Facultad de Ciencias Químicas-Tesis Maestrías

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

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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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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    Guía informativa teórico-práctica de plantas medicinales utilizadas para el tratamiento de hipertensión arterial o diabetes mellitus y su posible toxicidad renal
    (Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-05-09) Sarmiento Sinchi, Digna Guadalupe; León Tamariz, Fabián
    Phytotherapy has resurged strongly worldwide, demonstrating a growing interest in more natural health perspectives. This phenomenon not only reflects a trend toward more holistic wellness practices but also highlights the importance of considering the cultural and scientific particularities that influence its application. Phytotherapy has the potential to become a key tool for the management and prevention of some chronic non-communicable diseases, provided it is used appropriately. The objective of this project was to develop a guide on medicinal plants commonly used in the treatment of high blood pressure and diabetes, including scientific information on their phytochemical composition, pharmacological effects, nephrotoxicity, and potential interactions with medications, as described in relevant therapeutic guidelines. The methodology involved collecting data on 20 medicinal plant species, preferably from Health Zone #6, from digital databases and specialized literature. At the end, a theoretical and practical guide was obtained that clearly presents the common and scientific name of each plant, its photo, traditional use, phytochemical composition, pharmacological action, possible renal toxicity, and interactions with medications.
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    Evaluación del efecto toxicológico de extractos metanólicos de hojas de Jungia rugosa utilizando Danio rerio (pez cebra) como modelo in vivo para establecer predicciones basado en la huella cromatográfica
    (Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-04-22) Soto Minchalo, Gisselle Marcela; León Tamariz, Fabián
    Jungia rugosa is a plant with great medicinal potential but with limited relevant information regarding its toxicity. The objectives of this research were: (i) to evaluate the toxicity of methanolic extracts of J. rugosa on the zebrafish model (Danio rerio) and to associate it with its chromatographic fingerprint determined by HPLC to predict toxicity; (ii) to explore possible molecules responsible for toxicity by TLC and GC. The methanolic extracts were divided into: crude extract without treatment, and extract defatted by fractionation. The embryotoxicity of these extracts was evaluated on zebrafish using the Fish Embryo Water Toxicity Test (FET). In parallel, the extracts were analyzed by HPLC, GC and TLC. Data analysis was performed by Partial Least Squares regression. Crude methanolic extracts were lethal in zebrafish embryos, exhibiting a Mean Lethal Concentration (LC50) within the range 12.40-29.54 μg/mL. On the contrary, defatted samples showed no toxicity (doses up to 500 μg/mL). HPLC analysis allowed establishing the chromatographic profile for all methanolic extracts of J. rugosa. Through complementary tests, the presence of acylglycerides was determined and the profile of fatty acids present was identified. The evaluation of embryotoxicity and chromatography associated the composition of the extracts with the LC50 response. The PLS method identified the possible peaks responsible in the chromatograms, exhibiting a difference in the concentrations of total extracts and defatted extracts.
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    Análisis de la cadena de suministro del cacao en la federación APEOSAE bajo el modelo SCOR
    (Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-04-09) Espinosa Cumbicus, Johanna Del Cisne; Llivisaca Villazhañay, Juan Carlos
    The present study proposes an improvement plan based on the analysis of the SCOR model for the cocoa supply chain in the APEOSAE Federation. The specific objectives include mapping the supply chain using the SCOR model and designing an improvement proposal. The SCOR model was employed as the independent variable, providing a standardized framework for analysis and diagnosis, while the cocoa supply chain of APEOSAE was defined as the dependent variable. The methodology included a census sampling, covering all supply chain processes from harvest to return, complemented by structured interviews and field observation. The results reveal that, although the organization efficiently manages sourcing and inbound logistics, there are critical deficiencies in planning and production. These areas, especially inventory management and production infrastructure, need substantial improvements. The implementation of improvement strategies, the adoption of advanced technologies, and the application of best practices are presented as viable solutions to optimize the supply chain, reduce costs, and increase quality and customer satisfaction. The research highlights the utility of the SCOR model to identify and evaluate key processes, suggesting that its systematic application can lead to significant improvements in operational efficiency and competitiveness of the cocoa supply chain in the APEOSAE Federation.
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    Metal nanoparticles obtained by green hydrothermal and solvothermal synthesis: characterization, biopolymer incorporation, and antifungal evaluation against Pseudocercospora fijiensis
    (Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-03-12) Caguana Reyes, Stefania Tania; Cruzat Contreras, Christian Américo
    Nanoparticles (NPs) have generated significant interest in various fields due to the unique properties that materials exhibit at the nanoscale. This study presents a comparative analysis of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) and cobalt nanoparticles (Co-NPs) synthesized via conventional solvothermal and green hydrothermal synthesis using ethylene glycol and Medicago sativa extract, respectively. The conventional solvothermal synthesis showed higher efficiency for both Cu-NPs and Co-NPs with yields of 32.5% and 26.7%, respectively. Characterization through UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that while solvothermal synthesis produced larger particles (76.5 nm for Cu-NPs, 86.8 nm for Co-NPs), the green hydrothermal method yielded smaller particles (53.8 nm for Cu-NPs, 67.7 nm for Co-NPs) with better control over particle size distribution and spherical morphology, showing minimal agglomeration. UV–vis confirmed metal oxide formation, while FTIR showed complex patterns in NPs (green hydrothermal), indicating plant extract compounds. Antifungal evaluation against Pseudocercospora fijiensis showed complete inhibition at 2000 ppm for both NP types, with no mycelial growth after 30 days. When integrated into chitosan, solvothermal NPs produced rougher surfaces, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirmed the presence of copper and cobalt in the nanocomposites. This study provides insights into the synthesis of nanoparticles using an environmentally friendly process and their microbiological applications for future use in organic agriculture.
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    Variantes genéticas en el gen NR3C1 asociado a la falta de respuesta a glucocorticoides en niños asmáticos en Cuenca-Ecuador
    (Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-03-10) Barnuevo Flores, Eduardo Andrés; Ochoa Avilés, Angélica María
    The use of glucocorticoids is the first-line treatment for asthma, but it is estimated that between 5 and 15% of children present a lack of response to these drugs. This is associated with genetic variations, among which SNPs present in the NR3C1 gene stand out. It is estimated that there are around 2571 SNPs involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. In this study, our objective was to identify the SNPs BclI (rs10052957) and TthIIIl (rs41423247) in the NR3C1 gene, their allelic and genotypic frequencies and to determine whether or not they are associated with the control and occurrence of exacerbations in asthmatic children aged 5-17 years in the city of Cuenca-Ecuador. For this purpose, 150 asthmatic children were included in the study and sociodemographic variables, level of asthma control, nutritional status and the occurrence of exacerbations were recorded during six months of patient follow-up. Genotypes were studied by real-time PCR method using Taqman probes. Our studies revealed that the TthlllI SNP variants AA, AG and GG have a frequency of 0.68%, 26.03% and 73.29% respectively. While for BclI SNP the frequency of GG, GC and CC genotypes was 59.59%, 35.62% and 4.79%. Likewise, the association analysis of SNPs and asthma control revealed that in the additive model there is a significant association between the BclI C/C genotype (p<0.03) and controlled asthma.
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    Identificación de anticuerpos neutralizantes y la frecuencia de eventos adversos a las vacunas en el personal de salud del Hospital General de Macas que recibió la primera dosis de refuerzo de la vacuna para COVID-19
    (Universidad de Cuenca, 2024-04-08) Romero Siguencia, Diana Carolina; Zaruma Torres, Fausto Leonardo
    Background: The determination of neutralizing antibodies allows us to evaluate the persistence of protection from the booster dose of the vaccine, while identifying the frequency of adverse reactions can provide local data on safety. Objective: Identify the presence of Neutralizing Antibodies and the Frequency of Adverse Events to vaccines in health personnel at the Macas General Hospital who received the first booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional research. 82 health professionals from the Macas General Hospital inoculated with the first booster dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine were included, in whom the presence of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-Cov-2 was identified and the frequency of the adverse reactions presented was determined. through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Results: The presence of neutralizing antibodies was identified in 98% of participants. 89% of participants reported adverse reactions to the vaccine, the most common local reactions were: pain and sensitivity at the vaccine site 62% and 35%; The main systemic reactions were: headache 34%, general malaise 24%, feeling of fever 23%, myalgia 22%. No significant differences were found when comparing sex, age group and the presence of side effects with the generation of neutralizing antibodies. As well as associating sex and age group with the presence of adverse reactions. Conclusion: The administration of the booster dose was associated with the presence of neutralizing antibodies nine months after inoculation; the adverse reactions identified were mild in intensity.
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    Factores asociados con la notificación de sospechas de reacciones adversas a medicamentos en el personal médico, farmacéutico y de enfermería del área clínica de hospitalización del Hospital José Carrasco Arteaga, Cuenca – Ecuador
    (Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-01-24) García Gómez, Candida Rafaela; Tarapués Román, Mónica Natalie
    The reporting of adverse drug reactions depends on the participation of health professionals within the hospital and outpatient context. This degree work aims to identify the factors associated with the notification of these in the health personnel of the José Carrasco Arteaga hospital. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out through a survey in the months of April - June 2024. The data collected was analyzed, descriptive statistics were used. The voluntary participation of 104 health professionals, including doctors, pharmacists and nursing staff, was obtained. 65% and 83% of the participants identified the concept of pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reactions respectively. Respondents showed a positive attitude towards reporting adverse reactions. 76% of participants indicated that they did not report any adverse reactions in the last year. The main barriers identified were lack of motivation (63%), increased workload for healthcare professionals (57%), lack of time (49%), lack of a professional environment to discuss adverse reactions (47%) and insufficient knowledge to identify them (46%). It is concluded that health professionals had knowledge and positive attitudes, but had poor practice towards pharmacovigilance and reporting of adverse reactions. Barriers to the reporting of adverse reactions were also highlighted. Continuous training and monitoring of pharmacovigilance processes are essential to improve the knowledge and practices of health professionals.
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    Environmental Economics: Valuation of Ecosystem Services in Equatorial Andean Basins
    (Universidad de Cuenca, 2024-12-18) González Espinoza, Lorena Hortencia; Avilés Añazco, Alex Manuel; Zhiña Villa, Darío Xavier
    Valuing ecosystem services is critical to human well-being, particularly in watershed management. Agriculture and livestock farming contribute to ecosystem degradation and jeopardize these services. In this context, Analyzing the provision of ecosystem services is crucial to formulating effective conservation measures. This study aimed to estimate the economic value of ecosystem services in the subbasins of the Aguilán and Tabacay rivers. A discrete choice experiment was used, which consists of presenting the study population with several conservation options with different levels of ecosystem services (habitat, biodiversity and carbon sequestration) and costs, to measure their preferences and willingness to pay. The results show the participants’ preference for the ecosystem service of habitat, i.e., the physical space for developing animal and plant species. Additionally, the willingness to pay for habitat protection averages 41 cents, indicating substantial public support for conservation financing mechanisms. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of environmental education in raising awareness of ecosystem services and their benefits and suggests that habitat protection should be at the heart of policy formulation. This study provides knowledge about ecosystem services that could help decision-makers formulate conservation and sustainable management measures in Equatorial Andean basins.