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Sustainable Ergonomic Assessment in the Poultry Industry with Prevention of Musculoskeletal Injuries through Efficient Methods

2025 , Álvarez Sánchez, Ana , Suárez del Villar, Alexis

The research analyzed ergonomic issues and musculoskeletal risks related to manual load handling in an Ecuadorian poultry microenterprise, aiming to develop preventive measures. By examining the unloading processes, the study identified high-risk postures and movements using the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) and Snook and Ciriello methods, assessing both posture and load dynamics. Results pinpointed critical ergonomic risks requiring urgent intervention, particularly in positions involving heavy lifting, like feed sack transportation (Alvarez Sanchez A. Human interaction and emerging technologies (IHIET 2022), 2022). Data were gathered through direct observation and photography, analyzed with ERGOsoft PRO software to quantify the ergonomic risks effectively. High-risk postures (positions 9, 10, and 11) were identified, falling into risk category 4, necessitating immediate corrective actions. The analysis also highlighted secondary risks related to task frequency, duration, and inadequate breaks, emphasizing the negative impact of poor lifting techniques. The recommendations from this study stress restructuring tasks to minimize harmful postures, enhancing training on proper load handling, and integrating mechanical aids to alleviate physical strain. Additionally, it advocates for biannual health screenings and continuous ergonomic reassessment to maintain worker health and enhance productivity. The implications of this research underscore the necessity of proactive ergonomic risk management within the poultry industry. By implementing these targeted interventions, the microenterprise can significantly reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders, promoting a healthier work environment and improving overall operational efficiency.

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Estimation of Standard Times of Manual Activities with IoT Tools

2025 , Espejo Vinan, Hernán , Molina, Lloyd , Ramírez, Carlos , Andagama, Jose

Currently, the determination of standard times of manual activities involves several measurement techniques with the use of classical instruments such as stopwatches, work sampling, predicted time systems, video analysis, among other engineering techniques, which are generally invasive in the workplace and require several resources and countless manual activities and calculations; In order to automate the determination of standard times, programmable controllers with Python language and the principles of the internet of things are applied, in addition to digital and analog sensors, for the proposal of a prototype of production data acquisition consisting of a raspberry pi device, an infrared proximity sensor, and a bar code reader, which collect data from manual manufacturing activities, by analyzing the data collected and processing them statistically compared with the manual technique of determining standard times with stopwatch has a distortion of 1.4% and a confidence margin of 95%. This is the beginning of the use of this type of prototypes for the estimation of standard times of manual activities with the use of IoT tools, in addition to this, in the future it is expected that using the same infrastructure, it will be possible to track speeds and production volumes that will serve as the basis for the automation of programming, planning and production control of manufacturing industries without the need for automatic machines and equipment in the production areas.

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Predicting Academic Performance in Mathematics Using Machine Learning Algorithms

2022 , Espinosa Pinos, Carlos Alberto , Ayala-Chauvin, Manuel Ignacio , Buele, Jorge

Several factors, directly and indirectly, influence students’ performance in their various activities. Children and adolescents in the education process generate enormous data that could be analyzed to promote changes in current educational models. Therefore, this study proposes using machine learning algorithms to evaluate the variables influencing mathematics achievement. Three models were developed to identify behavioral patterns such as passing or failing achievement. On the one hand, numerical variables such as grades in exams of other subjects or entrance to higher education and categorical variables such as institution financing, student’s ethnicity, and gender, among others, are analyzed. The methodology applied was based on CRISP-DM, starting with the debugging of the database with the support of the Python library, Sklearn. The algorithms used are Decision Tree (DT), Naive Bayes (NB), and Random Forest (RF), the last one being the best, with 92% accuracy, 98% recall, and 97% recovery. As mentioned above, the attributes that best contribute to the model are the entrance exam score for higher education, grade exam, and achievement scores in linguistic, scientific, and social studies domains. This confirms the existence of data that help to develop models that can be used to improve curricula and regional education regulations. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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Virtual Reality System for training in the detection and solution of failures in induction motors

2021 , Caiza G. , Riofrio-Morales M. , Veronica Gallo C. , Santiago Alvarez T. , Lopez W.O. , Garcia M.V.

The changing industrial world in which we find ourselves has forced companies to evolve technologically, restructuring their processes and improving their human resources skills. The acceptance by management of a fourth industrial revolution in transition to a fifth has led them to look for an economical way to stay updated and with the necessary skills to optimize their production chain. This work presents the development of virtual reality (VR) system for training in detecting faults in three-phase electric motors. A sample of 30 people was used, homogeneously divided into a control group and an experimental group. To evaluate the VR systems usability, the System Usability Scale (SUS) was used, obtaining an average value of 73.33, classifying the system as efficient for the proposed task. On the other hand, in terms of time and knowledge retention, the performance of this system was compared with the execution of a conventional one. For the training time, an optimization of 57.73% was obtained, while through a p-value of 0.000003, it was confirmed that this VR system provides a novel teaching methodology for the instruction and retention of technical knowledge. © 2021 The Authors.

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RF Energy Harvesting System Based on Spiral Logarithmic Dipole Rectenna Array

2023 , Cumbajín Alferez, Myriam , Sánchez, Patricio , Pillajo D. , Gordón C.

This paper presents the development, design, simulation and fabrication of a logarithmic spiral antenna array for the electromagnetic energy collection system independent of frequency, compact in microstrip technology, low cost and operating within a range of frequencies. 1 to 4 GHz, are designed using the CST Studio software that allows modeling and simulating essential parameters such as radiation lobes, VSWR, power, gain, parameter S11. From these simulations the printing is done on an RF4 substrate with a thickness of 1.6 mm, a dielectric constant of 4.4 and an input impedance of 50 Ω. The resonator structure antenna with dimensions of 190 × 210 mm. The frequencies obtained with the rectenna matrix, since it offers good performance for electromagnetic energy harvesting applications that operate in standard frequencies such as GSM, WiFi, LTE which are available in the environment and allows us to collect energy. To obtain electrical energy as part of the design of a frequency rectifier which is optimized with the application of the Schottky diode. In addition, its construction of the rectenna matrix was carried out based on the proposed design, then performance tests and validation of the prototype were carried out using the miniVNA Tiny spectrum verifier, and finally energy storage tests were carried out. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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Monitoring System Based on an IoT Platform for an AFPM Generator

2023 , Cumbajín M. , Sánchez, Patricio , Ortiz O. , Gordón C.

In the present work, a monitoring platform is made for an Axial Flow Permanent Magnet (AFPM) Generator without magnetic core, the objective is to permanently monitor the values that come from the generator, where the generator variables have been acquired through an open source development board called Arduino MEGA, which sends the data to a Raspberry PI, where they are displayed and stored so that they can be processed. The variables are displayed using the graphical node-red environment that offers a very eye-catching dashboard, which will be displayed on a 7 in. liquid-crystal display screen. All the data obtained is stored in a database that will allow its use for specific purposes. The monitoring platform has been built with the ability to monitor the speed of the rotors, the voltage and the current of a phase and thus be able to process the total power supplied by the generator. As a result, the monitoring system is a promise component for Pico Hydro power station to control the power all the time provided by the Axial Flow Permanent Magnet Generator. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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Natural lighting performance of vernacular architecture, case study oldtown Pasa, Ecuador

2023 , Bustán-Gaona D. , Ayala-Chauvin M. , Buele, Jorge , Jara-Garzón P. , Riba-Sanmartí G.

Vernacular architecture is an architectural style that reflects the traditions and cultural aspects of a particular region or community. It is characterized by the use of local materials and traditional construction techniques, adapting to the climatic, geographical, and cultural conditions of the place. Despite extensive research on the benefits of natural lighting in modern architecture, there is limited understanding of how vernacular architecture integrates natural lighting principles in various climatic conditions, mainly due to restrictions in intervention and concerns about structural integrity. In today's world, energy efficiency and conservation are crucial aspects of building design. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effectiveness of natural lighting in the indoor spaces of vernacular architecture. The research includes measurements taken in traditional buildings in the parish of Pasa, Ambato, Ecuador, as well as simulations to evaluate the behavior of sunlight. The findings reveal that, with new construction technologies, lighting levels in the interior spaces of these buildings can be improved. To address this issue, a proposed solution is presented to optimize the use of natural light, resulting in an increase from 30 to 100 lx. This improvement could pave the way for the implementation of policies that enhance the quality of life for users. © 2023

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Monitoring System for Physical Water Quality Parameters and Automatic Control for Chlorine Dosing in a Aerator Treatment Plant

2021 , Balarezo J.C. , Buele, Jorge , Naranjo-Avalos H. , Castillo F. , Vargas W.G. , Salazar F.W.

This work proposes the development and creation of an automatic monitoring and control system for the dosage of chlorine in the water treatment plant, purifying the vital liquid and avoiding the distribution and consumption of water contaminated by microorganisms. This is achieved by monitoring the physical parameters through the data sent by wireless sensors, acquiring them in a database, sending the data in real time to a web server, where they can be visible to the public, and generating automatic control in Based on the data obtained, this occurs in a water treatment pools. For this, a Raspberry Pi board is used, it acts as a data store, two Arduino Mega, acting as control nodes, a LAN server, and a PID control for the automatic control of chlorine dosage, thus achieving precautionary that the water is disinfected from any microorganism present. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.

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Ancestral Gastronomic Knowledge: A Key to Boost Tourism in Ecuador

2025 , Álvarez Sánchez, Ana , Alisson Doménica Espinosa-Rueda , Suárez del Villar, Alexis

Globalization has had a significant impact on local cultures around the world, especially evident in Ecuador, where the rich tapestry of traditional gastronomy plays a crucial role in defining the nation’s identity; as the world becomes more interconnected, Ecuador’s younger generation, like their counterparts in many developing countries, is increasingly leaning toward foreign cuisines, often perceived as more modern or trendy. This shift not only neglects the diverse culinary heritage specific to various Ecuadorian regions, but also undermines the potential of traditional foods to attract tourists seeking authentic experiences. Ecuadorian gastronomy, with its unique flavors and textures, offers a window into the country’s cultural practices and history, making it an integral part of the tourism industry, but the gradual loss of this culinary heritage as local preferences evolve poses a threat not only to cultural identity, but also to the economic benefits derived from gastronomic tourism. Using the literature review method, this study collected and analyzed data from various documents highlighting the importance of local cuisine to the tourism sector. The results underline the need to strategically focus on revitalizing and promoting traditional Ecuadorian dishes to counter the influence of global food trends; also, the research delved into the reasons for young people’s inclination toward foreign cultures, suggesting a disconnection with their own cultural roots. It critically examined how this distancing could be reversed by fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of local traditions. By promoting a reconnection with their gastronomic past, Ecuadorians can leverage their rich culinary heritage as a key asset to boost tourism. This not only enhances the authenticity and attractiveness of the tourism experience, but also supports local economies. Ultimately, the study confirms that preserving and celebrating ancestral gastronomy can play a critical role in sustaining tourism and maintaining cultural identity in the face of globalization.

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Organizational communication in change management: A narrative review

2026 , Taruchaín Pozo, Fernando , Avilés-Castillo, Fátima , Evelyn Cuesta-Andaluz , Buele, Jorge

In an increasingly digital and competitive business landscape, communication practices within organizations are evolving to meet new operational and cultural demands. These shifts have redefined how companies engage with internal and external stakeholders across different levels. Despite the growing importance of communication, many organizations continue to face structural and strategic challenges that hinder effective message delivery and alignment. This review aims to identify key trends, persistent challenges, and the reported benefits of organizational communication, offering a synthesized view of recent academic contributions to the topic. A structured narrative review was conducted using thematic analysis of 52 peer-reviewed studies published in English and Spanish over the last decade. Using thematic analysis, the study identifies prevailing trends, key challenges, and reported benefits within organizational communication in the context of change management. Major trends include the adoption of digital communication tools, personalized messaging, strategic utilization of social media, and the incorporation of storytelling techniques. Challenges highlighted encompass resistance to change, message fragmentation, data security concerns, and information overload. The review also underscores significant benefits such as enhanced decision-making processes, improved stakeholder alignment, innovation facilitation, reputation management, and talent retention. These findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the evolving role of communication as a strategic asset in organizational change processes. The study concludes by emphasizing the necessity of integrated, adaptive, and inclusive communication strategies that not only support change initiatives but also foster organizational resilience and competitiveness in dynamic environments. Together, these findings provide a solid foundation for developing more effective communication practices aligned with the current demands of organizational transformation.