Facultad de Ciencias Químicas-Tesis Maestrías

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://dspace-test.ucuenca.edu.ec/handle/123456789/296

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Efecto de un extracto acuoso de alga Ulva sp. sobre el desarrollo in vitro de plántulas de Laeliocattleya Daya L. Portilla (Orchidaceae)
(Universidad de Cuenca, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, 2026-07-22) Orellana Vega, Germania Yadira; Cazar Ramírez, María Elena
Orchidaceae is one of the most diverse plant families worldwide. However, its natural propagation is limited. Therefore, efficient in vitro culture techniques are essential for orchid conservation and commercial production. This study evaluated the effect of an aqueous extract of Ulva sp. on the growth of the hybrid orchid Laeliocattleya Daya L. Portilla plantlets cultured in vitro. Plantlets were grown on half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS/2) medium supplemented with 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA; 0.0005 g L⁻¹), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP; 0.002 g L⁻¹), and Ulva extract (0.05 g L⁻¹), applied individually and in combination. After 60 days, root length, shoot length, and leaf length were measured. No statistically significant differences were detected among treatments for most variables (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, plantlets cultured in MS/2 supplemented with Ulva extract and NAA showed the highest mean shoot length (6.16 mm) and leaf length (5.10 mm), and a higher median root length compared to other treatments. The addition of Ulva extract consistently promoted plantlet growth across all evaluated parameters. These results indicate that Ulva sp. extract may act as a biostimulant in orchid tissue culture, although responses were dependent on treatment combinations and were of moderate magnitude. These findings support the potential use of Ulva sp. extract as a supplementary component in orchid tissue culture media to reduce reliance on synthetic growth regulators. Further studies are required to optimize extract concentrations and to elucidate the physiological mechanisms underlying the observed responses.
Socioecological Assessment of Freshwater Degradation in Amazonian Headwater Streams: Integrating Water Quality, Macroinvertebrates, and Community-Reported Threats in the Ecuadorian Amazon
(Universidad de Cuenca, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, 2026-06-29) Quizhpi Zhindon, Karina Belén; Celi Sangurima, Jorge Emilio
Freshwater ecosystems in the Ecuadorian Amazon are increasingly affected by multiple environmental pressures, yet integrated socioecological assessments remain limited at the local scale. This study evaluated stream conditions in two neighboring parishes with contrasting environmental pressure profiles, Pano and Tálag, in the canton of Tena, Napo Province, Ecuador, by combining physicochemical characterization, macroinvertebrate-based assessment, community-reported threats, and spatial validation through land-use change detection. Physicochemical variables were measured at 10 sampling sites, and aquatic macroinvertebrates were analyzed using the Andean–Amazon Biotic Index (AAMBI), Shannon diversity, and Simpson dominance metrics. Participatory surveys were conducted in eight communities (four in each parish) to identify perceived threats, their progression, and duration. Results revealed a clear contrast between parishes. Compared with Pano, Tálag showed higher conductivity and total dissolved solids, lower ecological integrity, and a stronger perception of rapidly intensifying threats. Community reports also showed differentiated threat profiles, with mining more prominent in Tálag and tilapia ponds, wastewater, and overfishing more frequent in Pano. Spatial validation showed agreement between participatory information and land-use change detection, while also identifying pressures not easily captured through remote sensing alone. These findings highlight the value of integrating ecological indicators, local knowledge, and geospatial tools to support freshwater monitoring and territorially grounded management in Amazonian headwater systems.
Spatiotemporal Patterns of Extreme Rainfall Events Across Ecuador: An Assessment Using a Multi-Satellite Database
(Universidad de Cuenca, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, 2026-06-23) González Salto, María Daniela; Vázquez Patiño, Angel Oswaldo
Continental Ecuador, located in northwestern South America, is characterized by complex climate dynamics shaped by global, regional, and local interactions, including the Intertropical Convergence Zone, El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), moisture transport from the Amazon, and the orographic influence of the Andes. This study employs a multivariate approach to select, from nine gridded rainfall datasets, the one that best reproduces 12 Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI) extreme rainfall indices based on in situ observations from 135 meteorological stations. The best-performing dataset is then used to identify and characterize spatially homogeneous regions with similar extreme rainfall patterns across continental Ecuador. Ward's hierarchical clustering with multivariate Euclidean distance was applied to define these regions, and an observational and quantitative approach was used to describe them. RAIN4PE is the top-performing product in reproducing extreme rainfall indices. Regionalization identifies seven subregions: coastal zones are most sensitive to ENSO, inter-Andean transition zones host the most intense extreme rainfall activity, Andean subregions show high spatial heterogeneity driven by orography, and the Amazon displays the most uniform and predictable rainfall distribution with the greatest interannual stability.
Efectividad de las vacunas en mujeres diagnosticadas con el virus del papiloma humano en la regresión de lesiones de bajo y alto grado: revisión de la literatura
(Universidad de Cuenca, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, 2026-05-09) Calderón Sacoto, Ignacia Estela; Vega Crespo, Bernardo José
This study aims to analyze the available scientific evidence on the effectiveness of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in the recurrence and regression of low- and high-grade cervical lesions in women diagnosed with HPV. Methodology: A narrative review of the scientific literature on the effectiveness of HPV vaccination in women previously treated for cervical intraepithelial lesions was conducted. The search was carried out in the Scopus and PubMed digital databases using search equations with keywords and Boolean operators. The retrieved information was organized using the Zotero bibliographic manager, which allowed for comparative analysis of the selected studies. Sixty articles published between 2018 and 2024 were identified, of which eight met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in depth. Results: The analyzed studies show a trend toward a reduction in the recurrence of cervical intraepithelial lesions in vaccinated women after treatment. Some studies reported statistically significant reductions in the recurrence of high-grade lesions, while others showed a protective trend or a decrease in the occurrence of new high-risk HPV infections. Conclusions: The evidence analyzed suggests that human papillomavirus vaccination administered after treatment of cervical intraepithelial lesions may contribute to reducing the recurrence of high-grade lesions in some studied populations. However, the results across studies are heterogeneous, and further research is needed to confirm its effect as an adjuvant strategy.
An integrated indicator-based approach for constructing a territorial climate risk index as a decision-making tool using Fuzzy Logic and Sobol sensitivity analysis: A case study of the Ecuadorian Amazon Trabajo de titulación
(Universidad de Cuenca, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, 2026-04-16) Rosero Ortiz, Bryan Rafael; Avilés Añazco, Alex Manuel
Transitioning socio-ecological systems, such as the Amazonian foothill, face unprecedented exposure to climate extremes; however, traditional risk assessments often fail by assuming linear and additive vulnerability gradients. To overcome this critical limitation, this study evaluates climate risk in the Ecuadorian Amazon by integrating the MOVE conceptual framework with a fuzzy logic spatial multi-criteria approach and Sobol global sensitivity analysis. Climate scenarios (historical, SSP 4.5, SSP 8.5) reveal that while temperature operates as a persistent structural pressure, precipitation extremes exhibit high heterogeneity dependent on local thresholds. By operationalizing susceptibility and lack of resilience as independent dimensions, the model—calibrated via a Fuzzy Gamma operator—identified three empirical profiles that challenge classical rural-urban gradients: convergence hotspots, asymmetrical vulnerability driven by resilience deficits, and minor relative vulnerability. Crucially, the mathematical variance decomposition (Sobol) quantitatively attributed the model’s spatial variability, demonstrating that main effects dominate the output variance (ST ≈ S1) under the adopted uncertainty assumptions. The analysis demonstrated that lack of resilience (0.82) explains the integrated vulnerability variance to a much greater extent than initial physicalsusceptibility (0.17), identifying socioeconomic recovery capacity as the primary driver of the territorial risk profile. These findings suggest that risk is strongly conditioned by structural constraints on employment and poverty. Consequently, prioritizing resilience through livelihood stabilization constitutes the most efficient and urgent pathway to mitigate integrated climate risk.
Developing an integrated index analyzing the water-energy-food-ecosystem services nexus in an Equatorial Andean basin
(Universidad de Cuenca, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, 2026-01-28) Guzmán Ordóñez, Paula Camila; Avilés Añazco, Alex Manuel; Zhiña Villa, Dario Xavier
The sustainable management of water, energy, food, and ecosystem services is essential to ensuring resource security in the context of climate change and population growth. This study analyzes the interrelationship of the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Services (WEF-ES) Nexus in the Machángara River sub-basin in Ecuador by developing an integrated index based on structural equation modeling. Data from 2015 to 2018 were collected, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to reduce the dimensionality of the indicators. Subsequently, a Structural Equation Model (SEM) was used to validate the relationship between the Nexus factors. The results reveal that water is the central element in system stability, influencing agricultural production, hydropower generation, and ecosystem regulation. Based on a categorization using percentiles, the integrated index assesses the stability of the WEF-ES Nexus across five levels: Critical (≤10), Low (≤20), Medium (30–70), High (≥80), and Optimal (≥90). The developed methodology is valuable for integrated resource management and sustainable policy development in the Equatorial Andean River basins. These findings provide critical insights for guiding evidence-based public policies aimed at enhancing resilience and resource governance in Andean territories.
Efectividad terapéutica de los tratamientos contra Helicobacter pylori con relación a las cepas productoras de factores de virulencia CagA y VacA una revisión de literatura
(Universidad de Cuenca, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, 2026-01-19) Tuqueres Quezada, Danilo Hernán; Zaruma Torres, Fausto Leonardo
This study aimed to describe the therapeutic approaches used to treat H. pylori infection and its adverse reactions, focusing on treatment regimens for clinical presentations associated with the CagA and VacA virulence factors. Uncertainty exists regarding whether H. pylori strains producing these virulence factors respond differently to conventional treatments, hindering the optimization of therapeutic strategies based on strain-specific characteristics. The methodology employed was a systematic review of the scientific literature on therapeutic approaches for H. pylori infection, based on the principles of systematic review and the PRISMA guidelines, using scientific databases. A combination of searches yielded 155 articles, of which 34 met the inclusion criteria and were subsequently assessed using standardized quality criteria. The main findings indicated that H. pylori strains expressing the virulence factors CagA and VacA have a potential impact on the efficacy of eradication treatments. Furthermore, the efficacy of H. pylori treatments depends not only on the drug regimen used but also on the interaction between the bacterial strain, the host response, and the presence of virulence factors such as CagA and VacA. Direct evidence regarding the influence of CagA and VacA on therapeutic effectiveness is still limited and inconclusive in most of the studies analyzed.
Tratamientos convencionales combinados con derivados del ginseng y del cannabis, posibles interacciones medicamentosas. Revisión sistematizada de la literatura
(Universidad de Cuenca, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, 2026-01-20) Quezada Jácome, Diana Fernanda; León Tamariz, Fabián
This study aims to establish drug interactions between ginseng and cannabis derivatives and conventional medications through a systematic literature review. The digital databases Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, Scielo, and ProQuest were used, focusing the research on the types and mechanisms of interaction, therapeutic objectives, and adverse reactions resulting from the association of conventional medications with phytopharmaceuticals. Articles under review or incomplete, those published before 2014, those not available in digital format, in vitro studies, and those in which the therapeutic regimen included other phytopharmaceuticals were excluded. Eleven studies were obtained for ginseng derivatives and 10 for cannabis derivatives. Upon extraction, analysis, and synthesis of the information, it was determined that Panax ginseng is the species with the highest number of reported kinetic and dynamic interactions, with anticoagulants and antitumor agents being the most frequently studied therapeutic groups. Cannabidiol, for its part, was the cannabinoid with the most significant reported interactions, primarily of a pharmacokinetic nature, with antiepileptics and analgesics. Adverse reactions for the two phytopharmaceuticals were presented based on the mechanism of action for each of the associated medications; the complete absence of pharmacovigilance in all studies was notable. Through this investigation, we were able to systematize the available literature regarding the type and mechanism of interaction between ginsenosides and cannabinoids and conventional drugs, further emphasizing the need for pharmacovigilance for natural products.
El uso la inteligencia artificial en farmacovigilancia en pacientes con enfermedades crónicas: Una revisión bibliográfica
(Universidad de Cuenca, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, 2026-01-22) Gavilanes Rodas, Juan Diego; Martínez León, Maritza del Rosario
The actions involved in pharmacovigilance of patients with chronic diseases have made it possible to guarantee the safety of drugs and the applications of artificial intelligence developing these actions. The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of AI used in pharmacovigilance in chronic diseases, through a bibliographic review. The methodology followed PRISMA guidelines: search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Redalyc, titles and abstracts were selected, applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, finding 10 articles for review. The results show a diverse use of techniques: natural language processing (NLP) and TF-IDF to extract ADRs from unstructured texts, disproportionality algorithms (PRR/ROR) in large report databases, Machine Learning models (Random Forest, neural networks) for risk stratification, rule mining (A priori) for polypharmacy patterns, OCR to improve adherence and advanced techniques (NAS, Bayesian) in oncology; Advantages include early signal detection, improved risk stratification, therapy optimization for polypharmacy users, and time savings; however, it faces disadvantages such as data bias, underreporting in spontaneous reports, false alerts, and privacy and data security challenges. On the other hand, the geographic comparison revealed that the United States and the United Kingdom lead in ML and Big Data, Europe uses mixed methods, China and Korea apply digital platforms and OCR, and India explores advanced optimizations. In conclusion, AI holds promise for improving pharmacovigilance in chronic diseases, but its implementation requires interoperability, data governance, anonymization, and ongoing clinical validation.
Mapping forest carbon stocks by integrating Landsat and L-band SAR in the Ecuadorian Amazon
(Universidad de Cuenca, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, 2025-11-21) Montaño Ocampo, Daning Fernando; Ochoa Brito, José Ignacio
Accurate estimation of forest carbon stocks is fundamental for climate change mitigation and sustainable forest management, particularly in tropical ecosystems threatened by deforestation such as the Ecuadorian Amazon basin. In this study, we evaluated the performance of Random Forest and XGboost regression algorithms integrating optical, SAR and spatial data to predict carbon stocks. Carbon georeferenced in-situ data was obtained from Ecuador’s first National Forest Inventory data from 2009–2014. Model evaluation included statistical indicators such as R², Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). The XGBoost model with variable selection yielded the highest performance (R² = 0.59), minimizing RMSE and MAE across validation datasets. Among the predictors, longitude, the Green Chlorophyll Vegetation Index (GCVI), and Landsat green reflectance were the most influential variables. The estimated carbon stock for the Ecuadorian Amazon reached 1.06 GtC (≈3.88 Gt CO₂e), revealing spatial patterns strongly associated with altitudinal gradients.
Compósito formado por Thymus vulgaris, nanopartículas de cobre y quitosano, como alternativa antifúngica sostenible contra Fusarium sp
(Universidad de Cuenca, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, 2025-10-20) Andrade Morales, Alba Cristina; Cruzat Contreras, Christian Américo
Fusarium sp. poses a critical threat to plant species; therefore, the present study evaluated the individual and combined antifungal efficacy of Thymus vulgaris essential oil (ThyEOS), copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs), and chitosan (CH) against Fusarium sp. The Cu-NPs were synthesized via a solvothermal method and characterized through UV–Visible Spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The results revealed fine nanoparticles with an average size of 64 nm, exhibiting homogeneous distribution, predominantly spherical morphology, and localized agglomeration. ThyEOS was obtained via steam distillation, yielding a concentration of 180% w/v. Antifungal activity was assessed through agar dilution and checkerboard assays, determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI), and the Dose Reduction Index (DRI). The individual MICs were 800 ppm for ThyEOS, 1500 ppm for Cu-NPs, and 0.6% w/v for CH. The ThyEOS/Cu-NPs/CH composite exhibited a strong synergistic effect (FICI = 0.3125), achieving DRI values of 16 for CH and 4 for Cu-NPs. FTIR spectra of the Cu-NPs/CH and ThyEOS/Cu-NPs/CH composites showed band loss in the 1000 cm⁻¹ region, indicating structural interaction and thymol entrapment within the polymeric matrix. These findings support the use of the ThyEOS/Cu-NPs/CH composite as an effective antifungal alternative for the management of Fusarium sp.
Evaluación de la adherencia a la terapia farmacológica psiquiátrica en pacientes con trastornos depresivos atendidos en un consultorio privado de la ciudad de Loja-Ecuador
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-09-25) Murillo Sotomayor, Kevin Eduardo; Ochoa Castro, Maritza Raphaela
Depressive disorders are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with significant repercussions on psychosocial functionality and health systems. Suboptimal adherence to antidepressant pharmacological treatment poses a clinical challenge, as it compromises therapeutic efficacy and increases the risk of recurrence and suicide. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate adherence to psychiatric pharmacological therapy in patients with depressive disorders treated in a private clinic in the city of Loja, Ecuador. A quantitative approach was used with a non-experimental, descriptive, and cross-sectional design. Data collection was carried out using a structured survey and three validated scales: medication adherence, side effects (UKU), and quality of life for depression (QLDS). The statistical analysis performed with the R software included Fisher’s exact tests, ANOVA, and Tukey HSD post hoc analysis. The results showed a high prevalence of depression in young women with a higher level of education. Adherence was predominantly moderate, with significantly lower levels in those under 30 years old (p < 0.001). Furthermore, a statistically significant association was found globally between side effects and the level of adherence (p = 0.00165), as well as social support and psychotherapy positively correlated with better quality of life. It is concluded that it is essential to implement interventions aimed at young people, focused on the comprehensive management of adverse effects to improve therapeutic adherence.
Interacciones medicamentosas que suponen un potencial riesgo a la salud de pacientes geriátricos del Hospital de Especialidades José Carrasco Arteaga, durante el año 2023
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-08-21) Pachar Jiménez, Samantha Gabriela; Ochoa Avilés, Angélica María
Drug interactions represent a critical public health problem, especially in the geriatric population, due to their potential negative impact on the safety and efficacy of pharmacological treatments. The aim of this study was to identify the main drug interactions in geriatric patients treated at the José Carrasco Arteaga Specialty Hospital (IESS) during 2023, assessing their prevalence, severity, and associated factors. A quantitative, retrospective, and analytical approach was applied, using an anonymized clinical database. The variables analyzed included age, sex, admission diagnosis, comorbidities, active ingredients, and total number of medications prescribed. Potential drug interactions were detected using the Drugs.com platform and Stockley's Drug Interactions Guide, classifying them by severity (severe, moderate, or mild) and mechanism (pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic).The results showed that 92% of patients had at least one potential drug interaction, with an average of 13 medications per patient. Seventy-one percent of these interactions were classified as moderate and 18% as severe, reflecting a significant risk of adverse effects or loss of therapeutic efficacy. The most frequently implicated drug classes were antibiotics, followed by cardiovascular, respiratory, and endocrine medications. Polypharmacy and the presence of comorbidities were identified as determining factors in the occurrence of these interactions. These findings underscore the need to implement more rigorous and systematic drug monitoring to optimize therapeutic safety in this vulnerable population.
Estrategias de innovación sustentable en la industria: un estudio exploratorio
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-07-17) Durán León, Iván Santiago; Barragán Landy, Milton Francisco
Industrial processes are designed to manufacture products and services that meet customer needs. A sustainable approach could promote the reasonable use of natural resources with their respective management, recovery, conservation, and administration. In this sense, for an industry to be considered socially and environmentally responsible, the use of clean and environmentally friendly technologies could help improve its competitiveness, as it offers the possibility of participating in different national and international markets due to its sustainable approach. The objective of this document is to identify the sustainable innovation strategies developed by the industrial sector to manage economic, social, and environmental aspects, as well as consumer preferences based on the acceptance of sustainable products or services. It is based on a critical review of the literature from a qualitative and quantitative perspective. Research articles and complementary documents were selected and analyzed from the Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar databases for the period 2015 - 2023. The main results indicate that there are some sustainability strategies with an external and internal approach at the industrial level focused on the care of water, waste and energy, as well as the preference that consumers have for the main trends presented by a sustainable product or service developed through environmental awareness, focusing mainly on reducing pollution, saving energy, water and the consumption of local products or services.
Nivel de conocimientos sobre medicamentos genéricos y su relación con las actitudes del personal de farmacia Cuenca-Ecuador 2024
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-07-10) Sánchez Llanos, Carmen Esperanza; Ortiz Segarra, José Ignacio
Limited access to generic medicines (GMs) represents a key public health challenge in developing countries. Globally, there are ongoing debates about their safety, quality, and efficacy compared to brand-name medicines. The main advantage of GMs lies in their cost-effectiveness; however, their concept is not yet fully understood among healthcare professionals and consumers. This study analyzes the level of knowledge of pharmacy staff about generic medicines and its relationship with attitudes toward these medicines during dispensing in independent community pharmacies in the city of Cuenca. A cross-sectional, observational, analytical study was conducted in independent community pharmacies in the Canton of Cuenca over a 3-month period from November 2024 to February 2025. Data collection was based on a validated survey involving 192 participants, including pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, nurses, and other staff. The findings show that 60% of pharmacy staff recognize that GPs have the same bioequivalence, quantity of active ingredients, and pharmaceutical form as brand-name GPs. Furthermore, 74% highlight their positive impact on cost reduction. However, doubts persist about substituting GPs with a narrow therapeutic index (20%); 50% disagree. Fifty percent of respondents believe that domestic GPs are of the same quality as imported ones. Furthermore, 66% believe the price difference is a valid reason to dispense them, while 75% believe it is essential to inform patients about their choice. The main factors influencing their dispensing are affordability (77%), cost-effectiveness (75%), and trust in GPs (72%). It is concluded that pharmacy staff have adequate knowledge and a favorable attitude toward GPs; doubts persist about substituting drugs with a narrow therapeutic index and quality between domestic GPs and imported ones. Factors such as affordability, cost-effectiveness, and regulation influence their selection. To ensure optimal dispensing and strengthen confidence in their use, it is essential to improve training and access to up-to-date information about these medications.
Prevalencia y factores asociados a la automedicación en adultos mayores del Cantón Nabón
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-07-09) Peñafiel Maldonado, Christian Fabián; Ortiz Segarra, José Ignacio
Self-medication has been considered a current public health problem, producing consequences for people's health, being more serious in older adults (OA), ranging from toxicity, bacterial resistance, increased healthcare costs, concealment of diseases, to drug-related complications and decreased therapeutic efficacy. The objective was to establish the prevalence and factors associated with self-medication among older adults in the Nabón canton. To this end, an observational, cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with the participation of 281 randomly selected older adults of both sexes. Data collection was performed using a validated form. Quantitative variables were analyzed with measures of central tendency, such as mean, standard deviation, maximum and minimum values; qualitative variables were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The prevalence calculation was obtained by dividing the number of MA by the total number of participants during the last year x 100. To establish the factors associated with self-medication, a bivariate analysis was performed using the odds ratio (OR) with its 95% confidence interval (95% CI), followed by a multivariate logistic regression study, and a p-value of <0.05 was also obtained. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v20. It was found that older adults between 65 and 74 years of age and female were more likely to self-medicate, while those diagnosed with diabetes mellitus were less likely to self-medicate, with sociodemographic variables controlled.
Aplicación de un modelo de segmentación de cartera pendiente para la personalización de estrategias de cobranza. Caso de estudio: industria dedicada a la comercialización de cemento de la ciudad de Cuenca, Ecuador
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-06-18) Bermeo Rendón, Iván Felipe; Arcentales Carrión, Rodrigo Nicanor
This research aims to apply a pending portfolio segmentation model based on the characteristics and variables derived from each client’s commercial transactions over a defined period. Drawing on related studies and the author's experience in the sector, the analysis is based on data from a company dedicated to the production and commercialization of cement in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador. The project is justified by proposing solutions grounded in the collection, processing, scaling, and standardization of information related to various economic movements and interactions. This information, combined with the use of the K-means algorithm, defines segments that, due to their unique characteristics, allow the assignment of collection strategies tailored to each group’s specific needs. As a result, six standout groups or clusters were identified, which should be considered for the implementation of well-defined collection techniques and targeted resource allocation. As a final contribution, specific communication and collection strategies were proposed for each group, aiming to improve accuracy in the recovery of company capital. In conclusion, implementing a segmentation model allows for a deeper understanding of customer behavior, changes in their attitudes, and their likelihood of becoming a financial risk; this facilitates strategic decision- making that contributes to reducing delinquency and improving the company's financial performance.
Uso de Malva sylvestris y Malva pseudolavatera en el desarrollo de cápsulas nutracéuticas
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-06-03) Quezada Chonillo, Bryan Ronny; Sarmiento Tomalá, Glenda Marcela
The use of medicinal plants in the development of nutraceuticals plays a primary role due to the high composition of phytochemicals with great health benefits. In this sense, Malva sylvestris and Malva pseudolavatera constitute a potential resource for these purposes. For this reason, the objective of the work was to develop hard capsules with fine nutraceuticals from the hydroalcoholic extracts of both species. The main quality control parameters of the plant material and hydroalcoholic extracts were determined through the analysis of their physical- chemical indices. Phenols, flavonoids, carbohydrates, proteins and alkaloids were quantified in the extracts, and analysis was performed by ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy. Hard capsules were developed from granules obtained from hydroalcoholic extracts, by the wet granulation method, which met the quality specifications referred to in the pharmacopoeias. The designed formulations are evaluated for physical-chemical parameters (organoleptic properties, average weight, filling mass and disintegration time), chemical indices (using spectrophotometric and spectroscopic techniques) and microbiological control for 12 months, achieving good stability under the conditions of established packaging and storage. The hydroalcoholic extracts and formulations of the two species show antioxidant activity. Likewise, the inhibitory effect of xanthine oxidase was demonstrated. The results justify the feasibility of the employment of the extracts of M. sylvestris and M. pseudolavatera in the development of hard capsules with fine nutraceuticals for their antioxidant activity and inhibitory qualities of xanthine oxidase, useful in degenerative diseases, all of which contributes to scientific support for these plants with wide use in Ecuador.
Factores asociados a la adherencia del tratamiento de la diabetes tipo 2. Una revisión sistemática
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-05-22) Zhunio Morocho, Diana Alexandra; Ortiz Segarra, José Ignacio
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), a disease of high and increasing prevalence worldwide, is defined as a metabolic disorder of multiple etiologies, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia with disturbances in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and resulting from defects in the secretion and/or action of insulin. One of the major barriers to its control is the lack of adherence to treatment, so it is necessary to have updated information on the factors associated with the lack of therapeutic adherence. Objective: To identify the prevalence of non-adherence to treatment in DM2 and the associated factors, based on the analysis of research carried out during the last five years. Methodology: A systematic review without meta-analysis was carried out, based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 statement. Results: In a total of 21 articles carried out in 21 countries on four continents, an average prevalence of 50,41% of non-adherence to DM2 treatment was found. Among the factors associated with non-adherence to treatment are: sociodemographic, psychosocial, patient-related, and treatment-related factors. Conclusions: the high prevalence of non-adherence to DM2 treatment is influenced by various sociodemographic, psychosocial, patient-related and treatment-related factors. This information will allow decision making to help patients improve their adherence to treatment.
Prevalencia de interacciones medicamentosas en pacientes sometidos a cirugía plástica - estética en la clínica Cima de la ciudad de Loja durante el periodo de enero 2023 – mayo 2024
(Uiversidad de Cuenca, 2025-05-20) Luna Silva, Meiby Carolina; Ochoa Castro, Maritza Raphaela
Pharmacological interaction refers to the alteration of a drug's effect when administered alongside another, affecting its absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion, potentially leading to adverse effects. Objective: To determine the prevalence of drug interactions in patients undergoing plastic-aesthetic surgery at the CIMA Clinic in Loja from January 2023 to May 2024. Methods:A quantitative study with an observational design, retrospective subtype, and descriptive scope. A total of 295 medical records were analyzed. Drug interactions were identified using the Medscape search platform and analyzed with IBM SPSS software. Results: The prevalence of drug interactions was 26.6% (hospitalization), 54.90% (operating room), and 10.0% (outpatient prescriptions). The most frequently operated patients in plastic- aesthetic surgery were women (75.9%), individuals aged 30-39 (35.80%), and those with higher education levels. The most commonly performed plastic surgery was rhinoplasty (58.3%). The drugs with the highest number of interactions were enoxaparin (26 interactions, hospitalization), ondansetron (282 interactions, operating room), and pantoprazole (11 interactions, prescriptions). This study found no relationship between the administered drugs and the presence of interactions.

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