Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

Con este texto rendimos homenaje a al doctor Raúl Gregorio Torres Maya († 11 de febrero de 2024), mediante la presentación de su libro Diseñar y la figura, un proceso cognitivo. Esta obra, que combina la teoría y la práctica utilizando un lenguaje fluido que va de la figura a la palabra, es un testimonio de su legado y su visión sobre el diseño. 

Susana Marín Amaro es la primera arquitecta paisajista graduada por la UNAM; pertenece a la segunda generación de arquitectos paisajistas de la Facultad de Arquitectura (1987), obtuvo su título en 1991 y más tarde estudió el posgrado en la Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña, hacia 1996. Platicamos con ella sobre su práctica y experiencias, 

Marta Ruiz (Ciudad de México, 1960) es una destacada diseñadora industrial, graduada del Centro de Investigaciones de Diseño Industrial (CIDI) de la UNAM, donde también ejerció como docente.  Platicamos con ella sobre su práctica y experiencias, 

Este texto propone una lectura sensorial y crítica del Espacio Escultórico de Ciudad Universitaria. Se exploran sus dimensiones auditivas, subrayando su capacidad para convertirse en un espacio de escucha.

The objective of this study was to determine the agronomic and physiological performance of Yucatan landrace maize due to intercropping with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.). The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Three lan- drace maize cultivars (Naal teel, Nal xoy and Dzit bacal) were established in both monoculture and in association withV. unguiculata. Agronomic performance was evaluated by measuring growth variables, yield components, and dama- ge by fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), as well as physiological variables related to gas exchange. Data obtained were analyzed using Student’s t-test. Maize plants intercropped with V. unguiculata showed the lowest damage levels (damage grade 2.5 to 3) by fall armyworm (S. frugiperda), along with the highest values for physiological variables. Naal teel and Nal xoy maize cultivars established in association had the highest number of filled ears and grain yield (1 to 1.7 tons per ha). On the other hand, growth variables showed no differences between plants established in monoculture and those in association. Inter- cropping V. unguiculata with maize enhances yield and plant physiology, as well as reduces the degree of damage caused by S. frugiperda.

The formation of vitreous endosperm in quality protein maize (QPM) is associated with changes in the composition and structure of starch granules, but little is known about the role of alterations in the structure and activity of the main starch biosynthetic enzymes. Developing endosperms from K0326Y-QPM, W64Ao2, and derived recombinant inbred lines were used to analyze the activity of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS), starch-branching enzyme (SBE) and pullulanase (PULL). GBSS activity correlated positively with kernel vitreousness and the opposite was observed for SBE. SBEIIb enzymes from K0326Y-QPM and W64Ao2 differed in five amino acids. Three amino acid changes appear to affect the SBEIIb catalytic site, which may be responsible for the lower activity and amylopectin content in vitreous lines. However, recombinant SBEIIb enzymes produced in Escherichia coli showed similar activities. The results suggest that endosperm modification in QPM is associated with changes in the activity of starch biosynthetic enzymes, which affect the starch composition, physicochemical and structural properties during endosperm development. The higher activity of GBSS and the lower activity of SBE produce starch granules with larger proportions of amylose and amorphous regions, favoring a greater compaction between these structures, contributing to the vitreous phenotype in QPM.

The Sonoran pronghorn is considered a priority for conservation by various agreements at state, federal, and international levels. Information on the sites preferred by this pronghorn subspecies is required to determine the appropriate habitat units for management and conservation. The study was conducted at the El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve for an entire year. The fecal pellet group count was used to indicate pronghorn abundance, and sites and ecological characteristics related to pronghorn abundance were identified at various times of the year. Nine observation sites were established within the critical pronghorn distribution areas for collecting fecal samples each season. A total of 244 fecal groups were collected. DNA extraction was possible in 234 of the fecal groups, and using the Cytochrome b gene, we verified that 182 of the groups were Sonoran pronghorns, and the rest corresponded to mule deer. The observation sites were characterized by five plant associations and four types of associated soil; the abundance of fecal groups was determined for each site and each annual season. The highest abundances of pronghorn occurred in the Larrea-Encelia, Larrea-Ambrosia, and Cylindropuntia-Krameria plant associations. This study concluded that the pronghorn used plant associations differently from their availability

Investigating the rheological, textural, and sensory changes resulting from the addition of chickpea flour to bakery products is crucial. Furthermore, bioprocessing methods, such as hydroponic germination, should be analyzed to evaluate their impact on dough rheology and bread quality. In this study, proximal analysis of chickpea flour was conducted, and its viscoelastic properties were assessed. The specific volume of the resulting bakery product was measured, and a texture profile analysis (TPA) was performed. A discriminative sensory analysis, using a triangular test, evaluated whether consumers detected sensory differences due to changes in ingredients. The results showed increased protein and ash content, increased viscoelasticity in germinated chickpea flour, higher specific volume in bread with chickpea flour, and reduced bread hardness when chickpea flour—germinated or non-germinated—was used as a replacement. Sensory analysis revealed no significant differences (Pd = 30 %, α = 0.05, β = 0.05) between treatments with germinated and non-germinated chickpea flour. These findings suggest that germinated chickpea flour is a viable alternative for replacing whole-grain wheat flour while preserving the product’s sensory acceptability.

Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens Kunth) is one of the most important species worldwide due to its human health benefit properties and high economic value. Oregano leaves are primarily used for essential oil extraction, generating substantial agro-industrial waste known as bagasse (OB). It has been reported that OB still contains several bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity. This study aimed to evaluate the extraction conditions to recover phenolic compounds and assess their antioxidant capacity in OB extracts obtained through ultrasound. A 3k Box-Behnken design was employed to explore the effects of temperature, mass/volume ratio, and [EtOH]. Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity against DPPH· and ABTS·+ radicals were determined. The increase in temperature and m/v ratio promoted the extraction of phenolic compounds, with strong correlations to antioxidant activity by DPPH· (0.81) and ABTS·+ (0.82) assays. A quadratic effect by [EtOH] was observed, with a maximum value of 50% ethanol. The highest value of total phenolic content (35.66 mgGAE/gdm), and antioxidant capacity against DPPH· (100.94 mgTE/gdm) and ABTS (93.02 mgTE/gdm) radicals were achieved in treatment 13 (0.02 mg/mL, 50% EtOH, and 90°C). The OB is a potential source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in functional food development.

The Black Sigatoka (BS) is a disease caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet, the main risk for plantain production. Conventionally, chemical fungicides are sprayed,  which generates negative impacts on the environment and non-target organisms. Biological alternatives have been sought to control BS, and strains of the Bacillus genus have shown potential, ranking between 25 % and 33.6 % of biocontrol. Additionally, extracts from various plants have also shown potential for the control of BS and one of these is the mixture of clove (Sysygium  aromaticum) and garlic (Allium sativum) extracts with 35 % of efficiency. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of injecting Bacillus subtilis in the vascular system of “macho” banana plants, on the severity of BS. The most effective treatment involved foliar spraying of garlic and clove extracts along with injection ofBacillus subtilis ANT01 (108 CFU mL-1) every 14 d, since reduced BS severity by 58.1 % compared to only spray the mixture of clove and garlic extracts.