Resumo O Seybouse é um rio no nordeste da Argélia, é o segundo maior rio, tem uma área de captação de cerca de 6.500 km2 que acolhe cerca de 1,5 milhões de habitantes. Importantes atividades agrícolas e industriais são desenvolvidas nesta bacia hidrográfica. O uso de macroinvertebrados bentônicos como indicadores biológicos tem uma longa tradição em países desenvolvidos e está integrado em todas as avaliações da qualidade ecológica dos sistemas fluviais. O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar o inventário e o papel ecológico dos macroinvertebrados bentônicos nas águas interiores do rio Seybouse e determinar o impacto da poluição em suas distribuições. Resultados semelhantes foram relatados para outros países e rios argelinos. Este estudo enfoca a macrofauna bentônica de Wadi Seybouse e seus afluentes. Foram prospectados 03 locais, um no alto Seybousse Bouhamdane em Medjez Amar e dois no meio Seybousse Salah Salah Salah e Oued Zimba. Entre dezembro de 2019 e maio de 2020, dez parâmetros físico-químicos (pH, CE, DO, velocidade da água, NO3, Salinidade, NO2, MES, turbidez, deth) foram medidos para estabelecer um diagnóstico do estado de saúde desses ecossistemas aquáticos. A abordagem biológica complementar pela análise de populações de macroinvertebrados identificou 7.482 indivíduos e 40 táxons divididos em cinco classes: Crustáceos que são os mais dominantes, Insetos com as ordens principais (Ephemeroptera, Diptera, Trichoptera, Heteroptera e Odonata), Moluscos, Nematóides e Anelídeos. As análises físico-químicas e a aplicação dos índices de poluição orgânica, indicaram uma poluição forte a excessiva para todos os locais especialmente Salah Salah Salah.

Abstract The Seybouse is the second largest river basin in Algeria, hosting an important biodiversity and providing various ecosystem services. This watershed is highly influenced by agricultural and industrial activities, which threaten its biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. The use of benthic macroinvertebrates as biological indicators has a long tradition in developed countries and integrated into all assessments of the ecological quality of river systems. However, the macroinvertebrates of many North African regions are still not well studied, including those of the Seybouse river. The aim of this study is to assess the inventory and ecological role of benthic macroinvertebrates in inland waters of the Seybouse River and determine the impact of pollution on their spatial distributions. We sampled the benthic macrofauna of Wadi Seybouse and its affluents using regular surveys in three sites, of which one was in the upper Seybouse Bouhamdane in Medjez Amar and two in the middle Seybouse. Between December 2019 and May 2020, 10 physico-chemical parameters (pH, EC, OD, water speed, NO3, Salinity, NO2, MES, turbidity, depth) were measured in order to establish a health state diagnosis of these aquatic ecosystems. The complementary biological approach by the analysis of populations of macroinvertebrates identified 7482 individuals and 40 taxa divided into five classes: Crustaceans which were the most dominant, insects with the main orders (Ephemeroptera, Diptera, Trichoptera, Heteroptera and Odonata), Molluscs, Nematodes and Annelids. The physico-chemical analyzes and the application of the organic pollution indices indicated a strong to excessive pollution for all sites, especially in Seybouse upstream

Resumo Este estudo avaliou o efeito do aditivo anti-helmíntico albendazol sobre os principais indicadores de qualidade da carne ovina obtida de animais infectados e desparasitados. Um total de 20 cabeças de carne Akzhaik e ovelhas de lã (ou seja, 2 anos de idade, de sexo diferente) foi usado em um experimento de 20 dias e dois grupos de 10 cabeças foram formados (n = 4). As ovelhas foram alimentadas com dieta básica (ou seja, controle, grupo CON), sem adicionar nada, e o segundo grupo foi alimentado com dieta básica por via oral com a adição de uma dose de 1,2 g / cabeça (um grupo experimental). Ao final do experimento, foi realizado um abate controle de cada grupo para estudar a composição bioquímica da carne e sua qualidade. O aditivo anti-helmíntico albendazol não teve efeito significativo sobre os indicadores (organolépticos e físico-químicos) de qualidade da carne (P > 0,04). No entanto, a proporção de gordura e cinzas na carne do grupo de controle tem diferenças nos indicadores e é reduzida em 24,81% e 0,03%, respectivamente. A droga teve efeito significativo sobre o valor biológico da carne no grupo experimental, onde há maior teor de aminoácidos essenciais (P = 0,06), concentrações não essenciais (P = 0,05) em comparação com os grupos CON. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a carne dos grupos experimentais de ovinos, ao utilizar o aditivo anti-helmíntico albendazol, não teve efeito significativo nos parâmetros organolépticos, mas influenciou positivamente de forma significativa no metabolismo, ganho de peso vivo e valor biológico da carne.

Abstract This study assessed the anthelminthic feed additive albendazole effect on the main indicators of the quality of sheep meat obtained from infected and deworming animals. A total of 20 heads of Akzhaik meat and wool sheep (i.e. 2 years of age, of different sex) were used in a 20-day experiment and 2 groups of 10 heads were formed (n = 4). The sheep were fed with the basic diet (i.e. control, group CON), without adding anything, and the second group was fed the basic diet orally with the addition of a dose of 1.2 g / head (an experimental group). At the end of the experiment, a control slaughter was carried out from each group in order to study the biochemical composition of meat and its quality. The anthelmintic feed additive albendazole did not have a significant effect on the indicators (organoleptic and physicochemical) of meat quality (P> 0.04). However, the ratio of fat and ash in the meat of the control group has differences in indicators and is reduced by 24.81% and 0.03%, respectively. The drug had a significant effect on the biological value of meat in the experimental group, where there is a higher content of essential amino acids (P = 0.06), nonessential (P = 0.05) concentrations in comparison with the CON groups. The results obtained show that the meat of the experimental groups of sheep, when using the anthelminthic feed additive albendazole, did not have a significant effect on organoleptic parameters, but significantly positively influenced the metabolism, live weight gain and biological value of meat.

Resumen Introducción. La producción de frijol está limitada por la disponibilidad de nitrógeno en el suelo y su baja eficiencia en la fijación biológica de este elemento. La aplicación de un bioestimulante a base de oligogalacturónidos (Pectimorf®) se considera una alternativa para mejorar la nutrición nitrogenada en etapas tempranas del crecimiento, pero se desconoce la efectividad de este producto en etapas posteriores del cultivo. Objetivo. Determinar el efecto de Pectimorf® en indicadores relacionados con la fijación biológica del nitrógeno y en el crecimiento de plantas de frijol común biofertilizadas con Azofert®-F en la etapa de crecimiento R5 (prefloración). Materiales y métodos. La investigación se realizó en el Centro de Ciencias Genómicas de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (octubre 2018-marzo 2019) y en el Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agrícolas en Cuba (noviembre-diciembre 2019). Se realizaron experimentos en condiciones controladas y semicontroladas, en los que se evaluó la aplicación de 10 mg L-1 de Pectimorf® a las semillas junto con Azofert®-F y la aspersión foliar a 5 y 100 mg L-1 en plantas biofertilizadas. Como control se tomaron plantas que solo se trataron con Azofert®-F. Se evaluó la nodulación, indicadores de la fijación biológica del nitrógeno y el crecimiento de las plantas. Resultados. En condiciones controladas, el Pectimorf® estimuló la nodulación, el desarrollo radical e incrementó la actividad nitrogenasa. En los experimentos en condiciones semicontroladas favoreció la nodulación y el crecimiento, destacándose el tratamiento a las semillas y la aspersión foliar (100 mg L-1). El Pectimorf® también aumentó la síntesis de ureidos en los nódulos y el contenido de nitrógeno en las hojas. Este producto mostró más de un 15 % de efectividad con relación a la biofertilización. Conclusiones. La aplicación de Pectimorf® mejoró la fijación biológica del nitrógeno y el crecimiento en la prefloración del frijol común.

Abstract Introduction. Bean production is limited by the availability of nitrogen in the soil and its low efficiency in biological nitrogen fixation. The application of a bio-stimulant based on oligogalacturonides (Pectimorf®) is considered an alternative to improve nitrogen nutrition in early stages of growth, but its effectiveness in later stages of cultivation is unknown. Objective. To determine the effect of Pectimorf® on indicators related to biological nitrogen fixation and the growth of common bean plants bio-fertilized with Azofert®-F during the R5 growth stage (pre-flowering). Materials and methods. The research was carried out at the Genomic Sciences Center of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (October 2018-March 2019) and at the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agrícolas en Cuba (November-December 2019). Experiments were carried out under controlled and semi-controlled conditions, evaluating the application of 10 mg L-1 of Pectimorf® to seeds along with Azofert®-F and foliar spraying at 5 and 100 mg L-1 on bio-fertilized plants. Plants treated only with Azofert® were used as a control. Nodulation, indicators of biological nitrogen fixation, and plant growth were evaluated. Results. Under controlled conditions, Pectimorf® stimulated nodulation, root development, and increased nitrogenase activity. In the semi-controlled conditions, it favored nodulation and growth, with the seed treatment and foliar spraying (100 mg L-1) standing out. Pectimorf® also increased the ureides synthesis in the nodules and the nitrogen content in the leaves. This product showed more than a 15 % effectiveness in relation to bio-fertilization. Conclusions. The application of Pectimorf® improved biological nitrogen fixation and growth during pre-flowering stage of common bean.

Resumen Una estrategia para evaluar suelos es mediante índices de calidad que dependen de indicadores específicos sobre los suelos muestreados, el tipo de cultivo y el manejo realizado. Los indicadores son variables físicas, químicas o biológicas medibles, que afectan la capacidad del suelo al ejercer una o varias de sus funciones. El objetivo de esta investigación fue examinar el uso metodológico de las diferentes propiedades físicas, químicas y biológicas del suelo usadas como indicadores de calidad para determinar índices de calidad del suelo en México, a través de una revisión bibliográfica realizada en el año 2022, para el período 2000-2021 mediante diversos buscadores de artículos científicos y palabras clave relacionadas al tema, con la finalidad de generar un diagnóstico y vislumbrar oportunidades de investigación. Se debe prestar mayor atención al estudio de la calidad de suelos en México, con base en información técnica y científica en regiones y estados dónde esta información siga siendo escasa. Producto de la revisión bibliográfica se propone como un conjunto de indicadores físicos: a la textura, densidad aparente, estabilidad de agregados, infiltración, resistencia a la penetración, curva de retención de humedad y profundidad del suelo; como indicadores químicos: materia orgánica, pH, nitrógeno total, nitrógeno inorgánico, fósforo, potasio, calcio y magnesio y como indicadores biológicos: carbono en la biomasa microbiana, respiración del suelo, densidad de lombrices, deshidrogenasa, β-glucosidasa, ureasa, fosfatasa y a los hongos micorrízicos arbusculares, optando por un subconjunto de indicadores o por un conjunto mínimo de datos para conformar un índice de calidad de suelo.

Abstract One strategy for evaluating soils is through quality indices that depend on specific indicators on the soils sampled, the type of crop and the management carried out. Indicators are measurable physical, chemical or biological variables that affect the capacity of the soil as they perform one or more of its functions. The objective of this research was to examine the methodological use of the different physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil used as quality indicators to determine soil quality indices in Mexico, through a bibliographic review carried out in 2022, for the period 2000-2021 through various search engines of scientific articles and keywords related to the subject, in order to generate a diagnosis and glimpse research opportunities. Greater attention should be paid to the study of soil quality in Mexico, based on technical and scientific information in regions and states where this information remains scarce. As a product of the bibliographic review, the following sets of indicators are proposed: texture, bulk density, aggregate stability, infiltration, penetration resistance, moisture retention curve and soil depth as physical indicators; organic matter, pH, total nitrogen, inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium as chemical indicators; and microbial biomass carbon, soil respiration, earthworm density, dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, urease, phosphatase and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as biological indicators, opting for a subset of indicators or a minimum data set to form a soil quality index.

INTRODUCTION: The growth potential of patients has a significant influence on the timing of orthodontic intervention and treatment modalities. Skeletal maturity and dental development are biological maturity indicators which can be used to determine the growth status of an individual OBJECTIVES: To correlate the dental maturational stages of black South African individuals with the stages of skeletal maturation and to determine the diagnostic accuracy of using dental developmental stages to identify an individual's skeletal maturity DESIGN: Retrospective, cross-sectional study METHODS: Skeletal maturity and dental development of 224 subjects were assessed using lateral cephalograms and panoramic radiographs, respectively. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation coefficient and positive likelihood ratios (LHR RESULTS: The highest (r s=0.759, p<0.001) correlation with skeletal maturity was identified for the second molar and the lowest correlation (r s=0.662, p<0.001) for the canine. Positive LHR>10 combined with sensitivity and specificity testing revealed that the second premolar (stage E), second molar (stage F) and second molar (stage H) have the most significant diagnostic reliability to identify the pre-pubertal, pubertal and post-pubertal growth phases, respectively CONCLUSION: Dental development is a valuable diagnostic tool to assess skeletal maturation. The calcification of the second molar (stage F) is predictive of the pubertal growth phase

With water quality deteriorating rapidly at a global scale, river sections suited to serve as reference sites are being increasingly lost. It thus becomes critical to develop rapid methods to confirm that previously monitored sites continue meet the requirements of reliable reference sites. In the absence of pristine sites, 9 near-natural sites, as defined by the Kleynhans (1996) classification, were used as reference sites for the Luvuvhu River catchment to compare the quality of physico-chemical factors against a biological metric. Baetid mayfly community structure at a site was chosen as an index of water quality, since this family is common in all types of freshwaters, highly diverse and adapted to unpolluted running water. Baetid larvae were sampled monthly from stones-in-current biotopes across 9 sites for over 1 year, between December 2016 and January 2018. A Spearman's correlation test was used to evaluate the relationship between physico-chemical factors and identify redundant variables. Water quality standards were measured against the national water quality guidelines for aquatic ecosystems. We used a generalized linear model to determine the effect of physico-chemical variables on baetid species, and canonical correspondence analysis to show the relationships between baetid species, sites, and physico-chemical variables. A total of 3 039 individuals belonging to 12 mayfly species were recorded. Our findings indicated that while the physico-chemical factors were highly variable, they were within favourable ranges to reflect reference site conditions. While water temperature was the most important driver of baetid community structure in general, as it negatively affected their abundances, a subset of species (Pseudoponnota sp., Pseudocloeon sp., Acanthiops varius and Demoulinia crassi) showed clear responses to changes in TDS and stream width. We conclude that specific baetid species show good potential as biological indicators of reference sites and chronic water temperature stress, making assessment of reference sites easier.

Abstract Background: Palynological studies have contributed with topics closely linked to sustainability. However, there are still few scientific reviews that have discussed the relevance of practical applications in current palynology and its perspectives as a theoretical framework for the study of integrated landscape management. This review shows palynological contributions within agricultural model diversities in both natural and novel ecosystems. Questions: What are the current perspectives and concerns of the mature phase in palynology? What are the approaches of pollen analysis on landscape management and biodiversity conservation? Studied species: Pollen analysis and palynomorphs. Study site and dates: Global literature from current palynology. Methods: Global scientific literature using keywords, theoretical frameworks, and original articles. Results: We identified palynological perspectives for the study of sustainability based on global scientific literature: 1) ecological-evolutionary and 2) interdisciplinary research. In addition, we discussed some synergies and trade-offs between ecosystem services that were recognized through current palynology in different farming landscapes: biodiversity-based farming systems and chemical input-based farming systems. While pollen morphology and descriptive palynology can provide the basis for crop improvement, biological invasions, and the effect of deforestation on native species, more analytical approaches such as land-use indicators are necessary for sustainable management. In addition, we have included some biocultural aspects to conservation, due to a lack of practical discourse in current palynology. Conclusions: Innovative influences from current palynology are powerful approaches to integrated landscape management.

Resumen Antecedentes: Los estudios palinológicos han contribuído con temas relacionados a la sostenibilidad. Sin embargo, existen pocas revisiones científicas que discutan la relevancia de dichas aplicaciones y sus perspectivas como marco teórico para la gestión integrada del paisaje. En la presente revisión, se muestran algunas contribuciones palinológicas en modelos agrícolas, tanto de ecosistemas naturales como novedosos. Preguntas: ¿Cuáles son las perspectivas y preocupaciones actuales de la fase madura palinológica? ¿Cuáles son los enfoques del análisis polínico en el manejo del paisaje y la conservación biológica? Especies de estudio: Análisis polínico y palinomorfos. Sitio y años de estudio: Literatura global y actualizada. Métodos: Literatura científica utilizando palabras clave, marcos teóricos y artículos científicos originales. Resultados: Identificamos dos perspectivas palinológicas para el estudio de la sostenibilidad: 1) una ecológica-evolutiva y 2) la investigación interdisciplinaria. Además, discutimos algunas sinergias y compromisos entre servicios ecosistémicos, a través de la palinología en diversos paisajes: sistemas agrícolas basados en la biodiversidad y en insumos químicos. Si bien la palinología descriptiva y la morfología polínica pueden proveer la base para el mejoramiento de los cultivos, las invasiones biológicas y el efecto de la deforestación sobre especies nativas, los enfoques analíticos con indicadores de uso de suelo son necesarios para una gestión sostenible. Además, incluimos algunos aspectos bioculturales para la conservación, debido a la falta de un discurso práctico y palinológico. Conclusiones: Las influencias innovadoras de la palinología son un enfoque poderoso en la gestión integrada del paisaje.

Resumen Los parámetros biológicos son usados como indicadores tempranos en la calidad de un suelo (ICS) agrícola, ya que responden rápidamente al manejo antrópico. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar el efecto del sistema de labranza: siembra directa (SD) y labranza convencional (LC), y de la fertilización nitrogenada después de los cultivos de fréjol y maíz, sobre ciertos indicadores biológicos de la calidad del suelo. El estudio se realizó sobre un molisol de la región andina del Ecuador. Se determinó la biomasa microbiana (BM), respiración microbiana (RM), y actividad enzimática (fosfatasa ácida, hidrólisis de la fluoresceína-diacetato [FDA], y β-glucosidasa [β-G]). Los resultados mostraron que la fosfatasa presentó la mayor actividad bajo LC, la FDA respondió al efecto de los niveles altos de nitrógeno (N), la actividad de la enzima β-G fue mayor en LC. Adicionalmente, el análisis de componentes principales seleccionó a los indicadores biológicos estudiados, como ICS. Se concluye que los indicadores biológicos del suelo fueron afectados por las prácticas de manejo estudiadas.

Abstract Biological parameters are used as early indicators of the quality of an agricultural soil (ICS), due to their quick response to the anthropic soil management. The main objective of this research was to determine the effect of the tillage system: no-till (SD) and conventional tillage (LC), and to the nitrogen fertilization in bean and corn crop on certain biological indicators of soil quality. The study was carried out on a mollisol from the Andean region of Ecuador. Microbial biomass (MB), microbial respiration (RM), and enzyme activity (acid phosphatase, hydrolysis of fluorescein diacetate [FDA], and β-glucosidase [β-G]) were determined. The results showed that the phosphatase presented the highest activity under LC, the FDA responded to the effect of high nitrogen levels application (N), the activity of the β-G enzyme was higher under LC. Additionally, the principal component analysis selected these biological indicators studied as ICS. It is concluded that the biological indicators of the soil were affected by the management practices studied.

Resumen El Programa de Fortalecimiento a la Excelencia Educativa (Profexce) ha constituido un medio estratégico con el que cuenta la Subsecretaría de Educación Superior (SES) para otorgar recursos financieros extraordinarios a las instituciones de educación superior (IES). El programa está orientado básicamente a la mejora integral de la calidad de la oferta educativa y servicios. Dicho programa asigna los recursos a las universidades dependiendo de los puntajes obtenidos en la evaluación externa. En esta investigación de carácter cualitativo se analizó el funcionamiento del Profexce, específicamente la forma en que es evaluado por los comités de pares evaluadores de la SES, con el fin de identificar la correspondencia de dicha evaluación con la asignación de los recursos. Para ello, se realizó un estudio de caso a través del análisis de contenido de tres dependencias pertenecientes al Área Académica de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias de la Universidad Veracruzana (UV). Se revisó cómo ha sido la evaluación y la correspondiente distribución de recursos en los últimos tres bienios en que ha operado el programa (2016-2017, 2018-2019, 2020-2021). A partir de ahí se generaron reflexiones en torno a los retos que enfrentan las universidades para mejorar su calidad con una participación financiera federal cada vez más escasa. Aquí se muestra cómo la asignación de presupuesto no necesariamente obedece a la formulación apropiada de los proyectos y al incremento de los principales indicadores de calidad de las universidades, sino que predominan criterios mayormente ligados a la disposición del presupuesto y a factores ajenos a la evaluación que determinan el monto asignado.

Abstract The Educational Quality Strengthening Program (Profexce, for its initials in Spanish) has become a strategic means available to the Undersecretariat for Higher Education (SES, for its initials in Spanish) to provide extraordinary financial resources. This program is oriented towards academic goals and gives resources to the universities according to the score obtained in an extern evaluation. With this qualitative research it is analyzed the way in which the Profexce operates, in specific the way in which it is evaluated by the committees of evaluators of the SES, in order to identify the correspondence between that evaluation and the allocation of resources. For this purpose, a case of study was realized through a content analysis methodology of three dependencies belonging to the Academic Area of Biological and Agricultural Sciences of the Universidad Veracruzana. It was analyzed how the evaluation and the evolution of the distribution of resources in the last three biennia, in which the program has operated, have been managed (2016-2017, 2018-2019, 2020-2021). These considerations have created new reflections around the challenges that face the universities around the lack of financial participation of the federation. Here it is demonstrated how the assignment of budget doesn’t answer to an appropriate formulation of projects nor the increase of the principal quality indicators of the Universities, is more predominant a criteria related to budget disposal and to factors beyond the evaluation that determine the amount allocated.

Resumo O Programa de Fortalecimento da Excelência Educacional (Profexce) tem constituído um meio estratégico de que a Subsecretaria de Educação Superior (SES) dispõe para conceder recursos financeiros extraordinários às instituições de ensino superior (IES). O programa está basicamente orientado para a melhoria integral da qualidade da oferta e dos serviços educativos. O referido programa destina recursos às universidades em função das notas obtidas na avaliação externa. Nesta pesquisa qualitativa, analisou-se o funcionamento do Profexce, especificamente a forma como ele é avaliado pelos comitês de pareceristas da SES, a fim de identificar a correspondência dessa avaliação com a alocação de recursos. Para isso, foi realizado um estudo de caso por meio da análise de conteúdo de três unidades pertencentes à Área Acadêmica de Ciências Biológicas e Agrárias da Universidad Veracruzana (UV). Foi revisado como tem sido a avaliação e a correspondente distribuição de recursos nos últimos três biênios em que o programa operou (2016-2017, 2018-2019, 2020-2021). A partir daí, foram geradas reflexões em torno dos desafios que as universidades enfrentam para melhorar sua qualidade com a participação financeira federal cada vez mais escassa. Aqui se mostra como a dotação orçamentária não obedece necessariamente à formulação adequada dos projetos e ao aumento dos principais indicadores de qualidade das universidades, mas a critérios principalmente ligados à disposição do orçamento e fatores alheios à avaliação que determinam o destino atribuído montante.

Resumen: La cuenca Salí-Dulce es una de las principales del Noroeste de Argentina y en su recorrido se ve afectada debido a la incorporación de sustancias contaminantes. En los ecosistemas acuáticos continentales las diatomeas constituyen un grupo destacado. Su biología y taxonomía son adecuadas para su uso en el biomonitoreo. El objetivo fue caracterizar la dinámica y la composición de las taxocenosis de diatomeas y su relación con variables ambientales en los arroyos Mista y Calimayo, pertenecientes a la cuenca del río Salí-Dulce (Tucumán-Argentina). Para esto se seleccionaron tres sitios en cada arroyo y se tomaron datos de variables ambientales y biológicas según metodologías convencionales. La calidad del agua fue variable según el aporte de contaminantes y la estacionalidad climática. El ensamble de diatomeas resultó ser una taxocenosis bioindicadora sensible a las características ambientales de los arroyos. En este trabajo se registraron 61 especies de las cuales 11 serían buenas indicadoras del estado de contaminación. El uso de dos índices bióticos permitió afirmar que el Índice de Diatomeas Pampeano modificado según datos propios, resultó más sensible y eficaz en la determinación de la calidad del agua, por lo que se podría considerar como una herramienta diagnóstica, de seguimiento de la calidad del agua y de planificación que serviría para brindar información válida y de fácil aplicación en cuencas del Noroeste de Argentina.

Summary: The Salí-Dulce basin is one of the main in the Northwest of Argentina and is affected by significant ecological changes due to the presence of polluting substances along its way. Diatoms are a prominent algal group in aquatic ecosystems. Their biology and taxonomy are suitable for their use in biomonitoring based on their specific responses to environmental changes. The objective of this study was to characterize the dynamic and composition of the taxocenosis of diatoms and their relationship with environmental variables in the Mista and Calimayo streams, belonging to the Salí-Dulce river basin (Tucumán-Argentina). For this, three sites were selected in each stream, and data on environmental and biological variables were collected according to conventional methodologies. Water quality was variable depending on the presence of pollutants and climatic seasonality. The diatom assemblage resulted as a sensitive taxocenosis bioindicator of the stream status. In this work, a total of 61 species were recorded, of which 11 could be good indicators for stream contamination. The use of two biotic indices makes it possible to affirm that the Pampean Diatom Index, modified on the basis of our data, resulted to be more sensitive and effective in determining water quality, which is why it could be considered as a tool for diagnosis, water quality monitoring and water planning that could provide valid information of easy application in basins of the Northwest of Argentina.

RESUMO O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito da dose e do manejo de aplicação de cinzas de madeira nos atributos de qualidade do solo em uma área de Cerrado cultivada com Urochloa brizantha. O experimento foi realizado em blocos casualizados, no esquema em faixas 5 × 2 e quatro repetições. As doses de cinzas foram de 0, 8, 16, 24 e 32 t ha-1, e o manejo de aplicação considerou cinza de madeira incorporada e não incorporada ao solo. Os valores de P, K e pH do solo aumentaram com o aumento das doses de cinza de madeira. A densidade do solo diminuiu 9,66% com as doses de cinzas de madeira de 24 e 32 t ha-1 incorporadas ao solo. Devido ao aumento do pH do solo, dose de cinzas de madeira maior que 16 t ha-1 diminuiu a atividade enzimática. Uma dose de cinza de madeira de 24 t ha-1 resultou em melhores condições para o solo, melhorando sua qualidade e contribuindo para o equilíbrio e a dinâmica entre os atributos químicos, físicos e biológicos do solo, o que levou à redução da densidade e maior disponibilidade de P no solo.

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate the effect of wood ash dose and application management on soil quality attributes in a Cerrado area cultivated with Urochloa brizantha. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design in a 5 × 2 strip-plot scheme and four repetitions. The ash doses were 0, 8, 16, 24, and 32 t ha-1, and the application management considered wood ash that is incorporated and not incorporated into the soil. The P, K, and pH values of the soil increased with an increase in the doses of wood ash. The soil bulk density decreased by 9.66% with the wood ash doses of 24 and 32 t ha-1 incorporated into the soil. Owing to an increase in the soil pH, a wood ash dose of greater than 16 t ha-1 decreased the enzymatic activity. A wood ash dose of 24 t ha-1 resulted in better conditions for the soil, improving its quality and contributing to the balance and dynamics between the chemical, physical, and biological attributes of the soil, which led to the reduced density and greater availability of P in the soil.

ABSTRACT Investigation of multicollinearity allows parameters in multivariate analysis to be estimated with higher precision and with biological interpretation. In order to generate reliable estimates of the degree of multicollinearity, it is necessary to use appropriate sample size. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine the sample size (number of plants) necessary to estimate the indicators of the degree of multicollinearity - condition number (CN), correlation matrix determinant (DET), and variance inflation factor (VIF) - in morphological traits of rye and to verify the variability of the sample size between the indicators. Five and three uniformity trials were conducted with the cultivars BRS Progresso and Temprano, respectively. Eight morphological traits were evaluated in 780 plants in eight trials. For each trial, 22 cases were selected among the 28 formed by the combination of eight traits, taken six by six, totaling 176 cases. In each case, 197 sample sizes were planned (20, 25, 30, ..., 1,000 plants) and in each size 2,000 resampling procedures with replacement were performed, CN, DET, and VIF were determined and the average among 2,000 estimates was calculated. For each case and indicator (CN, DET, and VIF), the sample size was determined through three models: modified maximum curvature method and linear and quadratic segmented models with plateau response. There is variability between sample sizes between indicators, with larger sample sizes required for DET, followed by CN and VIF, in that order, with at least 180, 116 and 85 plants, respectively.

RESUMO A investigação da multicolinearidade permite que parâmetros em análises multivariadas sejam estimados com maior precisão e com interpretação biológica. Para ter confiabilidade nas estimativas do grau de multicolinearidade, é necessário utilizar adequado tamanho de amostra. Assim, os objetivos deste trabalho foram determinar o tamanho de amostra (número de plantas) necessário para a estimação dos indicadores do grau de multicolinearidade - número de condição (NC), determinante da matriz de correlação (DET) e fator de inflação da variância (FIV) -em caracteres morfológicos de centeio e verificar a variabilidade do tamanho de amostra entre os indicadores. Foram conduzidos cinco e três ensaios de uniformidade com as cultivares BRS Progresso e Temprano, respectivamente. Foram avaliados oito caracteres morfológicos em 780 plantas em oito ensaios. Para cada ensaio, foram selecionados 22 casos entre os 28 formados pela combinação de oito caracteres, tomados seis a seis, totalizando 176 casos. Para cada caso, foram planejados 197 tamanhos de amostra (20, 25, 30, ..., 1.000 plantas) e para cada tamanho foram realizadas 2.000 reamostragens, com reposição, determinados o NC, DET e FIV e calculada a média das 2.000 estimativas. Após, para cada caso e indicador, foi determinado o tamanho de amostra, por meio de três modelos: método da máxima curvatura modificado e modelos linear e quadrático segmentados com resposta em platô. Há variabilidade entre os tamanhos de amostra entre os indicadores, com necessidade de maiores tamanhos de amostra para DET, seguido de NC e FIV, nessa ordem, com no mínimo de 180, 116 e 85 plantas, respectivamente.

RESUMO O agronegócio biológico cresceu substancialmente em todo o mundo, demandando estratégias eficientes para manter ou aumentar a produção vegetal. Entretanto, pouco se conhece a respeito dos reais ganhos econômicos associados aos mecanismos que ocorrem na agricultura, incluindo cultivos tradicionais como a cana-de-açúcar. Buscou-se neste estudo encontrar potenciais indicadores microbiológicos relacionados com o aumento de produtividade e, paralelamente, valorar os serviços microbiológicos do solo por meio do desenvolvimento de uma equação estrutural (SEM). A SEM foi construída com base nos dados prévios de um experimento com cana-de-açúcar a campo, no qual os efeitos da inoculação com bactérias solubilizadoras de fosfato e utilização de fertilizante organomineral foram avaliados. A SEM indicou que as atividades de β-glucosidase e fosfatase alcalina foram potenciais indicadores relacionados ao aumento de produtividade em quatro cenários (atual, plausível, otimista e futurista). Aumentos de 158 e 195 t ha-1 foram projetados com base na atividade de β-glucosidase para os cenários atual e plausível, respectivamente. Estes aumentos resultaram em ganhos econômicos de R$ 453,02 ha-1 (US$ 86,07 ha-1) para o cenário atual, e R$ 1.571,53 ha-1 (US$ 298,59 ha-1) para o cenário plausível, considerando a taxa de câmbio de fevereiro de 2022 (R$ 0,19 US$-1). Independente do cenário, a inoculação bacteriana esteve associada a maiores atividades de β-glucosidase ou fosfatase alcalina e também maiores produtividades, o que se traduziu em ganhos econômicos para os agricultores de cana-de-açúcar.

ABSTRACT Biological agribusiness has grown substantially worldwide and requires efficient strategies to maintain or increase crop production. However, little is known about the real economic gains associated with belowground mechanisms in agriculture, including those of traditional crops such as sugarcane. This study aimed to identify potential microbiological indicators related to yield increase and value the soil microbiological services through the development of a structural equation model (SEM). The SEM was constructed based on a dataset from a previous sugarcane field experiment in which the effects of inoculation with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and the input of organomineral fertilizer were evaluated. The SEM indicated that the β-glucosidase and alkaline phosphatase activities were potential indicators of yield increases in four scenarios (current, plausible, optimistic, and futuristic). Increases of 158 and 195 t ha-1 were projected based on the β-glucosidase activity for the current and plausible scenarios, respectively. These increases resulted in economic gains of R$ 453.02 ha-1 (US$ 86.07 ha-1) for the current scenario, and R$ 1,571.53 ha-1 (US$ 298.59 ha-1) for the plausible scenario, considering the exchange rate from February 2022 (R$ 0.19 US$-1). Regardless of the scenario, bacterial inoculation was associated with increased β-glucosidase or alkaline phosphatase activity and higher yields, which translates into economic gains for sugarcane farmers.

Resumen Este ensayo considera los factores ingreso y salud en la evaluación de la hipótesis de Schiaffino que argumenta que las desigualdades regionales y sociales de la Argentina redujeron el impacto del desarrollo económico agroexportador y las políticas educativas de fines del siglo XIX y principios del XX. Tanto los salarios reales como las estaturas apuntan a pronunciadas desigualdades dentro del país, comparables a las brechas observadas entre el sur y el norte de Europa. El ensayo concluye con sugerencias para una agenda de investigación que estudie las diferencias en los mecanismos institucionales de educación pública, y que considere el rol de las restricciones de crédito en la formación de capital humano.

Abstract This essay puts Pablo Schiaffino’s contribution in the broader framework of the history of human development in Argentina. It brings recent research in real wages and adult heights as indicators of income and health. Heights and wages both align with Schiaffino’s ranking of regions and reinforce the notion that the gaps in human development were enormous in Argentina in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The essay concludes with some suggestions for future research emphasizing the study of the institutional arrangements of public education policies and considering the role of credit scarcity in human capital formation.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre a letalidade e o cuidado hospitalar recebido por crianças e adolescentes internados por COVID-19 e o produto interno bruto (PIB) per capita dos municípios brasileiros e a região de residência. Métodos: Os dados foram extraídos do Sistema de Informação de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe e do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Analisaram-se como desfechos dicotômicos a letalidade hospitalar por COVID-19, a coleta de amostra biológica para diagnóstico de COVID-19, a realização de exames raio X e tomografia, o uso de suporte ventilatório e a internação em unidade de terapia intensiva. As covariáveis foram o PIB municipal per capita e a região brasileira de residência. Foi realizada regressão de Poisson para os desfechos registrados em 2020 e 2021 no Brasil e segundo o período compreendido em duas ondas de COVID-19 no país, ajustando-a por idade e sexo. Resultados: A letalidade hospitalar foi de 7,6%. Nos municípios dos menores decis de PIB per capita a letalidade foi quase quatro vezes maior entre crianças e duas vezes mais elevada entre adolescentes quando comparada àquela dos maiores decis. Adicionalmente, os residentes de municípios com menor PIB per capita realizaram menos coleta de amostra biológica para diagnóstico, exames de raio X e tomografias. Foram encontradas disparidades regionais associadas à letalidade, com piores indicadores nas regiões Norte e Nordeste. Os achados mantiveram-se consistentes durante as duas ondas de COVID-19. Conclusão: Em municípios com menor PIB per capita e das regiões Norte e Nordeste houve piores indicadores de letalidade e cuidado hospitalar.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the association of hospital case fatality rate and care received by children and adolescents hospitalized for COVID-19 with the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of Brazilian municipalities and regions of residence. Methods: Data were collected from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The dichotomous outcomes analyzed were hospital case fatality rate of COVID-19, biological samples collected for COVID-19 diagnosis, X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, use of ventilatory support, and intensive care unit hospitalization. The covariates were municipal GDP per capita and the Brazilian region of residence. Poisson regression was used for the outcomes recorded in 2020 and 2021 in Brazil, covering the two COVID-19 waves in the country, adjusted for age and gender. Results: The hospital case fatality rate was 7.6%. In municipalities with lower GDP per capita deciles, the case fatality rate was almost four times higher among children and twice as high in adolescents compared to cities with higher deciles. Additionally, residents of municipalities with lower GDP per capita had fewer biological samples collected for diagnosis, X-ray examinations, and CT scans. We found regional disparities associated with case fatality rate, with worse indicators in the North and Northeast regions. The findings remained consistent over the two COVID-19 waves. Conclusion: Municipalities with lower GDP per capita, as well as the North and Northeast regions, had worse indicators of hospital case fatality rate and care.