Showing 5 results for Diaz
Volume 0, Issue 0 (9-2025)
Abstract
Orchid bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Euglossini) play a vital role as key pollinators in the Neotropical forests. Their preference for forested areas makes these bees more susceptible to environmental changes, particularly in areas under severe human impact, such as the Chocó-Darien biodiversity hotspot. This study presents new data on orchid bees within the Canandé Biological Reserve, a lowland rainforest in the Chocó region of northwestern Ecuador. At this site, four species of orchid bees were recorded for the first time in Ecuador: Euglossa bursigera Moure, 1970, Euglossa crassipunctata Moure, 1968, Euglossa villosiventris Moure, 1968 and Eufriesea macroglossa (Moure, 1965). We also provide species-specific information on diagnosis, distribution maps, and high-resolution images. With these records, the total number of orchid bee species recorded in Ecuador now stands at 119.
Volume 6, Issue 3 (Summer 2020)
Abstract
Aims: Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that colonizes the gastric mucosa and is the main cause of gastritis as well as ulcer and gastric cancer. Due to the clinical significance and international increase in H. pylori multidrug resistance, it is necessary to search for new strategies improving eradication rates. Natural compounds have been demonstrated to have antimicrobial effect and the ability to restore the efficacy of conventional drugs. The objective of this work was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Curcuma longa L. (Cu) against H. pylori isolates.
Materials & Methods: The minimum bactericidal concentration of the extract was determined by means of the MTT assay; also, the combination and dose reduction indices for levofloxacin (LVX), metronidazole (MET), and rifampicin (RIF) antimicrobial agents were determined by checkerboard format. Interaction analysis was performed using the CompuSyn program.
Findings: About 90% of H. pylori isolates studied (9/10) were sensitive to the hydroalcoholic extract. Synergism was observed in more than 50% of Cu-LVX, Cu-MET, and Cu-RIF combinations. Additionally, for different concentrations of the extract, reduction rates in antimicrobial agents were determined to be between 0.5 and 360 times.
Conclusions: The hydroalcoholic extract of turmeric showed a good potential to be used as an antimicrobial agent in the treatment of H. pylori infection, either alone or in combination with antibiotics used, suggesting the renewal of the effectiveness of conventional antimicrobials in reducing the phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance.
Volume 9, Issue 5 (Special Issue 2021)
Abstract
Aims: The university’s social responsibility has a policy of improving university continuity by fulfilling the mission by forming caring citizens, ethical management, environmental care, and disseminating social knowledge. This study aimed to evaluate social responsibility in university students.
Instrument & Methods: The research was developed under the quantitative approach, substantive type, descriptive level, non-experimental cross-sectional design. It had a sample of 500 university students of the fourth and fifth cycle of a private university's faculty of health sciences. The instrument was applied to evaluate the characteristics of university social responsibility in university students by Bolio & Pinzón, which consists of seven dimensions: awareness, commitment, controversy with civility, respect for diversity, citizenship, social justice, change.
Findings: 46.8% presented low levels; 33.6% presented medium levels, and 19.6% presented a high level of university social responsibility; students under 20 years old obtained 27.8% of low level of university social responsibility, and the female gender obtained 42.2% of low level of university social responsibility.
Conclusion: Social responsibility should be considered within the university as a transversal axis in all subjects in the holistic formation of the university student since its main objective is to contribute to the formation of students through values, teaching, research and internal management.
Volume 17, Issue 6 (11-2015)
Abstract
The anatomical and epidermal characteristics, as well as the physiological response, of 'Colombia' ecotype cape gooseberry plants treated or untreated with foliar applications of kaolin at 2 irrigation levels (well-irrigated plants vs. water-stressed plants) were evaluated. Relative Water Content (RWC), stomatal density, and chlorophyll index were reduced under water stress. Water stress increased leaf temperature and trichome density. In water-stressed plants, the foliar application of kaolin decreased transpiration rates, leaf temperature, trichome density, and leaf thickness. Kaolin also improved the plant height, total plant dry mass, water-use efficiency, and increased stomatal density in water-stressed plants. The results suggest that kaolin may be a useful tool to mitigate the negative effects of water stress and may improve the efficient use of water in cape gooseberry plants with especial water conditions.
Volume 27, Issue 4 (Winter 2023)
Abstract
Achieving optimal acoustic conditions in urban public areas emerges as a crucial element in enhancing the overall well-being and satisfaction of inhabitants. Urban parks stand out as pivotal public spaces, with park benches playing a fundamental role as key pieces of furniture contributing to visitors' comfort. The primary aim of this study revolves around evaluating the suitability of existing acoustic comfort standards concerning the placement of seating facilities within parks. Employing a descriptive-analytical approach, the research focuses on Laleh Park in Tehran as a case study, where the sound levels at designated seating areas are quantified using a decibel meter, while subjective perceptions of acoustic comfort are gathered through a structured questionnaire. Through a spatial analysis integrating both objective and subjective data, areas with inadequate acoustic conditions are pinpointed. Notably, the calculated Pearson's correlation coefficient (0.692) highlights a significant association between objective and subjective assessments of acoustic comfort at seating locations within the park. Results reveal that southern seating areas, encompassing approximately 15 stations, exhibit substandard acoustic comfort mainly due to their proximity to the bustling Keshavarz Boulevard. Conversely, seating locations near Bazarche Laleh Park and the Tehran Museum of Arts are deemed satisfactory. Out of the 19 monitored stations, 14 feature bench seats, 4 offer backless seating, and 1 provides pavilions. Among the stations with moderate acoustic comfort, comprising 38 stations in total, bench seats are predominant (23 stations), followed by backless seats (10 stations) and pavilions (15 stations). Conversely, stations with superior acoustic comfort are predominantly situated in the northern section, adjacent to facilities catering to children and teenagers as well as the carpet museum. In conclusion, the acoustic comfort level at Laleh Park is moderate to subpar concerning its geographical setting. The study suggests considering the installation of acoustic-enhanced park chairs as a potential solution to improve overall maintenance, in conjunction with other pertinent factors.
