Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología (Journal)
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Exploration of commercial sex workers\u27 experiences of condom use in coastal and border areas : A Qualitative Study
No full textBackground: Sexual behavior is the basis of self-identity in society, men who have sex with men (MSM) have a certain role in the spread of HIV AIDS, as a group at high risk, of course the use of condoms is very important in preventing the spread sexually transmitted diseases. Tarakan is the only city in the North Kalimantan region and is part of the coastal area bordering Malaysia, besides Tarakan is one of the industrial centers in Kalimantan with an island that has limited access to other regions. The number of industry and workers from outside have caused prostitution in Tarakan to become increasingly rampant, the existence of application facilities specifically for LSL makes it easier their space to carry out sexual transactions.Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of male commercial sex workers regarding condom use in the area borders and coast of Tarakan City.Methods: This study uses a phenomenological approach with in-depth interviews. Participants are male sex workers who work. As Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs) who have worked as CSWs for at least 12 months, in-depth interviews were conducted directly from July to August 2024, followed by transcription, coding, theme determination and analysis with 30 participants.Results: The results of interviews with female PSK found: (1) Self-perception, (2) Support for MSM application facilities and social environment, (3) economic background, (4) condom negotiation skills, (5) self-acceptance as a risk of sex work.Conclusion: CSWs with an MSM background make their self-perception a form of abnormality in their sexual orientation, thus making it... as a reason for working as a PSK based on sexual needs, poor economic background, work as a male commercial sex workerMen are supported by the many MSM applications or groups available and can monitor the existence and types of sexual services offered in the application. Furthermore, in sexual activities/sexual services, the ability to negotiate the use of condoms is also influenced by economic needs, social needs, and sexual, sexual imagination that encourages challenging sex, so that condom use is not optimal
Design thinking as a development tool in SMEs in Ecuador: a systematic review
Full text linkAll businesses are born with the ideas of visionaries who seek to make their dreams come true, whether through the development of new technologies, the reworking of existing ones, or simply positional strengthening. Currently, SMEs have deficiencies in the creative area to solve their problems, which prevents them from facing the various challenges of the market, therefore it is essential to find an alternative that solves this problem. In this way, the objective of the research is to analyze the importance of using the Design Thinking tool to solve problems in SMEs. For this, the qualitative methodology was used with the Systematic Review method, compiled in Scopus, during the years 2018-2022, finding 164 articles, to which the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, to finally examine 13 investigations, of which from which it is concluded that the DT is an adequate and efficient instrument to solve technical difficulties, since it synthesizes the entire creative process, and provides a diversity of ways to find solutions, in addition to predicting possible errors in the short, medium and long term; however, the success of the company does not depend on a tool, but is anchored to macro and microeconomic factors
Phytochemical profiling, dengue antiviral properties, and cytotoxicity of novel Baper tea polyherbal infusion: Insights from in silico and in vitro studies
Full text linkIntroduction: Dengue virus infection remains a significant global health challenge with limited therapeutic options, necessitating the development of natural antiviral agents. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antiviral efficacy, and safety profile of the Baper Tea polyherbal infusion against DENV-3 using integrated computational and experimental methodologies.Methods: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify bioactive compounds, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to characterize functional groups. In vitro antiviral assays were used to determine the effective concentration (EC₅₀) and cytotoxic concentration (CC₅₀) values. Molecular docking simulations were used to evaluate the binding affinity between the identified compounds and DENV-3 NS5 protein, followed by drug-likeness assessment and toxicity prediction. Results: GC-MS analysis revealed 40 bioactive compounds, predominantly tetraacetyl-d-xylonic nitriles (11.73%). FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the characteristic hydroxyl, aliphatic C-H, C=C, and C-O functional groups of flavonoids, terpenoids, and glycosidic structures. In vitro assays demonstrated potent anti-DENV-3 activity (EC₅₀=19.02 μg/mL) with minimal cytotoxicity (CC₅₀=4,897.6 μg/mL), yielding an exceptional selectivity index (SI) of 257.5. The ten selected compounds exhibited drug-like properties with favorable toxicity profiles and organ safety parameters. Molecular docking revealed that W-18 exhibited the strongest binding affinity (-9.93 kcal/mol, Ki=52.35 nM) for the DENV-3 NS5 protein, forming complex interaction networks through conventional hydrogen bonds, Pi-donor hydrogen bonds, and pi-sulfur interactions, followed by phenanthrene and dihydroxanthin. Conclusions: Baper Tea polyherbal infusion exhibits significant antiviral potential against DENV-3 through synergistic interactions of bioactive compounds targeting the NS5 protein methyltransferase domain, potentially disrupting viral RNA capping and replication mechanisms. These findings highlight the potential of Baper tea as a candidate for developing novel anti-dengue therapeutic agents
Prevalence and perspectives of food insecurity among university students from indigenous communities in northwest Mexico
Full text linkIntroduction: Food insecurity is a global public health issue for Indigenous students.
Objectives: To characterize the prevalence of food insecurity and explore the perspective about food insecurity of students from indigenous communities attending universities in northwest Mexico.
Methods: This study used a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data was gathered from an online survey to assess the prevalence of food insecurity, socio-economic, dietary, sleep quality, stress, and academic performance status of 328 university students from indigenous communities. Also, weight and height measurements were recorded. The 328 survey respondents provided the recruitment pool for the qualitative data collection. This data was obtained via three focus groups and open-ended questions to explore perspectives on food insecurity. Multiple lineal regression and constant comparison methods were used for data analysis.
Results: Food insecurity was found in 83.5 % of students. Variables associated with increased food insecurity (p<0.05) include: living alone (β=1.971) with peers (β=0.936), timeframe of undergraduate program (β=0.523), nutritional behaviors (β=-0.260), higher stress levels (β=0.669), poor sleep quality (β=0.328), poor academic performance (β=-0.037).
Students experienced food insecurity and hunger throughout their time as university students. Strategies to cope their food insecurity included reducing food portions and variety, as well as selling personal cultural items.
Conclusion: Indigenous students attending universities in northwest Mexico exhibits high levels of food insecurity. Students\u27 perspectives on food insecurity are interconnected with demographic, academic, psychological, health, and nutritional behaviors. These findings should be considered when designing and implementing programs to prevent and address food insecurity and hunger among students from indigenous communities
Toddler’s Nutritional Status: the effect of infection rate as a mediating factor
Full text linkThis article examines how infection rate, as a mediating factor, affects toddlers\u27 nutritional status in developing regions. A comprehensive cross-sectional study was conducted on 302 pairs of mothers and toddlers in four districts of West Sumatra, Indonesia. The research collected extensive data on socioeconomic factors including household income, maternal nutritional knowledge, feeding practices, toddlers\u27 nutritional status mediated by infection rate, and the relationship between maternal knowledge and feeding practice. The findings support three of the four proposed hypotheses, providing valuable insights into child health determinants in resource-limited settings. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 21 with descriptive statistics and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to ensure statistical rigor. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant relationships between variables. The findings reveal several important relationships: 1) there is a positive effect of income on nutritional status mediated by infection, highlighting socioeconomic influences; 2) there is a positive effect of maternal knowledge on nutritional status mediated by infection, emphasizing educational components; 3) there is no indirect effect of feeding practices on nutritional status mediated by infection, contrary to initial expectations; and 4) there is a direct relationship between maternal knowledge and feeding practice, confirming educational impact on care behaviors. Nutritional status and infection are strongly interrelated in a synergistic relationship, where each factor impacts the other. The infection rate serves as a critical mediating factor affecting toddlers\u27 nutritional status in developing regions. These results support further longitudinal studies to investigate specific infection factors affecting toddlers across different developmental stages and socio-economic contexts
Implementation of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Method for Choosing Majors in the Web-Based New Student Admission Information System (PPDB)
Full text linkIntroduction: Student major placement in vocational schools often lacks a standardized, data-driven decision-making process.Objective: This study aims to develop a web-based New Student Admission Information System (PPDB) that integrates the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) for accurate and transparent major recommendations.Methods: A structured waterfall software development life cycle (SDLC) was applied. The system was built using PHP, CodeIgniter, and MySQL, adopting the MVC architectural pattern. AHP was implemented on the server side to calculate priority weights and consistency ratios based on student data and selection criteria.Results: The system accommodates four user roles (students, admin, committee, principal). It enables real-time registration, document uploads, major selection, and automated recommendation using AHP. Interfaces are responsive, and data flow is traceable. AHP processing improves objectivity and consistency in decision-making, replacing traditional subjective assessments.Conclusions: This system transforms vocational school admissions by integrating technology and structured decision-making. It supports transparency, fairness, and scalable implementation for broader educational environments
Development of PVP40-Based Hemodialysis Membranes with prospects for mRNA Therapeutics Delivery
Full text linkIntroduction:Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in developing advanced hemodialysis membranes with improved hydrophilicity, porosity, and structural stability to enhance renal care. Given the hierarchical pore structure and biocompatible surface of PES/PVP40 membranes, we explored their potential as platforms for RNA-based therapies, offering new possibilities to integrate drug delivery into existing dialysis systems.Method:PES-based membranes were fabricated using NIPS with PVP40 to enhance hydrophilicity and hierarchical porosity. Key parameters—such as water contact angle (WCA), porosity, urea and creatinine clearance, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection—were analyzed to evaluate membrane performance.Results:The PVP40-modified membranes showed superior characteristics: WCA of 46.6°, porosity of 51.7%, high urea (69.7%) and creatinine (73.4%) clearance, and balanced BSA rejection (86.1%). Extended isopropanol soaking further improved hydrophilicity, porosity, and mechanical strength, emphasizing the value of post-treatment methods.Conclusion:This study shows that PVP40 significantly enhances membrane performance by improving hydrophilicity and porosity. The results highlight the importance of additive selection, fabrication techniques, and post-treatment strategies. Future research should explore the feasibility of using PES/PVP40 membranes as multifunctional platforms for simultaneous detoxification and targeted RNA delivery, potentially transforming hemodialysis into a personalized molecular therapy
Building the next generation of digital entrepreneurs: Lessons from indonesian vocational students
Full text linkIntroduction: Entrepreneurship education is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in shaping students’ intentions to pursue digital entrepreneurial careers. However, the mechanism through which this education influences students’ digital entrepreneurial intention, particularly through entrepreneurial attitude, remains underexplored in the context of vocational education in Indonesia.Methods: This study employed a quantitative approach using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the impact of entrepreneurship education on students\u27 digital entrepreneurial intention, mediated by entrepreneurial attitude. Data were collected through an online survey from 350 students at vocational schools in Indonesia. Measurement and structural models were evaluated to test reliability, validity, and hypothesized relationships.Results: The analysis confirmed that entrepreneurship education has a significant and positive effect on both entrepreneurial attitude and digital entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, entrepreneurial attitude was found to play a substantial mediating role in the relationship between entrepreneurship education and digital entrepreneurial intention. The model demonstrated strong predictive relevance, with R² values of 0.572 and 0.789 for entrepreneurial attitude and digital entrepreneurial intention, respectively.Conclusions: This study highlights the pivotal role of entrepreneurial attitude in enhancing the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education on students’ digital entrepreneurial aspirations. Strengthening entrepreneurship education programs and integrating attitude-shaping components can foster stronger digital entrepreneurial intentions among vocational students. Future efforts should focus on improving educator competencies and expanding research to broader educational contexts across Indonesia
Traditional and Complementary Medicine in the Management of Chronic Diseases in Older Adults: A Review of Scientific Literature and Bilbiometric Analysis
Full text linkIntroduction: This study systematically reviewed 21 scientific articles published between 2002 and 2024 to examine the role of traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) in promoting health, healthy aging, and overall well-being among older adults with chronic diseases.Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining bibliometric and qualitative analyses to identify patterns of use, regional approaches, cultural dimensions, and proposals for the institutional integration of TCM.Results: The findings revealed that the adoption of TCM was influenced not only by the perceived efficacy of interventions but also by sociocultural, spiritual, and structural factors. TCM emerged as a significant alternative in primary care, particularly in contexts with limited access to biomedical services, supporting autonomy, community resilience, and health equity. The review also identified potential benefits of integrating TCM into healthcare systems, alongside risks related to the lack of regulation, especially for older adults with polypharmacy. Additionally, regulatory gaps, institutional resistance, and insufficient cultural competency training among healthcare professionals were observed.Conclusions: The study proposed the development of intercultural care models to recognize the value of traditional knowledge and ensure its ethical and safe incorporation into healthcare systems. Future research should evaluate the clinical and sociocultural impacts of TCM, explore the role of healthcare personnel in its implementation, and promote participatory policy-making to strengthen inclusive and comprehensive care for older adults.or unstructured, no longer than 250 words; written in the past tense and in the third person singular
The role of Artificial Intelligence in modifying research practices in the social sciences of Ecuador
Full text linkIntroduction: the progressive incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education has transformed research practices at the global level. However, in Ecuador, specifically within the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Technical University of Manabí, its adoption remains incipient.
Objective: the objective of the study was to develop a theoretical framework that examines the impact of artificial intelligence on the research practices of UTM Social Sciences teachers, considering their discourses, experiences, and reinterpretations regarding the emerging or resisted use of these technologies.
Methods: the study followed a qualitative approach with phenomenological design and ethnomethodological elements. A purposive sample of 51 professors was selected from a population of 79. Analysis was based on predefined analytical categories, open/axial coding in Atlas.ti, and data–investigator–theory triangulation.
Results: results revealed three main categories: positive perceptions of AI, challenges in its implementation, and proposals for responsible integration. Professors valued AI for aiding text organization and access to up-to-date sources but expressed concerns about ethical ambiguity and lack of institutional guidance.
Conclusion: AI is perceived as a methodological support tool. However, its integration requires institutional policies, ethical accompaniment, and ongoing training to align with the epistemological values of social sciences