Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología (Journal)
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IoT Agri-Care Advisor Mobile Application for Monitoring Paddy Plant Health and Delivering Smart Farmer Advisory Toward Sustainable Agriculture
Get PDFThe agriculture sector significantly supplies rice, which is a staple food in Malaysia. Thus, there is a considerable demand for an increase in paddy production. However, the quality of soil is crucial to the health of paddy. This is because poor soil quality leads to unhealthy paddy, which results in the degradation of crop yields. In addition, traditional methods and hardware-based monitoring systems are often inaccessible to farmers with limited technical knowledge. Thus, this research aims to develop and evaluate an innovative mobile application named IoT Agri-Care Advisor to assist farmers with real-time soil analysis and nutrient advisory on the paddy health. This is done by measuring and collecting levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, electrical conductivity, and potential Hydrogen of the soil nutrients through embedded sensors. Then, the collected data are transmitted to the cloud, which will be analyzed and used to generate advice for the farmers. Firebase is used to ensure secure data storage and real-time synchronization. In addition, this developed mobile application has several easy-to-use features such as interactive maps, historical data visualization, and customized advice to the farmers. The application was tested on two types of paddy fields—general and plowed—in Perlis, Malaysia. Results showed variations in soil nutrient levels in the general and plowed paddy fields, which guided specific fertilizer recommendations. Hence, this IoT Agri-Care Advisor mobile application offers a promising solution for enhancing agricultural practices, supporting food security, and sustainable farming in Malaysia
Navigating Controversy in the Science Classroom : Indonesian Biology Lecturers’ Approaches to Socio-Scientific Issue Discussions
Get PDFIntroduction: The incorporation of Socio-Scientific Issues (SSI) in science education has become an effective pedagogical strategy for enhancing students\u27 critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and scientific literacy. In Indonesia, characterized by cultural diversity and curricular limitations, there is a limited understanding of how biology lecturers address contentious scientific subjects in the classroom. Notwithstanding the increasing global focus on SSI-based pedagogy, its application in Indonesian higher education remains insufficiently examined. This study investigates the understanding, behaviors, and obstacles encountered by biology education lecturers in incorporating problematic socio-scientific issues into their teaching. Method: We conducted a quantitative descriptive survey with 42 lecturers from various universities to analyze their frequency of SSI utilization, the sorts of concerns addressed, the instructional tactics implemented, and the perceived obstacles.Results: Research indicates that while educators acknowledge the pedagogical significance of SSI, only a small fraction consistently incorporates it into their teaching. Environmental themes prevail in classroom discussions, whereas more intricate and ethically problematic subjects, such as genetic engineering and bioethics, are infrequently explored. Principal problems encompass student preparedness, resource constraints, and cultural sensitivities. Notwithstanding these obstacles, educators emphasize the importance of SSI in developing essential 21st- century competencies.Conclusions: This study concludes that effective integration of Socio-Scientific Issues (SSI) in biology education in Indonesia requires structured training programs, collaborative support, and alignment of policies across educational institutions. These findings suggest that addressing the challenges identified in the study can significantly enhance the understanding and teaching practices of biology lecturers, fostering a more SSI-inclusive approach in higher education
The Information and Communication Technology Effectiveness for Enhancing Statistical Reasoning and Critical Thinking in the Statistical Instructional: A Meta-Analysis
Get PDFIntroduction: There is a substantial body of literature examining the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and its relation to statistical reasoning and critical thinking. However, previous findings have been inconsistent, creating the need for a comprehensive synthesis. Objective: The main purpose of this meta-analysis is to systematically investigate the overall impact of ICT on statistical reasoning and critical thinking skills in statistics education. Method: The dataset comprises 25 publications released between 2016 and 2025. A random-effects model was employed for effect size estimation, with statistical calculations conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. The effect size was quantified using Hedges’ formula. Results: The findings indicate that ICT-based learning has a significant and positive impact (effect size = 1.043; p < 0.05) on students’ statistical reasoning and critical thinking. Several moderating factors, including education level and class size, were found to play an important role in influencing the outcomes. However, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that geographical location significantly differentiates students’ performance in ICT-based learning contexts. Conclusion: This study highlights the effectiveness of ICT in enhancing statistical reasoning and critical thinking in statistics education. Mathematics educators are encouraged to integrate ICT strategically to support students’ higher-order thinking skills
A Qualitative Needs Analysis for Developing a Design Thinking Pedagogical Framework for Secondary Science Teachers in Malaysia
Get PDFIntroduction: In response to the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013–2025 and the pedagogical demands of Industrial Revolution 4.0, this study investigates the need for a contextualized Design Thinking (DT) pedagogical model for secondary school science teachers in Malaysia. Methods: Guided by Phase I of the Design and Development Research (DDR) methodology, this qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with three experienced science educators to explore their perceptions, challenges, and expectations related to DT integration in classroom instruction. Thematic analysis revealed three dominant themes: (1) the absence of a structured implementation framework, (2) challenges in aligning DT with national assessment practices, and (3) systemic barriers such as limited resources and time constraints. Informants emphasized the need for localized, practical guidelines, adaptable assessment tools, and sustainable training mechanisms.Results: These findings highlight a critical gap in current pedagogical practice and serve as empirical grounding for the development of a DT pedagogical model in Phase II. Conclusions: The study contributes to STEM education by advocating for a model that is both theoretically robust and operationally feasible within the Malaysian educational landscape
Risk Behaviors and Quality of Life in Women During Climacteric in Northwestern Mexico: A Humanistic Science Perspective
Get PDFIntroduction: climacteric is a transitional stage in women’s lives, characterized by biological, psychological, and social changes that directly impact quality of life. In Mexico, this process is particularly relevant given the increasing number of women experiencing it and the need to understand its determinants from a holistic perspective.
Objective: to determine the factors and interrelationships that explain quality of life in women during climacteric in northwestern Mexico, adopting a humanistic science approach.
Methodology: an observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study with correlational analysis and logistic regression was conducted. A sample of 380 women aged 45–60 years was selected through probabilistic stratified sampling at a Family Medicine Unit of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) in Culiacán, Sinaloa. Data were collected using the CDP-9 form and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS).
Results: unemployment and comorbidities significantly increased the likelihood of severe symptoms across somatic, psychological, and urogenital domains. Conversely, menstruation within the last 12 months acted as a protective factor in the psychological and urogenital dimensions. Multivariate models yielded AUC values ranging from 0,759 to 0,801, supporting their discriminative accuracy.
Conclusions: quality of life during climacteric emerges as a multidimensional phenomenon shaped by clinical and social determinants beyond hormonal decline. These findings highlight the need for integral and culturally sensitive interventions that address women’s physical, psychological, and social health simultaneously
Sustainable Application of Bioles to Improve Agronomic Performance, Productivity, and Soil Health in Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) Propagated Sexually and Asexually
Get PDFIntroduction: The research was conducted at the experimental farm “La Represa” of the Technical State University of Quevedo with the aim of evaluating the sustainable application of bioles as a strategy to improve agronomic performance, productivity, and soil health in cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) propagated sexually and asexually. The study addressed the need for sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers and for reducing the accumulation of heavy metals in agricultural systems.
Methods: A randomized complete block design with split plots was implemented, comprising 21 treatments (seven bioles and one control) with three replications. Physiological, phenological, sanitary, productive, and soil variables were evaluated. Data were analyzed using Tukey’s test (p ≤ 0.05).
Results: Bioles produced significant differences in most variables. Treatment T14 (potassium-based biol in grafted cacao) achieved the highest yield with 2790.67 kg/ha/year and 30.17 healthy pods per plant. For vegetative traits, T15 recorded the largest stem diameter (12.05 cm) and vigor, while T12 notably reduced the incidence of witch’s broom (Moniliophthora perniciosa). Soil analyses confirmed increases in macro- and micronutrients, as well as marked reductions in cadmium and lead concentrations.
Conclusions: The sustainable application of bioles improved agronomic performance, enhanced productivity, and strengthened soil health in cacao propagated both sexually and asexually. Among the treatments, potassium-based biol proved to be the most effective, establishing itself as a viable agroecological alternative for sustainable cacao production systems in Ecuador
The Impact of Extracurricular Educational Activities on the Development of Leadership Skills, the Enhancement of Self-Confidence, and the Promotion of Social Values among Arab High School Students in the Negev Region
Get PDFThis study aims to examine the impact of extracurricular educational activities on the development of leadership skills, the enhancement of self-confidence, and the promotion of social values among Arab high school students in the Negev region. The study employed the descriptive survey method, and a questionnaire was developed and validated in terms of reliability and validity. The instrument consisted of 43 items distributed across three main dimensions: leadership skills, self-confidence, and social values. The questionnaire was administered in electronic form. The study sample comprised 110 participants. The findings indicated that the impact of extracurricular educational activities on the development of leadership skills, the enhancement of self-confidence, and the promotion of social values among Arab high school students in the Negev was high overall. Furthermore, the results revealed no statistically significant differences in participants’ responses regarding the impact of extracurricular activities across the study variables (job title, gender, academic qualification, and years of experience). The study recommended strengthening support for extracurricular activities, given their importance as an effective tool for fostering leadership skills, self-confidence, and social values. It further emphasized the allocation of both material and human resources, as well as dedicating appropriate time within the school schedule
From Local Wisdom to Digital Learning: Ethnographic Exploration of Bugis Mappacci and Its Potential in Augmented Reality Biology Education
Get PDFIntroduction: Augmented Reality (AR) has been widely applied in science learning, its potential to integrate local wisdom into biology education remains underexplored. In the Bugis culture of South Sulawesi, the Mappacci ritual embodies values of purity, togetherness, parental respect, and readiness for a new life.
Methods: this study employed a qualitative descriptive design with an ethnographic approach. Fieldwork was conducted in Bone Regency, South Sulawesi, involving traditional leaders, community figures, and biology education students as preservice teachers. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, documentation, and open-ended questionnaires. Data analysis followed the Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña model, with triangulation of sources and techniques to ensure validity
Results: findings revealed that the Mappacci ritual is not merely a pre-wedding tradition but a medium of internalizing moral and social values. Symbols such as henna leaves, rice, jackfruit leaves, and candles were interpreted as cultural representations with educational relevance, particularly in plant ecology and life cycle topics. Preservice biology teachers expressed positive perceptions of integrating these values into AR-based learning, emphasizing its potential to create interactive, contextual, and culturally grounded experiences that strengthen scientific literacy and cultural identity
Conclusions: this research highlights the potential of combining ethnographic exploration and digital technology to enrich biology education. Embedding Bugis local wisdom into AR-based media provides a holistic learning model that enhances cognitive understanding while fostering cultural awareness and character developmen
Leveraging Digital Tools for Enhancing Sustainable Healthcare Service Quality
Get PDFIntroduction: this study aims to evaluate sustainable service quality in BPJS Ketenagakerjaan branch offices using a technologically-driven and multidisciplinary approach. The evaluation integrates qualitative and quantitative methods, including internal and external surveys, focus group discussions (FGDs), field observations, and expectation-performance matrices. The TERRA model (Tangibles, Reliability, Responsiveness, Assurance, and Empathy) is applied and complemented with additional dimensions such as Good Governance, Risk Management, and Control. This approach combines health management principles, public service theory, and technological innovation in assessing service quality.Method: a mixed-methods design was employed, combining qualitative techniques (interviews, FGDs, document analysis) and quantitative surveys, with data collected from both staff and participant perspectives. The ServQual framework and computational analysis tools were used to identify service quality gaps across all dimensions. Results: the analysis revealed notable gaps in service quality, particularly in the Tangibles, Reliability, and Responsiveness dimensions, where high participant expectations were not fully met. FGD findings highlighted physical discomfort, inefficient queue management, and inconsistent digital services as key issues. Assurance and Empathy dimensions were rated higher, reflecting staff professionalism and interpersonal skills, although personalized service and emotional responsiveness still require improvement. Conclusion: while staff professionalism is generally positive, overall service delivery does not fully satisfy participant expectations. Recommendations include strengthening technological infrastructure, enhancing staff competencies in both technical and soft skills, improving governance and control mechanisms, and integrating innovative digital tools into service processes
Fecal microbiota transplant as a new therapeutic in the management of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Get PDFIntroduction Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is a global public health problem, and is one of the main causes of disability, premature death and complications, resulting from poor glycemic control, poor monitoring and underlying chronic pathologies. The budget for care is increasingly scarce, which is why there is a need to find new cost-effective therapeutic options that offer multiple benefits and contribute to achieving therapeutic objectives.Objective: to determine the efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation as a new therapy in the management of type 2 diabetes.Results: In the literature review of both human and animal models using FMT, a reduction in blood glucose values, body mass index (BMI), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure, triglycerides and total cholesterol is reported, improving cost-effectiveness in treatment.Conclusion: FTM is an excellent cost-effective alternative or complementary to conventional treatment of type 2 DM; the benefits are significant in terms of therapy and budget reduction in health systems, however, in developing countries its implementation is not feasible.