Tecnociencia

An open Monte Carlo based implementation of Gauss's method for initial orbit determination

2024-12-27T15:40:10+00:00

Hundreds or thousands of Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs) are discovered every year, so being able to determine their orbits to follow them successfully in the future is essential to warn of the danger they could present. Numerous methods have been developed to improve the precision and efficiency of calculations used in the Initial Orbit Determination (IOD), with Gauss’s method being the benchmark due to its intuitive formulation, comparable precision, and historical importance. Herein, we present the results of the development of a new

open access tool to simplify the process of IOD of celestial bodies, specifically, NEAs. This tool was based on a modern implementation, using code written in Python to calculate, propagate, and graph the orbits. The results obtained from the test data exhibited significant accuracy, with the maximum discrepancy not exceeding 1.2% compared to the Horizons System tool, and the average being 0.5%. Furthermore, we found that for the Monte Carlo simulations that the code uses, 5,000 iterations were more than enough to achieve the obtained accuracy.

Population status of the Geoffroy’s tamarin (saguinus geoffroyi) in the Cerro Ancon Natural Reserve, Panama

2024-12-27T16:08:15+00:00

In Panama, the populations of the Geoffroy’s Tamarin (Saguinus geoffroyi) are Near Threatened and as of 2015 a population reduction of 25% is expected. Population ecology studies are key to evaluating the resilience of this primate over time. We aimed to estimate the group structure and population density of S. geoffroyi in the Cerro Ancon Natural Reserve (RNCA). We established a strip transect (1.75 km long and 40 m wide) and traveled it two days a week, in two periods of the day (07:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 13:00 to 18:00 h) since August 2019 to March 2020. We managed to count 54 individuals divided into nine groups, with an average of 6 ± 0.7 SD (range 5 to 7) individuals/group, with a male:female ratio of 1:0.9, juveniles:female of 1.2:0.9 and infant:female 0.2:0.9. The calculated density was 4.5 individuals/km². The data are similar to those reported previously, showing resilience of the groups. The RNCA is a refuge area for groups of S. geoffroyi, offering them important food sources. We recommend maintaining forest connections between the surrounding areas and the reserve, thus avoiding overcrowding of groups.

Virtual simulators for General Chemistry at the Carmen Conte Lombardo Institute, Penonome, Panama

2024-12-27T16:18:02+00:00

In this research, a Technological Didactic Unit (TDU) was implemented as a learning strategy in twelfth-grade chemistry courses at Instituto Carmen Conte Lombardo in Coclé province. The TDU aimed to enhance chemistry classes by leveraging technological tools, focusing on understanding chemical kinetics and equilibrium concepts through virtual simulations. Two groups participated: Group A focused on chemical kinetics using the ChemLab simulator, while Group B worked on chemical equilibrium with three activities from the LaboVirtual Blogspot simulator.

Following the TDU implementation, there was an 83% increase in learning reaction rate concepts and a 72% improvement in understanding catalyst influence. The activities designed for chemical equilibrium also yielded positive outcomes, with a 22% increase in comprehension using the LaboVirtual Blogspot simulator.

The integration of technological tools in schools across the region promotes independent and autonomous learning among students. For institutions, it not only enhances student motivation but also cultivates a deeper interest in the sciences, with a particular emphasis on Chemistry.

Numerov and Runge-Kutta-Verner methods applied to the motion of a mechanical system with one degree of freedom

2024-12-27T16:40:09+00:00

This article shows the use of both the Numerov method and the fifth-order Runge-Kutta-Verner method where a comparison is made between the obtained numerical solutions and the corresponding exact solution for a one degree of freedom mass-spring-damper mechanical system experiencing free harmonic damped motion under underdamping and overdamping regimes, respectively. The numerical solutions are obtained by executing source codes written in Python 3. The purpose of the article is to evaluate and contrast the accuracy and computational efficiency of both methods in solving ordinary differential equations (ODEs) that describe the dynamic behavior of a mechanical system. To achieve this, specific examples are presented in which both algorithms are applied to systems with physically admissible initial conditions. The results obtained show that, although both methods provide accurate solutions for the system studied, the Numerov method stands out for its accuracy, while the Runge-Kutta-Verner method presents advantages in terms of greater flexibility and efficiency in problems with greater numerical complexity. The article concludes, among other aspects, the importance of the fact that even though both methods are based on completely different approaches, they present excellent correspondences between the numerical results and the exact solutions between both, despite the fact that their fields of study where they act are completely different.

Fishes of the White Water and Chorreritas rivers, Cocle, Panama and their relationship with environmental chracteristics

2024-12-27T16:52:57+00:00

The Aguas Blancas and Chorrerita rivers, located in the province of Coclé, are used for fishing by the surrounding inhabitants. An ichthyological study was conducted to analyze the physicochemical and microbiological parameters associated with water quality and its influence on fish abundance due to the importance of fishing. Seven fish species were captured in Aguas Blancas and ten in Chorrerita, with low diversity (H' = 0.59 and 0.71 respectively). The dominant species was Astyanax ruberrimus. Temperature and current speed did not show significant differences between the rivers. However, total dissolved solids had an average of 314 mg/L, which is normal for the development of fish populations. Unfavorable conditions were found regarding microbiological water quality in both rivers, with an average E. coli count of 1,935 ± 2,221 CFU/100 mL and total coliforms of 4,804 ± 5,165 CFU/100 mL. Statistical differences were observed in this group. Among the captured species, a few are of food interest: Rhamdia quelen, Rhamdia laticauda, Andinoacara coeroleopuntactus, Hoplias microlepis, Astyanax ruberrimus, and Astyanax sp2. While there was no relationship between bacterial incidence and the species captured, the findings indicate a potential risk to human health.

Structural and floristic characterization of the mangrove at Morrillo beach, Veraguas, Panama

2024-12-27T17:24:05+00:00

Between August and September 2023, a comprehensive study was conducted to generate information on the structural characterization of the Morrillo mangrove. Eight quadrants, each measuring 10 x 10 m and spaced 100 m apart parallel to the coast, were established. Within each quadrant, species identification, along with height and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) measurements at 1.30 m, was performed. Subsequently, Basal Area (BA), volume, and density were calculated based on these data. The study identified four mangrove species: Pelliciera rhizophorae, Laguncularia racemosa, Rhizophora racemosa y Avicennia germinans y tres especies asociadas: Mora oleifera, Acrostichum aureum y Rhabdadenia biflora. The predominant height frequencies ranged between 7.2 and 11.2 m, with DBH varying from 2.5 to 12.5 cm. Human intervention was observed in the ecosystem, evidenced by the presence of solid waste (flip flops, buoys, plastic bottles) and deforestation of Pelliciera rhizophorae. This study serves as the inaugural database for the Morrillo mangroves, offering valuable information for enhanced beach management, considering its significance as a sea turtle nesting site.

Creating "noise-free classrooms in Boquete, Chiriqui, Panama

2024-12-27T18:41:50+00:00

Noise is a pollutant that silently affects health and quality of life. Panama is a country in development with a high concentration of traffic. Here in Chiriquí, Boquete, we do not escape this nuance, especially Boquete's city center. This study seeks to know and analyze the impact that noise has in a high school's classrooms, as well as to know the perception of the educational community. Among the results obtained we found levels from 35.5 dB to 96.0 dB, which indicates high contamination in the classrooms; Also, the survey carried out on the educational community indicates that 55.8% are unaware of the levels allowed in classrooms and 67.4% were unaware of the laws that establish noise pollution levels in Panama.

Climate resilience and mitigation to address the effects of climate change in 10th grade students of the Instituto Profesional y Técnico Leonila Pinzón de Grimaldo, in Penonome, Panama

2024-12-27T18:49:14+00:00

The city of Penonomé, in the province of Coclé, Panama, has significantly experienced the effects of climate change in recent decades.

The consequences of climate change are manifested by an increase in natural disasters, floods, storm surges that penetrate coastal towns, rising sea levels and mass movement, with the resulting material damage and human, agricultural and livestock losses.

A segment of the student population of the Leonila Pinzón de Grimaldo IPT is exposed to a high level of risk since they must travel from their residences using rural roads, which are very exposed to tropical storms, floods and landslides, typical of the area during the rainy season. For this reason, we have used induction to improve the levels of climate resilience and mitigation aimed at its students, as an effective measure to reduce the possibility of being affected by disasters related to climate change.

A design was carried out to identify the level of climate resilience and mitigation to reduce the level of vulnerability using a methodology consisting of: a pre-test to diagnose the students' prior knowledge about climate change, and their level of climate resilience and mitigation. Followed by an induction to reduce risks with safety measures in the different climate disasters in their environment, using images and simulators to visualize the environmental and social effects. Finally, a post-test was applied, observing an improvement in their knowledge and adaptation to climate change.

Determination of the pro12ala polymorphism in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-2 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

2024-12-27T18:58:06+00:00

Diabetes mellitus is a group of common metabolic disorders that share the phenotype of hyperglycemia. The Pro12Ala polymorphism in exon B of the gene that codes for PPARg2 has been associated, in some populations, with type 2 diabetes. The objective of this study was to determine if there is an association between the Pro12Ala polymorphism of PPARgn2 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in a sample of the Panamanian population. The possible association of the Pro12Ala polymorphism was evaluated in a sample of 195 individuals (99 controls and 96 experimental). The Pro12Ala polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. A higher frequency of the Pro12Ala genotype was observed in the experimental group (DM2) compared to the control group (0.114 vs 0.010). The frequency of the Ala12 allele (lowest frequency allele) in our study was 2.8%. This work represents the first study on the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and the Pro12Ala polymorphism (rs18012829) in a sample of cases and controls in Panama. The odds ratio (OR) showed an association with a relative risk of 1.9735 in those with the Pro12Ala genotype. The frequency of the Pro12Ala genotype was higher in women, suggesting that they may be more predisposed to developing this condition.

A random walk in the Panamanian stock market

2024-12-27T19:27:07+00:00

Stock markets have been the object of intense study by mathematicians, statisticians, and economists since the twentieth century, in large part motivated by the benefits one would obtain from deciphering their patterns. One of the main prevalent theories today, and the first to ever be proposed in mathematical language, asserts that market returns are completely random and with finite volatility. On top of having plenty of empirical evidence, these ideas are also popular for simplifying important tasks such as portfolio construction and risk management. This paper puts this theory to the test using the Panamanian stock market, which has never been included in previous studies of these concepts. The results show that the Panamanian stock market is indistinguishable from a random walk for certain holding periods, but in the very short term presents evidence of mean reversion.

Culture-based and Sanger sequencing approaches to uncover the diversity of leaf-fungal endophytes in neotropical gymnosperms

2024-12-30T13:10:36+00:00

Endophytic fungi play a crucial role in the survival and adaptation of their host plants. In recent decades, unprecedented diversity of endophytic fungi has been reported in angiosperms, but knowledge about this diversity in tropical gymnosperms is lacking. Among gymnosperms, cycads (Cycadales) are important components of Neotropical forests with high levels of endemism in Central and South America. We used a combination of axenic culture and Sanger sequencing to isolate and identify leaf endophytes of two endemic cycads from humid forests of Panama, Zamia nana and Z. pseudoparasitica. The latter is the only known epiphytic gymnosperm. In Z. pseudoparasitica, 50 morphotypes were isolated from El Copé, 58 from Santa Fe, and 22 from Cerro Marta. We sampled one wild population of Z. nana (El Valle de Antón), from which we recovered 74 morphotypes. We also sampled Z. nana from the International Garden of Cycads in Panama City. Sequencing of 69 cultures with the ITS rRNA locus identified several ascomycetes: Colletotrichum, Cercophora, Hypoxylon, Phyllosticta, Xylaria, and a basidiomycete: Tritirachium. This is one of the first studies to document the diversity of endophytic fungi in a Neotropical gymnosperm and provides a window into the endophytic fungi that inhabit the leaves of tropical plants.

Seismic tomography of Baru Volcano and surroundings, province of Chiriquí, southwestern Panama

2024-12-30T13:36:56+00:00

A seismic tomography of the Barú volcano and surrounding areas, in southwestern Panama, was carried out. The Barú volcano is one of the last volcanoes in the extreme south of Central America and the studies carried out in this research provide a very important scenario about its internal structure. Through seismic P-wave velocity tomography, images were obtained that show heterogeneities in the internal structure of the Barú volcano, which are due to the area's complex evolution, subduction and tectonics. The most important result is the negative anomaly to the northwest of the Barú volcano and southeast of Cerro Tizingal, present in all the layers, which could be related to a possible magmatic chamber. This study provides an overview of the possibilities of future eruptions, which will allow us to adopt more effective mitigation measures in the areas surrounding the Barú volcano where there is a population of around 20,000 inhabitants.

Determination of composite focal mechanisms for the Azuero-Sona fault system region, Panama.

2024-12-30T14:13:05+00:00

In this work, the composite focal mechanisms for the region of the Azuero-Soná fault system, the southern region of Panama, were determined. This technique provided information about the stress regime of tectonic blocks and correlated such stresses with the activity of faults and/or geological fault systems in the study area. The methodology used was the compilation of reliable focal mechanisms from the database of the Institute of Geosciences, the processing and classification using the composite focal mechanism technique using the FMC program (Álvarez Gomez, 2015), the analysis of the results and the representation of these using the GMT program (Wessel, P. et al. 2019). The results show that for the area of Coiba Island the trend is consistent with focal mechanisms of tearing with inverse component and with normal component, for the Mariato area there are focal mechanisms with inverse and normal component which is consistent.

Editorial

2025-01-03T14:13:27+00:00