pública, asociado a proyectos de educación nutricional que contribuyan a atenuar esta condición en la población.

Attitudes towards Afro-Venezuelans in lyrics of gaita zuliana: 1965–1985

ABSTRACT As with most Latin American nations, Venezuela has traditionally embraced the exceptionalist myth that it is a racial democracy. That does not mean racism is absent in that country. A combination of paternalist attitudes and pernicious stereotypes towards Afro-Venezuelans permeates throughout pop culture products. This article explores the attitudes towards AfroVenezuelans in gaita zuliana, a popular music genre in Zulia state. To do so, I rely on analysis of lyrics of some popular gaita songs, composed during the golden age of gaita, 1965–1985. I conclude that, although gaita zuliana draws upon many tropes from the history of racism, it nevertheless has potential for activism in favor of liberation from racial oppression.

Habilidades gerenciales para el desarrollo del pensamiento estratégico en empresas mixtas del sector petrolero

El presente estudio busca analizar las habilidades del gerente que permitan desarrollar el pensamiento estratégico en las empresas mixtas del sector petrolero del municipio Maracaibo - estado Zulia. Para cumplir con dicho propósito se estructuró un marco teórico sustentado en los planteamientos de autores como Cuenca, Matilla y Compte (2020), Martínez (2016a, 2016b), Mendoza y López (2016), Rivas (2014), entre otros. La metodología utilizada fue descriptiva y de campo, con un diseño no experimental y transeccional. Para la muestra, por su condición de finita, no se aplicaron técnicas estadísticas de selección. Como instrumentos de recolección de datos se aplicó un cuestionario tipo encuesta contentiva de 18 ítems con escala de medición tipo Likert cuya validez se determinó mediante el juicio de cinco expertos y la confiabilidad medida a través del Alpha Conbrach arrojó un resultado de 0,84. Los resultados permitieron concluir, principalmente, que las relaciones públicas, la toma de decisiones y la efectividad personal resultan inadecuadas entre las empresas seleccionadas para el estudio

Evaluación de calidad de suelos plataneros a través de la actividad microbiana en el sur del lago de Maracaibo, estado de Zulia, Venezuela

The microbial activity can serve as an indicator of the general state of the soil, since it is the reflection of optimal physical and chemical conditions for the development of the metabolic processes of microorganisms that act on the soil, which is why it constitutes an indicator of the dynamics and resource health. With the objective to evaluate the soil quality through microbial activity in banana plantations at the south of Lake Maracaibo, a study was carried out in different production units located in the municipality of Colón of the Zulia state. Lots of banana plants of high and low vigor (AV and BV), for this purpose composite samples the soil at 0-20 cm depth were taken. It was determined: microbial carbon, soil basal respiration, and microbial and metabolic quotient. The results showed that vigor parameters: number of hands per bunch; pseudostem circumference and height of the succession child were significantly higher in VA than in BV, while for microbial carbon, basal soil respiration, and microbial and metabolic ratios, no statistically significant differences were found between vigor lots. The high microbial activity was closely related to the soil texture and, in turn, this positively influenced the biometric parameters of the plants.

Transcultural adaptation and validation of the methodology of the Community Oriented Programme for Control of Rheumatic Disease (COPCORD) in the indigenous Wayuu population. Venezuela

ObjectiveTo adapt cross-culturally and validate the COPCORD methodology in the indigenous Wayuu population of Zulia state, Venezuela. MethodologyA cross-sectional study was conducted on Wayuu indigenous people from the Mara and Guajira municipalities of the state of Zulia, Venezuela. The Venezuelan version of the COPCORD questionnaire was transculturally adapted and translated from Venezuelan Spanish to Wayuunaiki (Wayuu language). One hundred indigenous Wayuu, agreed to participate, they were administered the instrument, house by house, by health personnel, who were bilingual and previously trained. Positive COPCORD individuals were evaluated by rheumatologists. A descriptive analysis of variables was performed, Cronbach's alpha was measured, Spearman's correlation, screening test analysis (sensitivity, specificity, VPP and SVR +). Results66% were women, average age 41.4 years, 20% monolingual, 21% illiterate, 69% in a couple/married, 57% with informal work. Sixty-two percent reported pain, 56% with criteria of rheumatic diseases, the most frequent were: osteoarthritis (32.3%), mechanical lower back pain (13.9%), and regional rheumatic pain syndrome (12.3%). Five dimensions of the instrument presented Cronbach's alpha> .7. The sensitivity was 100% and specificity 11.1%, VPP 14.3%, SVR + 1.13%. ConclusionThe COPCORD is valid and useful as a screening tool for the detection of musculoskeletal complaints and rheumatic diseases in the indigenous Wayuu population.

Lunar Cycle Influences Reproductive Performance of Crossbred Brahman Cows Under Tropical Conditions.

Evidence has accumulated over the years indicating that the moon influences some aspects of the reproductive activity in animals and humans. However, little is known about the influence of the lunar cycle on the reproductive performance of cows under tropical conditions, where the environment strongly affects reproduction. This retrospective study was conducted with the aim of assessing the influence of the lunar cycle on some reproductive traits of tropical crossbred cows managed in a pasture-based system. Data from 5869 reproductive records from two commercial farms localized in the Maracaibo Lake Basin of Zulia State, Venezuela, were analyzed. Variables studied were first service conception rate, calving frequency, first postpartum estrous frequency, and pregnancy frequency. In addition to the lunar cycle, the effects of farm, season, and predominant breed were also considered. Data were analyzed using logistic regression and general linear model from SAS. First service conception was affected by lunar phases and predominant breed, but not by farm or season. For frequencies of calving, first postpartum estrus, and pregnancy, there was no main effect of farm, season, and predominant breed, whereas the effect of lunar phases was highly significant. First service conception was significantly greater in waning than in crescent phase of the lunar cycle. Frequencies of calving, first estrus, and pregnancy were highly correlated and showed greater figures around full moon and new moon. In conclusion, lunar cycle influenced first service conception, attaining greater values in the waning phase of the moon cycle. Frequencies of calving, first postpartum estrus, and pregnancy in crossbred cows showed a clear bimodal rhythm, whose greatest values coincided with new moon and full moon.

Comparison of polymer-based slag-mud slurries used for drilling jobs of steam stimulated wells in the Lagunillas oilfield (Venezuela)

The mud-to-cement conversion or 'slag-mix' technology displays several advantages when compared to conventional well cementing operations. This alternative method means to combine drilling fluids, accelerators, and finely granulated slag as the hydraulic material. Steam injection is commonly used to improve crude oil production in the Lagunillas field (state of Zulia, NW Venezuela). This work compares the use of two slag-mix systems containing two polymer-based drilling muds during cementing of injection wells: an aqueous drilling fluid and an oil-in-water emulsion mud. After comparing the use of the two study drilling mud systems with a typical lignosulfonate slag-mix system, it can be stated that both systems may be suitable to be used in the application of the mentioned-above technology in steam stimulated wells. The aqueous formulations under study and a typical slag-mud slurry containing lignosulfonate show relatively similar values for most physic-mechanical properties. In contrast, the slag-mix emulsion system under consideration shows distinctive rheological and filtration behaviours compared to the other study polymer-based slag-mud slurry, but similar mechanical properties. [Received: April 26, 2019; Accepted: August 1, 2019]

Objetos domésticos en la parroquia rural Inmaculada Concepción de La Cañada, Provincia de Maracaibo, Venezuela (1804-1860)

El objetivo de este artículo es estudiar los objetos domésticos como parte significativa de la cultura material en la parroquia rural Inmaculada Concepción de La Cañada, Provincia de Maracaibo (Venezuela), durante el período 1804-1860. Utilizando una metodología que permite sistematizar la información contenida en las fuentes documentales, se cuantifica el nivel de bienestar material del que habrían disfrutado los habitantes de la parroquia con base en el tipo y la variedad de objetos presentes en sus viviendas. En consonancia con un reciente “giro material” en las ciencias sociales, se trasciende la concepción funcional de los objetos domésticos como simples útiles o mercancías, abordando su agencia material y explorando cómo dichos objetos pudieron contribuir a producir, reproducir y transformar las relaciones sociales y las prácticas e identidades de los agentes sociales. Las principales fuentes primarias utilizadas consistieron en un conjunto de expedientes de inventarios post-mortem consultados en el Registro Principal del estado Zulia (Maracaibo, Venezuela).

Comparison of polymer-based slag-mud slurries used for drilling jobs of steam stimulated wells in the Lagunillas oilfield (Venezuela)

The mud-to-cement conversion or 'slag-mix' technology displays several advantages when compared to conventional well cementing operations. This alternative method means to combine drilling fluids, accelerators, and finely granulated slag as the hydraulic material. Steam injection is commonly used to improve crude oil production in the Lagunillas field (state of Zulia, NW Venezuela). This work compares the use of two slag-mix systems containing two polymer-based drilling muds during cementing of injection wells: an aqueous drilling fluid and an oil-in-water emulsion mud. After comparing the use of the two study drilling mud systems with a typical lignosulfonate slag-mix system, it can be stated that both systems may be suitable to be used in the application of the mentioned-above technology in steam stimulated wells. The aqueous formulations under study and a typical slag-mud slurry containing lignosulfonate show relatively similar values for most physic-mechanical properties. In contrast, the slag-mix emulsion system under consideration shows distinctive rheological and filtration behaviours compared to the other study polymer-based slag-mud slurry, but similar mechanical properties. [Received: April 26, 2019; Accepted: August 1, 2019]

Origin and Biodegradation of Crude Oils from the Northernmost Fields in the Bolivar Coastal Complex (Zulia State, Venezuela)

The organic geochemical features of 30 sampled oils from the northern Bolivar Coastal Complex (Lake Maracaibo Basin, NW Venezuela) were examined by combining carbon isotope, classical biomarker, and extended diamondoid analyses to clarify source facies and to assess the thermal maturity and extent of biodegradation of the oils analyzed. In this work, oils are understood as a mixture of two episodes of petroleum generation from the La Luna Formation: a paleobiodegraded oil pulse during Paleogene times and a late pulse having a higher maturity in the post-Oligocene. For the oil samples analyzed, results revealed a mixing composed of different proportions of almost a terrestrially derived siliciclastic-sourced and a purely marine carbonate-sourced oil pulse. Moreover, two main groups of oils were identified by means of hierarchical cluster analysis. Finally, inter- and intrafield variations in the extent of biodegradation were also assessed using two classification schemes (Peters and Moldowan, and Manco scales).