Machine Learning Applications in Optical Fiber Sensing: A Research Agenda.

The constant monitoring and control of various health, infrastructure, and natural factors have led to the design and development of technological devices in a wide range of fields. This has resulted in the creation of different types of sensors that can be used to monitor and control different environments, such as fire, water, temperature, and movement, among others. These sensors detect anomalies in the input data to the system, allowing alerts to be generated for early risk detection. The advancement of artificial intelligence has led to improved sensor systems and networks, resulting in devices with better performance and more precise results by incorporating various features. The aim of this work is to conduct a bibliometric analysis using the PRISMA 2020 set to identify research trends in the development of machine learning applications in fiber optic sensors. This methodology facilitates the analysis of a dataset comprised of documents obtained from Scopus and Web of Science databases. It enables the evaluation of both the quantity and quality of publications in the study area based on specific criteria, such as trends, key concepts, and advances in concepts over time. The study found that deep learning techniques and fiber Bragg gratings have been extensively researched in infrastructure, with a focus on using fiber optic sensors for structural health monitoring in future research. One of the main limitations is the lack of research on the use of novel materials, such as graphite, for designing fiber optic sensors. One of the main limitations is the lack of research on the use of novel materials, such as graphite, for designing fiber optic sensors. This presents an opportunity for future studies.

Smart home adoption factors: A systematic literature review and research agenda.

Smart homes represent the complement of various automation technologies that together make up a network of devices facilitating the daily tasks of residents. These technologies are being studied for their application from different sectors, including the projection of their use to improve energy consumption planning and health care management. However, technology adoption depends on social awareness within the scope of cognitive advantages and innovations compared to perceived risk because although there are multiple benefits, potential users express fears related to the loss of autonomy and security. This study carries out a systematic literature review based on PRISMA in order to analyze research trends and literary evolution in the technological adoption of smart homes, considering the main theories and variables applied by the community. In proposing a research agenda in accordance with the identified gaps and the growing and emerging themes of the object of study, it is worth highlighting the growing interest in the subject, both for the present and its development in the future. Until now, adoption factors have been attributed more to the technological acceptance model and the diffusion of innovation theory, adopting components of the Theory of Planned Behavior; therefore, in several cases, the attributes of different theories are merged to adapt to the needs of each researcher, promoting the creation of empirical and extended models.

Proposed methodology for designing and developing MOOCs for the deaf community.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have become important resources in educational environments worldwide because they have a positive impact on teaching and learning processes. Nevertheless, the way they are designed is crucial to properly address the requirements of special needs people in educational processes. Thus, this paper proposes a methodology for designing and developing MOOCs for Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals. This exploratory and descriptive study adopted an inclusive education approach based on a literature review and expert consultation. The results highlight the importance of four aspects in MOOC development for these special needs individuals: (i) designing and incorporating elements that meet the needs of Deaf or hard-of-hearing people so that they can use MOOCs effectively; (ii) combining different methodologies and resources; (iii) properly planning and sequencing the design stages; and (iv) using appropriate tools, contents, and times for the process. The findings show that MOOCs should be adequately designed to address the demands of the Deaf community by considering their characteristics and requirements and incorporating current tools, practices, and resources.

Creating Value in Non-Profit Sports Organizations: An Analysis of the DART Model and Its Performance Implications.

This study aims to analyze the impact of value creation and cocreation, as measured by the dialogue, access, risk assessment, and transparency (DART) model, on the performance of non-profit sports organizations (NPSOs). To assess this impact, the authors analyzed data collected from sports and administration managers of NPSOs, specifically Colombian amateur soccer clubs. The study used partial-least-squares structural-equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with constructs of the reflexive-formative type. The results indicate that value creation has a positive impact on the performance of NPSOs through the mediating effect of value cocreation. Despite the limitations of this study, including the limited research on the relationship between value creation and cocreation and NPSO performance in Colombia, the findings contribute to the understanding of the mediating effect of cocreation. The authors found that cocreation mainly affects the sport, customers/members, communication and image, finance, and organization dimensions of NPSOs in developing countries. This study draws attention to the potential benefits of cocreation for NPSOs and emphasizes the importance of creating value in this context. The study concludes that further studies on the constructs proposed in this research would help to understand the phenomenon of innovation and its impact on NPSOs. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for managers and policymakers in NPSOs-especially in developing countries-on the importance of value cocreation in improving their performance.

Technology acceptance factors of e-commerce among young people: An integration of the technology acceptance model and theory of planned behavior.

This study aims to examine the factors involved in the technological acceptance of e-commerce among young university students. The research is focused on the articulation between the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by collecting secondary data and conducting a survey with 376 young university students, validated by using structural equations (SEM). The predominant factors and variables involved in the adoption of e-commerce by young university students in Medellín were identified. The results show that the attitude towards usage has a positive effect on usage intention because people consider a website to be useful and trust builds regarding usage intention, which will enable to make the transaction in an easier and safer way. In conclusion, perceived usefulness comes before attitude towards usage, and thus the main direct antecedent of the intention to use e-commerce is established.

University Dropout Model for Developing Countries: A Colombian Context Approach.

University dropout is a problem that has raised great concern in institutions of higher education. For this reason, academic institutions need to study the phenomenon and come up with alternatives that contribute to the improvement of students' individual commitments. The aim is to examine the dimensions influencing the decision of university students to drop out. A quantitative approach study was carried out, based on a cross-sectional exploratory-descriptive field design, in which 372 students participated. According to the participants, one of the dimensions that influence the decision to leave the university is the support of the institutions to the continuity of the motivation processes to the student body, since the easy access to the credits is greater than the scholarships granted, which coincides with the financing restrictions of university students in developing countries. In conclusion, it is observed that the communication between managers, teachers, and students is a key factor in the processes of academic retention as a strategy to combat the phenomenon of university desertion.

Influence of environmental awareness on the willingness to pay for green products: an analysis under the application of the theory of planned behavior in the Peruvian market.

Introduction: This paper aimed to build a predictive model through an empirical study to examine the influence of environmental awareness (EA) on attitude (ATT) and perceived behavioral control (PBC), as well as to determine the influence of the three variables of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) on willingness to pay (WP) for green products in the Peruvian market. Methods: A total of 405 Peruvian consumers were surveyed. Most of them were between the ages of 18 and 30 and single. To test the hypotheses, partial least squares (PLS-SEM) were used using the SamrtPls4 software. The results show the significant positive effect of EA on ATT and PBC. The positive and significant effect of ATT, SN, and PBC on WP was also tested A total of 405 Peruvian consumers were surveyed. Most of them were between 18 and 30 years old and single. To test the hypotheses, partial least squares (PLS-SEM) was used using SamrtPls4 software. Results: The results show the positive and significant effect of AD on ATT and PBC. The positive and significant effect of ATT, SN and PBC on WP was also tested. Discussion: The research provides antecedents that allow evaluation of the possibility that companies and governments adjust the dissemination strategies and related public policies regarding the impact of environmentally responsible behavior in order to contribute to the development of environmental awareness as a variable that promotes the disposition of consumers to pay for environmentally friendly products.

A systematic review of trends in photobiomodulation in dentistry between 2018 and 2022: advances and investigative agenda.

Background: Photobiomodulation (PBM) involves laser therapy utilized in medical sciences to modulate biological processes acting as a palliative and immune response-enhancing treatment. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to explore current trends in PBM-related scientific production, encompassing publications, citations, impact, keywords and clusters. Additionally, it aims to predict future research trends in this domain. Methods: The data for this quantitative and qualitative bibliometric analysis were obtained from 608 scientific documents retrieved in November 2022, with 123 sourced from Web of Science and 485 from Scopus, Utilizing Excel, the data was processed in Excel to extract essencial information. Productivity and impact were evaluated for eligibility, and VOSviewer aided in determining associativity for the bibliometric analysis. Results: The findings of this study demostrate that the scientific production related to PBM adheres to a growth power law, exhibiting characteristics of both exponential and linear phases. Notably, recent research trends emphasize critical concepts such as laser therapy, orthodontics, and dental pulp stem cells. Particularly significant is the burgeoning interest in utilizing PBM within dentistry as a complementary alternative to existing protocols. Conclusions: PBM stands as a promising laser therapy within medical applications. Through a detailed bibliometric analysis, this study underscores the increasing significance of PBM, especially within the realm of dental treatments. These insights offer a glimpse into the evolving landscape of PBM research and provide valuable guidance for potential future directions of study.

Exploración de factores que motivan a los estudiantes universitarios a crear empresas en Medellín, Colombia / Exploration of the factors motivating university students to create companies in Medellín, Colombia / Exploração de fatores que motivam aos estudantes universitários para criar empresas em Medellín, Colômbia

Resumen Introducción. El emprendimiento es crucial en la educación superior, promueve la generación de empleo y el crecimiento de la economía. Objetivo. Explorar los factores que motivan a los estudiantes universitarios a crear empresa, a partir de los factores identificados en la Teoría del Comportamiento Planificado y el Modelo de Intención Emprendedora. Materiales y métodos. Se aplicó en tres grupos focales de tres instituciones de educación superior de Medellín una técnica de recolección de información mediante una entrevista grupal semiestructurada, giró alrededor de una temática propuesta por los investigadores, es un espacio de opinión donde se plantearon preguntas alrededor de siete factores: la intención emprendedora, el comportamiento emprendedor, las experiencias positivas pasadas (en emprender una empresa), norma subjetiva, la tolerancia al riesgo, la conveniencia y viabilidad percibida del negocio. Resultados. Se encontró que las unidades de emprendimiento de las universidades son fundamentales para el emprendimiento de los estudiantes, les brindan apoyo económicos, administrativos y de tipo motivacional. Conclusiones. Las fallas en los procesos de emprendimiento de los estudiantes pueden no estar relacionadas con falencias en el sistema educativo, sino con dos eventos claves: el poco interés que existía por los temas de emprendimiento durante su estancia en las instituciones de educación y posteriormente, una motivación por emprender asociada a situaciones de desempleo.

Abstract Introduction: Entrepreneurship is a crucial issue in higher education since it promotes the generation of employment and the growth of the economy. Objective: Explore the factors that motivate university students to create companies, based on the factors identified in the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Entrepreneurial Intention Model (EIM). Materials and Methods: A tool for gathering primary information was applied to focus groups in three HEI in Medellín (Colombia), with students belonging to various programs and academic levels. This technique consisted in gathering information through a semi-structured group interview, which revolves around a theme proposed by the research team, through a space of opinion in which questions were raised around seven factors, namely: entrepreneurial intention, entrepreneurial behavior, past positive experiences in starting a business, subjective norm, tolerance to risk, convenience, and perceived viability of the business. Results: It was found that the entrepreneurship units of the universities are a fundamental motor for students' entrepreneurship, since they provide support not only in economic and administrative aspects, but even in aspects of motivational type. Conclusion: The space is open for the discussion that flaws in the entrepreneurial processes of the students may not be related to failures in the educational system, but to two key events: the little interest that existed for the issues of entrepreneurship during their stay in educational institutions and later, a motivation to undertake entrepreneurial activities associated with unemployment situations.

Resumo Introdução. O empreendedorismo é crucial na educação superior, promove a geração de emprego e o crescimento da economia. Objetivo. Explorar os fatores que motivam aos estudantes universitários para criar uma empresa, a partir dos fatores identificados na Teoria do Comportamento Planificado e o Modelo de Intenção Empreendedora. Materiais e métodos. Foi aplicado em três grupos focais de três instituições de educação superior de Medellín uma técnica de coleta de informação mediante uma entrevista grupal semiestruturada, tudo isso baseado em uma temática proposta pelos pesquisadores, é um espaço de opinião onde planificaram-se perguntas ao redor de sete fatores: a intenção empreendedora, o comportamento empreendedor, as experiências positivas passadas (em empreender uma empresa), norma subjetiva, a tolerância ao risco, a conveniência e viabilidade percebida do negócio. Resultados. Encontrou-se que as unidades de empreendedorismo das universidades são fundamentais para o empreendedorismo dos estudantes, fornecendo lhes apoio económico, administrativo e de tipo motivacional. Conclusões. As falhas nos processos de empreendedorismo dos estudantes podem não estar relacionadas com as falências no sistema educativo, mas sim com dois eventos chave: o pouco interesse que existia pelos temas de empreendedorismo durante a sua estância nas instituições de educação e posteriormente, uma motivação para empreender associada às situações de desemprego.

Barreras de acceso del sistema de salud colombiano en zonas rurales: percepciones de usuarios del régimen subsidiado / Access barriers to the colombian health system in rural areas: perceptions of users of the subsidized regime / Barreiras de aceso do sistema de saúde colombiano em zonas rurais: percepções de usuarios do (régime subsidiado) no brasil (sus) sistema único de saúde

Objetivo: Explorar la percepción las barreras de acceso a los servicios de salud percibidas por usuarios del régimen subsidiado del municipio de Sonsón para el año 2016. Metodología: se realizó una investigación cualitativa con enfoque histórico hermenéutico, donde participaron 16 informantes, quienes fueron entrevistados y sus relatos transcritos, codificados y analizados con base en la teoría fundamentada. Resultados: Se identificaron barreras económicas y administrativas que limitan el acceso de las personas a los servicios de salud; representadas en las demoras para reclamar medicamentos y su dispensación incompleta, lo que lleva a que las personas asuman gastos de bolsillo o desistan del tratamiento. Conclusiones: estas barreras son más recalcitrantes en poblaciones pobres y vulnerables, pues su condición coarta sus posibilidades para hacer frente a las eventualidades derivadas de las barreras existentes en el sistema.

Objective: To explore the perception users of the subsidized regime of the municipality of Sonsón, Colombia had in 2016 about the barriers to the access to health services. Methods: Qualitative research with a hermeneutic historical approach with the participation of 16 informants who were interviewed and their stories were transcribed, codified and analyzed based on the Grounded Theory. Results: Economic and administrative barriers that limit the access of people to health services were identified represented by delays in claiming medicines and their incomplete distribution, leading people to assume out-of-pocket costs or giving up on treatment. Conclusions: These barriers are more recalcitrant in poor and vulnerable populations since their condition limits their possibilities to face the eventualities derived from the existing barriers in the system.

Objetivo: Explorar a percepção às barreiras de acesso aos serviços de saúde percebidas por usuários do (Regímen subsidiado) Sistema único de saúde do município de Sonsón para o ano 2016. Metodologia: Realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativo com enfoque histórico hermenêutico, onde participaram 16 informantes, quem foram entrevistados e seus relatos transcritos, codificados e analisados com base na teoria fundamentada. Resultados: Identificaram-se barreiras econômicas e administrativas que limitam o acesso das pessoas aos serviços de saúde; representadas nas demoras para obter medicamentos e sua dispensação incompleta, o que leva a que as pessoas assumam gastos básicos ou desistam do tratamento. Conclusões: estas barreiras são mais recalcitrantes em população pobre e vulnerável, já que sua condição coarcta suas possibilidades para fazer frente às eventualidades derivadas das barreiras existentes no sistema

Barreras de acceso del sistema de salud colombiano en zonas rurales: percepciones de usuarios del régimen subsidiado / Access barriers to the colombian health system in rural areas: perceptions of users of the subsidized regime / Barreiras de aceso do sistema de saúde colombiano em zonas rurais: percepções de usuarios do (régime subsidiado) no brasil (sus) sistema único de saúde

Resumen Objetivo: Explorar la percepción las barreras de acceso a los servicios de salud percibidas por usuarios del régimen subsidiado del municipio de Sonsón para el año 2016. Metodología: se realizó una investigación cualitativa con enfoque histórico hermenéutico, donde participaron 16 informantes, quienes fueron entrevistados y sus relatos transcritos, codificados y analizados con base en la teoría fundamentada. Resultados: Se identificaron barreras económicas y administrativas que limitan el acceso de las personas a los servicios de salud; representadas en las demoras para reclamar medicamentos y su dispensación incompleta, lo que lleva a que las personas asuman gastos de bolsillo o desistan del tratamiento. Conclusiones: estas barreras son más recalcitrantes en poblaciones pobres y vulnerables, pues su condición coarta sus posibilidades para hacer frente a las eventualidades derivadas de las barreras existentes en el sistema.

Abstract Objective: To explore the perception users of the subsidized regime of the municipality of Sonsón, Colombia had in 2016 about the barriers to the access to health services. Methods: Qualitative research with a hermeneutic historical approach with the participation of 16 informants who were interviewed and their stories were transcribed, codified and analyzed based on the Grounded Theory. Results: Economic and administrative barriers that limit the access of people to health services were identified represented by delays in claiming medicines and their incomplete distribution, leading people to assume out-of-pocket costs or giving up on treatment. Conclusions: These barriers are more recalcitrant in poor and vulnerable populations since their condition limits their possibilities to face the eventualities derived from the existing barriers in the system.

Resumo Objetivo: Explorar a percepção às barreiras de acesso aos serviços de saúde percebidas por usuários do (Regímen subsidiado) Sistema único de saúde do município de Sonsón para o ano 2016. Metodologia: Realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativo com enfoque histórico hermenêutico, onde participaram 16 informantes, quem foram entrevistados e seus relatos transcritos, codificados e analisados com base na teoria fundamentada. Resultados: Identificaram-se barreiras econômicas e administrativas que limitam o acesso das pessoas aos serviços de saúde; representadas nas demoras para obter medicamentos e sua dispensação incompleta, o que leva a que as pessoas assumam gastos básicos ou desistam do tratamento. Conclusões: estas barreiras são mais recalcitrantes em população pobre e vulnerável, já que sua condição coarcta suas possibilidades para fazer frente às eventualidades derivadas das barreiras existentes no sistema.

Factores psicosociales y familiares que influyen en la deserción en estudiantes universitarios en el contexto de los países en desarrollo / Psycho-social and familial factors influencing drop-out rates among university students in the context of developing countries / Fatores psicossociais e familiares que influenciam na deserção em estudantes universitários no contexto dos países em desenvolvimento

Resumen Introducción. La deserción universitaria es un problema de gran interés para diferentes agentes del sistema educativo, pues su ocurrencia en las sociedades es un indicador de ineficiencia, que genera considerables costos para los Estados, las universidades, los estudiantes y sus familias. Objetivo. Examinar los factores que influyen en la decisión de desertar de los estudiantes universitarios de la ciudad de Medellín (Colombia) para el año 2018. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio con enfoque cuantitativo, a partir de un diseño exploratorio-descriptivo de campo, de carácter transversal, en el que participaron 3026 estudiantes mediante la aplicación de un cuestionario autoadministrado. Resultados. Además de los factores económicos, que tradicionalmente son evaluados en este tipo de literatura, las condiciones sociales, familiares y afectivas se convierten en incidentes clave al momento de abordar la deserción escolar como un fenómeno estructural. Conclusiones. La articulación entre directivos, administrativos docentes y estudiantes se consolida como un elemento clave en los procesos de retención académica, como una estrategia para combatir el fenómeno de deserción universitaria.

Abstract Introduction: University dropout is a problem of great interest to different agents of the education system, since its presence in societies is an indicator of inefficiency, which generates considerable costs for states, universities, students and their families. Objective: Examine the factors that influence students' decision to drop out of university in the city of Medellin (Colombia) for the year 2018. Methods and instruments: A quantitative study was carried out, based on a cross-cutting exploratory-descriptive field design, in which 3026 students participated through the application of a self-administered questionnaire. Results: In addition to economic factors, which are traditionally evaluated in this type of literature, social, family and affective conditions become key incidents when dealing with school dropout as a structural phenomenon. Conclusions: The articulation between directors, administrators, teachers and students is consolidated as a key element in academic retention processes, as a strategy to combat the phenomenon of university dropout.

Resumo Introdução. A deserção universitária é um problema de grande interesse para os diferentes agentes do sistema educativo, pois sua ocorrência nas sociedades é um indicador de ineficiência, que gera consideráveis custos para os Estados, as universidades, os estudantes e suas famílias. Objetivo. Examinar os fatores que influenciam na decisão de desertar dos estudantes universitários da cidade de Medellín (Colômbia) para o ano 2018. Materiais e métodos. Foi realizado um estudo com foco no quantitativo, a partir de um desenho exploratório-descritivo do campo, de caráter transversal, onde participaram 3026 estudantes mediante a aplicação de um questionário autoadministrado. Resultados. Além dos fatores económicos, que tradicionalmente são avaliados neste tipo de literatura, as condições sociais, familiares e afetivas se convertem em incidentes chave no momento de abordar a deserção escolar como um fenômeno estrutural. Conclusões. A articulação entre diretivos, administrativos docentes e estudantes se consolida como um elemento chave nos processos de retenção académica, como uma estratégia para combater o fenômeno de deserção universitária.

Análisis cualitativo sobre los factores que motivan la adopción de techos verdes / Qualitative analysis of the factors motivating green roof adoption / Análise qualitativo sobre os fatores que motivam a adoção dos tetos verdes

Resumen Introducción. La existencia de zonas densamente pobladas, pero sin una adecuada planificación de sus zonas verdes es una problemática común en el territorio colombiano. Dicha problemática se aborda en la presente investigación. Objetivo. Examinar los factores que incentivan la adopción de techos verdes en los nuevos proyectos de propiedad horizontal. Materiales y métodos. Para investigar lo anterior se propone una metodología analítica con medios documentales derivados de resultados de investigaciones a nivel mundial y entrevistas a profundidad a entidades privadas, públicas y la ciudadanía sobre viabilidad de la adopción de los techos verdes. Resultados. Entre los resultados obtenidos se encuentra que factores como temperatura, energía y calidad de vida influyen en la adopción de techos verdes. Conclusión. Las motivaciones y expectativas de las entidades gubernamentales, las constructoras y los usuarios, intervienen directamente con el uso y utilidad de la tecnología, de tal manera que se genere una mejor calidad de vida en los habitantes.

Abstract Introduction: The existence of densely populated areas, but without adequate planning of their green areas, is a common problem in the Colombian territory. This problem is addressed in the present investigation, seeking to examine the factors that encourage the adoption of green roofs in new horizontal property projects. Materials and Methods: To investigate the above, this study proposes an analytical methodology with documentary means derived from research results worldwide and in-depth interviews with private and public entities and citizens about the viability of the adoption of green roofs. Results: Among the results obtained, it was found that factors such as temperature, energy and quality of life influence the adoption of green roofs. Conclusion: The motivations and expectations of government entities, construction companies and users intervene directly with the use and usefulness of technology, in such a way that a better quality of life is generated in the inhabitants.

Resumo Introdução. A existência de áreas densamente povoadas, mas sem um adequado planejamento das suas áreas verdes é um problema comum no território colombiano. Dito problema é abordado na presente pesquisa. Objetivo. Examinar os fatores que incentivam a adoção dos tetos verdes nos novos projetos de propriedade horizontal. Materiais e métodos. Para pesquisar o anterior propõe-se uma metodologia analítica com médios documentais derivados de resultados de pesquisas ao nível mundial e entrevistas com profundidade às entidades privadas, públicas e à cidadania sobre viabilidade da adoção dos tetos verdes. Resultados. Entre os resultados obtidos foi encontrado que fatores como temperatura, energia e qualidade de vida influenciam na adoção dos tetos verdes. Conclusão. As motivações e expectativas das entidades do governo, as construtoras e os usuários, interveem diretamente com o uso e utilidade da tecnologia, de maneira que gere uma melhor qualidade de vida nos habitantes.

Motivaciones de los estudiantes universitarios para continuar con su formación académica en programas de posgrado / Undergraduate students motivations to enroll in graduate programs / Motivação dos estudantes universitários para continuar seu treinamento acadêmico em programas de pós-graduação

Resumen Introducción. La educación se ha consolidado como estrategia que promueve el desarrollo del conocimiento y la formación de las comunidades y la formación avanzada constituye el medio para incrementar el capital intelectual de las sociedades. Objetivo. Identificar las principales motivaciones que tienen los estudiantes universitarios para continuar un proceso de formación avanzada en instituciones de Educación Superior. Metodología. Aplicación de un cuestionario auto-administrado a 728 estudiantes universitarios, de séptimo semestre en adelante, de la ciudad de Medellín. Se exploraron siete dimensiones relacionadas con la motivación para continuar sus estudios. Resultados. Se destacan factores motivacionales por parte de los estudiantes como la exigencia académica y las modalidades presenciales de la oferta académica para continuar con su proceso de formación avanzada. Conclusiones. Las Instituciones de Educación Superior deben considerar el contexto social en el que se enmarcan, así como sus propósitos fundacionales, para responder de manera adecuada a las necesidades de formación avanzada que se requiere en sus entornos.

Abstract Introduction. Education has been consolidated as a strategy to promote the development of knowledge and community vocational training; and the advanced academic degrees as the way to rise the intellectual capital in the society. Objective. Through an exploratory analysis, we try to identify the main undergraduate students motivations to enroll in a graduate program. Methodology. We applied a self-application questionnaire to 728 undergraduate students in the last semesters of their vocational training, at Medellin-Colombia. We explored seven dimensions related to the motivations to study a graduate program. Results. The undergraduate students' motivations to enroll in a graduate program are influenced by academic high level offered and traditional education (non-virtual) methodology of the advanced academic degrees. Conclusions. The Higher Education Institutions have to consider the social context in which they are inmerse, besides their foundational principles, to response effectively to the needed from people to enroll in graduate programs.

Resumo Introdução. A educação foi consolidada como uma estratégia que promove o desenvolvimento do conhecimento e a formação de comunidades, e o treinamento avançado é o meio para aumentar o capital intelectual das sociedades. Objetivo. Identificar, através de uma análise exploratória, as principais motivações que os estudantes universitários têm para continuar um processo de treinamento avançado em instituições de ensino superior. Metodologia. Aplicação de um questionário autoadministrado a 728 estudantes universitários, a partir do sétimo semestre, da cidade de Medellín. Foram exploradas sete dimensões relacionadas à motivação para continuar seus estudos. Resultados. Os fatores motivacionais por parte dos alunos, como o requisito académico e as modalidades face a face da oferta académica, são destacados para continuar com seu processo de treinamento avançado. Conclusões. As instituições de ensino superior devem considerar o contexto social em que são enquadradas, bem como seus objetivos fundamentais, para responder adequadamente às necessidades de treinamento avançado exigido em seus ambientes.