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Introduction: The paper "Moluscos de la Isla del Coco" (Mollusks of Cocos Island) published in the Revista del Colegio Superior de Señoritas (1935) is the translation to Spanish of one of the last works of Paul Biolley Matthey (1862-1908), Swiss naturalist that lived in Costa Rica. This article was one product of a malacological research carried out during a scientific expedition organized by the 'Instituto Físico- Geográfico Nacional de Costa Rica' (IFGN) in 1902 to Cocos Island, at a time when the country claimed its sovereignty both in this territory. Objective: To analyze the contributions of the article "Moluscos de la Isla del Coco" from the Social History of Science approach. Methods: Most of the researches that have applied this approach in Costa Rica analyze processes of institutionalization of scientific disciplines. The methodology used in these works was very useful for the analysis of the Biolley article, together with the information of historical data provided by other texts about Cocos Island and the development of scientific research in Costa Rica from a temporal perspective. In addition, tables were made to synthesize the classification of the species and genera studied by Biolley in Cocos Island to identify their provenance and the habitat in which they lived. Results: This study of Biolley constitutes a text of interest from the point of view of the Social History of Science, due to the descriptions it offers of the physical conditions of the territory of Cocos Island, of the different species of mollusks located in them and to the exchange of information with national and foreign scientists that show the participation of Biolley in scientific networks. Conclusions: The analysis of the information with the Social History of Science approach, concludes that the compilation of the flora and fauna permits a greater knowledge of the natural resources of the explored territories, in order to colonize them and integrate them into the economic dynamics of the Central Valley of Costa Rica. However, attempts colonize Cocos Island failed given the distance between this and the continent, in addition to the topographic conditions that prevent the permanent establishment of human populations and their productive activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1848 Dr. Castro Madriz issued the decree which established the Republic of Costa Rica and its new coinage. An oak tree (Quercus sp.) was engraved on silver coins as a symbol of the strength and hospitality of the new Republic. These coins were minted between 1850 and 1862 (1/4, 1/8 and 1/16 of Peso) and between 1864 and 1875 (50, 25, 10, and 5 cents of Peso). This paper provides information on the significance of the oak tree in the socio-political context of mid XIX century Costa Rica. It also provides estimates of the number of pieces minted of each value for a total of approximately 1.871.000 coins. The quarter Pesos of 1853 and 1855 are scarce while the 50 cents of 1875 are relatively common, and all denominations with little wear are rare. The Q. salicifolia tree is similar to that engraved on the coins. After 1880 an oak branch was engraved in different issues of paper money, mainly as a crown for the head of Liberty. The last bill with this symbol was issued in 1943, with a value of 1 colón. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2018 general elections in Costa Rica showed a discursive confrontation that seemed unlikely. During the second round of the elections, where the presidency was disputed, the "Acción Ciudadana" Party (pac) led by Carlos Alvarado and the "Restauración Nacional" (rn) party led by Fabricio Alvarado showed a dialectical discursivity. On the one hand, the social democratic tradition is expected. However, on the other hand, and worryingly, there is a restoration of conservative and religious fundamentalism. From this discursive duality, these messages are comparatively analyzed starting from contrasting assumed and assigned symbols from the discursive strategies of the two political parties in electoral conflict. The central interest of this paper is to show the thrust of the religious allegorical discourse that permeated the presidential campaign. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the emergence of smes in Costa Rica from an economic-historical perspective, during the years of 1950-2018. This periodization corresponds to the political structure of each period, according to the business development and the context to be studied during the import substitution development models (1948-1979) and the economic liberation (1982-2018). From the study, it is highlighted that, although at the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century the number of smes increases, they face greater business challenges, because the State's economic policy is more inclined to globalized markets, aspects in which the previous enterprises do not have competitive advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to reflect from the perspective of the National Front of Indigenous Peoples, on the processes for human rights, from its cultural dimension, which are historical, political and dynamic constructions, the contributions of the FRENAPI are read from the sociology of absences and the sociology of emergencies, in its conclusions stands out how the movement presents a project of human rights located to the reality of the country, which includes autonomy, self-determination, land-territory among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activity analysis of a scientific journal is relevant to know the evolution of its characteristics over time. In this paper, results of a bibliometric study of the Revista de Biología Tropical/International Journal of Tropical Biology and Conservation (Costa Rica) are presented. The goal of this study was to describe the main characteristics of its scientific production, and analyze its level of collaboration and its impact between the years 2003-2012. Data was derived from the Web of Science (Thomson-Reuters), and the relationship among authors and coauthors, institutions and countries, and their links with the citations received were analyzed for that period. Descriptive statistics about production (number of documents per year, institution and country), collaboration (authorship index, collaboration among institutions and countries) and impact (IF, position in JCR and number of citations received) were collected. Results showed that the journal has published 1 473 papers in this period, in similar proportions English and Spanish. Mexico, Costa Rica, Venezuela and Colombia are the most common countries of origin, with the Universidad of Costa Rica, Universidad Autónoma de Mexico and the University of Puerto Rico as the most common leader institutions. Collaboration between authors, institutions and countries has shown an increasing trend over the last decade. The co-author index was 3.07 per document, 63 % of publications included 2 or more institutions, and 22 % of the papers were product of international collaboration. The most common collaboration link was between Costa Rica and the United States of America. The impact factor has been oscillating during this last decade, reaching a maximum in 2012 (IF JCR = 0.553). Besides, 10 % of the most cited papers concentrated half of the citations received by the journal, and have a very high number of citations, compared with the journal mean. The main countries that cite the journal were USA, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Costa Rica. Data showed an increasing collaboration between authors, institutions and countries, and a direct relationship between the increase of this collaboration and the received impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this writing I present a brief description of some busts of Christopher Columbus engraved in coins, medals, paper money, and postage stamps around 1892. The bust of Columbus engraved in the gold coins of Costa Rica (1897-1928) and in paper money until 1942, is similar to the medal designed in 1892 by Francisco Asís López in Madrid, and the medal in turn is probably based on the painting of Columbus made by Lorenzo Lotto in 1512. The medal and portrait are illustrated in the 1893 catalogue published in New York by Nestor Ponce de León, the up to date reference at the time on the many looks of Columbus. Columbus arrived at Cariari, Costa Rica, during his fourth voyage in 1502, and the event is engraved in the 50 colones bank note of 1942. The last coin of Costa Rica with a bust of Columbus was issued in 1997. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the religious-conservative agenda in the political discourse during the national electoral campaign in Costa Rica (2013-2014). To perform the analysis, ideas established by aspiring parties in their Government Programs were studied, as well as the statements that were offered by the main aspirants to the Presidency during televisive debates. It is concluded that the religious-conservative agenda did not play a predominant role in the political-electoral discourse, nevertheless, it seems to be still important as a discursive strategy for vote capture and political attack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mid 2011 the new 1000 colones bill was released into circulation with the portrait of Braulio Carrillo (Chief of State, 1835-3711838-42), and an interpretation of the coat of arms of the State of Costa Rica (1840). In this paper we propose another design for the elements of the coat of arms based on information from numismatics and documents. The six pointed star of the first (1823) flag of Costa Rica, also engraved in coins in 1841 and 1842, was the proper design for the national symbol rather than the eight pointed star which was stamped in legal papers at that time and used in designs of the coat of arms after 1940. At the base of the coat of arms is a branch of myrtle (Myrtus communis) and a frond of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera). which were also the proper symbols. The star and plants conveyed this message: Costa Rica, an independent (the star) and sovereign (radiating star) State, growing in peace (the myrtle), with strength and righteousness (the palm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the newspaper's coverage on the subject of renewable energy and renewable energy technologies and how that information has been exhibited in the Costa Rican case by the newspapers La Nacion and El Financiero between January 2006 and December 2011 (considered the period of emergence and establishment of the most important public discussions on the issue). It's presented a general analysis of the form of presentation of information and content through the representations analysis on the subject, taking as a starting point some works that have emerged in recent years in Latin America and the rest of the world, concerning to the communication of science and technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isla del Coco (also known as Cocos Island), Pacific Costa Rica, has been visited and written about since the 16th Century, and since the late 1800's many expeditions and scientists have carried out research in the Island. Here I compiled publications on marine biological, geological, oceanographic and atmospheric research done at Isla del Coco. A list of 599 scientific papers and chapters were compiled, together with 41 books, reports, Special Issues, theses and web sites, and ten historic books with descriptions of marine animals or environments. A mayority of the publications (425 or 66.4%) are related to marine biodiversity topics (species descriptions and lists of species); the most published groups are gastropods (81 papers), decapods (67) and bony fishes (66). There are no publications of several groups of animals that have been observed in the Island, for example free-living flat worms, parasites and nemerteans among others. Other topics with a large number of publications are, biogeography with 65, ecology (61) and geology (48); the most studied ecosystem are coral reefs with 14 papers. More publications are needed on many topics, such as impact of illegal fishing and climate change on Isla del Coco National Park marine flora and fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper highlights the central role that urban forestry management and development should play in future efforts to articulate holistic conservation and urban improvement projects in Costa Rica. With this in mind, it provides a non-exhaustive examination of the state of the art in the country. Likewise, this article briefly analyzes the state of knowledge and professional development in this area of expertise. Finally, the paper offers a reflection on the role that the social sciences ought to play in improving the practice and the development of knowledge in this emergent and transdisciplinary field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internet has taken a stand as an important resource for communication of ideas and thought. Scholars, research centers and professionals argue about this new information paradigm. The web sites represent a unique type of document that can be accessed globally although only one copy is available. Therefore, it is a challenge to determine the information validation standards that tell us which sources are to be trusted when conducting quality research. The new knowledge could then be supported under reliable basis. The present paper shows the results of this new information reality through a research, conducted among several web sites, during a period of fifteen months. During that period, 42% of the sites did not show any activity neither changed content or design. Only 58% of the sites were used by authors to write their papers, despite the fact that there were a large variety of information resources that met quality standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent elections in Costa Rica presented an unusual social-political dimention. One of those dimensions was the debates transmitted by different mass media. The main topic of this paper addresses a systematic analysis of symbolic elements encountered and used in several debates during the presidential electoral campaign. Through an specific methodology, we identified markers and different contents used by the candidates during their speeches, and analize the electoral process and make linkages with contextualizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is the result of an investigation that followed up the presidential elector campaign 2014, Costa Rica. In the 350 printed editions of La Nación, Diario Extra and La Teja papers, which were published during the 2014 presidential campaign (from October 2nd 2013 to February 1st 2014) a total of 1417 electoral promises were made as part of chronicles, stories and interviews to candidates to the Presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article tries to approach the development of the Costa Rican germanophile press during the Great War. The general objective is to analyze the Costa Rican newspapers that showed sympathy for the german cause between 1914 and 1918. The work is focused in the characteristics of the papers, the published propaganda and the relationship with the ally-oriented newspapers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is the result of a literature study on the establishment of Social Work professional in Costa Rica during the twentieth century. The axis of the paper is the analysis of the achievements and limitations of this profession in the academia, employment and its institutional meaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to address the issue of credit cards and the deficiencies of public policy related to that subject in Costa Rica. For that purpose, we taking into consideration the perspective of Regulations of Credit and Debit Cards, that protect rights such as confidentiality, discretion in handling data and the information right; however, it is limited in terms of regulating and promoting the financial system balance which allows cardholders protection from excessive interest rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat destruction may cause wildlife population fragmentation and is considered an important factor in small population species extinction. As wildlife populations become smaller, threats to their stability and persistence arise as a result of demographic, environmental and genetic stochastic factors. The aim of this work was to study the effects of population fragmentation on the long term viability of Alouatta palliata and Cebus capucinus populations, at Refugio de Vida Silvestre Privado Nogal, Sarapiquí (RVSPN), Heredia. For this we used the computer software VORTEX to run a population viability analysis (PVA) for both species. The input data of the PVA were taken from the demography structure of the RVSPN, literature sources from the species and from PVA related papers. We evaluated two sets of scenarios: small fragmented populations to reflect the population current state, and one larger and continuous population, to reflect the effect of reforestation actions followed by RVSPN to connect forest fragments. Results suggest that both A. palliata and C. capucinus can survive in isolated forest fragments. However, if different factors as inbreeding depression, catastrophes or habitat loss were incorporated to the scenarios, the small fragmented populations become unstable and the risk of extinction increased for both species. Continuous and larger populations were more robust against the threats incorporated in the scenarios when compared to the current situation of smaller and fragmented populations. The best management option for both species would be to continue reforestation efforts in the area to connect forest fragments, with the result of larger and continuous populations of both species. It is important to continue the observation of both species populations, and to promote a habitat management to reduce the negative effects of stochastic environmental events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses key aspects of the debate on political parties and power networks, focusing empirically analyze the presence of such actors within political parties Liberación Nacional y Partido Unidad Social Cristiana and their presence on the formation of cabinets in the Costa Rican government. Highlights CINDE alliance partners, CEFSA and the Central American Academy, who control the state institutions linked to the export sector from 1986 to 2010. It discusses the limits of procedural democracy to allow such corporate trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, I analyze the connections that occurred between the electoral offer of candidate Laura Chinchilla and the new demographic, social and sexual realities of Costa Rica, which help to understand why mainly women and older people voted for her. In addition, I explain the new challenges the Costa Rican society faces in terms of a necessary new social and sexual contract, and the prospect of its approach, or not, by the Government of the first woman President. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarizes a discussion about the configuration, action, and actual relevance of alternative transportation organizations in Costa Rica. These organizations claim to fight for an improvement in the exercise of mobility rights for everyone. At the same time, they put pressure for the implementation of safety measures in the political, legal, social, and infrastructural spheres that comprise sustainable transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a model of periodization and developmental analysis of trade unions in Costa Rica during 20th century. This seeks to identify as the political and economical changes influencing unionist organizations and how these have led to fragment, and loss of significance, as well as a constant unionization rate decrease, even though by the end of last century, a stable union base was still observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper gives the results of a study that was based on exploration in self-esteem in two ethnic groups (Térrabas and Borucas). In this, 170 young people participated: 72 Térrabas and 98 Borucas. Both cases show good results with respect to the personal identity of young participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Costa Rica has mangrove forests on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. The Pacific side has 99% of the mangrove area of the country. In this review we compile available information on the mangroves of the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica, from Bahía Salinas, on the border with Nicaragua, to the tip of the Peninsula de Nicoya at Cabo Blanco. We provide information on the location of the mangroves and all available information for each mangrove forest. These mangrove communities are smaller in extension and tree sizes, and have lower diversity compared to the mangroves on the southern section of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The dominant species are Rhizophora mangle and Rhizophora racemosa along the canal edges, backed by Avicennia germinans, and farther inland Avicennia bicolor, Laguncularia racemosa and Conocarpus erectus. At Potrero Grande a healthy population of Pelliciera rhizophorae, a rare species, has been reported. We recognized 38 mangrove communities in this part of the country, based on the National Wetland Inventory, published papers, field observations, theses, technical reports, and the national topographic maps (1:50 000, Instituto Geográfico Nacional). Relatively detailed information could be found for only five mangrove forests, for 14 more only prelimary and incomplete lists of plants and in some cases of animal species are available, for nine there is even less information, and for nine more only their location is known, which in some cases was not correct. Detail mapping, characterization of the vegetation and fauna, physiological studies, analyses of biogeochemical and physical processes, economic valuations, and determination of the health status of the mangrove of the northern Pacific coast, as well as for the rest of Costa Rica, are neccesary and urgent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although this paper does not pretend to be a history of the Costa Rican Philosophical Association, it may be helpful in its reconstruction. Its aim is to reflect informally on the activities of the Association in these fifty years and to explore some possibilities for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper I explore the democratic potential of direct democracy, on the basis of a case study of the referendum on CAFTA that took place in Costa Rica on October 7, 2007. Theoretically, I aspire to show how developments in the field of participatory democracy can enrich the analysis of democratic regimes. Empirically, I describe the institutional design and political practices in this first experience. I conclude that the referendum entailed reversals in terms of electoral fairness and legitimacy, as well as progress in the construction of citizenship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Comités Patrióticos emerged in the context of the historic referendum on the Free Trade agreement with the United States. This paper offers an analysis of this movement based on a year of ethnographic research. I focus on questions of spatiotemporality and political scale, in order to illuminate how this movement has attempted, during and after the referendum, to articulate a new political structure capable of acting at once on local and national scales in order to challenge the neoliberal project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the evolution of public opinion, during the Referendum campaign over CAFTA. The data is based on telephone national surveys and includes the level of information, possible effects on the person interviewed, on the country, on its welfare State and on poor and vulnerable groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemoglobinopathies are hereditary autosomic recessive diseases. A total of 70 943 samples of whole blood collected by heel prick in filter paper (S&S 903) from throughout Costa Rica (October 2005-October 2006) were analyzed to detect variants of hemoglobin by the iso-electric focusing technique. Eight hundred ninety one cases presented some variant, for a frecuency of 1/79. Five cases are homozygous for hemoglobin S (sickle cell disease) and one shows the double heterozygous genotype SC. In this study the S and C variants of hemoglobin, although with some local differences, are widespread all over the country. Thus, the prevention of new cases is important through the testing of hemoglobin in the Costa Rican National Newborn Screening Program, together with a Interdisciplinary National Program of Education for the disease and carrier status (AS/AC) for patients, families and medicar personnel. This is the basis for proper genetic counseling, to improve treatment and to reduce morbi-mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes some of the changes in the curricula of the Escuela de Trabajo Social de la Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) (School of Social Work of the University of Costa Rica) from 1950 to 1980, a period during which social work came of age. The results of the analysis show the main influences of the period, including national historical events and differences with curricula proposed by the United Nations (UN), influences that later informed the debate on Latin American social work. The paper points out the importance of recognizing these influences as the primary critical impulse behind the development of curricula for Costa Rican social work in the 20th century. [TRANSLATION]

The arguments presented by Espinoza et al. In their paper "Relationship of genetically modified crops with the environment and health of the Costa Rican human population" published in this journal (Rev. Biol. Trop. 52: 727-732, 2004) are questioned and refuted. The arguments are confronted with evidence offered by scientists and national and international independent organizations around the world (e.g. World Health Organization, Consumers International, Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Application of Science and Technology, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, the Council of the University of Costa Rica, and the Independent Science Panel) showing the current uncertainty and limitations of science in this area, as well as those of proposed and applied biosafety approaches. Environment, biodiversity and food security are so important and basic matters, that there is need of serious testing, particularly when promises seem to be based on environmentally dangerous ideas promoted half a century ago by the so called "green revolution". Debate should continue, based on a holistic analysis of facts and with ethical reasoning, avoiding emotional positions that can confuse virtual reality with reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article, first part of a paper on the subject, develops an approach to those tensions faced by the profession of Social Work, in the context of the beginning and consolidation of the industrialist State in Costa Rica. It details the transformations of the production mode, the changes in the world of work, and the political-institutional image that was expressed in matters of social security in those years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analysis of the situation of the agriculture sector in Latin America. It presents the causes of the crisis in this sector, and the actions taken by the developed countries to promote its development. It also presents an analysis of the agriculture sector's contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and the links it can generate. A whole chapter presents an analysis of the Costa Rican agriculture sector based on current data from various sources: Estado de la Nación, Promotora de Comercio Exterior, Banco Central de Costa Rica, Ministerio de Comercio Exterior, and others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]