Vinculación universidad y sociedad

Editorial

2025-02-27T14:21:47+00:00

Regional Context and Development Planning in the Chorotega Region, Northwestern Costa Rica

2025-02-27T15:03:17+00:00

The Chorotega region is one of the six regions in which the continental territory of Costa Rica is divided. Its biophysical characteristics, the socio-economic dynamics and costumes of its inhabitants, have made of this land a tourist destination, an agricultural production center, a gastronomic hub, and a cultural reference of the country.

Each region is divided in territories, and for them Inder (Instituto de Desarrollo Rural) has promoted the creation of planning instruments that consider their particular characteristics, needs and challenges. The territories formulate their planning instruments to unify efforts, resources, and actions looking for territorial development and the welfare of people.

The first planning instruments for the territories in Chorotega region were presented in 2015, with a five-year validity. Here we analyzed the socioeconomic and biophysical characteristics of this region and its planning instruments to expose their correspondence. The analysis provides an opportunity to reflect on the coherence of such instruments, their clarity and contribution to the development of each territory.

Participatory rural appraisal of onion crop in Tierras Altas, Chiriquí

2025-02-27T15:23:14+00:00

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the strategic crops grown in Tierras Altas, Chiriquí, Panama. Although actions have been implemented in terms of research, development and innovation (R&D&I), in response to the needs expressed at the time by farmers, it is necessary to know firsthand the updated agrotechnological demand. The aim of this study was to carry out a participatory rural appraisal (PRA), with actors linked to the onion sector in Tierras Altas. The study site corresponded to Bambito, Tierras Altas, Chiriquí. A total of 80 people participated, including farmers, technicians, researchers, agricultural input sellers, among others. An induction was given to the participants, explaining the reason for carrying out the PRA and a time space was opened for them to express the most urgent needs in terms of R&D&I. According to the results, in consensus the participants mentioned the following as limitations that persist in onion crop in Tierras Altas: i) Pathogens such as Stemphylium pleospora herbarum and Pyrenochaeta terrestris; ii) Thrips tabaci as the main insect pest; iii) Management of water resources in the face of climate change; iv) Agronomic management recommended for commercial cultivars and altitudinal floor; v) Effective weed control using selective herbicides; vi) Improvement of post-harvest management; vii) Recommended cultivars by planting time and photoperiod. In conclusion, the PRA made it possible to identify at least seven relevant aspects to consider in future R&D&I proposals for onion crop in the Highlands.

Diagnosis of the Llano de la Cruz Community in the Urracá District

2025-02-27T15:31:25+00:00

This article addresses the socioeconomic diagnosis of the Llano de la Cruz community, within the Urracá district, carried out by the University of Panama in 2024. It seeks to identify needs in four areas: general and economic aspects, education, health and security. The main objective is to establish a critical and participatory relationship between the university and the community, fostering a link that allows transforming both society and the educational institution. The methodology used includes a descriptive and exploratory approach, with data collection through surveys and semi-structured interviews. A first approach to the community was made through awareness raising and consultations with local leaders, which facilitated the identification of key actors. A simple random sampling was applied to select 36 households, ensuring adequate representation of the population. The results of the research are analyzed based on indicators related to living conditions, access to services and levels of education. The Llano de la Cruz community faces significant challenges, such as the isolation of older adults, health problems, unemployment and poverty. Improving community participation and basic services is crucial to fostering development. This diagnosis not only seeks to highlight existing problems, but also to establish recommendations that strengthen collaboration between the university and the community. Ultimately, it is hoped that this study will serve as a basis for future interventions and projects that improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of Llano de la Cruz.

Liaison as an academic process in the School of Agricultural Sciences in times of pandemic

2025-02-27T15:56:52+00:00

This research work is the result of the compilation of the important and arduous work done by students and teachers of the Technical University of Babahoyo of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences during the pandemic of covid-19, in which the virtual linking process began in August 2020 until April 2022. This linkage modality arose based on the need for the student to fulfill this process and at the same time encourage students to apply and disseminate the knowledge acquired in their homes, with people in their family environment with the help of the technological platform SAI that the Technical University of Babahoyo has. It was a difficult task with hard work for everyone from the systems department, teachers, tutors, students in the process of linking and family nucleus of each one, which allowed to solve problems that arose at the last moment, demonstrating in this work the information of each of the activities carried out by students of the careers of Agronomy Engineering, Agricultural Engineering and Veterinary Medicine.

Analysis of the Quality of the Sensory Tour Guiding Experience at the Self-Sustainable Integral Farm of Babahoyo Technical University

2025-02-27T16:06:14+00:00

This case study analyzes the strategies to improve the quality of the inclusive tourist guidance service in the UTB Self-Sustainable Integral Farm. A descriptive approach and a mixed methodology were used, surveying 36 beneficiaries of the linkage project "Tourism in the UTB Integral Farm" and conducting an interview with the authors of the project. Using the Ishikawa diagram and the Pareto diagram, the most frequent deficiencies that affect service quality were identified. Although the majority of users were satisfied, areas for improvement were highlighted, such as the need to improve sensory agrotourism activities (36.1%), provide more organized and logical scripts and explanations (2.8%), greater courtesy and participation of the guides (14%), and inclusion of activities during the tour (2.8%).

The study is part of the R&D&I projects "Sensory agrotourism in the UTB integral farm: design of guidance based on the perception of the senses and promotional website" and "Tourism in the Self-sustainable Integral Farm of the Technical University of Babahoyo for the purposes of environmental education, sustainability and inclusivity", whose motto is "Enjoying tourism with the eyes of the soul".

Community Service Practices, Pedagogical Strategies, and Physical Condition in Children With Intellectual Disabilities

2025-02-27T16:13:17+00:00

This study focuses on the development of pedagogical strategies to improve the physical condition of students with intellectual disabilities aged 9 to 12 at the school "Ayúdanos a Empezar." The objective is to enhance the physical fitness of these students. It is expected that the study will contribute to the enrichment of the field of inclusive physical education and provide educators with practical resources to improve the physical condition of students with intellectual disabilities, promoting their well-being in the school environment. Assessment instruments such as surveys and the Eurofit Battery Test were applied. Students with intellectual disabilities showed regular and deficient percentages in each of the tests conducted. The methodology employed a quantitative approach, which allowed for an in-depth understanding of the experiences, perceptions, and opinions of students with intellectual disabilities, as well as teachers and other educational staff. The research will adopt a mixed-methodological approach. Quantitative tools will be used to obtain numerical data that complement the qualitative understanding of the experiences, perceptions, and opinions of students with intellectual disabilities, as well as teachers and other educational staff. The convergence of these methods will provide a comprehensive perspective on the implementation of pedagogical strategies and their impact on students. It is proposed that the pedagogical strategies aim to improve the condition of students with intellectual disabilities at the UEE "Ayúdanos a Empezar" in the canton of Babahoyo.

Altos del Platanal Farm in Cerro Plata, Cañazas, Veraguas

2025-02-27T16:20:09+00:00

Cerro Plata, a community in Veraguas marked by high poverty rates and previously inaccessible due to the conditions of its infrastructure, has recently seen improvements with the construction of a road that facilitates access to the region. However, there remains undeveloped potential that could significantly benefit the local population. The objective of this research is to develop an educational agrotourism program at the "Altos del Platanal" Farm, located in Cerro Plata, Cañazas, Panama, as a strategy to promote local development through education and conservation. The research focuses on the key concepts and definitions of agrotourism and how this activity can be integrated into the farm to enhance its benefits. A qualitative and descriptive methodology is adopted in order to explore the characteristics of educational agrotourism at this farm, which is distinguished by its focus on organic, diversified and sustainable agriculture. Unlike conventional farms, "Altos del Platanal" does not use chemicals and its cultivation includes a variety of ornamental plants, fruit trees and legumes. The experience offered by the farm is characterized by personalized treatment, both by the owner and his team, which guarantees a unique experience that invites you to return to this place. This agrotourism model seeks not only to promote rural tourism, but also to promote ecotourism and sustainability in the region.

Risk Factors Associated with Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases Among University Cafeteria Staff at the University of Panama

2025-02-27T16:34:11+00:00

Chronic non-communicable diseases represent the main cause of death and disability worldwide, a reality from which Panama does not escape. Lifestyles, social factors and economic development directly affect these and constitute a global challenge for their prevention, diagnostic control, treatment and follow-up.

The risk factors associated with chronic non-communicable diseases in the staff of the Cafeterias, University of Panama, 2022 were analyzed. An analytical prevalence study was carried out.

The study sample was the entire cafeteria management staff where 106 surveys were applied. The information from the surveys was compared between the healthy and sick groups. A univariate analysis was performed for each variable; then a bivariate analysis using tetrachoric tables. The data were processed through Epi Info version 7.2.

To determine statistical significance, the chi square was used, presenting a confidence level of 95% and a significance value of p 0.05.

The results found statistical significance between age and chronic non-communicable diseases, marital status and sugar consumption being risk factors for the development of chronic non-communicable diseases.

We conclude that age, marital status and sugar consumption have an association with the development of chronic non-communicable diseases and is not due to chance.

University Extension

2025-02-27T16:40:58+00:00

University extension manifests itself through projects and/or activities that allow teachers to share their knowledge with society. In this context, the project “Little Explorers, Great Discoverers” aims to integrate information and communication technologies (ICT) in the teaching of geography and history in primary education. This approach seeks to enrich classroom learning by transforming the way these disciplines are taught. By implementing playful and interactive activities, it promotes dynamic learning that contributes to the integral development of students. The methodology includes practical experiences that connect curricular content with real-world situations, thus facilitating meaningful learning. In addition, teachers are trained in the use of technological tools such as artificial intelligence to strengthen their pedagogical practices. The results of the project show the urgent need to innovate educational practices, not only in the social disciplines, but also in the entire school curriculum. At the beginning of the program, teachers pointed out the scarce use of ICT in their classes; however, at the end of the project, a remarkable interest and an effective application of the knowledge acquired was observed. This change highlights the importance of continuous training and the use of technological resources to improve education at the primary level.

Statistical Literacy as an Outreach Activity of the School of Statistics. University of Panama, 2023 and 2024

2025-02-27T17:41:19+00:00

Statistical literacy is an extension activity carried out within the framework of the Social Service Project of the School of Statistics that seeks to make the Panamanian population aware of the importance and usefulness of this science. The objective is to quantify this relevance and usefulness through the on-site development of statistical methodology from data collection to publication. An active methodology is used, in two phases and whose target population to intervene corresponds to people who go to health facilities and students from educational centers in the provinces of Panama and Panama Oeste. The project has been developed for two years, with the participation of 200 students from the School of Statistics as the executors of the project and at least 800 citizens involved who have shown interest in statistical knowledge and its usefulness.

Statistical Education in Society. A Social Service Experience. Panama, 2024

2025-02-27T17:57:01+00:00

The project titled “Statistical Literacy (E-Alfa)” is an outreach activity conducted within the framework of the Social Service of the School of Statistics. It aims to raise awareness among the population about the importance and utility of statistics as a tool for data collection, processing, and analysis to support decision-making in specific contexts, usually in the field of health or everyday life, considering the diversity of the professional focus to be applied (Nowacki, et al., 2024). An specific contexts, usually in the health field or everyday life. This approach connects statistical learning to real-world problems, following a complete research cycle that includes data collection, organization, analysis, and communication (Alsina et al., 2023; Wild & Pfannkuch, 1999).

The objective of this activity is to develop a statistical technique from data collection to its publication. An active methodology is used, where both participating students and the targeted population expand their knowledge of statistics through a practical case approach. By employing active methodologies, students work in teams to implement statistical techniques applied to various health regions, which not only strengthens their statistical competencies but also enhances interpersonal and social skills (Rodríguez-Muñiz et al., 2020).

The population involved in the development of this Social Service consists of patients and healthcare personnel located in healthcare facilities in the Panama Centro and Panama Oeste regions. This type of experience promotes meaningful learning for both students and beneficiaries, improving the perception of the relevance of statistics in daily life (Franklin et al., 2020).

Effects of inadequate management of educational policies in Panama; the case of educational subsidies

2025-02-27T18:10:39+00:00

Adopting a systemic view to analyze and propose changes in the organization of the educational system implies planning a research agenda on the educational system and its relationship with the socioeconomic system. That is, studying the relationship between employment, income, and economic structure with education.

The study presents reflections on the use that the Panamanian population currently makes of the educational subsidies granted by the state. A subsidy that, from all perspectives, is anything but equitable and fair in relation to the diversity of students and the profiles required by the different universities both in the capital city and in the cities in the interior of the country.

In this sense, it would be appropriate to reevaluate the standards that currently govern the selection of students who benefit from a subsidy or scholarship, depending on their characteristics. This is to improve the vision that Panamanian society has regarding the issue of the allocation of resources to certain students versus the denial of these benefits when it comes to students and/or universities, especially private universities.