Urban Densification Strategy and Land Value in Tijuana,Baja California-The Opinion of Specialists

Specialists can provide opinions regarding the city and land value based on their specialized field.Professionals in these fields are identified as urban planners and valuators,who play a crucial role in the current dynamics of cities.They have a qualified opinion on city issues based on their professional practice in various areas of expertise.This opinion was obtained through the formulation and application of a questionnaire to specialists.Subsequently,the results were analyzed and graphically represented.In the discussion,several findings were found related to the relationship between land value and the urban densification policy established in the urban planning that governs the city of Tijuana,Baja California.The study investigated the behavior of the real estate market in the region and the establishment of a solid strategy toward densification.

Living in a Condominium Regime:Neighborhood Conflicts in Low-Income Housing,Tijuana,Baja California-A Secondary Publication

This paper analyzes neighborhood conflicts arising from the condominium property regime,under which social housing promoted by Mexican government institutions and private developers is acquired.This regime has facilitated access to housing for the salaried population,but it is far from contributing to the attainment of the right to housing.The research takes as case studies housing complexes located in the city of Tijuana,Baja California,Mexico.The analysis included a mixed methodology.Firstly,similar case studies were analyzed;secondly,a review of the Condominium Property Regime Law was carried out in order to understand its implications.In view of the pandemic situation,a virtual survey was applied to the inhabitants of these areas,as well as interviews with presidents of neighborhood committees of these complexes.From the above,it was found that this form of ownership generates conflicts,reflected in the dissatisfaction of the inhabitants with their housing,disagreements and controversies in their organization and coexistence.The inhabitants have to collectively solve the problems they face,related to the maintenance and use of common areas,insecurity,and cleanliness,among others.In addition,there is a lack of support from local authorities.With this,it is concluded that although the inhabitants have a space that solves their housing problem,it does not manage to be a space that adequately guarantees their right to housing.

Distribution and Characterization of PM₁₀in City and Valley of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico

The variability of the levels of atmospheric particulate matter PM10 and its composition is assessed in the rural and urban zones of Mexicali during fall and winter 2008-2009, using a low level volume Minivol sampler, with quartz and Teflon filters. During fall the Mexican norm was exceeded (120 μg/m3 in 24 hr) in only two occasions, while in winter it was exceeded twelve times. The predominant component in fall was geological material with 62.5% for the rural zone and 48.5% for the urban one. In winter the geological material was also predominant with 65% for the rural zone and 54.4% for the urban zone. The aim of this work is the interpretation of the variability of the atmospheric PM10 particulate matter at two selected zones (urban and rural of Mexicali) during fall and winter, with emphasis on the chemical composition. The results suggest that the pollution in the urban and rural zones has common sources during winter whereas in fall the pollution has different sources.

Genotype-based precision nutrition strategies for the prediction and clinical management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Globally,type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is one of the most common metabolic disorders.T2DM physiopathology is influenced by complex interrelationships between genetic,metabolic and lifestyle factors(including diet),which differ between populations and geographic regions.In fact,excessive consumptions of high fat/high sugar foods generally increase the risk of developing T2DM,whereas habitual intakes of plant-based healthy diets usually exert a protective effect.Moreover,genomic studies have allowed the characterization of sequence DNA variants across the human genome,some of which may affect gene expression and protein functions relevant for glucose homeostasis.This comprehensive literature review covers the impact of gene-diet interactions on T2DM susceptibility and disease progression,some of which have demonstrated a value as biomarkers of personal responses to certain nutritional interventions.Also,novel genotype-based dietary strategies have been developed for improving T2DM control in comparison to general lifestyle recommendations.Furthermore,progresses in other omics areas(epigenomics,metagenomics,proteomics,and metabolomics)are improving current understanding of genetic insights in T2DM clinical outcomes.Although more investigation is still needed,the analysis of the genetic make-up may help to decipher new paradigms in the pathophysiology of T2DM as well as offer further opportunities to personalize the screening,prevention,diagnosis,management,and prognosis of T2DM through precision nutrition.

Molecular Assessment of Athecate Dinoflagellates of the Order Gymnodiniales (Dinophyceae) in Todos Santos Bay, Baja California México

The Gymnodiniales are the most important group of athecate dinoflagellates both for its abundance and distribution and for the harmful potential of several of its species. Although morphologically it is well known, phylogenetically it has been very little studied. HABs impact important coastal activities in Todos Santos Bay, so a detailed characterization of potentially toxic phytoplankton species is crucial in monitoring surveys. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to carry out a molecular assessment to the morphospecies of Gymnodiniales currently recorded in Todos Santos Bay, from which discussed their phylogenetic relationships. 120 samples were obtained from monthly samplings during 2019 to 2020. For all of them, 18 s small subunit (SSU) and 28 s large subunit (LSU) genes of rDNA were amplified and sequenced using single-cell PCR. Also, they were photographed. A phylogenetic analysis was performed on MrBayes from the combined 18 s - 28 s data set. The presence of 15 phylogenetic entities was confirmed, four of which constituted new records for the Mexican Pacific, as well as three harmful species, one toxic and two bloom-forming. Our molecular results evidenced the need to re-evaluate the current taxonomic system of athecate dinoflagellates at all hierarchical levels, integrating them with morphological evidence without preponderance of this criterion over taxonomic decisions.

Land-Sea Interactions in Punta China(Baja California,Mexico):Addressing Anthropic and Natural Disturbances in a Retrospective Context

In extensive SCUBA-diving surveys of kelp forests along 350 km of the Baja California peninsula coastline from the US-México borderline to Sacramento Reef, benthic species richness has been satisfactorily explained by environmental structural features such as bottom rugosity. However, values at Punta China embayment (PCE) departed significantly from the model whereas the adjacent Santo Tomás cove (STC) did not. In addition, in August 20, 2011, visibility was under 1 m at PCE and over 10 m at STC;these conditions presumably reflect the influence of the limestone extraction industry located on land. In order to investigate the case allowing for temporal comparisons, we set a regional research scenario similar to a 1993 pioneer study, comprising PCE and two contrasting sites (STC to the North, and San José embayment, SJE, to the South). Land and sea side were addressed separately, and a 1950-2012 time-span period was set in order to perform the analysis of retrospective data. Our results suggest that the current scenario results from the combined influence of a local, anthropic and chronic land-based disturbance represented by the progressive expansion of limestone extraction industry, and the episodic influence of a natural, large scale and acute disturbance represented by the 1982-83 and 1997-98 El Nino events. The influence of both driving forces, however, is not necessarily equally distributed in space, yielding a regional mosaic of natural and social conditions. Our results confirm and expand previous knowledge in the area, and may contribute to?future basic and applied research.

Evaluation of Biophysical Parameters and Temporary Space Change in an Arid City of Northwestern Mexico

Through an analysis of Landsat multispectral images of visible, thermal and near-infrared bands, the spatiotemporal change of biophysical parameters： NDVI （normalized difference vegetation index）, blackbody temperature and albedo, were estimated for Mexicali city, using principal component analysis and time series. The satellite images correspond to the dates： April 6, 1993; May 3, 2000; May 12, 2003; May 17, 2008 and May 26, 2011; the results reveal a change in relation to urban growth. In 1993, the vegetation was 20% and in 2011 it decreased to 3.8%. The blackbody temperature increased from 34.0 ℃ to 41.0 ℃ and albedo decreased by 0.37 compared to 1993. The most deteriorated area appears in surroundings of the city because of the change in the vegetation cover by the urban elements.

Analysis of Urban Morphology in Core Towns＇ Neighborhoods of Mexico： Santa Barbara＇s Neighborhood as a Case Study

Cities＇ urban morphology is the result of historic, cultural, political and social processes. The historical cores in Mexican cities have high cultural diversity, which also intermingle pre-Hispanic cultures with colonial forms, as well with modernity and post-modernity irruption. The case study is Santa Barbara＇s neighborhood in Toluca City, which was founded in 1524, and the case study was the first neighborhood in Toluca＇s historical core. At present time, this neighborhood is considered as one of the most dangerous places in the city＇s historical core, therefore, it has been abandoned. This paper will display the changes in urban morphology of the neighborhood through the years from 1877 to 2010. For site evaluation, the methodologies of Ashihara （1982） and Lynch＇s （1961） were used in order to analyze positive and negative spaces, as well as main street visual features, street and avenue directions, street circulation and street circulation path configuration. The results show that the focal nodes are a key factor for economic and social reactivation, with which, through urban activation of vacant lots and the traditional use of the streets as public space, is possible to generate centripetal development to restructure the neighborhood.

The Pact for Mexico as a Mechanism of Governance and Legitimacy

Govemability is the quality of a political community, according to which its institutions of Government act effectively within its space, in a way considered legitimate by the citizens, thus allowing the flee exercise of the political will of the Executive branch through civic obedience of the people. Recently in Mexico, it has referred repeatedly to the precariousness of the governability by the incidence of insecurity, unemployment and extreme poverty. The Pact for Mexico--attempts to answer to these problems--is a political agreement between the President of the Republic and the three main parties--Institutional Revolutionary Party （PRI）, the National Action Party （PAN）, and the Party of the Democratic Revolution （PRD）--for big actions and specific reforms which, according to the signatories, will see Mexico toward a more prosperous future, leading the democratic transition and drive economic growth that generates quality jobs and allow to reduce poverty and social inequality. In this sense, the main axes of the Pact include those related to economic growth, competitiveness, employment, security and agreements for governability. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the Pact for Mexico from the perspective of govemability, since its dimensions of legitimacy and effectiveness. It will analyze the main reforms and political agreements, the role of Congress and the main actors; as well as the arguments of those who defend the Pact stating that it is a mechanism of governability and those who reject it that it overshadows the work of the legislature.

Effect of a hydrogymnastics program on the serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein amongst elderly women

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a hydrogymnastics training program on highsensitivity C-reactive protein in elderly women. The subjects were randomly divided into the experimental group who participates in the hydrogymnastics training program and the control group who was not involved in the training and remained sedentary. The serum levels of highsensitivity C-reactive protein were determined by immunoturbidimetry using C-reactive protein (CRP), the training protocol consisted of hydrogymnastics sessions 5 times per week during 12 weeks of intervention, executed in a pool of 1.3 meters divided into three phases: a 10-minute warm-up, 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at 50%-60% of maximum heart rate (monitored by heart rate monitor) and a 10-minute cool down. As a statistical method to compare the results between groups of variables pre and post training, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) mixed 2 × 2 (group × measurement) test was done using SPSS version 17. The founds showed significant changes in the level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and a greater percentage decrease of hs-CRP (Δ%= -37%, p = 0.001) in the experimental group in relation to the control group.Therefore, it can be inferred that a hydrogymnastics program is effective in reducing the metabolic rate of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein amongst elderly women.

Numerical Characterization of Harbor Oscillations in the Port of Ensenada, Mexico

A series of numerical experiments from a barotropic configuration of the General Curvilinear Ocean Model (GCOM) was conducted to analyze the response to infragravity (IG) waves of the Port of Ensenada, located within Bahia de Todos Santos (BTS), west coast of Mexico. Experiments with forcing frequencies f = 50?1 min?1, f = 30?1 min?1, f = 25?1 min?1 and f = 16.66?1 min?1 showed the expected increase of energy at the corresponding forcing frequency band and also the appearance of secondary peaks of energy at frequency bands f = 8.33?1 min?1 and f = 4.16?1 min?1 which were identified as modes f1 and f2;being the band at f = 16.66?1 min?1 the zeroth f0 mode. Maximum peak of spectral energy from the numerical experiments was found at frequency band f0 = 16.66?1 min?1 which agreed with the estimated maximum value of the amplification factor and with the T0 mode of oscillation of the port. Distribution of amplitudes inside PE for modes f0, f1 and f2 were also presented. Mode f0 represents a quarter-wave oscillation with amplitudes of the same sign;mode f1 has two nodal lines and mode f2 presents and additional one. Corresponding harbor currents were also calculated, they were in the range 20 - 160 cm?s?1. Finally, in order to elucidate the source of the external signals found in the spectral analysis of this study, the natural oscillation modes of the BTS were estimated. Although more studies are needed, BTS oscillation mode T2 = 16.82 min, was identified as the external forcing that excites larger oscillations within the port.

Quality and Shelf Life of Lisboa Lemon within Polystyrene Containers in Refrigerated Chamber

The aim of this research was to knowing if it would improve the shelf life of the lemons that were stored in hermetically polystyrene containers closed, as same that were placed in a refrigerated chamber with temperature of 10°C inside, high relative humidity (85%) and renovation of the air by action of the compressor of the chamber. Lemons cv “Lisboa” were cut directly from the orchard and washed with chlorinated water at 150 mg⋅L−1 sodium hypochlorite. The study variables were the color of the epicarp (shell) and the endocarp (pulp), polar and equatorial diameter, firmness of the pulp and total soluble solids concentration (°Brix) in the endocarp. The tone and purity of the yellow color of the shell (epicarp) and pulp or endocarp of the oranges increased significantly within polystyrene containers and, consequently, its quality was preserved and its shelf life was extended to more than 100 days without that they have symptoms of deterioration, by losses polar and equatorial diameter or decrease in total soluble solids. Inside closed containers polystyrene the temperature decreased to 2.0°C in the refrigerated chamber, so that the principle of thermal insulation polystyrene reaffirmed, and its functionality for packaging products, such as fruits, resolve some of their physiological problems themselves, to prolong its shelf life and improve its presentation.

Air Quality Regarding to TSP in Six Cities of Sonora,Mexico,a Criticism to the NOM-025-SSA1-1993 and a Proposed Criterion for Its Non-Compliance

In the present study, the air quality is assessed for the year 2010 regarding to the Total Suspended Particles (TSP) for six cities of Sonora, Mexico, representing the first regional study in Sonora in air quality. The assessment used performance indicators and indicators of compliance with the regulations. It is established that in all the cities the maximum limit value of daily concentration of 210 μg/m3 is exceeded, being the percentage of days above the rule of 30%, 78%, 76%, 6%, 3% and 62% for Agua Prieta, Nogales, Puerto Penasco, Hermosillo, Guaymas and Obregón respectively, classifying these days with poor air quality. According to the annualized index used, the air quality was not satisfactory for the period of study in the six cities. Nogales and Puerto Penasco presented the most adverse conditions of air quality with annual average values of TSP of 363 and 345 μg/m3 and maximum daily of 1047 and 1239 μg/m3 (498% and 590% above the norm) respectively. The requirements of coverage that establishes the Mexican Official Standard NOM-025-SSA1-1993 (SSA, 2005) are questioned for its compliance, proposing in this paper a criterion of non-compliance by prioritizing the protection of health and the precautionary principle. It is recommended to implement air quality management programs (PROAIRE) in these cities.

AT1 receptor downregulation:A mechanism for improving glucose homeostasis

There is a pathophysiological correlation between arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus, established since the pre-diabetic state in the entity known as insulin resistance. It is known that high concentrations of angiotensin-Ⅱ enable chronic activation of the AT1 receptor, promoting sustained vasoconstriction and the consequent development of high blood pressure. Furthermore, the chronic activation of the AT1 receptor has been associated with the development of insulin resistance. From a molecular outlook, the AT1 receptor signaling pathway can activate the JNK kinase. Once activated, this kinase can block the insulin signaling pathway, favoring the resistance to this hormone. In accordance with the previously mentioned mechanisms, the negative regulation of the AT1receptor could have beneficial effects in treating metabolic syndrome and type 2diabetes mellitus. This review explains the clinical correlation of the metabolic response that diabetic patients present when receiving negatively regulatory drugs of the AT1 receptor.

Naringenin prevents experimental liver fibrosis by blocking TGFβ-Smad3 and JNK-Smad3 pathways

To study the molecular mechanisms involved in the hepatoprotective effects of naringenin (NAR) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis. METHODSThirty-two male Wistar rats (120-150 g) were randomly divided into four groups: (1) a control group (n = 8) that received 0.7% carboxy methyl-cellulose (NAR vehicle) 1 mL/daily p.o.; (2) a CCl4 group (n = 8) that received 400 mg of CCl4/kg body weight i.p. 3 times a week for 8 wk; (3) a CCl4 + NAR (n = 8) group that received 400 mg of CCl4/kg body weight i.p. 3 times a week for 8 wk and 100 mg of NAR/kg body weight daily for 8 wk p.o.; and (4) an NAR group (n = 8) that received 100 mg of NAR/kg body weight daily for 8 wk p.o. After the experimental period, animals were sacrificed under ketamine and xylazine anesthesia. Liver damage markers such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (AP), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP), reduced glutathione (GSH), glycogen content, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and collagen content were measured. The enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was assessed. Liver histopathology was performed utilizing Masson’s trichrome and hematoxylin-eosin stains. Zymography assays for MMP-9 and MMP-2 were carried out. Hepatic TGF-β, α-SMA, CTGF, Col-I, MMP-13, NF-κB, IL-1, IL-10, Smad7, Smad3, pSmad3 and pJNK proteins were detected via western blot. RESULTSNAR administration prevented increases in ALT, AP, γ-GTP, and GPx enzymatic activity; depletion of GSH and glycogen; and increases in LPO and collagen produced by chronic CCl4 intoxication (P < 0.05). Liver histopathology showed a decrease in collagen deposition when rats received NAR in addition to CCl4. Although zymography assays showed that CCl4 produced an increase in MMP-9 and MMP-2 gelatinase activity; interestingly, NAR administration was associated with normal MMP-9 and MMP-2 activity (P < 0.05). The anti-inflammatory, antinecrotic and antifibrotic effects of NAR may be attributed to its ability to prevent NF-κB activation and the subsequent production of IL-1 and IL-10 (P < 0.05). NAR completely prevented the increase in TGF-β, α-SMA, CTGF, Col-1, and MMP-13 proteins compared with the CCl4-treated group (P < 0.05). NAR prevented Smad3 phosphorylation in the linker region by JNK since this flavonoid blocked this kinase (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONNAR prevents CCl4 induced liver inflammation, necrosis and fibrosis, due to its antioxidant capacity as a free radical inhibitor and by inhibiting the NF-κB, TGF-β-Smad3 and JNK-Smad3 pathways.

Microclimatic Experimentation Applied to Insulating Horizontal Coverage in Mexicali, Mexico

The thermal response of hedges alters the urban climate, resulting in energy and comfort affectations that impact city dwellers, so the aim of this study is to analyze the energy fluxes of urban horizontal coverage, especially expanded polystyrene waterproofed with elastomeric paint in the city of Mexicali, Baja California, located northwest of Mexico. The experiment was realized on summer of 2011 and 2012 by using four components radiometric sensor, eddy covariance equipment, which was possible to analyze the behavior and intensities of heat fluxes using the model Q＊ = QE ＋ QG ＋ QH ＋ QF ＋ QD. The results show that in both campaigns the sensible heat flux exceeds the net radiation, in 2011 the net radiation was 31.41 W/mE and sensible heat flux of 74.9 W/m2, in 2012 resulted 43.46 W/m2 and 87.32 W/mE, respectively. This additional heat flux is attributed to the thermal influence of the air conditioning units, which changes the energy balance model to Q＊ = QH ＋ QF ＋ QD. With the results arise the need for experimentation on a larger scale in which it is possible to model the flow in housing development. The knowledge of the energy balance model will help to propose materials that minimize the thermal impact to the city of Mexicali.

Machine learning insights concerning inflammatory and liver-related risk comorbidities in non-communicable and viral diseases

The liver is a key organ involved in a wide range of functions,whose damage can lead to chronic liver disease(CLD).CLD accounts for more than two million deaths worldwide,becoming a social and economic burden for most countries.Among the different factors that can cause CLD,alcohol abuse,viruses,drug treatments,and unhealthy dietary patterns top the list.These conditions prompt and perpetuate an inflammatory environment and oxidative stress imbalance that favor the development of hepatic fibrogenesis.High stages of fibrosis can eventually lead to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Despite the advances achieved in this field,new approaches are needed for the prevention,diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of CLD.In this context,the scientific community is using machine learning(ML)algorithms to integrate and process vast amounts of data with unprecedented performance.ML techniques allow the integration of anthropometric,genetic,clinical,biochemical,dietary,lifestyle and omics data,giving new insights to tackle CLD and bringing personalized medicine a step closer.This review summarizes the investigations where ML techniques have been applied to study new approaches that could be used in inflammatoryrelated,hepatitis viruses-induced,and coronavirus disease 2019-induced liver damage and enlighten the factors involved in CLD development.

Differences in arsenic, molybdenum, barium, and other physicochemical relationships in groundwater between sites with and without mining activities

The characteristic relationships of trace metals and other water quality parameters in a specific region can be affected by anthropogenic activeties. Since the mid-18th century in the southwestern part of the Baja California Peninsula, intermittent gold mining activities have been developed. We analyzed 36 water quality parameters in accordance with the procedures suggested by international agencies to evaluate the impact of this activity and the time of year on the mobilization of trace element levels and their relationships in groundwater. Quantifiable levels of molybdenum help to establish the area influenced by ore deposits because it is one of the three elements in the paragenesis associated to gold. Arsenic in sites closer to ore burning areas was associated with cobalt, indicating the potential presence of a by-product generated from arsenolite;whereas in the non-mineralized area, it was associated with barium, forming a compound that tends to precipitate, thereby maintaining a natural geochemical control in this region. From the sites sampled, 45% exceeded the limit for arsenic (10 μg/l) established by international agencies. During area monitoring with annual precipitation of 207 mm, only seven of 36 parameters analyzed showed significant differences in relation to time of year.

Extreme Adaptation to Extreme Environments in Hot Dry, Hot Sub-humid and Hot Humid Climates in Mexico

The paper discusses the results of a field study carried out in four cities in Mexico： Hermosillo, Mexicali, Merida and Colima, during the warmest seasons of 2006-2007. The survey is according to the adaptive approach of thermal comfort. The cities＇ climates are hot dry, hot sub-humid and hot humid. The respondents were inhabitants of low cost housings without air conditioning. The research was performed during warm seasons and according to ISO 10551. The measurements were processed by the common method of linear regression and also by alternative methods, useful for asymmetric climates. Individuals declared comfort at very high temperatures, either high or low humidity, therefore, the resulting neutral temperatures are higher than 30 ℃, except in Colima （28.8 ℃）. The upper limits of comfort ranges achieved temperatures up to 35 ℃. The results suggest how great is the capacity of humans to adapt to conditions as extreme as those measured in the study.