Revista Semilla del Este

Editorial

2025-04-29T17:58:16+00:00

Air quality analysis in the city of Chitre 2024 with the inter-net of things (IoT)

2024-10-31T15:24:15+00:00

Air pollution is a critical problem that affects public health and the environment. Our proposal addresses this challenge by using low-cost Internet of Things (IoT) devices for the analysis of air quality in the city of Chitre-Herrera. This research aimed to evaluate air quality in Chitre using stations equipped with Arduino boards and sensors that generated information on polluting agents during the month of August.

The methodology involved the installation of stations in the towns of Chitre Cabecera and San Juan Bautista, where the levels of PM2.5, PM10 and CO2 were measured. Descriptive statistical techniques will be used to identify patterns and compare conditions between townships. The results obtained indicate that the concentrations of PM2.5, PM10 and CO2 are within the acceptable limits established by the WHO, with average values ??of PM2.5 = 2.85 µg/m³, PM10 = 5.63 µg/m³ and CO2 = 51.65 ppm . The data collected shows that the levels of particles and CO? are acceptable or low, which does not imply a considerable danger to the health of the population. According to the measured parameters, Chitre air is safe and without threat of pollution. This study will serve as a valuable reference point for health and education entities that are dedicated to research on environmental and public health issues, contributing to the development of policies and actions for the continuous improvement of air quality in the region.

Diurnal butterfly population as indicator environmental quality of the Natural Park San Francisco, Torti, Panama

2025-01-17T23:26:07+00:00

The general purpose of this work was to evaluate the biological quality of a wooded area of Parque Natural San Francisco, throughout the measurement of the ecological attributes of diurnal butterflies’ community (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera). For this, we collected butterflies in adult state in a total area of 2,078 meters, during the month of July and August of 2018. The collection was done with an entomological net and with the VanSomeren-Rydon trap with bait of beer with banana, beer with mango-apple and yeast with apple. The samples were transported to the laboratory and were identified with taxonomic keys. The analysis of the data has been made by using the Margalef (DMg) wealth index, Shanon – Wiener (H’) and the quantitive index of Chao-Sorensen. There were captured a total of 71 specimens of diurnal butterflies, distributed in 7 families and 26 species. The greatest representation was the Nymphalidae family, with a wealth of the 14 species, followed by the Pieridae, Papilonidae, Hesperiidae, Lycanidae and Riodinidae families, each one with three (3) species, respectively. The greatest abundance of butterflies was obtained in the month of July with 41 individuals, followed by August with 30. The more abundant species were Urania boiduvalii, Morpho Menelaus amathonte, Uraneis ucubis and the Parides gender. Some of the species were located inside of the wood, constituting an indicator of the high grade of fragmentation, the secondary succession status, considering them as a secondary forest and forest edges.

Culture of the 3Rs and Waste Management: Strategy to Improve the District of Chitré, Herrera, Panama

2025-04-07T23:04:29+00:00

The research focuses on solid waste management in Chitré, Panama, (2019), analyzing the effectiveness of the 3R culture (reduce, reuse, recycle) in protecting the environment. Methodology: A non-experimental and descriptive design was used, with a sample of 400 inhabitants distributed in four townships. Surveys were applied to assess knowledge and practices on waste management. Most important results: 79% of the population pays for the garbage collection service; 76% separate organic and inorganic waste; and 78% have some knowledge about the benefits of recycling. However, 34% mentioned that the lack of space in their homes is an obstacle to composting. In conclusion, the culture of the 3Rs is essential to improve waste management in Chitré, although challenges such as lack of education and resources remain. Application of this information: The findings suggest that it is crucial to implement educational and infrastructure programs that facilitate recycling and composting, thus contributing to more sustainable waste management and the improvement of the urban environment. This research highlights the need for public policies that promote responsible environmental practices among citizens.

Evaluation, causes and recommendations of the failures of primary sedimenters in public and private schools in the eastern sector.

2025-04-29T17:29:52+00:00

This investigation is about the overflow of septic tanks in two schools in Panama, one located in Pacora and the second in Mañanitas. We noticed the lack of maintenance in both schools, which compromises the students with health problems, damage to the structure and bad odors. That is why we carried out a comparative analysis of the size of the structure and how often such maintenance is or should be carried out, with the aim of finding a solution to these problems. As a method, we investigated the two news items in which they tell us that since the construction of these primary sedimentation tanks there has been no maintenance whatsoever, resulting in the comparison of the two septic tanks with the help of the volume of the sedimentation tank, which shows a lack of cleaning in the two schools presented.

Perception of environmental impacts in a road infrastructure project in Los Santos, Panama

2024-12-05T04:16:01+00:00

This study assesses local residents' perceptions of environmental impacts associated with a road infrastructure project in Los Santos district, Los Santos, Panama. Through surveys conducted in six subprojects, perceptions of current and anticipated impacts were identified, as well as significant variations between the areas studied. The results revealed a mostly positive assessment of the project. However, most of the anticipated environmental impact perceptions were neutral, attributable to ignorance or the balance between possible negative impacts and economic benefits. Current impacts were reported prior to the start of the project, such as dust and odors, only some of which will be positively mitigated by the project. This analysis underscores the importance of integrating community opinions into planning to design strategies that balance environmental concerns and market needs.

Diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates and their importance in the freshwater ecosystems of Río Seco, Tortí, Panama

2025-01-17T23:34:21+00:00

To determine the diversity of macroinvertebrates and their importance in the freshwater ecosystem of river Seco, the river was divided into a buffer area (sites 1 and 2) and an area of direct impact (site 3), monitored between July and September 2019. Samples were taken from leaf litter, stones, and logs at the riverbanks or submerged in the water, and a Surber net was also used. The captured specimens were transported to the laboratory in airtight bags and identified using taxonomic keys. A total of 706 macroinvertebrate specimens were collected, distributed across 10 orders and 28 families. The most abundant orders were Ephemeroptera (262), Coleoptera (167), Hemiptera (120), Diptera (71), and Trichoptera (57). To determine diversity (H'), equitability (J'), and dominance (D'), the Shannon-Wiener, Pielou, and Simpson indexes were used. The results showed medium diversity, a good mix of species, with a relatively equitable distribution among them, which is favorable for the biodiversity of the ecosystem. The SVAP protocol yielded a result of 8.27, indicating that the studied area of río Seco has good quality.

Conservation in the Sub-basin of the Zaratí River, Coclé Province, Panama

2025-04-09T01:39:31+00:00

The research on community perception in the Zaratí River sub-basin, which is part of the Rio Grande basin, is carried out in the province of Coclé, Panama, specifically in the community of Membrillo, its objective is to evaluate the sustainable use of natural resources and ecosystem conservation. A non-experimental and transversal methodology was used, with a descriptive design that included surveys of 100 artisans and tourist guides. The results show that 36% of respondents use soapstone to make crafts, followed by water (27%) and vegetation (23%), with a daily frequency of use of 71%. Furthermore, all participants consider the restoration of the ecosystem necessary, highlighting reforestation as the most important action. Regarding sustainable practices, organic agriculture and responsible management of soapstone extraction are suggested. 49% of those surveyed believe that a sustainable model could significantly improve their quality of life and 90% are willing to collaborate in restoration and sustainable development initiatives. The main needs identified to move towards this development include training and education (47%), financial resources (31%) and technical advice (18%). In conclusion, the study reveals a community aware of its dependence on natural resources and committed to their conservation. There is a collective desire to implement sustainable practices that improve both environmental and social conditions, underscoring the importance of community participation in environmental management.

Study of the pollinal resource used by Apis mellifera l. in an apiary in the District of Chagres, Colón, Panamá, 2024

2025-01-17T23:46:58+00:00

This research is based on an analysis of floral species present in pollen samples collected by the species Apis mellifera in an apiary in the province of Colón, Panama. Our research seeks to determine the floral biodiversity index found in the months of February and April through the identification of pollen collected by Apis mellifera. For the study, pollen was collected using plastic pollen traps, which were implemented in 4 stable hives of the apiary. The pollen samples were stored in airtight containers, without a specific temperature, to be analyzed later in the laboratory using an optical microscope. Approximately 31 floral species distributed across 18 families were identified. The families with the highest representation were Fabaceae, with 5 species; Asteraceae, with 3 species; and Anacardiaceae, Cannabaceae, Cunoniaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Gentianaceae, Oleaceae, and Rubiaceae, each with 2 species. Although April has a higher number of species (13 compared to 10 in February), the slight decrease in the Simpson index (from 0.9524 to 0.9474) suggests that despite the increase in the number of species, the community still exhibits high homogeneity in terms of relative abundance among the species.

Environmental education in virtual environments to promote sustainability and resili-ence to climate change in UDELAS Azuero

2025-04-11T02:41:18+00:00

In this study, the aim was to determine the influence of virtual environments on the teaching-learning process in environmental education at the higher education level. The sample population consisted of 50 students from three groups at UDELAS Azuero, who included environmental education in their academic curriculum. This was conducted through a four-week workshop seminar that addressed topics related to environmental education, which could help mitigate climate change and its effects on societies. A mixed methodology was used, which included exploratory research analyzing both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the sample, obtaining statistical data from the strategies implemented in this research.

The integration of environmental education into Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) at the higher education level was developed, and it was observed how it facilitated the development of skills, knowledge, values, and environmental practices, as well as the students' ability to be resilient and adapt to climate change. The impact of Environmental Education in VLE was evident, demonstrating that 92.5% of students understood the importance of Environmental Education. Additionally, 100% of students identified climate change as a real problem, and 92.5% recognized that both individual and collective efforts were required to mitigate it and adapt to confront it.

Evaluation of the ecological status of the quebrada la sonadora in Cermeño, Coclé, Panama, using phytoplankton as a bioindicator.

2025-01-17T23:55:46+00:00

The study aimed to assess the ecological status of the La Sonadora stream using phytoplankton genera as bioindicators, complemented by a physicochemical analysis that allowed us to determine water quality. The study area was divided into three sampling zones, located in the upper part of the stream, during the months of March and July 2024. Nine genera of phytoplankton (Coccobotrys sp., Spirogyra sp., Planktothrix sp., Navicula sp., Synedra sp., Klebsormidium sp., Draparnaldia sp., Xanthonema sp., and Frustulia sp.) were identified in various zones of the stream. Additionally, measurements of physicochemical parameters such as dissolved oxygen, nitrates, phosphates, total coliforms, pH, and water temperature were taken. The results from both approaches were integrated into the calculation of the Water Quality Index (WQI). The study revealed that the presence of genera such as Coccobotrys sp. and Frustulia sp. in oligotrophic waters suggests high quality in areas distant from human activity. Similarly, genera like Spirogyra sp. and Planktothrix sp. indicated eutrophication and pollution in areas close to agricultural and livestock activities. According to the calculated biological indices, the phytoplankton community of the La Sonadora stream exhibits low diversity, an equitable distribution of individuals, and some dominance within the population. The physicochemical analysis showed low levels of dissolved oxygen and high levels of nutrients and coliforms in areas with direct impact. Overall, the WQI classified the zones as having "fair" quality during both sampling periods.

List of Dental Anomalies in Bats from Panama and First Report for Phyllostomus hastatus (Pallas, 1767)

2025-01-27T23:38:42+00:00

Dental anomalies in bats are of special interest due to the wide range of morphological variation among them. The first list of bat species with dental anomalies in Panama is presented. In addition, the known record for the species Phyllostomos hastatus is presented.

Antibiotic resistance genes in agricultural soils: A link between agriculture and health

2025-01-30T19:08:48+00:00

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) represent a global concern, especially in agricultural soils, where they act as reservoirs that facilitate the spread of antimicrobial resistance. This review article explores the main sources, such as organic fertilizers, inorganic fertilizers, and wastewater, as well as the mechanisms of dissemination, with emphasis on horizontal gene transfer and mobile genetic elements. In addition, the efforts of developed countries such as China and the United States to understand this problem are examined, highlighting the interaction between GRAs, agricultural soils and crops, which could impact public health by transferring resistance to food. Given the limited information available on this topic in regions such as Latin and Central America, the need for research in underexplored countries such as Panama, where agriculture is crucial for the economy and food security, is highlighted. The purpose of this review is to encourage future studies that delve deeper into the relationship between GRAs and agricultural practices, contributing to a better understanding of their impact in regions where agriculture is fundamental to the economy and food security.

Utilization of nance: Perspective in the panamanian context

2025-01-30T22:21:34+00:00

This review analyzes the properties, current uses, and potential of nance (Byrsonima crassifolia), highlighting its nutritional and functional value, as well as the opportunities for its industrialization in Panama. To this end, a systematic review of the scientific and technical literature was conducted, covering studies published between 2014 and 2024 in databases such as PubMed, Scielo and ScienceDirect, in addition to including information from government sources and reliable publications. The results indicate that nance is a fruit rich in antioxidants, fiber and carotenoids, characteristics that make it a valuable ingredient in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In Panama, nance is mainly used in traditional preparations, such as the “pesada” and “duros”, while in other countries it is used for the production of liquors and preserves. However, its industrialization faces barriers such as the lack of infrastructure and advanced post-harvest preservation technologies, which limit its integration into wider markets. The study identifies opportunities to developed and implement innovative systems that extend the fruit's shelf life and diversify its use in higher value- products. Despite these limitations, nance has the potential to contribute significantly to the economic development of rural communities, particularly if its sustainable cultivation and industrial transformation are promoted through public policies and strategic investments. In this context, nance emerges as a resource with unique characteristics, capable of becoming a key element for socioeconomic development in tropical regions.

Evaluation of a formulation of non-symbiotic nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in the production of cynodon dactylon grass in the Province of Cocle

2025-04-28T13:53:18+00:00

Agricultural activities have the challenge of feeding the growing population without compromising the resources of future generations. Worldwide, livestock represents 40% of total production, so strategies are sought to increase its yield, in this sense the use of improved pastures in cattle feed represents an alternative for weight gain. The objective of this research was to evaluate the use of a formulation of non-symbiotic nitrogen-fixing microorganisms for the production of Cynodon dactylon grass, (L.Pers 1805, Poales,Poaceae). The product used was Bacter Crecimiento® developed by Agrobiologics of Panama (ABP, S.A.). The study site was in the town of Sardina, Corregimiento and District of Penonomé, province of Coclé. Three plots of 40 m2 were measured within an area of one hectare already planted with Cynodon dactylon grass. 3 treatments were applied: Fertilization with Bacter Crecimiento, conventional fertilizer and Absolute Control. On the first day, a leveling cut was made and once the pasture growth cycle was completed, the forage yield was estimated in terms of kg DM/ha. The results obtained indicate a similarity in yield between the plot fertilized with the biological product and the plot with chemical fertilization.

Nutritional Supplementation with Protein Salt: Impact on the Normalized Weight of Replacement Heifers

2025-01-14T20:24:36+00:00

This study analyzed the effect of protein salt supplementation on the normalized weight of replacement heifers at the El Ejido Experimental Station, Los Santos, Panama, between 2015 and 2017. Thirty Brown Swiss x Zebu crossbred heifers were used, with an average initial weight of 204 kg, managed in a rotational grazing system with Brachiaria decumbens and B. brizantha. A factorial experimental design was implemented that considered two climatic seasons (dry and rainy) and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to evaluate the effect of supplementation on the normalized weight. The results showed a significant effect of protein salt supplementation on the normalized weight of the heifers (p < 0.001). The variable "year" influenced growth (p < 0.001), while the "season" had no significant impact (p = 0.302). This study highlights the importance of protein salt supplementation to optimize the growth of replacement heifers in similar livestock production systems.

Residuos de glifosato y ácido aminometilfosfónico: Un riesgo silencioso para el ambiente

2025-02-01T00:03:58+00:00

Currently, ensuring food production is a concern that has led to the use of chemical products such as herbicides formulated with glyphosate, which have allowed an improvement in crop yields thanks to weeds elimination. However, the uncontrolled use of this herbicide has raised concerns about the long-term effects that this compound and its main metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) can have on the environment, mainly in agricultural soils and water sources. This document is a systematic review about the use of glyphosate as an active compound in herbicides and how its excessive use negatively impacts the environment. Therefore, topics such as persistence in environmental matrices, the effects on soil microbiota, its mobility towards groundwater and surface water, and the risk of contamination of these; the use of glyphosate in Panama and the sustainability of its agricultural use were covered. Through a review of recent studies, we seek to publicize the effects of this product on the environment and raise awareness about the risks entailed by its uncontrolled use.

Marketing trends in relation to climate change: Literature review from 1992 to 2023

2025-04-28T14:20:28+00:00

Over time, marketing as a discipline maintains a focus focused on the care and conservation of the environment, promoting actions that help mitigate the effects of climate change. The objective of this article is to understand marketing trends in relation to climate change through a literature review. To achieve this purpose, the method of systematic exploratory literature review was used, beginning with access to the Scopus bibliographic database in which the concepts of marketing and climate change were written in the English language (“marketing and climate change”). The criterion was established that the two concepts appeared in the title, summary or keywords of the selected documents, which are made up of scientific articles published in the period from 1992 to 2023. The results present a total of 853 articles, a growth rate annual in publications of 15.9%, 554 publication sources where Sustainability Magazine (Switzerland) stands out with 31 published articles and a Cite Score of 6.8 per year 2023, 2672 keywords specified by the authors with which a thematic map was created with those that had 10 co-occurrences or more, thus forming a network of 5 clusters with grouped keywords. As for countries with the highest production of articles, the United States stands out with 483 published articles. It is concluded that marketing through green marketing and social marketing has helped promote the importance of caring for the environment to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Promising fruit trees in southern Chile: case study of Agrícola Río Negro – Los Lagos Region

2025-04-28T14:38:57+00:00

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar el cultivo de frutales en Río Negro – Región de Los Lagos, Chile. El sitio de estudio correspondió a Agrícola Río Negro (40°45”04,2” S 73°03’09,1” O, 96 msnm), que cuenta con 24,1 ha cultivadas con frutales: arándano azul (Vaccinium corymbosum L.), zarzaparrilla (Ribes rubrum L.) y cereza (Prunus avium L.). La investigación fue descriptiva, exploratoria, analítica y reflexiva. Se recorrió el campo para determinar la extensión cultivada por frutal, rendimiento potencial, mercados de destino, problemas fitosanitarios y alternativas de manejo implementadas. Según los resultados, el principal cultivo es arándano azul con 18,5 ha, un rendimiento potencial de hasta 20 t/ha a partir del quinto año y su principal mercado es Inglaterra. La cereza registró una extensión cultivada de 3,6 ha, un rendimiento potencial de hasta 15 t/ha y los destinos de exportación son Estados Unidos de América, Europa y Asia. La zarzaparrilla cuenta con 2 ha cultivadas, un rendimiento cercano a las 10 t/ha y el principal mercado Holanda. Como problemas fitosanitarios, se tienen Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) y Botrytis cinerea Persoon, 1794 en arándano azul; cáncer bacterial asociado a Pseudomonas syringae Van Hall, 1904 y rajado de frutos por exceso de agua en cereza; ácaros y larvas xilófagas (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) en zarzaparrilla. Se implementa el Manejo Integrado de Plagas (MIP), basado en el monitoreo periódico, trampas con atrayente, aplicación de microorganismos benéficos, entre otras. En conclusión, la fruticultura con alto valor para la exportación representa una alternativa de desarrollo sostenible frente al cambio climático.

Biopesticidal Effect of Microalgae: A Sustainable Strategy Against Botrytis cinerea

2025-01-08T19:21:21+00:00

This research explored the biofungicidal potential of Chlorella vulgaris against Botrytis cinerea. Through a systematic review, it was determined that extracts of C. vulgaris contain a variety of bioactive compounds, primarily flavonoids and fatty acids, which exhibit antifungal properties. These secondary metabolites interact with the cell membrane of B. cinerea, altering its permeability and triggering oxidative stress. Additionally, they inhibit the production of cell wall-degrading enzymes, such as pectinases and cellulases, which are essential for fungal infection. Flavonoids, in particular, act as metal chelators, reducing the availability of essential nutrients for the pathogen. The results suggest that, the mechanisms of action of these bioactive compounds are multifaceted and synergistic, explaining their efficacy in controlling B. cinerea. However, further studies are needed to optimize the production and formulation of C. vulgaris - based biopesticides, as well as to evaluate their impact on agricultural ecosystems and their compatibility with other crop protection products.