Perspectivas de la Ciencia y la Tecnología
Perspectivas de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (ISSN: 2683-3107) is a semestral journal published by the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, through the Research and Graduate Division of the Faculty of Engineering. Its contents include original articles, reviews, and studies that are the outcome of projects following a rigorous research process or an innovative application in the areas of Engineering study.
Torsion Tests on Polypyrrole-Coated Specimens: An Approach to Its Mechanical characterization
The innovative use of conductive polymers, such as polypyrrole (PPy), in medical applications represents an alternative solution for scenarios where the motor and sensory functionality of the human body is compromised. Their mechanical properties are determined by the synthesis methodology utilized to obtain the polymer. Studies show a variation in the elastic modulus ranging from 96 kPa through chemical synthesis up to 2.41 kPa through electropolymerization. This study develops an approach for characterizing the mechanical properties of polypyrrole generated by chemical synthesis. Polylactic acid (PLA) samples coated with PPy were tested under torsion, and their behavior was compared with that of unmodified PLA specimens. The stress-strain diagrams of both sets of samples were similar. Although the values of the shear modulus for pure PLA (340 MPa) and PPy-coated PLA (288 MPa) show a clear difference, the variation is attributed to factors such as the low thickness of the coating and the porosity in the cross-sectional area of the 3D-printed PLA samples.
Juan Carlos Axáyacatl Morales Guadarrama
Copyright (c) 2025 Perspectivas de la Ciencia y la Tecnología https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Multibody simulation of an Osteogenesis Imperfecta Child model fit over Harmonic Dynamic System
This research examines a 2D Harmonic Dynamic System (HDS) proposed to reduce the kinetic energy transferred to the child body in a motor vehicle crash with the purpose of its subsequent implementation for use in children with bone-degenerative diseases such as Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). The 3D model from the HDS was modified into a simplified 2D model that considers the components present in the XY plane such as rails, springs and shock absorbers that damping excessive movements along the X axis. The 2D multibody numerical analysis was conducted using WorkingModel® during an interval of 140 ms, the boundary conditions were in accordance with the United Nations Economic Commision for Europe UN Regulation No. 129 for a CRS frontal test evaluation (CRS). The kinetic behavior observed shows a great correlation between the 2D multibody test and the test evaluation from the literature. Although the results were satisfactory for the 2D case proposed, the multibody analysis needs to be revised in a 3D multibody test considering a more detailed CRS and HDS as well as components such seatbelt.
Experimental analysis of seismic waves propagation in soils with a fluid inclusion
This experimental research examines the effect of fluid inclusions (water, air and oil) on seismic wave propagation through a test bed loaded with highly compressible clay soil designed to replicate common seismic frequency parameters. The results demonstrate that fluids significantly change propagation characteristics: reducing wave velocity due to changes in medium stiffness while amplifying signal peaks, particularly with oil inclusions. The research reveals distinctive spectral patterns for each different fluid and helps to detect correlations between the contained fluid properties and wave propagation parameters. The test model developed here represents a worthwhile point of reference for evaluating seismic behavior of saturated soils, which provides practical applications for the assessment of ground stability within seismic zones and the characterization of hydrocarbon reservoirs, with particular relevance for those areas of high groundwater saturation. The results highlight the importance of accounting for fluid inclusions in predictive models for geotechnical risk assessment and geophysical exploration.
Calculating Velocity with a Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation: Theoretical Verification Method
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a tool used to solve problems about the behaviour of a fluid within a particular geometry in different fields by considering properties such as pressure, density, and velocity. For example, it is often used in the development of engines, turbines, hydraulic distribution systems, among others. This study analysed a water pipe with a reduction in diameter and different pressures along the system. The purpose of this paper is to estimate the effectiveness of this tool using a system of equations based on the principle of continuity and the principle of Bernoulli to calculate the entry and exit velocities by taking into account the changes in diameter of the pipe. Additionally, a simulation of computational fluid dynamics was generated in the Fluent software using a laminar flow model to compute a solution in order to compare the speeds obtained by this CFD simulation and the system of equations mentioned above. A scatter graph was made with the values obtained by the system of equations and the simulation, with an R2 of 0.9 and an average precision of 95.12% in entry speed and 95.11% in exit speed.
Design of a biaxial soft tissue testing machine
The design of a biaxial testing machine to evaluate the mechanical response of biological tissues under controlled tension in two perpendicular directions is presented. This type of testing is essential for determining the elastic constants of materials and for evaluating their anisotropic and orthotropic characteristics. However, the expense of commercial equipment often restricts its accessibility for laboratories whose financial resources are limited. The proposed design relies on both affordable and widely available components, including two-phase NEMA 23 servo motors and DYMH-103 load cells, attached on a perforated acrylic plate. The configuration of the servo motors enables the application of forces perpendicular to the specimen, while the rake clamping system distributes loads more effectively, thereby preventing damage to fragile tissues. The Arduino Mega 2560 board was complemented with TB6600 controllers and HX711 amplifiers to independently manipulate each axis. The design was later validated with the use of simulations in SolidWorks Premium 2022, employing finite element analysis (FEA) to identify critical stress zones and optimize the structure. The findings indicated that the load distribution was sufficient without surpassing the elastic limits of the material, thereby ensuring the safety and functionality of the device during operation. In summary, this design offers a compact, economical and versatile alternative for biomechanical studies.
Photodynamic therapy and applications in biomedicine
Antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern in public health, as it threatens to return us to an era where common bacterial infections could be fatal. Among the main causes of this resistance are the excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture. It is in this context that an alternative emerges: photodynamic therapy (PDT), which has arisen as a new option, utilizing principles of photophysics and photochemistry to treat various diseases. This manuscript provides an overview of PDT, covering its scientific fundamentals, mechanisms of action, and its effectiveness in the treatment of cancer, bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Additionally, advances in photosensitizers and strategies to improve therapeutic selectivity and efficacy are discussed. PDT combines a photosensitizer, light, and oxygen to generate reactive oxygen species that induce cellular damage. Its application in oncology and dermatology, and its potential in antimicrobial therapies, demonstrate its versatility. Challenges in light and photosensitizer dosimetry are highlighted, along with technological innovations aimed at overcoming them. Research on cellular mechanics with optical tweezers and the development of nanoparticle-based photosensitizers are presented. These developments promise more effective and less invasive therapies, improving the treatment of various diseases.
Mechanical and morphological analysis of polymeric hollow fibers obtained from commercial dialyzers
Hemodialysis filter membranes are one of the essential and key components for the removal of uremic toxins in hemodialysis processes, however, there is little information on their mechanical and morphological characteristics that have been reported. The objective of this work is to perform a morphological analysis of membranes based on polymeric hollow fibers obtained from two commercial hemodialysis filters and compare their mechanical performance. The morphological analysis was carried out using an optical and scanning electron microscope and mechanical evaluation by means of tensile tests. The optical results show that the hollow fibers of the dialysis filters are relatively well distributed, which can be seen along the filter in a wavy and curly form. The measurements of the internal diameter of the fibers resulted in values ​​between 160-200 m while for the wall thickness between 30-40 m, which are in accordance with the typical values ​​for this class of fibers. Tensile tests on polymeric capillary fibers showed greater mechanical performance in polyethersulfone fibers compared to polysulfone fibers, which could result in a longer lifespan of filters with this type of polymeric fibers, opening the possibility for a greater number of uses.
Hemodiálisis, enfermedad renal, filtro de hemodiálisis, membrana de fibra capilar, análisis morfológico
Ciencia e ingeniería de materiales, Mecánica
Sustainable aviation fuel production from waste lipid materials: a review
In the transportation sector, the aviation industry has taken the lead in the search for new alternatives to help mitigate its contribution to climate change. For this reason, the aviation sector has launched initiatives to promote sustainable development, among which sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) stands out. SAF can be obtained from different types of biomass through various processing routes. Among them, the most direct processing route is the hydrotreating of fats and oils. However, globally, the availability of triglyceride-rich feedstocks is low compared to lignocellulosic materials. The latter are attractive due to their abundance and low cost but cannot be hydroprocessed directly due to their low lipid content. However, a biological treatment that allows the lignocellulosic material to be partially transformed into fats has been explored; the latter can be used in hydrotreatment. In this context, the biological treatment of lignocellulosic wastes by breeding black soldier fly has been proposed as an alternative to generate fats that can be used to produce sustainable aviation fuel. Thus, the present work focuses on a review of sustainable aviation fuel production from waste feedstocks, particularly emphasising the use of black soldier fly larvae fats.
Perovskites and the Tolerance Factor: The Science Behind the Innovation
This article delves into the essential role of the tolerance factor in perovskites and how understanding this concept has driven significant innovations in nanomaterials. It examines the theoretical principles that define perovskites and the tolerance factor, a crucial parameter for their structural and stability attributes. Key discoveries and research are highlighted, demonstrating how these have enhanced our knowledge of the physical and electronic properties of perovskites. The tolerance factor elucidates the correlation between crystal structure and chemical composition based on the ionic radius of constituent elements. This factor can be adjusted to design perovskites with tailored properties and functionalities for various applications. Additionally, the article spotlights significant practical applications and technological advancements enabled by this scientific insight, such as improved efficiency and stability of perovskites, with potential impacts on diverse industrial applications. This multidisciplinary perspective underscores the critical role of scientific research in driving innovation in materials technology.
Current Perspectives on Hydrogen Production: A Focus on Photocatalysis and Its Advances
Hydrogen is considered a viable solution in the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Its potential as a versatile and non-polluting fuel makes it a promising resource for reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Currently there are several processes to obtain hydrogen, however, some of these processes generate polluting gas emissions, being natural gas the main process to obtain hydrogen worldwide. An alternative method involves the use of photocatalytic semiconductor materials, which harness solar energy to catalyze the splitting of water molecules, producing oxygen and hydrogen. These materials work by absorbing sunlight, triggering a series of chemical reactions to break down water and release hydrogen. Although photocatalytic semiconductors have great potential, they still face application challenges. However, continuous advances in research and development are improving the efficiency and stability of these materials. This technology offers a sustainable and renewable pathway for hydrogen production, using solar energy as the primary source. The present research includes an overview of the methods for obtaining hydrogen, with emphasis on the photocatalysis process, which involves the implementation of photocatalytic semiconductor materials. It also provides a brief description of some investigations of photocatalytic materials for hydrogen production.
The basis of vehicle autonomy: ADAS systems
ADAS systems comprise a branch of innovation and development within the automotive industry that has allowed vehicle evolution in technological aspects that were not available before. The need to ensure the integrity of people while driving has generated automotive modernization aimed at autonomous vehicles. Generating intelligent systems based on sensors, cameras and radars allows the processing of information in real time for decision making. By implementing multiple technologies that help the driver have a better and safer driving experience, ADAS has begun to be mandatory for the manufacture of new vehicles. The future points to a massive revolution where large investments are expected in the industry from which important advances will be obtained that will be reflected in the cutting-edge technology implemented in the new models of the main commercial brands. This article focuses on highlighting the regulatory, instrumentation and opportunity trends for the development of ADAS systems for automobiles.
Copyright (c) 2024 Perspectivas de la Ciencia y la Tecnología https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Mechanism of action of preharvest treatments with salicylic acid to reduce reversion in blackberry fruit
Red drupelet reversion (RDR) is a physiological disorder that specifically affects blackberry fruits during their marketing. It is characterized by a change in color from black to reddish on the individual drupes, detrimenting their commercial value. The specific mechanism of this phenomenon is still being investigated, however, some reports suggest that the reversion phenomenon is related to the degradation of pigments in the fruit, which may be aggravated by mechanical damage as well as storage conditions. Although reports suggest that there is no significant alteration in the organoleptic properties of the blackberry due to the reversion, the visual appearance affects the perception of the quality of the fruit, reducing its commercial appeal and consequently generating economic losses. Regarding this, recent reports suggest that foliar treatments in pre-harvest stages with salicylic acid (SA) have been effective in maintaining the quality of blackberries in post-harvest stages. With this work, a mechanism of action of salicylic acid in the conservation of blackberries was investigated and proposed, with a particular focus on the incidence of red drupelet reversion in the fruit.
Synthesis of a strontium zirconate perovskite assisted with ultrasonic radiation
Zirconate-based perovskites are materials with great potential in the field of photocatalysis due to their excellent electronic, optical, and catalytic properties. The absence of photoresponse to visible light and high percentage of charge carrier recombination make it far from optimal, leading to low yields in reactions like the hydrogen evolution one. Strontium zirconate perovskite-type materials, doped with copper and assisted by ultrasonic radiation were synthesized by the sol-gel method, for their possible application in hydrogen reduction. The structural, electronic, optical, and electrochemical properties were evaluated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and electrochemical characterization. The results strongly suggested that the best candidate for the application in HER is Cu0.03Sr0.97ZrO3 SQ, since both copper and the application of ultrasonic radiation generate changes in lattice parameters, type of band gap semiconductor (from indirect to direct), light absorption percentage, and finally, the reduction potential and current density of the catalyst.
Numerical analysis of the static characteristics of porous gas bearings using the Darcy-Forchheimer model
This work shows the numerical analysis of the static characteristics of a porous gas bearing by solving the modified Reynolds equation with the non-linear Darcy-Forchheimer model to describe the flow through the porous medium. The finite difference method with a difference in the center and the Newton-Raphson iterative algorithm was used for its solution due to the nonlinearity of the problem. The relationship of the steps between circumferential and axial dimensions and the initial assumption are the main conditions for the model to converge on a solution. The maximum number of nodes accepted by the algorithm was 36000. The results' precision was acceptable compared to published works; this contributes to another effort in developing porous gas bearing technology.
Relationship between Shear Strength and Soil Water Characteristic Curve of the dispersive soil of Rioverde city, S.L.P., México
Classical soil mechanics is developed with the study of saturated soils. With it, constitutive models are established that can explain the mechanical and volumetric behavior of these two-phase systems based on Terzaghi's effective stress principle. However, in a large part of the earth's surface there are soils in an unsaturated state that present unusual behaviors. The shear strenght parameters that define the failure envelope of unsaturated soils are: effective cohesion (c´), effective friction angle (φ´) and change in shear resistance generated by change in matric suction. (φb). These parameters are important for slope stability analysis and foundation design. This article presents a series of Consolidated-Drained triaxial tests at different degrees of saturation, which were carried out in a wetting trajectory in a soil with dispersive characteristics in the city of Rioverde, S.L.P., México. The water-soil retention curve is determined for both drying and wetting trajectories with the filter paper technique. The results are presented in diagrams of effective stress vs. deviator stress (p´- q´), deviator stress vs. suction (q´-S), degree of saturation vs. effective friction angle (Sw – φ´) and degree of saturation vs. effective cohesion (Sw – c´). It is observed that the soil under study reaches a maximum resistance for a suction of 2000 kpa and is reduced by 60% for higher suction values.
Anatomical characteristics of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) feed with tomato residues
The anatomical characteristics of the black soldier fly larvae allow us to understand if the development that it has during their culture in tomato plant residues is being adequate. In this study, the highest larvae weight was obtained in the fruit residue, while the lowest larvae weights were found in the larvae fed with stems; This being where the highest mortality interval occurred, followed by the leaves and fruits. On the other hand, the length of the larvae presented a size gradient, the smallest larvae were presented in the stem, leaf and finally fruit; However, the largest ones were obtained from the control treatment. In terms of larval width was 4 mm for all tomato plant residues and doses, while the control presented values close to 5 mm.
Optimal configuration of the sustainable biodiesel production network from BSFL
Over the past decade, de-carbonization alternatives have been proposed in the transport sector, including using electric vehicles and biofuels in internal combustion engines. Biodiesel has proved to be one of the alternative biofuels of great interest since it can be used in mixtures with its fossil counterpart. However, all installed production plants use animal and vegetable oils as raw materials; these inputs impact the total production cost, up to 1.5 times the cost of conventional diesel. Faced with this, the use of black soldier fly larval oil has been proposed, given its high-fat content. In addition, these insects can feed on diverse types of organic waste; these residues are transformed into biomass with a high content of lipids (35-40%). In this context, this paper proposes the design and configuration of a supply chain capable of responding to the demand for fuel at the national level. For this purpose, a mathematical optimization model was formulated that considers aspects of production nodes' supply, transport, distribution, storage, and location. Performance maximization and emission minimization are established as target functions.
The effect of migration on the Self-efficacy of Latin American students, PISA evidence2018.
This work aims to find the relationship between the migrant situation and the self-efficacy of 15-year-old Latin American students who participated in the PISA 2018 test. Self-efficacy is the thought of having the ability to perform an activity. Likewise, self-efficacy is a factor involved in the learning process, reflected in academic achievement and emotional development about oneself. In this work, the PISA 2018 database was used, through statistical analysis to reveal the effect of the migratory situation of Latin American students on their level of self-efficacy.
A review on the role of Computational Fluid Dynamics on the analysis of toxic gases dispersion in chemical plants
Process safety plays a crucial role in the proper design and operation of chemical plants. Currently, the scenarios that pose a risk in chemical processes must be understood from the point of view of the transport phenomena of the fluids involved; specifically, the dispersion of toxic gases, which endanger the health of workers. In this sense, technological advances and the exponential increase in computing power in the last decades have favored computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques over conventional dispersion models. This paper describes the fundamentals of CFD techniques complemented with a review of studies on this computational tool in the modeling and simulation of toxic gas dispersion in chemical plants. In addition, a demonstrative case study and a discussion on the perspectives of this approach are included: its current status, advantages, limitations, and areas of opportunity. These points allow emphasizing the role and importance of CFD techniques in the risk analysis carried out in chemical plants, especially those where leakage and dispersion of toxic gases can occur.
A review on the life cycle assessment of biodiesel production from waste feedstocks
Humanity is currently facing challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, inequality, and hunger. In 2015, The United Nations established the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the purpose of protecting the planet and guaranteeing humanity’s well-being. Among these objectives is Goal 7: affordable and non-polluting energy. One way to achieve this objective is by substituting fossil diesel for biodiesel, which can be produced from various raw materials. Waste biomass is an attractive feedstock for biodiesel production due to its abundance and availability, constant generation, and low price. In recent years, the environmental impact of biofuels production has been studied through life cycle assessments (LCA), a methodological analysis that allows for objectively estimating and assessing the potential environmental impacts of a service or product across its life stages. Thus, the purpose of this work is to conduct a review of the previous studies on LCAs in biodiesel production from biological waste. The benefit resulting from obtaining biodiesel from a residual raw material encompasses both environmental and economic points of view.
Effect of light on Hermetia illucens production: review
The black soldier fly has become an organism of commercial interest due to its ability to transform organic waste into other compounds that can be integrated into other production chains in accordance with new circular economy trends. Currently, this organism is produced under natural light conditions, in indoor or greenhouse rearing. However, the variation in the length of the day throughout the year, or the low availability of natural light, causes low yields in egg production, resulting in a decrease in mating and fertility, making it necessary to use complementary artificial light sources. The application of different lighting systems in indoor production systems has shown that the modification of light characteristics, such as intensity, photoperiod, and electromagnetic spectrum, have effects on the life span of adult flies, oviposition time, number of postures, fertility, fecundity, among others. The application of artificial light sources in indoor production systems in isolation and complementary with natural light could result in an increase in soldier fly larvae production, mainly derived from an increase in egg production. Therefore, this review article aims to compile information on articles that conducted studies on the application of lighting systems in the production of black soldier fly and to establish the basis for the selection of an appropriate light source for the cultivation of this organism.
“Potential pathogens detection in Spodoptera frugiperda larvae maintained under laboratory conditions”
The microbiome of Spodoptera frugiperda plays a fundamental role during its biological cycle, since a great diversity of microorganisms interact through different mechanisms to maintain homeostasis. Their functions include, for example, defense against pathogens, degradation and the supply of functional molecules, among others. However, factors such as changes in diet, the use of insecticides, antibiotics, environmental factors, age or sex can interfere with the microbiome causing dysbiosis. Therefore, the objective of this work was to perform a metagenomic analysis of healthy and dead larvae with symptoms of infection to detect potential pathogenic agents. The results show that the genus Enterococcus presented an average relative abundance of 89.2% in healthy larvae and an average of 94.75% in dead larvae. The presence of Pseudomonas was also detected, with an average relative abundance of 10.8% in healthy larvae and 0.5% in dead larvae. While Acetobacter presented an average relative abundance in dead larvae of 4.5%. Interestingly, readings corresponding to viruses were 0.004% in healthy larvae and 1.48% in dead larvae, which were related to pathogenic viruses of the baculovirus family. The detection of potential pathogens that can affect S. frugiperda during rearing is of most importance to avoid their dispersal or affecting the colony.
In vitro evaluation of the anti-hypertensive potential of albumin and globulin hydrolysates from cocoa bean (Theobroma cacao L. var. Forastero)
According to reports from the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension is considered the most common cardiovascular risk factor, affecting 25 to 30% of the world's population. One of the primary causes of hypertension is angiotensin-converting enzyme-I (ACE), which plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure through the modulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Consequently, there is a wide range of drugs available that can inhibit ACE. However, these drugs can cause adverse side effects such as cough, headache, skin rash, altered taste, angioedema, nausea, and allergic reactions. For this reason, there is considerable interest in obtaining ACE inhibitors from natural sources that reduce side effects and dependence on drugs. Specifically, bioactive peptides present in enzymatic protein hydrolysates have shown anti-hypertensive properties by inhibiting ACE, making them a promising alternative in the prevention and treatment of hypertension. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ACE inhibitory activity (in vitro) of enzymatic hydrolysates obtained from cocoa bean proteins (albumin and globulin), with the purpose of considering them as a natural source of potential anti-hypertensive agents. The results demonstrated that the enzymatic treatment (with alcalase) of albumin and globulin from cocoa beans is a viable bioprocess for producing hydrolysates with ACE inhibitory activity. In particular, hydrolysates and peptide fractions (< 3000 Da) with greater ACE inhibitory capacity were generated from globulin, making them a suitable choice for designing functional foods.
Aquaponic systems: a tool to promote local consumption and to create a sustainable impact in family garden production
Backyard food production is one of the most crucial aliment suppliers for the human population and has an important impact on the socioeconomic status of rural and urban families. Furthermore, backyard production is also a viable option to obtain fresh and organic food, which can contribute important nutrients to human health. One of the major problems of food production is the lack of new and innovate technologies, which can also have a better impact for the environment. Moreover, the world population needs to adopt to a more sustainable way of alimentation and focus on methods that permit a consistent food production. Therefore, this article presents an environmentally friendly alternative of food production methods with the implementation of aquaponic systems in backyard farming, which can improve the usage of water and combines the production methods of aquatic animals and plants in one system. Backyard farming has a high impact on global availability of food and also the capacity to preserve cultural heritage of food production, reducing the ecological impact and the opportunity to implement new technologies by optimizing the water usage rate to produce food in dryer landscapes. Food production in aquaponic systems is also viable for implementation in rural areas with lack of fertile soil or in urban areas with compressed spaces as complementing part of an urban gardening concept. In conclusion, the use of aquaponics can be a sustainable food production method, but it is necessary to realize future studies about the socioeconomic impact it might have in rural areas if employed in a backyard food production concept.
Production of fuel pellets from agave bagasse
Satisfying the rising global energy demand is an important and complex challenge that both current and future generations must face. During the last century and a half, the exploitation and use of fossil fuels have allowed the development of human activities. These non-renewable fuels have serious drawbacks, including their environmental impact and their imminent exhaustion. Different renewable energies, including biofuels, are obtained from biomass processing. This work focuses on fuel pellets, which are compacted biomass in the form of small cylinders that generate usable energy when combusted. In the present study, agave bagasse, the main residue in the tequila and mezcal industries, was used as raw material to produce fuel pellets. The agave bagasse was collected and characterized in terms of its moisture, ash, carbon, volatile compounds, and calorific value. Afterward, the bagasse was subjected to a pelletization process with two different particle sizes, thus obtaining fuel pellets. The pellets were characterized based on the previously mentioned physicochemical parameters, which were contrasted with those indicated at the ISO 17225 standard. The results showed that despite the deficit in calorific power and ash, the pellets produced have promising properties. It was determined that the pellets do not comply with the regulations, but the process parameters that must be modified to meet the regulations were identified.
Aguamiel y pulque: más que bebidas tradicionales
El aguamiel y el pulque hacen parte de la herencia no solo gastronómica, sino cultural y religiosa de México por todo lo que rodea su siembra, cosecha, recolecta, fermentación y consumo. El pulque es la bebida tradicional fermentada más importante en la zona central del país y a pesar de la drástica disminución que se está dando en su consumo; los consumidores tienen un claro interés en bebidas tradiciones fermentadas como tepache, pulque, tejuino, etc.; debido a las tendencias del mercado y a los beneficios conocidos para la salud; algunos ya reportados y otros en los que es necesario generar evidencias científicas de calidad, pues hay muchas creencias alrededor de su consumo. Esto representa una luz de esperanza para el rescate de estas bebidas, que incluso ya son reconocidas como funcionales al tener características nutricionales bien documentadas, y sobre todo su potencial como fuente de prebióticos y probióticos que pueden modular la microbiota intestinal de quien lo consume. En este trabajo se revisaron algunas generalidades y los efectos prebióticos, probióticos; y las perspectivas de uso del pulque y el aguamiel.
The endemic catfish (Ictalurus mexicanus), an alternative for aquaculture in the Sierra Gorda
The catfish is an organism of interest for aquaculture in Mexico, where the catfish with the highest production is Ictalurus punctatus, a species that represents a risk to biodiversity due to its invasive characteristic. The risk of cultivating this catfish is accentuated in regions such as the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve where efforts are being made to start catfish aquaculture. To reduce the impact on biodiversity, the introduction of native species to the region of interest is required, and in the Reserve, the endemic catfish Ictalurus Mexicanus (Rio Verde Catfish) has been identified as a species with potential for aquaculture. In order to determine the growth capacity of the endemic catfish in an aquaculture setting, it was adapted to commercial feed and its growth performance, length-weight relationship, and condition factor were determined after its acclimation and cultivation for 8 months in an aquaculture pond. The observed survival rate was higher than 85% with an average weight of 385.7±182.4 g and a maximum weight of 764 g, reaching an average length of 27.8±4.6, superior to previous reports. The isometric growth of the species and the increase of its condition factor after culture justify the interest in continuing to study Ictalurus mexicanus as a species with high potential for aquaculture.
Abundance, molecular characterizations and mass production of beneficial microbial communities (Entomo-pathogenic nematodes) from the soil
Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPN) are considered one of the best alternatives for the biological control of insect pests. Among their main characteristics, EPNs show high efficiency in the active control of macroinvertebrates, have high fecundity and fertility rates, are harmless to plants and vertebrates, and their cultivation and management present affordable costs. In order to obtain active strains of EPN used as biocontrol to protect plants from phytoparasitic nematodes, various samples were collected from agricultural and forestry cultivation. The soil samples were characterized physiochemically, subsequently Galleria mellonella larvae were used for the isolation of EPN, the latter were identified based on their morphological characteristics, and reproduced on a laboratory scale using orbital shaking techniques. As a result, in 10% of the samples the presence of EPNs was detected. Using methods of molecular biology and metagenomic analysis identified two EPN taxa: Steinernema spp. and Heterorhabditis spp. and, with a relative abundance of 8% and 2%, respectively. Finally, tests were carried out for the establishment of a medium-scale axenic culture of EPNs, using traditional techniques without excessively expensive inputs, such as conical flask culture and orbitally shaken flasks under controlled growth conditions, in order to avoid further investment in infrastructure. In conclusion, the cultivation of these EPN presents a real and sustainable alternative for the bio-control of pests that affect different agricultural crops.
Biocontrol, Steinernema spp, beneficial nematodes, PCR and Galleria mellonella
Insects as food and in the development of sustainable agriculture
The population growth in recent years has significant implications for food security due to the increasing demand for food. Therefore, exploring alternative options for producing high-quality, nutritionally rich food for both human and animal consumption is important. In addition, insect waste or frass can be utilized as a source of fertilizer or bio-stimulant in crops due to its high nitrogen content. Thus, the objective of this review is to systematize information on insect production as an alternative source of protein for human and animal consumption, as well as to contribute to the search for organic sources of nutrients for the soil through the use of insect waste (frass) obtained during their production as a bio-stimulant, elicitor, or fertilizer. This contributes to the development of sustainable agriculture. Due to the advantages of insect production as a potential source of protein and nutrients, significant opportunities for growth are opening up in the industrial sector through the production of food for human and animal consumption. This sustainable alternative contributes to food security. Moreover, the agricultural sector benefits from utilizing insect frass as a byproduct, serving as a bio-stimulant, organic fertilizer, or pesticide substitute, promoting plant growth and increasing their tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses.
Organoleptic and quality assessment in three black cherry tomatoes varieties
Plant morphological characteristics, physical-chemical quality parameters, and organoleptic assessment were determined in three black cherry tomato varieties. Plant height nor the number of clusters per plant do not indicate differences in plant behavior of the three varieties. The Kumato variety excelled in the physical-chemical quality parameters. Otherwise, the Indigo Cherry Drops variety excelled in the chemical quality parameters. Indigo Cherry Drops variety has the preference the unqualified judges in the combination of Visual aspect, Touch, and Taste sensorial attributes. These results suggested that the sensorial perception and physical-chemical characteristics increased marketing possibilities for black cherry tomatoes, as well as developing a commercial product that will satisfy the needs and demands of the consumers and thus promote the consumption of quality black cherry tomatoes.