Facultad de Ciencias de la Tierra y el Mar

URI permanente para esta comunidadhttp://10.0.96.45:4000/handle/11056/14052

La Facultad de Ciencias de la Tierra y Mar (FCTM) de la Universidad Nacional (UNA), se crea en el año 1973 y desde sus inicios se ha caracterizado por su compromiso con los principios y valores que sustentan la Universidad Necesaria; la cual en lo fundamental se caracteriza por la búsqueda de nuevos espacios que le permitan seguir aportando a la sociedad profesionales y productos de la investigación, extensión y servicios que contribuyan a la mejora en la calidad de vida de la población costarricense y sus relaciones con la naturaleza.

Decano: M.Sc. Andrés Alpízar Naranjo, correo electrónico: /a>

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Página web: www.tierraymar.una.ac.cr

Correo: fctm@una.cr

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Mostrando 1 - 20 de 1208

50 years of steady ground deformation in the Altiplano-Puna region of southern Bolivia
(Geological Society of America, 2017-12-20) Gottsmann, Joachim; Del Potro, Rodrigo; Muller, Cyril
The Altiplano-Puna Volcanic Complex of the Central Andes is host to an ~150-km-wide, quasi-circular ground deformation anomaly centered on Uturuncu volcano (Bolivia). The precise onset and duration of this deformation is unclear, but geomorphologic studies bracket its initiation at less than a few hundred years ago. Here we report on the deformation history over an ~50 yr period by deriving orthometric height changes from leveling and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) observations at 53 benchmarks along a regional leveling line that crosses the deformation anomaly. The comparison of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) line-of-sight (LOS) displacements and LOS-projected orthometric ground velocities in a common reference frame reveal central uplift extending to ~35 km from Uturuncu at a maximum orthometric rate of 1.2 cm yr–1, and peripheral subsidence at a maximum rate of 0.3 cm yr–1 to ~60 km from Uturuncu. This pattern is consistent with the spatial extent and average rate of deformation observed by InSAR. Our interpretation of the data is that long-wavelength ground uplift at Uturuncu has likely occurred at a quasi-constant rate for at least half of a century. This study bridges the observational time spans between modern satellite geodetic observations (up to a few decades) and geomorphological observations (a few centuries and longer) of the recent deformation history of the continental crust in the Central Andes and adds to a select group of case studies of quantifiable long-term volcano deformation worldwide.
A case study on pharmaceutical residues and antimicrobial resistance genes in Costa Rican rivers : a possible route of contamination for feline and other species
(Elsevier, 2023-11-12) Vargas-Villalobos, Seiling; Hernández, Felix; Fabregat-Safont, David; Salas-González, Denis; Quesada-Alvarado, Francisco; Botero-Coy, Ana Maria; Esperón, Fernando; Martín-Maldonado, Bárbara; Monrós-González, Juan; Ruepert, Clemens; Estrada-König, Sandra; Rivera-Castillo, Josué; Chaverri-Fonseca, Fabio; Blanco-Peña, Kinndle
In this investigation, the presence of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals in Costa Rican surface waters, specifically in regions near feline habitats, was examined. The study revealed that 47% of the water samples contained detectable traces of at least one antibiotic. Ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin were the most frequently detected compounds, each with a detection rate of 27%. Other antibiotics, such as erythromycin, roxithromycin, and trimethoprim, were also found but at lower frequencies, around 14%. Notably, all antibiotic concentrations remained below 10 ng/L, with ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and erythromycin showing the highest concentrations. Furthermore, the investigation revealed the presence of non-antibiotic pharmaceutical residues in the water samples, typically at concentrations below 64 ng/L. Tramadol was the most frequently detected compound, present in 18% of the samples. The highest concentrations were observed for acetaminophen and tramadol, measuring 64 and 10 ng/L, respectively. Comparing these findings with studies conducted in treated wastewater and urban rivers, it became evident that the concentrations of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals were notably lower in this study. While previous research reported higher values, the limited number of studies conducted in protected areas raises concerns about the potential environmental impact on biodiversity. In summary, these results emphasize the importance of monitoring pharmaceutical residues and antimicrobial resistance genes ARGs in vulnerable ecosystems, especially those in close proximity to feline habitats in Costa Rica. Additionally, the study delved into the detection of (ARGs). All tested water samples were positive for at least one ARG, with the blaTEM gene being the most prevalent at 82%, followed by tetS at 64% and qnrB at 23%. Moreover, this research shed light on the complexity of evaluating ARGs in environmental samples, as their presence does not necessarily indicate their expression. It also highlighted the potential for co-selection and coregulation of ARGs, showcasing the intricate behaviors of these genes in aquatic environments.
A Combined Metagenomics and Metatranscriptomics Approach to Unravel Costa Rican Cocoa Box Fermentation Processes Reveals Yet Unreported Microbial Species and Functionalities
(Frontiers Media, 2021-02-16) Verce, Marko; Schoonejans, Jorn; Hernandez Aguirre, Carlos; Luc De Vuyst; Weckx, Stefan
Cocoa fermentation is the first step in the post-harvest processing chain of cocoa and is important for the removal of the cocoa pulp surrounding the beans and the development of flavor and color precursors. In the present study, metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequencing were applied to Costa Rican cocoa fermentation processes to unravel the microbial diversity and assess the function and transcription of their genes, thereby increasing the knowledge of this spontaneous fermentation process. Among 97 genera found in these fermentation processes, the major ones were Acetobacter, Komagataeibacter, Limosilactobacillus, Liquorilactobacillus, Lactiplantibacillus, Leuconostoc, Paucilactobacillus, Hanseniaspora, and Saccharomyces. The most prominent species were Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Liquorilactobacillus cacaonum, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum among the LAB, Acetobacter pasteurianus and Acetobacter ghanensis among the AAB, and Hanseniaspora opuntiae and Saccharomyces cerevisiae among the yeasts. Consumption of glucose, fructose, and citric acid, and the production of ethanol, lactic acid, acetic acid, and mannitol were linked to the major species through metagenomic binning and the application of metatranscriptomic sequencing. By using this approach, it was also found that Lacp. plantarum consumed mannitol and oxidized lactic acid, that A. pasteurianus degraded oxalate, and that species such as Cellvibrio sp., Pectobacterium spp., and Paucilactobacillus vaccinostercus could contribute to pectin degradation. The data generated and results presented in this study could enhance the ability to select and develop appropriate starter cultures to steer the cocoa fermentation process toward a desired course.
A comparison of different indirect techniques to evaluate volcanic intact rock strength
(Springer, 2009) Del Potro, Rodrigo; Hürlimann, Marcel
The efficiency of different methods that are used to evaluate volcanic intact rock strength is compared that includes Schmidt hammers, point load tests and uniaxial compression tests. The Schmidt hammer records the rebound height of the mass (R) on a linear scale and gives an indication of the strength of the material being tested. The two types of Schmidt hammers (L- and N-type), with different impact energies are used that shows results as the rebound height RLand RN for the L- and N-type Schmidt hammers, respectively. The other method used is point load test that provides strength measurements of irregular fragments of rocks or of rock cores, with all rock dimensions being greater than 50 mm. The last method is uniaxial compression that shows little scatter and clear logarithmic increase of uniaxial compressive strength with increasing unit weight. The studies showed that Schmidt hammers can give results similar in quality to uniaxial compression tests.
A comparison of the reproductive ability of Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata:Varroidae) in worker and drone brood of Africanized honey bees (Apis mellifera)
(Springer Science, 2007-09-08) Calderón, Rafael A.; Zamora, Luis G.; Van Veen, Johan W.; Quesada, Mariela V.
Colony infestation by the parasitic mite, Varroa destructor is one of the most serious problems for beekeeping worldwide. In order to reproduce varroa females, enter worker or drone brood shortly before the cell is sealed. To test the hypothesis that, due to the preference of mites to invade drone brood to reproduce, a high proportion of the mite reproduction should occur in drone cells, a comparative study of mite reproductive rate in worker and drone brood of Africanized honey bees (AHB) was done for 370 mites. After determining the number, developmental stage and sex of the offspring in worker cells, the foundress female mite was immediately transferred into an uninfested drone cell. Mite fertility in single infested worker and drone brood cells was 76.5 and 79.3%, respectively. There was no difference between the groups (X 2 = 0.78, P = 0.37). However, one of the most significant differences in mite reproduction was the higher percentage of mites producing viable offspring (cells that contain one live adult male and at least one adult female mite) in drone cells (38.1%) compared to worker cells (13.8%) (X 2 = 55.4, P < 0.01). Furthermore, a high level of immature offspring occurred in worker cells and not in drone cells (X 2 = 69, P < 0.01). Although no differences were found in the percentage of non-reproducing mites, more than 74% (n = 85) of the mites that did not reproduce in worker brood, produced offspring when they were transferred to drone brood.
A Creep Event on the Shallow Interface of the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica Seismogenic Zone
(American Geophysical Union, 2004) Protti, Marino; González, Victor; Kato, Teruyuki; Iinuma, Takeshi; Miyazaki, Shinichi; Obana, Koichiro; Kaneda, Yoshiyuki; LaFemina, Peter; Dixon, Timothy; Schwartz, Susan
Summary of the paper "A Creep Event on the Shallow Interface of the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica Seismogenic Zone"
A long-term record of polythionates in the acid crater-lake of Poás volcano: Changes in the subaqueous input of fumarolic gases
(IAVCEI. General Assembly. Pucón-Chile, 2004-01) Martínez, M.; Van Bergen, M. J.; Fernández, E.; Takano, B.; Malavassi, E.; Barboza, V.; Miura, Y.; Van der Laat, R.; Duarte, E.; Valdés, J.; Sáenz, W.
A Management and Sustainability Model for Diamond Route (Non-commercial Open Access) Scientific Journals of the Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica.
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2024-12-31) Cerdas Vega, Gerardo; Mora Campos, Andrea; Penabad Camacho, Liana; Penabad-Camacho, María Amalia; Vega Solano, María Fernanda; Castro Solano, María Milagro; Nova Bustos, Lydia; Ulate Segura, Mónica; Méndez Solano, Andrea; Morales López, Yuri
Describe the construction stages of a structure that organizes good practices derived from the 1design of a management and sustainability model for Diamond (Non-commercial Open Access) scientific journals of the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica. An assessment of the Latin American, Costa Rican, and institutional contexts was carried out on aspects related to policies on open knowledge during the last 20 years. The institutional route and its chronological record that show the evolution of editorial management of the journals since the creation of the first of these publications, approximately 50 years ago are described. The development of the scientific journal management model is described considering the conceptualization, guiding principles, work team, support and advisory bodies, financial sustainability, and monitoring and evaluation of the journals. The model’s innovation, adaptability, and alignment with international standards stand out, as well as collaborative work, strategic planning, and institutional protection, all of which led to the creation of tangible products including regulations and a manual of procedures. A capacity for adaptability in the editorial management of scientific journals is crucial for scientific and social progress. This model promotes sustainability and editorial quality with an emphasis on the diamond path, Open Science, and student inclusion, and its international impact has been recognized in promoting science as a public good and resistance to models based on Article Processing Charges (APC). The recommendations are organized with reference to the different sectors that manage scientific communication, highlighting the importance of promoting Non-commercial Open Access, generating venues to discuss the financial sustainability of open knowledge editorial management, and other spaces for international cooperation. Finally, the recognition of scientific communication as a public good must be accompanied by concrete actions that ensure adequate and stable resources that allow maintaining quality editorial management and promote ethical and transparent practices.
A model of degassing and seismicity at Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2001-08) Williams Jones, G; Stix, J; Heiligmann, M; Barquero, J; Fernandez, E
Arenal volcano is the most active volcano in Costa Rica and has emitted at least 1.3 Mt of SO2 since its reactivation in July 1968. Gas emissions from the volcano have been both by passive degassing and explosive eruptions, with passive degassing being dominant. Based on correlation spectrometry (COSPEC) measurements made during 1982, 1995 and 1996, the minimum average daily output is 130 ± 60 t d-1 SO2 emitted from Arenal. Arenal is extremely active, with tremor fluctuations showing a distinct correlation with Earth tides; decreased explosive activity and increased tremor appear to coincide with the maximum rate of change in Earth tides. This suggests that a system such as Arenal may be extremely sensitive to small changes in the confining pressure or stress regime of the conduit. The cyclic nature of explosive activity also may be caused by corresponding fluctuations in the extrusion rate of lava. At high extrusion rates, lava from the non-explosive conduit may overflow into the explosive conduit, temporarily blocking it with a resulting pressurisation of the system. Arenal is likely tapping a deep to mid crustal magma chamber and, unlike many volcanoes, there is a comparatively small difference between petrological and COSPEC SO2 estimates (0.41 vs. 1.3 Mt, respectively, since 1968), suggesting that Arenal is being continuously supplied by fresh magma. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
A model of diffuse degassing at three subduction-related volcanoes
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2000) Williams-Jones, G; Stix, J; Heiligmann, M; Charland, A; Sherwood Lollar, B; Arner, N; Gustavo Garzón, V; Barquero, J; Fernandez, E
Radon, CO2 and δ13C in soil gas were measured at three active subduction-related stratovolcanoes (Arenal and Poas, Costa Rica; Galeras, Colombia). In general, Rn, CO2 and δ13C values are higher on the lower flanks of the volcanoes, except near fumaroles in the active craters. The upper flanks of these volcanoes have low Rn concentrations and light δ13C values. These observations suggest that diffuse degassing of magmatic gas on the upper flanks of these volcanoes is negligible and that more magmatic degassing occurs on the lower flanks where major faults and greater fracturing in the older lavas can channel magmatic gases to the surface. These results are in contrast to findings for Mount Etna where a broad halo of magmatic CO2 has been postulated to exist over much of the edifice. Differences in radon levels among the three volcanoes studied here may result from differences in age, the degree of fracturing and faulting, regional structures or the level of hydrothermal activity. Volcanoes, such as those studied here, act as plugs in the continental crust, focusing magmatic degassing towards crater fumaroles, faults and the fractured lower flanks.
A multidisciplinary approach to analyze the antimicrobial resistance in natural ecosystems
(Elsevier, 2024-02-25) Blanco-Pena, Kinndle; Quesada-Alvarado, Francisco; Salas-González, Denis; Estrada- König, Sandra; Salom-Pérez, Roberto; Arroyo-Arce, Stephanny; Villalobos-Araya, Adriana; Rivera-Castillo, Josué; Martín-Maldonado, Bárbara; Corrales-Gutiérrez, Daniel; Gallardo-Castro, Valeria; Gutiérrez-Espeleta, Gustavo; Chaves, Andrea; Esperón, Fernando; Chaverri-Fonseca, Fabio
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a global threat to both human health and environmental well-being. Our study delved into Costa Rican wildlife reserves, uncovering a substantial human impact on these ecosystems and underscoring the imperative to pinpoint AMR hotspots. Embracing a One Health perspective, we advocated for a comprehensive landscape analysis that intricately intertwined geographic, climatic, forest, and human factors. This study illuminated the link between laboratory results and observed patterns of antimicrobial use, thereby paving the way for sustainable solutions. Our innovative methodology involved deploying open-ended questions to explore antimicrobial usage across livestock activities, contributing to establishing a comprehensive methodology. Non-invasive sampling in wildlife emerged as a critical aspect, shedding light on areas contaminated by AMR. Feline species, positioned at the apex of the food chain, acted as sentinels for environmental health due to heightened exposure to improperly disposed waste. Regarding laboratory findings, each sample revealed the presence of at least one antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG). Notably, genes encoding resistance to tetracyclines dominated (94.9%), followed by beta-lactams (75.6%), sulfonamides (53.8%), aminoglycosides (51.3%), quinolones (44.9%), phenicols (25.6%), and macrolides (20.5%). Genes encoding polymyxins were not detected. Moreover, 66% of samples carried a multi-resistant microbiome, with 15% exhibiting resistance to three antimicrobial families and 51% to four. The absence of a correlation between forest coverage and ARG presence underscored the profound human impact on wildlife reserves, surpassing previous estimations. This environmental pressure could potentially modify microbiomes and resistomes in unknown ways. As not all antimicrobial families encoding ARGs were utilized by farmers, our next step involved evaluating other human activities to identify the primary sources of contamination. This comprehensive study contributed crucial insights into the intricate dynamics of AMR in natural ecosystems, paving the way for targeted interventions and sustainable coexistence.
A new dagger nematode, Xiphinema poasense N.Sp. (Nematoda: Longidoridae), from Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2018) Varela-Benavides, Ingrid; Peraza-Padilla, Walter; Cantalapiedra-Navarrete, Carolina; Palomares-Rius, Juan; Castillo, Pablo; Archidona-Yuste, Antonio
A new dagger nematode, Xiphinema poasense N.Sp., is described and illustrated from three populations extracted from soil associated with a combined plantation of Eucalyptus sp., Cupressus sp. and Pennisetum sp. and wild plants from a tropical pre-montane forest in Costa Rica. The new dagger nematode is characterised by a moderate body size 2612 (2416-3042) μm long, a rounded lip region 15.0 (13.5-16.5) μm broad, separated from the body contour by a shallow depression, amphidial fovea large, stirrup-shaped, a very long odontostyle (175 (164-188) μm), stylet guiding ring located 167 (136-181) μm from anterior end, vulva situated anterior to mid-body (36-40%), anterior genital branch complete but strongly reduced, without uterine differentiation, female tail short, hemispherical to convex-conoid with a c′ ratio = 0.7 (0.6-0.8) and bearing two pairs of caudal pores, and male absent. Integrative diagnosis was completed with molecular data using D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA, ITS1 region, partial 18S-rRNA and the partial mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (coxI). The phylogenetic relationships based on D2-D3 segments of this species with other Xiphinema spp. of the X. non-americanum group indicated that X. poasense N.Sp. clustered with other species with a reduced anterior genital branch from the morphospecies Group 2, viz., X. costaricense and X. krugi. However, the phylogeny of coxI and partial 18S rRNA gene revealed that the new species did not cluster with Xiphinema species having the anterior genital branch absent or reduced (i.e., morphospecies Groups 1 and 2, respectively). © 2018 Copyright 2018 by Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, The Netherlands.
A new dagger nematode, Xiphinema tica n. sp. (Nematoda: Longidoridae), from Costa Rica with updating of the polytomous key of Loof and Luc (1990)
(Springer, 2017-05-15) Peraza-Padilla, Walter; Cantalapiedra-Navarrete, Carolina; Zamora-Araya, Tatiana; Palomares-Rius, Juan Emilio; Castillo, Pablo; Archidona Yuste, Antonio
A new dagger nematode, Xiphinema tica n. sp., is described and illustrated from several populations extracted from soil associated with several crops and wild plants in Costa Rica. The new dagger nematode is characterised by a moderate body size (3276–4240 μm), a rounded lip region, ca 13.5 μm wide, separated from body contour by a shallow depression, amphidial fovea large, stirrup-shaped, a moderately long odontostyle ca 135 μm long, stylet guiding ring located at ca 122 μm from anterior end, vulva almost equatorial (50–54%), well-developed Z-organ, with heavy muscularised wall containing in the most of specimens observed two moderately refractive inclusions variable in shape (from round to star-shaped), with uterine spines and crystalloid bodies; female tail short, dorsally convex-conoid, with rounded end and a small peg, with a c’ ratio ca 0.8, bearing two or three pairs of caudal pores and male absent. The unique and novel uterine differentiation based on the coexistence of a well-developed Z-organ mixed with uterine spines and crystalloid bodies in Xiphinema prompted us to update and include this combination of characters in the polytomous key of Loof and Luc (1990). Integrative diagnosis was completed with molecular data obtained, using D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rDNA, ITS1-rDNA, partial 18S–rDNA and the partial mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (coxI). The phylogenetic relationships of this species with other Xiphinema spp. indicated that X. tica n. sp. was monophyletic to the other species from the morphospecies Group 4, Xiphinema oleae.
A new ring nematode, Xenocriconemella costaricense sp. nov., (Nematoda: Criconematidae) from Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2024-04-20) Peraza-Padilla, Walter; Aráuz Badilla, Jefferson; Cantalapiedra-Navarrete, Carolina; Palomares-Rius, Juan Emilio; Archidona Yuste, Antonio; Castillo, Pablo
During nematode surveys of natural vegetation in forests of La Cima de Copey de Dota, San José, San José province, Costa Rica, a Xenocriconemella species closely resembling X. macrodora and related species was found. Integrative taxonomical approaches demonstrated that it is a new species described herein as X. costaricense sp. nov. The new species is parthenogenetic (only females have been detected) and characterised by a short body (276–404 μm); lip region with two annuli, not offset, not separated from body contour; first lip annulus partially covering the second lip annulus. Stylet thin, very long (113–133 μm) and flexible, occupying 30.5–47.8% of body length. Excretory pore located from one or two annuli anterior to one or two annuli posterior to level of stylet knobs, at 42 (37–45) μm from anterior end. Female genital tract monodelphic, prodelphic, outstretched, and occupying 35–45% of body length, with vagina slightly ventrally curved (14–18 μm long). Anus located 6–11 annuli from the tail terminus. Tail conoid and bluntly rounded terminus, the last 2–3 annuli oriented dorsally. Results of molecular characterisation and phylogenetic analyses of D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA, ITS, and partial 18S rRNA, as well as cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 gene sequences further characterised the new species and clearly separated it from X. macrodora and other related species (X. iberica, X. paraiberica, and X. pradense).
A NEW SPECIES OF NEMATODE, SCLERORHABDITIS NEOTROPICALIS SP.N. (RHABDITIDA), ASSOCIATED WITH AZTECA ANTS IN CECROPIA OBTUSIFOLIA
(Nematropica, 2012-06) Esquivel, Alejandro; Abolafia Cobaleda, Joaquín; Hanson, P.; Pinto, A.
Sclerorhabditis neotropicalis sp. n. is described and illustrated. It can be distinguished by its body length (515-560 μm in females and 363-455 μm in males), lip region with crown-shaped lips, having acute three acute thorns, oral aperture one third of lip region width, stoma 15-22 μm long or 1.0-1.6 times as long as diameter of lip region, stomatal tube about 1.5 times longer than wide, bearing rhabdia with slightly rugous walls at lumen side, stegostom lacking glottoid apparatus and denticles, pharynx 125-135 μm long in females and 107-131 μm long in males, excretory pore and hemizonid located at 21-22% of the distance from the anterior end. The female reproductive system is didelphicamphidelphic, with ovaries straight or dorsally reflexed, and the vulva is a transverse slit, 55-61% from the anterior end, female tail conoid elongated, 62-76 μm long, having a posterior hyaline portion very slender and with acute tip. The male reproductive system is monorchic, with testis anterio-ventrally reflexed, spicules free, 36-47 μm long or 1.6-1.8 times longer than anal body width, with rounded manubrium, gubernaculum 15-18 μm long or 38-42% of spicule length, and bursa anteriorly open, peloderan, with scalloped margin and bearing eight pairs of genital papillae (1+1/1+1+1+1+2), tail conoid spicate, 23-30 μm long. The new species was found in close association with an ant colony (Azteca constructor Emery, 1876) inside a Cecropia obtusifolia Bertoloni, 1840 tree in a tropical rain forest in Costa Rica. Certain species of Azteca ants live in mutualistic association with Cecropia trees and preliminary evidence suggests that the new nematode species is invariably present in the colonies of at least some of these Azteca species. It is, therefore, possible that the new nematode species represents a third partner in the mutualism, although its role is still unknown.
A New Sulfur and Carbon Degassing Inventory for the Southern Central American Volcanic Arc: The Importance of Accurate Time-Series Data Sets and Possible Tectonic Processes Responsible for Temporal Variations in Arc-Scale Volatile Emissions
(AGU Publications, 2017-12-12) Muller, C.; Saballos, A.; Ibarra, M.; LaFemina, Peter; de Moor, Joost Maarten; Kern, Christoph; Avard, Geoffroy; AIUPPA, Alessandro; Protti, Marino; Fischer, Tobias
This work presents a new database of SO2 and CO2 fluxes from the Southern Central American Volcanic Arc (SCAVA) for the period 2015–2016. We report 300 SO2 flux measurements from 10 volcanoes and gas ratios from 11 volcanoes in Costa Rica and Nicaragua representing the most extensive available assessment of this 500 km arc segment. The SO2 flux from SCAVA is estimated at 6,24061,150 T/d, about a factor of three higher than previous estimations (1972–2013). We attribute this increase in part to our more complete assessment of the arc. Another consideration in interpreting the difference is the context of increased volcanic activity, as there were more eruptions in 2015–2016 than in any period since 1980. A potential explanation for increased degassing and volcanic activity is a change in crustal stress regime (from compression to extension, opening volcanic conduits) following two large (Mw>7) earthquakes in the region in 2012. The CO2 flux from the arc is estimated at 22,50064,900 T/d, which is equal to or greater than estimates of C input into the SCAVA subduction zone. Time-series data sets for arc degassing need to be improved in temporal and spatial coverage to robustly constrain volatile budgets and tectonic controls. Arc volatile budgets are strongly influenced by short-lived degassing events and arc systems likely display significant short-term variations in volatile output, calling for expansion of nascent geochemical monitoring networks to achieve spatial and temporal coverage similar to traditional geophysical networks.
A new vanilla species from Costa Rica closely related to V. planifolia (Orchidaceae)
(European Journal of Taxonomy, 2017-02-22) Azofeifa Bolaños, José B.; Gigant, L. Rodolphe; Nicolás García, Mayra; Pignal, Marc; Tavares González, Fabiola B.; Hagsater, Eric; Salazar, Gerardo; Reyes Lopez, Delfino; Archila Morales, Fredy Leonel; García-García, José A.; Da Silva, Denis; Allibert, Agathe; Solano Campos, Frank; Rodríguez Jimenes, Guadalupe del Carmen; Paniagua Vásquez, Amelia; Besse, Pascale; Pérez Silva, Araceli; Grisoni, Michel
We describe a new vanilla species growing in sympatry with Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews (Orchidaceae) in the province of Limón, Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. The morphology of the reproductive and vegetative organs observed on vines cultivated under shade-house, the nuclear (Internal Transcribed Spacer) and plastid (matK) nucleotide sequences, as well as the contents of aromatic compounds measured in ripe fruits, show that this species is close to but distinct from V. planifolia. The name V. sotoarenasii M.Pignal, Azofeifa-Bolaños & Grisoni sp. nov. is proposed for this new Vanilla species endemic in Costa Rica. It is especially distinguished from V. planifolia by a reduction of about 30% of the size of the fruits and flowers, by a divergence of ITS sequences for at least two species-conserved nucleotides compared to seven other species of the V. planifolia group, and by the presence of anisic compounds and low content of phenolic compounds (including vanillin) in the fruits. These results confirmed the extension of the area of distribution of V. planifolia southward to Costa Rica, where a recent speciation process occurred. Because of its particular agronomic and aromatic properties, V. sotoarenasii sp. nov. could represent a valuable biological resource for the vanilla industry.
A participatory assessment of ecosystem services and human wellbeing in Rural Costa Rica using Photo-Voice
(Springer, 2012-03-09) Berbes-Blazquez, Marta
Human well-being is intricately connected to ecosystem services. A keystone contribution to the ecosystem service literature has been the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, MA, (Ecosystems and human well-being: a framework for assessment, Island Press, Washington, DC; 2003, 2005). Much of the work on ecosystem services to date has focused on the assessment and classification of environmental functions. The need for inclusion of community perspectives in ecosystem assessments has been widely recognized in order to better understand the distribution of impacts and benefits resulting from natural resource use. Communities can offer a direct route to understanding the complex relationships between ecosystems and human well-being and how environmental management affects their livelihoods. Photovoice has been made popular as a tool for participatory needs assessment but it has had limited use in ecosystem assessments to date. The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to present the results of a community-level assessment of environmental services in a watershed dominated by pineapple monoculture in Costa Rica; and (2) to evaluate the strengths and the limitations of photovoice as a tool for mapping the relationship between ecosystems and people. I argue that photovoice is an underutilized methodology that has the potential to complement biophysical ecosystem service assessments in the context of impoverished and resource-dependent communities, particularly, since assessing ecosystem services and acting upon that information requires integrating the knowledges of diverse stakeholders, recognizing power imbalances, and grappling with the complexity of social-ecological systems. Processes such as photovoice have the potential to catalyze community self-organization, which is a critical component for empowerment.
A pilot field evaluation on heat stress in sugarcane workers in Costa Rica: What to do next?
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2009) Van Wendel de Joode, Berendina; Wesseling Hoogervors, Catharina; Crowe, Jennifer
Climate change is producing major impacts including increasing temperatures in tropical countries, like Costa Rica, where the sugarcane industry employs thousands of workers who are exposed to extreme heat. Objectives: This article outlines a pilot qualitative evaluation of working conditions and heat in the sugarcane industry. Design: A literature review, direct observations and exploratory interviews with workers were conducted to reach a preliminary understanding of the dimensions of heat-related health issues in the sugarcane industry, as a basis for the design of future studies. Results: The industry employs temporary workers from Nicaragua and Costa Rica as well as year-round employees. Temporary employees work 12-hour shifts during the harvest and processing ('zafra') season. In many cases, sugarcane field workers are required to carry their own water and often have no access to shade. Sugar mill workers are exposed to different levels of heat stress depending upon their job tasks, with the most intense heat and workload experienced by the oven ('caldera') cleaners. Conclusions: Research is needed to achieve better understanding of the multiple factors driving and interacting with heat exposures in the sugarcane industry in order to improve the health and safety of workers while maintaining worker productivity. © 2009 Jennifer Crowe et al.
A regression analysis of Q'eqchi' Maya medicinal plants from southern Belize
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2006) Sánchez Vindas, Pablo
Amiguet, V.T., Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, P.O. Box 450, Ottawa, Ont. K1N 6N5, Canada; Arnason, J.T., Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, P.O. Box 450, Ottawa, Ont. K1N 6N5, Canada; Maquin, P., Belize Indigenous Training Institute, Punta Gorda, Toledo District, Belize; Cal, V., Belize Indigenous Training Institute, Punta Gorda, Toledo District, Belize; Sänchez-Vindas, P., Herbario Juvenal, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica; Alvarez, L.P., Herbario Juvenal, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica

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