National Autonomous University of Nicaragua

This document analyzes interculturality based on ancestral teachings applied to agricultural practices as an educational strategy for agricultural engineering students in the Universidad en el Campo (UNICAM) program at the Río Blanco campus in Nicaragua. It begins with the need to integrate scientific knowledge with traditional knowledge to strengthen cultural identity and promote sustainable development in rural contexts. A reflective approach is adopted, grounded in categories such as bio-learning, decoloniality, sustainability, cultural identity, and dialogue of knowledge. Ancestral agricultural practices are highlighted as forms of contextualized learning, integrated with heuristic and metaheuristic approaches that enable students to understand and solve agroecological problems. Likewise, the role of intercultural education in the recovery of traditional knowledge through interaction with the community is emphasized. The integration of ancestral knowledge into agricultural education strengthens students’ holistic development, promoting values, cultural identity, and a commitment to the environment. Interculturality is established as a key pillar for relevant and sustainable education, capable of producing professionals who bridge the gap between ancestral and scientific knowledge for the benefit of community development.

Assessment for learning is an essential process in university education, since beyond verifying the achievement of learning objectives, it also guides teaching toward the student’s holistic development. In the Hispanic Language and Literature program at BICU-CUR El Rama, in which the curriculum is structured around objectives, the assessment practices used by faculty have been characterized by conventional methods, raising question about their coherence with the educational goals. This study aimed to analyze these practices, identifying strengths and weaknesses in relation to the development of cognitive, procedural, and attitudinal skills, to propose alternatives that meet the demands of quality education. A qualitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study, interviews, focus group, observation, and document analysis, with a sample of 45 first-year students and 4 professors. The results show a positive student assessment (92.2 %); however, traditional methods predominate, with little innovation, which limits the development of critical thinking and research autonomy. Data triangulation identified limitations in the development of cognitive skills, revealing a weak connection between the dimensions of learning. In response a comprehensive methodological proposal was designed based on active strategies aimed at diversifying assessment and strengthening the coherence between theory, practice, and learning objectives. It is concluded that the current assessment practice is formally appropriate but needs to be updated to foster creativity, autonomy, and educational quality.

Background: Secondary ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare malignant odontogenic tumor arising through malignant transformation of a pre-existing ameloblastoma and may involve complex craniofacial compartments. When the skull base is involved, management requires integration of oncologic resection with reconstructive strategies that ensure durable intracranial-extracranial separation and structural stability. Case Presentation: A 27-year-old male with a 13-year history of recurrent mandibular ameloblastoma presented with extensive craniofacial progression involving the temporal bone, masticator and infratemporal spaces, orbit, parotid region, and skull base, with regional lymph node metastases. Radical en bloc craniofacial resection with modified radical neck dissection was performed, including focal dural excision to achieve margin control. Proximal vascular control was achieved through elective external carotid artery ligation, which substantially limited nearby ipsilateral recipient-vessel options for immediate free tissue transfer. Cranial base integrity was restored using multilayer vascularized pericranial-galeal reconstruction reinforced with a dural substitute. Adjuvant radiotherapy (72 Gy) was administered. At 42-month follow-up, the patient remains disease-free, with preserved functional status and stable craniofacial contour. Conclusions: Adherence to foundational reconstructive principles—including vascularized tissue coverage and multilayer dural repair—is integral to radical craniofacial resection. In selected defects with constrained recipient-vessel options, regional vascularized reconstruction may provide durable intracranial protection and preserve functional outcomes.

La resolución espacial limitada de los modelos climáticos globales representa una barrera significativa para la generación de proyecciones locales precisas, particularmente en regiones con alta variabilidad geográfica y climática. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo diseñar e implementar un modelo heurístico basado en Statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM) para optimizar la reducción de escala climática de 2° a 0.5°, fortaleciendo la precisión espacial en la estimación de temperatura y precipitación. Metodológicamente, se desarrolló una investigación aplicada de carácter exploratorio con enfoque computacional, estructurada en fases de análisis teórico, diseño algorítmico, implementación en Matlab R2015b y evaluación funcional. El modelo integró relaciones estadísticas entre predictores atmosféricos globales y variables locales mediante procedimientos heurísticos orientados a mejorar la eficiencia del procesamiento y la delimitación espacial. Los resultados evidenciaron que el diseño propuesto favorece una representación climática más detallada, reduce limitaciones operativas asociadas a escalas gruesas y constituye una alternativa metodológica viable para contextos con restricciones de información local. Se concluye que la incorporación de heurísticas en procesos de downscaling amplía las posibilidades de modelación matemática aplicada al análisis climático regional y fortalece futuras investigaciones sobre escenarios climáticos de alta resolución.

This article aims to identify the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding testicular cancer among security personnel at UNAN-Managua. This quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study included a sample of 73 workers who completed a structured survey to collect data. The findings revealed that, although there is a low level of knowledge about the importance of early detection and the influence of lifestyle on testicular cancer, significant gaps remain in anatomical and conceptual understanding, as well as in the identification of signs and symptoms, especially regarding personal history. Personal history is perceived as the main risk factor, while other clinically relevant factors are poorly recognized. Attitudes are mostly favorable toward prevention and self-examination, although a minority hold misconceptions that may limit preventive practices. Regarding practice, most are of the correct steps for self-examination and do not perform it systematically. These findings highlight the need for educational strategies and self-care promotion programs aimed at strengthening knowledge, adherence to self examination, and early detection of testicular cancer.