Mario Antonio García

This study employed response surface methodology to optimize the spray-drying conditions for a microencapsulated oregano extract (Origanum vulgare L.) using a maltodextrin-gum Arabic wall-material system. Feed flow rates of 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 L h-1 and inlet air temperatures of 130, 140, and 150 °C were evaluated. The oregano leaves were dried, ground, and extracted by maceration with 90% (v/v) ethanol at a 1:10 mass-to-solvent ratio at 60 °C for 24 h under agitation. Process yield, encapsulation efficiency, and moisture content were evaluated. The optimal conditions within the experimental domain were a feed flow rate of 0.5 L h-1 and an inlet air temperature of 150 °C. Independent validation under these conditions resulted in a process yield of 94.97%, encapsulation efficiency of 94.06%, and moisture content of 3.15%, with relative prediction errors of 0.13, 0.60, and 0.73%, respectively. The resulting spray-dried microencapsulated oregano extract showed 92.0% solubility, a bulk density of 0.24 g mL-1, a tapped density of 0.48 g mL-1, a Carr index of 50%, a Hausner ratio of 2.00, an angle of repose of 31.58°, and hygroscopicity of 21.49 g 100 g-1. Its ferric reducing antioxidant power was 402 µmol Fe2+/g sample, and its total polyphenol content was 0.15 mg g-1. Overall, the optimized process produced a spray-dried microencapsulated oregano extract with high process yield and encapsulation efficiency and measurable antioxidant-related activity, supporting its further evaluation as a functional food ingredient. Keywords: microencapsulation; oregano extract; spray drying; antioxidant capacity.

In the contemporary context of the digital transformation of higher education, emerging technologies such as simulations, augmented reality, and virtual laboratories have gained relevance due to their potential to improve teaching and learning processes; however, the evidence regarding their effectiveness presents heterogeneous and scattered results. In this sense, this study aimed to critically and systematically analyze the existing empirical evidence on the use of these emerging technologies in higher education, focusing on their educational impact and the main limitations arising from their application within the pedagogical field itself, and not only from the technological perspective. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA methodology guidelines. To this end, empirical research on the use of emerging technologies was examined, focusing on variables such as learning outcomes, motivation, knowledge retention, and skills development. The analysis showed that these technologies can improve conceptual learning, knowledge retention, and transfer, as well as the development of practical and spatial skills. However, their effectiveness is mediated by pedagogical factors, instructional design, and the implementation context. Limitations include the small number of standardized studies, small sample sizes, and limited evaluation of long-term effects. Overall, the results demonstrate the high educational potential of these technologies, although they require robust pedagogical approaches and more comparative evidence to substantiate their effectiveness in higher education.

The creation of a new journal in Health Sciences aims to address global challenges in public health and well-being, aligning its themes with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study proposes a review of the main thematic trends in scientific health research through a bibliometric analysis to identify emerging areas and knowledge gaps. The methodology employed includes a qualitative-analytical approach, with descriptive bibliometric techniques, analysis of impact indicators, and external validation by experts. Through a review of high-impact scientific journals and recent articles, predominant themes were identified, such as public health, oncology, digital health, nutrition, and environmental health. The results of the analysis show that the most influential areas in health research include public health, personalized medicine, digital health, and environmental health, with a growing focus on the integration of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and precision medicine. Furthermore, research gaps were identified, particularly at the intersection of artificial intelligence with public health and preventive medicine, suggesting opportunities for a new journal covering these topics. In conclusion, the creation of a journal focused on these emerging intersections, with an interdisciplinary approach and aligned with the SDGs, could fill significant gaps in the scientific literature, promoting international collaboration and advancing evidence-based solutions to the most pressing global health challenges.

This paper explores emerging trends in interdisciplinary research that connect Law, Communication, and Society, considering an editorial approach focused on high-impact scientific publications. A systematic review of recent literature (last five years) is presented, identifying key thematic areas (digital governance, democratic discourse, digital rights, media literacy, media justice) that cut across the three fields. Furthermore, a bibliometric analysis of relevant publications reveals a growth in research on digital regulatory artifacts and algorithmic justice, as well as a concern for public discourse and information inequality. Thirty leading journals (10 in Law, 10 in Communication, and 10 in Social Sciences) were selected according to SCImago 2024, and their editorial profiles were analyzed. Finally, each main theme is aligned with SDGs 16, 10, 5, and 4, showing direct links (e.g., democratic transparency—SDG 16, gender equality in the media—SDG 5), and emerging gaps are highlighted (algorithmic justice, democratic backsliding in the Global South, disinformation in legal processes). These findings support the proposal for an interdisciplinary publication aimed at strengthening rights and social participation in the digital age. This study contributes a structured editorial framework integrating bibliometric mapping, thematic clustering, and SDG alignment to consolidate the interdisciplinary field of Law, Communication, and Society. By identifying critical gaps (algorithmic justice, democratic backsliding in the Global South, and disinformation in judicial contexts), it offers a strategic roadmap for academic journals. Moreover, it provides actionable insights for editorial management, prioritizing socially urgent yet underfunded themes such as digital gender violence, media literacy policies, and algorithmic accountability, thereby advancing a coherent and globally relevant research agenda.

The present systematic review of Ecuadorian academic literature (2015-2025) establishes that lipodystrophy is a nosological entity characterized by high clinical prevalence but low epidemiological visibility, with research predominantly concentrated on the therapeutic sequelae of diabetes mellitus and HIV/AIDS (SLAV). Evidence reveals that the condition's chronic underreporting is perpetuated by the diagnostic differentiation challenge, in which manifestations of lipoaccumulation (lipo-hypertrophy due to insulin or visceral fat due to HAART) are systematically subsumed under the umbrella of obesity in general clinical practice. This confusion hinders the identification of specific etiological factors and minimizes the recognition of the high metabolic and cardiovascular risks associated with these pathological adipose alterations. It is concluded that the imperative is to establish standardized national clinical protocols that mandate rigorous differential diagnosis for obesity, thereby reducing underreporting and ensuring specialized therapeutic intervention in Ecuador.

The strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch., cv. Albion) is a fruit of high nutritional and commercial value, whose post-harvest shelf life is limited by its non-climacteric nature. This study aimed to develop an edible coating based on corn starch (Zea mays L.), gelatin, and cinnamon essential oil (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) to prolong the shelf life of refrigerated strawberries. Commercial corn starches, avocado seed (Persea americana cv. Fuerte), and banana (Musa AAA cv. Cavendish) were evaluated, with corn starch being highlighted for its greater swelling capacity at temperatures below 60 °C, although it exhibited lower solubility. Cinnamon essential oil, obtained by distillation, yielded 1.56% and had a density of 1.048 g mL-1. Using a 32-response surface design, the concentrations of gelatin (2, 3.5, 5 % w/v) and essential oil (0.3, 0.4, 0.5 % w/v) were optimized, determining that the combination of 2 % gelatin and 0.5 % essential oil significantly reduced the weight loss of strawberries (p ≤ 0.05). The adjusted model explained 96.05% of the variability (R2 = 97.09). Under these conditions, a 14.7% reduction in weight loss was achieved, and quality parameters were better preserved for 15 days at 2 °C and 50% humidity, demonstrating the effectiveness of the coating as a sustainable conservation strategy. Keywords: edible coatings; corn starch; cinnamon essential oil; gelatin; Albion strawberry; post-harvest preservation.

Academic stress is associated with dietary and lifestyle disturbances in university students, which can potentially impact their health and performance. This study examined the relationship between academic stress, eating habits, physical activity, and coping strategies among medical students at the Universidad San Gregorio de Portoviejo in Ecuador. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2025 with 137 students from all semesters. Two structured surveys were administered to estimate academic stress and eating habits, respectively. The majority (79.3%) consumed food outside of main meals, preferring products high in sugar and fat. Additionally, 46.6% increased their intake under stress, while 53.4% reduced it. Only 30.5% engaged in physical activity at least once a week. Passive strategies (social media, television) for coping with stress prevail, reinforcing unhealthy eating patterns. Academic stress influences the selection and frequency of food intake, favoring the consumption of ultra-processed foods and reducing physical activity. The design of nutritional education and stress management programs for medical students is recommended to improve their overall well-being.

This article analyzed the main advances and challenges associated with the medicine of the future, focusing on four fundamental pillars: personalized medicine based on genomics, artificial intelligence applied to diagnosis and clinical management, emerging therapies using CRISPR-based gene editing, and the comprehensive One Health approach that links human, animal, and environmental health. Through a narrative review, recent evidence was examined to illustrate how these technologies are transforming healthcare systems worldwide. Ethical, social, and regulatory implications were also discussed, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary integration to achieve preventive, personalized, and sustainable medicine.

The incorporation of functional ingredients into processed foods represents a promising strategy to enhance their nutritional and sensory profiles. This study evaluated the effect of adding peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) flour on the physicochemical, functional, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of a papaya (Carica papaya L.) paste. Four formulations were developed with increasing concentrations of peach palm flour (10, 20, 30, and 40% w/w). The 10% formulation showed the highest sensory acceptance, with mean scores of 6.78 for color, 6.67 for odor, 6.89 for flavor, and 6.78 for texture (7-point hedonic scale). This formulation also showed a significant increase in protein content (from 0.3% to 2.2%) and fat content (from 0.1% to 1.6%), along with a reduction in carbohydrate content (from 72.6% to 69.8%), compared to the control, without compromising sensory perception. The product remained microbiologically stable (<1.0 log CFU/g for aerobic mesophilic bacteria and molds/yeasts) for 45 days at 15–20 °C. A total of 87% of consumers reported that they would consume the product “always” or “often”, confirming its acceptability. These findings support the use of peach palm flour as a value-adding ingredient in tropical fruit-based functional products. Keywords: Bactris gasipaes Kunth; Carica papaya L.; functional snacks; nutritional improvement; tropical fruit products.

Desenvolvimento de filmes biodegradáveis de amido de milho reforçados com nanocelulose para embalagens de alimentos This research evaluated blends of six essential oils (EOs) to maximize their antimicrobial effect without compromising sensory acceptability, aiming to inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 33152), Salmonella enteritidis (ATCC 13076), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Klebsiella aerogenes (ATCC 35029), Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19114), Aspergillus brasiliensis (ATCC 16404), and Aspergillus niger (ATCC 6275). Thirty-one mixtures of six essential oils: eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér.), rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.), oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf) were proposed and evaluated by measuring the inhibition halo of microbial growth. Through optimization, four new mixtures were evaluated at 100% concentration and four at 5% concentration. Semi-trained panelists assessed these new blends for the most palatable combination by qualitatively selecting their organoleptic properties. Several blends showed desirability values above 0.90, reaching a maximum of 0.9499 for oregano. However, the blend containing rosemary (0.93%), eucalyptus (1.82%), oregano (94.95%), and lemongrass (2.3%) was selected for having the highest average sensory acceptance in terms of desirability ranking and taste preference. All tested samples inhibited fungal growth. The chosen blend showed total inhibition of K. aerogenes and inhibition halos greater than 30 mm for S. typhimurium, E. coli, S. aureus, and L. monocytogenes. Keywords: essential oils; antimicrobial; sensory acceptability; microbial inhibition; optimization; desirability. RESUMO: Esta pesquisa avaliou misturas de seis óleos essenciais (OEs) para maximizar seu efeito antimicrobiano sem comprometer a aceitabilidade sensorial, visando inibir Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 33152), Salmonella enteritidis (ATCC 13076), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Klebsiella aerogenes (ATCC 35029), Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19114), Aspergillus brasiliensis (ATCC 16404) e Aspergillus niger (ATCC 6275). Trinta e uma misturas de seis óleos essenciais: eucalipto (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.), manjericão (Ocimum basilicum L.), gerânio (Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér.), alecrim (Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.), orégano (Origanum vulgare L.) e capim-limão (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf) foram propostas e avaliadas medindo o halo de inibição do crescimento microbiano. Por meio da otimização, quatro novas misturas foram avaliadas na concentração de 100% e quatro na concentração de 5%. Os painelistas semitreinados avaliaram essas novas misturas para a combinação mais palatável, selecionando qualitativamente suas propriedades organolépticas. Várias misturas apresentaram valores de desejabilidade acima de 0,90, atingindo um máximo de 0,9499 para orégano. Entretanto, a mistura contendo alecrim (0,93%), eucalipto (1,82%), orégano (94,95%) e capim-limão (2,3%) foi selecionada por ter a maior aceitação sensorial média em termos de classificação de desejabilidade e preferência de sabor. Todas as amostras testadas inibiram o crescimento fúngico. A mistura escolhida apresentou inibição total de K. aerogenes e halos de inibição maiores que 30 mm para S. typhimurium, E. coli, S. aureus e L. monocytogenes. Palavras-chave: óleos essenciais; antimicrobiano; aceitabilidade sensorial; inibição microbiana; otimização; desejabilidade.