Formative research (FR) constitutes a fundamental pillar for ensuring quality in higher education. In Paraguay, its inclusion in the undergraduate curriculum represents a regulatory imperative of the National Agency for Evaluation and Accreditation of Higher Education (ANEAES); however, its implementation is often fragmented into isolated methodology courses, limiting the development of transversal competencies. The objective of this conceptual review article is to analyze the relevance of FR as a transversal teaching strategy within the Paraguayan university context. Methodologically, a narrative and analytical review of scientific and regulatory literature selected between 2003 and 2024 was conducted across databases such as SciELO, Redalyc, and Dialnet. As main findings, evidence shows that FR transcends the technical teaching of research methods, acting as a driver for critical thinking, cognitive autonomy, and the resolution of local problems. FR demands an institutional paradigmatic shift involving effective curricular mainstreaming and continuous teacher training, consolidating itself as an indispensable posture to meet national quality standards.
From a structuralist perspective, this article examines the evolution and main determinants of social policies in Paraguay during the period 1989–2020. Despite the formal recognition of social rights and the implementation of programs aimed at vulnerable populations—particularly Tekoporã and the Non-Contributory Pension for Older Adults—Paraguayan social policy has been characterized by a predominantly welfare-oriented, targeted, and fragmented approach, with structural limitations in its capacity to sustainably reduce poverty and inequality. The analysis identifies as central factors behind these limitations the persistence of highly concentrated economic power structures, the unequal distribution of the benefits of economic growth, the regressivity of the tax system, institutional weakness, and the limited articulation between economic and social policies. In this context, state intervention has primarily functioned as a mechanism to mitigate the effects of the economic model rather than as an instrument for transforming its structural foundations. Although partial improvements can be observedin certain social indicators, they have not been sufficient to reverse historical inequalities or to ensure the full realization of social rights. Consequently, the study argues that, in the absence of profound economic transformations and greater coherence between economic growth and inclusive development, Paraguay tends to reproduce an exclusionary development pattern. The article concludes that the effective universalization of social rights remains an unresolved challenge, insofar as current policies continue to operate mainly as compensatory mechanisms rather than as instruments aimed at structural transformation.
Pepper (Capsicumspp.), a horticultural crop of wide distribution and easy handling that represents a key source of income for small and medium producers, sees its production threatened by phytopathogens such as Rhizoctonia solaniand Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, responsiblefor root rot and white mold, respectively. Trichodermaspp., fungi widely recognized for their antagonistic capacity, are effectively used as biological control agents due to mechanisms such as competition, antibiosis, and mycoparasitism. The objective ofthe study was to evaluate the production of metabolites by native isolates of Trichodermaspp. and determine their antifungal activity against R. solaniand S. sclerotiorum. All the organic extracts evaluated showed some degree of antifungal activity. In particular, the organic extract of the isolate Trichodermasp. FCQ14 completely inhibited the growth of both pathogens, while the extract of T. asperellumFCQ42 achieved 100% inhibition against S. sclerotiorum. In the extract of Trichodermasp. FCQ14, a major compound was identified whose spectroscopic properties match those of trichodermin, a trichothecene known to inhibit protein synthesis in eukaryotes. This metabolite is suggested to be responsible for the observed antifungal activity.
Oats are a cereal widely used in animal feed. The mashing process breaks down the shell and allows better access to nutrients. The objective of this work was to evaluate the inclusion of different levels of crushed oats in the balanced feed and its effect on the productive parameters and carcass yield of feedlot lambs. The experiment was carried out in the department of Paraguarí and lasted 56 days. The design used was completely randomized, with 5 treatments and 4 repetitions per treatment, totaling 20 experimental units, where each lamb was considered an experimental unit. The lambs used were Dorper cross males, 6-7 months old and with an average weight of 27 ±3 kgLW. The treatments were differentiated according to the level of substitution of corn for crushed oats, being 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. The variables evaluated were daily weight gain, total weight gain, voluntary intake, feed conversion, final live weight, hot carcass yield, and cooling loss. The data obtained were submitted to the ANOVA and subsequent Tukey test with a 5% probability of error. The results indicate that no significant differences were observed for any of the study variables. Therefore, it is concluded that the partial or total replacement of ground corn by crushed oats in the diet of lambs in feedlot is feasible.
The objective was to evaluate the influence of ecological parameters on the reproduction of Laelia ancepsLindl. subsp. anceps. A field study was conducted on 74 individuals located on 41 Quercusphorophytes under open (direct sunlight) and closed (shade) canopy conditions. Population structure, floral phenology, and visiting fauna were characterized. Results indicated that canopy type significantly influenced (p < 0,05) population abundance and floral production. The closed canopy exhibited higher values of individual density per phorophyte (1,7-fold), number of flowers (2,0-fold), and number of inflorescences per individual (1,1-fold). Reproductive success (capsules to flowers) was 15,1% higher under closed canopy, where 53,6% of flowers were recorded in October during the flowering peak. The high diversity of epiphytes such as Domingoa purpurea, Isochilus unilateralis, and Tillandsiaspp. on closed canopy phorophytes denotes the preference of theorchid and its associated species for lower solar incidence. Bombus mediuswas identified as an effective pollinator, and Xylocopa tabaniformisas a new floral visitor. These findings highlight the ecological specialization of Laelia ancepsand the need to conserve oak forests with closed canopy to ensure its reproductive cycle.
Due to the high prevalence of Anaplasma platys in tropical areas, the present study evaluated the usefulness of filter paper impregnated with canine capillary blood as an alternative method for the molecular detection of A. platys. A total of 101 genomic DNA samples extracted from dried blood impregnated on modified filter paper were analyzed. DNA extraction was performed using ion-exchange resins (Chelex 100®), and a fragment of the p44gene was amplified by conventional PCR (cPCR). Amplification products were visualized by 1.5% agarose gel electrophoresis. The results showed that 9 out of 101 samples (8.91%) tested positive for A. platys, demonstrating the presence of the hemopathogen in the analyzed canine population. The study findings support the use of filter paper impregnated with capillary blood as a reliable and efficient alternative for the collection, transport, and storage of blood samples in the molecular diagnosis of A. platys, thus contributing to epidemiological surveillance and clinical management of this infection in canine populations.
Ancylostomaspp. infection is reported in juveniles of Didelphis albiventris(white-eared opossum)kept under human care after being rescued in San Lorenzo, Paraguay. Pools of feces from five juvenile specimens, all positive for parasitic forms, were analyzed. The samples were evaluated using the coproparasitological techniques ofsodium chloride flotation and stool culture, observing eggs compatible with the order Strongylida. The larvae obtained in the stool culture were morphologically compatible with the filarioid stage (L3) of Ancylostomaspp. This finding constitutes the first report in Paraguay of the description of Ancylostomaspp. in D. albiventrisfrom larvae obtained by stool culture, which reinforces the need to implement surveillance measures in synanthropic species that interact closely with domestic animals and humans. The identification of these helminths, of relevance in public health due to their zoonotic capacity, underscores the importance of integrating wildlife into disease monitoring and control systems under the One Health approach.
The Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest eating patterns, associated with the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Its benefits are due to characteristics such as low cost, sustainability, diversity, and flexibility. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the Mediterranean diet, lipid profile, and body composition in women aged 18 to 25 years with normal weight. This cross-sectional study analyzed the relationship between body composition, lipid profile, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in 912 young women with normal weight in Peru. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist circumference, and body fat percentage) and blood samples for lipid analysis (total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, and triglycerides) were taken. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the “Chilean Mediterranean Diet Index,” adapted and validated for the local context. Statistical analysis included nonparametric tests due to the non-normal distribution of the data. As a result, a statistically significant association was found between greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet and a lower percentage of body fat (Rho = -0.161; p = 0.000). Likewise, when relating the waist-to-height ratio to adherence to the Mediterranean diet, a significant negative association was found (Rho = -0.140; p = 0.000), indicating that greater compliance with this dietary pattern could be linked to a lower risk of abdominal fat accumulation. In contrast, no significant associations were identified between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and total cholesterol (Rho = -0.059; p = 0.072), LDL cholesterol (Rho = -0.022; p = 0.518), HDL cholesterol (Rho = 0.022; p = 0.513), or triglycerides (Rho = -0.050; p = 0.126). It is concluded that adherence to the Mediterranean diet shows benefits in body composition, specifically in reducing body fat percentage and cardiovascular risk associated with abdominal fat accumulation in women of normal weight. However, its impact on lipid parameters was not significant.
The reformulation of meat products allows for the incorporation of functional ingredients with nutritional and technological value. In this context, quinoa flour represents an alternative for improving the stability of meat emulsions due to its protein content and water-retention capacity. The objective was to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of mortadella made with quinoa flour during refrigerated storage. A base formulation was prepared with the addition of 10% quinoa flour, and three independent replicates were evaluated over five storage periods: 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days. Moisture, protein, fat, and ash content were determined, in addition to counts of mesophilic aerobes, molds, yeasts, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonellaspp. The results showed that protein content remained between 12.00 and 12.79%, while moisture increased from 54.83% to 59.30%. Mesophilic aerobes showed variable behavior, increasing on day 15 and subsequently decreasing around days 30 and 45. E.coliand Salmonellaspp. were not detected, and S.aureus, mold, and yeast levels remained within control. It is concluded that the mortadella made with quinoa flour maintained physicochemical and microbiological stability under refrigeration.
The most relevant findings of a research study conducted in 2023, which was cross-sectional and quantitative, are presented. It was carried out by professionals from the General Directorate of Educational Research of the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC), aiming to explore the training of research teachers in Research Units at Teacher Training Institutes and Regional Education Centers in Paraguay. These individuals were surveyed using a digital questionnaire (Google form) with closed-ended questions sent via email. The convenience and availability-based sample consisted of 37 research teachers (30 women and 7 men) out of a population of 54. They had between 6 and 29 years of teaching experience, and between 1 and 10 years of experience in Research Units. Among the sample, only 2 researchers were categorized under the National Researcher Incentive Program (PRONII, now the National Researcher System) of the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT). Half of the respondents held postgraduate degrees: master's (48%) and doctoral (18%). Most participants reported having skills to conduct research, write articles, and present at scientific events, as well as to use reference management tools. Additionally, the study revealed the need for improved training in areas such as researchethics, utilizing information and communication management tools, and producing specific documents for research and scientific dissemination.
Corn and bean are fundamental crops for Paraguayan family-based peasant agriculture, yet their production is limited by low soil fertility and the need to optimize light, water, and nutrients. To evaluate the productivity and competitive interaction of both species, an experiment was conducted in the Sexta Línea-San Francisco locality (Caaguazú) using a randomized complete block design with five treatments: (T1) corn monoculture, (T2) bean monoculture without inoculant, (T3) corn-bean association without inoculant, (T4) bean monoculture with inoculant, and (T5) corn-bean association with inoculant. The BR 106 hybrid and the San Francisco bean variety were used, along with a Bradyrhizobium japonicuminoculant (1×1010CFU/ml, 200 ml per 100 kg of seed). Individual and total crop yields were measured, and the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) and Competitive Ratio (CR) were calculated. Yield data were analyzed using analysis of varianceand Tukey’s test (5%), while LER and CR were evaluated via Student’s t-test. The corn monoculture (T1) was the most productive, with 6281 kg/ha, followed by T5 with 5195 kg/ha (p<0.0001). Bean yield was significantly higher (p=0.0002) in monoculture with inoculant (2334 kg/ha) compared to the non-inoculated monoculture (1803 kg/ha. Inoculation in the associated cropping system improved resource-use efficiency, reflected in higher yields (6832 kg/ha) and LER values, indicating that the corn-bean system withinoculation optimizes family-based agricultural productivity in Paraguay.
This article discusses a dimension that has not been much discussed in urban studies: environmental inequalities. To the detriment of this category, other manifestations of inequality have been studied, such as urban, socio-spatial, housing, access to the city, rights, etc. In addition to attempting a theoretical approach to the notion of environmental inequalities, we argue their crucial importance in terms of quality of life and public health, especially in the popular sectors. It is argued that this type of inequalities refers to the disadvantages of the polluted environment, the exposure to risks and thedifferent vulnerabilities of the urban environment. Environmental inequalities are not simple differences; they are the result of a synergy with other forms of inequality, the effects of which deepen the disadvantages. Finally, the discussion exposes the inequalities generated by urban policies that disproportionately affect the quality of life and habitat of popular sectors, where the costs associated with pollution and its effects on the poorest populations are not taken into account.
Sign language is a language that possesses and complies with all linguistic laws. It is a natural form of communication of expression and gesture-spatial configuration and visual perception of people with hearing impairment, depending on their degree of impairment. The following research work was conducted with the objective of determining the perception of nursing students about Sign Language. The methodological design was observational, descriptive, cross-sectional with a quantitative approach. The study population was 104 students, with non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The data collection method used was a form, using the Likert scale, contemplating the relevant variables and objectives. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics; the results are presented in tables and graphs. Throughout the research process, the ethical aspects of Respect, Beneficence and Justice were taken into account. The results were that 75% corresponded to the age group 21 to 24 years, 83% were female, 40% belonged to the eighth semester, and 90% were from urban areas. It was determined that the nursing students, despite not having knowledge of inclusive communication strategies, showed a positive attitude towards the possibility of learning about them, including Sign Language during the course of their studies.
This research analyzes the incursion of Krausist-Positivist liberal discourse into the historical, political, and social context of Paraguayan novecentismo and its repercussions on the formation of the State at the beginning of the 20th century. It also compares and considers the ideological perspectives present in the national political discourses that shaped various conceptions of the role of the state during the turbulent post-war years of the 1870s in the country. With a qualitative and hermeneutic approach, the technique used was Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). First, Krausist-Positivist discourses are identified and described, followed by a review of their effective incorporation—or the difficulties in their incorporation—into the legal and political framework of Paraguayan State institutions from the founding of the two major political parties in 1887 until the Republic's centenary in 1911. This date is significant because it marks the emergence of the discourse of “reparation” or “national reconstruction,” definitively relegating earlier intellectual efforts to the background. The research offers an approach to a theory of the state that is genuinely born in Paraguay but has not found favorable conditions for implementation in the praxis of the Paraguayan State.
The importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a global roadmap for an equitable and sustainable future is undeniable. In this context, the National University of Asunción (UNA) plays a fundamental role in promoting practices aligned with the SDGs and training professionals committed to sustainable development. The main objective of this project is to identify good practices that contribute to improving the level of compliance with the SDGs at the UNA, year 2023. A documentary bibliographic modality was used to examine articles and documents related to the UNA and the SDGs. In addition, in-depth interviews were carried out with key members of the Extension Directorates of the academic units. Thedata collected was processed with Atlas ti to identify patterns and trends. It has been seen that, among the actions to promote knowledge and awareness about the SDGs, there are mainly: Declare in university extension projects the SDG to which the proposal responds. Encourage the participation of all academic units in the promotion of the SDGs. Foster collaboration and promote external alliances with public and private institutions to share resources and knowledge, in achieving the SDGs, by participating in networks and platforms that promote inter-institutional collaboration. Self-management and collaboration have been presented as the fundamental strategy to overcome the lack of financial resources.
Sarcopenia is a syndrome that is characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, generally associated with aging. However, there are factors such as age, sex, and chronic pathologies such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) that can influenceits development and progression, even at earlier ages. The objective of this study was to characterize the risk of sarcopenia according to the SARC-F scale and handgrip strength in women with T2DM from a reference center. Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study, sample composed of women aged 40 to 74 years, diagnosed with T2DM, who attended the Diabetes Club of a reference center and had given consent to participate. Ethical principles were respected, an instrument developed by the authors was used to collect sociodemographic data, handgrip strength assessed by dynamometry, and the validated instrument for detecting the risk of sarcopenia called the SARC-F scale. There was a predominance of women with normal hand grip strength (65.38%), compared to 34.62% who had low strength according to the dynamometry assessment. The results of the sarcopenia risk assessment using the SARC-F instrumentshowed that 61.54% of the participants were not at risk. Measuring grip strength with a dynamometer and using the SARC-F instrument could constitute useful, non-invasive methods that are easy to apply in populations with chronic pathologies such as T2DM to evaluate the risk of sarcopenia.
With increasing urbanization, the vast majority of aquatic ecosystems are under intense anthropogenic pressure. As a consequence, the biological community is subjected to constant stress, which can cause damage at the cellular level.Therefore, the objective of the work was to evaluate the genotoxic effect of domestic and industrial pollutants on the Guazú stream, located in the city of San Antonio, Central-Paraguay, which flows directly into the Paraguay River. A sampling campaign was carried out in October 2023,and two points were selected: inlet and outlet of the stream. Parameters such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, biochemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total coliforms, total chromium, cadmium and lead were selected. The cytotoxic and genotoxic effect was estimated from the calculation of the Mitotic Index and Chromosome Aberrations Index in meristematic cells of Allium cepa. There was a strong domestic pollution in the Guazú stream mainly due to a high load of nutrientsand total coliforms. The mitotic index in both points was less than 10%, which shows a slight cytotoxic effect, although not significant. However, a significant genotoxic effect was observed by means of the index of chromosomal aberrations, observing binucleated cells, in C-metaphase, chromosomal bridges, sticky chromosomes and lagging chromosomes. Therefore, due to the mild cytotoxic and genotoxic effects observed, periodic monitoring is recommended to determine if these anomalies persist and to propose strategies to regulate the discharge of domestic and industrial pollutants.
The continuous and excessive use of pyrethroid insecticides has generated numerous environmental and public health problems, making their removal from the environment a topic of interest. Biological resources such as microorganisms or enzymes, with the ability to degrade or eliminate pesticides, have become a powerful tool for the remediation of environments contaminated with these compounds. The objective of this research was to evaluate the tolerance of Trichoderma asperelloidesTF5 to various concentrations of cypermethrin and to analyze its potential for use in bioremediation. For the study, a solid culture medium (PDA) with cypermethrin concentrations of 10, 100, 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/L was used. Mycelial growth and the percentage of growth inhibition of Trichoderma were evaluated as a function of the different concentrations. The results demonstrated, based on a linear regression graph, that 50% inhibition of mycelial growth is achieved witha concentration of 1150 mg/L, a concentration comparableto that used in the field. Therefore, Trichoderma asperelloidesTF5, due to its demonstrated tolerance, shows promising potential for application in bioremediation processes.
La investigación se centró en la temática de las estrategias de enseñanza-aprendizaje y las habilidades investigativas en estudiantes universitarios; su objetivo fue analizar las estrategias de enseñanza-aprendizaje que se vinculan al logro de habilidades investigativas en estudiantes de la carrera de Ciencias de la Educación de la Facultad de Humanidades de una universidad pública de Encarnación, año 2022. Metodológicamente, tuvo un enfoque cuantitativo con diseño no experimental de tipo transversal descriptivo. La muestra de estudio corresponde a 34 docentes y 137 estudiantes, la muestra fue aleatoria simple. Como instrumento se elaboró un cuestionario de escala Lickert. Los resultados más relevantes demostraron que los trabajos de campo son una adecuada modalidad de construcción de conocimientos, mediante la captación y registro de las evidencias (empíricas), apoyadas en la teoría, gracias a la aplicación y combinación de diversas estrategias. También, que los estudiantes universitarios son competentes en su aprendizaje autónomo y, en consecuencia, están vinculándose a las habilidades investigativas por medio de las habilidades propias de dicho aprendizaje. Sin embargo, otro resultado señala que hay poca frecuencia en la aplicación de trabajos colaborativos. Se concluye que, las EEA se vinculan al logro de las habilidades investigativas en los estudiantes de la carrera de Ciencias de la Educación, por lo tanto, estas estrategias permiten organizar las diversas propuestas formuladas por los docentes en el PEA. Así también, es fundamental para generar otros saberes, el valor contextual y conceptual de la pertinencia social de las EEA.
