RESUMEN La modelación y simulación son útiles para evaluar, analizar o entrenar un sistema real o conceptos representados por un modelo. Esta investigación se realizó en la tecnología de lixiviación amoniacal para la recuperación de níquel del mineral laterita, con el propósito de desarrollar un algoritmo de simulación del perfil de amoniaco y la concentración de sólidos por balance de masa en régimen estacionario. El diagrama de flujo del sistema de lixiviación asumido como modelo a escala industrial, consistió en reactores continuos aireados con agitación y sedimentadores dispuestos en ocho etapas de lixiviación y lavado, en configuración contracorriente. Como resultado, se determinaron los flujos y puntos de alimentación del solvente para alcanzar la mayor aproximación de los parámetros de operación a los valores normados. En posteriores trabajos se va a incorporar al algoritmo la función de distribución del tiempo de residencia y la modelación cinética con vistas a simular la eficiencia de lixiviación de níquel.

ABSTRACT Modeling and simulation are useful for testing, analysis or training a real system or concept represented by a model. This research was carried out in the ammoniacal leaching technology for nickel recovery from laterite ore, with the aim of performer a simulation algorithm of ammonia profile and solid concentration by mass balance in steady state. Flowsheet of leaching system assumed as model on a full-scale, consisted of aerated continues stirring tank reactors and thickeners tanks disposed in eight steps of leaching and washing, in countercurrent operation. As a result, the solvent flows and feed points were determined to achieve a closer approximation of operating parameters to standardized values. In future work, the residence time distribution function and kinetic modeling will be incorporated into the algorithm to simulate the efficiency of nickel leaching.

RESUMO: O vírus da diarreia viral bovina (BVDV) é um vírus que afeta a produção e reprodução com alto impacto econômico global nos sistemas de produção de leite. Nosso objetivo foi investigar a prevalência do BVDV em rebanhos e indivíduos na região de maior produção de leite do Brasil. A frequência do BVDV nos rebanhos foi investigada usando reação em cadeia da polimerase com transcrição reversa quantitativa (RT-qPCR) em tanques de leite em 289 fazendas leiteiras, monitoradas entre agosto de 2020 e janeiro de 2022. Dentre esses rebanhos, 68 sistemas de produção foram selecionados para investigar a prevalência de animais persistentemente infectados (PI) usando dois testes imunoenzimáticos para a detecção do antígeno (Ag-ELISAs), em intervalos de 21 dias, a partir de amostras de tecido auricular. No total, foram realizados 2.902 RT-qPCR e 23.466 Ag-ELISAs. Na investigação dos rebanhos, 23,9% (69/289) das propriedades leiteiras foram consideradas infectadas, apresentando pelo menos um teste qPCR positivo. Na pesquisa de animais Pis, 41,2% (28/68) das fazendas selecionadas tiveram pelo menos um animal positivo no teste Ag-ELISA. A associação entre os testes permitiu classificar as propriedades em quatro categorias: nível 0, negativo para ambos os testes (41,2%, 28/68); nível 1, RT-qPCR positivo e Ag-ELISA negativo (17,6%, 12/68); nível 2, RT-qPCR negativo e Ag-ELISA positivo (13,23%, 9/68); e nível 3, positivo para ambos os testes (27,9%, 19/68). A análise de correspondência múltipla (MCA) sugeriu associação entre positividade para BVDV e grandes propriedades, produção média diária de leite do rebanho, raça e contagem de células somáticas. O confinamento e a intensificação de animais de diferentes categorias e o uso de camas artificiais estão associados à infecção pelo BVDV. O uso de leite residual ou a granel também foi um fator de risco para positividade para BVDV em RT-qPCR e Ag-ELISA. Apesar da utilização de vacinas reprodutivas pela maioria dos produtores, a sua utilização parece estar associada a explorações positivas para BVDV. Este estudo apresenta as frequências epidemiológicas do BVDV nos rebanhos e indivíduos de rebanhos da região dos Campos Gerais Paranaense. A região está entre as principais áreas produtoras de leite do Brasil. Além disso, a associação entre os testes de BVDV e as características da fazenda indica o risco da fazenda para o BVDV e orienta programas de controle específicos. RESUMO (BVDV Brasil RTqPCR RT (RT-qPCR 28 202 2022 6 PI (PI AgELISAs, AgELISAs Ag ELISAs , (Ag-ELISAs) 2 dias auricular total 2902 902 2.90 23466 23 466 23.46 AgELISAs. ELISAs. Ag-ELISAs 239 9 23,9 69/289 69289 69 (69/289 infectadas Pis 412 41 41,2 28/68 2868 (28/68 AgELISA. AgELISA ELISA. ELISA 0 41,2%, (41,2% 28/68) 1 17,6%, 176 17 (17,6% 12/68 1268 12 12/68) 13,23%, 1323 13 (13,23% 9/68 968 9/68) 3 27,9%, 279 27 (27,9% 19/68. 1968 19/68 . 19 19/68) MCA (MCA rebanho somáticas produtores Paranaense disso específicos 20 (Ag-ELISAs 290 90 2.9 2346 46 23.4 23, 69/28 6928 (69/28 4 41, 28/6 286 (28/6 (41,2 17,6% (17,6 12/6 126 13,23% 132 (13,23 9/6 96 27,9% (27,9 196 19/6 29 2. 234 23. 69/2 692 (69/2 28/ (28/ (41, 17,6 (17, 12/ 13,23 (13,2 9/ 27,9 (27, 19/ 69/ (69/ (28 (41 17, (17 13,2 (13, 27, (27 (69 (2 (4 (1 13, (13 (6 (

ABSTRACT: Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a productive and reproductive virus with a high global economic impact on dairy production systems. We investigated the prevalence of BVDV at the herd and individual levels in most dairy-producing regions of Brazil. The frequency of BVDV at the herd level was investigated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in bulk milk tanks monitored at 289 dairy farms between August 2020 and January 2022. Among these farms, 68 production systems were selected to investigate the prevalence of persistently infected (PI) animals using two antigen-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (Ag-ELISAs), at 21-d intervals, from ear-notch samples. In total, 2,902 RT-qPCR and 23,466 Ag-ELISAs were performed. At the herd level, 23.87% (69/289) of dairy farms were considered infected, presenting at least one qPCR test positive. At the individual level, 41.2% (28/68) of the subgroup of selected farms had at least one animal positive in the Ag-ELISA test. Association between tests allowed the classification of farms into the following four categories: level 0, negative for both tests (41.2%, 28/68); level 1, RT-qPCR positive and Ag-ELISA negative (17.6%, 12/68); level 2, RT-qPCR negative and Ag-ELISA positive (13.2%, 9/68); and level 3, positive for both tests (27.9%, 19/68). Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) suggested a possible association between BVDV positivity and large farms, average daily milk production (herd), breed, and somatic cell counts. The confinement and intensification of animals from different categories, and use of artificial bedding are associated with BVDV infection. Using waste or bulk tank milk to fed calves was also a risk factor for BVDV positivity in RT-qPCR and Ag-ELISA. Despite the use of reproductive vaccines by most producers, their use seems to be associated with BVDV-positive farms. This study presented the epidemiological frequencies of BVDV at the individual and herd levels in the Campos Gerais Paranaense region. The region ranks among the top milk-producing areas in Brazil. Additionally, the association between BVDV tests and farm characteristics indicated the farm risk for BVDV and guides specific control programs. ABSTRACT (BVDV dairyproducing producing Brazil RTqPCR RT (RT-qPCR 28 202 2022 6 PI (PI antigenenzymelinked antigen enzyme linked AgELISAs, AgELISAs Ag ELISAs , (Ag-ELISAs) 21d d 21 intervals earnotch ear notch samples total 2902 2 902 2,90 23466 23 466 23,46 performed 2387 87 23.87 69/289 69289 69 (69/289 412 41 41.2 28/68 2868 (28/68 AgELISA ELISA categories 0 41.2%, (41.2% 28/68) 1 17.6%, 176 17 (17.6% 12/68 1268 12 12/68) 13.2%, 132 13 (13.2% 9/68 968 9 9/68) 3 27.9%, 279 27 (27.9% 19/68. 1968 19/68 . 19 19/68) MCA (MCA herd, (herd) breed counts infection AgELISA. ELISA. producers BVDVpositive milkproducing Additionally programs 20 (Ag-ELISAs 290 90 2,9 2346 46 23,4 238 8 23.8 69/28 6928 (69/28 4 41. 28/6 286 (28/6 (41.2 17.6% (17.6 12/6 126 13.2% (13.2 9/6 96 27.9% (27.9 196 19/6 (herd 29 234 23, 23. 69/2 692 (69/2 28/ (28/ (41. 17.6 (17. 12/ 13.2 (13. 9/ 27.9 (27. 19/ 69/ (69/ (28 (41 17. (17 13. (13 27. (27 (69 (2 (4 (1 (6 (

RESUMEN Introducción: La contaminación microbiológica de las aguas de los Hospitales puede estar asociada a la aparición de brotes de infecciones y los microorganismos resistentes a antimicrobianos pueden proliferar en aguas que no se tratan debidamente. Objetivo: Evaluar los perfiles de resistencia de cepas bacterianas aisladas en muestras de agua de Establecimientos Sanitarios. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo, transversal. Se efectuaron pruebas de sensibilidad a 55 cepas bacterianas aisladas de muestras de agua potable de tanques y de agua tratada de pozos artesianos de Establecimientos Sanitarios de 22 distritos del Departamento Caaguazú. Las técnicas utilizadas fueron antibiogramas (Kirby-Bauer), técnicas fenotípicas y pruebas enzimáticas (Rapidec carba NP). Los resultados se interpretaron acorde al Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Resultados: Se observaron mayormente perfiles de resistencia intrínsecos; en los aislados de Enterobacterales se hallaron Betalactamasas tipo AmpC, Betalactamasas de Espectro Extendido (BLEE) y Carbapenemasas, en los aislados de Pseudomonas aeruginosa se observaron Betalactamasas tipo AmpC. No obstante, se detectaron 13,3% aislados multidrogoresitentes de la especie complejo Enterobacter cloacae. Conclusión: Debido al hallazgo de cepas con alta resistencia antibiótica, se recomienda optimizar las técnicas de tratamiento del agua y de mantenimiento de las fuentes de suministro de agua, en los Establecimientos Sanitarios, con el fin de erradicar las bacterias resistentes y prevenir brotes infecciosos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Microbiological contamination of Hospital water can be associated with the appearance of outbreaks of infections and microorganism resistant to antimicrobials can proliferate in water that is not properly treated. Objetive: To evaluate the resistance profiles of bacterial strains isolated in water samples from Health Centers. Methodology: descriptive, cross-sectional study. Sensitivity tests will be carried out on 55 bacterial strains isolated in samples of drinking water from tanks and treated water from artesian wells of health centers in the 22 districts of the Department of Caaguazú. The techniques used were antibiograms (Kirby-Bauer), phenotypic techniques and enzyme tests (Rapidec carba NP). The results were interpreted according to the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Results: Intrinsic resistance profiles were mostly observed; AmpC-type Beta-lactamases, Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamases and Carbapenemases were found in the Enterobacterales strains. AmpC-type beta-lactamases were observed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Nevertheless, 13.3% multidrug-resistant strains of the Enterobacter cloacae Complex species were detected. Conclusion: Due to the finding of strains with high resistance to the antibiotics tested, it is recommended to optimize water treatment techniques and maintenance of water supply sources, of Health Centers, in order to eradicate resistant bacteria and prevent infectious outbreaks.

Abstract:The presence of coliform bacteria in water presents a potential threat to public health, as it can increase the risk of infectious diseases in the most vulnerable population. The matter is more complicated when the physicochemical and microbiological quality of the water consumed is unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current state of the quality of drinking water in three Territorial Base Organizations (OTB’s) of the Municipality of Vinto-Cochabamba and the relationship of dependence of the microbiological parameters with the OTB’s. Laboratory analyzes of 30 samples taken from different homes (10 samples per OTB) show compliance with the maximum permissible limits of physicochemical parameters (pH, conductivity, alkalinity and hardness) according to Bolivian Standard 512 (NB 512). Regarding the microbiological parameters for total coliforms, of the 30 samples analyzed, only 11 met the maximum permissible limit, unlike the total coliform parameter, where 25 of the 30 samples met the maximum permissible limit. The microbiological parameters were subjected to chi-square analysis, providing sufficient evidence to affirm with 95% confidence that the results of total and heat-resistant coliforms do not depend on the OTB (p=0.36). By contrasting the results of household water consumption with that of water supplied, it can be speculated that contamination of microbiological origin occurs either in the distribution pipes, household tanks and/or the water use practices of each household.

Resumen: La presencia de bacterias coliformes en el agua presenta una amenaza potencial a la salud pública, ya que puede incrementar el riesgo de enfermedades infecciosas en la población más vulnerable. El asunto resulta más complicado cuando se desconoce la calidad fisicoquímica y microbiológica del agua que se consume. El presente estudio tiene la finalidad de evaluar el estado actual de la calidad de agua de consumo en tres Organizaciones Territoriales de Base (OTB’s) del Municipio de Vinto-Cochabamba y la relación de dependencia de los parámetros microbiológicos con las OTB’s. Los análisis de laboratorio de 30 muestras tomadas en los diferentes domicilios (10 muestras por OTB) muestran el cumplimiento de los límites máximos permisibles de los parámetros fisicoquímicos (pH, conductividad, alcalinidad y dureza) según la Norma Boliviana 512 (NB 512). Respecto a los parámetros microbiológicos para coliformes totales, de las 30 muestras analizadas solo 11 cumplieron con el límite máximo permisible, a diferencia del parámetro de coliformes termorresistentes, donde 25 de las 30 muestras cumplieron con el límite máximo permisible. Los parámetros microbiológicos fueron sometidos al análisis de chi-cuadrado, dando evidencia suficiente para afirmar con un 95% de confianza que los resultados de coliformes totales y termorresistentes no depende de la OTB (p=0.36). Al contrastar los resultados de agua de consumo domiciliario con la del agua suministrada, puede especularse que la contaminación de origen microbiológico ocurre ya sea en las tuberías de distribución, tanques domiciliarios y/o las prácticas de uso del agua de cada domicilio

Abstract: The primary objective of this article is to undertake a historical and structural analysis of the social and institutional landscape occupied by think tanks in Chile. The exploration of this case facilitates an examination of how these institutions have acquired influence in shaping alliances, fostering debates, and navigating disagreements among intellectual and social factions, persisting throughout the current national political cycle. The study employed a qualitative methodological approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews in conjunction with a systematic review of secondary sources, including press articles and materials generated by think tanks. In terms of findings, a historical overview is presented, spanning from the mid-twentieth century to the present day, which identifies four generations of these establishments within the country. It is inferred that the realm of think tanks functions in a supplementary manner to the political domain, having experienced a certain degree of autonomy during its historical evolution. However, this development has been influenced by their interaction with political parties and the financing mechanisms they have adopted.

Resumen: El artículo tiene por objetivo principal realizar una construcción histórica y estructural del campo social e institucional de think tanks en Chile. El examen de este caso específico posibilita analizar la forma en que estas instituciones han ganado ascendencia en la conformación de alianzas, debates y también disputas entre grupos intelectuales y sociales que se prolongan hasta el actual ciclo político nacional. El estudio se sustentó en una estrategia metodológica cualitativa que utiliza entrevistas semiestructuradas junto con la revisión sistemática de fuentes secundarias como artículos de prensa y material producido por think tanks. En cuanto a los resultados, se ofrece un panorámica histórico, desde mediados del siglo XX hasta la actualidad, que identifica cuatro generaciones de estas instituciones en el país. Se concluye que el campo de think tanks funciona de manera complementaria al campo político, habiendo gozado de cierta autonomía en su desarrollo histórico. Sin embargo, este desarrollo ha estado condicionado tanto por su relación con los partidos políticos como por los mecanismos de financiación que han utilizado.

ABSTRACT. Due to its beneficial biological properties, chitosan extracted from crustacean byproducts emerges as a viable strategy to mitigate the anti-nutritional factors in vegetable-based diets for juvenile white snook (Centropomus viridis). The growth, survival, and nutritional efficiency of juvenile white snook-fed diets containing chitosan were evaluated. Chitosan was extracted chemically and enzymatically from shrimp byproducts (exoskeletons and heads). It was then included in a soybean meal-based diet (48% protein and 19% kJ g-1 gross energy) at 0, 0.5, and 1.0% chitosan levels (D-Control, CHI-0.5%, and CHI-1.0%). Juvenile snook (initial weight: 44.5 ± 4.2 g) were randomly distributed into 300 L tanks and fed the experimental diets three times daily for 45 days. Fish fed the CHI-0.5% and CHI-1.0% diets were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in growth rates than the D-Control diet. No significant differences in survival were observed. The FCR of the CHI-0.5% and CHI-1.0% diets were lower when compared to the D-Control (P < 0.05). The results suggest the utilization of chitosan in diets with high soybean meal content for snook to obtain better growth and survival.

Abstract: While universities play a crucial public role through education, their impact on the urban and social fabrics of their host communities is less clear-cut. This article examines the emergence of “eds and meds” in the United States, a concept that frames educational and medical institutions as key urban actors, and explores the intellectual and policy debates it has engendered. It traces the conceptual and discursive shift from scholarly social engagement to urban renewal led by private, non-profit enterprises, challenging the often uncritical view of universities as inherently positive community stakeholders. By exposing the persistent misalignments between institutional ambitions and community needs, this study offers a timely and critical analysis of a discourse ostensibly concerned with universities’ roles in civic life.

Resumen: Aunque las universidades juegan un papel crucial en la esfera pública a través de la educación, su impacto en el tejido urbano y social de las comunidades que las acogen es menos claro. Este artículo examina el auge del término “eds and meds” en Estados Unidos, que posiciona a las instituciones educativas y médicas como actores clave en el entorno urbano, y explora los debates intelectuales y de política que ha suscitado. Analiza la transición conceptual y discursiva desde el involucramiento social académico hacia una renovación urbana impulsada por empresas privadas sin fines de lucro, cuestionando la visión a menudo acrítica de las universidades como agentes inherentemente positivos para la comunidad. Al revelar los persistentes desajustes entre las ambiciones institucionales y las necesidades comunitarias, este estudio ofrece un análisis crítico y oportuno sobre un discurso ostensiblemente preocupado por el rol de las universidades en la vida cívica.

ABSTRACT This study describes the process of Pomacea patula catemacensis grow-out in outdoor tanks. Experimental juvenile snails (1.5-2 months old) obtained from wild breeding snails were reared using a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). The present study focused on increasing the surface area of growth tanks to be used by snails without affecting their growth and survival by adding shelters throughout the water column, which also worked to harbor snails. Two treatments were tested; T1: shelters made with curved clay tiles, T2: curved PVC shelters, and control (without shelters) in triplicate. The stocking density was set at 420 ind m-2 in tanks with 1 m3 total volume, and the culture period was 150 days. The final weight of the snails was significantly higher in control and PVC shelter groups (9.14 ± 2.2 and 8.83 ± 2.31 g, respectively), with PVC shelters showing the highest productivity in total biomass (12.03 ± 0.86 kg tank-1, P < 0.05). Final survival (%) was not significantly different among treatments (56.49 ± 1.62 to 58.05 ± 0.62).

ABSTRACT An eight-week feeding trial investigated the effects of fishmeal (FM) replacement by soybean meal (SBM) and poultry by-product meal (PBM) in diets supplemented with two methionine sources (DL-Met and AQUAVI®) and their combinations with ECOBIOL® (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940) on growth performance, body composition, and nutrient metabolism of Penaeus vannamei. Four hundred shrimp (0.30 ± 0.04 g) randomly distributed into 20 tanks (20 shrimp tank-1) were fed with five experimental diets (four repetitions per diet). A control diet (CD; 20% FM) and four diets with 50% FM replacement supplemented with different methionine sources and ECOBIOL® combinations: D1 (0.13% DL-MET), D2 (0.06% AQUAVI®), D3 (0.13% DL-MET plus 0.10% ECOBIOL®), and D4 (0.06% AQUAVI® plus 0.10% ECOBIOL®). Shrimp fed D2 and D4 had better growth performance, nutrient utilization, and body composition. Shrimp fed D3 also had good growth performance but higher lipid body composition. Shrimp fed D1 had the worst growth performance, nutrient utilization, and body composition values. Nutrient metabolism-related genes were affected by dietary treatments. Protein synthesis-related genes decreased mostly in shrimp fed D1 and D2 while increased mostly in shrimp fed D3 and D4, lipolysis-related genes had a better transcriptional response in shrimp fed D4 and lipogenesis-related genes were mostly downregulated in shrimp fed D2 while were mostly upregulated in shrimp fed D3 and D4. Results suggested that FM could be partially replaced with SBM and PBM in shrimp feeds supplemented with 0.06% AQUAVI® alone or combined with 0.10% ECOBIOL® without adversely affecting the growth and nutrient metabolism of P. vannamei.

In 2021, the public consultation period for the modification project of the Chilean Standard for Seismic Design of Industrial Structures and Facilities ended. This project, called pr-NCh2369, will soon replace the currently valid NCh2369 (2003). This article evaluates the implications that these modifications will have on the analysis and design of thin-walled fluid storage tanks. Among the most noteworthy aspects we can mention: (1) an elastic reference spectrum is defined (which did not exist in the previous version), which can be used to carry out special analyses and also to incorporate seismic protection systems, either energy dissipation or seismic isolation; (2) it is established that the design base shear of the previous version is a minimum base shear, therefore, the new tanks with conventional anchoring system would have an equal or higher base shear demand; (3) where applicable, soil-foundation- tank interaction should be explicitly included in the model; and (4) structures susceptible to premature failure due to buckling (elastic or elasto-plastic) must be analysed with the reference elastic spectrum (R =-1). In order to facilitate the application of this proposed regulatory amendment, a general methodology based on performance based criteria is presented, which can be applied to anchored and unanchored tanks, as well as to tanks with dissipative anchors, also considering circular and annular type foundations.

Durante el año 2021 concluyó el plazo de consulta pública del proyecto de modificación de la norma chilena de Diseño Sísmico de Estructuras e Instalaciones Industriales. Este proyecto, denominado pr-NCh2369, reemplazaría próximamente la actualmente vigente NCh2369 (2003). En este artículo se evalúan las implicancias que tendrán estas modificaciones en el análisis y diseño de estanques de pared delgada para el almacenamiento de fluidos. Entre los aspectos más destacables podemos mencionar: (1) se define un espectro elástico de referencia (que no existía en la versión anterior), el cual puede utilizarse para realizar análisis especiales y también para incorporar sistemas de protección sísmica, ya sea disipación de energía o aislamiento sísmico; (2) se establece que el corte de diseño de la versión anterior es un corte mínimo, por lo tanto, los estanques nuevos con sistema de anclaje convencionales tendrían una demanda de corte basal igual o superior; (3) cuando corresponda, la interacción suelo-fundación-estanque debe incluirse explícitamente en el modelo; y (4) las estructuras susceptibles de falla prematura por pandeo (elástico o elasto-plástico) deben analizarse con el espectro elástico de referencia (R = 1). Con el propósito de facilitar la aplicación de esta propuesta de modificación normativa, se presenta una metodología general basada en criterios de desempeño, que se puede aplicar a estanques anclados y no anclados, como también a estanques con anclajes disipativos, considerando además fundación de tipo circular y anular.

Resumen Este trabajo documenta la presencia de Eristalis tenax en un establecimiento lechero de la provincia de Salta. Las larvas de E. tenax, conocidas como "gusanos de cola de rata", se encontraron específicamente en el comedero y la fosa de desechos. La observación de las características morfológicas de la especie permitió su identificación taxonómica. Este hallazgo amplía la distribución geográfica conocida de E. tenax en Argentina. Aunque la importancia médica de estos sírfidos es relativa, se destaca su capacidad de actuar como vectores mecánicos de micobacterias, lo que sugiere la necesidad de controlar sus poblaciones en entornos antropizados. Se enfatiza la importancia de medidas de higiene para prevenir la ingestión accidental de larvas y se sugiere incorporar supervisión en depósitos de agua y piletones de decantación. En conclusión, se subraya la relevancia de reconocer la naturaleza facultativa de esta especie como posible vector y la contribución de su control en las medidas de saneamiento en rodeos afectados.

Abstract The presence of Eristalis tenax in a dairy farm in the province of Salta is described. Larvae of E. tenax, known as "rat-tailed maggots", were found in large quantities on the premises, specifically in the feeding trough and waste pit. Taxonomic identification revealed distinctive morphological characteristics of the species. This finding expands the known geographical distribution of E. tenax in Argentina. Although the medical significance of these syrphids is relative, their ability to act as mechanical vectors of certain pathogens, such as mycobacteria, suggests the need to control their populations in anthropized environments. The importance of hygiene measures to prevent accidental ingestion of larvae is stressed, and monitoring of water tanks and pits is suggested. In conclusion, the relevance of recognizing the facultative nature of infestations is highlighted, along with the potential contribution of E. tenax control in sanitation measures of affected herds.

Abstract Counter-narcotics plans, the redefinition of threats to the U.S., and Chinese and Russian presence in Latin America and the Caribbean have reignited the debate on security assistance, which involves economic and military components. Several actors and the U.S. government allege ‘failed’ results regarding the drug war, and they recommend increasing the amount of such assistance. This article reviews the definition and how government, academia, and think tanks distinguish military from economic support. Official data from 2010-2022 show that 90% of foreign assistance correspond to economic assistance and 10 per cent to military assistance. To contrast this information, we propose the reclassification of the assistance items, through a critical analysis that yields different results where in the same period security assistance amounts to 35% of the total. This is an index of the systematic way, throughout different U.S. administrations, in which security goods and services tend to be placed in non-military security programs, as part of economic assistance, when by origin and objectives, they correspond with the military sphere.

Resumen Los planes antinarcóticos, la redefinición de las amenazas a EE. UU. y la presencia de China y Rusia en América Latina y el Caribe, han reanimado el debate sobre la asistencia en seguridad, que implica componentes tanto económicos como militares. Diversos actores y el Gobierno estadounidense alegan resultados “fallidos” de la guerra contra el narcotráfico y sugieren aumentar el rubro de dicha asistencia. Este artículo revisa la definición y el modo en que el Gobierno, la academia y laboratorios de pensamiento distinguen el apoyo militar del económico. Los datos oficiales de 2010-2022 arrojan que un 90 % de la asistencia exterior correspondería a la asistencia económica y solo un 10 % a la militar. Para contrastar esta información, se propone la reclasificación de los rubros de la asistencia mediante un análisis crítico que arroja resultados diferentes en el que en el mismo período la asistencia en seguridad asciende al 35 % del total. Esto es un indicio del modo sistemático, a lo largo de diferentes administraciones estadounidenses, en que los bienes y servicios de seguridad tienden a ser ubicados en programas de seguridad no militares, como parte de la asistencia económica, cuando por origen y objetivos, se corresponden con el ámbito militar.

RESUMEN La acuicultura de Penaeus vannamei es un importante sector productivo en Ecuador; sin embargo, este sector es aún deficiente en identificar y manejar problemas sanitarios, principalmente en la etapa de larvas. Durante ocho semanas se evaluó la carga microbiana con respecto a bacterias heterótrofas totales y Vibrio spp, en el agua de entrada, agua tratada, y tanques de producción de tres laboratorios del Cantón Sucre, provincia de Manabí. Adicionalmente, se realizó una encuesta sobre el manejo en los laboratorios y la aplicación de medidas sanitarias básicas. Se obtuvieron valores promedios de 7 x 106 UFC mL-1 de bacterias heterótrofas y 4 x 102 UFC mL-1 para Vibrio spp. No se encontraron diferencias significativas (p>0.05) para cada tipo de bacteria entre los puntos muestreados entre laboratorios ni entre los diferentes puntos en un mismo laboratorio. Los valores de Vibrio spp estuvieron dentro de los valores recomendados, mientras que las bacterias heterótrofas sobrepasaron los valores de referencia. El resultado de las encuestas expone la falta de programas de capacitación sobre temas sanitarios y/o bioseguridad.

ABSTRACT Penaeus vannamei aquaculture is an important productive sector in Ecuador; however, this sector is still deficient in identifying and managing health problems, mainly in the larval stage. For eight weeks, the microbial load was evaluated with respect to total heterotrophic bacteria and Vibrio spp in the inlet water, treated water, and production tanks of three laboratories in the Canton of Sucre, province of Manabí. Additionally, a survey was carried out on laboratory management and the application of basic health measures. Average values of 7 x 106 CFU mL-1 for heterotrophic bacteria and 4x102CFU mL-1 for Vibrio spp were obtained. No significant differences (p>0.05) were found for each type of bacteria between the sampled points across laboratories or between different points in the same laboratory. Vibrio spp values were within the recommended values, while heterotrophic bacteria exceeded the reference values. The results of the surveys expose the lack of training programs on health and/or biosecurity issues.

Resumen En un experimento a escala piloto desarrollado en Brasil, se cultivaron juveniles de tilapia genéticamente mejorada en efluente de tanque séptico seguido de laguna de alta tasa (LAT). Durante las 22 semanas de la investigación se evaluó la combinación de tres tasas de aplicación superficial de nitrógeno amoniacal total (NAT) (0,6; 1,2 y 2,4 kg NAT.ha-1.d-1) y tres densidades de cultivo (3; 6 y 12 peces.m-2). Los tanques de cultivo funcionaron como unidades de pulimento para tratamiento de las aguas residuales, adicionando (con los mejores resultados, alcanzados con la menor densidad de cultivo y 1,2 kg NAT.ha-1.d-1) las siguientes eficiencias de remoción adicionales a las obtenidas mediante el uso de la LAT: 78,3% para nitrógeno total Kjeldahl; 89,1% para nitrógeno amoniacal; 63,9% para fósforo total; 57,2% para demanda química de oxígeno; 2,36 unidades logarítmicas para E. coli. La productividad de los peces se estimó del orden de 2,67 ton.ha-1 para cultivo durante seis meses por año para climas templados, utilizando la población de plancton natural del agua residual doméstica tratada como la única fuente de alimento.

Abstract In a pilot-scale experiment carried out in Brazil, genetically improved farmed tilapia juveniles were reared in septic tank-high rate algal pond (HRAP) effluent. The combination of three total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) surface loading rates (0.6; 1.2 and 2.4 kg TAN.ha-1.d-1) and three fish stocking densities (3; 6 and 12 fish.m-2) was evaluated during a 22-week research. The fish rearing tanks worked as wastewater treatment polishing units, adding (as the best results, achieved with the lowest fish stocking density and 1.2 kg TAN.ha-1.d-1) the following removal figures on top of those achieved at the HRAP: 78.3% total Kjeldahl nitrogen; 89.1% ammonia nitrogen; 63.9% total phosphorous; 57.2% chemical oxygen demand; 2.36 log units E. coli. Fish productivity was estimated at 2.67 ton.ha-1 for fish culture over six month per year in a temperate climate region, using the domestic treated wastewater natural plankton population as the only food source.

Resumen Antecedentes: Los cafés suaves lavados colombianos son reconocidos a nivel mundial por su buena puntuación sensorial; sin embargo, se han detectado fallas en las prácticas de postcosecha, como lo es la fermentación de los granos de café. Dichas fallas pueden causar defectos y carecer de consistencia en la calidad del producto, ocasionando pérdidas económicas para los caficultores. En Colombia, uno de los métodos más usados por los caficultores es la fermentación húmeda, la cual consiste en sumergir los granos de café despulpado en tanques con agua por un período de tiempo que permita la remoción del mucílago. Objetivos: La presente investigación evaluó la incidencia que tienen la proporción agua/granos despulpados de café (I: 0/25, II: 10/25, III: 20/25) y el tiempo final de fermentación (24, 48 y 72 horas) en el recuento final de grupos microbianos. Por otra parte, se identificaron taxonómicamente microorganismos de interés para su uso como cultivos iniciadores. Métodos: Mini-lotes consistieron en café despulpado (1950 g) puesto en recipientes de plástico abiertos y sumergidos en agua. Se aplicó un diseño experimental completamente aleatorizado de dos factores (proporción agua/ granos de café despulpado y tiempo) a tres niveles, para un total de nueve tratamientos con dos replicas. Durante las fermentaciones de café (1,950 g), el pH y los grados ºBrix, fueron monitoreados. Se realizaron los recuentos totales de los diferentes grupos microbianos: mesófilos, coliformes, bacterias ácido-lácticas, bacterias ácido-acéticas y levaduras. Se identificaron molecularmente diferentes aislados con potencial para ser usados como cultivos iniciadores (bacterias ácido-lácticas y levaduras). Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que no hubo diferencia estádisticamente significativa entre los tratamientos aplicados y el recuento final de microorganismos. Un total de 21 aislados de bacterias ácido-lácticas (BAL) y 22 levaduras lograron obtenerse a partir de los diferentes sistemas de fermentación en mini-lote. Las especies de bacterias ácido-lácticas con mayor porcentaje acorde a su identificación taxonómica, corresponden a Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (46%), Levilactobacillus brevis (31%). Las especies de levaduras con mayor porcentaje acorde a su identificación taxonómica corresponden a Pichia kluivery (39%) y Torulaspora delbrueckii (22%). Conclusión: Los factores estudiados no afectaron el crecimiento de ninguno de los grupos microbianos presentes en la fermentación del café. Las especies de microorganismos identificados tienen potencial para ser usados como cultivos starter o en aplicaciones dentro de las ciencias de fermentación.

Abstract Background: Mild Colombian coffees are recognized worldwide for their high-quality coffee cup. However, there have been some failures in post-harvest practices, such as coffee grain fermentation. These failures could occasionally lead to defects and inconsistencies in quality products and economic losses for coffee farmers. In Colombia, one of the fermentation methods most used by coffee growers is wet fermentation, conducted by submerging the de-pulped coffee beans for enough time in water tanks to remove the mucilage. Objectives: We evaluated the effect of the water (g)/de-pulped coffee (g) ratio (I: 0/25, II: 10/25, III: 20/25) and final fermentation time (24, 48, and 72 hours) on the total number of microbial groups. We also identified microorganisms of interest as starter cultures. Methods: We used a completely randomized experimental design with two factors; the effect of the water (g)/de-pulped coffee (g) ratio (I: 0/25, II: 10/25, III: 20/25) and final fermentation time (24, 48, and 72 hours), for 9 treatments with two replicates. During the coffee fermentation (1,950 g), the pH and °Brix were monitored. Total counts of different microbial groups (mesophiles, coliforms, lactic-acid bacteria, acetic-acid bacteria, and yeasts) were performed. Various isolates of microorganisms of interest as starter cultures (lactic-acid bacteria and yeasts) were identified using molecular sequencing techniques. Results: 21 lactic-acid bacteria (LAB) isolates and 22 yeasts were obtained from the different mini-batch fermentation systems. The most abundant lactic-acid bacteria species found were Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (46%) and Levilactobacillus brevis (31%). Pichia kluivery (39%) and Torulaspora delbrueckii (22%) were the most abundant yeast species. Conclusion: The studied factors did not have effect over the microorganism’s development. The identified bacterial and yeasts species have potential as starter cultures for better-quality coffees and in fermentation-related applications.