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.
Comparación del contenido nutricional de recetas de cocina obtenido mediante método directo e indirecto
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, 2026-02-19) Aguilar Robalino, Yadira Estefania; Carchipulla Lligüisupa, Evelyn Valeria; Ortiz Ulloa, Silvia Johana
This study addresses the need to contrast the nutritional values reported for the recipes in the Food Composition Table of Cuenca, Ecuador, obtained through direct analysis and the indirect calculation method, in order to demonstrate the degree of agreement between both methodologies and evaluate the reliability of the available nutritional information. The nutritional composition of the recipes is determined using the indirect method, applying yield and nutrient retention factors to each ingredient through the Template for Recipe Calculation tool (version 1.1/2021), obtaining estimated values under standardized parameters. Subsequently, these results are compared with those obtained by the direct method through a descriptive analysis based on the calculation of the mean absolute percentage error and scatter plots. The results show a high agreement between both methods for the estimation of energy, water, and total fat, demonstrating the applicability of the indirect method for these components. However, statistically significant discrepancies are detected in carbohydrates and in critical minerals such as sodium, calcium, and potassium, attributable to the difficulty of modeling salt addition, the variability of processed ingredients, and losses due to leaching. It is concluded that the recipe calculation method is a reliable tool for the general estimation of food energy, but its accuracy decreases in the analysis of minerals and complex dishes; therefore, the application of specific correction factors or the use of direct analysis is recommended when accuracy in the mineral profile is required.
Malestar Musculoesquelético En Trabajadores De Carga Y Descarga De La Ferretería “Ferricenter El Arenal Cia Ltda”. Cuenca - Ecuador
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-02-20) Fernández Morocho, Josseline Estefanía; Montaleza Villa, Laura Magdalena; Ayavaca Tapia, Luz María
Background: Several studies have shown a high prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort in loading and unloading workers due to the handling of heavy loads and improper postures. In Ecuador, previous research has demonstrated the relationship between working conditions and musculoskeletal injuries, especially in sectors such as the textile and hardware industries. These studies underscore the need to improve working conditions to reduce the risk of injuries and improve occupational health. Objective: To determine the body areas with the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort in workers in the loading and unloading area of the hardware store "Ferricenter El Arenal Cia Ltda," through the application of the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. Methodology: An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted. Data collection was carried out using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), which allowed for the identification of the anatomical areas with the highest prevalence of discomfort, its frequency, and its interference with work activities. Conclusions: The study population presented a moderate level of discomfort associated with their manual handling activities, with the lower back, neck, and right shoulder being the most affected areas. The lack of job rotation acted as an aggravating factor, and it was also a relevant finding that the age group with the highest prevalence of symptoms was 20 to 30 years old.
Análisis espacial de la cobertura de equipamientos de servicio social y transporte en la ciudad de Cuenca basado en indicadores de sostenibilidad urbana
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Arquitectura, 2026-02-20) Chacho Sanchez, Francisco Javier; Sinchi Parra, Roberto Carlos; Quesada Molina, Juan Felipe
The city of Cuenca exhibits urban growth characterized by peripheral expansion that deepens territorial equity gaps. This research aimed to develop a Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS) to evaluate urban sustainability, focusing on accessibility to public transport and social services (education, culture, and care). The methodology integrated the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) —based on the Urban Dashboard project model— and spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Multicriteria weighting results prioritize the Social Dimension (60%) over Mobility (40%), identifying transport access (74.5% local weight) as the individual indicator with the highest impact. Hot Spot analysis revealed a radial-centralized urban structure, where excellence is concentrated in the Historic Center, while peripheral areas such as Challuabamba, Rayoloma, and the San Sebastián-El Batán axis show critical deficiencies (Cold Spots). A key finding is the predominance of "functional neutrality" (Level 4) in nearly 70% of the urban fabric, reflecting a planning approach that guarantees basic minimums but lacks high efficiency. The study concludes that Cuenca's inclusive sustainability requires decentralizing nodes of excellence toward the peripheries to eliminate systemic dependence on the city's foundational core.
Tinnitus en pacientes con hipoacusia en el Centro Auditivo Integral Cuenca y Azogues 2025-2026
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-02-20) Pinos Sari, Sara Pamela; Humala Sarmiento, Ariel Sebastián; Rodas Molina, María Belén
Introduction: Tinnitus is a perception of sound without an audible external source and is often associated with hearing loss. Scientific evidence reports that more than 740 million people experience tinnitus. This raises the question: What is the prevalence of tinnitus in patients with hearing loss treated at the Comprehensive Hearing Center (CAI) in Cuenca and Azogues, 2025-2026? Objectives: To determine the prevalence of tinnitus in patients over 45 years of age attending the CAI. To characterize the population according to age and sex; to classify the audiometry results and establish their prevalence according to type, degree, and extent. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. Universe: Consisting of 300 patients aged 45 years and older diagnosed with hearing loss. A total of 169 patients aged 45 years and older with hearing loss were identified and analyzed in the CAI database. Results: The prevalence of tinnitus was reported at 62.1% of the total. Sensorineural hearing loss was the most frequent (46.7%), with a predominance of moderate degree in both ears (33.7%). Bilateral sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss occurred in 59.8% of cases. Thirty-two-point five percent of men reported tinnitus, with those aged 56-66 and 78-88 being the most affected. Conclusion: The study identified tinnitus in patients with hearing loss aged 45 or older treated at the CAI, with a prevalence of 62.1% during 2025-2026.
