National University of Catamarca

En este artículo abordamos el rol de la memoria como un acto de re-existencia frente a las violencias extractivistas, coloniales y patriarcales que afectan tanto a los seres humanos como a los territorios. Nuestro objetivo fue recuperar memorias humanas y no humanas (situadas especialmente en Catamarca) para pensar formas alternativas de habitar y resistir ante procesos de despojo y destrucción socioambiental. Trabajamos con un enfoque genealógico y memorial, realizando entrevistas en profundidad a nuestras abuelas y abuelos a partir de una muestra intencional. Reunimos relatos orales, archivos afectivos y registros vitales situados que permitieron reconstruir memorias corporales, territoriales y narrativas. Nos apoyamos en un sustento teórico que articula los estudios de la memoria, la ecología política del sur, la ontología política, y las epistemologías decoloniales y ecofeministas. Desde estas perspectivas, entendemos la memoria no sólo como un patrimonio humano, sino como una fuerza que atraviesa territorios, ríos, montañas y seres vivos, tejiendo redes de resistencia y vida.

ABSTRACT Walnut pastes represent a promising functional food product due to the nutritional value of walnuts ( Juglans regia L.). However, little is known about the impact of formulation and processing on their stability during storage. This study aimed to assess the effect of formulation and processing variables conditions for walnut paste production and to evaluate the physicochemical, textural, microbiological, and sensory stability of the product over time. A complete factorial design was used to develop pastes with varying walnut content (70%, 80%, and 90%) using both roasted (120°C for 20 min) and unroasted walnuts. Ingredients such as sugar, soy lecithin, salt, ascorbic acid, potassium sorbate, and antioxidants were proportionally adjusted. All formulations were stored at 4°C for 180 days. The oxidative stability index ranged from 25.39 to 16.84 h, with higher stability observed in samples containing synthetic antioxidants. Peroxide values and conjugated diene levels remained lowest in formulations containing butylated hydroxytoluene. Acidity values stayed below 0.50 mg KOH/g oil, indicating negligible lipid hydrolysis. Roasting significantly improved spreadability and smoothness, as confirmed by instrumental and sensory analysis. No microbial growth of Escherichia coli , Salmonella spp., Clostridium perfringens , or Penicillium aurantiogriseum was detected in any sample throughout storage. These findings evidence that appropriate formulation and roasting can enhance both the oxidative stability and sensory quality of walnut pastes, demonstrating their potential as a stable and health spreadable product.

Direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) with nanosecond laser pulses at 355 nm was employed to microstructure nickel Watts (Ni-Watts) electrodes with a periodic channel-like structure, aiming to enhance their performance toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media. This technique enables the treatment of large surface areas with high reproducibility without significantly altering the chemical composition of the material. Electrochemical characterization at 30 °C in 2 M KOH revealed that the introduction of microchannels increases the catalytic activity for HER by increasing the current density up to 23% at −1.5 V versus SCE without affecting the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of the material. Although electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicated no significant changes in the active surface area (roughness factor close to 1), this improvement is attributed to favorable modifications in bubble dynamics; Ni-Watts electrodes displayed multiple nucleation zones and smaller maximum bubble diameters, while Ni electrodes with 5 μm microchannels exhibited fewer nucleation sites and larger bubbles. These results demonstrate that DLIP structuring offers a promising strategy to optimize HER efficiency without requiring changes in material composition.

Llama breeding is an important source of economic income for Andean communities, thus ensuring llama biodiversity is fundamental to making breeding decisions that promote sustainable production. Despite this, there is limited information on the genetic diversity of llama populations in Argentina. Moreover, some llama herds in the northwest region of the country exhibit low reproductive efficiency and a high incidence of congenital abnormalities. In this study, we used genotyping by sequencing, a genome-wide approach, to estimate the genetic diversity of Argentine llama populations, assess their conservation status and inbreeding levels, and discuss the impacts on breeding. Overall, our results indicate that current llama populations in the northwest present moderate to high genetic diversity, although a recent reduction in population size was detected for two of them. Population structure was subtle, although three clusters, with some substructure, were recognized. The inbreeding coefficient values were similar for all populations showing moderate to high inbreeding levels. There was a predominance of short homozygous segments, which is indicative of ancient consanguinity. However, recent autozygosity events were evidenced in some llamas with congenital disorders. Thus, we investigated the chromosomal region to find potential candidate genes for such traits. The genes MYO15A and USH1G are proposed as candidates for pigmentation-associated deafness, although further research is needed. This study establishes an initial step towards understanding the genetic diversity of Argentine llamas, highlighting the necessity of reducing current inbreeding levels and implementing continuous monitoring to improve breeding decisions and support a sustainable production system for the species.

Abstract Pottery production during the Late Period (circa 950–1450 AD) in Northwestern Argentina (NWA) was characterized by conservative and household-based production, primarily utilizing local raw materials. During this era, potters engaged in a specific material practice involving the addition of grog (or crushed pottery fragments) to certain ceramic vessels such as infant funerary urns and bowls. This practice was linked to a distinct animistic worldview that shaped how people perceived and connected with various materials and nature. In contrast, Inca pottery (circa 1450–1532 AD) exhibited a high degree of standardization in terms of form and size. It was produced in a centralized manner across the entire territory, mainly through the labor system known as “mita” at various geographical workshops in the Andean region. This article aims to evaluate and discuss how potters during Inca times borrowed the practice of using grog at NWA. It seems to have been a deliberate technological choice adopted by these potters, possibly influenced by practices from the Late Period potters.

Amphitropical species have disjunct distributions south and north of the equator. That is the case of Leptochloa crinita, a perennial grass found in dry and warm regions of South and North America, and recommended for rangeland restoration. We analyzed to what degree the distribution of the species in both subcontinents shaped its genetic differentiation and population variability. We collected seeds from 15 populations from South America and 7 from North America, and grew them in a common garden to evaluate adaptive variation. Three microsatellite markers and DNA sequences from one nuclear (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and one chloroplast region (rpl32-trnL) were used to analyze recent and historical gene flow, respectively. We used climatic niche models to infer past suitable habitats. We found significant genetic variability among populations within each subcontinent, but low genetic differences between populations from South vs. North America; these were detected only with microsatellites and not with DNA sequences. Results show that the species has diverged from a common gene pool in the recent past (~500-3300 generations ago [estimate: ~3000-20000 years]). Populations from South America had plants with more and taller inflorescences, more tillers and heavier seeds than the North American ones, which could represent adaptations to the less stressful environments that the species inhabits in South America. Climatic niche models indicate few potential habitats for the species in North America during the Last Glacial Maximum and Middle Holocene, in contrast to South America, where potential habitats seemed to be comparable or more extensive than at present. This and previous studies provide a view of the genetic resources of the species. Results suggest that —if necessary, and taking proper precautions— the admixture of L. crinita populations or the germplasm translocation between subcontinents are alternatives to consider in restoration practices.