Resumen: Los alimentos cumplen funciones sociales y nutrimentales. Conocer el significado de un alimento es determinante para comprender el comportamiento hacia ellos, en especial cuando se trata de alimentos tradicionales. Se entrevistó a dos grupos de personas del Valle del Mezquital y la Comarca Minera en Hidalgo, México, para conocer qué palabras asociaban al concepto “alimento tradicional”. Para ello se empleó la asociación de palabras. Los resultados se analizaron mediante el análisis semántico latente (ASL). A través del ASL, se encontraron nueve dimensiones para el Valle del Mezquital y siete para la Comarca Minera. Al reducirlas, se obtuvieron tres dimensiones definitorias compartidas entre regiones, que fueron: Nutrición y calidad nutrimental, Identidad territorial vinculada a una región, y Experiencias derivadas del consumo. La dimensión Cultura alimentaria fue propia del Valle del Mezquital. Nuestros hallazgos sugieren que el ASL es adecuado para el análisis de conceptos y que las regiones poseen dimensiones propias de su contexto geocultural.

Abstract: Foods fulfil social and nutritional functions. Knowing the meaning of foods is essential to understand the behavior towards them, especially when it comes to traditional foods. Two groups of people from Mezquital Valley and the Comarca Minera region in Hidalgo, Mexico, were interviewed through word association to find out what words they associated with the concept of "traditional food". The results were analyzed using the Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA). Through the LSA, nine dimensions were found for the Mezquital Valley and seven for the Comarca Minera region. These were further reduced to three defining dimensions shared between regions: Nutrition and nutritional quality, Territorial identity of a region, and Experiences derived from consumption. The Food Culture dimension was typical of the Mezquital Valley. Our findings suggest that LSA is suitable for the analysis of concepts and that regions have dimensions of their own geocultural context.

Resumo: O alimento cumpre funções sociais e nutricionais. Saber o significado de um alimento é decisivo para entender o comportamento em relação a ele, principalmente quando se trata de alimentos tradicionais. Foram entrevistados dois grupos de pessoas do Vale do Mezquital e da Comarca Minera em Hidalgo, México, para descobrir que palavras associam ao conceito de "Alimento tradicional". Para isso, foi utilizada a Associação de palavras. Os resultados foram analisados por meio da Análise Semântica Latente (ASL). Por meio da ASL, foram encontradas nove dimensões para o Vale do Mezquital e sete para a Região Mineira. Ao reduzi-los, foram obtidas três dimensões definidoras, compartilhadas entre as regiões, quais sejam: Nutrição e qualidade nutricional, Identidade territorial vinculada a uma região e Experiências derivadas do consumo. A dimensão da Cultura Alimentar era típica do Vale do Mezquital. Nossos resultados sugerem que o ASL é adequado para a análise de conceitos e que as regiões possuem dimensões de seu próprio contexto geocultural.

Abstract Fiber optic access networks have been considered a definitive solution to the constant need for increasingly higher bandwidths. For this reason, PON (Passive Optical Network) have grown enormously in the recent years, offering different solutions to the end customer, whether it is residential or business. However, the PON project is complex and a time-consuming process. This paper is focused on a tool design that, when combined with the schematic of the PON project, performs the survey of all equipment used in the projected cell. This tool provides also the attenuation calculations, as well as the techno-economic study of the network. Simulations were carried out to test the viability of the software, considering the network analysis in two cases: with one service provider using the network or with two service providers sharing it.

RESUMEN Chlamydia psittaci (Cp) es una bacteria intracelular obligada transmitida a través de aerosoles derivados de secreciones nasales y ópticas, tejidos, heces y plumas. Comúnmente es identificada en aves, sin embargo, han emergido genotipos capaces de infectar nuevos reservorios mamíferos. Por ello, se buscó ADN de Cp en muestras de cinco individuos de Mustella putorios furo y un hisopado cloacal de un individuo de Colinus cristatus en cautiverio en Venezuela a través de la PCR-anidada, amplificando un segmento del gen 16S ADNr. Se demostró la presencia de Cp en un Colinus cristatus con signos de clamidiosis y en cuatro Mustella putorios furo sin signos clínicos de clamidiosis. Se indica un posible nuevo reservorio para Cp, donde el contacto con productos de excreción de Colinus cristatus con manifestaciones clínicas de clamidiosis, hacinamiento, inadecuada ventilación, contacto con productos de excreción de Psittaciformes y condiciones sanitarias deficientes favoreció la infección por Cp. Se desconoce el total de reservorios de Cp, por ello la notificación de los aislados permite el entendimiento, distribución y diversidad de agentes clamidiales en fauna silvestre y en cautiverio.

ABSTRACT Chlamydia psittaci (Cp) is an obligate intracellular bacterium, transmitted through aerosols from nasal and optic secretions, tissues, feces, and feathers. Although commonly identified in birds, genotypes have emerged that can infect new mammalian reservoirs. Therefore, of rectal swabs samples of five Mustella putorios furo individuals and a cloacal swab sample of Colinus cristatus in captivity, in Venezuela, were tested for Cp, using the nested PCR amplifying a segment of the 16S rDNA gene. The presence of Cp was found in four asymptomatic Mustela putorios furo and one symptomatic Colinus cristatus for avian chlamydiosis, indicating a new potential reservoir for Cp. The contact with excretions of infected Colinus cristatus and Psittaciformes, as well as overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, and inadequate sanitary conditions can favor Cp infection. The total number of Cp reservoirs is unknown; therefore, the noting and molecular characterization of isolates enable the understanding, distribution, and diversity of chlamydial agents in wildlife and animals in captivity.

Tropical countries produce a great variety of lignocellulosic residues from small-area planted crops. Large amount of "Tetra Pak" package are also produced without any disposal treatment. In order to give solutions for waste management, residues must be incorporated in other processes, such as the manufacture of particleboards. The main objective of this work was to evaluate chemical compositions, extractives in different solvent, chemical characterization of extracts in polar and un-polar solvent utilizing infrared spectrum analysis. A second aim of this study was to test the compatibility between chemical composition and extractives of empty bunch fruit of Elaeis guineensis (BPF), the leaves of Ananas cumosos (PL) and "Tetra Pak" packages with three timber species (Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis and Cupressus lusitanica).. Results showed that cellulose, ashes and lignin content of BPF, PL and "Tetra Pak" differ from those of the woody species. Similar result was obtained for pH and for the amount of substances extracted with different solvents. Infrared spectrum of water (polar), and ethanol-toluene (un-polar) solutions showed that the greatest differences in extracts were found in BPF and PL, this in relation to the studied woody species. Finally, HCMA showed that residues from BPF and "Tetra Pak" packages are slightly different, considering chemical compositions and extract content, to other woody species used for particleboard manufacture. Moreover, PL has the least compatibility with the woody species

Opuntia elatior Br et R, es una Cactaceae distribuida en las regiones áridas y en la costa venezolana. Se efectuaron evaluaciones bromatológicas mediante normas AOAC a la pulpa: humedad (88,17% ± 0,04); acidez (0,04% ± 0,06); pH (5,20 ± 0,01); SST (11,0 ºBrix ± 0,1); carotenoides (3,234 mg/100 g ± 0,010); betalainas (6,93 mg/100 mL ± 0,01); vitamina C (15,09 mg de ácido ascórbico/100 g ± 0,08); pectina (0,12 g/100 g ± 0,1); proteína (0,83 g/100 g ± 0,05); extracto etéreo (0,30 g/100 g ± 0,06); fibra cruda (2,38 g/100 g ± 0,13); cenizas: (0,31 g/100 g) ± 0,05); ELN (8,01 g/100g ± 0,20); energía (38,01 calorías ± 0,34); calcio (50,66 mg/100 g ± 1,52) y fósforo (8,88 mg/100 g ± 0,21). En el caso de los cladodios humedad (91,32% ± 0,21); acidez (0,79% ± 0,08); pH (4,70 ± 0,01); SST (6,0 ºBrix ± 0,1; carotenoides (32,660 mg/100 g ± 0,010); vitamina C (6,88 mg de ácido ascórbico/100 g ± 0,73); pectina (0,10 g/100 g ± 0,08); proteína (0,32 g/100 g ± 0,03); extracto etéreo (0,34 g/100g ± 0,02); fibra cruda (0,37 g/100 g ± 0,03); cenizas (2,19 g/100 g ± 0,08); ELN (5,46 g/100 g ± 0,36); energía (26,23 calorías ± 1,29); calcio (275,00 mg/100 g ± 2,00) y fósforo (12,23 mg/100 g ± 0,96). Se concluye que la tuna O. boldinghii constituye una importante alternativa para la industria agroalimentaria venezolana.

Opuntia elatior Miller is a Cactaceae distributed in dry regions and Venezuelan coast. By using the AOAC norms, the following bromatological composition was determined in pulp: (moisture: 88.17 ± 0.04%; acidity: 0.04 ± 0.06%; pH: 5.20 ± 0.01; total soluble solids: 11.0 ± 0.1 ºBrix; total carotenoids: 3.234 ± 0.010mg/100 g; betalains 6.93 ± 0.01 mg/100 mL; vitamin C: 15.09 ± 0.08 mg of ascorbic acid/100 g; pectin: 0.12 ± 0.02 g/100 g; protein: 0.83 ± 0.05; fat: 0.30 ± 0.06; crude fiber: 2.38 ± 0.13; ash : 0.31 ± 0.05; nitrogen free extracts: 8.01 ± 0.20; energy: 38.01 ± 0.34 calories; calcium: 50.66 ± 1.52 mg/100 g and phosphate: 8.88 ± 0.21 mg/100 g); and stems (moisture: 91.32 ± 0.21%; acidity: 0.79 ± 0.08%; pH: 4.70 ± 0.01; total soluble solids: 6.0 ± 0.1ºBrix; total carotenoids: 32.660 ± 0.010mg/100 g; vitamin C: 6.88 ± 0.73 mg of ascorbic acid /100 g and pectin: 0.10 ± 0.08 g/100 g; protein: 0.32 ± 0.03 ; fat: 0.34 ± 0.02; crude fiber: 0.37 ± 0.03 ; ash : 2.19 ± 0.08 ; nitrogen free extracts: 5.46 ± 0.36; energy: 26.23 ± 1.29 calories; calcium: 275.00 ± 2.00 mg/100 g and phosphate: 12.23 ± 0.96 mg/100 g). In conclusion, O elatior is an important alternative material for Venezuelan agro-alimentary industry.

Objetivo: Las variaciones en el índice de insulina-resistencia y en las concentraciones séricas de glucosa e insulina han sido poco investigadas en la población pediátrica venezolana. Por esta razón el objetivo de este estudio fue describir las variaciones de los niveles básales de insulina y glucosa así como de los valores para el HOMAIR (sensibilidad a la insulina utilizando el Homeostatic model assessment) en una muestra de niños y adolescentes del Municipio Maracaibo-Zulia-Venezuela. Métodos: Para el desarrollo de la presente investigación, se estudio una muestra de 256 niños y adolescentes (120 hembras y 136 varones) en edades comprendidas entre 2 y 18 años. A cada participante se le realizo una evaluación médica y nutricional la cual incluyó cálculo de índice de masa corporal, medición de la circunferencia de cintura, pliegues cutáneos y tensión arterial. Fueron determinados los niveles de glucosa e insulina séricas en ayuno y el índice HOMAIR fue calculado como un indicador de la insulina-resistencia. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los niveles de glucosa al comparar los diferentes grupos por edad y sexo. Sin embargo los niveles de insulina y el índice HOMAIR fueron significativamente mayores en las niñas del grupo de 14-18 años al compararlo con los niños del mismo grupo de edad (p < 0.001). El promedio del valor del HOMAIR así como de los niveles de insulina fueron mayores en el grupo de hembras y varones de 10-13 años (p < 0.05) al comparar con el resto de los grupos del mismo sexo. Conclusiones: Las concentraciones de glucosa mostraron una distribución bastante similar en todos los grupos por edad y sexo. Las concentraciones promedio de glucosa fueron menores en nuestra población que en otras poblaciones pediátricas. Los valores mas elevados de insulina y del índice HOMAIR se observaron en el grupo de 10-13 años de edad en ambos sexos.

Objective: Variations of insulin resistance index and the serum concentrations of glucose and insulin among children and adolescents are poorly investigated in Venezuelan pediatric population. The aim of this study was to describe the variations of fasting plasma insulin, glucose and HOMAIR in sample of children and adolescents from Maracaibo-Zulia-Venezuela. Methods: A sample of 256 children and adolescents (120 girls and 136 boys) between 2 and 18 years old were studied. A medical and nutritional history was made which included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), subcutaneous skinfolds and blood pressure (BP) measurements. Fasting seric insulin and glucose were determined and the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index was calculated as an indicator of insulin resistance. Results: In all age and gender groups, no significant differences were found in glucose levels. However insulin concentration and HOMAIR index were significantly higher in the 14-18 years old female group (p < 0.001) when they were compared with males. The mean HOMAIR value and insulin level were higher in 10-13 years old girls and boys groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The glucose concentrations exhibited tight distributions in all age and sex groups. The mean concentrations of glucose were lower in our population than in other pediatric population. The increases in insulin concentrations and in HOMAIR index were observed in the 10-13 years old group from both genders.

Se realizó la evaluación fisicoquímica de dos aguardientes dulces aromatizados con los extractos de las cáscaras de naranja Valencia y mandarina Cleopatra, para esto se utilizaron frutas de madurez homogénea y ausencia de daños. Las cáscaras de ambas frutas se sometieron a procesos de maceración durante 8 horas en ausencia de luz, utilizando como solvente alcohol etílico neutro (96,2 ºGL) a tres relaciones distintas peso de cáscara / volumen de etanol (10, 13 y 16%) para cada fruta. Se preparó un jarabe azucarado para cada fórmula y se mezcló con cada extracto hasta obtener aguardientes a 40ºGL y 12 ºBrix. Una vez obtenidos los aguardientes se les agrego 1% de ácido ascórbico en base al peso de cáscara utilizado y se dejaron reposar durante 13 días. Se filtraron y envasaron en botellas ámbar. Se escogió la mejor formulación para cada fruta y a estas formulaciones se evaluó su estabilidad en el tiempo (3 meses). Durante este periodo se evaluaron parámetros como grado alcohólico, sólidos en suspensión, sacarosa, aceites esenciales, pH y carotenoides. La mejor formulación para ambas frutas fue de 13%. Se determinaron diferencias significativas entre los meses de almacenamiento para el aguardiente de naranja y mandarina en relación al contenido de carotenoides (P<0,05). En función de determinar cual de los dos aguardientes era el más aceptado se efectuaron evaluaciones sensoriales con la misma frecuencia que los análisis anteriores donde se determinó que el aguardiente de mandarina presento mayor aceptación durante el tiempo de almacenamiento.

The physiochemical changes in two sweet aromatized liquors with orange and tangerine peels were evaluated. The peels obtained from mature fruits without damage were macerated in neutral ethanol (96.2ºGL) during 8 h in darkness. Tests were carried out on three weight of peel/volume of ethanol relations (10, 13 y 16%) for each fruit. The alcoholic extracts were mixed with sugared syrup to obtain liquors at 40º GL and 12 ºBrix. Ascorbic acid was added (1% in relation to the weight of peel) and stored in repose during 13 days. Then, every liquor was filtrated and tuned into amber bottles. The better formulation of every fruit was select and it stability was evaluated during three months on the following physicochemical parameters: alcoholic degree (ºGL), suspension solids, saccharose content, essential oil, pH, and total carotenoids. Significant differences were found in total carotenoids between the months of storage by orange and tangerine liquor (P<0.05). By means of sensorial evaluation the tangerine liquors demonstrated greater acceptability during the storage time.

Se evaluó la degradación de carotenoides extraídos de frutos de lechosa (Carica papaya L.). Los pigmentos previamente separados y liofilizados fueron almacenados en la oscuridad. Se midió su absorbancia a 440 nm, cada 15 días. Se determinó el orden de reacción, tiempo de vida media (t1/2) y constante de velocidad de degradación (k). La degradación de los carotenoides siguio una cinética de primer orden. El producto liofilizado presento t1/2: 43,3 días y k: 0,0160 días-1. Bajo estas condiciones experimentales los carotenoides tardaran 250 días en degradarse por completo.

Degradation of carotenoids from Carica papaya L. fruits was evaluated. Pigments previously extracted from the fruit, were lyophilized, stored in the dark and monitored spectrophotometrically by absorbance at 440 nm, over intervals of 15 days. Reaction order, half-life (t1/2) and constant degradation rate (k) were determined. Reactions followed a first order kinetic model. The lyophilized product presented t1/2: 43.3 days and k: 0.0160 days-1. Under these experimental conditions the carotenoid concentrations will be zero at 250 days.