National Autonomous University of Nicaragua

About: National Autonomous University of Nicaragua is a education organization based out in Managua, Nicaragua. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Public health. The organization has 775 authors who have published 715 publications receiving 9791 citations.

Optimizing nursery and plantation methods to grow Cedrela odorata seedlings in tropical dry agroecosystems

Abstract: Cedrela odorata (Spanish cedar) is a valuable multi-purpose tree which Central American rural communities and farmers give priority to introducing in pastures and home gardens. In order to propose realistic methods for C. odorata production in local nurseries in the dry tropical region of Nicaragua, we studied: (a) the ability of locally collected C. odorata seeds to germinate, (b) seed response to storage under ambient conditions or under cold storage, (c) the effects of irradiance and watering during cultivation on seedling morphology and post-transplantation survival, and (d) the effects of competition from grasses on C. odorata seedlings transplanted to pastures. Seed germination ranged from 55 to 66% and remained constant after 6 months of storage under ambient conditions or cold storage. C. odorata seedling morphology was sensitive to irradiation and watering in the nursery growing period. Deep shade reduced seedling biomass and leafiness and increased specific leaf area and root-to-shoot ratio. Water shortage increased root mass ratio and root-to-shoot ratio and decreased leaf mass ratio. Post-transplantation success was favored by weeding, and was the highest for seedlings grown under deep shade and water restrictions.

Fall-related injuries among youth under 20 years old who were treated in Nicaraguan emergency departments, 2004

Abstract: Objective. To describe the circumstances of fall-related injuries among youth 0-19 years treated in emergency departments in Nicaragua; to estimate the incidence rates (IR) of falls; and, to identify areas for prevention efforts. Materials and Methods. All patients <20 years who were residents of Managua, Leon, Jinotepe, and Ciudad Sandino (6 593) were selected for analysis. Data were collected with the 2004 Injury Surveillance System. Results. In 2004, the IR of falls for youth <20 years old was 104.2 incidents per 10 000 persons. The IR for male youth was twice that of female youth. Overall, trees (23.3%) and beds (15.2%) were the main objects involved in falls. Fractures were the leading injuries sustained. Conclusions. This study identifies three areas that can be addressed: furniture, recreation, and physical environment. Interventions that may be most useful for caregivers and adolescents include changes in the home environment and recreation play areas, as well as educational programs.

Noteworthy snake records from Nicaragua (Reptilia: Serpentes)

Abstract: We report new localities in Nicaragua for thirteen poorly known snake species that were collected for the second ( Dipsas articulata and Ungaliophis panamensis ), third ( Coniophanes bipunctatus , Lachesis stenophrys , Sibon annulatus , Sibon dimidiatus , Tantilla reticulata , and Tropidodipsas sartorii ), fourth ( Atropoides mexicanus , Enuliophis sclateri , Imantodes inornatus , and Nothopsis rugosus ), and fifth ( Corallus annulatus ) times in the country. We also provide distributional range extensions for all viper species known to occur in Nicaragua ( Agkistrodon howardgloydi , Atropoides mexicanus , Bothriechis schlegelii , Bothrops asper , Crotalus simus , Lachesis stenophrys , Porthidium nasutum , and Porthidium ophryomegas ), one coral snake ( Micrurus alleni ), and four mildly venomous snakes ( Conophis lineatus , Leptodrymus pulcherrimus , Leptophis ahaetulla , and Xenodon rabdocephalus ), and the first records for four snake species ( Imantodes gemmistratus , Lachesis stenophrys , Pseudoelaphe flavirufa , and Tantilla armillata ) from within the Nicaraguan national protected areas system.

A morphological and phylogenetic analysis of Ornithodoros marinkellei (Acari: Argasidae), with additional notes on habitat and host usage

Abstract: Ornithodoros marinkellei was described from larvae collected on Pteronotus spp. bats in Colombia and Panama. More recently, this tick was reported in the Brazilian Amazon. Because some morphometric differences were observed between O. marinkellei larvae from Colombia and Brazil, it was proposed that further investigations were needed to assess whether the differences could be attributed to intra- or inter-specific polymorphism. Herein, we collected O. marinkellei specimens in the type locality of Colombia, in Brazil, and in a new locality in Nicaragua, expanding the distribution of the species to Nicaragua. Morphometric analysis of larvae and adults, corroborated by a principal component analysis (PCA), indicated that the Brazilian specimens were larger than specimens from Colombia and Nicaragua. Phylogenetic analysis inferred from the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene showed ticks from Colombia and Nicaragua more genetically related than any of them with ticks from Brazil, although ticks from the three countries grouped in a clade sister to a major clade containing sequences of various Neotropical Ornithodoros species. We concluded that ticks identified as O. marinkellei from Colombia, Nicaragua, and Brazil represent the same taxon, and that the genetic and morphological differences between them are likely to have a geographical bias. We redescribed the nymph of O. marinkellei, which has a vestigial hypostome, probably incompatible with blood feeding. We also report human infestation by O. marinkellei adults. As all reports of O. marinkellei adults have been from hot caves (temperature > 35 °C), this abiotic condition could be a limiting factor for the occurrence of this tick species.

Study of the female entrepreneurship: An empirical evidence in the municipality of León in Nicaragua

Abstract: Women's entrepreneurship is one of the main challenges in economic growth. In this context, in the context of the creation of new companies, it can be considered as one of the main mechanisms that contribute in an important way to achieve the desired welfare for society, reducing unemployment, increasing innovation and improving competitiveness and favoring an important part of economic growth. This article analyzes the influence of the socioeconomic and psychosocial factors of the female entrepreneurship. For this purpose, a sample of 101 women entrepreneurs in the municipality of Leon, Nicaragua, has been used. We apply Factor Analysis and Regression Analysis, in order to detect the relationship between the considered factors. Some results indicate that all variables considered have a significant influence on the probability of entrepreneurship, the capacity of entrepreneurial women increases when they have skills, knowledge and have an early contact in the business world.