Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología (Journal)
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Anthropomorphism and Allegorical Illustration: A Reading of Perumal Murugan’s Novel Poonachi or The Story of a Black Goat
Get PDFIntroduction: Anthropomorphic representations generally suggests that certain human characteristics are universal and can be shared by all creatures. This paper attempts to study the anthropomorphic effect on human’s prosocial behaviour through a metaphorical representation of a black goat named Poonachi in Poonachi or the Story of a Black Goat (2017) by Perumal Murugan. Method: The paper employs qualitative literary analysis and references theories of anthropomorphism, including the frameworks of Theory of mind and Guthrie’s Cognitive evolution to examine how Poonachi represents marginalized groups, especially women subjected to discrimination based on gender, caste, and colour. The analysis demonstrates that Murugan’s anthropomorphic approach humanises the goat Poonachi, eliciting empathy for marginalized individuals. Discussion: This study examines the anthropomorphic influence on human prosocial behaviour, concentrating on the metaphorical depiction of Poonachi. It investigates how the ascription of human characteristics to animals cultivates empathy in readers and prompts contemplation about marginalized situations. Poonachi is examined as a symbol of a woman confronting the obstacles of a patriarchal and caste-restricted society. The narrative functions as a metaphor for the challenges faced by Dalit women, immersing readers in the socio-political dynamics of power and discrimination in rural India. Eventually, this story falls into the category of anthropomorphism where the goat reflects the existential reflection of a woman’s rural life and it exposes a lot about discrimination and troubled lives.Results: The outcome indicate that anthropomorphism in Poonachi serves as a potent instrument for social commentary, promoting prosocial behaviour and stimulating critical thought on societal inequities, especially concerning caste and gender
Eosinophilic Esophagitis: immunological perspectives and therapeutic strategies
Get PDFIntroduction: Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic disease characterized by the accumulation of eosinophils in the esophageal wall, causing inflammation and damage to the esophageal mucosa, which can affect swallowing ability. Despite being an idiopathic disease, it is believed that several factors may trigger the overproduction of eosinophils. Diagnosis is made through endoscopy, where the esophageal mucosa is examined, and a biopsy is taken to detect the presence of eosinophils in the esophageal tissue. Treatment is multidisciplinary, including dietary modifications (such as restricting foods that trigger the inflammatory response) and pharmacological therapy. In severe cases, esophageal dilations may also be considered to relieve esophageal narrowing.Methods: Data were collected from articles indexed in Scopus, PubMed, Scielo, and Elsevier, considering bibliographies in English and Spanish from 2017 to 2024. For this investigation, 72 articles were used as references.Results: After analyzing the selected articles, important aspects of eosinophilic esophagitis were identified. Various studies concluded that the prevalence of this pathology has increased in recent years, with a higher incidence of cases in Western countries, suggesting a possible link to environmental and dietary factors. This disease affects both children and adults, with a higher frequency in men.Conclusions: The analysis of the bibliographic sources used in the research reveals that, despite being discovered just over 30 years ago, eosinophilic esophagitis remains an idiopathic disease, affecting a diverse population regardless of age. Studies show that the exact reasons why certain individuals are more susceptible than others have not been determined, suggesting a complex interaction between genetic, immunological, and environmental factors
Relationship between Cardio-respiratory Capacity and Academic Performance among Medical Female Ex-Students: Body Mass Index Effect
Get PDFIntroduction: This study examined the effects of Body Mass Index (BMI) on Cardiorespiratory Capacity (CRC) and explored the relationship between CRC and Academic Performance (AP) among female medical ex-students at Prince Sattam bin Abdul Aziz University (PSAU). Understanding these associations could highlight the role of physical fitness in academic success.Methods: A sample of 150 female ex-students, aged 23.3±0.6 years, was categorized into normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m²) and overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m²) groups. BMI was calculated to determine weight status, CRC was assessed using the 20-m shuttle run test (VO2max), and AP was evaluated through academic grades (AG) and academic abilities (AA) using the Spanish Test of Educational Abilities. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests and Pearson’s correlation.Results: Normal-weight participants demonstrated significantly higher CRC (VO2max = 55.3 ±4.9 mL.kg⁻¹.min⁻¹) than overweight participants (50.8 ±4.2 mL.kg⁻¹.min⁻¹, p=0.03). Additionally, normal-weight participants scored higher in both AA (58.82 ±9.7 vs. 59.64 ±10.04, p=0.04) and AG (3.4 ±0.6 vs. 3.7 ±0.5, p=0.032). BMI negatively correlated with CRC (r = -0.20, p=0.024), while CRC positively correlated with AA (r = 0.18, p=0.015) and AG (r = 0.24, p=0.043).Conclusions: Higher CRC was associated with better academic performance, while increased BMI correlated with lower CRC. The findings suggest that promoting physical fitness may be beneficial for academic success among female medical students at PSAU
Potential microbial hazards of the external auditory canal in users of over-ear, in-ear, and on-ear earsets
Get PDFIntroduction: In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of earsets among people, especially the young. Objective: This study evaluates the relationship between bacterial and fungal ear growth among different earsets (over, in, and on-ear) users and the possibility for earsets to act as a vector for prevalent diseases. Methods: Ear samples (168) were collected from 84 male healthy students and subjected to isolation of bacteria and fungi. Also, evaluation of the participants\u27 awareness, practices, habits, and symptoms were evaluated. Results: Bacterial isolates from 54 (64.3%) participants were identified as 11(13.1%) isolates of Staph. epidermidis, 10(11.9 %) P. aeruginosa, 25 (29.8 %) Staph. aureus, and 8(9.5 %) Strep. pneumoniae. The participants 35(41.7 %) use wireless earsets, 17(20.2 %) use wired earsets, 24(28.6%) use both wired and wireless earsets while only 8(9.5%) non-used. according to earset shapes and types, 33(39.3%) use more than one type, 25(29.8%) use over-ear, and 14(16.7%) use on-ear. Participants share earsets with other persons, 34(40.5%) participants do not share earsets, 26(31.0%) share sometimes, and 24(28.6%) frequently share earsets. Conclusions: The presence of bacteria isolated from the external ear auditory canal correlated positively with using cotton buds, using sharp tools to clean the earwax, sharing earsets with other persons, type (wired or wireless), and shape (over-ear, in-ear, on-ear) of earsets significantly. Using cotton buds and sharp tools to clean the earwax significantly correlated positively with ear symptoms that are usually felt or suffere
AI Literacy and Digital Competencies Among Higher Education Faculty: Examining the Relationship with Teaching Effectiveness and Professional Development Readiness
Get PDFIntroduction: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and digital technologies has created new requirements for faculty professional development in higher education. This study examines connections between AI literacy, digital competencies, institutional support, technological self-efficacy, teaching effectiveness, and professional development readiness.
Objective: To investigate how AI literacy, digital competencies, institutional support, and technological self-efficacy affect professional development readiness among higher education faculty, with teaching effectiveness as a mediating factor.
Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 412 faculty members from various higher education institutions between September 2024 and January 2025. Data were analyzed using PLS-SEM to examine direct effects and mediation relationships.
Results: All four independent variables significantly influenced teaching effectiveness (digital competencies β=0.324, AI literacy β=0.298, technological self-efficacy β=0.203, institutional support β=0.185) and professional development readiness. Teaching effectiveness strongly predicted professional development readiness (β=0.487) and partially mediated all relationships (VAF: 41.7%-50.5%).
Conclusions: Teaching effectiveness serves as a crucial mediating mechanism through which AI literacy, digital competencies, institutional support, and technological self-efficacy enhance faculty professional development readiness. These findings suggest that comprehensive faculty development programs should simultaneously address multiple technological competencies while emphasizing practical teaching applications
A Support System-Based Approach to Career Guidance: Evidence of Effectiveness in Vocational Higher Education
Get PDFCareer guidance is essential in vocational higher education, yet conventional approaches often remain limited to information dissemination and fail to meet students’ diverse needs in the context of Industry 4.0 and Society 5.0. These limitations lead to skill mismatches and low confidence among graduates entering the workforce. This study, titled “A Support System-Based Approach to Career Guidance: Evidence of Effectiveness in Vocational Higher Education,” aimed to examine the effectiveness of a support system-based career guidance model in enhancing students’ career knowledge, decision-making abilities, and job readiness. Using a quasi-experimental design with a nonequivalent control group, 61 students from Universitas Ekasakti, Indonesia, were divided into an experimental group (n = 30) that received structured support system guidance and a control group (n = 31) that followed traditional methods. Data were collected through pre- and post-tests on career knowledge and decision-making, complemented by a 15-item survey measuring engagement and self-awareness. The experimental group achieved significantly higher post-test scores (M = 90,83) than the control group (M = 81,94), with p < 0,001. The gain score of the experimental group (23,10) also exceeded that of the control group (13,88), and ANCOVA indicated that the intervention explained 32,7 % of the variance in post-test results. The findings confirm that integrating mentoring, peer collaboration, and digital platforms within a structured support system effectively improves students’ career readiness and provides a replicable model for strengthening employability outcomes in vocational higher education
Educational Media for Promoting Disability Sensitivity in Inclusive Education: A Systematic Literature Review
Get PDFIntroduction: Disability sensitivity plays a vital role in enabling students with disabilities to actively participate in the learning process.
Objective: This systematic literature review aimed to explore the implementation of educational media in promoting disability sensitivity and fostering inclusive education. We synthesized evidence on which educational media are used to promote disability sensitivity, how these media are implemented in practice, and their measured impact on disability sensitivity.
Method: A total of twenty-two studies published between 2015 and 2025, indexed in the Scopus and ScienceDirect databases, were selected using a PRISMA flow diagram. These studies were analyzed through thematic analysis and utilized VOSviewer application to analyze keyword co-occurrence.
Results: The findings revealed a consistent pathway linking media, attitudes, and inclusion. Frequently used educational media, both digital and non-digital included picture/storybooks, comics, animated videos/TV shows, interactive mobile applications, social media initiatives, and educator-focused LMS modules. Media for educators and staff were embedded in professional development programs with pre/post assessments, while media for students were integrated into classroom lessons and paired with teacher-led reflections. Social media platforms extended communication with families and communities. Most studies reported improvements in knowledge, positive attitudes (e.g., empathy, reduced stereotyping), and behavioral changes (e.g., peer acceptance, inclusive routines) occurred when media were combined with guided discussion with instructors and ongoing coaching.
Conclusions: The implementation of educational media should be accompanied by structured facilitation, continuous professional development, and school–home communication to translate sensitivity into everyday inclusion
Optimization of the Design of a Centrifugal Pump of the Automotive Engine Cooling System
Get PDFIntroduction: The study focused on analyzing the design of a centrifugal pump in vehicle engine cooling systems. Cavitation, a phenomenon that impacts the efficiency and durability of hydraulic components, was examined as a key variable. Based on the geometry of the centrifugal pump impeller, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and experimental validation were employed.Methods: Three combined strategies were implemented: analysis of hydraulic parameters using equations; precise modeling of flow behavior to evaluate geometric configurations; and comparison of numerical data with actual pressure and flow measurements. Fluctuations in the motor diameter (61 mm, 62 mm, and 63 mm) were analyzed under normal operating conditions and acceleration.Results: Increasing the inlet diameter to 61 mm proved to be the ideal solution, achieving a 5% increase in pump inlet pressure and significantly reducing the risk of cavitation. CFD methods were confirmed as valuable tools for refining designs, demonstrating a high correlation with experimental data.Conclusions: The effective use of tools such as CFD to address critical challenges in automotive engineering is emphasized, optimizing both technical performance and environmental impact. Furthermore, it increases hydraulic efficiency and reduces cavitation in centrifugal pump in vehicle engine cooling systems
Antidiabetic Effect of Raru (Vatica perakensis) Bark Extract and Mocaf Activated Carbon in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Ratsntidiabetic Effect of Raru (Vatica perakensis) Bark Extract and Mocaf Activated Carbon in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats
No full textIntroduction: the natural benefits of raru as a natural sweetness reducer. Batak people have practiced for generations, form the basis for exploring raru as a biomedicine ingredient for anti-diabetes. Objective: this study aims to combine the raru\u27s bark extract with tapioca-derived MAC (mocaf activated carbon) to assess its effectiveness and bioactivity as an anti-diabetic agent in male Sprague Dawley rats. Methods: The carbonization technique used was inherently hydrothermal carbonization. For such, the modified tapioca flour was carbonized at a temperature of 250°C for 6 hours. Raru bark powder was extracted using ethanol 70 % by maceration for 72 hours. In vivo antidiabetic activity was used on Sprague Dawley rats, male, aged ± 12 weeks, with a weight of ± 250-350 grams. Results: the result showed that the anti-diabetic activity of the combined raru\u27s extract and MAC exposed to the rats brought about the declines in glucose levels in the rat\u27s blood. The various treatments at different concentration ratios of raru\u27s extract and MAC supposedly efficacious in the experiments showed that the levels of blood level reduction were slightly varied (14-21%). The mixture of raru\u27s extract and MAC with a 75:25 ratio was better than a 50:50 ratio in lowering the blood glucose level. Conclusion: In vivo experiments can reduce blood sugar levels diabetic rats. The involvement of MAC in the alleged anti-diabetic agent did little to induce the glucose level decrease in the rat\u27s blood. However, raru\u27s extract and MAC indicate its potential utilization as an anti-diabetic agent
Seasonal allergies in Morocco: “A cross-sectional study of prevalence, clinical manifestations and impact on quality of life”.
Get PDFIntroduction: Seasonal allergies are a public health problem because of their prevalence (with a clear upward trend), their morbidity, their impact on quality of life, and the costs they generate. This immune system reaction is manifested by several symptoms, generally respiratory and cutaneous. Objectives: The study aims to identify the prevalence and impact of seasonal allergies in rural and urban settings, and to find out key factors influencing allergy symptoms and quality of life.Methods: In this context, a questionnaire was carried out among 100 people suffering from seasonal allergies in order to determine its prevalence, causes, symptoms, aggravating factors, and impact on daily life. Results: The results showed that seasonal allergy is frequent during the spring season, associated with symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis. Among the causes of allergy, pollen was found to be the main one, influenced by genetic and environmental factors, and climate change, which could aggravate the situation by increasing the quantity of pollen and prolonging the pollen season. Conclusion: This condition requires regular monitoring and treatment, and the results could help the medical profession diagnose and improve allergy sufferers\u27 daily lives.