Revista Colegiada de Ciencia

Language contact in Colon, Panama

Zoribell Anays Salcedo Murillo — 2025-10-15

In the province of Colón, as in other parts of the country, speakers use terms derived from English, which are combined with Spanish to create new terms that have become part of our language. This phenomenon is known as bilingualism and is the result of the historical influence that English has had in this coastal area for many years due to coexistence with other cultures, especially Afro-Caribbean and American cultures. The objective of this research is to analyze some words that are the product of the cultural exchange reflected in this region. This is due to the mixture or contact between Spanish and English, that is, bilingualism. This represents a sample of the lexical attitudes and linguistic variation of its inhabitants.

The results show that some terms originating from the English language have managed to adapt and evolve in Spanish, affecting not only their spelling but also their pronunciation. It is concluded that language is changeable and flexible. Therefore, it undergoes certain modifications or linguistic variations when it comes into contact with other types of cultures and other languages, which directly impacts and influences people who live in certain social contexts.

Aquatic insects in the Marica river, Penonome, Cocle province, Panama

Marta Higuera Gómez — 2025-10-15

The food web in water systems relies on aquatic insects. These insects also indicate changes in the environment because they help break down organic materials, making nutrients more available. This research was conducted in Panama, in the Marica River, located in Las Delicias, which is a community in Penonome district, Coclé province. From February to July 2022, we conducted six field excursions to establish five stations and collect two samples of fallen leaves at each station once a month to identify the variety of aquatic insects connected with the leaf packs. At each site, measurements of the physical parameters, such as pH, current speed, and water column depth, were also made. The ShannonWiener, Margalef, and Simpson indices were employed to measure variety. Four thousand one hundred eighty-five (4185) specimens were collected, representing 9 orders, 30 families, 3 subfamilies, and 35 genera. The Diptera order is the most abundant (2078), followed by Ephemeroptera (1111) and Trichoptera (450). Among the most numerous subfamilies are: Chironominae (1615), Tanypodinae (293), and Orthocladinae (104). The most abundant genera were: Caenis (491), Chimarra (271), Thraulodes (255), and Farrodes (203). The month of July presented greater richness and dominance. Regarding the physical factors such as the speed of the current, it was observed that at a lower speed, there is a greater number of insects. Considering the depth of the river, at a shallower depth, there is a greater abundance of organisms. The average pH in the sampling stations was between 7.3 and 7.5. The value of pH 7 indicates that the river is optimal for harboring insects. We concluded that the Marica River has a high diversity and abundance of aquatic insects.

Relational adjectives

Maritza Almendas Bravo — 2025-10-15

The grammar of the Spanish language is continually enriched by the communicative needs of its speakers, which is why it is essential to understand how our language works, as this facilitates the development of competency skills related to the proper use of the language in various communicative contexts. The topic we are dealing with corresponds to the area of ??morphology, specifically on relational adjectives. Our objective is to analyze the most common morphological, syntactic and semantic features of relational adjectives in order to understand the different behaviors that these units can assume in their relationship with other words in syntactic constructions.

The study is part of a qualitative descriptive project that attempts, in addition to outlining a bibliographic review of the topic, to examine a sample of 20 news journalistic texts from various areas: local, economic, judicial and political. These texts were collected from the newspaper La Prensa de Panamá during the first week of October 2023. From this corpus, all the relational adjectives used in the construction of the texts were identified and their structure was reviewed to determine the predominance of the suffixes used in their formation. Likewise, the differentiating features exposed by some grammarians (Bosque, 1993; Demonte, 1999; Castaño, 2009; Royal Spanish Academy and the Association of Academies of the Spanish Language, 2010).) were applied to the sample. The results show substantial differences in the morphological, syntactic and semantic features between relational adjectives and qualifying adjectives. Regarding the procedures for forming relational adjectives, the frequent use of the suffix al prevails, as recorded in other research. The present study is interesting because this class of adjectives was incorporated into the classification of adjectives with the, (RAE & ASALE, 2010), which is why its dissemination is necessary.

Training of human resources in the hotel industry in Santa Fe, Veraguas province, 2024

María Eugenia Rodríguez — 2025-10-15

Human resources training is a systematic, planned, and continuous process through which employees are provided with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to improve their job performance and adapt to changes in the organizational environment. This process seeks to increase staff efficiency, productivity, and satisfaction, while contributing to the achievement of the company's strategic objectives. This study analyzes the training of human resources in the hotel sector of Santa Fe, Veraguas province, with the intention of sustaining its impact on the quality of service and customer satisfaction. A quantitative and descriptive approach was used, with surveys applied to employees of the hotel sector. The results show that most of the employees perceive training as essential to improve their performance, increase their confidence in their tasks and optimize customer service. However, an irregularity was identified in the implementation of training programs, which limits their effectiveness in the long term. The need to integrate modern technological tools into training processes to improve the sector's competitiveness was also highlighted. It is concluded that there is a need to modernize and prioritize human resource training in the hotel industry as a key strategy to improve service quality, increase customer satisfaction and contribute to the economic and social development of the region.

The implementation of more structured programs adapted to the demands of the market will be fundamental for the sustainability and growth of the sector.

Attitude of teachers in the regular pre-primary system towards inclusive education regulations

Melissa del Carmen Hernández Muñoz — 2025-10-15

This research aimed to understand the level of teacher attitudes in the regular school system, compared to the national inclusive education proposal of educational institutions at the Francisco Ignacio Castillero School in the province of Los Santos.

The study was descriptive and comparative, with a mixed approach (quantitative and qualitative), which allowed for a more comprehensive view of the reality under investigation by combining numerical data measurement with an interpretative analysis of teachers' perceptions. A non-experimental, transactional research design was used, as the aim was to describe and analyze the situation at a specific point in time without manipulating variables.The sample consisted of 48 teachers selected from the regular school system, who provided valuable information for understanding the level of willingness and openness toward inclusive education. The teacher attitude scale proposed by Vásquez (2017) was used as the instrument. It measures three fundamental dimensions: affective, cognitive, and behavioral, thus offering a detailed overview of how attitudes manifest themselves at different levels.The results obtained showed average levels of attitude among teachers in the regular school system at the Francisco Ignacio Castillero institution. This means that, while there is an openness toward inclusive education, emotional, knowledge, and pedagogical practice aspects still need to be strengthened for the implementation of inclusion to be more affective. Given these results, it is important to consider the three aforementioned dimensions together, since a positive attitude toward inclusive education depends not only on the teacher's emotional disposition but also on their theoretical knowledge and the pedagogical strategies they are able to apply in the classroom. This reinforces the need to promote training and spaces for reflection that allow for the consolidation of an inclusive school culture.

Efficacy of labetalol in the management of hypertensive disorders in women with preeclampsia

Zuleidy Itzeris Mela Batista — 2025-10-15

Preeclampsia is one of the main causes of maternal and fetal illness and death around the world. Detecting the condition early plays a key role in how it is managed and treated. This is because, aside from making blood pressure more difficult to control, it can also seriously affect other organs and even put the continuation of the pregnancy at risk. Today, there are many drugs that help manage these hypertensive disorders and lead to good outcomes for both mother and baby, without major complications. This review aims to collect and analyze updated information about the most used antihypertensive drugs for treating preeclampsia, with a special focus on how effective labetalol is in this situation. The article is based on a narrative review with a descriptive approach, centered on gathering, summarizing, and analyzing available data. Sources were found in databases and repositories such as PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Scielo, Dialnet, Elsevier, and Google Scholar. Official websites and technical documents were also consulted. Materials in both English and Spanish were included. The findings show that the hypertensive problems caused by preeclampsia can not only be treated and controlled but also prevented. Drugs like aspirin have shown to be helpful in this area. For treating and managing the condition, both nifedipine and labetalol have proven to be effective, with labetalol showing better results and being safe to use during breastfeeding.

Correlational study of emotional intelligence and resilience in a sample of ninth grade students of José Santos Puga school

Azael Sanjur Pérez — 2025-10-15

The present study aimed to determine the relationship between emotional intelligence and resilience in a sample of ninth-grade students from José Santos Puga School. The research was descriptive and comparative, with a mixed approach (quantitative-qualitative) and a non-experimental transactional design. The sample consisted of 120 students selected through non-probability, intentional, or convenience sampling. Data collection used the Trait Meta Mood Scale-24 (TMMS-24) emotional intelligence scale, developed by Mayer and Salovey (1995) and adapted in Spain by Fernández, Extremera, and Ramos (2004), as well as Novella's Resilience Scale (2002). The results showed that the students in the research sample presented high levels of both emotional intelligence and resilience. Likewise, the correlational analysis performed using Pearson's coefficient yielded a value of r = .207, p < 0.05, indicating a positive and statistically significant correlation between both variables.

These findings suggest that these students possess emotional and personal resources that allow them to manage their emotions appropriately, as well as cope with and overcome adverse situations, which favors not only their personal well-being but also their academic performance. It is concluded that the relationship between emotional intelligence and resilience constitutes a protective factor in the comprehensive development of this sample of adolescents studied and that these results are only applicable to the sample studied. Furthermore, the results allow us to identify trends that could be explored in future studies with broader designs and probability samples.

The history of the towns of the North of Santa Fe

Roberto A. Pineda — 2025-10-15

Estudio etnográfico que examinó el papel de las plantas en la cultura de las comunidades del norte de Santa Fe, en la provincia de Veraguas, específicamente en Guabal, Alto Ortiga y Río Luis. La investigación se basó en entrevistas a curanderos, pacientes y artesanos, así como en la observación y el análisis de documentos, para entender cómo se transmite oralmente el conocimiento sobre el uso de plantas. Los hallazgos revelaron que la relación entre el hombre y las plantas es fundamental para la identidad de la región, ya que se utilizan tanto para remedios medicinales como para la producción artesanal. La transmisión de estos saberes es principalmente oral, de una generación a otra. Los curanderos, que a menudo son los primeros hijos varones, heredan sus conocimientos a través de una ceremonia ancestral llamada “velo del cacao”, que dura cuatro noches y se realiza con una infusión de cacao. A pesar de que las mujeres pueden heredar ciertos saberes, como la curación de enfermedades, no se les permite participar en la adivinación o en la ceremonia del velo del cacao. El estudio detalla las diversas aplicaciones de las plantas. Algunas, como el cedrón, el bejuco de ajo y la hierba del espíritu santo se utilizan para curar enfermedades del cuerpo y del espíritu, además de tener usos espirituales para ahuyentar malas energías. Las artesanías, como los sombreros hechos de palma de hilar y las chácaras de majagua, también son importantes para la cultura local. La sostenibilidad de estas prácticas se ve amenazada por la modernización, la migración de los jóvenes a las ciudades en busca de empleo y la deforestación causada por la expansión de las zonas de pastoreo. A pesar de estos desafíos, algunas tradiciones y creencias en lo sobrenatural persisten.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Nora Jazmín Martínez Sanjur — 2025-10-15

This study examines the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in English language teaching across high schools in Veraguas, Panama. Entitled “Bridging the Digital Divide: Exploration of ICT Use in English Language Teaching in High Schools in Veraguas”, the research addresses the extent to which ICT contributes to digital literacy and language learning, while also highlighting persistent inequalities in access and use.

The study employed a survey-based methodology, gathering data from 200 students and 40 English teachers in suburban and rural schools of the province. The survey explored three primary dimensions: availability of ICT resources, teacher preparedness, and the impact of geographic location on access to technological infrastructure. Results indicate a pronounced disparity between urban and rural schools. Urban schools demonstrate greater access to ICT tools and higher levels of teacher digital proficiency, while rural schools continue to face severe limitations in infrastructure and training opportunities. Most teachers reported a pressing need for ongoing professional development to effectively integrate ICT into English language instruction. Similarly, students in rural areas identified limited access to digital resources as a major obstacle, directly influencing their learning outcomes. The study encountered limitations due to extended school closures during a national strike, which delayed data collection. For this reason, it is recommended that data collection resumes in March 2024 with a larger and more diverse sample. Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of reducing the digital divide through sustained investments in ICT infrastructure, continuous teacher training, and policy support from the Ministry of Education (MEDUCA). Addressing these gaps is essential to ensure equitable and effective English language teaching across all regions of Panama.

First report on the presence of Ceratium furcoides (Levander) Langhans (Dinophyceae)and Boergesenia forbesii (Harvey) Feldmann 1938 (Ulvophyceae) in Panama

Cecibeth Aparicio — 2025-10-15

The presence of Ceratium furcoides and Boergesenia forbesii is confirmed on the Caribbean coasts of Panama. This finding is highly relevant for understanding the dynamics of introduction and dispersal of invasive aquatic species in the country. The presence of B. forbesii in marine–coastal environments and C. furcoides in continental ecosystems of Panama represents the first documented record of these species in the country and significantly broadens their distribution range in the region. Although they belong to different taxonomic groups and occupy distinct habitats, both share an invasive behavior pattern characterized by their dispersal capacity, competitive advantages over native species, and potential to alter the structure and functioning of the ecosystems they colonize. In the case of B. forbesii, its vesicular morphology and buoyancy enable it to efficiently colonize illuminated environments with hard substrates, displacing native macroalgae such as Chaetomorpha and Dictyota. On the other hand, C. furcoides has shown high morphological and physiological plasticity that favors its establishment in lakes and reservoirs, where it can generate blooms that deteriorate water quality and alter phytoplankton communities. The relevance of these findings lies in the fact that both cases highlight the same process: the vulnerability of Panamanian ecosystems to invasive aquatic species. While B. forbesii poses a risk to marine–coastal communities such as reefs and seagrass meadows, C. furcoides threatens the stability of continental ecosystems and the ecosystem services associated with freshwater. This coincides with studies emphasizing the influence of natural and anthropogenic vectors, such as currents, ballast water, and navigation, on the dispersal of marine and freshwater organisms. It underscores the vulnerability of Panama’s aquatic ecosystems to the introduction of exotic species and the urgent need to establish monitoring and comprehensive management programs to prevent, detect, and mitigate their potential ecological and socioeconomic impacts.

Framework of innovation in logistics and operations

Juan Asterio Castillo-Salamín — 2025-10-15

The effectiveness of distribution models in Latin America is constrained by unique structural challenges, such as market heterogeneity, infrastructure deficiencies, and high levels of informality, which invalidate the direct application of logistical paradigms from developed economies. This reality highlights a significant gap in the academical literature: the absence of a holistic evaluation framework that integrates operational metrics with sociocultural and inclusion dimensions, especially for the vital proximity store ("nanostore") channel. In response to this need, the main objective of this study is to propose and develop the Comprehensive Evaluation Framework for Distribution Models in Latin America (MEIMDL). To construct it, a qualitative research approach was undertaken through a narrative review of scientific literature and specialized reports, synthesizing existing knowledge to formulate a robust and contextualized conceptual framework. The result is the MEIMDL, a multidimensional model articulated around five interconnected dimensions: Acceptability (alignment with consumer expectations), Affordability (balance between price and perceived value), Accessibility (physical and logistical product availability), Awareness (effective communication of the value proposition), and Adaptability (flexibility to environmental changes and capacity to integrate sustainable practices). This framework, complemented by contingency theory, allows for a deep and adaptive evaluation. In conclusion, MEIMDL is not merely a measurement tool but a strategic guide that enables companies and policymakers to design and optimize distribution systems that are efficient, profitable, inclusive, and resilient, thereby contributing to the region's sustainable economic and social development.

Editorial

Carlos Seixas — 2025-10-15