vol. 5 núm. 1 (2024)

Pollution, the result of population growth and human activities, affects health and the environment. In eastern Antioquia, the boom of the flower industry generates colored wastewater, which could be treated by phytoremediation with artificial wetlands, offering an effective and sustainable alternative to address the problem of water pollution; therefore, this study aimed to determine the phytoremediation potential of Eleocharis elegans in the treatment of colored wastewater derived from the dyeing of flowers for export. This research was carried out on the campus of the Universidad Católica de Oriente, in Rionegro, Ant. (Colombia), where subsurface flow artificial wetlands were installed, each measuring 26cm*30cm*28cm, with a recirculation system, 1-2 cm gravel and soil as a substrate for the plants. Two different methods were tested in the investigation that contemplated the absorbance and COC variables to determine the degree of contamination, and some other response variables such as pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, conductivity, TDS and REDOX. It was possible to achieve a removal of about 50% in COC and color, although the results were lower than in other studies, possibly due to the negative effect on the plants by the different pollutant compounds, as evidenced by the growth and number of axes.

This study proposes a Payment for Environmental Services (PES) mechanism for the conservation of the Sabana Rubia Páramo, located in the municipality of Manaure, Cesar. The main objective is to design a scheme that incentivizes the preservation of ecosystem values through economic or in-kind compensations. The methodology included a quantitative approach, applying surveys and using Environmental and Contingent Economic Valuation, supported by Multiple Linear Regression. A simple random sampling method was used to select survey participants, and econometric analyses were applied to estimate the local residents' willingness to pay (WTP). The results indicate that the average adjusted WTP is 1,400 Colombian pesos per family, and the cost-effectiveness ratio is 1.29. A total of 4,449.18 hectares were prioritized for conservation and restoration. Based on these findings, we recommend implementing a PES scheme that includes a mixed financing strategy to ensure long-term sustainability. We conclude that the conservation of the páramo is feasible through a scheme adapted to local socio-economic conditions and with active community participation.

In Colombia, the rural sector is being affected by multiple aspects that limit the development and sustainability of families, including climatic factors, rising prices of agricultural inputs, poor associativity, lack of an efficient marketing model, sales through intermediaries, price volatility, imports, and poor or non-existent roads, which hinder the marketing of agricultural products. According to the development plan united for life, (Government of Antioquia, 2020, p. 447), it was identified that 74% of the food consumed in Medellin and Valle de Aburrá is not produced in Antioquia, 65% is produced in other departments and 9% by other countries. These figures are worrisome because they evidence the great problem that exists in the Colombian countryside with the little economic return that producers receive when selling their crops, and they also identified that 80% of the price paid by the final consumer corresponds to profits for intermediaries in the commercialization chain.In order to characterize and learn about the marketing and distribution processes of small and medium producers in the municipality of Sonsón, a survey validated by experts was applied, which revealed that, in economic terms, the research reveals that, although the income generated covers basic expenses, only some can afford to purchase larger goods such as cars or houses, thus showing the existence of economic limitations for the majority. Nevertheless, 61.6% of those surveyed cultivate their own land, which could be an indicator of greater profitability and financial stability. Another aspect is the low level of associativity (8.1%) among farmers, which is a crucial aspect that deserves attention.

In this study, a comprehensive assessment of the ecosystem services provided by the urban wetlands of Valledupar, Cesar, was conducted through the implementation of two surveys (pilot and final) administered to 385 residents, with the aim of determining the willingness to pay (WTP) for their conservation. Key findings include an estimated WTP of $65,077.53 per inhabitant, reflecting a high valuation of the environmental impact in relation to the community's social component and the relevance of these ecosystems. The results demonstrate a significant commitment from the population towards environmental protection, with 70% of respondents recognizing the benefits of wetlands and 67% aware of their crucial role in climate regulation. The main conclusion underscores the urgency of implementing a comprehensive environmental management plan focused on improving hydrological conditions and conserving biodiversity, highlighting the importance of wetlands not only for ecological balance but also for the preservation of the region's cultural and historical heritage.

The quality of Colombian coffee is recognized worldwide. Its production requires an extensive chain in which the coffee grower applies their knowledge and skills at key stages of the process, such as planting, cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest. Various factors come into play that determine the quality and, consequently, the economic value. Innovation appears in the coffee chain, especially at the marketing stages, generating new demands on the harvesting and post-harvest stages, raising the question of how familiar coffee growers are with science to respond to these demands. Thus, the purpose of this article is to descriptively compare a survey on perceptions of science, technology, and innovation tested in a community of coffee growers in the municipality of Ituango with the national survey conducted in urban environments and determine the degree of understanding of the questions. It is found that, despite the cultural richness of the regions where observation and learning are permanent bases to respond to the demands of the coffee market, the words "science" and "technology" are not part of the coffee growers' imagination as found in the national survey. This highlights, on one hand, the challenge of building a research culture and bringing together the accumulated knowledge of the coffee growers with the forms of Western science, and on the other hand, the challenge of modifying the language of the surveys and applying other participatory methodologies to access perceptions of science and technology in rural communities.

The spatial location of physical educational sites is a key aspect to ensure the impact and coverage of education. This must be done taking into account different social, economic, and physical aspects. This study addresses spatial analysis as input for the definition of physical locations in the subregional nodes of the Institución Universitaria de Antioquia. To achieve this, the potential and current educational demand, represented by the spatial distribution of 11th-grade students and enrollees in such institution, were integrated with the connectivity and road accessibility of the municipalities. The Oriente Antioqueño stands out as the subregion with the highest educational demand, led by Rionegro in the current demand, which is the municipality with the highest potential demand in the department (except for the Valle de Aburrá). Additionally, road connectivity identified San Jerónimo and Cisneros as municipalities with high connectivity. On the other hand, road accessibility highlights Nechí and Guarne in their respective subregions. The spatial interaction index reveals the strategic importance of Rionegro, Apartadó, and El Bagre for the consolidation of physical locations in their associated subregions. It is concluded that this comprehensive approach provides an important background for decision-making, although it is suggested to consider additional factors such as political will and unmet basic needs in future initiatives. The Institución Universitaria de Antioquia can use these results as key inputs in its strategy for establishing physical locations, seeking to ensure equitable and efficient access to higher education in the region.

Procrastination is defined as the tendency to voluntarily postpone or delay a task, avoiding responsibilities, decisions and tasks that need to be carried out, resulting in a state of dissatisfaction or discomfort. This postponement of activities can be mitigated by having good time management, this being a process aimed at establishing and achieving targeted academic goals, considering the time available. Therefore, the objective of this research was to design and pilot a brief educational intervention on academic procrastination and time management aimed at university students. 25 first-semester medical, surgeon and midwife students participated voluntarily, 40% men and 60% women, with an average age of 19.44 years. 44% of the participants, in addition to studying, had a paid job. We used the Time Management Behavior Questionnaire and the Academic Procrastination Scale, additionally, he participated in a brief educational intervention designed for students to identify procrastination behaviors and different tools for organizing time. The results indicated that the intervention carried out had a greater effect on the students' time management than on procrastination, with those students who worked and women who showed planning and organization skills different from those of men being the beneficiaries. It is concluded that having adequate time management behaviors does not necessarily impact the reduction of procrastination since there may be intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors from the school environment involved.

Editor

Black Sigatoka, caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet, is a serious problem for banana and plantain production in Colombia and has had a considerable impact since its first detection in 1983. This foliar disease not only compromises plant photosynthesis, reducing fruit quality and quantity, but also increases agricultural production costs due to the imperative need to use fungicides for its control. The relevance of this problem is intensified when considering the central position of the Urabá region in the agricultural economy of the country, recognized for its significant contribution to the national banana industry.Given this scenario, this study proposes the implementation of an early warning system, based on the application of advanced Machine Learning and Artificial Neural Networks techniques. The main objective of this initiative is to thoroughly analyze the physicochemical data of the plants together with the climatic conditions of the region, identifying patterns and critical variables such as temperature, humidity, rainfall and wind speed. These factors are determinants in the spread of the disease and, therefore, in the adoption of more effective and less chemical-dependency management strategies.The collection and analysis of climate data covers the period from 2010 to 2019, providing a solid basis for forecasting and prevention of Black Sigatoka. Through this approach, the aim is not only to mitigate the negative impact of the disease on agricultural productivity, but also to promote more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. The aim is to transform the management of banana and plantain crops, with a focus on sustainability, efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Colombia is one of the five most biologically diverse countries at the international level and must effectively manage terrestrial, marine, national and regional systems of protected areas. A protected area is a territory designated for its uniqueness in natural values and its preservation oversees the National System of Protected Areas (SINAP). However, there are areas that can be affected by natural or man-made forest fires. At the same time, entities such as NASA are dedicated to collecting information from different satellites and generating information accessible to any user for cross-analysis. In this work, geospatial data from protected areas are taken and cross-referenced with fire maps available from NASA to identify which regions of Colombia are most likely to be affected and as future work it is proposed to prioritize different policies aimed at environmental sustainability.