Poesías

Este estudio expone las poesías: Tránsito de sombra, Antología del caminante, Herencia de la soledad, Vallejania, Oscura versión, Certezas del azar, A la sombra de Ulises, Imitación de la sombra y Marina invernal.

Polémica entre nacionalismo y literatura

En esta sección se recoge una serie de cartas que, publicadas en diversos periódicos finiseculares, dejan en claro cuáles fueron las razones que tenían nuestros creadores literarios para escribir en ese momento. Se presentan algunos textos a través de los cuales el pensamiento nacional se volcó sobre la literatura para definirla en ese momento. Por ejemplo: Hojarasca, El nacionalismo en literatura, El Heraldo, Carta a don Joaquín García Monge, Nacionalismo literario, Carta a don Rafael Machado, Casi palique, Constantinopla futura.

Dyslipidemia and blood lipid levels in patients tratied in primary care centers in east SAN JOSE

Dyslipidemia, i.e. high levels of blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides), is strongly related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). In order to reduce the risk of CVD at any moment in a person ́s life, it is crucial to know his/her –and the population’s– lipid profile. The aim of this study was to assess the (statistical) indicators of blood lipids and the prevalence of dyslipidemia in patients treated in the Integral Health Attention Program from Universidad de Costa Rica. A descriptive study was conducted including 10,044 patients aged 20 to 65 years, who were tested for a blood lipid profile in 2006. A total of 2,969 (29.6%) male and 7,075 (70.4%) female patients took part in the study, with an average age of 43.5 years. General averages for blood lipids were: 203.3 mg/dl for total cholesterol, 50.1 mg/dl for HDL, 120.1 mg/dl for LDL, and 165.6 mg/dl for triglycerides. Prevalence of 17.2% was determined for hypercholesterolemia (≥240 mg/dl), as well as 21.3% for low HDL levels (<40 mg/dl), 11.9% for high LDL levels (≥160 mg/dl), and 26.3% for high triglyceride levels (≥200 mg/dl). Women showed higher overall levels of dyslipidemia than men. Based on health areas, no significant differences were found in general lipid levels by age or sex. Results indicate that the general prevalence of dyslipidemia is close to half the rate reported in worldwide literature and lower than results reported in Costa Rican studies. However, general averages exceeded optimal levels for each blood lipid; consequently, it is important to develop health interventions oriented to reduce the impact of dyslipidemia in the studied population.

Sedentarismo en niños costarricenses: si hay solucion

El propósito de este artículo fue el de revisar la naturaleza de los patrones de movimiento de los niños, con el fin de entrelazarlos con las recomendaciones que se han establecido en cuanto a la actividad física que deben realizar y compararlas con las que tradicionalmente, se han seguido en el entorno costarricense. En una segunda parte del artículo se menciona al juego como la alternativa para rescatar el disfrute de moverse en los niños y de poder propiciar estilos de vida activa usando como elemento precursor las clases de educación física.

Perspectiva subjetiva de la calidad de vida del adulto mayor, diferencias ligadas al género y a la práctica de la actividad físico recreativa

El propósito de este estudio fue conocer la relación entre las variables (soporte social, autonomía, salud mental, actividad físico recreativa) que integran la perspectiva subjetiva de la calidad de vida, ligadas al género en personas adultas mayores costarricenses. Además, conocer el principal motivo de estos sujetos para realizar la actividad física y el beneficio percibido por estos, de acuerdo al género. En este estudio participaron 152 sujetos (92 mujeres y 60 hombres) con edades entre los  60 a 75 años, de 21 centros diurnos, a los cuales se les aplicó dos instrumentos: un cuestionario  de calidad de vida (INISA,1994) y una encuesta sobre actividad física recreativa. Los resultados mostraron relación significativa entre las variables autonomía y soporte social; autonomía y estado mental; autonomía  y frecuencia de la actividad; autonomía y duración. Asimismo, en lo que respecta al género; la depresión geriátrica fue superior en las mujeres (F=5.86). La salud fue el motivo principal para realizar la actividad física y los beneficios principales de ésta para ambos géneros fueron, el sentirse más reanimados, más alegres, con energía, y el alivio de dolores. Se concluye, que la calidad de vida (soporte social, autonomía, salud mental)  percibida por el adulto mayor no difiere en lo que respecta al género e incluso en el motivo o beneficio para hacer actividad física, excepto en lo que respecta a la depresión, la cual se presenta con mayor frecuencia en las mujeres. Se comprueba que la actividad física recreativa le permite obtener al adulto mayor resultados positivos entre más cantidad de veces y  de tiempo por  semana le  dedique.

Comparison of multiple intelligences in children from schools with different pedagogical models

The purpose of this research was to apply a test that measures different multiple intelligences in children from two different elementary schools to determine whether there are differences between the Academicist Pedagogical Model (traditional approach) established by the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Education and the Cognitive Pedagogical Model (MPC) (constructivist approach). A total of 29 boys and 20 girls with ages 8 to 12 from two different public schools in Heredia (Laboratorio School and San Isidro School) participated in this study. The instrument used was a Multiple Intelligences Test for school age children (Vega, 2006), which consists of 15 items subdivided in seven categories: linguistic, logical-mathematical, visual, kinaesthetic, musical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Two-Way ANOVA) were used for the analysis of data.  Significant differences were found in linguistic intelligence (F:9.47; p < 0.01) between the MPC school (3.24±1.24 points) and the academicist school (2.31±1.10 points).  Differences were also found between sex (F:5.26; p< 0.05), for girls (3.25±1.02 points) and boys (2.52±1.30 points). In addition, the musical intelligence showed significant statistical differences between sexes (F: 7.97; p < 0.05).  In conclusion, the learning pedagogical models in Costa Rican public schools must be updated based on the new learning trends.

Learning math through movement: physical education as another alternative

The purpose of this study was to determine the cognitive effects of applying physical recreational activities to two groups of pre-school students, related to mathematics to one of the groups and recreational games to the other.  A total of 27 subjects (13 girls and 14 boys) of 5 and a half and 6 and half years of age participated in the study.  The instrument used was a questionnaire including basic math concepts such as geometry, basic operations with concrete elements, and how to read the clock, based on the topics established by the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Education.  Once the instrument was developed, a plan of physical recreational activities related to math was prepared and applied to the experimental group (pre-school B) for one and a half months, while the other group played recreational games.  Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.  Positive and significant effects were found in the physical recreational activity program regarding student performance in 10 of the 12 items that were applied to assess mastery of basic math concepts.  In conclusion, using physical education as another instrument to teach other disciplines represents an excellent alternative for pre-school teachers that try to satisfy the learning needs of children that will soon be attending school.  Using movement as part of guided and planned activities plays an indispensable role in children’s lives; therefore, learning academic subjects should be adapted to their needs to explore and know their environment.

Hypertension in the National University of Distance Education’s personnel

The prevalence of Arterial Hypertension (AHT) has increased worldwide and preventive measures areinsufficient since only one third of the population is being treated. AHT is the primary cause of morbidity andmortality in the world. In this article is presented the first study on hypertension levels of personnel of aDistance Education university based on the analysis of all medical consultations in the Costa Rican StateUniversity for Distance Education (Universidad Estatal a Distancia-UNED) as of December 15, 2007 (1,526medical files). The population studied ranges from 20 to 70 years of age and is comprised of residents of theGreater Metropolitan Area (Costa Rica) with varied socioeconomic and academic levels. The StatgraphicsCenturion XV software and the chi-square test were used to analyze variables such as treatment administered,sex, age, and type of work. Only 45 patients knew that they suffered from hypertension prior to theirconsultation with the university medical service and 136 were treated with Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide.The number of hypertensive patients is higher among those who have worked at the institution for more than 20years, especially in those holding higher positions. No marked differences were found between men andwomen. It is concluded that the existence of a university medical service has permitted faculty and staff tosatisfactorily control their blood pressure.

Descripción del proceso metodológico para la caracterización de productos con denominación de origen. La experiencia del queso Turrialba

Resumen Se describe la metodología utilizada para el estudio de calificación del Queso Turrialba como Denominación de Origen de acuerdo a la legislación costarricense en la materia. El Queso Turrialba ha sido fabricado tradicionalmente en la comunidad de Santa Cruz de Turrialba, Provincia de Cartago, Costa Rica, principalmente por fabricantes artesanales (más de 250) y en menor escala por semi-industriales (12, al momento de realizar el estudio), que en su conjunto producen un volumen total aproximado de 90,000 kilogramos por semana, en la época de mayor producción, siendo la principal actividad económica local. Abstract We describe the methodology used for the study of Turrialba Cheese qualification of Origin according to Costa Rican legislation on the subject. Turrialba Cheese has traditionally been made in the community of Santa Cruz de Turrialba, Cartago Province, Costa Rica, mainly by artisanal producers (over 250) and lower semi-industrial scale (12, at the time of the study) , which together produce a total volume of approximately 90.000 pounds per week in the period of greatest production, the main local economic activity.

De cómo se entiende la moral en las instituciones de salud del país

En este ensayo, la autora hace un recuento histórico acerca de cuáles eran las condiciones morales de las instituciones de salud, a partir de sus experiencias personales como médico y administradora en la Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social.

Crítica del “comunismo a la tica” desde el marxismo latinoamericano descolonizado

This work is part of a history of the political ideas in Latin America, approached from Marxist criteria (structural and situational) and from a framework of construction of a radical emancipationist Latin American theory. Both criteria are used to analyse a ‘tican’ (Costa Rican) style communism (comunismo “a la tica”), as an ideological expression that must be criticised and overcome.

La Revista Renovación, 1911-1914: de la política a la literatura

Nos proponemos trazar las bifurcaciones de esta publicación y determinar el proyecto político cultural que promueven sus inspiradores donde coinciden intelectuales de ambos lado del océano. Por otro lado, interesa destacar las producciones literarias de latinoamericanos reproducidas en sus páginas y particularmente la creación costarricense de sesgo ácrata.

Desmitificaciones, historia y símbolos: los héroes impuros (Rosibel Morera)

In this article I analize the novel Los héroes impuros by the Costa Rican authoress Rosibel Morera. The analytical categories used include, from the elimination of absolute historical facts, all the way to the notion of eternal return (Mircea Eliade), processes of idolization, and the various symbols appearing on the text. Examination of these categories shows the characters´ duality because of their universality, and also the worldview and the conception of literature held by Morera.

Invención de una tradición: la fiesta de la independencia durante la construcción del Estado costarricense, 1821-1874

ResumenAnaliza la invención de la fiesta de la independencia en el calendario civil del Estado Costarricense, en el periodo de 1824-1874, y retoma la función de las fiestas civiles en la construcción del Estado y nación. Abstract This article analyzes the invention of Independence Day festivities in the civil calendar of the Costa Rican state, in the years 1821 to 1874, and reconsiders the function of civic celebrations in the construction of state and nation

Desestructuración económica y crisis social. El Pacífico Sur costarricense en el marco de la década perdida

ResumenEl artículo explora a partir de fuentes diversas (orales, hemerográficas y documentales) la problemática de la desestructuración económica sufrida por el Pacífico Sur costarricense, los distintos impactos sociales de la crisis que esta suscitó, el gran conflicto huelguístico del año 1984 y las políticas y respuestas ofrecidas por el Estado y los distintos actores sociales, de cara a tal problemáticaAbstractThrough the use of a wide diversity of sources (oral, newspaper, and documentary), this article explores the problem areas of the economic destructuring suffered by the Costa Rican Southern Pacific region, the different social impacts generated by this crisis, the great strike of 1984, and the policies and solutions proposed by the State and other social actors, in the face of these major issues.