Repositorio Institucional Universidad de Cuenca
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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.
Relación de la composición corporal con la calidad de la dieta, el perfil hepático y el perfil lipídico en pacientes con esteatosis hepática no alcohólica en el centro de especialidades Gastrocenter en la ciudad de Cuenca-Ecuador 2025
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-03-06) Pedro González, Natalia Teixeira; Siccha Tuba, Johanna Maricela; Zúñiga Carpio, Gabriela Alexandra
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and inadequate dietary habits, with a high prevalence in the adult population. Objective: To analyze the relationship between body composition, diet quality, hepatic profile, and lipid profile in patients with NAFLD treated at the GastroCenter Specialty Center in the city of Cuenca. A quantitative, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted during the period from August 2025 to January 2026. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance, diet quality was evaluated using the Global Diet Quality Index, and biochemical parameters were measured through hepatic and lipid profile tests. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and association tests such as chi-square, and Spearman correlation. The sample consisted of 94 patients, with a mean age of 47 ± 14 years and a predominance of females (59.6%). A high frequency of obesity was observed (61.7%), and a very high body fat percentage was identified in 64.9% of participants, while muscle mass was mainly within normal ranges. Diet quality was primarily classified as “needs improvement” in 63.8% of cases. Dyslipidemia was identified in 72.3% of patients, and hepatic alterations were found in 34.0%. No significant associations were observed between overall diet quality and body composition or the hepatic profile; however, triglycerides showed relevant associations with body composition indicators.
Motivación a la Maternidad en Estudiantes Universitarias de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad de Cuenca durante el periodo septiembre 2025 - febrero 2026
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Psicología, 2026-03-03) Pitisaca Gallegos, Dayanna Nicole; Sánchez Castro, Mirna Brigite; Cabrera Vélez, María Marcela
The study of motivation towards motherhood is key in psychology for understanding women's reproductive decision-making, especially in the university setting, where this phenomenon is influenced by a complex network of factors that lead to its postponement. The objective of the present research was to analyze the relationship of positive motivation for motherhood based on age and birth order in students of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of Cuenca during the period September 2025 - February 2026. The study adopted a quantitative approach with a non-experimental design and a cross-sectional correlational scope. The study included 196 female students, with a mean age of 21.2, who were administered the Positive Motivation for Having Children scale by Vásquez Varas and Callegaro Borsa, along with a sociodemographic data sheet designed for this study. The results revealed a generally high positive motivation, in which the Parenting Satisfaction dimension (M=3.09) was the most highly valued and Instrumental Values (M=2.56) the lowest scoring. No significant differences in motivation were found based on relationship status, age, or birth order. However, the type of degree program showed a significant difference, with higher motivation observed in students of Health Promotion, Prevention, and Human Development programs. It was concluded that a positive motivation towards motherhood exists, which remains independent of traditional sociodemographic variables but varies according to the field of professional training.
Percepciones sobre la eutanasia de cuidadores principales de pacientes oncológicos del Instituto del Cáncer SOLCA de la ciudad de Cuenca en el período 2025-2026
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Psicología, 2026-03-05) Arias Orellana, Erika Fernanda; Peralta García, Dayanna Nicole; López Alvarado, Silvia Lucía
Euthanasia is an intervention intended to end the life of patients experiencing severe pain resulting from a terminal illness that cannot be adequately managed through palliative care, a circumstance often encountered in cancer patients. This is a topic that generates a profound debate between ethics and society in contemporary discourse. Since euthanasia decriminalization in the country, researches made were focused on the specialists’ perspective, has been left out the cancer caregivers. The objective of the study was to explore the perceptions about euthanasia on main caregivers of patients treated at the Instituto del Cáncer SOLCA in Cuenca during the 2025-2026 period. The research was developed under a qualitative approach and involved eight caregivers of oncology patients in stages III or IV, ranging in age from 21 to 62 years, mainly spouses and children. Data collection was made through semi-structured interviews and the results showed that, while some people defended the right to choose a dignified death, others consider protecting life as a priority, a decision guided by religious and socio-cultural ideologies. Participants felt that it has been relevant that patients are the only ones who can decide about their lives, so euthanasia would be used as a last resort. In conclusion, the findings let us understand the experiences of caregivers about the disease and how these influence their perceptions of euthanasia.
