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Draft genome sequence of Agrobacterium pusense strain CMT1 : a promising growth-promoting bacterium isolated from nodules of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) crops for the One Health approach in Paraguay
Full text linkCorresponding authors. E-mail addresses: [email protected] (H. Nakayama), [email protected] (S. de los Santos Villalobos).Strain CMT1 was isolated from nodules of non-inoculated Roundup Ready (RR) soybean plants (Glycine max L. Merrill), which were collected in fields in Itauguá, Paraguay. The genome of this strain had 338,984,909 bp; 59.2 % G + C content; 377648 bp N50; 5 L50; 55 contigs; 51 RNAs and 5,272 predicted coding DNA sequences (CDS) distributed in 327 subsystems. Based on overall genome-relatedness indices (OGRIs), this strain was taxonomically affiliated with Agrobacterium pusense. Based on genome mining, strain CMT1 is a promising plant growth-promoting bacterium that could be validated in agricultural fields for increasing soybean yield and quality, diminishing the economic, environmental, and health costs of non-sustainable food production.Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaPrograma de Innovación en Empresas Paraguayas. Servicios tecnológico
Characterization of dengue virus 4 cases in Paraguay, 2019–2020
Full text linkCorrespondence: [email protected] (A.R.); [email protected] (J.J.W.)In 2019–2020, dengue virus (DENV) type 4 emerged to cause the largest DENV outbreak in Paraguay’s history. This study sought to characterize dengue relative to other acute illness cases and use phylogenetic analysis to understand the outbreak’s origin. Individuals with an acute illness (≤7 days) were enrolled and tested for DENV nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) and viral RNA by real-time RT-PCR. Near-complete genome sequences were obtained from 62 DENV-4 positive samples. From January 2019 to March 2020, 799 participants were enrolled: 253 dengue (14 severe dengue, 5.5%) and 546 other acute illness cases. DENV-4 was detected in 238 dengue cases (94.1%). NS1 detection by rapid test was 52.5% sensitive (53/101) and 96.5% specific (387/401) for dengue compared to rRT-PCR. DENV-4 sequences were grouped into two clades within genotype II. No clustering was observed based on dengue severity, location, or date. Sequences obtained here were most closely related to 2018 DENV-4 sequences from Paraguay, followed by a 2013 sequence from southern Brazil. DENV-4 can result in large outbreaks, including severe cases, and is poorly detected with available rapid diagnostics. Outbreak strains seem to have been circulating in Paraguay and Brazil prior to 2018, highlighting the importance of sustained DENV genomic surveillance.Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Proyectos de investigación y desarroll
Resumen de logros 2024. Programa de Innovación en Empresas Paraguayas (PROINNOVA): un programa del CONACYT
Full text linkEl Programa de Innovación en Empresas Paraguayas – PROINNOVA del CONACYT fue aprobado por Ley N° 5880/2017, con el objetivo de contribuir a la mejora de la productividad de la economía paraguaya fomentando el crecimiento de la inversión en investigación aplicada e innovación, y aumentando la cantidad y calidad del capital humano avanzado para la innovación.
CONACYT ha alineado este programa a los ejes estratégicos del Plan Nacional de Desarrollo 2014-2030, en lo que se refiere a crecimiento económico inclusivo y a la inserción de Paraguay en el mundo. La duración prevista del programa es desde 2019 al 2025 y es financiado a través de un préstamo de USD 10.000.000 otorgado por el Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo N° 3602/OC-PR.
El alcance de PROINNOVA es de carácter nacional, teniendo como beneficiarios directos a emprendedores, empresas paraguayas, incubadoras de empresas, centros de desarrollo tecnológico, universidades e institutos de educación superior
Energy-and-blocking-aware routing and device assignment in software-defined networking—a MILP and genetic algorithm approach
Full text linkCorrespondence: [email protected] article belongs to the Section Engineering.Internet energy consumption has increased rapidly, and energy conservation has become a significant issue that requires focused research efforts. The most promising solution is to identify the minimum power subsets within the network and shut down unnecessary network devices and links to satisfy traffic loads. Due to their distributed network control, implementing a centralized and coordinated strategy in traditional networks is challenging. Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is an emerging technology with dynamic, manageable, cost-effective, and adaptable solutions. SDN decouples network control and forwarding functions, allowing network control to be directly programmable, centralizing control with a global network view to manage power states. Nevertheless, it is crucial to develop efficient algorithms that leverage the centralized control of SDN to achieve maximum energy savings and consider peak traffic times. Traffic demand usually cannot be satisfied, even when all network devices are active. This work jointly addresses the routing of traffic flows and the assignment of SDN devices to these flows, called the Routing and Device Assignment (RDA) problem. It simultaneously seeks to minimize the network’s energy consumption and blocked traffic flows. For this approach, we develop an exact solution based on Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) as well as a metaheuristic based on a Genetic Algorithm (GA) that seeks to optimize both criteria by routing flows efficiently and suspending devices not used by the flows. Conducted simulations on traffic environment scenarios show up to 34% savings in overall energy consumption for the MILP and 33% savings achieved by the GA. These values are better than those obtained using competitive state-of-the-art strategies.Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Proyectos de creación y fortalecimiento de maestrías y doctorados de excelenci
Model predictive torque control based on virtual vectors for six-phase induction machines
No full textCorrespondencia: Osvaldo González, [email protected] Predictive Control (MPC) has become an effective control strategy, particularly in Multiphase Induction Machines (MIMs). Unlike their three-phase counterparts, MIMs have additional degrees of freedom, known as (x − y) voltages or currents. MPC can integrate diverse constraints through a predefined cost function to regulate (x − y) components, but this can come at the cost of disturbing the flux and torque production. To address this challenge, a new approach has been introduced in this paper: Model Predictive Torque Control using Virtual Vectors (PTC-VV) for a six-phase IM. This approach aims to regulate copper losses in the (x − y) plane, which classic PTC cannot achieve using a single switching state during the sampling period. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of using virtual vectors in torque control for six-phase IMs through comprehensive simulation studies. The PTC-VV approach provides robust reference tracking for torque, flux, and stator (α − β) and (x − y) current regulations. This results in enhanced efficiency and adaptability of the control system, marking a notable advancement in PTC techniques. Additionally, this approach reduces the (x − y) currents in six-phase IMs.Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Programa Nacional de Incentivo a los Investigadore
Bovine brucellosis in dual-purpose cattle herds and its potential economic impact in the Colombian Caribbean region
No full textCorresponding author: correspondence to Marlon Mauricio Ardila, [email protected] brucellosis (BB) is a cosmopolitan zoonotic disease caused by certain bacteria of the genus Brucella. It has negative health implications for the cattle, economic implications for the owners and is present in numerous cattle and wildlife populations worldwide. To determine the seroprevalence of BB in dual-purpose herds and assess its impact in the southern part of the Department of Atlántico, northern Colombia. 1,000 female cattle were tested for brucellosis, using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and indirect ELISA (iELISA) as screening and confirmatory tests, respectively. Of these, 100 animals tested positive by RBPT and 204 were inconclusive, while 38 positive animals were identified by iELISA. Consequently, the apparent seroprevalence was 3.8%, and the estimated true prevalence was 4.4%. Based on estimates of the economic losses caused by BB, the cost was calculated at 822 USD) per animal. The costs identified in this study include medication costs, loss of lactation, and others. It highlights the significant impact of BB on food security, particularly concerning the availability of and access to bovine food products, as well as on the economy of livestock farmers in the region.Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Programa de repatriación y radicación de investigadores del exterio
Informe de prácticas creativas : (resultado de visitas a escuelas con programas de altas capacidades en Kansas)
Full text linkInforme sobre métodos de enseñanza elaborado en el marco de la estancia de investigación de la Dra. Alexandra Vuyk y su equipo de Aikumby Centro de Altas Capacidades y Creatividad en la Universidad Estatal de Emporia, Kansas, y en la Asociación Nacional para Niños Superdotados de Estados Unidos.Informe sobre los resultados de las visitas a escuelas con programas de altas capacidades de Kansas, Estados Unidos. El informe presenta planes de clases creativas e interdisciplinarias que incluyen desde investigar escenas de crimen en una clase denominada “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” hasta desviarse de un plan de clase establecido para perseguir una oportunidad espontánea de pensamiento creativo, basándose en los intereses de los estudiantes, para capitalizar momentos inesperados que fomentan el aprendizaje creativo, en el programa “Riesgos Bellos para Flexibilidad Docente”.
Estas prácticas educativas, que se encuentran respaldadas por una variedad de referencias bibliográficas disponibles en el informe, son:
1. La clase "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation"
2. La competencia entre colegios "Ciudad del Futuro"
3. Las prácticas de "Pensamiento Crítico"
4. La clase de Teoría del Conocimiento (TdC) del Bachillerato Internacional (IB): Big Data vs Small Data
5. El Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas para Diseño de Exposición (Problem-Based Learning o PBL)
6. La práctica “Riesgos Bellos para Flexibilidad Docente”Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Financiamiento de estancias de investigació
Field-weakening strategy with modulated predictive current control applied to six-phase induction machines
Full text linkCorrespondence: [email protected] (M.A.); [email protected] (J.D.-G.)This article belongs to the Section Electrical Machines and Drives.The predictive current controller has arisen as a practicable technique for operating multiphase machines due to its fast dynamic response, control flexibility, and overall good performance. However, this type of controller has limitations, e.g., it tends to suffer from steady-state tracking errors in (−) currents; high computational burden; and high (−) currents, which become more pronounced at higher speeds, thereby worsening its sustainability. While some proposals have addressed these limitations by incorporating modulation stages and new cost functions, there is still room for improvement, particularly at higher speeds. In line with the pursuit of sustainable advancements, this article explores the integration of a field-weakening strategy with a modulated predictive current controller applied to a six-phase induction machine to improve its performance at current tracking for higher speed ranges. Experimental tests were conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed controller, assessing stator current tracking, reduction in the (−) currents, and the total harmonic distortion.Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Proyectos de investigación y desarrolloPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Programa Nacional de Incentivo a los Investigadore
Removal of Chromium (III) and reduction in toxicity in a primary tannery effluent using two floating macrophytes
Full text linkCorrespondence: [email protected] article belongs to the Special Issue New Strategies for Detection and Bioremediation of Contaminated Water and Soil.Trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) is a contaminant with toxic activity. Its presence in waters and soils is usually related to industrial activities such as tanneries. The aim of this study was to compare the removal of Cr(III) in hydroponic solutions and tannery effluents using two floating macrophytes: Salvinia auriculata and Eichhornia crassipes. First, to determine the chromium removal capacity in solution and the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) in tissues of each plant, experiments were set up with contaminated solutions with Cr(III) concentrations of 2, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/L. Subsequently, both plant species were exposed to a primary tannery effluent contaminated with 12 mg/L of Cr(III) in order to study the removal capacity of organic and inorganic matter, as well as the acute toxicity in the water flea (Daphnia magna) and genotoxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Tests carried out on nutrient solutions revealed that both plants have a high capacity for removing Cr(III) in solution. The BAF in tissues was higher in E. crassipes compared to S. auriculata. In the experiments with a tannery effluent, both species presented low nutrient and organic matter removal efficiency, but they showed good Cr(III) removal capacity, with average reduction values of 57% for S. auriculata and 54% for E. crassipes after 72 h of exposure. E. crassipes contributed most to the reduction in acute toxicity in D. magna, while S. auriculata did not show a similar effect. However, both plant species managed to reduce the genotoxicity marker in D. rerio when compared with the initial effluent and the control.Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Proyectos de investigación y desarroll
Diversity and dominance in bird assemblages across habitats in the Ñeembucú wetlands complex
Full text linkCorrespondence: Fernando Silla, Área de Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Campus Unamuno s/n, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain. Email: [email protected] how diversity responds to habitat heterogeneity in a landscape is a central issue for implementing effective conservation plans. In this study, we analyzed how the composition and abundance of neotropical bird assemblages vary among habitats in the Ñeembucú Wetlands Complex, the largest wetland system in Paraguay. Bird surveys were conducted during 1 year within dominant habitats in the landscape: riparian forests, natural grasslands, savannas, and anthropized sites. The Ñeembucú Wetlands Complex showed a high bird richness (209 species) that contrasted with a pattern of dominance by a small set of 16 species that comprised half of the abundance. This set of oligarchic species consists of generalist species that exploited a wide variety of habitats and were well adapted to human disturbance, contributing to an important overlap in the composition of assemblages. However, despite this overall similarity, there is still significant differentiation in bird assemblages, especially between habitats with the most contrasting vegetation physiognomy. Riparian forests and savannas showed higher diversity values than the more structurally homogeneous grasslands. Also, all natural habitats showed, in general, higher diversity values than anthropized sites. Oligarchic species had higher importance in anthropized environments, which also had the most uneven distribution of abundance between species, indicating the dominance by a smaller number of species and the loss of ecological diversity as farmland and urban development increase.Comprender cómo la diversidad responde a la heterogeneidad de hábitats en el paisaje es un aspecto central en la implementación planes de conservación eficaces. En este trabajo analizamos cómo la composición y abundancia de los ensambles de aves neotropicales varían entre los hábitats del Complejo de Humedales de Ñeembucú, el sistema de humedales más grande de Paraguay. Se realizaron censos de aves durante un año en los hábitats dominantes en el paisaje: bosques ribereños, pastizales naturales, sabanas y sitios antropizados. El Complejo de Humedales de Ñeembucú mostró una alta riqueza de aves (209 especies) que contrastó con un patrón de dominancia por un pequeño grupo de 16 especies que constituía la mitad de la abundancia. Este conjunto de especies oligárquicas consta de especies generalistas que explotan una amplia variedad de hábitats y están bien adaptadas a la presencia humana, lo que contribuye a un importante solapamiento en la composición de los ensambles de aves. Sin embargo, a pesar de esta similitud general, existe una diferenciación significativa en los ensambles de aves, especialmente entre hábitats con mayores diferencias en la fisonomía de la vegetación. Los bosques ribereños y las sabanas mostraron valores de diversidad más altos que los estructuralmente más homogéneos pastizales. Además, todos los hábitats naturales mostraron, en general, valores de diversidad más altos que los sitios antropizados. Las especies oligárquicas fueron más importantes en ambientes antropizados, que además presentaban la distribución más desigual de abundancia entre especies, lo que indica el predominio de un conjunto menor de especies y apunta a la pérdida de diversidad ecológica a medida que aumenten las tierras de cultivo y el desarrollo urbano.Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Proyectos de investigación y desarroll