Sapienza: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

Self-management of type 2 diabetes mellitus among older adults in an Ecuadorian community

Lissette Estefanía Sánchez Torres, Verónica Sofia Quenorán Almeida — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0300

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease affecting millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the body's inability to effectively regulate blood glucose levels, which leads to chronic hyperglycemia. Objective: To describe the self-control of type 2 diabetes mellitus in older adults in an Ecuadorian community. Methods: Quantitative, non-experimental, field, descriptive, and transversal approach. The “Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (DSMQ)” questionnaire was used and applied to 42 older adults. Results: 31% of the participants indicated that the control of blood sugar levels is applied to some extent in attending appointments with medical doctors, 52.4% said that this statement applies to a considerable degree when taking medication for diabetes, 61.9% of the participants indicated that it applies to a significant degree, in turn, in terms of the tendency to "binge eat", approximately 26.2% stated that this statement applies to some extent, the tendency to skip the planned physical activity, 54.8% said that this premise applies to a considerable degree, concerning the Perception of their diabetes self-control, approximately 35.7% indicated that it is applied to a certain extent. Conclusion: Improve self-control practices by favoring the reduction of complications related to the pathology, promoting autonomy and informed decision-making, and contributing to active aging and health in the population

Colours in clothes and psychological functioning: the impact on emotions and self-esteem

Iryna Soroka, Neli Balode, Maryna Kutas — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0300

Background: Colours are the object of study in various areas of humanitarian sciences, such as linguistics, cultural studies, and art. In psychology, the effects of colour on behaviour and emotional states are analyzed. The purpose of this research is to explore the preference for colours in clothes Indian students wear and report the results of the “Colour Challenge Week” project. Methods: Simultaneous mixed methods were used in this study: qualitative (a survey, documents analysis: students’ reports) and quantitative (two standardized tests: The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the PANAS-SF). Results: The article introduces the survey results among 246 university students aged 18-22 from different states of India. It shows the colours black, white, and blue in clothes are of preference. Pearson’s Chi-Square test was used to examine the Frequency distribution of values. To find the answer to the research question: “What is the impact of colours in clothes on students’ emotions and self-esteem?” a thematic analysis of students’ reports was performed. Conclusions: The exploration of this topic is far from complete and to uncover all relationships further intensive research is required. Future studies are recommended utilizing bigger sample sizes with a more equal proportion of males to females

Exploring linguistic and cultural barriers in literary translation: an analysis of undergraduate students' strategies and challenges in translating Albanian texts into English

Elsa Vula, Gentiana Muhaxhiri — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0300

Purpose: Investigate the challenges undergraduate students face when translating Albanian literary texts into English, focusing on the cultural and linguistic considerations that impact the translation process and the concept of translation loss. Methodology: Qualitative analysis of the translation methods used by non-English-speaking students, examining the types of cultural loss, challenges, and solutions encountered. Data were collected by studying translated excerpts from the Albanian literary work "Prilli i Thyer" (Broken April), with attention to the strategies employed by students to address translation challenges. Findings: Students predominantly used literal translation, resulting in implicit, modified, and complete cultural losses. Key challenges included translating Albanian cultural words, idiomatic expressions, and grammatical differences. Despite these challenges, students demonstrated proficiency and versatility in literary translation, employing strategies such as adaptation, direct translation, borrowing, and omission. Implications: The findings highlight the need for enhanced cultural competence and linguistic skills in translation education. Recommendations include using Albanian-Albanian dictionaries and a deeper engagement with Albanian culture to improve translation accuracy and reduce cultural loss. Recommendations: Students should be encouraged to develop a comprehensive understanding of the source culture and to utilize creative translation solutions. Peer collaboration and feedback are also recommended to refine translation skills and strategies. Conclusion: This research contributes to the field of translation studies by shedding light on the intricacies of translating Albanian literature into English. It underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity and linguistic proficiency in producing accurate and culturally resonant translations, ultimately fostering a more interconnected and diverse literary world

Corruption and emigration from the Western Balkans: evidence from a dynamic system GMM model (2012-2022)

Visar Malaj, Emi Malaj — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0300

According to neoclassical models, migration takes place when there is a strong probability that individuals will recoup their human capital investments. As a result, workers typically move from low-income to high-income areas and the larger the expected income gap between areas, the higher the number of migrants. In countries where corruption is endemic, jobs are often secured through political connections and bribes. This will lead to a higher unemployment level as well as to a lower return to human capital. Consequently, a significant proportion of the population considers emigration as the only path to succeed. The present study is focused on the impact of corruption on emigration from six Western Balkan countries. A System Generalized Method of Moments is estimated to analyze migrant stocks in 28 receiving countries during the period from 2012 to 2022. We suggest that corruption can directly influence migration stocks in receiving countries.

Administrative law mechanisms for preventing and countering corruption in the field of territorial defence

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0300

Background: The relevance of using legal corruption prevention mechanisms is a strategic issue for ensuring national security and the effectiveness of military management. The aim of the article is to identify the existing regulatory legal mechanisms for combating corruption in the defence sector and the possibility of their strengthening based on the experience of European countries. Methods: The research methodology was based on statistical, comparative, and content analysis. Results: The study revealed the practice of using anti-corruption mechanisms in the field of territorial defines in Ukraine and the countries of the European Union (EU). The article reveals the peculiarities of the implementation of independent institutions, compliance with ISO 37001 standards, and the use of digital monitoring, which directly reduces corruption rates and increases trust in the institutions of the defence sector. Conclusions: The practical significance of the work study is in introducing a centralised resource management system in territorial defence that is adapted to the context of Ukraine. Further research should focus on integrating Big Data to ensure data transparency and security with due regard to the geopolitical picture of the world.

Conditional cash transfer program, child malnutrition and school dropout in the high Andean region of Peru

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0300

The conditional cash transfer program (CCT) in Peru aims to promote positive behaviors by providing financial support to families on the condition that they commit to ensuring their children's health and education. This research aimed to assess the impact of the National Program of Direct Support to the Poorest, known as JUNTOS, on chronic child malnutrition and school dropout among beneficiaries in the Apurimac region in 2023. The study used a quantitative research method with a cross-sectional, causal correlational design. The hypotheses were tested using the chi-square coefficient and Nagelkerke. The population included 405,759 beneficiary families, and the sample consisted of 384 beneficiaries who were surveyed using a questionnaire. The results indicated that the JUNTOS program had a significant influence on chronic malnutrition (Sig.=0.013, chi-square=8.508, Nagelkerke=0.026) and school dropout (Sig.=0.02, chi-square=5.63, Nagelkerke=0.020) among the beneficiaries. It is concluded that the JUNTOS program significantly reduced chronic malnutrition and school dropout rates by 2.6% and 2.0% respectively in the Apurimac region. Future policy efforts must expand CCT initiatives to similar regions in Peru.

Educational model and research levels in the professional training of lawyers

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0300

The professional training of lawyers in a globalized context, where knowledge, social, and natural phenomena significantly impact people's quality of life and the environment, is a complex process. Fundamental changes in the educational model and teaching-learning processes are required to address the future challenges of a constantly changing world. This manuscript aims to analyze the research levels proposed in the educational models of Higher Education Institutions and their relationship with the professional training of lawyers in Ecuador. The researchers used a mixed approach, applying inductive, analytical, and descriptive methods. The research is descriptive and has a non-experimental design. The study included 50 eighth-semester students and 20 research professors of the Law career from public universities in Zone 3 of Ecuador. A Likert model questionnaire with 6 questions was administered. The results indicate that the educational model and the levels of research applied in the professional training of lawyers are not aligned with constitutional and legal provisions. Therefore, it is concluded that the research results do not address the needs and problems of social environments and contexts, and do not have a significant positive impact on the quality of life of citizens.

Trends in educational policies related to educational quality: a systematic review

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0300

Introduction: The purpose of this systematic review study was to analyze current trends in educational policies related to educational quality in Spanish-speaking countries. Methods: The study involved an exploratory-descriptive and critical investigation, covering relevant articles and theses. The PRISMA method was used to conduct a systematic review, consulting priority databases such as Scopus, Science Direct, Scielo, ProQuest, Repository UCV, and Dialnet. Results: The review indicates the coexistence of various educational policy trends, including the defense of different economic systems, the pursuit of higher educational quality, the promotion of inclusivity in education, and the safeguarding of the right to education for all. These policies reflect a multifaceted approach to improving education, adapted to the specific contexts of each country. Conclusions: It is crucial to implement contextually adapted and evidence-based educational policies and to foster collaboration among stakeholders to achieve inclusive and quality education. This study contributes to understanding trends in educational policies and offers recommendations for future research and the formulation of effective policies.

Effects of the vehicle fleet on air quality in an urban university environment of Ecuador

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0300

Introduction: Air quality in university environments is critical for the health and well-being of students and staff. This study aims to identify the permissible pollutants emitted in the parking lots of the State Technical University of Quevedo (UTEQ) in the canton of Quevedo, province of Los Ríos, Ecuador. Methods: An abductive (inductive-deductive) approach was employed, utilizing statistical methods to analyze primary emission data. In-situ measurements of pollutants, specifically carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), were conducted monthly across three parking lots at the university. Each parking lot contained three strategically established monitoring points, where measurements were taken during peak entry and exit hours and on days of highest traffic, using the Temtop M2000C-2º sensor. Results: The findings revealed significant statistical differences in pollutant concentrations among the parking lots. CO levels were notably higher in the main parking lot during midday, while PM2.5 and PM10 exhibited greater dispersion in the rear parking lot. The maximum measured values were 456.71 ppm (CO) in the main parking lot, 22.29 µg/m³ (PM2.5) in the Produteq lot, and 32.54 µg/m³ (PM10) in the rear parking lot, all of which remain within the permissible limits established by Ecuadorian legislation. Conclusion: Although air pollution levels at UTEQ are classified as moderate, the results underscore the necessity for implementing short-term mitigation measures to enhance air quality. It is recommended that university authorities develop projects and actions aimed at reducing vehicular emissions and improving overall environmental conditions on campus.