Roberto Suárez

An ecosystemic approach to evaluating ecological, socioeconomic and group dynamics affecting the prevalence of Aedes aegypti in two Colombian towns

This article focuses on the epidemiological methods and results of a global Ecohealth study that explored the complexity of the relationship between ecological, biological, economical, social and political factors and vector presence. The study was carried out in two dengue endemic areas of Colombia. A transdisciplinary team gathered quantitative and qualitative data. A survey in randomly sampled households was applied and, simultaneously, direct observation of potential breeding sites was carried out. Logistic regressions and qualitative techniques were used. Qualitative and quantitative data were compared using triangulation. The presence of low water containers increases seven-fold the risk of finding immature forms of Aedes aegypti in the household (OR = 7.5; 95%CI: 1.7-32.2). An inverse association between socioeconomic stratum and presence of the vector was identified (Low stratum OR = 0.9; 95%CI: 0.6-1.4; High stratum OR =0.4; 95%CI: 0.07-1.7). Water management is a complex social dynamic associated with the presence of Ae. aegypti. Dengue control is a challenge for public health authorities and researchers as they should address promotion and prevention strategies that take into account cultural, behavioral, socioeconomic and health factors.

An ecosystem perspective in the socio-cultural evaluation of dengue in two Colombian towns

Despite extensive public health efforts, dengue is still a major health concern in Colombia. The objective of this study was to provide an ecosystem and cross-disciplinary perspective on the dengue situation in two Colombian towns. The article focuses on presenting the anthropological methodology and research findings. An interdisciplinary team gathered quantitative (cross-sectional), meteorological, entomological, and qualitative data (based on medical anthropology) through fieldwork and archival research. According to the qualitative data, dengue can be described as a point of convergence between public health policies, the affected population, the environment, and the social dynamics generated through this interaction. Dengue is illustrative as a disease, in that it has a negative impact on public health, but individuals in Colombia have learned to live and cope with it. Dengue prevalence and its on-going historical presence have made it part of everyday community life, viewed as a minor health issue.

Variables Significativas del Torneado de Probetas para Ensayo de Torsión

Probetas de un acero AISI 1045 previamente torneadas a bajas velocidades fueron sometidas a torsion, modificando las variables basicas de velocidad de avance, velocidad de giro y profundidad de corte. Habiendo tomado el angulo maximo de giro y la rugosidad como variables de salida del diseno experimental factorial 23 aplicado, se ha conseguido que en el aumento del angulo maximo de giro y en la disminucion de la rugosidad, el efecto significativo es ejercido por una misma interaccion de factores. Los factores de esa interaccion son la velocidad de giro y la profundidad de corte, ambos en nivel bajo. El estudio muestra que la plasticidad de un material metalico ductil, expresada como angulo maximo de giro, aumenta si mejora el acabado superficial de la probeta.