Repositorio Institucional Universidad de Cuenca
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Recent Submissions
Fog in the Andean Páramo: measurements, dynamics, and its influence on soil hydrology and evapotranspiration processes
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2022-09-15) Berrones Guapulema, Gina Marcela; Célleri Alvear, Rolando Enrique
The páramo ecosystem is characterized by a very moist climate and the continuous presence of fog and low-intensity rainfall. The most important páramo feature is the high water regulation capacity which in part might be related to the high frequency of fog and low-intensity rainfall (drizzle).
Therefore, it is essential to understand the hydrological processes that are linked to the ecology of the páramo. This study aimed the following three objectives: (1) to assess fog water estimates derived from three different types of fog gauges, and from them to understand its temporal dynamics and the importance of fog to annual rainfall; (2) to quantify the contribution of fog water deposition to soil moisture; and (3) to analyze the impact of fog on evapotranspiration rates, under different weather conditions (clear, foggy and rainy). Findings of this study show that fog occurs at very low intensities (0.2 mm h-1) reporting events of short term (<3 hours) at wind velocities below 4 m s-1. Most of the time fog appears combined with other type of precipitation (i.e. drizzle, light rain or rain) with fog tending to be more intense in the early morning, and at night. On average, daily fog amounts 1.37 mm. Overall, fog and drizzle are the major water sources to páramo vegetation, especially during late night-time and early mornings, when evaporation is low. The fog water deposition shows that only 4.5% of fog reaches the soil, contributing to soil moisture changes rather low (0.1-0.2 mm), whilst the combination of fog with low-intensity rainfall generate a higher contribution on soil moisture (as high as 4.3 mm). These events are potentially important for both soil moisture and stream flow, because of their long duration and high total amount per-event. Daily evapotranspiration rates are reduced by 43% due to the presence of mixed conditions (fog + lowintensity rainfall) compared with clear conditions (no fog and no rainfall). The net radiation is reduced by 9.2% during foggy conditions (only fog) mainly because its early morning hours occurrence is higher, and when solar radiation peaks fog occurrence is lower. While, during mixed conditions the net radiation is reduced by 33%. At the same time as less humid periods were reported, evapotranspiration was also low; suggesting that fog and drizzle presence can inhibit transpiration, limit water loss by evaporation and also could alleviate water stress.
Detección de tipo de consumo de alcohol en estudiantes de las facultades de Psicología y Arquitectura en la Universidad de Cuenca, periodo 2024 – 2025
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-02-20) Zaruma Pizarro, Christian Damian; Zúñiga Vega, Michelle Cristina; Reyes Trelles, Xavier Fabricio
Alcohol consumption is highly prevalent among Ecuadorian university students. Therefore, the research related the type of alcohol consumption with sociodemographic variables in 971 students of the University of Cuenca. The research had a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional and descriptive-correlational approach. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Questionnaire (AUDIT) and a sociodemographic card were applied. It was found that 61.7% presented occasional consumption, 19.57%, abstinence and 19.36% in problematic consumption. In addition, a statistically significant association was found between the type of alcohol consumption and sex, socioeconomic level, family relationships, age range and study cycle. In conclusion, occasional alcohol consumption predominates among students, with low dependence rates, related to sociodemographic variables such as sex, family relationships, semester and socioeconomic level.
Calidad de vida en adultos mayores institucionalizados en Centros Gerontológicos de la ciudad de Cuenca en el periodo 2025-2026
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Psicología, 2026-03-02) Coyago Torres, Linda Jamilex; Azanza Saraguro, Maria Antonella; Pacheco Salazar, Maria de Lourdes
The quality of life of institutionalized older adults encompasses several aspects of great interest worldwide, given the progressive aging of the population. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the living conditions, including physical, psychological, and social factors, of one of the most vulnerable and forgotten groups in our country. Therefore, our study aims to describe the quality of life of institutionalized older adults in Gerontological Centers in the city of Cuenca during the period 2025-2026. The approach was quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, and descriptive in scope. Thirty older adults institutionalized at the Santa Ana Foundation and the Miguel León Home participated in the study. Sociodemographic forms were used to collect information on family visits, use of technical aids, and length of stay at the institution, as well as the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire to assess quality of life in the domains of physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment. The results showed a perception of quality of life within the normal range, with higher performance in the domain of psychological health and lower scores in the domain of social relationships. The absence of family visits was associated with slightly higher scores in all domains, while the use of technical aids and prolonged institutionalization were associated with a gradual deterioration in social relationships. This raises the need to implement comprehensive programs that strengthen autonomy and promote social interaction, in order to improve quality of life and ensure dignified aging.
Exploración Autoetnográfica Vinculada a la Inhibición Emocional Mediante el Autorretrato y la Experimentación de Medios
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Artes, 2026-03-03) Vásquez Pugo, Carla Lisseth; Moreno Rios, Ximena Janneth
The project “Emotional Inhibition: Inevitable Break Self-Portrait” is the result of an artistic research-creation process based on the visualization of emotional inhibition and its effects on a person. Through self-portraiture, the work acknowledges the importance of mental health in today’s world and the fundamental role that interpersonal and family relationships play in individual development. The research artistically addresses how emotional inhibition, also known as emotional repression, can negatively affect individuals’ mental health and communicative and social capacities in contemporaneity. The project combines a theoretical foundation centered on psychology with an autoethnographic approach, allowing the creative process to become a tool for reflection. Through media experimentation, it seeks not only to express repressed emotions but also to provoke an emotional response in the viewer, inviting them to connect with their own emotional experience and question their relationship with unexpressed feelings. The project is documented through a narrative memoir that details the artistic and experimental process involved in the work.
Propuesta de diseño interior y cambio de uso de la Junta Parroquial de Urdaneta, para la creación de una cafetería y espacio cultural multifuncional. Saraguro – Loja
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Artes, 2026-03-04) González Ramón, Edith Paola; Lozano Guamán, Flor Margarita
Urdaneta Parish possesses significant tourism and economic potential; however, it currently faces social and cultural challenges that have limited its comprehensive development and the strengthening of its local identity.
This situation has affected both economic dynamization and the consolidation of community spaces that foster social interaction and cultural expression. The Parish Council building of Urdaneta, despite its institutional and symbolic importance, presents spatial, functional, and formal deficiencies that restrict its efficient use. The existing infrastructure does not adequately respond to the contemporary needs of the community and lacks a clear representation of the parish’s cultural identity, particularly in terms of materiality, finishes, and contextual design elements. In response to these issues, this project proposes the interior redesign and adaptive reuse of the Parish Council building, transforming it into a multifunctional cultural center and café. The intervention aims to revitalize the space, reinforce local identity, and create a dynamic community hub that promotes social, cultural, and economic development within the parish.
