Search Results (71)

The adoption of digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), has emerged as a key strategy to improve efficiency, sustainability, and productivity in the agricultural sector, especially in contexts of modernization and digital transformation in developing regions. This study analyzes the key factors influencing the adoption of IoT technologies by farmers in the province of Guayas, Ecuador, and their impact on agricultural yields. The research is grounded in innovation diffusion theory and technology acceptance models, which emphasize the role of perception, usability, training, and economic viability in digital adoption. A total of 250 surveys were administered, with 232 valid responses (92.8% response rate), reflecting strong interest from the agricultural sector in digital transformation and precision agriculture. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), the results confirm that general perception of IoT (β = 0.514), practical functionality (β = 0.488), and technical training (β = 0.523) positively influence adoption, while high implementation costs negatively affect it (β = −0.651), all of which are statistically significant (p < 0.001). Furthermore, adoption has a strong positive effect on agricultural yield (β = 0.795). The model explained a high percentage of variance in both adoption (R² = 0.771) and performance (R² = 0.706), supporting its predictive capacity. These findings underscore the need for public and private institutions to implement targeted training and financing strategies to overcome economic barriers and foster the sustainable integration of IoT technologies in Ecuadorian agriculture. Full article

Background: Gingival recession is a common condition involving apical displacement of the gingival margin, leading to root surface exposure and associated complications such as dentin hypersensitivity and root caries. Among the most effective treatment options are the tunneling technique (TUN) and the coronally advanced flap (CAF), both combined with connective tissue grafts (CTGs). This study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of TUN + CTG and CAF + CTG in terms of root coverage and keratinized tissue width (KTW) over a 6–12-month follow-up. Methods: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted following CONSORT guidelines (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06228534). Participants were randomly assigned to receive either TUN + CTG or CAF + CTG. Clinical parameters, including gingival recession depth (REC) and KTW, were assessed at baseline as well as 6 months and 12 months postoperatively using a calibrated periodontal probe. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and linear mixed models to compare outcomes over time, with a significance level set at 5%. Results: Both techniques demonstrated significant clinical improvements. At 6 months, mean root coverage was 100% in CAF + CTG cases and 97% in TUN + CTG cases, while complete root coverage (REC = 0) was observed in 100% and 89% of cases, respectively. At 12 months, root coverage remained stable, at 99% in the CAF + CTG group and 97% in the TUN + CTG group. KTW increased in both groups, with higher values observed in the CAF + CTG group (3.53 mm vs. 3.11 mm in TUN + CTG at 12 months). No significant postoperative complications were reported. Conclusions: Both TUN + CTG and CAF + CTG are safe and effective techniques for treating RT1 and RT2 gingival recession, offering high percentages of root coverage and increased KTW. While CAF + CTG achieved slightly superior coverage and tissue gain, the TUN was associated with better aesthetic outcomes and faster recovery, making it a valuable alternative in clinical practice. Full article

The forestry industry, both primary (sawn wood production) and secondary (output of reels, pallets, boxes, cooperage, and tool handles), is growing in importance in Honduras. In 2023, exports from this industry were mainly destined for Central America (58.19%), followed by North America (22.92%) and the Caribbean region (17.20%), with hardly any Honduran wood reaching Asia or Europe. Objective: The goal of this paper is to analyze the current situation of the Honduran timber industry, which is defined by its environmental deterioration caused by the overexploitation of timber resources. Methodology: Using secondary data from official national and international sources regarding the forestry industry in Honduras, we conducted a Welch’s ANOVA analysis added to two post hoc tests (Tukey and Bonferroni), complemented by a linear regression analysis using JASP software, version 0.19.3.0. to carry on our analysis. Findings: The results of our analysis underscore the urgent need to implement a series of public policies in both the medium and short term to strengthen the forestry industry in Honduras. One of Honduras’ greatest strengths is its civil society, particularly its indigenous communities, which are actively working to protect their land from deforestation and soil degradation. If public policies are not implemented in collaboration with private firms to foster the Honduran forest industry cluster, it could lead to significant socioeconomic and environmental consequences. These may include increased pressure on natural forests, rising unemployment, and the loss of an essential income source for forest owners, ultimately exacerbating poverty. Full article

Recent studies have indicated that microplastics (MPs) may accumulate in the human body, potentially posing health risks. This preliminary study aimed to investigate the effect of a food supplement (FS: 0.8 g of chitosan derived from Procambarus clarkii, PCC) on the fecal excretion of MPs (20–500 µm size) following ingestion of a standardized meal (SM). Ten healthy volunteers (non-smokers, non-drinkers, non-drug users) participated in a two-phase, crossover design conducted one week apart. In both phases, participants consumed an SM after overnight fasting, and fecal samples were collected the following morning (7–10 am). Phase 1 served as baseline (no PCC), while in Phase 2, PCC was administered immediately before the SM. Sixteen types of MPs were analyzed. A modest increase (5%) in fecal mass was observed after PCC intake. MP counts were 356 in the SM, 656 ± 110 in Phase 1 feces, and 965 ± 165 in Phase 2 feces. The excretion of nine MPs—PA, PAN, PAM, PE, PES, PET, PP, PS, and RA—was enhanced by PCC. These preliminary findings suggest that PCC promotes the fecal elimination of MPs. Further controlled studies are needed to validate these results and assess their potential relevance for dietary interventions. Full article

Klippel–Trenaunay (KT) syndrome and Cardiac Sarcoidosis (CS) are two distinct medical conditions that rarely coexist, each presenting unique challenges in diagnosis and management. Here, we present a rare case of a 30-year-old male with a history of KT syndrome complicated by recurrent deep vein thrombosis, who presented with symptoms of acute heart failure including shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, and chest pain and was subsequently diagnosed with isolated CS. We discuss the importance of thorough clinical evaluation and multimodal diagnostic approaches in this complex scenario with overlapping symptoms and diagnostic dilemmas. Full article

Heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils threatens food security and public health, especially in volcanic regions where ash alters soil properties. This study evaluates the effects of soil amendments on physicochemical properties, nutrient availability, and heavy metal accumulation in ash-affected (Mocha) and non-affected (Puyo) soils in Ecuador. A field experiment tested compost, poultry manure, inorganic fertilizer, and a control on onion (Allium fistulosum) and parsley (Petroselinum crispum). Soil analyses assessed the bulk density, texture, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, nutrients, metals, and metalloid concentrations of the soils and crops. Mocha soils exhibited volcanic Andisol characteristics, while Puyo soils resembled eastern Ecuadorian soils, both showing high nitrogen but deficiencies in phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. Arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) levels in soils varied between regions but not among treatments. In Mocha, As bioavailability decreased with poultry manure and compost, while other metals remained stable except in fertilized soils. In Puyo, organic amendments reduced Hg, Pb, Ni, and Cr but increased them in fertilized soils. All treatments met Ecuadorian limits for As, Cd, Pb, and Ni but exceeded those for Hg and Cr. Organic amendments improved soil quality, reduced metal mobility, and supported sustainable agriculture, with Mocha soils appearing more suitable for cultivation. Full article

We evaluated the global distribution of Anolis sagrei based on bibliographic records, GBIF, and iNaturalist data. Native to Cuba and the Bahamas, this lizard has spread across mainland America, particularly in the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of the U.S. It has also been introduced in Asia, and according to iNaturalist observations, it has been recorded in Israel, Canada, and northern South America. This species is especially abundant in the Caribbean and southeastern U.S., with high concentrations of records indicating a significant range expansion. In Ecuador, A. sagrei has been recorded along the coast and in the Amazon, with occurrences in Esmeraldas, Manabí, Guayas, Francisco de Orellana, and for the first time in Zamora Chinchipe (southern Amazon), specifically in El Pangui. The capture of 10 individuals confirmed their morphology, showing similarities with populations from Honduras and Cuba but differences in scalation and body size. In Ecuador, the fourth toe lamellae range from 29 to 33, consistent with those populations, while dorsal and ventral scales show variation (dorsal: 11–22, ventral: 10–25). Climate change favors its spread by enabling the colonization of new habitats. As an invasive species, it threatens local biodiversity, highlighting the need for monitoring and control in Amazonian Ecuador. An expanded abstract in Spanish is available, intended for local decision-makers. Full article

Cacao mucilage is a rich medium for microbial development due to the presence of various sugars, water, pectin, mineral salts, and yeasts of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae type. This study aims to provide added value to this commonly discarded residue, thereby contributing to the economic growth of the Rio Chila area in the Valencia Canton of Los Ríos Province. The methods applied for developing beer consist of malting, grinding, mashing, filtering, boiling, cooling, fermentation (during which cacao mucilage is added), and maturation, followed by physical–chemical analyses. The Fine aroma cacao mucilage presented values of 0.66% acidity, 7.63 °Brix, pH 4.43, absorbance 1.13, transmittance 23.67%, suspended solids 0.04 g: 2.66%, density 1.07 g/mL, turbidity 6.94 NTU, °GL 8.47% vol., foam quantity 1.70 cm, colorimetry L* 50.77, colorimetry a* 18.08, colorimetry b* 50.53, and bitterness degree 39.00. The analyses presented values within the normal parameters applied to beers at the national level (INEN standards). Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and total microorganisms showed no contamination in the microbiological analyses. In the sensory analyses, appearance, aroma, flavour, and mouthfeel were evaluated, with the best experiment being the combination of Fine aroma cacao with a concentration of 30% mucilage and added Cascade hops. This study took into account the concentrations of cacao mucilage (20% and 30%) from the varieties (Fine aroma and CCN-51), as well as the addition of the brewing hops Cascade and Northern Brewer. Regarding the physicochemical characteristics, adding this cacao derivative did not affect craft beer and conformed to the ranges of the NTE INEN 2262 standard. Thus, this research proposes an alternative use for cocoa mucilage, contributing to waste reduction and broadening its potential applications. Full article

The main barriers faced by small-scale cocoa producers in Ecuador are the limited access to and the use of information technologies, which affects their efficiency in production and marketing. This study evaluated the impact of information behavior on the fertilization and marketing strategies of small cocoa farmers in two Ecuadorian provinces that have presented outstanding performance at the national level in order to identify the main factors that cause information gaps. For this purpose, a structured survey was conducted between May and June 2024 on 150 cocoa producers farming up to 10 hectares to collect demographic data and analyze their information-use patterns in relation to agricultural market strategies. The survey included five dimensions: information sources, information evaluation, informational, social and economic. In addition, soil chemical analyses were conducted in 50 plantations managed by the same farmers to determine the affinity between fertilization practices and the nutritional needs of the crop. The results indicated that farmers in Guayas showed a more developed information behavior, with a greater knowledge of their information needs and an active interest in collecting data on agricultural markets. In contrast, farmers in Los Ríos made less use of the media as a source of information, which limited their impact on social and economic aspects. In soil chemistry, both provinces presented favorable conditions for the crop; however, low nitrogen and potassium concentrations could affect yields. In Guayas, the analyses revealed averages of 0.34 cmol(+)/L aluminum, 3.03 cmol(+)/L magnesium and 0.33 cmol(+)/L potassium, values that mostly meet the nutritional standards for cocoa. In Los Rios, the analyses reflected average values of 0.68 ± 0.46 cmol(+)/L aluminum, 2.98 ± 1.13 cmol(+)/L magnesium and 0.34 ± 0.11 cmol(+)/L potassium. Based on the findings of this study, in order to improve the competitiveness of the sector, it is suggested to design accessible public policies and training programs oriented to the use of digital tools and sustainable practices that promote access to markets and optimize the production chain. Full article

The proliferation of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in the Chongón Reservoir, located within the Parque Lago National Recreation Area in Guayaquil, Ecuador, poses significant challenges to the local aquatic ecosystem and water resource management. This study assesses the impact of water hyacinth coverage on evapotranspiration rates over a 20-year period from 2002 to 2022 using remote sensing data and geospatial analysis. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), derived from Landsat satellite imagery, along with meteorological records, was utilized to model the spatial and temporal dynamics of water hyacinth coverage and its effects on evapotranspiration. Our results indicate that water hyacinth coverage fluctuates significantly between rainy and dry seasons, increasing from covering 10.42% of the reservoir area in 2002 to a peak of 42.33% in 2017 during the rainy seasons. A strong positive correlation ($r=0.92$, $p<0.001$) was found between water hyacinth coverage and net daily water loss due to evapotranspiration. The evapotranspiration rates associated with water hyacinth were significantly higher during the rainy season (mean of 2309.90 mm/year) compared to the dry season (mean of 1917.87 mm/year). These elevated evapotranspiration rates contribute to increased water loss from the reservoir, potentially impacting water availability for municipal and agricultural use. Controlling the spread of water hyacinth is therefore crucial for preserving the reservoir’s ecological integrity and ensuring sustainable water resource management. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for informing management strategies aimed at mitigating the effects of invasive species on freshwater resources and maintaining aquatic ecosystem health. Full article

This study aimed at preparing three types of biochar derived from rice husk via pyrolysis, including unactivated biochar, biochar chemically activated after with H₃PO₄, and biochar impregnated with γ-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles. These materials were subsequently characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, which revealed favorable textural properties, such as an increased surface area and porosity, as well as the presence of functional groups that facilitate the adsorption of methylene blue and malachite green in aqueous solutions. Several factors that affect the adsorption capacity, including the type of material, pH effect, and adsorbent dosage, were evaluated and optimized. The adsorption behavior was analyzed using isotherm and kinetic models to better understand the mechanisms involved. Under optimal conditions, biochar@γ-Fe₂O₃ NPs emerged as the most effective material due to its high surface area, functionalized surface, and magnetic properties, allowing easy water recovery without the need for complex instrumentation. Among the kinetic models evaluated, the pseudo-second-order model exhibited the highest linear regression coefficient (R² = 0.99), supporting a chemisorption process driven by strong interactions and stable chemical bond formation between the adsorbate and the adsorbent, while equilibrium data fit well with the Sips isotherm model, indicating a combination of monolayer and multilayer adsorption mechanisms. This magnetic biochar achieved removal efficiencies of 97% for methylene blue and 95% for malachite green, demonstrating a high performance and reusability over four cycles. Moreover, a possible adsorption mechanism of MB on the magnetic biochar was proposed to explain the interaction between the dye and the adsorbent surface. Thus, this work demonstrates that magnetic biochar is a sustainable and cost-effective adsorbent for wastewater treatment, integrating circular economy principles by transforming rice husk into a high-value material. The incorporation of γ-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles enhances adsorption while enabling magnetic recovery, providing an eco-friendly and scalable solution for dye removal. Full article

Baculovirus penaei (BP) is an enteric virus infecting the hepatopancreas and anterior midgut of shrimp, particularly affecting early developmental stages and contributing to hatchery losses. While BP’s role in co-infections is increasingly recognized, its impact on later life stages remains unclear. Despite advancements in molecular diagnostics, its high genetic diversity complicates reliable detection, often leading to discrepancies between PCR results and histological observations of occlusion bodies. This study evaluated seven primer pairs for BP detection in Penaeus vannamei. Among histologically confirmed cases, only 6% tested positive with the BPA/BPF primer and 3% with BPA/BPB, while the remaining primers failed to amplify BP, highlighting significant diagnostic limitations. Histopathology revealed bacterial co-infections alongside BP, with advanced cases showing intranuclear occlusion bodies, hepatopancreatic necrosis, and epithelial detachment. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved molecular diagnostics to accurately assess BP prevalence, its role in co-infections, and its overall impact on shrimp health in Latin America. Further research is essential to refine detection methods and determine BP’s pathogenic significance beyond early developmental stages. Full article

Rice is a vital component of the Ecuadorian diet and plays a significant role in global food security. Agricultural practices aimed at boosting production can, however, compromise grain quality. This study explores the effects of various pest control methods on the nutritional and biochemical quality of both white and brown rice. Compounds such as total phenolics (TPC), dietary fiber (TDF), gamma oryzanol, phytic acid (PA), antioxidant activity (AA), and the presence of heavy metals were analyzed. The research was carried out in Taura, Guayas Province, Ecuador, using a bifactorial experimental design with three replications. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and Tukey HDS tests (α = 0.05), complemented by PCA biplot analysis for comprehensive data exploration. The results highlight significant differences in all variables depending on the rice type (R), with brown rice exhibiting higher values. In terms of pest control type (C), only phytic acid showed significant variance, an effect also evident in the interaction (R × C). Cadmium (<0.30 mg/kg) and arsenic (<0.55 mg/kg) levels remained below national standards, with no significant differences across treatments. The biplot analysis revealed PA independence, with higher values in grains managed with biological control, whereas those under chemical control displayed slightly higher and varied values for other studied variables. Full article

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) require efficient monitoring tools to assess habitats and biodiversity, particularly in remote or understudied regions. This study demonstrates the utility of the towed video-diver technique combined with high-resolution video for rapidly surveying benthic habitats and associated taxa. Applied in Arredondo, a shallow bay within an MPA in Atlantic Patagonia, the method covered 14,000 m² through eight transects, utilizing just 180 min of dive time and ~300 min of video analysis. Substrate types and their associated taxa were classified using the CATAMI framework, yielding a list of 28 taxa and density estimates of mobile organisms. Additionally, the percentage cover of Gracilaria sp.—a commercially valuable macroalga historically overexploited in the region—was estimated for the bay. The invasive crab Carcinus maenas was found across all substrate types on the bay, underscoring its ecological tolerance and the need for ongoing monitoring. This cost-effective, rapid methodology is highly effective for detecting and describing areas of ecological or conservation interest, providing critical baseline data for targeted, detailed studies. Its simplicity and efficiency make it ideal for initial surveys in remote regions, supporting the conservation and management of MPAs. Full article

This study presents the second phase of a year-long investigation comparing multiple PCR analyses and histological examinations to confirm the presence of characteristic lesions of each pathogen in three different regions of Latin America. More than 20 agents, including DNA and RNA viruses, bacteria and microsporidia, have been targeted. In addition to wild Penaeus vannamei, which was studied previously, samples of wild P. stylirostris and P. monodon were included. Notably, a positive PCR test result alone does not confirm the presence of a viable pathogen or a disease state. Similarly, positive PCR results do not necessarily correlate with the presence of histological lesions characteristic of the targeted pathogen. Wenzhou shrimp virus 8 (WzSV8) was found to be widespread among shrimp in all regions, including both farm-raised and wild populations. Histopathological analysis indicated that shrimp typically presented coinfections, such as WzSV8, Decapod hepanhamaparvovirus (DHPV), chronic midgut inflammation, and tubule distension/epithelial atrophy, consistent with the toxicity of Pir A/B or another bacterial toxin. Bacterial muscle necrosis was also found in some regions. In general, bacterial infection was the dominant pathology in all three regions during the year. We also postulate that both WzSV8 and DHPV can infect not only hepatopancreatic cells but also cells in the ceca and intestine. Full article