2023 2023 2022 2022 2021 2021 2020 2020 2019 2019 2018 2018 2017 2017 0.0 0.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 2.0 3.0 3.0 4.0 4.0 5.0 5.0
Now showing 1 - 9 of 9
No Thumbnail Available
Publication

Integral communication on city-brands making: Contributions, strains and challenges [Comunicación integral en construcción de marcas ciudad: Aportes, tensiones y desafíos]

2017 , Navas J.S.G. , Gonzalez, J.

The following qualitative work analyzes the relationship between integrated communication and the construction of city brands from the very perspective of the professionals of communication, who allocate different meanings to this process. The construction of city brands is challenging. There has been an investigation coming from the tensions and challenges that arise from the construction and management of a city brand. Furthermore, a research was carried out through open interviews and discussion groups, this technique allowed to frame historically and socially the professional experiences and the collective construction of a dialogue. Additionally, based on a thematic and content analysis, the textual data was organized and analyzed, this process allowed to created categories and a referential framework that places the purpose of the study. In conclusion, a renaissance figure in communication vanishes before the active participation of all the communication professionals, who ought to work in an integrated, inclusive and collaborative processes beyond the commercial and tourist point, thus, a real change and transformation of a city could be seen from inside and out.

No Thumbnail Available
Publication

SURROGATE MOTHERHOOD, QUESTIONS [MATERNIDAD SUBROGADA, CUESTIONAMIENTOS]

2023 , Carrillo A.F.

Currently, surrogate motherhood is configured as an assisted motherhood technique, which, in some societies, is accepted and regulated. However, its approval in other societies is still under debate, which is how this work proposes as a general objective Critically review the conception of the fundamental rights that are at stake in favor of the sons and daughters who were born by this technique. For this purpose, a qualitative approach has been used, since it responds to a descriptive investigation of the bibliographic review type, based on the following historical-logical, analytical-synthetic and inductive methods, which allow certain questions to be made regarding the rights of the fathers or mothers of those people who are born as a result of surrogate motherhood. Putting in this way to the public arena, a real, current and controversial situation, which should be better analyzed, to guarantee the fundamental rights of the parties that derive from human dignity. © 2023, University of Cienfuegos, Carlos Rafael Rodriguez. All rights reserved.

No Thumbnail Available
Publication

Risk and Protective Factors in Ecuadorian Adolescent Survivors of Suicide

2023 , Bahamón M.J. , Javela J.J. , Vinaccia S. , Matar-Khalil S. , Cabezas-Corcione A. , Cuesta, E.

Suicide is one of the main causes of death among the adolescent population, which is why it is considered an important mental-health problem. In addition to this situation, for each suicide, the group of people who survive it (known as suicide survivors) can present serious emotional affectations, becoming a population at risk for this problem. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of suicide-survivor status on risk factors and protective factors for suicide. A total of 440 adolescents with a mean age of 15.78 (SD = 1.74) participated, who were divided according to survivor status, identified as the SV group (79 cases), and non-survivors, identified as the NSV group—adolescents that did not have experience or contact with a suicide attempt (361 cases). A questionnaire of sociodemographic characterization and risk conditions, the Alexian Brother Urge to Self-Injure (ABUSI), the Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Cognitive and Affective Empathy Test (TECA) were applied. Descriptive statistics, mean difference for independent samples, contingency tables, X2 statistic, Fisher’s exact statistic, and Cohen’s d coefficient were used. The results show significant differences between SV and NSV participants in risk and protective factors regarding the presence of a greater adoption of perspective and emotional understanding. On the other hand, NSV adolescents presented higher scores of perceived social supports regarding risk factors, and there was a higher proportion of a history of suicide attempt, severity/hospitalization, impulse to self-harm, and level of suicidal risk in the SV group. The need to incorporate forms of suicide prevention with the survivor population is discussed, increasing the possibilities of postvention. © 2023 by the authors.

No Thumbnail Available
Publication

The intervention of Brain Gym in the mathematical abilities of high-school students: A pilot study

2023 , Ramos-Galarza C. , Aymacaña-Villacreses C. , Cruz-Cárdenas J.

Introduction: The learning process of Mathematics is a challenge in Latin America; therefore, it is of vital importance to conduct actions that improve the performance in this science. Methods: This article is reporting on quasi-experimental research, where, through the use of Brain Gym, the objective is to improve: the definition of rational numbers, problem-solving ability, mathematical order relationships, and equivalent fractions. We worked with 67 students between 12 and 14 years old, organized into an experimental group (n = 35) and a control group (no participation group; n = 32). Results: We made pre and post-test measurements and found that the control group students improved in their problem-solving ability F(1,65) = 8.76, p = 0.04, η2 = 0.12 and equivalent fractions F(1,65) = 4.54, p = 0.03, η2 = 0.06. Discussion: In conclusion, the importance of applying innovative processes to improve the teaching and learning of Mathematics can be affirmed. It is important to note that both the control and experimental groups improved their learning, however, the experimental group did so to a greater extent than the students in the control group, who received a traditional educational process, and they did learn, but not at the level of the experimental group. Copyright © 2022 Ramos-Galarza, Aymacaña-Villacreses and Cruz-Cárdenas.

No Thumbnail Available
Publication

Psychological, Physiological, and Physical Effects of Resistance Training and Personalized Diet in Celiac Women

2022 , Martínez-Rodríguez, A. , Loaiza Martinez, Daniela , Sánchez-Sánchez, J. , Rubio-Arias, J.Á. , Alacid, F. , Prats-Moya, S. , Martínez-Olcina, M. , Yáñez-Sepúlveda, R. , Asencio-Mas, N. , Marcos-Pardo, P.J.

Background: Gluten intolerance is a systemic process of autoimmune nature; it develops in genetically predisposed subjects with gluten ingestion. The only treatment for celiac disease (CD) is a lifelong strict gluten-free diet (GFD). This study was designed to evaluate adherence to a GFD, risk of an eating disorder, and nutritional status in adult CD patients undergoing different interventions. Methods: A total of 28 Spanish women, aged 40 years or more, took part in a randomized controlled trial. Each group received a different intervention: group 1, gluten-free nutrition plan + exercise (GFD + E); group 2, gluten-free nutrition plan (GFD); group 3, celiac controls (NO-GFD); and group 4, non-celiac controls (CONTROL). The training was prescribed by a sport scientist. It was based on resistance training with elastic bands; beforehand a warm-up was performed and the resistance was increased progressively. The variables studied were adherence to the GFD, risk of eating disorders, blood values, and body composition. Results: Celiac women with personalized nutritional planning presented greater adherence to a gluten-free diet (p < 0.001). Regarding leukocytes, significant differences were observed between the GFD and control groups (p = 0.004). Perimeters and folds did not decrease significantly. Conclusion: Women with celiac disease who follow an adapted and personalized diet have a better adherence to a GFD compared to those who follow a non-professional diet, and therefore have a better immune system status (blood leukocytes). Copyright © 2022 Martínez-Rodríguez, Loaiza-Martínez, Sánchez-Sánchez, Rubio-Arias, Alacid, Prats-Moya, Martínez-Olcina, Yáñez-Sepúlveda, Asencio-Mas and Marcos-Pardo.

No Thumbnail Available
Publication

Personalised Nutritional Plan and Resistance Exercise Program to Improve Health Parameters in Celiac Women

2022 , Martínez-Rodríguez, A. , Loaiza Martinez, Daniela , Sánchez-Sánchez, J. , Rubio-Arias, J.Á. , Alacid, F. , Prats-Moya, S. , Martínez-Olcina, M. , Yáñez-Sepúlveda, R. , Marcos-Pardo, P.J.

Celiac disease (CD) is a permanent immune reaction to gluten in those with a genetic predisposition. This study was designed to evaluate menopause-associated symptoms, mood, bone quality, and IgA antibody levels in women with CD, untreated and treated with a gluten-free diet (GFD), and with or without resistance exercise. The randomised controlled trial was conducted on 28 Spanish women (>40 years old). Participants were divided into the following intervention groups: personalised gluten-free nutrition plan + exercise (GFD + E); personalised gluten-free nutrition plan (GFD); celiac controls (NO-GFD); and non-celiac controls (CONTROL). The participants responded to the Menopause Rating Scale and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaires. Bone quality was measured with ultrasound and IgA with a blood test. After 12 weeks of intervention, the GFD + E group showed significant improvement in urogenital symptoms and scored higher on the ‘vigour’ subscale of the POMS. Negative associations were found between the total score on the Menopause Rating Scale and the ‘vigour’ subscale of the POMS questionnaire. Only those women who underwent a personalised GFD nutritional intervention combined with resistance exercise demonstrated significant changes after the intervention. © 2022 by the authors.

No Thumbnail Available
Publication

A comprehensive study of Ecuadorian adult patients with a mild and moderate presentation of COViD-19

2023 , González Andrade, Fabricio , Carrero Y.

Aim To characterize non-hospitalized patients with mild and moderate clinical presentation. Methods We performed an epidemiological, observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study carried out in Ecuador, with 1,447 participants between 18 and 66 years, non-hospitalized, with a molecular RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV2. We analyzed demographic characteristics according to sex, age group, clinical findings, behavior after diagnosis, family and social behavior, sequelae, clinical evolution, type of exposure, and personal history. Results The sample analyzed had a mean age of 37 years (95% CI 18–66), women 713 individuals (49.27%), men 733 individuals (50.66%). Age group distribution was 18–30 years, 524 individuals (36.29%), 31–45, 538 individuals (37.26), and more of 45 years, 382 individuals (26.46%). 1416 individuals were mestizos (97.99%). According to the province of residence from Pichincha were 1019 patients (70.52%), followed by Imbabura, 93 patients (6.44%), and the others 335 (23.15%) patients come from all over the country. In women, the most common findings were fever >38C (54.40%), sputum (27.43%) and hypoxia (16.32%); HTN (5.75%) and hypercholesterolemia (3.69%). Men were more prevalent in all other findings. Comorbidities were more prevalent in all those over 45 years of age. COVID-19 antibodies test was positive in 416 patients (28.85%). Neuropsychiatric symptoms such as sleep disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, depressed mood, and chronic fatigue were more prevalent in men than women. Still, generalized anxiety disorder and chronic fatigue were more common in individuals of 31 to 45 years. 868 patients (60.07%) were in contact with a known infected person, 318 patients (22.02%) were health workers, and 782 patients (57.63%) were informed about work exposure. 545 patients (37.72%) were overweight, primarily women 310 (42.29%). 609 patients (42.65%) showed symptoms after the acute period, and 331 individuals (23.49%) reported some sequelae. Conclusion The epidemiological and clinical behavior of hospitalized and critical patients differs greatly from ambulatory or mild or moderate symptoms. It is essential to highlight those non-hospitalized patients constitute the predominant population of patients, hence the importance of adequate management that would directly affect the development of complicated forms and, consequently, the collapse of healthcare centers. It is vitally important to open more investigations that compare hospitalized and outpatient patients to have a clearer picture of the epidemic. Copyright: © 2023 González-Andrade, Carrero. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

No Thumbnail Available
Publication

The role of negative affects as mediators in the relationship between stress and mental health in Ecuadorian adolescents

2023 , Moreta-Herrera R. , Zumba-Tello D. , de Frutos-Lucas J. , Llerena-Freire S. , Salinas-Palma A. , Trucharte-Martínez A.

Background Stress and negative emotions have adverse consequences for the mental health of adolescents, an area that deserves further examination. These attributes are associated with each other and regularly interact in different ways. The way they exert an influence can be both direct and indirect, so the general objective is to elucidate the potential mediating effect of negative affects in the relationship between stress and mental health in Ecuadorian adolescents. participants and procedure An explanatory and mediation design based on structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied with 1154 high school students from Ecuador (67.7% women) aged 14 to 19 years (M = 15.69). results In our sample, the presence of stress and negative affect is moderate, while that of mental health problems is low. According to our final model, these variables covary with and influence each other in the following way: stress (X) has a direct effect on mental health (Y) and also an indirect effect mediated by negative affect (M). The structural regression model proposed explains 63.0% of the variance in mental health. conclusions Stress exerts a relevant impact on mental health, both through direct and indirect pathways. The indirect pathway, mediated by negative affect, opens the door to novel interventional strategies to foster mental health. © 2023 Termedia Publishing House Ltd.. All rights reserved

No Thumbnail Available
Publication

Evaluation of University Professors. Trends and Critical Issues

2021 , Suárez, N. , Requeiro R. , Urosa B.M. , Cáceres M.L.

The main objective of this study was to determine trends in the evaluation of university professors by performing a systematic review of 32 research studies between the years 2008 and 2019. A thematic content analysis was used and five trends were identified: 1) macro-policies contextualized into micro-policies, 2) promotional evaluations transitioned to formative and developmental evaluations, 3) using student criteria as a participatory approach, 4) moving from one-dimensional to multidimensional approaches, and 5) switching from an administrative routine process to a strategic process for professors and institutions. Based on the results, critical issues are discussed, including their contributions to the decision making process of policy evaluation. It is concluded that additional studies are needed on policy contextualization processes, evaluation mechanisms, and methodological validation by taking into account regional specificity. © 2021. All Rights Reserved.