Comparison of industrial engineering programs in Colombia based on standardized test results.

This study aims to evaluate the performance of industrial engineering programs across various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Colombia, focusing on the SaberPRO test outcomes from 2016 to 2018. The evaluation considers three primary dimensions: the type of funding (public vs. private HEIs), geographical region, and program accreditation status. The methodology involved gathering and analyzing Saber Pro test results from students enrolled in industrial engineering programs at 82 Colombian HEIs during the specified period. In Colombia, the SaberPRO Exam, administered by the Colombian Institute for the Evaluation of Education (ICFES), is a critical measure for assessing the quality of future industrial engineering graduates. This research employs an analytical framework that includes Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and hypothesis testing for mean comparisons to scrutinize the performance of these programs. Findings reveal notable disparities in performance between public and private institutions and between accredited and non-accredited programs. Additionally, through Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA), the study identifies the competencies with the highest discriminative capacity, recognizing 15 exemplary programs out of the 82 evaluated.

Assessing transformation methods for group comparisons under violated assumptions: type I error rate and test power / [Avaliação de métodos de transformação para comparações de grupos sobre pressupostos violados: taxa de erro tipo I e poder do teste]

ABSTRACT In this study, some transformation methods that are applied when the assumptions of analysis of variance are not met are evaluated in terms of type I error rate and the test power, under circumstances with different distributions, number of groups, number of observations, variance ratios, and different standard deviation differences. The data set used in the study consisted of random numbers generated from N (0,1), and χ2(3) distributions using the random function of the Numpy library in the Python programming language. The logarithmic, square root and root transformations were evaluated on ANOVA based on simulation combinations. It was observed that the transformation techniques of taking the square root after adding 0.5 and 0.375 to the data were relatively more reliable compared to other transformations in terms of type I error rate. However, in every case, type I error rate determined at the beginning of the experiment increased both before and after the transformation was applied. In particular, interestingly, the third and fourth degree root transformations gave better results of test power in the right skewed distribution. In addition, we compared the transformation techniques in question to determine the normality of the data and the homogeneity of variances by a real data.

RESUMO Neste estudo, alguns métodos de transformação, aplicados quando as premissas da análise de variância não são cumpridas, são avaliados em termos de taxa de erro tipo I e poder de teste, em circunstâncias com diferentes distribuições, número de grupos, número de observações, razões de variância e diferenças de desvio-padrão. O conjunto de dados utilizados no estudo consistiu em números aleatórios gerados a partir das distribuições N(0,1) e χ2(3), utilizando a função aleatória da biblioteca Numpy, na linguagem de programação Python. As técnicas de transformação logarítmica, raiz quadrada e raiz foram avaliadas na ANOVA, com base em combinações de simulação. Observou-se que as técnicas de transformação de tomar a raiz quadrada após adicionar 0,5 e 0,375 aos dados foram relativamente mais confiáveis em comparação com outras transformações em termos de taxa de erro tipo I. No entanto, em todos os casos, a taxa de erro tipo I determinada no início do experimento aumentou tanto antes quanto depois da aplicação da transformação. Em particular, curiosamente, as transformações de raiz de terceiro e de quarto grau deram melhores resultados de poder de teste na distribuição assimétrica à direita. Além disso, foram comparadas as técnicas de transformação em questão para determinar a normalidade dos dados e a homogeneidade das variâncias por meio de dados reais.

Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Are Associated with Pain Intensity and Shoulder Disability in Adults with Chronic Shoulder Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, and for people over 40 years old, it represents the musculoskeletal pain with the greatest impact on quality of life. Psychological factors, such as fear-avoidance beliefs, are associated with musculoskeletal pain, and several studies suggest that they can influence various treatment outcomes. Our objective was to explore the cross-sectional association between fear-avoidance beliefs and shoulder pain intensity and disability in subjects with chronic shoulder pain. A cross-sectional study was conducted, and 208 participants with chronic unilateral subacromial shoulder pain were recruited. The shoulder pain and disability index assessed pain intensity and disability. The Spanish fear-avoidance components scale assessed the presence of fear-avoidance beliefs. The association between fear-avoidance beliefs and pain intensity and disability was analyzed by means of multiple linear regression models and proportional odds models, reporting odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Shoulder and pain disability scores were significantly associated with fear-avoidance beliefs (p < 0.0001, adjusted R-square 0.93, multiple linear regression). There was no evidence of an association between sex and age in this study. The regression coefficient for shoulder pain intensity and disability score was 0.67446. The proportional odds model showed an odds ratio of 1.39 (1.29-1.50) for shoulder pain intensity and disability total score. This study suggests that greater levels of fear-avoidance beliefs are associated with greater levels of shoulder pain and disability in adults with chronic shoulder pain.

Working Conditions and Mental Health in a Brazilian University.

The highest prevalence of mental illnesses and mental suffering in contemporary society has raised awareness of the theme and their connection to work. In Brazil, university servants (professors and technical-administrative staff) are a focused occupational group. We developed this research with the objective of exploring the relationship between the perception of working conditions and the mental health of these servants. Structured questionnaires were applied to 285 servants, 33.5% being professors and 66.5% technical-administrative staff. Regarding working conditions, the questionnaires included items that measured 15 primary factors and questions about their contracts and legal conditions. To evaluate mental health, the participants answered a questionnaire about common psychic symptoms, negative and positive affects, self-esteem, and family-work conflict. We composed groups of participants according to their mental health indicator scores (cluster analysis), and after that, we compared the mean scores in working conditions for the groups. Then, we found that the mean scores of 13 from the 15 working condition factors were significantly different between the mental health groups. Our results showed the importance of improving working conditions in universities to prevent mental illnesses. Understanding the content of each working condition factor presents potency to contribute to defining the priorities among different aspects of working conditions.

Drawing Attention to the Measurement Uncertainty Arising from Sampling in Chemical and Physicochemical Analyses: An Overview.

Sometimes, analytical chemicals forget that the measurement process begins with the selection of the sample; thus, it must be understood that the measurement uncertainty is constituted by the association of the uncertainty arising from the sampling and the uncertainty arising from the traditional analytical process, that which is carried out in the laboratory. The analytical process is well-controlled, so its uncertainty is well defined; however, the uncertainty arising from sampling, for not having this controlled environment, is often not evident, so that there is still no culture to consider it for the calculation of measurement uncertainty. This study discusses the importance of the sampling uncertainty concerning the analytical uncertainty and details the current approaches available in the literature, such as the classical analysis of variance, the robust analysis of variance, and the range statistics. Moreover, this work highlights the recent manuscripts that are using these mentioned approaches, correlating them to the matrices, chemical and physical-chemical analytes, and analytical techniques. Finally, some case studies using the uncertainty information in compliance assessment show that the measurement uncertainty arising from sampling in chemical and physicochemical analyses cannot always be neglected.

Does soybean sample size impact Tukey's test for non-additivity? / O tamanho de amostra em soja impacta o teste de não aditividade de Tukey?

ABSTRACT: This study analyzed the interference of sample size on Tukey's test for non-additivity and found the sample size to optimize the test for soybean grain yield. Six experiments were conducted in a completely randomized block design with either 20 or 30 cultivars and three repetitions of each treatment. Grain yield was determined per plant, totaling 9,000 sampled plants. Next, sample scenarios up to 100 plants were simulated, estimating F statistic for a degree of freedom of the error in each scenario. After that, the optimal sample size was defined via power models and maximum curvature point. Results showed the number of sampled plants per experimental unit influences the estimates of Tukey's test for non-additivity. Also, the sampling of 14 to 19 plants per experimental unit allows for maintaining the accuracy of the test.

RESUMO: Os objetivos deste estudo foram analisar a interferência do tamanho amostral no teste de não aditividade de Tukey e encontrar o tamanho de amostra para otimizar o teste para a produtividade de grãos em soja. Seis experimentos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso foram conduzidos com 20 ou 30 cultivares de soja em três repetições de cada tratamento. A produtividade de grãos foi definida por planta, totalizando 9.000 plantas amostradas. A seguir, foram simulados cenários amostrais de até 100 plantas, estimando a estatística F para um grau de liberdade do erro em cada cenário. Após, foi definido o tamanho amostral ótimo via modelos de potência e pontos de máxima curvatura. Os resultados mostram que o número de plantas amostradas por unidade experimental influencia as estimativas do teste de não aditividade de Tukey. Além disso, a amostragem de 14 a 19 plantas por unidade experimental possibilita manter a acurácia do teste.

Optimizing Bartlett test: a grain yield analysis in soybean / Otimizando o teste de Bartlett: uma análise da produtividade de grãos em soja

ABSTRACT: This study analyzed the response of the Bartlett test as a function of sample size and to define the optimal sample size for the test with soybean grain yield data. Six experiments were conducted in a randomized block design with 20 or 30 cultivars and three repetitions. Grain yield was determined per plant, totaling 9,000 sampled plants. Next, sample scenarios of 1, 2, ..., 100 plants were simulated and the optimal sample size was defined via maximum curvature points. The increase in sampled plants per experimental unit favors Bartlett test's precision. Also, the sampling of 17 to 20 plants per experimental unit is enough to maintain the accuracy of the test.

RESUMO: Os objetivos deste estudo foram analisar a resposta do teste de Bartlett em função do tamanho de amostra e definir o tamanho amostral ótimo para o teste com dados de produtividade de grãos de soja. Foram conduzidos seis experimentos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso com 20 ou 30 cultivares e três repetições. A produtividade de grãos foi definida por planta, totalizando 9.000 plantas amostradas. Logo, foram simulados cenários amostrais de 1, 2, ..., 100 plantas e definido o tamanho amostral ótimo via pontos de máxima curvatura. O aumento de plantas amostradas por unidade experimental favorece a precisão do teste de Bartlett. Além disso, a amostragem de 17 a 20 plantas por unidade experimental é suficiente para manter a acurácia do teste.

Investigation of Egg Weight, Ovarian Follicles Morphology and Growth Differentiation Factor 9 mRNA Expression in Potchefstroom Koekoek Chicken Breed

The growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) gene plays a vital role in the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles in laying hens. However, its messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels in preovulatory ovarian follicles of indigenous chickens remain poorly understood. The study aimed to identify the association between egg weight and egg quality traits, ovarian follicles morphology, and mRNA expression levels of the GDF9 gene in pre-ovulatory ovarian follicles of the South African Potchefstroom Koekoek chicken breed. The correlation results showed that egg weight (EW) had a positively high significant correlation (p<0.01) with egg width (EWD), yolk weight (YW), shell surface area (SSA), albumen weight (AW), albumen ratio (AR) and egg volume (EV), and a positive significant correlation (p<0.05) with egg length (EL). The Student's T-test results revealed that the numbers of large yellow follicles were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those of small yellow follicles. ANOVA findings showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the average weight of the large yellow follicles. The quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) findings indicated that there were significant differences (p<0.05) in the mRNA expression levels of the GDF9 gene in preovulatory ovarian follicles of the Potchefstroom Koekoek chicken breed. The mRNA expression was more abundant in F1 and F4 than in other ovarian follicles.(AU)

Does soybean sample size impact Tukey's test for non-additivity? / O tamanho de amostra em soja impacta o teste de não aditividade de Tukey?

This study analyzed the interference of sample size on Tukey's test for non-additivity and found the sample size to optimize the test for soybean grain yield. Six experiments were conducted in a completely randomized block design with either 20 or 30 cultivars and three repetitions of each treatment. Grain yield was determined per plant, totaling 9,000 sampled plants. Next, sample scenarios up to 100 plants were simulated, estimating F statistic for a degree of freedom of the error in each scenario. After that, the optimal sample size was defined via power models and maximum curvature point. Results showed the number of sampled plants per experimental unit influences the estimates of Tukey's test for non-additivity. Also, the sampling of 14 to 19 plants per experimental unit allows for maintaining the accuracy of the test.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram analisar a interferência do tamanho amostral no teste de não aditividade de Tukey e encontrar o tamanho de amostra para otimizar o teste para a produtividade de grãos em soja. Seis experimentos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso foram conduzidos com 20 ou 30 cultivares de soja em três repetições de cada tratamento. A produtividade de grãos foi definida por planta, totalizando 9.000 plantas amostradas. A seguir, foram simulados cenários amostrais de até 100 plantas, estimando a estatística F para um grau de liberdade do erro em cada cenário. Após, foi definido o tamanho amostral ótimo via modelos de potência e pontos de máxima curvatura. Os resultados mostram que o número de plantas amostradas por unidade experimental influencia as estimativas do teste de não aditividade de Tukey. Além disso, a amostragem de 14 a 19 plantas por unidade experimental possibilita manter a acurácia do teste.

Optimizing Bartlett test: a grain yield analysis in soybean / Otimizando o teste de Bartlett: uma análise da produtividade de grãos em soja

This study analyzed the response of the Bartlett test as a function of sample size and to define the optimal sample size for the test with soybean grain yield data. Six experiments were conducted in a randomized block design with 20 or 30 cultivars and three repetitions. Grain yield was determined per plant, totaling 9,000 sampled plants. Next, sample scenarios of 1, 2, ..., 100 plants were simulated and the optimal sample size was defined via maximum curvature points. The increase in sampled plants per experimental unit favors Bartlett test's precision. Also, the sampling of 17 to 20 plants per experimental unit is enough to maintain the accuracy of the test.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram analisar a resposta do teste de Bartlett em função do tamanho de amostra e definir o tamanho amostral ótimo para o teste com dados de produtividade de grãos de soja. Foram conduzidos seis experimentos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso com 20 ou 30 cultivares e três repetições. A produtividade de grãos foi definida por planta, totalizando 9.000 plantas amostradas. Logo, foram simulados cenários amostrais de 1, 2, ..., 100 plantas e definido o tamanho amostral ótimo via pontos de máxima curvatura. O aumento de plantas amostradas por unidade experimental favorece a precisão do teste de Bartlett. Além disso, a amostragem de 17 a 20 plantas por unidade experimental é suficiente para manter a acurácia do teste.

Rotational effect of the 3d brace in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis / Efeito rotacional do colete 3d no tratamento da escoliose idiopática do adolescente / Efecto rotacional del corsé 3d en el tratamiento de la escoliosis idiopática del adolescente

ABSTRACT: Objective: To evaluate the axial correction capacity of the 3D brace in treating Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). Methods: A retrospective study was carried out with 61 patients with AIS who obtained the 3D brace, between 2019 and 2022, in a laboratory that manufactures orthotics and orthopedic prostheses. These individuals underwent independent analysis of radiographic parameters by evaluating vertebral rotation using the Nash and Moe classification. The analyzed radiographs were taken in orthostasis before and after treatment with the 3D vest. Patients were divided into groups I and II-IV according to the Nash and Moe radiographic classification. Corrective capacity was estimated by assessing the degree of vertebral rotation before and after treatment. Results: Of the 61 patients evaluated, 36 (59%) had Nash and Moe grade I, and 25 patients grade II-IV before treatment. After treatment, 13 (21%) had grade II-IV, and 48 had grade I. Of the patients categorized as II-IV, 64% had improvement in the rotational profile. None clinical studies or radiographic parameter was associated with a change in rotational profile other than brace use (p=0.012). Conclusion: In the studied sample, treatment with the 3D vest promoted a change in vertebral rotation according to the Nash and Moe classification. The majority showed improvement in this parameter of evaluation of treatment of AIS. Level of Evidence III; Retrospective Study.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Avaliar a capacidade de correção axial do colete 3D no tratamento da Escoliose Idiopática do Adolescente (EIA). Métodos: Realizou-se estudo retrospectivo com 61 pacientes com EIA que obtiveram o colete 3D, entre 2019 e 2022, em um laboratório de confecção de órteses e próteses ortopédicas. Esses indivíduos foram submetidos à análise independente dos parâmetros radiográficos através da avaliação da rotação vertebral pela classificação de Nash e Moe. As radiografias analisadas foram realizadas em ortostase antes e após o tratamento com o colete 3D. Os pacientes foram separados em grupo I e grupo II-IV de acordo com a classificação radiográfica de Nash e Moe. A capacidade de correção foi estimada pela avaliação do grau de rotação vertebral antes e depois do tratamento. Resultados: Dentre os 61 pacientes avaliados, 36 (59%) apresentavam grau I, e 25 pacientes grau II-IV de Nash e Moe, antes do tratamento. Após o tratamento, 13 (21%) apresentavam grau II-IV e, 48 pacientes apresentavam grau I. Dos pacientes categorizados como II-IV, 64% tiveram melhora no perfil rotacional. Nenhum parâmetro clínico ou radiográfico estudado esteve associado com a mudança no perfil rotacional além do uso do colete (p=0,012). Conclusões: Na amostra estudada, o tratamento com o colete 3D promoveu mudança na rotação vertebral pela classificação de Nash e Moe. A maioria dos pacientes apresentou melhora neste parâmetro de avaliação de tratamento da EIA. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo Retrospectivo.

RESUMEN: Objetivo: Evaluar la capacidad de corrección axial del corsé 3D en el tratamiento de la Escoliosis Idiopática del Adolescente (EIA). Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo con 61 pacientes con EIA que obtuvieron el corsé 3D, entre 2019 y 2022, en un laboratorio que fabrica ortesis y prótesis ortopédicas. Estos individuos se sometieron a un análisis independiente de los parámetros radiográficos a través de la evaluación de la rotación vertebral utilizando la clasificación de Nash y Moe. Las radiografías analizadas se tomaron en ortostasis antes y después del tratamiento con el corsé 3D. Los pacientes se dividieron en grupo I y grupo II-IV según la clasificación radiográfica de Nash y Moe. La capacidad correctora se estimó evaluando el grado de rotación vertebral antes y después del tratamiento. Resultados: De los 61 pacientes evaluados, 36 pacientes (59%) tenían grado I de Nash y Moe, y 25 grado II-IV antes del tratamiento. Después del tratamiento, 13 (21%) tenían grado II-IV, y 48 grado I. De los pacientes categorizados como II-IV, el 64% tuvo mejoría en el perfil rotacional. Ningún parámetro clínico o radiográfico estudiado se asoció con el cambio en el perfil de rotación que no sea el uso de aparatos ortopédicos (p = 0,012). Conclusiones: En la muestra estudiada, el tratamiento con el corsé 3D promovió un cambio en la rotación vertebral según la clasificación de Nash y Moe. La mayoría mostró mejoría en este parámetro de evaluación del tratamiento de la EIA. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudio Retrospectivo.

Combined spinal and general anesthesia attenuate tumor promoting effects of surgery. An experimental animal study.

Background: Radical prostatectomy, a standard management approach for localized Prostate Cancer (PC), may cause a stress response associated with immune modulating effects. Regional anesthesia was hypothesized to reduce the immune effects of surgery by minimizing the neuroendocrine surgical stress response, thus mitigating tumor cells dissemination. Our primary objective was to investigate whether the use of spinal blocks attenuates PC tumor cells dissemination on an animal model. We also assessed the number of circulating NK cells and the amount of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Materials and methods: A subcutaneous tumor model, with PC-3M cell line transfected with a luciferase-producing gene (PC-3M-luc-C6) was used. After proper tumor establishment and before tumors became metastatic, animals were submitted to tumor excision surgeries under general or combined (general and spinal) anesthesia. A control group was only anesthetized with general anesthesia. Results: The subcutaneous tumor model with PC-3M-luc-C6 cells was effective in causing distant metastasis after 35 days. The number of circulating tumor cells increased in animals that underwent surgery under general anesthesia alone compared to the group submitted to combined anesthesia. Interleukin 6 levels were different in all groups, with increase in the general anesthesia group. Conclusion: Our results suggest that combination of spinal and general anesthesia may attenuate the suppression of innate tumor immunity and it might be related to a reduction in the neuroendocrine response to surgery. Institutional protocol number: Animal Ethics Committee 1332/2019.

Influence of seasonality on the physicochemical properties of Moringa oleifera Lam. Seed oil and their oleochemical potential.

The effect of abiotic factors, such as weather and climate can alter the properties of vegetable oils. In this work, the effects of the refining process and pre-drying of Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds collected in the dry and rainy seasons (seasonality) were evaluated on the characteristics of the extracted oils. The refined and crude dry season oils had lower acidity and moisture content than the dry and raw rainy season oils. Oleic acid (C18:1) showed the highest concentration in the different Moringa oils studied. The results suggest that dry season oils are more suitable for application as feedstocks in the cosmetic, food, medicinal and pharmaceutical industries. Furthermore, refining proved to be efficient in removing free fatty acids and in lightening the oil.

The dependence ofNKRversus KR: the initial, thermal, volumetric recombination and screening effect on the efficiency of collected charges on the calibration of si HDR1000 plus well chambers with192Ir HDR sources.

By using the statistical techniques of the ANOVA means test and regression, it was found that theNKRcalibration factor of Standard Imaging (SI) model HDR 1000 plus chambers presents a quadratic dependence with the Reference air kerma rateKR(from 6.9 mGy h-1to 43.9 mGy h-1). In order to understand and correct this dependency one model is presented for total recombination:ks=I300I150=1+kini+kd+kvol·I300+kscreen·I3002,wherekiniis the initial recombination,kvolthe thermal diffusion recombination,kvolthe volumetric recombination andkscreenthe screening for the currents/charges collected at the potential differences of 300 and 150 V. In conclusion, the total recombinationksis composed by onekiniwith a constant contribution of 0.019%, onekdcontribution of 0.017%, onekvol·I300contribution from 0.022% to 0.138%, and thekscreen·I3002effects from 0.002% to 0.09% in the range ofK̇Rrate above. However, when this model forksis applied to try to correct the quadratic dependence of theNKRversusKR,explicitly there is no improvement in the variation range of 0.5% of theNKRversusKR.Nonetheless, it allows to obtainNKRvalues consistent with auc ≤ 0.7%, which is less than 1.25% reported in the literature by ADCLs or SSDLs.

In vitro cytotoxic potential of extracts from Aristolochia foetida Kunth against MCF-7 and bMECs cell lines.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of Aristolochia foetida Kunth. Stems and leaves of A. foetida Kunth (Aristolochiaceae) have never been investigated pharmacologically. Recent studies of species of the Aristolochiaceae family found significant cytotoxic activities. Hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts were analyzed by 1H NMR and GC-MS to know the metabolites in each extract. In GC-MS analysis, the main compounds were methyl hexadecanoate (3); hexadecanoic acid (4); 2-butoxyethyl dodecanoate (9); ethyl hexadecanoate (20); methyl octadeca-9,12,15-trienoate (28) and (9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-9,12,15-trienoic acid (40). The results showed a significant reduction in cell viability of the MCF-7 (breast cancer) cell line caused by organic extracts in a dose-dependent manner. The cytotoxicity activity of the dichloromethane extract from the stems (DSE) showed IC50 values of 45.9 µg/mL and the dichloromethane extract of the leaves (DLE) showed IC50 values of 47.3 µg/mL. DSE and DLE had the highest cytotoxic potential in an in vitro study against the MCF-7 cell line and non-tumor cells obtained from the bovine mammary epithelial (bMECs). DSE and DLE induced a loss in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and can cause cell death by apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway in the MCF-7 cell line. DSE and DLE are cytotoxic in cancer cells and cause late apoptosis. Higher concentrations of DSE and DLE are required to induce a cytotoxic effect in healthy mammary epithelial cells. This is the first report of the dichloromethane extract of A. foetida Kunth that induces late apoptosis in MCF-7 cancer cells and may be a candidate for pharmacological study against breast cancer.

Evaluación de fuentes de variación en pruebas multi-ambientes para rendimiento y sus componentes en algodón / Evaluation of sources of variation in multi-environment tests for yield and its components in cotton

RESUMEN La valoración de las fuentes de variación de los análisis de varianza combinado en las pruebas de evaluación multi-ambientes es de gran importancia en la selección de genotipos para recomendar nuevos cultivares, por su adaptabilidad y estabilidad. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la significancia estadística y contribución de las fuentes de variación: ambientes, genotipos e interacción genotipo x ambiente para rendimiento de algodón-semilla, porcentaje de fibra y rendimiento de fibra, en las zonas del Caribe seco y húmedo colombiano. Se utilizaron los datos de dos pruebas multi-ambientes por zona, donde se evaluaron 10 genotipos de fibra media diferentes, bajo el diseño de bloques completos al azar, con cuatro repeticiones. Cada prueba estuvo conformada por cuatro ensayos realizados durante las cosechas 2003/2004, 2007/2008 y 2009/2010. Los resultados señalan que, en promedio, el ambiente fue la fuente de variación más importante en significancia (p <0,05 y p <0,01) y variación (>64 %), de los análisis de varianza combinado para rendimiento de algodón-semilla y fibra, con tendencia similar en su comportamiento entre ellas y en las dos zonas del Caribe colombiano. Para el porcentaje de fibra en el Caribe seco, la fuente de variación más importante fue genotipos (74,4 %) y en el Caribe húmedo fue el ambiente (57,2 %). Se sugiere subdividir las dos zonas del Caribe en subzonas más homogéneas ambientalmente o aumentar en más de cuatro el número de ensayos por prueba, para minimizar el efecto del ambiente y la interacción genotipo x ambiente.

ABSTRACT The assessment of the sources of variation of the combined analysis of variance in the multi-environment evaluation tests is of great importance in the selection of genotypes to recommend new cultivars for their adaptability and stability. The objective of this research was to evaluate the statistical significance and contribution of the sources of variation: environments, genotypes and genotype x environment interaction for cotton-seed yield, fiber percentage and fiber yield, in the dry and humid Colombian Caribbean zones. Data from two multi-environment tests per zone were used, where 10 different medium fiber genotypes were evaluated, under a randomized complete block design with four replications. Each test consisted of four experimentos carried out during the 2003/2004, 2007/2008 and 2009/2010 harvests. The results indicate that on average the environment was the most important source of variation in significance (p <0.05 and p <0.01) and variation (>64 %) of the combined analysis of variance for cotton-seed yield and fiber, with a similar trend in their behavior between them and in the two zones of the Colombian Caribbean. For the percentage of fiber in the dry Caribbean, the most important source of variation was genotypes (74.4 %) and in the humid Caribbean it was the environment (57.2 %). It is suggested to subdivide the two zones of the Caribbean into more environmentally homogeneous subzones and / or to increase the number of trials per test, to minimize the effect of the environment and the genotype x environment interaction.

Effects of the Optional Protocols to theConvention on the Rights of the Child on the causes of child death: a statistical study on a global scale / Efeitos dos Protocolos Opcionais da Convenção sobre os Direitos da Criança nas causas de morte infantil: um estudo estatístico em escala global / Efectos de los Protocolos Facultativos de la Convención sobre los Derechos del Niño sobre las causas de la muerte infantil: un estudio estadístico a escala mundial

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a Communications Procedure(OPCP)make commitments and guarantees in relation to child health. The aim of the study is to verify the effects of these commitments on the causes of child death.To analyze these effects, we apply the one-way analysis of variance. For each group, we calculated the averages of child deaths in their respective countries for the years 2002, 2007, 2012, and 2017. The p-value resulting indicated whether there was a difference between the means of child deaths in those years that were compared. We also observed the time series for each cause of death over the years 2000 to 2017. The CRC has an expressive adhesion. OPCP has a smaller number of acceptors in all regions compared to CRC. The acceptance of OPCP did not significantly alter the results of the number of deaths in the accepting countries in any of the 13 causes of child death observed. In the non-accepting group, significant differences were found concerning five causes of child death: HIV/AIDS, diarrhoeal diseases, measles, meningitis/encephalitis, and acutelower respiratory infections (p-values 0.01, 0.01, 0.003, 0.002, and 0.003, respectively). Our results suggest that the group of countries that have accepted the OPCP are more committed to issues of child deaths causes studied. In all of them the annual death numbers were considerably lower in this group.

A Convenção sobre os Direitos da Criança e o Protocolo Facultativo à Convenção sobre os Direitos da Criança Relativo a um Procedimento de Comunicações (PFPC) estabelecem compromissos e garantias em relação à saúde infantil. O objetivo do estudo é verificar os efeitos desses compromissos nas causas de morte infantil. Para analisar esses efeitos, aplicamos a análise de variância unilateral. Para cada grupo, calculamos as médias de óbitos infantis em seus respectivos países para os anos de 2002, 2007, 2012 e 2017. O p-valor resultante indicou se havia diferença entre as médias de óbitos infantis nos anos comparados. Observamos também as séries temporais para cada causa de morte ao longo dos anos de 2000 a 2017. O CRC tem adesão expressiva. O OPCP possui menos adeptos em todas as regiões em comparação ao CRC. A aceitação da OPCP não alterou significativamente os resultados do número de óbitos nos países adeptos em nenhuma das 13 causas de morte infantil observadas. No grupo de não aceitação, foram encontradas diferenças significativas em relação a cinco causas de morte infantil: HIV/AIDS, doenças diarreicas, sarampo, meningite/encefalite e infecções respiratórias agudas inferiores (valores de p 0,01, 0,01, 0,003, 0,002 e 0,003, respectivamente). Nossos resultados sugerem que o grupo de países que aceitaram o OPCP está mais comprometido com as questões das causas de morte infantil estudadas. Em todos eles, os números anuais de mortalidade eram consideravelmente mais baixos nesse grupo.

La Convención sobre los Derechos del Niño y el Protocolo facultativo de la Convención sobre los Derechos del Niño Relativo a un Procedimiento de Comunicaciones (PFPC)establecen compromisos y garantías en relación con la salud infantil. El objetivo del estudio es verificar los efectos de estos compromisos sobre las causas de muerte infantil. Para analizar estos efectos, aplicamos el análisis de varianza unidireccional. Para cada grupo, calculamos los promedios de muertes infantiles en sus respectivos paísespara los años 2002, 2007, 2012 y 2017. El valor p resultante indicó si había una diferencia entre los promedios de muertes infantiles en los años comparados. También observamos la serie de tiempo para cada causa de muerte durante los años 2000 a 2017. El CRC tiene una adherencia significativa. OPCP tiene menos aceptadores en todas las regiones en comparación con CRC. La aceptación del OPCP no cambió significativamente los resultados del número de muertes en los países receptores en ninguna de las 13 causasobservadas de muerte infantil. En el grupo de no aceptación, se encontraron diferencias significativas en relación concinco causas de muerte infantil: VIH/SIDA, enfermedades diarreicas, sarampión, meningitis/encefalitis e infecciones respiratorias bajas agudas (valores de p 0.01, 0.01, 0.003, 0.002 y 0,003, respectivamente). Nuestros resultados sugieren que el grupo de países que ha aceptado el OPCP está más comprometido con los temas de causas de muerte infantil estudiados. En todos ellos, las cifras de mortalidad anual fueron considerablemente menores en este grupo.

Acute oral toxicity of a novel functional drink based on Ilex guayusa, Vernonanthura patens, and cocoa husk.

A novel functional drink with nutraceutical properties was formulated from the aqueous extracts of Ilex guayusa, and Vernonanthura patens leaves, and cocoa husks. This juice contains various bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds and methylxanthines, with antioxidant and stimulant properties of pharmacological interest. However, it is known whether herbal extracts' interaction may have adverse toxic effects on human health. To evaluate this functional drink's innocuity, we estimated the acute oral toxicity (AOT) in experimental mice. This paper presents the AOT evaluation of two formulations of a functional drink (pre-formulation and microencapsulation) at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.). No signs of adverse toxicity and mortality were observed after a single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg b.w. Likewise, no significant body and organ weight changes, food and water consumption behavior, and no histopathological changes were observed in the main organs evaluated. In conclusion, this functional drink can be categorized as low toxicity " according to the Globally Harmonized Classification System (GHS), making it a potential beverage with high nutritional and pharmacological value.

Fuzzy analysis of students' perception of traffic safety in school environments: the case of a small Brazilian city.

Thousands of lives are lost every year due to traffic accidents worldwide, and youths are the most affected. The goal of this paper is to analyze the differences in young students' perceptions about traffic safety in school surroundings in order to help in the formulation of public policies and the development of infrastructure to make school travels safer. A questionnaire was used to obtain the perception of high school students from institutions with different urban characteristics. Data modelling with fuzzy logic and statistical analysis of variance indicated that students' perceptions are influenced by the different realities these youths are exposed to daily, such as school socioeconomic category, transport mode, urban environment and gender. Traffic engineering measures, public policies and road safety education action, inciting active mobility, can be validated and supported by these results. This road safety analysis may also be a participative alternative for locations with low data access.

Optimization of growing conditions for pigments production from microalga Navicula incerta using response surface methodology and its antioxidant capacity.

Navicula incerta is a marine microalga distributed in Baja California, México, commonly used in aquaculture nutrition, and has been extended to human food, biomedical, and pharmaceutical industries due to its high biological activity. Therefore, the study aimed to optimize culture conditions to produce antioxidant pigments. A central composite experimental design and response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to analyze the best culture conditions. The medium (nitrogen-deficient concentrations), salinity (PSU = Practical Salinity Unity [g/kg]), age of culture (days), and solvent extraction (ethanol, methanol, and acetone) were the factors used for the experiment. Chlorophyll a (Chl a) and total carotenoids (T-Car), determined spectroscopically, were used as the response variables. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH• and ABTS•+ radical inhibition, FRAP, and anti-hemolytic activity. According to the overlay plots, the optimum growth conditions for Chl a and T-Car production were the following conditions: medium = 0.44 mol·L-1 of NaNO3, salinity = 40 PSU, age of culture: 3.5 days, and solvent = methanol. The pigment extracts obtained in these optimized conditions had high antioxidant activity in ABTS•+ (86.2-92.1% of inhibition) and anti-hemolytic activity (81.8-96.7% of hemolysis inhibition). Low inhibition (33-35%) was observed in DPPH•. The highest value of FRAP (766.03 ± 16.62 µmol TE/g) was observed in the acetonic extract. The results demonstrated that RSM could obtain an extract with high antioxidant capacity with potential applications in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industry, which encourages the use of natural resources for chemoprevention of chronic-degenerative pathologies.