Javeriana University Research Articles

Soil improvement withsugarcane bagasse ash : technical-economic viabilityfor tertiary roads

Introduction: Economic evaluation of soil subgrade improvement using sugarcane bagasse ash case study: Propal Road - La Cabaña Sugar Mill”, developed at the Pontifical Javeriana University of Cali in 2022. Problem: Tertiary roads in Colombia are essential for mobility in rural areas and for the sugar industry, which generates waste such as sugarcane bagasse ash (SGBA). Objective: To present the results of the economic and technical feasibility study of using sugarcane bagasse ash for soil improvement in tertiary roads. Methodology: Characterization tests of natural soil state and modified Proctor, expansion index, CBR, and unconfined compression for stabilized soils at percentages of 5, 10, 15, and 20% of SGBA are carried out. Results: The mechanical properties of the soil improve with additions of ash between 5% and 15%; however, the utilization of 15% of SGBA is proposed to favor the disposal of a significant volume of this waste. Conclusion: The technical and economic feasibility of using SGBA as a promising solution to improve tertiary roads in Colombia is demonstrated. Originality: Viability of implementing sugarcane bagasse ash on rural roads of sugar mills and agricultural areas with production of this type of waste. Limitations: Similar studies should be carried out for each region to confirm the appropriate percentage for subgrade stabilization using SGBA.

Cut-off points of neck and waist circumference as predictors of obstructive sleep apnea in the Colombian population: a comparison with polysomnography.

Neck circumference (NC) is a useful anthropometric measure for predicting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Ethnicity and sex also influence obesity phenotypes. NC cut-offs for defining OSA have not been established for the Latin American population. To evaluate NC, waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI) as predictors of OSA in the Colombian population and to determine optimal cut-off points. Diagnostic tests were conducted at the Javeriana University, Bogota. Adults from three cities in Colombia were included. NC, WC, and BMI were measured, and a polysomnogram provided the reference standard. The discrimination capacity and best cut-off points for diagnosing OSA were calculated. 964 patients were included (57.7% men; median age, 58 years) and 43.4% had OSA. The discrimination capacity of NC was similar for men and women (area under curve, AUC 0.63 versus 0.66, P=0.39) but better for women under 60 years old (AUC 0.69 versus 0.57, P<0.05). WC had better discrimination capacity for women (AUC 0.69 versus 0.57, P<0.001). There were no significant differences in BMI. Optimal NC cut-off points were 36.5cm for women (sensitivity [S]: 71.7%, specificity [E]: 55.3%) and 41 cm for men (S: 56%, E: 62%); and for WC, 97 cm for women (S: 65%, E: 69%) and 99 cm for men (S: 53%, E: 58%). NC and WC have moderate discrimination capacities for diagnosing OSA. The cut-off values suggest differences between Latin- and North American as well as Asian populations.

Book Review: A New Indigenous University in the Rainforest in Colombia (2020). Studio Lacaton &amp; Vassal and ETH D-ARCH

A new indigenous university in the Colombian forest is the title of this work, published in 2020 by Studio Lacaton &amp; Vassal and ETH D-ARCH. The book presents extensive visual documentation and a textual chronicle of the project to build an indigenous university in Putumayo. The publication recounts the beginnings of the project, the participants and provides reflections on the encounters. One of the main contributions in the book is made by the artist Ursula Biemann, from Devenir Universidad. She was the one who made the various contacts possible, after having made an expedition in the Colombian Amazon and having met and got to know the Inga culture. The book also presents the visions and proposals on the essential characteristics of the Inga University, which allows the construction of a first conceptual basis for the project. This document is the result of a collaboration agreement between the Polytechnic University of Zurich, Switzerland (ETH), the Department of Architecture and the Pontificia Javeriana University, Colombia with representatives of the Inga community of Putumayo.

Approach to the Perception of the Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents with Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip and Palate: a Phenomenological Study

Background: Non-syndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) is a congenital malformation that generates physical, functional and psychosocial complications. The latter are generally identified in quantitative studies. The affectation of the quality of life and the oral health approach of the experiences of people with NSCLP and their families have not been qualitatively documented. Purpose: To identify the perception of quality of life of children and adolescents with NSCLP undergoing comprehensive treatment at the Cleft Lip and Palate clinic of the Javeriana University from Bogotá, Colombia. Methods: It was a qualitative phenomenological study in which eight patients, five parents/guardians, and four professionals from the interdisciplinary care group participated. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with each participant and two focus groups, one with guardians/parents and another one with professionals, led by an expert. After transcription, findings were coded and classified according to the categories proposed using the Atlas TI software. Subsequently, a narrative reduction and the corresponding analysis were performed. Results: Participants shared their perspectives on the impact of living with NSCLP and how it impacted their quality of life. Social and psychological dimensions were the most affected. The narrations revealed feelings of sorrow, anguish, and shyness, as well as longings and desires for greater sociability. Conclusion: The reconstruction of the narratives showed how the experience of living with NSCLP generates challenges, situations, and thoughts that affect quality of life, especially from the social and psychological perspectives.

Barriers and facilitators to the diagnosis and treatment of depression in primary care in Colombia: Perspectives of providers, healthcare administrators, patients and community representatives

IntroductionDepression represents a major disease burden in Colombia. To better understand opportunities to improve access to mental healthcare in Colombia, a research team at Javeriana University conducted formative qualitative research to explore stakeholders’ experiences with the integration of mental healthcare into the primary care system. MethodsThe research team conducted 16 focus groups and 4 in-depth interviews with patients, providers, health administrators and representatives of community organisations at five primary care clinics in Colombia, and used thematic analysis to study the data. ResultsThemes were organised into barriers and facilitators at the level of patients, providers, organisations and facilities. Barriers to the treatment of depression included stigma, lack of mental health literacy at the patient and provider level, weak links between care levels, and continued need for mental health prioritization at the national level. Facilitators to the management of depression in primary care included patient support systems, strong patient-provider relationships, the targeting of depression interventions and national depression guidelines. DiscussionThis study elucidates the barriers to depression care in Colombia, and highlights action items for further integrating depression care into the primary care setting.

Barreras y facilitadores para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la depresión en atención primaria en Colombia: Perspectivas de los proveedores, administradores de atención médica, pacientes y representantes de la comunidad

IntroductionDepression represents a major disease burden in Colombia. To better understand opportunities to improve access to mental healthcare in Colombia, a research team at Javeriana University conducted formative qualitative research to explore stakeholders’ experiences with the integration of mental healthcare into the primary care system. MethodsThe research team conducted 16 focus groups and 4 in-depth interviews with patients, providers, health administrators and representatives of community organisations at 5 primary care clinics in Colombia, and used thematic analysis to study the data. ResultsThemes were organised into barriers and facilitators at the level of patients, providers, organisations and facilities. Barriers to the treatment of depression included stigma, lack of mental health literacy at the patient and provider level, weak links between care levels, and continued need for mental health prioritisation at the national level. Facilitators to the management of depression in primary care included patient support systems, strong patient-provider relationships, the targeting of depression interventions and national depression guidelines. DiscussionThis study elucidates the barriers to depression care in Colombia, and highlights action items for further integrating depression care into the primary care setting.

Virtual Simulators: A Tool for Current Dental Education. Integrative Review

Background: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of virtual reality in education has increased. However, it is necessary to better understand its possibilities, precision, and user perception for the development of dental teaching. Purpose: To analyze current literature about virtual reality simulation and its implementation in dental education. Methods: Articles listed in different databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Javeriana University library catalog, and SciELO) describing studies on the use of virtual simulators in dentistry teaching were identified and reviewed. Articles published between 2010 and 2020 were reviewed. Results: From a total of 1030 titles identified, 13 articles were selected to conduct the integrative review. Most of the articles were evaluations of specific cohorts who received training, mainly related to preclinical activities. Some studies were controlled clinical trials and other qualitative evaluations. Only one study had a two-year longitudinal design. In all cases, the results and perception of virtual reality simulation were positive. Conclusions: The virtual reality simulation methodology shows promising results for dental teaching.

Contextos de práctica y de vida que facilitan experimentar el valor de la compasión

Con el objetivo de indagar experiencias compasivas y no compasivas que han vivido estudiantes de profesiones de salud de optometría, enfermería y medicina, se entrevistaron quince participantes de últimos semestres de la Universidad El Bosque y Pontificia Universidad Javeriana de Bogotá, Colombia, durante los meses de febrero y marzo del año 2020. Se presentan los resultados de sus narrativas compartidas con generosidad e interés en el aprendizaje del valor de la compasión. Ellos expresaron con sinceridad y de forma crítica sus puntos de vista acerca de sus vivencias en el contexto de práctica y en su vida cotidiana. Dichas experiencias se analizaron en categorías de trato humanizado y deshumanizado, las cuales reflejan características relacionadas con alteridad, empatía y compasión. De igual forma, se indagaron las fuentes de aprendizaje identificadas, sus preferencias y sugerencias para aprender acerca de la compasión, las cuales fueron insumos importantes en el diseño de una estrategia didáctica de la compasión para profesionales de la salud.

Batch Assignment of Parallel Machines in an Automotive Safety Glass Manufacturing Facility

In this paper, optimization algorithms are used to solve a batch assignment problem of parallel processing furnaces in American Glass Products (AGP), a world leader company in the design and manufacturing of curved armored glass for transportation purposes. The problem consists in optimizing the bending process, which is considered to be the bottleneck workstation in the armored glasses production line in AGP. The objective is to maximize the efficiency of the furnaces and minimize the tardiness delivery of orders. Due to the complexity and constraints of the problem, we developed a proper dispatch algorithm and a Tabu search technique. The results are encouraging: the indicators of furnace usage hours and tardiness delivery improved by 32 % and 7 %, respectively compared to the decisions made in the plant during an actual production week. This work was the winner of an operation research challenge between around 100 graduate students. The challenge was organized by Javeriana University and AGP.

Meet the First Author.

Meet the First Author.

La cátedra de Sagrada Escritura en la universidad javerana colonial (1722-1767)

Tardía fue la aparición de la cátedra de Sagrada Escritura en la Universidad Javeriana de acuerdo con su cronograma fundacional: en 1605 se abrirían dos clases de gramática, los cursos de Filosofía en 1608, los de Teología Escolástica y Teología Moral en 1612, hacia 1613 la cátedra de Lengua indígena, la cátedra de Vísperas hacia 1616, la cátedra de Medicina en 1636, los estudios de Cánones y Leyes en 1706, y la cátedra de Sagrada Escritura en 1722. La explicación de este fenómeno la ofrece el P. Gonzalo de Lyra, quien en la Carta Annua de los años 1611 y 1612 escribe que “en lugar de la escritura y el hebreo” juzga conveniente que estudien el chibcha por ser más útil a los teólogos jesuitas y a los clérigos que asisten a clase. Durante el siglo XVII la docencia de esta ciencia estuvo vinculada a la cátedra de Teología Moral. En 1722 el jesuita belga Simón Vinans había asumido la responsabilidad de la cátedra. El funcionamiento fue normal pero no podemos ofrecer una cualificación pues toda documentación permanece inédita.

The Impact of the Content of the Label on the Buying Intention of a Wine Consumer.

This paper aims to analyze the influence of the content of the label of wine bottles on the purchase intention of wine. The sample was 114 individuals (51, 32% women and 48, 67% men) inside simulated Supermarket at Javeriana University of the city of Cali (Colombia). They were viewed for 2 min in front of a grocery shelving with 100 wines. The study uses eye tracking to estimate the behavior related to wine attributes included on the label of wine bottles, specifically the denomination of origin, nutritional information, and health warnings. The authors use the hierarchical model methodology, which generates a pattern of relationships among variables. Among the results, it is possible to determine a consistent model for purchase intention, where the mentioned components of the label that are related to wine attributes and their interactions constitute important factors in the possibility of influencing a purchase intention. However, when executing a group division of the audience attending to the experience in wine consumption, it is evident that based on their experience, consumers read the labels’ information differently, causing certain effects in their buying intention.

It’s not what you know but who you know: Heterogeneous peer effects at a Colombian University

This paper uses matched survey and administrative data on first-year Economics students who were studying at the Javeriana University in Bogota, Colombia, in 2015 in order to estimate peer effects ...

Relation between Hand Grip Strength and Body Composition Associated with Cardiovascular Risk in University Students

The measurement of Hand Grip Strength (HGS) is one of the methods for evaluating the maximum isometric strength of the hand and forearm muscles, that is related to predictive factors of health conditions of people. In addition, this is an indicator that relates the physical condition of young people with their Body Composition (BC), identifying Cardiovascular Risk (CR) factors in the university population. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to relate the HGS and the BC associated with the CR in the Students of Elective Course of Physical Activity and Sports (SECPAS) of the Pontificia Javeriana University (PJU) Bogota, D.C. Colombia. METHODS: Descriptive correlational study, which 91 students aged an average of 22,5±4,5 years old, were assessed n=40 (44%) males and n=51 (56%) females. To evaluate the HGS was used an hydraulic hand dynamometer owner´s manual JAMAR®, it was registered two measurements of Right Hand (RH) and Left Hand (LH) in seated position, using the best result for analysis. A bioelectrical impedance scale OMROM® HBF-510LA, was used to evaluate the BC, which shows the percentage of Body Fat (BF) and Skeletal Muscle (SM). RESULTS: Values of HGS for RH and LH were compared, demonstrating that in the RH were higher than the LH for both genders, the difference of HGS was 8.4% (4.5 kg). For 78% of students (n=71), are in an average classification of low HGS for the population. BC shows that the BF was classified as high, 24.2% (n=22) and very high, 35.2% (n=32) for both genders. It was evidenced that the BF of females 23.1% (n=21) was classified as very high in comparison to males, 12.1% (n=11). The SM, had a behavior classified as normal 65.9% (n=60), with a trend to the lower limit of SM with low level in males 62.5% (n=25), according to OMRON® parameters. CONCLUSION: For males, was found a relation between HGS and BC, lower SM, greater BF and less HGS, become predisposing factors to develop CR. On the other hand, females showed a normal SM, higher BF and less HGS, it looks apparently normal, but hides a healthy appearance that prevents the CR control. Those indicators are useful to reorient the objectives of integral formation towards create healthy habits to SECPAS.

Understanding how residents' preferences for supervisory methods change throughout residency training: a mixed-methods study.

BackgroundA major challenge for clinical supervisors is to encourage their residents to be independent without jeopardising patient safety. Residents’ preferences according to level of training on this regard have not been completely explored. This study has sought to investigate which teaching methods of the Cognitive Apprenticeship (CA) model junior, intermediate and senior residents preferred and why, and how these preferences differed between groups.MethodsWe invited 301 residents of all residency programmes of Javeriana University, Bogotá, Colombia, to participate. Each resident was asked to complete a Maastricht Clinical Teaching Questionnaire (MCTQ), which, being based on the teaching methods of CA, asked residents to rate the importance to their learning of each teaching method and to indicate which of these they preferred the most and why.ResultsA total of 215 residents (71 %) completed the questionnaire. All concurred that all CA teaching methods were important or very important to their learning, regardless of their level of training. However, the reasons for their preferences clearly differed between groups: junior and intermediate residents preferred teaching methods that were more supervisor-directed, such as modelling and coaching, whereas senior residents preferred teaching methods that were more resident-directed, such as exploration and articulation.ConclusionsThe results indicate that clinical supervision (CS) should accommodate to residents’ varying degrees of development by attuning the configuration of CA teaching methods to each level of residency training. This configuration should initially vest more power in the supervisor, and gradually let the resident take charge, without ever discontinuing CS.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12909-015-0462-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Analysis of the Lifestyle of Students of Pontificia Javeriana University Colombia

Analysis of the Lifestyle of Students of Pontificia Javeriana University Colombia

Better writers for better writings. Interview with Violeta Molina

Hace cinco años, la profesora colombiana Violeta Molina iniciaba una tarea desafiante en la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana de Cali: crear un Centro de Escritura para apoyar a los estudiantes en sus procesos de redacción académica. Para lograrlo enfrentó varios obstáculos, pero el principal fue la soledad de su tarea. Al contrario de lo que sucede en las universidades norteamericanas, los centros de escritura son muy jóvenes en Latinoamérica, y quienes los han llevado adelante han debido ingeniarse para organizarlos sin demasiados referentes regionales. 1 Con alrededor de 7000 estudiantes entre grado y posgrado, la Universidad Javeriana fue de las pioneras en crear uno de estos centros. Bajo el lema “Hacemos mejores escritores, no mejores escritos”, atiende por semestre 500 consultas de estudiantes y profesores, y forma todos los años tutores que son el motor de la propuesta. En el 2013 el Centro festejó sus primeros cinco años con el Primer Congreso Latinoamericano de Centros de Escritura. Este encuentro contó con la presencia de académicos, investigadores y directores de centros y programas de escritura, provenientes de Chile, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, México, Colombia y Uruguay. En el hermoso campus de la Universidad Javeriana, Molina conversó con dixit sobre su trabajo en el Centro de Escritura y sobre la tarea de construir y comunicar el saber.

KMC, Concepts, Definitions and Praxis: What Elements are Applicable in What Settings in Which Local Circumstances?

Background: The Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) method is a set of interventions for providing appropriate health care to preterm and/or low birth weight infants, based on the so-called kangaroo position (skin-to-skin contact). Since it was first described (Rey 1978) considerable variability has developed about: a) definition of the target population and of the therapeutic goals; b) time for starting skin-to-skin contact; c) continuity and duration of the kangaroo position, d) feeding strategies, and e) discharge and follow up policies. There is an urgent need to standardize the intervention, based on scientific evidence that supports its benefits and limitations. Objective: To develop a set of recommendations about the characterization and proper use of the different components of the Kangaroo Mother Care method, and to support each assertion with a systematic review of evidence. Design/Methods: A multidisciplinary group including experts in the field, heath care workers, users, parents of patients, and methodological and content experts worked between 2005 and 2007 in Javeriana University in Bogota. After defining terms and characterizing components of the intervention, a systematic review of published literature (Medline, Lilacs, hand searching and review of previously compiled bibliographies) was conducted to identify, appraise and summarize the evidence regarding the effects, risks, expected benefits and limitations of each component. Evidence based assertions were widely discussed until consensus with each statement was achieved, and then were evaluated by external peers experts in KMC method in developed countries. Results: Standardized definitions of Kangaroo Mother Care and its components, variants, target population, indications and precautions were produced. An evidence-based foundation for each component was developed, identifying the strength of the evidence, the knowledge gaps, the areas of controversy and the needs for further research. Conclusions: Although sound guidelines should be tailored to local needs and conditions (this particular exercise is focused in the Colombian situation), it is reasonable to expect that many of the recommendations and certainly most of the evidence appraised will be a useful input for guidelines development elsewhere. Keywords: Kangaroo mother care, premature infant, evidence based medecine, low birth weight infants, skin-to-skin contact, kangaroo position, Kangaroo Nutrition, Neonatal, KMC Program, High-Risk Infant

Reflexiones en torno a la comprensión del maltrato infantil

La presente investigación es un aporte a la comprensión de la infancia y del maltrato infantil. Se llevó a cabo un estado del arte del conocimiento producido en las experiencias de investigación / intervención realizadas en el marco del Programa de Especialización del Maltrato Infantil de la Universidad Javeriana entre los años 2002 al 2006. El artículo recrea la actualidad de esta preocupación en Colombia, ofrece reinterpretaciones al discurso construido y plantea un marco para el análisis complejo del maltrato dentro de las relaciones entre adulto y niño.

Mapa Conceptual Para El Aprendizaje Basado En Problemas

The document presents the main results of the experiment about the use of concept maps in the context of the problem-based learning (PBL). The experiment was realized in the Javeriana University (Bogotá, Colombia) with students of the undergraduate program of management. We found that the concept map improved the learning, but does not affect the students’ perception of the PBL method. It is recommended to include concept maps in PBL exercises.