I+D Tecnológico

Determination of the driving cycle for motorcycles in the city of Esmeraldas

Freddy Colcha-Guashpa, Roberto Calva-Montoya, Víctor Bravo-Morocho (Author) — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this experimental research, the driving cycle for motorcycles in the city of Esmeraldas is determined, since this means of transport presents an exponential growth, giving rise to an increase in the generation of emissions and noise pollution. For the construction of the cycle, the direct method and the On Board technique are defined for the acquisition of GPS, distance, time and speed values, defined as variables based on the World Motorcycle Test Cycle (WMTC). Fuel consumption was calculated by applying DIN 70030-1 Standard, obtaining 2.846 l/50 km as fuel consumption on an Urban Route carried out in the city center. For data acquisition, the Torque Pro software is used, which generates a file (.csv) that must be imported into data analysis software. Tests are carried out on urban, rural and highway routes, where the urban route has an average speed of 26.44 km/h, over a distance of 5023.40 m, in a time of 600 seconds, being 98% similar, compared to the WMTC cycle designed by UNECE. This case study meets the conditions of repeatability of research carried out by the authors.

Analysis of the influence of vegetation cover on slope sediment production

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Intrinsic factors, climatic scenarios, and anthropogenic activities are fundamental characteristics of landslides and floods annually in the Tierras Altas district, the study focuses on soil degradation as the main trigger of these events. The research focuses on the analysis of the influence of vegetation cover on sediment transport and slope stability. The methodology consists of monitoring two sections of equal length on a slope: with and without vegetation, capturing the detached material caused by extreme climate events. The fieldwork focuses on the classification of soils for strategic points, determining the material's properties, and extracting predominant vegetation for the sizing of the roots. The incorporation of a local meteorological station makes it possible to identify meteorological triggers and correlate the parameters employing a code in the R language. A long period is necessary to identify episodes of greater or lesser detachment of material and analyze the volumetric variation of the eroded material between both experimental sections of the slope, where the present data shows the influence of soil cover and critical precipitation events of 60 mm for consecutive rainy days as important elements of soil degradation.

Effect of Trichoderma harzianum on tacaco (Sechium tacaco) cuttings

Karen M. Muñoz-López, José E. Monge-Pére (Author) — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Objectives: to evaluate the effect of two doses of Trichoderma harzianum on the rooting and growth of tacaco (Sechium tacaco) cuttings. Methodology: secondary-shoot cuttings with at least three nodes were used. In the greenhouse establishment phase, a dose of 0.30mg of indole-butyric acid (IBA) per cutting was used. After reaching optimal rooting, we moved on to the acclimatization phase in a shade house, where treatments with doses of 5 and 10ml/l of the product Trichofos (T. harzianum, at 2.0 x 107 cfu/ml), and a control treatment with distilled water were applied via “drench” at 0, 7 and 15 days after transplanting. Results: The control obtained a significantly higher value of root dry weight (2,523.06mg/plant), compared to the treatments with 5 and 10ml/l of Trichofos (704.12 and 1175.21mg/plant, respectively). Regarding the concentration of T. harzianum in the substrate, significant differences were found between the control and the dose of 5ml/l of Trichofos (82.5 and 1,525cfu/g of T. harzianum, respectively). No significant differences were found between treatments for the other variables. In all treatments, the survival percentage of cuttings varied between 83-100%. Conclusions: The use of T. harzianum in the acclimatization process of tacaco cuttings is not recommended, until information is generated on its compatibility with other rhizospheric organisms. The acclimatization process of the plants was successful, according to the methodology used. This work constitutes the first published report on the effect of Trichoderma harzianum on Sechium tacaco.

Effect of a biostimulant on mango (Mangifera indica L.) production

José E. Monge-Pérez, Michelle Loría-Coto (Author) — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Objectives: evaluate the effect of the application of a biostimulant on mango (Mangifera indica L.) production. Methodology: The trial was carried out in Liberia, Costa Rica, in 2017. Engordone® biostimulant was applied to 18 trees of the Irwin variety, and this application was not carried out on another 18 trees (control treatment). At harvest, the fruits were classified as exportable, rejected or immature. The number of fruits per tree, the yield per tree (kg), the average weight of the fruit (g), and the length, width and thickness of the exportable fruit were evaluated. Results: There were no significant differences for the number of fruits per tree or the yield per tree. The fruits of the control treatment showed a higher average weight, compared to those that received the biostimulant. The exportable fruits of the control treatment had a width and thickness significantly greater than the exportable fruits of the biostimulant treatment. Conclusions: The application of the biostimulant caused a decrease in the average weight of the fruit, and in the width and thickness of the exportable mango fruits.

Occurrence of pesticides in drinking water and groundwater in the Azuero Peninsula

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Modern agriculture relies on the use of pesticides to increase food production and meet the needs of a growing population. However, inappropriate use of pesticides can have a significant impact on aquatic ecosystems, as they can enter surface waters or leach into groundwater. This poses a risk to public health since these compounds are persistent and mobile in water sources used for drinking water production. In this context, an investigation was carried out in the Azuero peninsula, to analyze samples of drinking water and groundwater used for consumption. Samples were collected during the rainy season in September 2022 and the dry season in April 2023. EPA Method 525.2 was carried out to detect 17 pesticides using solid phase extraction (SPE) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results indicated the presence of pendimethalin, atrazine, and its metabolite atrazine-desethyl at low concentrations in drinking water samples in the districts of La Villa de Los Santos and Parita, as well as in groundwater in Santa María. However, the concentrations detected were below the permissible limits according to Panamanian regulations (Technical Regulation DGNTI - COPANIT 21-2019) for drinking water.