Scientia

Gastropod’s and Bivalves from the rocky shore of la restingue, Montijo, Veraguas, Panama.

Darío Eliecer Córdoba González — 2025-07-10

Mollusk populations and their trophic level were analyzed at three stations with different degrees of exposure to waves (exposed area and protected area) on the rocky coast of La Restingue, Cerro Hoya National Park, Gulf of Montijo, Veraguas province. Biological material was collected manually, and specimens were preserved in jars with 70% alcohol. They were determined, counted and recorded in the National Reference Collection of the Malacology Museum of the University of Panama (MUAMUP) in the laboratory. The total abundance of species and specific evidence were determined and through a bibliographic review each species was assigned its trophic category, classifying them as: herbivores, filter feeders, suspension feeders, carnivores, scavengers, herbivore-filter feeders, herbivore-detritivores, and carnivore-herbivores. A total of 290 individuals were obtained; represented by seventy-seven species corresponding to the classes Gastropoda (64) and Bivalvia (13); contained in thirty-eight families. Herbivores were the dominant group (36.36%), followed by carnivores (35.06%), filter feeders (16.88%), suspension feeders (2.60%), scavengers (2.60%), herbivore-filter feeders (2.60%), carnivore-herbivore (2.60%) and herbivore-detritivore (1.30%). Herbivorous species, filter feeders and herbivore-filter feeders (54.54%) dominated in the protected area, while in the exposed area, they were carnivores and herbivores. The constant species in two of the three stations during the study period was the herbivore Littorina aspera Philippi, 1846. It can be deduced that the distribution of mollusks and the different trophic groups may be controlled by morphological adaptations, as well as the level of exposure to waves and substrate composition.

Lunar phase effects on spatial distribution, male size and claw waving in the Fiddler Crab Uca Heteropleura at El Agallito beach, Panama

Roberto C. Lombardo González — 2025-07-10

A population of Uca heteropleura was studied to examine the effects of lunar phases, male size, and reproductive behavior on courtship activity at El Agallito beach, Panama. Distribution patterns were analyzed with the Morisita and nearest neighbor indices, while surface activity was recorded by counting crabs three times during diurnal low tides. Courtship was measured by recording waves per minute from 386 focal males. In September 2024, the fiddler crab density was 5.71 crabs ? m², with a male-biased sex ratio. In October, U. heteropleura density was 14.30 crabs ? m², exhibiting a clumped distribution. Activity was higher during new moon compared to the quarter moon; although, crabs during the new moon were smaller. Waving frequency was higher during new moon, driven by the higher proportion of smaller males. Male size was not correlated with waving frequency. These results suggest that two male size classes are active at different times in the semilunar cycle. Influenced by female choice, larger males are favored earlier, while smaller males increase waving later, closer to the spring tide. Larger males may secure mates early through agonistic interactions and mate multiple times before females retreat for incubation. In contrast, smaller males may compensate for lower competitiveness in territory defense and mate guarding by increasing waving frequency to attract the last receptive females before egg incubation.

Evaluation of the genotoxicity of Siete river water on juvenile tilapia Oreochromis Niloticus using the micronucleus test and comet assay

Juan Antonio Gómez H. — 2025-07-10

Heavy metal contamination is one of the primary threats to aquatic ecosystems, resulting in adverse effects on marine life. In this study, the genotoxicity of Siete River water on juvenile Oreochromis niloticus was evaluated using the micronucleus assay and the Comet assay. Five treatments with different concentrations of contaminated water (0%, 10%, 25%, 50%, and 100%) were established to evaluate survival and genotoxic effects on erythrocytes after 19 days of exposure. Analysis of water and sediments revealed that arsenic concentrations in the water and lead concentrations in the sediment exceeded regulatory limits, which could represent an environmental risk to aquatic life. Genotoxic biomarkers showed a dose-dependent relationship with contamination, as evidenced by a significant increase in micronucleus frequencies and DNA fragmentation in treatments with higher concentrations of contaminated water (p < 0.05). The Comet assay showed progressive levels of DNA damage, with a decrease in locomotor activity observed in fish exposed to heavy metals, while an increase in intraspecific aggression and cannibalism was recorded in the control group. These results underscore the importance of continuous environmental monitoring and the use of O. niloticus as a bioindicator of heavy metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems.

Composition and structure of the tree flora in a plot of mature secondary forest in Soberanía National Park, Panama

José Antonio Aguilar Llerena — 2025-07-10

Mature secondary tropical forests play a fundamental role in biodiversity conservation and the ecological recovery of disturbed landscapes. This study aimed to assess the floristic composition and structure of the arboreal flora in a one-hectare plot of mature secondary forest within Soberanía National Park, Panama. A total of 431 trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ? 10 cm were recorded, belonging to 101 species, 77 genera, and 32 families, indicating high floristic diversity. The Shannon diversity index (H’ = 4.27) suggests a highly diverse plant community. The diameter distribution showed a reverse "J" shape, characteristic of tropical forests in equilibrium, with most individuals found in the 10–20 cm DBH classes. The vertical structure revealed high complexity, with a mixing ratio of 1:4. Ficus insipida, Attalea butyracea, Terminalia amazonia, Zuelania guidonia, and Oenocarpus mapora exhibited the highest ecological importance values, highlighting their significant role in the structure and functioning of the ecosystem. These results underscore the ecological relevance of the forest as a biodiversity refuge and a source of natural regeneration, supporting the need for management and monitoring strategies aimed at protecting these forests in advanced stages of succession.

Analysis of the efficiency of sensory networks for sunflower cultivation, case study

Fabián Eduardo Alcoser Cantuña — 2025-07-10

The objective of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of sensory networks for improving sunflower cultivation at FACIAG. The study used HC-SR501, DHT11, and DHT22 PIR sensors to monitor movement, temperature, and humidity. The methodological approach involved interviews with three expert professors and surveys with 67 agronomy students. Using comparative analysis methods, surveys, and qualitative techniques, the results showed that 73.1% of respondents considered implementing sensory networks beneficial, and 91% saw no cost obstacles. The majority (62.7%) believed that agricultural technology optimizes production, detects problems early, and improves decision-making. The conclusion is that the adoption of sensory networks in sunflower cultivation at FACIAG can increase efficiency, reduce resources, and improve long-term growing conditions. Potential benefits include greater precision in agricultural management, early pest identification, and optimized resource utilization. This provides significant benefits to the University and its students.

Measurement and analysis of digital terrestrial television signal levels in Panama City using an unmanned aerial vehicle UAV

Fermín A. Póvaz J. — 2028-07-10

This study explores the feasibility of using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) equipped with a Raspberry Pi 3 board as an RF signal capture platform. The setup integrates a software-defined radio (SDR), a GPS unit, and a receiving antenna to measure signal levels of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) channels in Panama City. An automatically programmed flight plan is implemented for the drone, and measurements are conducted at 10 distinct locations using the four-fixed-points method. The evaluation compares this approach to the conventional procedure recommended by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which utilizes a capture unit and an antenna tuned to the frequencies of DTT channels. The focus is on relative efficiency, assessed in terms of measurement time. This study provides insights into the utility of UAVs for measuring DTT signals in urban environments such as Panama City. Notably, the developed measurement method achieves time savings of approximately 11.74 hours compared to the conventional method.

Perception of teachers and students of the impact of artificial intelligence on social communication and knowledge soc

Hermelinda I. Vigil — 2025-07-10

In recent decades, technological advances driven by human creativity have made technology the most valuable economic resource for nations, with intelligence (AI) standing out as a key element. In this context, information has evolved into a complex process that requires proper management of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). This study seeks to analyze the impact of AI on social communication and its support for the development of the knowledge society. Using an observational, non-experimental design, the sample consisted of 130 people selected through probability sampling, and information was collected through structured surveys with closed-ended and multiple-choice questions. A survey was administered to faculty and students at the Faculty of Social Communication at the University of Panama to assess their perception of the influence of AI in the field of communication. The results suggest that AI has enormous transformative potential, facilitating innovation in key sectors such as medicine, education, transportation, and communication. Furthermore, it contributes to the access and development of new knowledge, positioning society at the forefront of learning.

Pollen potential in industry

Nataly Jiménez Espinoza — 2025-07-10

The fundamental objective of beekeeping is to provide high quality bee products and pollination services with maximum efficiency; however, this activity is affected by several factors, including the botanical origin of pollen, climatic conditions, geography and time of year. This review involved searching for relevant studies in recognized databases such as MDPI, ScienceDirect, among others, prioritizing recent articles that expose pollen quality and the factors by which it is affected. International research has shown that bee pollen has a high nutritional value and important functional attributes; furthermore, there is a connection between the nutritional value of this product and the development of the hive. Another key aspect, such as the harvest season, can influence both positively and negatively the quality and productivity of the hive. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to analyze the variability and impact generated by pollen production in beekeeping, as well as its potential in the industry, emphasizing that, at the national level, bee pollen could be a viable product to produce and market, complying with all quality standards, thus diversifying the beekeeping supply in Panama.

Editorial

Jaime A. Rivera Solís — 2025-07-17