REDIELUZ

The journey, not just the goal

Briggith Valero — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 15:34:52 +0000

There are times when we long to reach the goal we have worked so hard to achieve, and when we get there we ask ourselves: is this all it is?

We think that only the goal is the prize, without appreciating the experiences we have had. Today we limit ourselves to dreaming and dedicate ourselves only

to the objectives, which is really not bad, but we tend to be like a horse with blinders on, believing that life is only about those ephemeral seconds

at the finish line, when in reality everything goes beyond that.

Freedom to be inside or outside the norm

Olien Marval Escorcia — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 16:55:17 +0000

Since time immemorial, societies have built a framework of written, customary or moral rules whose ultimate purpose is to guarantee
harmonious coexistence and collective well-being. These norms are born from the explicit or tacit consensus of those who recognize the need to
modulate our individual impulses in favor of order and justice. However, in recent decades we have witnessed, almost without noticing it, a growing detachment
from that original sense of obedience: understood not as servility, but as a conscious act of recognition of the other and the common good. By relegating it to the realm of the obsolete or, even worse, the authoritarian, we run the risk of fraying the fabric that binds us together as a community.

PRESENTATION

Luz Maritza Reyes de Suárez — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 16:16:04 +0000

The Student Research Network of the University del Zulia (RedieLUZ), a program attached to its Academic Vice Rectorate recognizes in this volume the editorial trajectory of 15 years of the Venezuelan Journal of Student Research of LUZ (RedieLUZ), and calls again to the national and international university community to accompany us as referees and writers. In this context, the journal REDIELUZ is inscribed, in a scientific academic dynamics, impacted
by a diverse and interdependent knowledge society, in which opportunities are built, from the own and collective benefit. This process allows students to be protagonists of changes and builders of their opportunities in the different scenarios where they coexist. In other words, they are part of a scenario that commits them to judge the past, investigate the present and anticipate the construction of a desired future.

Detection of nutritional status in children and adolescents, using the bmi/e anthropometric index

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 18:15:09 +0000

Anthropometric nutritional status allows the detection of malnutrition risk, allows for the establishment of adequate nutritional interventions, and
prevents diet-related diseases. Objective. To establish the anthropometric nutritional status using the BMI/E index of students from two selected institutions in the Carracciolo Parra Pérez parish of the Maracaibo municipality, Zulia state. Methodology. A cross-sectional, descriptive field study was conducted
in 1,818 subjects aged 6-17 years, conducted between June and July 2024. Diagnosis was made using the Z Score using programs such as Who AnthroPlus and AntrhroCalc. Nutritional status was determined using the anthropometric index: Body Mass Index/Age. Result. The percentage of thinness-severe thinness was 6.6%. The adequate anthropometric index predominated at 59.6%, followed by the underweight risk range at 21.0%, and the overweight-obesity risk range at 12.6%. Conclusion. The predominant anthropometric diagnosis was adequate. However, it is advisable to use anthropometric measurements of body composition to establish a more reliable diagnosis regarding caloric and protein reserves.

Nutritional status and anemia in university students

Johanna Alcivar Alcivar, Hazel Anderson Vásquez — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 19:16:39 +0000

Anemia is a public health problem worldwide that can affect nutritional status through the so-called hidden hunger and in this way, favor in university students the decrease in cognitive capacity and affect academic performance and health. The present descriptive, non-experimental research, with a cross-sectional and correlational design, made up of a sample of 52 university students (23 men and 29 women) with an average age of 24.6 ± 2.7 years who underwent an anthropometric evaluation (weight, height, BMI) and biochemical (hemoglobin, hematocrit, erythrocyte indices), for statistical analysis SPSS 22 was used, Student’s t, chi square and Pearson correlation were applied. It was found that in the anthropometric nutritional status, malnutrition
due to excess predominated in men (61.9%) while in women the double burden of malnutrition predominated: due to excess (44.8%) and malnutrition due to deficit (mild thinness (3.1%) and severe (17.2%). Only 5 women with anemia were found, in whom overweight predominated. No relationship was found between the anthropometric nutritional status and anemia in this group of patients.

Factors associated with vaginal infections in pregnant adolescents attended to in a public hospital in Ecuador

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 20:04:15 +0000

Vaginal infections are significant conditions during pregnancy, especially among adolescents, due to their consequences for both the mother and
the baby, as they can increase the risk of complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and other postnatal problems. The objective was
to identify the factors associated with vaginal infections in pregnant adolescents who attended at Hospital Provincial General Docente de Riobamba. A cross-sectional, documentary, descriptive, and correlational study was conducted involving 45 adolescents aged 10 to 17 years, diagnosed with vaginal infections and treated at Hospital Provincial General Docente de Riobamba. The results showed a predominance of infections caused by bacteria (74.2%); among the causative agents of bacterial infections, Escherichia coli was the most representative (35.6%). Gestational age was found to be an important factor, showing a high correlation (R=0.9959; P=0.0579) with the presence of infections. The analysis of complications in newborns did not show a significant association. The highest percentage of labor were normal (42.2%), followed by cesarean sections (40.0%). Finally, the majority of patients (55.6%) came from rural areas. It was concluded that vaginal infections in pregnant teenager were mainly bacterial, predominantly caused by Escherichia coli, and were associated with thegestational period as a critical predisposing factor
for infection.

Impact of Health Surveillance on Older Adults: A Qualitative Study

Nelly Carolina Paladines Zapata — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 20:06:15 +0000

The objective of this research is to analyze the perceptions and experiences of five elderly individuals regarding the measurement of their blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, in order to understand how the lack of regular monitoring of these parameters affects their emotional and physical well-being. A semi-structured interview was conducted individually with five participants over the age of 65, allowing them to share their observations and experiences regarding their health monitoring. Questions focused on the frequency with which they perform health measurements, the anxiety they experience due to the lack of continuous monitoring, and their perception of obesity, a parameter that is not regularly monitored in their healthcare. The results indicated that blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol measurements are performed more than six months apart, generating a feeling of insecurity and anxiety among the participants. Most expressed that this lack of regular follow-up makes them feel neglected and vulnerable to potential health complications. In general terms, the importance of regular and holistic monitoring in the healthcare of older adults is highlighted, as this could improve their quality of life and reduce anxiety related to their well-being.

Importance of cervico-vaginal cytology in the reproductive health of latin american women

Carlos Iván Peñafiel Méndez — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 01:58:43 +0000

Cervical cytology, also known as the Pap test, is a test performed on the cervix using a tissue sample and can effectively aid in the early diagnosis of gynecological diseases. During the COVID-19 health crisis, specialized medical consultations were restricted worldwide, leading to a decrease in diagnosed cases of cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV), and other reproductive health-related infections among female patients enrolled in preventive care programs. Considering this late diagnosis and women’s lack of knowledge on this topic, we sought to present cervical cytology as an accessible and inexpensive screening technique for primary patient care. For the research, we searched PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Spanish-language literature, finding 96 articles, selecting 14 and excluding 82 for redundancy and/or not meeting the
inclusion criteria. As a result, in countries such as Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay, which belong to the Latin American region and share development, economic, and cultural conditions, a decline in primary care for women’s reproductive health was found, and an increase in morbidity from cervical cancer and HPV was observed in different parts of the region. Therefore, it is necessary to present the resumption and promotion of cervical cytology as a pillar of our research as a way to inform patients and direct them toward effective treatment, thus responding to this collateral situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in a period when higher-quality health services can be provided. In conclusion, this preventive technique, being lowcost and highly accessible, is a fundamental tool in the reproductive health care of Latin American women to improve their well-being and quality of life

Public policies to reduce the incidence of parasitoses by Entamoeba spp. in rural communities of Riobamba, Ecuador

Alberto Darío Díaz Parra, Vilma Karina Moyano Arias — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 02:34:43 +0000

Several studies have identified a high incidence of intestinal parasitosis in rural populations, which is related to poor living conditions that can be improved. The fundamental actions of a public policy to reduce the prevalence of infection by parasites of the genus Entamoeba in rural communities were
described. This work is prospective, using 2 key informants related to health management, whose
experience helped to obtain public policies aimed at reducing the incidence of parasitic infections
caused by Entamoeba agents in rural communities. The presentation of public policies focused on: (1)
the promotion of hygiene and sanitation, (2) access to medical care, (3) epidemiological monitoring, (4) community education and awareness, (5) educational programs aimed at children and (6) research and development; all of which are essential to combat Entamoeba parasitosis in rural communities. The effective implementation of this policy would require intersectoral collaboration and the commitment of authorities to disseminate these public policies and consolidate a culture that helps promote favorable habits to reduce cases of these intestinal pathologies.

Relationship between the emotional intelligence of students in the Speech Therapy program and the graduate’s competencies

Marcela Correa Zuloaga — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 15:30:40 +0000

The purpose of this analysis is to determine the strengths and weaknesses in emotional intelligence of speech therapy students in relation to the specific competencies of their professional profile. A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional approach was used. Two data collection techniques will be employed: (a) direct observation through an emotional intelligence questionnaire called TMMS-24, which assesses three dimensions of emotional intelligence (attention, clarity, and repair) through 24 items; and (b) indirect observation of the specific competencies of the speech therapy program at the University of Guayaquil. The questionnaire was administered to 93 students of the Art Therapy curricular unit of the speech therapy program at the University of Guayaquil between October 2023 and October 2024. The results show that the dimensions of emotional intelligence in students are unevenly distributed, so there are areas that require intervention to strengthen the professional profile of
these future therapists. These focused on improving the ability to counsel patients and families, manage multidisciplinary teams, and apply personalized therapie

Prevalence and sociodemographic characteristics of ADHD-cannabis comorbidity in outpatients of the Maracaibo Psychiatric Hospital

Douglas E Parra L — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 14:35:31 +0000

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) exhibit substantial comorbidity, linked to neurobiological and environmental factors, with increased risk of early substance use and functional impairment. This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to determine the prevalence and sociodemographic characteristics of this comorbidity in 35 outpatients from the Psychiatric Hospital of Maracaibo (consecutive sampling, January-March 2025), applying DSM-5
criteria and statistical analysis with SPSS. Results showed a male predominance (68.6%), age 18-28
years (65.7%), high employment rates (82.9%), and secondary education (57.1%). The hyperactive-im-
pulsive subtype had the highest current CUD prevalence (77%), while the inattentive subtype showed the highest lifetime prevalence (38%). Cannabis use began earlier in ADHD patients (12-18 years) compared to other diagnoses (15-25 years), with fewer additional psychiatric comorbidities (25% vs. 65%). Findings suggest impulsivity is linked to immediate risk and inattention to chronic vulnerability, highlighting the need for early prevention, integrated dual-diagnosis treatment, and psychosocial support to mitigate functional impact.

Multielemental Analysis of Arsenic and Lead in Phytotherapeutic Infusions of Amaranthus hybridus and Lavandula angustifolia Using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 17:39:39 +0000

The present study aimed to evaluate the presence of arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) in infusions formulated from Amaranthus hybridus and Lavandula
angustifolia, cultivated in the Sierra region of Ecuador, to verify their safety in accordance with the limits established by the Codex Alimentarius. The formulations were prepared following the guidelines of the Ecuadorian Technical Standard NTE INEN 2392:2007. Metal quantification was performed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), applying validated protocols with internal quality controls and certified reference standards. Additionally, a sensory analysis was conducted to assess the organoleptic characteristics of the product, revealing a pleasant and harmonious profile in terms of aroma, flavor, and overall consumer acceptability. Analytical results indicated arsenic concentrations below the detection limit (ND), while lead concentrations showed a mean value of 0.279 mg/kg, ranging from 0.01 to 0.35 mg/kg. These values fall
within the maximum permissible limits (0.6 mg/kg for herbal infusions). Statistical analysis (ANOVA) revealed no significant differences among the different samples (p > 0.05), suggesting uniformity in raw material quality and production processes. The findings underscore the importance of implementing continuous monitoring systems and strict regulatory compliance to ensure the safety and quality of phytotherapeutic products intended for human consumption.

Nekate application: an innovative and sustainable solution for controlling Spodoptera frugiperda larvae in modern agriculture

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 16:23:15 +0000

The insecticidal and acaricidal effects of applying NEKATE (an extract of neem leaves, cinnamon, garlic, chili, green tea, nettle, thyme, and oregano) are used as a sustainable alternative to synthetic insecticides for controlling Spodoptera frugiperda. These are the safest and most environmentally friendly pest control methods. NEKATE is emerging as a promising alternative for managing Spodoptera frugiperda, a highly destructive pest that causes significant economic losses in agriculture. This species has also developed a notable resistance to conventional insecticides, making it difficult to manage within integrated pest management programs. The importance of NEKATE lies in the presence of azadirachtin, its main active compound, recognized for its insecticidal, repellent, and insect growth-regulating properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the extract’s efficacy on S. frugiperda larvae. The methodology included larval collection, preparation of the aqueous extract, phytochemical characterization through preliminary screening, and evaluation of insecticidal efficacy using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) detection. The results indicated that treatment T1, corresponding to a 75% aqueous extract concentration, achieved the highest efficacy, with 66.67% larval mortality at 80 hours post-treatment. In comparison, treatments T2 (50%) and T3 (25%) had significantly lower mortality rates, at 24.7% and 11.13%, respectively. These findings suggest that
high concentrations of the extract could constitute an effective and sustainable tool for managing S.
frugiperda, thus reducing dependence on synthetic insecticides.

Sensory and microbiological characteristics of bakery products made with oatmeal, chia, beans and turmeric

Dolores Zambrano, Winston Zavala, Virginia Rodríguez, Yasmina Barboza — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:34:30 +0000

Researchers are nowadays focused on development of novel foods with health benefits. For this reason, the purpose of this research was to determine the sensory and microbiological characteristics of bakery products formulated with oats (Avena sativa L.), chia (Salvia hispanica L.), beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and turmeric (Curcuma longa). The products were analyzed to determine in triplicate the content of protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, moisture, and ash. The sensory evaluation of the product was carried out through a liking test using a 9-point hedonic scale and a panel of untrained consumers. Additionally, its microbiological quality was determined. The results showed significant differences (p>0.05) in the protein, moisture, fat, and fiber content between the formulated products and their controls. The sensory test showed a favorable level of liking for flavor (8.88 and 8.08), color (8.06 and 8.62), and texture (8.2). 98% of consumers accepted the product. The initial count of total viable
cells was 2.01 ± 0.04 log cfu/g on day 0, with no fungi and yeasts, coliforms, and E. coli. These values increased during storage, reaching on the fifth day, values of 5.10 ± 0.02 log cfu/g for aerobics and 3.40 ± 0.02 log cfu/g for fungi and yeasts. This helped establish the shelf life of the product, which can be estimated at 4 days since no type of preservative was used. In conclusion, due to its acceptability, nutritional value, and microbiological quality, it could be used as an alternative to address nutritional and health problems affecting the population

Fact-checking: A theoretical review of its foundations, approaches and use in the mass media

Adrianny Chaparro Thomas — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 18:09:15 +0000

This study analyzes the different problems faced by Venezuela due to the excessive proliferation of online content in different areas (political, social, economic, sports, cultural, among others), as well
as the absence of effective mechanisms to control the propagation of negative intentions that distort
information, which has generated alterations in the country’s communicational ecosystems. The re-
search was based on the theoretical contributions of Wardle (2024), Rubin, V. L. (2022) and Browne
(2024). The methodology was a documentary, with bibliographic design of 36 study documents for this
theoretical review. The technique used was the work sheet. The results show a strong theoretical
link between fact-checking and the need to face the complex Venezuelan information environment. In this context, the so-called “Trumpet of disinformation” acquires special relevance, due to the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence, whose unregulated and unmonitored use aggravates the information credibility crisis in the country. It is concluded that it is urgent to strengthen Fact-checking practices in Venezuela as a key strategy to counteract disinformation. This implies not only the incorporation of advanced technologies and rigorous methodologies, but also the critical training of journalists, the establishment of ethical and regulatory frameworks and the promotion of a culture of verification.

Information and communication technologies from corporate social responsibility, the change in the digitalization of the banking sector

Reynaldo Jiménez E, Anarilis J. Gómez G, Oscar Martínez Ardila — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 02:13:29 +0000

The objective of this work was focused on analyzing the management of information and communication technologies in Social Responsibility
within the private banking of the Maracaibo municipality. In this regard, it was based on theorists suchas Carneiro (2008), Green Book (2001), Pizzolante (2017), Grasso (2023), Blanco (2017). The research is descriptive. The design was established as non-experimental, transactional, field. The population was made up of collaborators who provide their services in different financial institutions. Data collection was carried out with the observation technique, through the survey. For this, a structured questionnaire was configured with closed questions, with validation by five (5) experts and whose application of the Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient generated a result of 0.87, with high reliability. The statistical analysis was descriptive, presented through synoptic tables. The results showed that there is a consistent information and communication technology platform, with sufficient use, in terms of online systems and networks in virtual community applications as a collaborative tool, while in relation to the work areas of social responsibility, factors such as identity, motivation and leadership are recognized favorably within the relationships while presenting weaknesses for adaptation to change and limitation of their potential benefits, in terms of improvement in labor management and environmental impact.

WEB application for the simulation of a laboratory aimed at learning digital electronics

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 19:07:54 +0000

The present research work aimed to develop an educational web application for learning digital electronics. Its main purpose was to offer an alternative to in-person laboratory practices that reinforce the learning of digital electronics and eliminate the need for in-person attendance and the cost of elec-
tronic devices. The system was divided into a client component, which includes the user interface, and
a server component, which consists of data storage and security, connecting to a relational database, as
well as managing communication between users. A survey was conducted with professors from Rafael
Urdaneta University to measure its effectiveness. The research was descriptive and transactional in nature, with a non-experimental design. The development was divided into 3 phases, following a traditional methodology. The completion of these phases allowed for the analysis of the devices to
be simulated, the design of the structure through diagrams, the development of a client and server
component, software testing, and the construction of a prototype of the web application.

Potential of medical applications to improve medication adherence. A narrative review of its benefits and limitations

Jesús Tremaria, Diego Soto, Edison Pascal, José Luis Arcaya — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 01:11:59 +0000

Adherence to medications is an important factor in the treatment of various diseases, mainly those of
a chronic nature. This is because non-compliance with treatment is associated with worse health outcomes and economic losses for the patient and the health system. There is evidence that implementing mobile applications can moderately improve adherence to medical treatment. However, it is necessary to highlight that the effectiveness of these strategies depends on several important characteristics of the application. For example: Reminders, and medication monitoring. refill reminders, medication information, and adherence functions. The presence of these features can determine the effectiveness of the mobile application in its impact on adherence. However, there are still several limitations in the context of these applications. The economic or technological barriers to user access, as well as the lack of literacy regarding the use of technology, acceptability by beneficiaries, the lack of protection of privacy and information, which compromises patient reliability, and the difficulty of implementing its scaling at a national level. It is necessary to advance in the context of the regulatory framework and promote the development of applications that ensure the privacy, equality, and security of users.

Creative Talents Meeting

Marianna Trybiec, Carlos Soler, Angel Rivera, Andrea Pacheco — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 02:11:59 +0000

Artistic space.