Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología (Journal)
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Analysis of the Impact of Inclusive Public Policies on Access and Retention of Vulnerable Groups in Latin American Universities
Full text linkIntroduction: Educational inclusion in Latin American universities poses a major challenge due to historical inequalities affecting vulnerable students, including those from low-income backgrounds, Indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, and individuals with disabilities. Objective: To analyze the impact of inclusive public policies on the access and persistence of these students during the period 2015–2025. Method: A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative analysis of administrative records (enrollment, dropout, and graduation data) and structured surveys with qualitative techniques such as semi-structured interviews. This design allowed for evidence triangulation to strengthen the validity of the findings. Results: Enrollment of vulnerable students increased significantly due to scholarships and special quotas; however, their dropout rates were higher and on-time graduation rates lower compared to non-vulnerable students. Limited access to tutoring, low levels of academic support, and experiences of discrimination were identified as factors negatively influencing persistence and sense of belonging. Conclusions: While inclusive policies expanded access, their effectiveness in improving persistence and academic success depends on comprehensive implementation, institutional governance, and program continuity, underscoring the need for more robust and sustainable approaches.
A Review of AI and Deep Transfer Learning Methods for Plant Disease Detection and Classification
Full text linkThe persistent threat of plant disease epidemics poses significant challenges to global agriculture, making crops susceptible to catastrophic diseases that compromise food security and nutritional well-being. This review critically examines the application of deep transfer learning and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in classifying plant diseases, such as tomato leaf diseases. By synthesizing recent advancements in the field, the article highlights how pre-trained models, trained on large-scale image datasets, can be adapted to recognize disease-specific patterns in agricultural contexts. The discussion encompasses key methodologies, including the integration of custom architectures and shallow classifiers, as exemplified by works such as Fruit and Vegetable Leaf Disease Recognition based on a Novel Custom Convolutional Neural Network and Shallow Classifier and An Integrated Framework of Two-Stream Deep Learning Models Optimal Information Fusion for Fruits Disease Recognition. A critical analysis of existing approaches is provided, addressing their strengths, limitations, and the role of dataset quality and diversity in model performance, including the use of publicly available datasets of labelled plant disease images, such as PlantVillage. The review underscores the transformative potential of automation and robotics in reducing disease spread while emphasizing unresolved challenges, such as the need for cost-effective, scalable frameworks. By identifying gaps in current research and proposing future directions, this article aims to guide the development of sustainable, AI-driven solutions for agricultural productivity.
Body Image Concept of Women\u27s Gym Community in Makassar City
No full textIntroduction: An ideal body and an attractive appearance are desired by many women.
Method: This research is a qualitative research with a phenomenological approach using an in-depth interview method with 18 informants.
Results: Gym members had diverse perceptions of body image, encompassing physical assessments, social perceptions, self-improvement motivation, and self-acceptance. These perceptions were shaped by internal and external factors, with social media being a dominant influence in shaping ideal body standards, along with influences from their immediate environment, the gym community, and work demands. Positive body image was shown to improve self-confidence and social performance, while some women still experienced pressure from unrealistic beauty standards.
Conclusion: It is necessary to strengthen the concept of body positivity through education, holistic support, and healthy body diversity campaigns to form a healthier and more sustainable body perception
Being the Backbone of Care: Nurses’ Experiences in Managing Palliative Emergencies through Interprofessional Collaboration in the Emergency Department
Full text linkIntroduction: emergency nurses often experience tension between following life-saving protocols that emphasize rapid resuscitation and applying palliative care principles centered on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. This contradiction generates emotional distress, ethical dilemmas, and communication challenges with patients, families, and interprofessional teams in the Emergency Department (ED). This study aimed to explore nurses’ experiences managing palliative emergencies in the ED.
Method: a qualitative descriptive design was used with data source triangulation. Participants included ten emergency nurses, five palliative patients, and five family caregivers. Data were collected through online focus group discussions with nurses and face-to-face semi-structured interviews with patients and their families until data saturation was reached. Thematic analysis was performed, supported by peer debriefing and member checking, to ensure trustworthiness. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained from all participants.
Results: five major themes emerged: (1) integration of interprofessional collaboration in managing palliative emergencies, with doctors and nurses as the backbone of care; (2) initial management of palliative patients following general emergency protocols without standardized screening; (3) emotional and ethical strain during decision-making; (4) challenges, including limited resources and family unpreparedness; and (5) the need for specialized systems and structured interprofessional collaboration to ensure comprehensive and compassionate care.
Conclusions: nurses play a pivotal role in managing palliative emergencies through collaborative, compassionate, and timely interventions. Strengthening interprofessional collaboration, integrating early palliative screening, and enhancing nursing competencies are essential strategies to improve quality of care for patients with life-limiting conditions in emergency settings
Antimicrobial Effects of Aqueous Bark Extracts of Khaya senegalensis, Azadirachta indica and Euclyptus camaldulensis against Different Bacterial Pathogens
Full text linkIntroduction: aqueous bark preparations of Khaya senegalensis, Azadirachta indica, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis are widely employed in traditional medicine for the management of microbial infections in both humans and animals. The present work aimed to investigate the antibacterial potential of these plant extracts against selected Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella dublin).Methods: bark materials were extracted with water to obtain concentrations equivalent to 20 g, 40 g, and 50 g per 100 mL. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion technique at the Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum. Bacterial susceptibility was determined by measuring inhibition zone diameters around the wells.Results: all tested aqueous extracts demonstrated inhibitory effects against the examined bacterial strains at every tested concentration. Antibacterial activity increased with rising concentration, with the maximum effect observed at 0.5 mg/mL. At this level, inhibition zones against Staphylococcus aureus measured 3.7 ± 0.52 cm for Khaya senegalensis, 3.0 ± 0.24 cm for Azadirachta indica, and 2.8 ± 0.57 cm for Eucalyptus camaldulensis.Conclusion: the findings indicate that bark-derived aqueous extracts from the three studied species possess notable antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, particularly at higher concentrations. These results support their traditional use and suggest the need for further investigations involving other plant organs—such as leaves, fruits, and roots—tested across a wider range of concentrations
Effectiveness Test of Pumpkin Seed (Cucurbita moschata) Capsules and Multiple Micronutrient Supplement (MMS) on Nutrient Intake and Hemoglobin Levels in Pregnant Women with Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED)
Full text linkIntroduction: To compare the effects of pumpkin seed capsules and Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) on nutrient intake, Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), and hemoglobin levels in pregnant women with CED and anemia. Methods: A quasi-experimental non-randomized pre–posttest control group design was conducted among 61 pregnant women. The intervention group received pumpkin seed capsules (2 × 700 mg/day), while the control group received MMS (30 mg iron + 15 micronutrients) for 60 days. Results: Both groups showed significant increases in nutrient intake, MUAC, and hemoglobin levels (p < 0,05). Mean MUAC increased by 1,83 cm in the intervention group and 1,55 cm in the control group. Hemoglobin levels rose by 1,48 g/dL and 1,47 g/dL, respectively, with no significant difference between groups (p > 0,05). Conclusion: Pumpkin seed capsules are as effective as MMS in improving nutritional status and hemoglobin levels among pregnant women with CED, suggesting their potential as a local food-based supplement
Healing minds, restoring lives: a nursing approach to post-stroke emotional recovery reimagined
Full text linkIntroduction: Stroke survivors frequently experience depression, anxiety, and other neuropsychiatric issues. Despite this, limited research exists on post-stroke psychological disorders, particularly within the Indian context. Non-pharmacological interventions offer promise and warrant further exploration.Objective: To evaluate the effect of stroke recovery nursing interventional package among survivors of stroke.Methods: An assessment was carried out on 144 post-stroke patients.The experimental and control groups each received an equal number of participants, assigned non-randomly.The experimental group received a structured intervention twice weekly for four weeks. Evaluations were conducted at three key points: Initial Screening, Pre-intervention and post-intervention test.Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in depression (mean difference: 3,73), anxiety (5,38), and resilience (26,83) at p<0,05. Weak positive correlations were found between resilience and both depression and anxiety. Statistically significant improvements were observed in depression (mean difference: 3,73), anxiety (5,38), and resilience (26,83) at p<0,05. Weak positive correlations were found between resilience and both depression and anxiety.”Conclusions: The intervention effectively reduced psychological symptoms, especially when combined with pharmacological treatment for severe cases
Oral Health Educational Intervention and Quality of Life of Older Adults in Community Groups
Full text linkIntroduction: Oral health is a significant concern among older adults, negatively impacting quality of life due to conditions such as dental caries and tooth loss.
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of an oral health educational intervention on the quality of life of older adults belonging to two community groups in the city of Coronel, Chile
Methodology: A pre-experimental design with pretest and posttest was applied, using the OHIP-14 questionnaire with 18 participants over 65 years old, self-sufficient, and with at least one natural tooth. The intervention, based on the Health Belief Model, consisted of four 45-minute educational sessions developed through participatory methods, addressing topics such as oral diseases, prevention, psychosocial consequences, and healthy habits.
Results:Significant improvements were observed in the psychosocial dimensions of the OHIP-14, particularly dissatisfaction with oral appearance (p < 0.001), loss of self-confidence (p = 0.005), and embarrassment related to oral health problems (p = 0.016). Positive changes were also identified in social disability (p = 0.029) and handicap (p = 0.012). Although no significant differences were found in all dimensions or in the overall score, a favorable trend was observed toward a reduced perception of the negative impact of oral health on quality of life.
Conclusion:The educational intervention proved to be an accessible and low-cost strategy with the potential to improve the perception of oral health, self-image, and social interaction among older adults
The Impact of Rice Field Land Conversion on Food Security Threats in Padang City, West Sumatra, Indonesia
Full text linkIntroduction: Agricultural land conversion poses a global threat to food security, particularly in developing nations experiencing rapid urbanization and population growth. This study aims to analyze the impact of rice field land conversion on food security threats in Padang City, West Sumatra, Indonesia, where population pressure continues to drive agricultural land loss.Methods: A quantitative approach was applied using four methodological stages: (1) calculating rice field changes across three time periods (2009, 2015, and 2022) using supervised classification of Landsat 7 and 8 imagery; (2) measuring agricultural land carrying capacity using standardized formulas; (3) determining rice availability based on harvested area and productivity data; (4) predicting rice requirements for food self-sufficiency. Data were obtained from Landsat imagery (2009, 2015, 2022), field surveys conducted in 2023, and Statistics Indonesia (BPS). Analysis was conducted using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and carrying capacity, rice availability, and demand formulas. The study encompassed all 11 administrative districts of Padang City, with sample areas identified as rice-producing zones.Results: Rice field area declined significantly from 6,827.40 hectares in 2015 to 4,809.35 hectares in 2022, representing a loss of 1,918.05 hectares, predominantly converted to built-up land. Agricultural land carrying capacity was calculated at 0.0125 (Class III), indicating that Padang City has not achieved food self-sufficiency. Rice availability was 1,026,762.57 tons, while rice demand reached 11,801,533.26 tons, resulting in a deficit of approximately 10.77 million tons.Conclusions: Rice field conversion significantly reduces agricultural productivity and threatens food security. Padang City experiences a major rice deficit and has not achieved self-sufficiency. Urgent interventions including farmer regeneration, creation of new agricultural zones, and implementation of sustainable agricultural land protection policies are necessary to address population pressure and land conversion challenges
Protocol for preventing delirium in critically ill patients in intensive care units
Full text linkDelirium is an acute neurocognitive disorder commonly seen in intensive care units (ICUs), associated with increased mortality, prolonged hospital stays, functional impairment, and long-term cognitive sequelae. Its timely identification and the implementation of preventive interventions continue to be a challenge for healthcare teams, especially nurses, given their central role in monitoring critically ill patients.
Objective: to identify and analyze evidence-based protocols for the prevention of delirium in critically ill patients in intensive care units, with the aim of synthesizing the most effective strategies and strengthening evidence-based critical care.
Method: a systematic review of the literature was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies were searched for in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SciELO. Studies published between 2020 and 2025, in English and Spanish, that addressed prevalence, risk factors, diagnostic methods, or interventions for the prevention and management of delirium in adults in the ICU were included. The selection was made through independent evaluation by two reviewers and consensus resolution. The risk of bias was assessed using validated tools (RoB2, ROBINS-I, AMSTAR-2, QUADAS-2).
Results: Fifty-three studies were included, including clinical trials, cohorts, observational studies, systematic reviews, and instrument validations. The most common risk factors were advanced age, deep sedation, benzodiazepine use, prolonged mechanical ventilation, metabolic disturbances, and sleep deprivation. Non-pharmacological interventions—especially ABCDE/ABCDEF bundles, early mobilization, cognitive reorientation, sensory environment control, and family involvement—were most effective in preventing delirium. Pharmacological interventions (omega-3, minocycline, dexmedetomidine) showed promising but heterogeneous results. The CAM-ICU, ICDSC, and Nu-DESC tools were the most widely used for diagnosis.
Conclusions: Delirium is a preventable syndrome that requires a comprehensive strategy based primarily on non-pharmacological interventions, continuous assessment, and active participation by the nursing team. The available evidence reaffirms the effectiveness of care bundles, early mobilization, and a multicomponent approach. Despite advances, limitations persist regarding the use of specific drugs and the standardization of diagnostic protocols. It is recommended to strengthen evidence-based practices and promote multicenter research evaluating innovative interventions and their long-term effects