Conference Agenda

The use of chemical synthesis products for the control of agricultural and livestock diseases has affected the ecological balance of microorganisms and the environment. Also, it has affected the health of livestock farmers and consumers. Worldwide, between 70 and 80 % of cattle are found in tropical and subtropical areas, with ideal climatic factors for the activation of ticks throughout the year. A bovine infested by an adult female tick loses around 0.26 kg of weight/tick/year, causing annual losses of between 11 and 14%. In addition, 10 % of insect species are agricultural, forestry and urban pests, responsible for destroying areas of crops. The Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo has developed bioinputs based on entomopathogenic microorganisms using isolation, identification, production and infection techniques in the laboratory and in the field. The tests presented results between 70 and 100 % effective in the control of these agricultural pests. The entomopathogenic fungi studied has potential as biological control agents for managing tick infestations in cattle; as the concentration of the bioformulations increases, an increase in the percentage of tick mortality is observed.

This paper introduces CAFEMEC, an automated drying prototype for raised (African) beds that integrates advanced sensing, control, and actuation through a hybrid Arduino--PLC architecture. An Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense Rev2 is utilized for real-time monitoring of ambient temperature, relative humidity, and bean moisture content, computing a reference moisture value. This data is transmitted via the Modbus RTU (RS-485) protocol to a Schneider M221 PLC, which executes the control logic. The PLC compares ideal versus actual moisture levels to manage forced ventilation, auxiliary heating, and an automated raking mechanism, incorporating hysteresis and minimum-time constraints for operational stability. The mechanical solution features a stepper-driven raking system (belt-and-pulley transmission with a PVC paddle), a plenum-based airflow duct system, and a foldable frame designed for compatibility with standard African beds.

Bench tests validated stable and traceable data acquisition, robust Arduino--PLC communication, and consistent actuator response under safety interlocks. Due to seasonal constraints, corn kernels were employed as a process surrogate during the commissioning phase. The results establish a foundation for real-time solar drying regulation, aiming to enhance moisture uniformity and hygiene compared to traditional manual handling. Future research will focus on scaling the system to 6-meter beds with zoned control, solar-hybrid power integration for resilience, and coffee-specific calibration profiles for natural, parchment, and honey processes.

This study conducted a comparative physicochemical analysis of traditional dairy cheeses (Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Parmesan) and their plant-based analogues. Compositional analysis included moisture, ash, organic matter, protein content and fatty acid profiling. Physical analysis included color (CIE L*a*b*). Results revealed significant differences; dairy cheeses exhibited higher protein (19.36–29.35% vs. 1.93–2.24%), lower moisture (31.02–48.70% vs. 46.30–48.61%), and distinct fatty acid profiles dominated by palmitic acid (35.93–37.49%). Plant-based analogues showed uniform moisture and high lauric acid content (24.76–25.03%). Compositional disparities highlight that plant-based alternatives, while visually similar, lack protein and exhibit higher sodium content. These findings inform consumer choices and product development for sustainable cheese analogues.

This study presents the design and simulation of an automated biodigester with sensor monitoring, aimed at promoting renewable energy generation in rural áreas and education institutionals of Cajamarca, Peru. The system integrates temperature (TMP36) and methane gas (MQ-4) sensors connected to an Arduino UNO R3 board, enabling real-time supervision of anaerobic conditions through a 16×2 LCD display. Using Tinkercad simulation, the circuit’s stability and reading accuracy were validated, reaching a maximum methane concentration of 143 PPM. In parallel, a SERVQUAL-based survey was conducted with 107 potential users, achieving an average score of 4.31/5, reflecting high acceptance and confidence in the proposed design. The results confirm that biodigester automation through low-cost sensors constitutes a viable, sustainable, and accessible alternative for clean energy production. This research demonstrates the potential of applying affordable technological solutions to reduce energy gaps in rural contexts, aligning with SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.