Jóvenes en la Ciencia es una revista de divulgación de la ciencia editada por la Universidad de Guanajuato a través de la Dirección de Apoyo a la Investigación y al Posgrado que publica resultados de los programas institucionales de fomento a vocaciones científicas. Para consultar los volúmenes publicados ingresar a la sección de Publicaciones.
Esta revista provee acceso libre inmediato a su contenido bajo el principio de que hacer disponible gratuitamente la investigación al público, lo cual fomenta un mayor intercambio de conocimiento global.
Revolution in Every Drop: From Used Oil and Aloe Vera to Soaps that Transform Personal Care
Este artículo presenta un enfoque revolucionario en la elaboración de productos de higiene personal mediante el aprovechamiento de aceite de cocina reciclado y aloe vera. A través de un proceso de saponificación artesanal, se diseñaron jabones sólidos, líquidos y shampoo, que destacan por ser biodegradables y sostenibles. Este proyecto no solo ofrece una solución práctica al problema de la contaminación por aceites, sino que introduce mejoras funcionales al producto final mediante el uso de aloe vera, optimizando su calidad y valor agregado.
Copyright (c) 2026 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Mycotoxins: The invisible enemy hidden in your food
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi that may be present in everyday foods without altering their appearance, taste, or smell. In Mexico, due to climatic conditions and common storage practices, mycotoxins pose a constant risk in products such as corn, tortillas, coffee, nuts, milk, and pet food. This article blends narrative and scientific explanation to explore what mycotoxins are, how they affect human and animal health, where they are commonly found, and why they represent a silent danger. Practical recommendations are offered to help readers minimize exposure at home, accompanied by a reflection on the hidden impact of these compounds. The aim is to raise public awareness and promote a culture of food safety.
EnfriAgro: The Cold Chain in Mexican Agriculture and Its Role in Asparagus Preservation
In Mexico, a significant part of the food produced is lost before reaching consumers due to failures in the cold chain. This situation strongly affects highly perishable crops such as asparagus, which requires rapid cooling to preserve its quality. This article clearly explains how the cold chain works in Mexican agriculture, why it is essential for handling asparagus, and what challenges regions like Guanajuato face in maintaining it. The aim is to highlight the importance of proper cooling and storage practices to reduce losses, maintain product quality, and support the competitiveness of agricultural production.
Bad practices in soil laboratories and their repercussions
Soil mechanics is a fundamental area of ​​civil engineering, responsible for understanding the behavior of soil under loads and physical changes. This article presents, in an accessible way, the main laboratory tests used to analyze soils: compaction, unconfined compression, triaxial, etc. Their fundamentals, essential procedures, and practical relevance are described. Based on the analysis of these tests, the typical results obtained and their importance for geotechnical design are discussed. Finally, the role of university laboratories in the training of engineers and in improving safety is considered.
Sustainable Innovation in Road Engineering: The Use of Recycled Materials in Asphalt Mixtures
The use of recycled materials such as tire rubber granules (TRG) and PET plastic in asphalt mixtures represents a sustainable alternative for pavement construction. Research shows that these materials improve mechanical properties such as stability, moisture resistance, and long-term performance, meeting current regulations. In addition to reducing waste, they offer economic benefits by lowering maintenance costs and increasing road durability, establishing themselves as a viable solution for a more sustainable and efficient road infrastructure.
The Silent Danger of Maternal Autoimmunity. Neonatal Lupus: A Disease That Is Born with the Baby… But Doesn’t Stay
First described in 1954 by McCuistion and Schoch, neonatal lupus is a transient condition in which a baby’s immune system mistakenly identifies its own body as foreign and begins to attack itself in defense. This occurs due to two proteins, anti-Ro and anti-La, that are transmitted from the mother through the placenta (the organ that nourishes the baby, exchanges waste and provides oxygen) between the 16th and 24th weeks of gestation. The condition primarily affects the heart and skin. Because it is transient, the baby recovers, as the disease is actually a manifestation of the mother’s autoimmune condition—even if she has been asymptomatic until that point. However, when the heart is affected, the damage is irreversible for the baby and must be treated with a pacemaker (device that produces electrical impulses in the heart).
The importance of gravel in concrete for construction
Gravel, a fundamental construction material often underestimated due to its apparent simplicity, plays a crucial role in the strength, durability, and stability of structures. Its importance lies in its ability to provide a solid and reliable foundation in a variety of construction applications. Beyond its technical benefits, gravel stands out for its cost-effectiveness, thanks to its low price and easy availability, making it an attractive option for construction projects of all sizes. This paper will explore the different types of gravel, identify which is best suited for concrete, and discuss its importance and applications.
KOA-NN: A convolutional neural network model based on spatial and channel attention mechanisms for detecting knee osteoarthritis from X-ray images
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a deformity that causes mobility problems, pain, and wear and tear in the knee joints. Currently, one way to diagnose KOA is through the use of X-ray images. An expert analyzes the images and infers the patient's condition. However, this is a tiring and error-prone task, since the expert must analyze a large number of images to make a diagnosis. For this reason, in this work, a new convolutional neural network (CNN) model based on attention mechanisms called KOA-NN is used to identify KOA accurately. The results of this work position this new model as an alternative to the models established in the literature.
A Computer Vision-Based Delta 3D Printer Calibration System
Las impresoras 3D de cinemática delta son conocidas por su velocidad, sin embargo, su calibración es un desafío complejo y dependiente del operario. Las soluciones automatizadas actuales, que usan sondas de contacto, no corrigen los errores dimensionales y angulares de raíz. En este trabajo se presenta un sistema de calibración automatizado basado en visión artificial diseñado para superar estas limitaciones. La metodología se centra en un patrón de calibración con marcadores ArUco que la propia impresora fabrica. Este patrón es analizado por el sistema de visión propuesto que, tras corregir la distorsión de la lente, mide con alta precisión la geometría real del objeto para calcular los ajustes del firmware. La validación experimental demuestra que el sistema propuesto reduce el tiempo de calibración en un 50% (de 2 a 1 minuto) en comparación con un método manual. Aunque el error relativo medio es de 0.75 % y el error absoluto promedio es de 0.7476 mm debido a su propia definición, el principal avance es la creación de un método objetivo, rápido y de bajo costo que reduce la subjetividad y la curva de aprendizaje del proceso manual, estableciendo un marco accesible para la calibración de alta precisión.
Diagnosis of Grape Leaf Diseases Using Deep Learning: A Comparative Study of Models
La clasificación temprana y precisa de enfermedades foliares en cultivos de vid (Vitis vinifera L.) es un desafío crítico en la agricultura de precisión, ya que estas enfermedades pueden afectar significativamente la fotosíntesis y el rendimiento general. Este estudio evalúa y compara el rendimiento de varios modelos de clasificación basados en aprendizaje profundo, utilizando técnicas de transferencia de aprendizaje para clasificar enfermedades foliares y deficiencias nutricionales en hojas de vid mediante análisis de imágenes. Se utilizó un conjunto de datos etiquetados, compuesto por cuatro categorías: sanas, mancha foliar, sarampión negro y podredumbre negra. Se analizaron métricas clave de evaluación—como función de pérdida, exactitud, precisión, recuperación, puntuación F1, matrices de confusión y curvas ROC—junto con aspectos computacionales como el tiempo de entrenamiento. Las arquitecturas livianas, particularmente MobileNetV2, demostraron un rendimiento superior, alcanzando más del 99% de precisión, con una fuerte capacidad de generalización y un bajo costo computacional, lo que las hace adecuadas para su implementación en tiempo real en dispositivos móviles. En contraste, modelos más complejos como ResNet50 y EfficientNetB0 presentaron problemas como sobreajuste o mala adaptación al conjunto de datos. En comparación con los métodos tradicionales de diagnóstico basados en inspección visual por expertos o análisis químicos—que pueden ser subjetivos, costosos y lentos—la visión por computadora ofrece una alternativa más rápida, objetiva y rentable. Estos resultados confirman el potencial de las técnicas de aprendizaje profundo como herramientas prácticas para la clasificación temprana de enfermedades, apoyando a los agricultores en la mejora del manejo y la productividad de los cultivos. Finalmente, se discuten recomendaciones prácticas y futuras direcciones de investigación para facilitar la adopción de estas tecnologías en entornos reales de viticultura.
Machine Learning-Based Methodology for Corrosion Detection in a Truss-Type Bridge
La detección temprana de la corrosión en estructuras metálicas constituye un reto fundamental dentro del monitoreo de salud estructural, ya que este fenómeno representa una de las principales causas de deterioro en puentes metálicos. En este trabajo se presenta una metodología basada en el análisis de señales vibratorias, obtenidas experimentalmente de una armadura metálica en configuración de puente, tanto en condiciones sanas como en condiciones de daño por corrosión inducida. La respuesta vibratoria monitoreada se descompone mediante la transformada wavelet discreta, lo que permite analizar de manera detallada sus componentes en diferentes bandas de frecuencia y extraer indicadores no lineales basados en la dimensión fractal de cada banda. En particular, en este trabajo se investiga el desempeño de tres indicadores de fractalidad, Katz, Petrosian y Sevcik, con el objetivo de evaluar su capacidad para determinar la condición estructural. Posteriormente, se aplica un análisis de varianza para identificar las características, análisis combinado de wavelets y fractalidad, con mayor capacidad para ser asociadas al fenómeno estudiado. Finalmente, las características seleccionadas son utilizadas para entrenar y validar un clasificador basado en K-vecinos más cercanos, con el fin de automatizar el diagnóstico de la estructura. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que la propuesta es capaz de distinguir de manera exacta entre una estructura en buen estado y aquella afectada por corrosión, lo que la convierte en una alternativa prometedora para la detección temprana y la gestión del mantenimiento.
Controlling home automation devices using gestures in an Android app
La domótica se define como el proceso de integración tecnológica que conduce a la automatización de sistemas domésticos. Su creciente popularidad se debe al impacto positivo que genera en la calidad de vida de adultos mayores y personas con discapacidad. El presente trabajo inicia con una revisión documental de los sistemas y herramientas que se han utilizado en este ámbito, lo que permitió identificar las problemáticas abordadas. Con base en esta revisión, de desarrollo un prototipo de aplicación móvil realizado en Android Studio, con el propósito es controlar un dispositivo de domótica (foco Wifi) desde la detección de un determinado movimiento captado por el acelerómetro, un sensor el cual forma parte de los dispositivos Android, todo lo anterior con el objetivo de ofrecer una propuesta accesible y de fácil interacción de esta tendencia tecnológica.
Fault Detection in Induction Motors Using Texture-Based Features and Artificial Intelligence
Induction motors are fundamental components in the industry, but their continuous operation makes them susceptible to internal faults that can lead to unscheduled downtime and high repair costs. Timely fault detection is crucial for preventive maintenance. This paper proposes the development of an automated fault classification system by analyzing texture features extracted from thermal images. Unlike proposals that rely on deep neural networks, this project utilizes classic machine learning models, allowing for an implementation with lower computational cost, making it suitable for embedded systems. A K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) model achieved the highest accuracy at 84.1%, demonstrating that this approach is a fast, non-invasive, and precise solution for a preventive diagnosis of motor failures. The results position this method as an effective and computationally efficient alternative to more complex models.
LLMs in Education: Opportunities, Ethical Challenges, and Necessary Regulatory Frameworks
En la recta final del 2022, los Modelos de Lenguaje Grandes (LLM, por sus siglas en inglés) irrumpieron de manera abrupta y masiva en muchos de los sectores de la sociedad contemporánea. Está investigación analiza más de 50 publicaciones sobre la integración de los modelos de lenguaje grande (LLM) en el contexto educativo. Como resultado se identifican algunos beneficios principales que incluyen la posibilidad de personalizar los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje y el acceso equitativo a recursos educativos; sin embargo, también se identifican algunos retos, entre los que destacan los prejuicios que los modelos reproducen y las cuestiones éticas relacionadas con la integridad académica y la dependencia tecnológica. Finalmente, se concluye que la integración de estos modelos en el ámbito educativo será positiva si se proponen marcos regulatorios con un enfoque incluyente y ético con el fin de garantizar su uso responsable, donde se subraya que estas herramientas jugarán un papel complementario a los sistemas educativos tradicionales.
Design of a visible light communication device applied to electromechanical systems
En el trabajo presente se expone el diseño y desarrollo de un sistema de comunicación por luz visible (VLC o Li-Fi) aplicado a sistemas electromecánicos, el objetivo principal de este sistema es el de transmitir información mediante la modulación de señales luminosas generadas por diodos LED. El proyecto propone la creación de un prototipo funcional utilizando microcontroladores Raspberry Pi 4 como emisor y receptor, que sean capaces de enviar y recibir datos por medio de modulación PWM (Pulse Width Modulation). Este sistema se creó pensando en la aplicación orientada a aplicaciones en entornos electromecánicos, especialmente en el ámbito del transporte, en donde la comunicación entre vehículos e infraestructura puede contribuir a incrementar la seguridad vial y de igual forma la eficiencia del tráfico. La propuesta busca ofrecer una alternativa de comunicación de corto alcance, pero de bajo costo, a una alta velocidad y mayor seguridad frente a las interferencias electromagnéticas, integrando principios de automatización, electrónica y control.
Fault Detection in Induction Motors Through Statistical Descriptors Using Vibration Signals
Operational reliability in modern industry largely depends on the continuous operation of induction motors, as they power most essential production processes. A method is proposed for early fault diagnosis that extracts statistical descriptors from vibration signals, second to fourth-order centered moments, RMS, and crest/shape factors, and classifies motor states with a shallow decision tree. Tri-axial vibration data from a three-phase induction motor (1.1 kW, 220/380 V, 5 A, 2800 RPM, 50 Hz) were recorded under different operating conditions, segmented for uniformity, and transformed into the described features. Several supervised models were evaluated on a stratified 90/10 train–test split; the decision tree achieved the best accuracy while remaining easy to interpret. The findings indicate that simple statistical features coupled with an interpretable classifier can deliver accurate diagnosis with modest computational cost, supporting predictive-maintenance adoption in resource-constrained environments.
The Impact of Integrating Guidance Channels Based on Colorimetric Predominance and Scene Naturalness in Laparoscopic Images
La presencia de humo en laparoscopia por corte y coagulación de tejido dificulta ver bien el campo de operación: baja el contraste, esconde bordes y ocurren cambios en el color. Proponemos usar un canal guía de entropía local, que genera un mapa a partir de la imagen para indicar en qué zonas conviene despejar más y en cuáles menos, evitando borrar detalle y cambios fuertes de color. Cuando el humo afecta la textura, la entropía baja. La intención de este canal guía es detectar esas áreas y ayudar a recuperar textura y bordes. Funciona como información extra que el modelo usa de forma automática. El resultado es una eliminación de humo más selectivo: actúa con fuerza donde hay humo denso y es cuidadoso donde el tejido ya está claro.
Design and Electronic Implementation of a LiFePO₄ Battery Management System
En la actualidad, existe una creciente necesidad de desarrollar sistemas avanzados para la conservación y gestión eficiente de la energía, especialmente en un entorno donde los dispositivos electrónicos y los sistemas de electromovilidad dependen en gran medida de baterías de litio. Entre estas, las baterías de fosfato de hierro y litio (LiFePO₄) destacan por su estabilidad térmica, seguridad y larga vida útil, lo que las convierte en una opción preferente para aplicaciones de alto desempeño. Con el propósito de optimizar su funcionamiento, se desarrolló el diseño e implementación electrónica de un sistema de gestión de baterías (BMS) LiFePO₄, capaz de monitorear en tiempo real variables críticas como voltaje, corriente y temperatura durante los procesos de carga y descarga. El sistema integra una red de sensores de precisión y módulos de acondicionamiento de señal que garantizan lecturas confiables de las curvas características de la batería. La arquitectura del sistema se basa en un microcontrolador ATmega328P que adquiere y transmite los datos hacia el entorno de programación LabVIEW, donde se realiza la visualización, almacenamiento y análisis de los parámetros eléctricos. Adicionalmente, se propone el uso de técnicas de inteligencia artificial para el procesamiento de datos históricos, con el fin de identificar patrones de degradación, predecir el estado de carga (SoC, por sus siglas en inglés) y estimar la vida útil restante (SoH, por sus siglas en inglés) de las celdas. Este desarrollo constituye una plataforma experimental que combina instrumentación electrónica, adquisición de datos y análisis inteligente, orientada a mejorar la eficiencia, confiabilidad y sostenibilidad de los sistemas basados en baterías de litio.
Digital literacy: a narrative review of scientific literature related to elderly
This narrative review aims to explore the current state of digital literacy among older adults in Mexico and how various cognitive, emotional, social, and structural factors influence their learning and use of digital technologies. Through an analysis of academic literature published between 2015 and 2025, it addresses both the advances in digital inclusion among this population and the main barriers they face. The findings reveal that, although there are some institutional efforts to reduce the digital divide, digital literacy remains limited, particularly in rural areas and communities with fewer resources. In addition, factors such as technological anxiety, lack of self-efficacy, and ageist attitudes hinder the learning process and the adoption of new technologies. The importance of designing educational programs and intervention strategies tailored to the cognitive and emotional characteristics of older adults is emphasized. These should encourage practical and meaningful learning that promotes autonomy and social inclusion among older adults. Finally, the review highlights gaps in research, pointing to the need for more in-depth studies that address digital literacy from a longitudinal perspective and explore its impact on the mental health and social well-being of older adults in the long term.
¿Drugs as part of psychotherapy? A systematic review of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder treatment
In recent decades, the prevalence of mental health diagnoses has increased significantly, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) standing out as one of the most common disorders due to adverse situations and greater functional impact. Although conventional interventions, such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for psychopharmacological treatment, are the first-line treatments, a considerable number of patients are resistant to these less effective treatments. In this context, MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine)-assisted therapy has reemerged as a potentially effective alternative to facilitate emotional reprocessing and reduce traumatic avoidance, thereby facilitating therapeutic interventions. The objective of this study was evaluate the efficacy and safety of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of PTSD compared to conventional interventions or placebo. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The search was performed in PubMed, Scielo, and MEDLINE to identify articles published between January 2015 and August 2025. Randomized controlled clinical trials in adults diagnosed with PTSD were included. Three authors independently performed the selection, extraction, and assessment of risk of bias. The primary outcomes were reduction in PTSD symptoms based on the mean percentage reduction in CAPS/PCL-5 scores. The initial search identified [64] studies, of which [8] met the inclusion criteria. The results were synthesized narratively due to the heterogeneity of the studies. An average reduction of more than 50% in PTSD symptoms was observed in the groups treated with MDMA compared to the comparators. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) designated MDMA as a “breakthrough therapy” for PTSD in 2017 and granted expanded access (“compassionate use”) in 2022, supporting its clinical potential. It suggests a promising, effective, and safe alternative; however, additional trials are required to confirm its long-term effects in addition to protocols and training for mental health professionals in the therapeutic use of substances.
Systematic review on the psychological impact of exposure to domestic violence in adolescents
The objective of this systematic review is to analyze the available scientific evidence on the psychological impact of exposure to domestic violence on adolescents, considering its emotional, cognitive, and behavioral effects. To this end, an exhaustive search was conducted in databases such as Scielo, Redalyc, and Dialnet, selecting studies published in the last fifteen years that addressed this issue in the adolescent population. Fifteen studies were included, which show that exposure to domestic violence, either as a direct victim or witness, is associated with the presence of symptoms of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, impulsivity, aggressiveness, school difficulties, social isolation, substance use, and suicidal ideation. Likewise, it was identified that dysfunctional parenting styles, lack of communication, and a hostile family environment act as factors that aggravate these consequences, favoring the reproduction of learned violent patterns. In conclusion, domestic violence represents a significant risk factor for the mental health of adolescents, highlighting the need to implement prevention, early detection, and psychological intervention programs that promote healthy family environments and adequate emotional development during this stage.
Relation between self-esteem and academic performance in university students who practice sports recreationally: a systematic review of the literature
This systematic review analyzes recent literature on the relationship between self-esteem and academic performance in university students who practice sports recreationally, identifying how engaging in both activities affects them. To conduct the review, 15 articles published between 2010 and 2025 were selected from scientific databases, taking into account literature in Spanish and English and various research articles. Most of the results obtained in the research were through the Rosenberg Scale, which is used to quickly and efficiently identify the level of self-esteem in the person to whom it is applied. According to the results, it is clear that practicing a sport recreationally as a university student has positive effects on young people's self-esteem, as it promotes self-concept and academic performance.
Young people and romantic love: a review of the impact of myths on intimate relationships and on the tolerance and normalization of violence
The objective of this documentary review is to analyze the findings of research related to the impact that myths about romantic love have on young people's relationships, facilitating the development of intervention programs for young people, preventing different types of violence against partners, and promoting good-quality relationships. Twenty-seven studies published between 2015 and 2025 were reviewed in databases such as PubMed, SCielo, and Redalyc, as well as the Jane search engine. The results included research conducted on populations of different nationalities and ages ranging from 14 to 30 years old. Seven myths were found to be the most relevant, each linked to certain ages, as well as a relationship between each of them and the presence of violence. Starting from the concept of love and gender roles, the myths of romantic love are determined, which together affect how couple relationships are established, most of which are poor quality relationships that jeopardize the well-being of one or both people, and even the perception of the problem, in some cases clearly identified and in others normalized and accepted by their own way of thinking.
Systematic review on parental divorce and its psychological impact on children
Parental divorce is a phenomenon of increasing prevalence globally and in Mexico, with significant implications for child development. This systematic review analyzes existing scientific literature on the psychological impact of divorce on children aged 3 to 12 years, aiming to identify how this phenomenon affects their development in the short and long term, and to determine the mediating role of parental conflict. Through a review of 15 articles from specialized databases, it was found that divorce per se is not the main risk factor for the development of child psychopathology. The evidence consistently indicates that post-divorce parental conflict emerges as the most influential predictor of psychological difficulties, including anxiety, depression, and disruptive behaviors. Factors such as the triangulation of the child into parental conflicts and the quality of the co-parenting relationship significantly moderate the impact. It is concluded that the consequences of parental divorce are not uniform but critically depend on the relational environment after the separation. These findings highlight the need to develop specialized psychological interventions that promote effective co-parenting and constructive conflict management for both parents and children, in order to mitigate long-term negative consequences.
Risk Factory for dependency in women experiencing intimate partner violence. A literature review
Intimate partner violence is a highly prevalent phenomenon both nationally and globally, with significant repercussions for women's well-being. This review aims to analyze studies on the factors influencing women's dependency in situations of intimate partner violence, examining 18 studies published between 2012 and 2024. The results showed that dependency is a complex and multifactorial phenomenon that has garnered significant research attention due to its impact. The dynamics of violence against women are observed in all spheres and are common in various countries. Psychological, social, cultural, and familial risk factors for dependency were identified, including low self-esteem, fear, guilt, isolation, patriarchal cultural beliefs, experiences of violence in childhood, parenting factors, as well as educational and economic factors, among others. The normalization of violent situations was also confirmed.
Systematic review of psychological and sociocultural factors influencing the adaptation of students participating in international academic mobility
The aim of this article is to identify and understand the psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence the adaptation process of students participating in international academic mobility. To this end, a systematic review of scientific publications from 2010 to 2023 was conducted. The following search terms were used: “acculturation,” “psychological adaptation,” “social adaptation,” “intercultural adaptation,” “international students,” “psychological predictors,” and “support networks.” The scientific databases consulted were LILACS, Dialnet, PubMed, Scielo, Redalyc, and national and international university repositories. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 articles were retrieved. Analysis of these articles shows that integration stands out as the most effective strategy in the adaptation process of students experiencing international academic mobility. It is also considered a strategy that promotes well-being. In turn, language proficiency is a fundamental factor, and a lack thereof can hinder the adaptation process for students. Likewise, social support (from peers, compatriots, and local people) influences the success that can be achieved in the adaptation process. Relationships with locals can also contribute to reducing anxiety and improving cultural understanding. At the same time, culture shock is common and requires strategies such as resilience and rational coping. The cultural similarity between the country of origin and the host country can facilitate the students' adaptation process. It is noteworthy that among the main personal benefits that international academic mobility has for students is its contribution to autonomy, confidence, and personal growth. It is concluded that due to the various contributions of academic mobility, it is important to promote this experience among the university and scientific community.
“It wasn’t about of the knee”. A systematic review of psychological factors in continuity and later-life reintegration to competitive sports
Population aging and low participation in sports among mature and older adults make competitive sports a key arena for promoting healthy aging. However, re-engagement in sport after periods of inactivity has been little researched from a psychological perspective, despite evidence of the physical, emotional, and social benefits of master's and adapted sports. In this context, it is necessary to identify the psychological factors that facilitate or hinder continuity and return to sport in people aged 40 and over. The aim of this study was to identify and synthesize the available scientific evidence on the psychological and psychosocial factors involved in the practice and reintegration into competitive sports of mature and older adults, emphasizing motivational, emotional, social, and identity-related variables. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020. Articles were searched for in PubMed, SciELO, Redalyc, and Google Scholar/Academic (2015–2025), in Spanish and English, with open access, focusing on adults ≥40 years of age in competitive or structured sports, which analyzed psychological or psychosocial factors associated with sports practice, continuity, or return to sports. Studies of recreational physical activity without a formal sports component and grey literature were excluded. Of 120 initial records, 11 met the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was assessed using an ad hoc questionnaire with seven criteria, adapted from Marshall et al. (2023), with predominantly high quality observed. The most consistent motive was the pursuit of health, well-being, and quality of life, articulated in many studies based on Self-Determination Theory. Additionally, a range of psychosocial factors associated with sport participation emerged, whose relevance varied according to athletes’ sporting trajectories and subjective experiences. Among the barriers identified for engaging in sports, health issues and injuries, time constraints, lack of enjoyment, ageist stereotypes, and the limited visibility of older athletes stood out. Psychological factors play a decisive role in initiating, sustaining, and resuming competitive sports in mature and older adulthood. Programs are needed that strengthen self-determined motivation, enjoyment, and social support, that highlight role models who challenge stereotypes of aging, and that reduce structural and symbolic barriers. Future research should incorporate longitudinal designs and specific interventions for reintegration after prolonged inactivity.
Systematic review on the relationship between body image perception and the acquisition of an eating disorder in professional dance students
The aim of this systematic review is to analyze research related to body image perception and the acquisition of eating disorders (EDs) in students of different professional dance disciplines. Fifteen articles found in academic databases were reviewed, addressing body perception and eating behaviors in dancers, considering a publication period of no more than 10 years and with a sample of participants between 14 and 25 years of age. The results show that dance students have greater body dissatisfaction than the general population, influenced by environmental factors including self-imposed demands, constant criticism, and the aesthetic ideals of the educational environment. Although risky eating behaviors are identified, the prevalence of clinical diagnoses of eating disorders does not differ significantly from other populations. The influence of a negative body image perception among dance students is recognized as a vulnerability factor in the acquisition of risky eating behaviors, highlighting the importance of promoting mental health within the professional training of dancers in a comprehensive manner, proposing the incorporation of nutritional and psychological education for the prevention of eating disorders.
Contributions of sports as an strategy to reduce academic stress in university students: a systematic review
Academic stress is the physiological response generated by an external stimulus that occurs in the educational context. This can result from the various tasks to be completed during a bachelor's degree, projects, exams. Regular physical activity, as well as participation in sports activities, can improve the emotional well-being of the student as well as their physical health. This paper aims to raise awareness among university students about physical activity as a tool to help reduce academic stress, and also to motivate students to engage in recreational spaces. After the research, the results showed that engaging in physical activity does indeed have a positive impact on mental health, helping to reduce high levels of stress.
Pshycotherapeutic Adaptaations for Older Adults: A Review of the S State of the Art
The objective of this review is to synthesize the evidence on psychotherapeutic adaptations in older adults, identifying conceptual gaps and methodological limitations. Forty studies published between 1992 and 2024 were reviewed in international databases and gray literature, comprising theses, technical reports, and various academic documents not officially published. The results show a predominance of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), while humanistic and integrative approaches appear to a lesser extent. The most common adaptations include simplification of language, reduction of tasks, use of visual aids, and adjustments in the duration of sessions, with effectiveness in reducing depression and anxiety and improving well-being. Humanistic approaches provide existential validation and biographical reframing, and integrative approaches offer flexibility and community relevance. Methodological limitations persist (small samples, scarcity of controlled trials, and lack of follow-up), as well as geographical bias, given that most studies come from high-income countries. In conclusion, adaptations are effective and necessary, but it is essential to move toward a comprehensive theoretical framework and develop clinical manuals, specialized training, and multicenter studies to ensure culturally relevant and scalable interventions.