Resumen Introducción. El cultivo de palto es susceptible al estrés hídrico durante la etapa de floración y el crecimiento inicial de los frutos. Este estrés puede ocasionar la caída prematura de los frutos y acentuar la alternancia en la producción. Objetivo. Determinar el índice de estrés hídrico del cultivo (IEHC) en tres cultivares de palto (Hass, Fuerte y Zutano) bajo diferentes condiciones de riego, mediante el empleo de termografía infrarroja. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se realizó en la temporada de otoño del 2023, en la Estación Experimental Agraria Canaán, Ayacucho, Perú. Se seleccionaron 170 árboles de palto de cuatro años en fase reproductiva. Se llevaron a cabo cinco evaluaciones bajo diferentes condiciones de riego, donde se recopiló información después de 14 y 7 días sin riego (SR-14d y SR-7d) y 12, 2 y 1 hora posterior al riego (DR-12h, DR-2h y DR-1h, respectivamente). Se registró la temperatura de las hojas (Th), la conductancia estomática (gs), la humedad del suelo (θ) y el IEHC. Resultados. Los tres cultivares evaluados en este estudio presentaron diferencias significativas de la Th según manejo del riego. Estas variaciones, influenciadas por la temperatura y humedad ambiental, establecieron umbrales de estrés que definieron el IEHC en un rango de 0,34 a 0,96. Al relacionar el IEHC con la gs y θ se obtuvieron valores de R2 = 0,51 y R2 = 0,61, respectivamente. El cultivar Zutano mostró el valor más alto de IEHC en períodos prolongados de restricción de riego y tuvo una baja capacidad para reducir estos valores tras la rehidratación, a diferencia de los otros cultivares. Conclusiones. Se demostró que la termografía infrarroja puede medir eficazmente el IEHC en cultivares de palto, con variaciones significativas observadas en la Th, según la condición de riego. Además, el cultivar Zutano fue el que presentó la menor capacidad de recuperación ante el estrés hídrico.

Abstract Introduction. Avocado cultivation is susceptible to water stress during the flowering stage and initial fruit growth. This stress can cause premature fruit drop and accentuate the alternation in production. Objective. To determine the crop water stress index (CWSI) in three avocado cultivars (Hass, Fuerte, and Zutano) under different irrigation conditions using infrared thermography. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in the autumn of 2023, at the Estación Experimental Agraria Canaán, Ayacucho, Peru. A total of 170 four-year-old avocado trees in the reproductive phase were selected. Five evaluations were carried out under different irrigation conditions, where data was collected after 14 and 7 days without irrigation (WI-14d and WI-7d) and at 12, 2, and 1 hour post-irrigation (AI-12h, AI-2h, and AI-1h, respectively). Leaf temperature (Th), stomatal conductance (gs), soil moisture (θ), and CWSI were recorded. Results. The three evaluated cultivars showed significant differences in Th depending on the irrigation management. These variations, influenced by ambient temperature and humidity, established stress thresholds that defined the CWSI within a range of 0.34 to 0.96. By correlating the CWSI with gs and θ, values of R2 = 0,51 y R2 = 0,61 were obtained, respectively. The Zutano cultivar exhibited the highest CWSI values during prolonged water restriction periods and showed a limited ability to reduce these values after rehydration, differing from the other cultivars. Conclusions. Infrared thermography proved to be an effective too for measuring the CWSI in avocado cultivars, reveling significant variations in Th based on irrigation conditions. Adicionally, the Zutano cultivar was the lest resilient to water stress.

Resumen (Introducción): Las zonas ribereñas proveen una amplia gama de servicios ecosistémicos, y en contextos urbanos de alta intervención humana, esta provisión puede ser especialmente importante. Sin embargo, a nivel mundial, los ecosistemas ribereños urbanos han sido altamente degradados. (Objetivo): Esta investigación analizó la dinámica espaciotemporal de cambio de cobertura de la tierra para un periodo de 30 años (1992-2022) en la microcuenca urbana del río Ipís, en la Gran Área Metropolitana (GAM) costarricense, y realizó una valoración de la condición ecológica de sus zonas ribereñas. (Metodología): Esto se realizó mediante técnicas geoespaciales de clasificación de imágenes satelitales y fotos aéreas, álgebra de mapas, cálculo de métricas de paisaje y utilización de un índice para evaluar integridad ecológica de riberas (índice QBR). (Resultados): En el periodo estudiado, en la microcuenca del río Ipís hubo un aumento significativo de las coberturas impermeables (66.6 %) a expensas de coberturas con mayor funcionalidad ecológica, y ha habido una mayor fragmentación y aislamiento de parches de coberturas más permeables. Los valores del índice QBR, además, sugieren una severa alteración y deficiente integridad ecológica en las zonas ribereñas de la microcuenca en general. (Conclusiones): La expansión de coberturas asociadas a usos urbanos ha sido prominente en la microcuenca del río Ipís en las últimas tres décadas, y la alta degradación en sus zonas ribereñas compromete la capacidad de proveer servicios ecosistémicos en este contexto de alta alteración antropogénica.

Abstract (Introduction): Riparian zones provide a wide range of ecosystem services, and in urban contexts with high human intervention, this provision can be especially important. However, urban riparian zones worldwide have been highly degraded. (Objective): This research analyzed the spatiotemporal dynamics of land cover change over a period of 30 years (1992-2022) in the urban micro-basin of the Ipís River in the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) of Costa Rica and evaluated the ecological condition of its riparian zones. (Methodology): This was done using geospatial techniques such as satellite image and aerial photo classification, map algebra, landscape metrics, and the use of an index for evaluating riparian ecological integrity (QBR index). (Results): During the study period, in the Ipís River micro-basin there was a significant increase in impervious cover (66.6%) at the expense of more pervious cover with greater ecological functionality, and there has been greater fragmentation and isolation of patches of more pervious covers. The QBR index values also suggest high alteration and poor ecological integrity in the riparian zones of the micro-basin in general. (Conclusions): The expansion of cover associated with urban uses has been prominent in the Ipís River micro-basin over the last three decades, and the high degradation in its riparian zones compromises the ability to provide ecosystem services in this context of high anthropogenic alteration.

Resumen Introducción. Las regiones cultivables a menudo carecen de nutrientes suficientes en el suelo, por lo que es necesario utilizar fertilizantes. Sin embargo, el uso excesivo de fertilizantes puede dañar el medioambiente, la salud humana y la seguridad alimentaria. Los reguladores de crecimiento naturales derivados de plantas son respetuosos con el medioambiente y tienen un precio razonable. Las fitohormonas jasmonato de metilo (MeJA) y ácido salicílico (SA) son cruciales para mejorar la biomasa vegetal, la calidad, la productividad y la resistencia a tensiones ambientales. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto foliar de MeJA y SA sobre la calidad y la producción de frutos de cultivares de tomate en condiciones de invernadero. Materiales y métodos. La prueba se llevó a cabo en la Universidad de Diyala, Irak, del 1 de diciembre de 2022 al 5 de junio de 2023. Se evaluaron aplicaciones foliares de 0 mg/L, 200 mg/L de SA y 200 mg/L de MeJA para determinar los efectos sobre calidad de fruto y la producción cultivares de tomate cherry de crecimiento vegetativo indeterminado: LA4013, LA353, LA2921, LA3899 e IQ2, con un diseño de bloques completos al azar y tres repeticiones por tratamiento. Resultados. El cultivar IQ2 produjo la fruta más pesada (82,13 g), el mayor rendimiento por planta (4,56 kg/planta), el mayor rendimiento total (4,56 t/invernadero) y la mayor acidez titulable (0,62 %). El cultivar LA4013 presentó el mayor número de frutos (612,88 frutos/planta) y el mayor contenido de sólidos solubles totales (2,933 %). La aplicación foliar de SA a 200 mg/L resultó en el índice de clorofila más alto (36,68 SPAD), el mayor número de frutos (373,73 frutos/planta), el mayor rendimiento por planta (3,15 kg/planta) y el mayor rendimiento total (3,93 t/invernadero). Conclusión. Al considerar todas las variables en conjunto, los mejores genotipos fueron IQ2 y LA4013, los cuales resultaron superiores a los demás genotipos en los ensayos de calidad y rendimiento. La aplicación foliar de SA a 200 mg/L mejoró el rendimiento y la calidad de los tomates cherry en condiciones de invernadero.

Abstract Introduction. Arable regions often lack sufficient soil nutrients, which means that fertilizers must be used. However, using fertilizers excessively can harm the environment, human health and food safety. Natural growth regulators derived from plants are environmentally friendly and reasonably priced. The phytohormones methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and salicylic acid (SA) are crucial for enhancing plant biomass, quality, productivity and resistance to environmental stresses. Objective. To evaluate the foliar effect of MeJA and SA on fruit quality and production of colorful tomato cultivars under greenhouse conditions. Materials and methods. The trial was conducted at the University of Diyala, Iraq, from December 1, 2022, to June 5, 2023. Foliar applications of 0 mg/L, 200 mg/L SA and 200 mg/L MeJA were evaluated to determine their effects on fruit quality and production of colorful indeterminate cherry tomato cultivars: LA4013, LA353, LA2921, LA3899 and IQ2. A randomized complete block design was used, with each treatment having three replicates. Results. The cultivar IQ2 produced the heaviest fruit (82.13 g), the highest plant yield (4.56 kg/plant), the highest total yield (4.56 t/house) and the highest titratable acidity (0.62 %). The cultivar LA4013 had the highest fruit number (612.88 fruits/plant) and the highest total soluble solids (2.933 %). The foliar application of 200 mg/L SA resulted in the highest chlorophyll index (36.68 SPAD), the highest fruit number (373.73 fruits/plant), the highest plant yield (3.15 kg/plant) and the highest total yield (3.93 t/house). Conclusion. Considering all variables together, the best-performing genotypes were IQ2 and LA4013, which were superior to other genotypes in quality and yield trials. The foliar application of 200 mg/L SA improved both yield and quality of cherry tomatoes under greenhouse conditions.

Resumen (Introducción): El agua es esencial para todos los seres vivos, ya que facilita el transporte de nutrientes, la eliminación de desechos y la regulación de la temperatura corporal. El agua subterránea es la principal fuente para el consumo de ganado bovino y la falta de aquella de buena calidad puede impactar negativamente en su salud, reproducción y productividad. En Argentina, la ganadería bovina para la producción de carne y leche es una actividad económica clave, por lo que resulta crucial garantizar un suministro de agua adecuado en cantidad y calidad. (Objetivo): Evaluar la calidad del agua subterránea para el ganado en la cuenca lechera de Santa Fe, Argentina, utilizando un índice de calidad de agua adaptado para bovinos. (Metodología): Durante el periodo 2023-2024, se recolectaron muestras de agua subterránea en una de las principales cuencas lecheras del país. Se analizaron parámetros significativos para la calidad del agua destinada al consumo bovino, tales como pH, sólidos disueltos totales, sulfato, cloruro, nitrato y arsénico. Cada parámetro recibió una valoración basada en sus efectos perjudiciales para los animales y, mediante una ecuación matemática, se clasificó la calidad del agua desde muy buena hasta extremadamente pobre. (Resultados): El estudio reveló que un alto porcentaje de las muestras de la cuenca lechera presentan una calidad buena o muy buena, aunque también se identificaron pozos con calidad deficiente. (Conclusiones): Los resultados subrayan la importancia de monitorear y gestionar la calidad del agua subterránea, para asegurar una ganadería bovina sostenible en la cuenca lechera de Santa Fe.

Abstract (Introduction): Water is essential for all living beings as it facilitates nutrient transfer, waste elimination, and body temperature regulation. Groundwater is the primary source for bovine livestock consumption, and poor-quality water can negatively affect their health, reproduction, and productivity. In Argentina, bovine farming for meat and milk production is a significant economic activity, making it crucial to ensure an adequate supply of water in both quantity and quality. (Objective): This study aims to evaluate groundwater quality for cattle in the Santa Fe dairy basin, Argentina, using a water quality index adapted for bovines. (Methodology): During the 2023-2024 period, groundwater samples were collected from one of the main dairy basins in the country. Parameters significant to water quality for bovine consumption, such as pH, total dissolved solids, sulfate, chloride, nitrate, and arsenic, were analyzed at each monitored well. Each parameter was assigned a score based on its harmful effects on livestock, and a mathematical equation was applied to classify water quality from very good to extremely poor. (Results): The study revealed that a high percentage of samples in the dairy basin are of good or very good quality, although wells with poor water quality were also identified. (Conclusions): The findings highlight the importance of monitoring and managing groundwater quality to ensure sustainable bovine farming in the Santa Fe dairy basin.

RESUMO O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a influência de diferentes épocas de plantio e variáveis meteorológicas no desempenho produtivo da mandioca industrial na região do Agreste de Alagoas. Os tratamentos foram cinco datas de plantio, com espaçamento temporal de 25 dias entre elas: D1 - 10 de abril, D2 - 05 de maio, D3 - 30 de maio, D4 - 24 de junho e D5 - 19 de julho. O período experimental foi de abril de 2021 a setembro de 2023, dois ciclos de cultivo. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. As variáveis analisadas foram: dados agrometeorológicas e de crescimento e produção da cultura. Na região do Agreste de Alagoas, entre as estações chuvosa e seca, a ET0 média diária varia de 2,9 a 4,7 mm, respectivamente. A temperatura média do ar é 24,3 °C e atende as demandas térmicas da cultura da mandioca. A precipitação anual é suficiente para garantir a produção de mandioca, porém, há sazonalidade nas chuvas, com período seco da primavera ao verão, o que prejudica plantios mais tardios. Na região do Agreste de Alagoas, o melhor período para o plantio da mandioca é de 10 de abril a 5 de maio, que é o início do período chuvoso da região e garante melhores resultados em: altura do dossel vegetativo (3,2 m), diâmetro do caule (2,8 cm), índice de área foliar (3,0), comprimento máximo (43,1 cm), número (6,6) e rendimento de raízes (72,8 t ha-1), biomassa total (145 t ha-1) e teor de amido (34,3%).

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different planting times and meteorological variables on the productive performance of industrial cassava in the Agreste region of Alagoas state, Brazil. The treatments were five planting dates, 25 days apart: D1 - April 10, D2 - May 5, D3 - May 30, D4 - June 24 and D5 - July 19. The experiment was conducted from April 2021 to September 2023 (two cultivation cycles), using randomized blocks, with four replicates. The variables analyzed were agrometeorological data, crop growth and yield. In the Agreste region of Alagoas, the average daily ET0 varies from 2.9 to 4.7 mm between the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. The average temperature of 24.3 °C meets the thermal demands of cassava cultivation. Although annual rainfall is sufficient to guarantee cassava production, it is seasonal, with a dry period from spring to summer, which compromises subsequent plantings. In the Agreste region of Alagoas, the best time to plant cassava is from April 10 to May 5, which is the beginning of the rainy season and ensures better vegetative canopy height (3.2 m), stem diameter (2.8 cm), leaf area index (3.0), maximum root length (43.1 cm), number (6.6) and yield (72.8 t ha-1), total biomass (145 t ha-1) and starch content (34.3%).

RESUMO A cultura do tomate cereja é sensível ao déficit hídrico, sendo necessário um adequado manejo da irrigação, principalmente em regiões, cujo regime pluviométrico é irregular. Diante do exposto, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a viabilidade do índice térmico para determinação do déficit hídrico em tomate cereja sob diferentes estratégias de irrigação com déficit controlado e uso de condicionador de solo tipo hidrogel. Adotou-se o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados com arranjo fatorial 5 × 2, em parcelas subdivididas, referentes às cinco estratégias de irrigação (FI - Irrigação plena, RD - Irrigação com déficit hídrico regular, S3 - Irrigação com déficit controlado na fase vegetativa, S4 - Irrigação com déficit controlado na fase de florescimento e frutificação, S5 - Irrigação com déficit controlado na fase de maturação e colheita) com déficit hídrico estabelecido em 50% da evapotranspiração da cultura, e uso do hidrogel (WiH - Com hidrogel, WoH - Sem hidrogel), com quatro repetições, totalizando 40 parcelas experimentais. As variáveis avaliadas foram: número total de flores e frutos, peso total dos frutos e índice térmico do dossel. Aos 60 dias após o transplantio, as estratégias de déficit hídrico regular e déficit hídrico controlado na fase de florescimento e frutificação, sem hidrogel, evidenciaram as maiores médias de índice térmico (0,98; 1,03 e 0,70 °C, respectivamente) e menor potencial hídrico foliar (-0,70; -0,48 e -0,50 MPa, respectivamente). O índice térmico obtido por imagens termográficas é viável para determinação dos efeitos do déficit hídrico no tomate cereja.

ABSTRACT Tomato cultivation is highly demanding on the supply of water throughout its phenological cycle, especially in regions where rainfall is irregular or scarce. Given the above, the objective of this study was to analyze the viability of thermal index for determining water deficit in cherry tomato under different strategies of controlled deficit irrigation and use of a hydrogel-type soil conditioner. The experimental design adopted was randomized blocks in a 5 × 2 split-plot arrangement, referring to the irrigation strategies (FI - Full irrigation, RD - Regular deficit irrigation, with a continuously applied water deficit, S3 - Irrigation with controlled deficit in the vegetative stage, S4 - Irrigation with controlled deficit in the flowering and fruiting stages and S5 - Irrigation with controlled deficit in the maturation and harvest stages), with water deficit established at 50% of crop evapotranspiration, and use of hydrogel (WiH - With hydrogel, WoH - Without hydrogel), with four replicates, and with three plants per plot. The variables tested were: total number of flowers and fruits, total fruit weight and canopy thermal index. At 60 days after transplanting, the regular deficit irrigation and irrigation with controlled water deficit in the flowering, without hydrogel, showed the highest means of thermal index (0.98, 1.03 and 0.70 °C, respectively) and lowest leaf water potential (-0.70, -0.48 and -0.50 MPa, respectively). The thermal index obtained by thermographic images is viable for determining the effects of water deficit on cherry tomato.

RESUMO O conteúdo de água no solo é um fator-chave na avaliação nas áreas agrícola e ecológica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi explorar a combinação de informações multisatélites para abordar a questão da baixa precisão na recuperação do conteúdo de água do solo a partir de informações de banda única e fonte única, e estabelecer um modelo para estimativa do conteúdo de água do solo baseado no método multiespectral simulado. Foi realizado um experimento de determinação hiperespectral de amostras de solo (Latossolos) com valores variáveis de teor de água. A reflectância de oito sensores de satélite multiespectral foi remapeada com base nas funções de resposta espectral. Os índices de vegetação (VIs) foram estabelecidos combinando todas as bandas de sensores disponíveis. Os VIs significativos e a reflectância da banda foram extraídos pelos métodos de coeficiente de correlação e análise de importância de dados out-of-bag (OOB), e em seguida modelos lineares e não lineares foram estabelecidos para a estimativa do conteúdo de água no solo. Correlação significativa foi obtida entre refletância multiespectral simulada, VIs e teor de água no solo. Os modelos não lineares apresentaram melhor desempenho que o modelo linear. A combinação do modelo OOB e Random Forest (OOB-RF) obteve a maior acurácia de predição, com R2 calibração e R2 predição de 0,852 e 0,834, respectivamente. De forma geral, verificou-se que o método de modelagem OOB-RF baseado em sensoriamento remoto multiespectral foi viável para estimar o teor de água no solo.

ABSTRACT The soil water content is a key evaluation factor in the agricultural and ecological fields. The objective of this study was to explore the combination of multi-satellite information to address the issue of low accuracy in soil water content retrieval from single-band, single-source information and to establish a model for the estimation of the soil water content based on a simulated multi-spectral method. An experiment involving the hyperspectral determination of soil samples (Oxisols) with varying values of the water content was conducted. The reflectance of eight multi-spectral satellite sensors was resampled based on the spectral response functions. The vegetation indices (VIs) were established by pairing all available sensor bands. The significant VIs and band reflectance were extracted using the correlation coefficient and out-of-bag (OOB) data importance analysis methods, and then linear models and nonlinear models were established for soil water content estimation. A significant correlation was achieved between the simulated multi-spectral reflectance, VIs, and soil water content. The nonlinear models had a better performance than the linear model. The combined OOB and random forest (OOB-RF) model achieved the highest prediction accuracy, with R2 calibration and R2 prediction values of 0.852 and 0.834, respectively. Overall, it was verified that the OOB-RF modeling method based on multi-spectral remote sensing was feasible for estimating the soil water content.

Abstract (Introduction): Vinasse is generated as a residue in the production of ethanol by fermentation-distillation of molasses/sugar cane juice, at a rate of 13 L/L of ethanol. It is an acid liquid, brown in color, characterized by high mineralization and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) values of up to 150 000 mg/L, being highly polluting. (Objective): The objective of this research was to evaluate a vinasse treatment process with hydrogen peroxide as a source of hydroxyl radicals at laboratory scale. (Methodology): The vinasse samples, from different distilleries in the province of Tucumán, were characterized following standardized techniques of Standard Methods. The oxidation tests were carried out with different peroxide/vinasses ratios, in a semi-batch reactor, under ambient conditions, measuring COD as an indicator parameter of the treatment. (Results): After 5 days, an 85 % decrease in COD and an increase in the Biodegradability Index were achieved. The kinetics of the oxidative reaction was first order with respect to COD, with an apparent rate constant of 0.3694 1/day. (Conclusions): Although the COD values allowed by local regulations (250 mg/L) were not reached, the proposed treatment is encouraging due to its simplicity, representing a potential option to the environmental challenge represented by vinaze in Latin America.

Resumen (Introducción): La vinaza se genera como residuo en la producción de etanol por fermentación-destilación de melazas/jugos de caña de azúcar, a razón de 13 L/L de etanol. Es un efluente líquido, ácido caracterizado por una elevada mineralización y valores de demanda química de oxígeno (DQO) de hasta 150 000 mg/L, siendo altamente contaminante. (Objetivo): Ealuar un proceso de tratamiento de vinazas con peróxido de hidrógeno, como fuente de radicales hidroxilos, en escala laboratorio. (Metodología): Las muestras de vinazas, de destilerías de la provincia de Tucumán, se caracterizaron según técnicas normalizadas de Standard Methods. Los ensayos de oxidación se realizaron con distintas relaciones de peróxido/vinaza, en un reactor semibatch, en condiciones ambientales, midiendo DQO como parámetro indicador del tratamiento. (Resultados): Al cabo de cinco días se logró una disminución de DQO del 85 % y un aumento del Índice de Biodegradabilidad. La cinética de la reacción oxidativa fue de primer orden respecto de DQO, con una constante aparente de velocidad de 0.3694 1/día. (Conclusiones): Si bien no se lograron los valores de DQO permitidos por la normativa local (250 mg/L), el tratamiento propuesto es alentador por su simpleza, representando una opción potencial al desafío ambiental que representan las vinazas en América Latina.

Abstract This study evaluates the effectiveness of Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) and Transformer-based models in predicting the Air Quality Index (AQI). Accurate AQI prediction is critical for mitigating the significant health impacts of air pollution and plays a vital role in public health protection and environmental management. The research compares traditional RNN models, including Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) networks, with advanced Transformer architectures. Data were collected from a weather station in Cuenca, Ecuador, focusing on key pollutants such as CO,NO2,O3, PM2.5, and SO2. Model performance was assessed using Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and the Coefficient of Determination (R2). The findings reveal that the LSTM model achieved superior performance, with an R2 of 0.701, an RMSE of 0.087, and an MAE of 0.056, demonstrating superior capability in capturing temporal dependencies within complex datasets. Conversely, while Transformerbased models exhibited potential, they were less effective in handling intricate time-series data, resulting in comparatively lower accuracy. These results position the LSTM model as the most reliable approach for AQI prediction, offering an optimal balance between predictive accuracy and computational efficiency. This research contributes to improving AQI forecasting and underscores the importance of timely interventions to mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution.

Resumen Este estudio evalúa la eficacia de las redes neuronales recurrentes (RNN) y los modelos basados en transformadores para predecir el índice de calidad del aire (ICA). La investigación compara los modelos RNN tradicionales, incluidos los de memoria a corto y largo plazo (LSTM) y la unidad recurrente controlada (GRU), con arquitecturas avanzadas de transformadores. El estudio utiliza datos de una estación meteorológica en Cuenca, Ecuador, centrándose en contaminantes como CO,NO2,O3, PM2.5 y SO2. Para evaluar el rendimiento de los modelos, se utilizaron métricas clave como el error cuadrático medio (RMSE), el error absoluto medio (MAE) y el coeficiente de determinación (R2). Los resultados del estudio muestran que el modelo LSTM fue el más preciso, alcanzando un R2 de 0,701, un RMSE de 0,087 y un MAE de 0,056. Esto lo convierte en la mejor opción para capturar dependencias temporales en los datos de series temporales complejas. En comparación, los modelos basados en transformadores demostraron tener potencial, pero no lograron la misma precisión que los modelos LSTM, especialmente en datos temporales más complicados. El estudio concluye que el LSTM es más eficaz en la predicción del ICA, equilibrando tanto la precisión como la eficiencia computacional, o que podría ayudar en intervenciones para mitigar la contaminación del aire.

ABSTRACT Nutritional management of high-producing dairy cows under heat stress conditions presents a significant challenge due to the increasing issue of global warming. The study aimed to explore the effects of Cr supplementation in the form of chromium propionate (CrP) on feed intake, lactation performance, and selected biochemical serum parameters in mid-lactation Simmental dairy cows under heat stress conditions. The experiment was conducted during July and August and lasted for 8 wk. The average temperature-humidity index (THI) was 76.45 ± 2.80 during the experimental period, indicating that the cows were under heat stress. The added CrP provided 0.34 mg Cr kg-1 DM of used ration. The supplementation of diet with CrP increased DM intake (4.11%, P < 0.01) and the yield of milk (4.48%, P < 0.01), 4% fat-corrected milk (4.08%, P < 0.01), milk fat (4.46%, P < 0.01), protein (4.21%, P < 0.01), lactose (3.79%, P < 0.01), and total solids (3.51%, P < 0.01). Additionally, CrP supplementation increased blood glucose concentrations (8.39%, P < 0.01), while reducing blood urea N (BUN) levels (14.85%, P < 0.05) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels (17.14%, P < 0.05). The use of CrP as additional dietary source of Cr significantly improved productive performances of dairy cows under heat stress conditions. It was indicated that supplemented Cr could have positive effect on glucose and N metabolism, as well as on energy metabolism of lactating cows at moderately high THI values.

Abstract This research examines the role of online platform management (websites and Social Networking Sites, SNS) and online interactions in donors’ engagement with non- profit organisations (NPOs). To this end, we developed an index of the usage of websites and SNS for fostering donor engagement based on a sample of the top 100 NPOs in the United States, to then carry out a regression analysis. The main findings indicate that NPOs should improve the features of their websites and SNS to catch viewers’ attention and interest them in the information disclosed on online platforms to motivate them to support NPOs' social mission. Results also show that NPOs that more effectively exploit their website and SNS design receive more private donations. The main type of online interaction that NPOs receive in response to posts is clicking actions. To a much lesser extent, online users opt to comment on posts. However, none of these online interactions are decisive for fostering private donations. This study contributes to the knowledge of websites and SNS best practices, providing financial support to NPOs. Likewise, it expands the understanding of users’ online participation as predictors of charitable giving behavior.

Resumen Esta investigación examina el papel de la gestión de plataformas en línea (sitios web y redes sociales, SNS) y las interacciones en línea en el compromiso de los donantes con las organizaciones sin fines de lucro (ENL). Para ello, se elabora un índice del uso de sitios web y redes sociales para fomentar el compromiso de los donantes, basado en una muestra de las 100 principales ENL en los Estados Unidos, para luego llevar a cabo un análisis de regresión. Los principales resultados indican que las ENL deberían mejorar las características de sus sitios web y redes sociales para captar la atención de los visitantes e interesarlos en la información divulgada en las plataformas en línea, con el fin de motivarlos a apoyar la misión social de las ENL. Los resultados también muestran que las ENL que aprovechan más eficazmente el diseño de sus sitios web y redes sociales reciben más donaciones privadas. El principal tipo de interacción en línea que las ENL reciben en respuesta a sus publicaciones son las acciones de clic. En mucha menor medida, los usuarios en línea optan por comentar en las publicaciones. Sin embargo, ninguna de estas interacciones en línea es decisiva para fomentar donaciones privadas. Este estudio contribuye al conocimiento sobre las mejores prácticas en sitios web y redes sociales, proporcionando apoyo financiero a las ENL. Asimismo, amplía la comprensión de la participación en línea de los usuarios como predictores del comportamiento de donación.

Abstract Introduction/ Objective: This study aims to analyze the productivity of police actions in Ecuador using the Hicks-Moorsteen total factor productivity index. The analysis covers five periods (2018-2022), with the year 2018 as the technological reference, and takes the 221 cantons of the country as decision-making units. Methodology: The inputs considered are the number of police officers and Community Police Units, while the evaluated outputs are homicides and car thefts, treated inversely. The results show a significant decline in productivity in reducing these crimes. Additionally, notable fluctuations are observed in certain periods, possibly linked to changes in policies, strategies, or external factors that impacted crime management. Conclusions: The decomposition of the index reveals that, although technical change has improved homicide management and, to a lesser extent, car thefts, technical efficiency has been variable. The analysis is complemented with a focus on the cantons of Guayaquil and Esmeraldas, which have experienced a recent increase in criminal activity. The detailed information provided by this index is crucial for designing public security policies, as it helps identify the most vulnerable cantons and prevent future crime increases, as well as offering examples of best practices.

Resumen Introducción/ Objetivo: este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar la productividad del accionar policial en Ecuador mediante el índice de productividad total de los factores de Hicks-Moorsteen. Metodología: el análisis abarca cinco periodos (2018-2022), con el año 2018 como referencia tecnológica, y toma como unidad de decisión los 221 cantones del país. Se consideran como insumos el número de agentes policiales y las Unidades de Policía Comunitaria, mientras que los productos evaluados son los homicidios y robos de automóviles, tratados de manera inversa. Los resultados muestran una caída significativa en la productividad en la reducción de estos delitos. Además, se observan fluctuaciones notables en ciertos periodos, posiblemente asociadas a cambios en políticas, estrategias o factores externos que impactaron la gestión del crimen. Conclusiones: la descomposición del índice revela que, aunque el cambio técnico ha mejorado la gestión de homicidios y, en menor medida, de robos de automóviles, la eficiencia técnica ha sido variable. El análisis se complementa con un enfoque en los cantones de Guayaquil y Esmeraldas, que han experimentado un aumento delictivo reciente. La información detallada proporcionada por este índice es esencial para diseñar políticas públicas de seguridad, ya que ayuda a identificar los cantones más vulnerables y previene futuros aumentos delictivos, además de ofrecer ejemplos de buenas prácticas.

A gravidez na adolescência é um desafio de saúde pública no Brasil, com uma taxa de fecundidade de 43,6 nascimentos por mil meninas de 15 a 19 anos em 2022. Este estudo investigou as desigualdades nas taxas de fecundidade adolescente (TFA) nos municípios brasileiros, utilizando dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos (SINASC) e do Censo Demográfico de 2022. A análise considerou nascimentos entre 2020 e 2022, excluindo municípios com menos de 50 nascimentos nos três anos. As TFAs municipais foram comparadas com a taxa média de países classificados por nível de renda (alta, média-alta, média-baixa e baixa renda) e descritas conforme o Índice Brasileiro de Privação e o tamanho populacional. As desigualdades dentro de cada região geográfica foram avaliadas usando a diferença absoluta média em relação à média regional e a amplitude. Foram observadas grandes disparidades nas TFAs entre as regiões, com o Norte e Nordeste apresentando as maiores taxas, e o Sul e Sudeste, as menores. O Centro-Oeste teve valores intermediários. As desigualdades entre os municípios foram evidenciadas por gráficos e índices, com uma pequena parcela de municípios da região Norte mostrando TFA excepcionalmente alta. Foi identificada uma forte associação entre vulnerabilidade social e gravidez precoce, com municípios em situações de maior privação apresentando taxas de fecundidade marcadamente mais altas. Os resultados destacam a necessidade de políticas públicas que abordem os determinantes contextuais subjacentes para reduzir as taxas de fecundidade entre adolescentes no Brasil. Versão em Português: https://doi.org/10.1590/SciELOPreprints.11537

Adolescent childbearing is a major public health challenge in Brazil, with a fertility rate of 43.6 births per thousand girls aged 15-19 years in 2022. This study investigated inequalities in adolescent fertility rates (AFR) across Brazilian municipalities, utilizing data from the National Live Births Information System (SINASC) and the 2022 Demographic Census. Analyses included births between 2020 and 2022, excluding municipalities with fewer than 50 births in the 3 years. Municipal AFRs were compared with the average rate in countries classified by income level (high, upper-middle, lower-middle, and low income) and described according to the Brazilian Deprivation Index and population size. Inequalities within each geographic region were assessed using the mean absolute difference to the regional mean and range. Substantial disparities in AFR across regions were found, with the North and Northeast exhibiting the highest estimates, while the South and Southeast showed comparatively lower rates. The Midwest presented intermediate values. We found vast inequalities between municipalities, revealed by graphs and summary measures. A small proportion of municipalities, concentrated in the North region, experience exceptionally high AFR. A strong association between social vulnerability and early childbearing was also identified. Municipalities with higher levels of deprivation had markedly higher AFR, underscoring the influence of broader socio-economic factors on adolescent fertility. The results emphasize the need for targeted interventions and policies that address these underlying contextual determinants to reduce fertility rates among girls in Brazil effectively. Versão em Português: https://doi.org/10.1590/SciELOPreprints.11537

Adolescent childbearing is a major public health challenge in Brazil, with a fertility rate of 43.6 births per thousand girls aged 15-19 years in 2022. This study investigated inequalities in adolescent fertility rates (AFR) across Brazilian municipalities, utilizing data from the National Live Births Information System (SINASC) and the 2022 Demographic Census. Analyses included births between 2020 and 2022, excluding municipalities with fewer than 50 births in the 3 years. Municipal AFRs were compared with the average rate in countries classified by income level (high, upper-middle, lower-middle, and low income) and described according to the Brazilian Deprivation Index and population size. Inequalities within each geographic region were assessed using the mean absolute difference to the regional mean and range. Substantial disparities in AFR across regions were found, with the North and Northeast exhibiting the highest estimates, while the South and Southeast showed comparatively lower rates. The Midwest presented intermediate values. We found vast inequalities between municipalities, revealed by graphs and summary measures. A small proportion of municipalities, concentrated in the North region, experience exceptionally high AFR. A strong association between social vulnerability and early childbearing was also identified. Municipalities with higher levels of deprivation had markedly higher AFR, underscoring the influence of broader socio-economic factors on adolescent fertility. The results emphasize the need for targeted interventions and policies that address these underlying contextual determinants to reduce fertility rates among girls in Brazil effectively. English version: https://doi.org/10.1590/SciELOPreprints.11534

A gravidez na adolescência é um desafio de saúde pública no Brasil, com uma taxa de fecundidade de 43,6 nascimentos por mil meninas de 15 a 19 anos em 2022. Este estudo investigou as desigualdades nas taxas de fecundidade adolescente (TFA) nos municípios brasileiros, utilizando dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos (SINASC) e do Censo Demográfico de 2022. A análise considerou nascimentos entre 2020 e 2022, excluindo municípios com menos de 50 nascimentos nos três anos. As TFAs municipais foram comparadas com a taxa média de países classificados por nível de renda (alta, média-alta, média-baixa e baixa renda) e descritas conforme o Índice Brasileiro de Privação e o tamanho populacional. As desigualdades dentro de cada região geográfica foram avaliadas usando a diferença absoluta média em relação à média regional e a amplitude. Foram observadas grandes disparidades nas TFAs entre as regiões, com o Norte e Nordeste apresentando as maiores taxas, e o Sul e Sudeste, as menores. O Centro-Oeste teve valores intermediários. As desigualdades entre os municípios foram evidenciadas por gráficos e índices, com uma pequena parcela de municípios da região Norte mostrando TFA excepcionalmente alta. Foi identificada uma forte associação entre vulnerabilidade social e gravidez precoce, com municípios em situações de maior privação apresentando taxas de fecundidade marcadamente mais altas. Os resultados destacam a necessidade de políticas públicas que abordem os determinantes contextuais subjacentes para reduzir as taxas de fecundidade entre adolescentes no Brasil. English version: https://doi.org/10.1590/SciELOPreprints.11534

ABSTRACT: Gingival recessions are defined as the displacement of the apical soft tissue margin to the cementoenamel junction, which is considered a highly prevalent mucogingival deformity in the global population. The aim of this study was to determine the association of various sociodemographic and periodontal conditions with the presence of gingival recessions. A case-control study was performed to identify the distribution and associations of clinical-periodontal characteristics of patients with and without gingival recessions. Subjects with gingival recessions were considered as cases and subjects with other periodontal conditions were defined as controls. Age, sex, smoking habit, plaque index and periodontal diagnosis were evaluated in all patients. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests, mean, standard deviation and correlation of data. The results indicated that the population was generally made up of women (70.4%) in adulthood (48.7 ± 15.7 years), presenting a considerably high frequency of gingival recessions (59.2%) with periodontal diagnoses located in the most severe stages (21.4-53.1%). Age was presented as a variable with statistically significant differences between the groups with and without gingival recession, considering age as a factor that is statistically associated with the presence of gingival recessions (p= 0.018). This study suggests that, although there are other variables that could be related to the presence of gingival recessions, age could act as a factor that predisposes the appearance of gingival recessions.

RESUMEN: Las recesiones gingivales se definen como el desplazamiento del margen de tejido blando apical a la unión amelocementaria, la cual se considera como una deformidad mucogingival altamente prevalente en la población global. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la asociación de diversas condiciones sociodemográficas y periodontales con la presencia de recesiones gingivales. Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles para identificar la distribución y asociación de las características clínica-periodontales de pacientes con y sin recesiones gingivales. Los sujetos con recesiones gingivales fueron considerados como casos y los sujetos con otras condiciones periodontales se definieron como controles. La edad, género, el hábito de fumar, índice de placa dentobacteriana y el diagnóstico periodontal fueron evaluadas en todos los pacientes. El análisis estadístico incluyó las pruebas chi cuadrada, promedio, desviación estándar y correlación de los datos. Los resultados indicaron que la población estuvo constituida generalmente por mujeres (70,4 %) en edad adulta (48,7 ± 15,7 años), presentando una frecuencia recesiones gingivales considerablemente elevadas (59,2 %) con diagnósticos periodontales ubicados en los estadios más severos (21,4 - 53,1 %). La edad se presentó como una variable con diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos con y sin recesión gingival, considerando a la edad como un factor que se asocia estadísticamente con la presencia de recesiones gingivales (p= 0,018). Este estudio sugiere que, aunque existen otras variables que podrían relacionarse con la presencia de recesiones gingivales, la edad podría actuar como un factor que predispone la aparición de recesiones gingivales.