Revista Colegiada de Ciencia

Preliminary assessment of the level of community knowledge about mangrove destructive processes and conservation actions in Nuevo Colon, Sabanitas, Colon, Panama

2025-04-30T15:08:15+00:00

The mangrove forest of the Nuevo Colón neighborhood is part of the most resilient ecosystem of mangroves, coral reefs and beaches lined with coconut palms in the stretch between the province of Bocas del Toro (250 km to the west) and the Guna Yala region (110 km to the east). It is located in the township of Sabanitas, district and province of Colón, Panama, adjacent to Colón City, in the coastal area of bahía Las Minas, between Punta Toro and María Chiquita. However, their health is threatened by water pollution, risking an ecosystem vital to the community and the environment. This preliminary evaluation of the level of knowledge in the Nuevo Colón community was carried out after evidencing with laboratory tests that there are chemical components with excess nutrients and other contaminants, in addition to bacteriological components with a high percentage of Total Coliforms and E. coli, which alter the quality of the water due to environmental impact on the mangrove swamp of that community. A survey was carried out to a representative sample of the total population, to verify the level of knowledge of the destructive processes and conservation actions for the mangrove in order to measure the perception of the population about the mentioned pollution and the importance of this ecosystem. The results revealed the need for guidance due to the lack of knowledge that the inhabitants of the community have about the presence of components that may be altering the quality of the water and their interest in receiving educational talks to strengthen their capacities in preserving their natural environment, indicating their desire to influence through citizen participation.

IoT technology device against sedentary and health risks due to obesity

2025-04-30T15:26:07+00:00

With recent technological advancements in personal care and physical health, there has been a growing need to develop a prototype of an Intelligent Personal Trainer (E.P.I.) based on Internet of Things (IoT) technology. This system aims to monitor and enhance users' physical activities at home, addressing the increasing issues of sedentary lifestyles and obesity, which pose significant public health challenges globally. The study employed a descriptive methodology, selecting three physical spaces for system testing and conducting surveys to assess knowledge about obesity risks and the acceptance of IoT technology. The materials used included IoT devices such as a Raspberry Pi 4 and a Raspberry Pi camera, along with artificial intelligence techniques for image analysis.The results demonstrated that the E.P.I. effectively collected and analyzed physical activity data, recording the number of repetitions, exercise duration, and calories burned. Users expressed positive perceptions of the system, highlighting its ease of use, clear instructions, and potential to motivate and improve exercise adherence. Additionally, the system performed effectively under various lighting conditions, both indoors and outdoors. However, relevant aspects such as device accessibility and cost were discussed, concluding that the E.P.I. represents a viable alternative to promote physical activity at home and contribute to the health of users. This work paves the way for future research in the field of technology applied to health, particularly at the intersection of IoT, artificial intelligence, and physical well-being.

Dermal fungi saprophytes of anurans in the Anton Valley, Cocle province, Panama

2025-04-30T18:59:41+00:00

ABSTRACT

The objective of this research was to taxonomically identify the diversity of fungi found in anurans through dermal swabs. The work was carried out in the District of Antón, province of Coclé, Panama. In the first instance, sampling was carried out in forested areas of the Anton Valley, for this three study sites were selected: Cerro Gaital Natural Monument (CG), Hotel Campestre Wooded Area (HC) and Antón Valley Amphibian Conservation Center (CC). By swabbing technique, the ventral part (anterior and posterior extremities) of the anuda was sampled, obtaining a total of 150 samples, which were taken to the Microbiology Laboratory of the Regional University Center of Coclé. The samples were seeded in Potato Dextrose Agar with the addition of Penicillin (0.1g/ml) and incubated at room temperature (28-32°C). The morphotypes obtained were classified according to the keys of Moller et al., (1995). The results show that the percentage of specimens captured by sampling techniques in the two free-living sites (CG and HC) show a significant difference (?2²= 7.76; p=0.02) with respect to the Conservation Center, with Dendrobatidae and Strabomantidae being the most important families. The Hutchinson T test applied to the morphotypes of the three sites indicates differences in the diversity of the sites. CG (H ?= 1.633 ± 0.010), CC (H ?= 1.303 ± 0.009), with the former being the one with the greatest diversity (t= 2.28, g.l.= 178.35, p= 0.02). Differences were also recorded in the diversity of CH (H ?= 1.663 ± 0.0154) and WC (H ?= 1.303 ± 0.0086), where CH presents greater diversity (t = -2.01, g.l. = 83.36, p = 0.04). No differences in diversity were found between GC sites (t= 0.016, g.l.= 91.45, p=0.98). The species Aspergillus flavus was the only one present at all three sites.

Contribution to the knowledge of dinoflagellates of the pacific of Panama

2025-04-30T19:21:04+00:00

ABSTRACT

This work is the result of a series of phytoplankton trawls carried out in the area between the southeast of Coiba Island and the coasts of Pyxbae and Bahía Honda in the Gulf of Chiriquí. The trawls were carried out using phytoplankton nets with a pore diameter of 55 um in different periods between 2018 and 2024. The purpose of the work was to determine the species of dinoflagellates that inhabit our coasts, especially those species with the capacity to form harmful blooms. It is a first step towards the development of a catalog of dinoflagellate species on the Panamanian coasts. The study made it possible to demonstrate the presence of some species with the capacity to form harmful blooms. Dinophysis mitra and D. caudata are species that produce Dinophysistoxin-1 (DXT 1) and are associated with diarrheal shellfish poisoning syndrome (DSP). On the other hand, species of the genus Tripos, although not toxic, produce harmful blooms in different parts of the world. Red tides of Gonyaulax polygrama cause large kills of fish and invertebrates due to the increase of sulfide and ammonium in the water when the cells decompose and Peridinium quinquecorne causes fish kills in confined areas due to the depletion of the oxygen content of the water. Protoperidinium pellucidum is a voracious consumer of diatoms and although not toxic can form harmful blooms. Scrippsiella spinifera and Scrippsiella trochoidea have been found in blooms in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Prorocentrum gracile and P. micans are nontoxic red tide-forming species. Gonyaulax spinifera has caused hypoxic deaths of fish and marine invertebrates. These outbreaks have been reported in the Ensenada de La Paz lagoon, Gulf of California in the Ría de Vigo, Spain and in other sites around the world.

Socioeconomic characterization of the beneficiary families of the Network of Opportunities Program in the Program Annex Site Prado of the University of Panama

2025-04-30T19:38:30+00:00

Based on a social service proyect accomplished by the Faculty of Economics of the University of Panamá at Regional University Center of Veraguas, intended to link teaching with research, innovation and extensión, a descriptive, observational, exploratory and cross-sectional study was carried out from primary information obtained after applying two questionnaires with the purpose of analyzing the living conditions of the beneficiary families of the Opportunities Network Program in hich at least one of its members was a student at the University of Panama in the Sitio Prado Annex Program, Ngäbe Buglé Comarca (random sample of 86 householder) Data was processed by using Stata Software. The results show that 46% of the respondents were under 50 years of age and 58% were women. A high degree of overcrowding was observed, given that 77.6% of the dwellings had more than 6 people living in them and 30.6% of the population lived in one-room dwellings. 47% of houses have wooden walls and dirt floors; 5.9% of the dwellings use electricity, 1.2% (one house) has Internet, 53%(aqueducts), 88.2% (latrines) and 11.8% still uses mountain, river or creek to do its physiological needs. 97.65% of households treats water for drinking. 40% of the population participates in vaccination programs and 14.1% participates in talks on health promotion. 42.4% of the heads of household have a level of schooling ranging from first to ninth grade, 30.6% have managed to reach a university level, while 22.4% did not attended school. Economically, only 12.9% of the heads of household are employed and 83.8% have been waiting up to 5 months for a job. 71.8% of households have incomes less than or equal to 200 balboas (Dollars). The results of the test of proportion by using the Z statistic did not support the hyphothesis that the beneficiaries of the Opportunities Network Program consider that it has improved the welfare of their families at a 5% significance level. Training activities meant to generate incomes in the area under study are next to nil.

Applied ergonomics

2025-04-30T20:20:40+00:00

This study assesses ergonomic risks in manual material handling between conveyor belts, highlighting the importance of ergonomics training in technical and vocational education. Through a case study at Operadora de Transporte y Logística (OTL), compliance with regulations and its impact on occupational safety are analyzed. The methodology combines worker interviews, technical assessments, and ergonomic evaluation tools, applying the NIOSH lifting equation and Snook and Ciriello tables to quantify risk levels. The results reveal high-risk conditions due to excessive load handling (32 kg), improper postures, and the absence of mechanical aids, factors that significantly increase the likelihood of developing musculoskeletal disorders. The obtained Lifting Index (LI) substantially exceeds recommended safety thresholds, confirming an unacceptable level of exposure. The study underscores the need to strengthen occupational safety training in logistics and operations education programs, fostering a preventive culture.

Integrating ergonomics into curricula and certifications is recommended as a key strategy to reduce workplace accidents, enhance worker well-being, and improve conditions in environments where manual and automated processes intersect.

Sensory evaluation of four types of infusions, using Jamaica Flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa), combined with other natural spices

2025-04-30T20:32:21+00:00

The purpose of this research was to perform a sensorial evaluation of four types of infusions that use hibiscus flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa) as an ingredient, in combination with other natural spices. The formulations used were: the control test (hibiscus flower), formula 1 (hibiscus flower, lemon peel, and clove), formula 2 (hibiscus flower, orange peel, and ginger), and formula 3 (hibiscus flower, mandarin peel, and cinnamon).

The hibiscus flower and the other natural spices used in the various formulations were dehydrated for approximately 10-11 hours at a temperature of 60-70 ° C. Afterwards, they were pulverized to reduce their size, and finally, they were packed in PP5 filter bags weighing 3.0 grams each. Subsequently, a sensory test was carried out using an affective-type hedonic table, with a scale of +2 (I like it) to -2 (I don't like it). Untrained panelists evaluated the flavor, aroma, and color of the different infusion formulations. They concluded that the control test obtained positive results (highest mean) for both flavor and color, while for the odor variable, Formula 3 had the highest mean. However, no significant differences were found among all the infusions evaluated (p>0.05).

Indicators for community characterization in an extension needs study at the university of Panama, Veraguas

2025-04-30T20:52:34+00:00

This study aims to propose relevant indicators for community characterization as a mechanism for identifying outreach needs. To this end, the thematic areas and variables considered in outreach studies conducted at the Veraguas Regional University Center during the 2012-2022 period were identified. The data collection methods used in these studies were also reviewed. The results of the outreach studies were also compared with the strategic plans developed. This phase required the development of matrices that compared the thematic areas, variables, indicators, and outreach activities planned to meet the identified outreach needs. The findings were subsequently shared with the Extension Coordination Subcommittees: Comprehensive Strengthening of Extension, Disadvantaged Groups, Environmental Culture for Sustainable Development, Links with Graduates, Cultural Projection, and Continuing Education, with the purpose of understanding, among other aspects, their concerns, but fundamentally the information requirements of each one, according to their area of ??responsibility and type of extension intervention to which they are called. As a result of the study, 10 thematic areas and 93 variables were identified, which, incorporated into an instrument, were applied as a pilot test in the La Mata del Espino Community, Canto Del Llano district, Santiago district, on December 18, 2022. The pilot test was carried out using convenience sampling in open dwellings where the head of the household was present. Ninety-three items were validated, distributed across six areas, responding to the information needs of the Outreach Coordination subcommittees and the 16 faculties operating in the Veraguas CRU.

Creation of "Corregimiento Representatives" in the Republic of Panama

2025-04-30T21:04:09+00:00

The creation of the Corregimiento Representatives in the Republic of Panama arose as a mechanism to strengthen local representation and decentralize political power. This figure was formally established by Cabinet Decree No. 214 of October 11, 1971, and consolidated in the 1972 Constitution. Its main function is to act as a link between the citizenry and government agencies, promoting community participation in decision-making. In addition, the National Assembly of Corregimiento Representatives played a key role in local administration and law-making until its reform. Over time, its structure and attributions have been subject to debate and modifications, reflecting changes in Panamanian governance. This study examines its historical evolution, its impact on local politics and the challenges faced in the country's decentralization process.

Business incubators as a drive for innovation

2025-04-30T21:15:46+00:00

The main objective of this research is to understand the main current trends in business incubation. This paper focuses on investigating the experiences of different incubators around the world, their fundamental stages and processes, as well as variations in their operation during incubation. This task is conceived with the aim of strengthening the sustainability and growth of emerging projects or business ideas. The research conducted allows us to conclude that an entrepreneurial ecosystem refers to the set of elements and entities that interact with each other to foster favorable conditions for new ventures to have a greater chance of success. Therefore, the entrepreneur is understood as the central figure of the ecosystem, and business incubators are understood as the actor within it that helps combine innovation and entrepreneurship, providing the necessary support for a startup project, ensuring its accelerated growth and subsequent success in the market. Therefore, the entrepreneur is understood as the central figure in the ecosystem, and business incubators as the actor within it who helps combine innovation and entrepreneurship, providing the necessary support for a startup project, ensuring its accelerated growth and subsequent market success. Through an exhaustive literature review, the fundamental stages of the process are identified: pre-incubation, incubation, and post-incubation. The analysis concludes that the services offered to graduating companies are geared toward sales, marketing, and the development of new products and services—that is, they are more oriented toward competitiveness and commercialization—while those offered during incubation are more focused on the entrepreneur and the business itself. The studies do not clarify whether incubators are aware of these issues, so post-incubation programs will always be a topic worth exploring in more depth.

Editorial

2025-04-30T23:15:37+00:00