Centro de Investigación de Ciencias Humanas y de la Educación
153 results
Filters
Settings
Now showing 1 - 10 of 153
- Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Social Capital and Economic Growth: An Analysis in South America(2025); Ximena Morales-UrrutiaSocial capital has emerged as a key variable in explaining regional economic disparities, yet its multidimensional nature complicates measurement and policy design. In the South American context, characterized by institutional fragility and inequality, the impact of social capital on economic growth remains empirically ambiguous. Methods This study employs a quantitative methodology using panel data from 2007 to 2023 across nine South American countries. Data is sourced from the Legatum Prosperity Index, focusing on five elements of social capital: family relationships, social networks, interpersonal trust, social tolerance, and civic participation. Econometric analysis is conducted using instrumental variables and two-stage least squares models to address endogeneity. Results The econometric findings reveal heterogeneous effects among dimensions of social capital. Civic participation and family relationships exhibit a significant positive association with economic growth, while social tolerance and interpersonal trust show negative or inconsistent impacts. Notably, social networks instrumentalized in the model have a negative and significant relationship with growth, suggesting potential inefficiencies in their current form. The presence of endogeneity and multicollinearity among variables highlights the complexity of causality in this domain. Conclusions Social capital plays a critical, yet context-dependent, role in fostering economic development in South America. While some dimensions such as civic engagement promote inclusive growth, others may reinforce exclusion or inefficiencies depending on institutional quality and social structure. Policymakers should therefore target specific aspects of social capital, promoting civic participation and inclusive networks while addressing institutional weaknesses. Future research should explore longitudinal dynamics and the interaction of social capital with digitalization and labor market transformation. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Road Drainage Infrastructure Diagnostics and Deficiency Indexing in ENSO-Vulnerable Andean Corridors: A STEM–PjBL Field Assessment(MDPI AG, 2026-05-15); Benavides-Ortega, Leirys MaríaRoad drainage infrastructure in ENSO-vulnerable Andean regions faces compounding threats from climatic variability, geometric inadequacy, and systemic maintenance neglect. This study presents a STEM-integrated Project-Based Learning (PjBL) diagnostic framework applied to 42 road segments along corridors connecting Loja, Ecuador, selected through a purposive-stratified spatial-coverage protocol. Using ArcGIS Survey123, standardised field data were collected on structure presence, geometry, failure modes, and condition across four structure types: crown gutters, road gutters, hydraulic chutes, and culverts. The Composite Drainage Deficiency Index (DDI, 0–100) was derived from five equally weighted binary indicators and validated through Monte Carlo Dirichlet weight-perturbation analysis and jackknife leave-one-out resampling, confirming rank-order invariance to admissible alternative weightings. The results reveal severe systemic deficiencies, including crown gutters absent at 88.1% (95% CI: 75.0–94.8) and road gutters at 81.0% (95% CI: 66.7–90.0) of sites. Every segment exhibited at least one drainage failure (100%; 95% CI: 91.6–100). The DDI identified 73.8% of segments in the High or Critical band (DDI ≥ 60; mean = 60.2 ± 20.4). Hierarchical clustering isolated one geometric outlier whose exclusion altered the aggregate metrics by <1.2%. These findings establish a georeferenced baseline for maintenance prioritisation and validate the methodological reproducibility of academically integrated field protocols for infrastructure diagnostics. © 2026 by the authors. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Social Capital and Economic Growth: An Analysis in South America(2025); Ximena Morales-UrrutiaSocial capital has emerged as a key variable in explaining regional economic disparities, yet its multidimensional nature complicates measurement and policy design. In the South American context, characterized by institutional fragility and inequality, the impact of social capital on economic growth remains empirically ambiguous. Methods This study employs a quantitative methodology using panel data from 2007 to 2023 across nine South American countries. Data is sourced from the Legatum Prosperity Index, focusing on five elements of social capital: family relationships, social networks, interpersonal trust, social tolerance, and civic participation. Econometric analysis is conducted using instrumental variables and two-stage least squares models to address endogeneity. Results The econometric findings reveal heterogeneous effects among dimensions of social capital. Civic participation and family relationships exhibit a significant positive association with economic growth, while social tolerance and interpersonal trust show negative or inconsistent impacts. Notably, social networks instrumentalized in the model have a negative and significant relationship with growth, suggesting potential inefficiencies in their current form. The presence of endogeneity and multicollinearity among variables highlights the complexity of causality in this domain. Conclusions Social capital plays a critical, yet context-dependent, role in fostering economic development in South America. While some dimensions such as civic engagement promote inclusive growth, others may reinforce exclusion or inefficiencies depending on institutional quality and social structure. Policymakers should therefore target specific aspects of social capital, promoting civic participation and inclusive networks while addressing institutional weaknesses. Future research should explore longitudinal dynamics and the interaction of social capital with digitalization and labor market transformation. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Predictive Motivations in Satisfaction and Loyalty in Sustainable Coastal and Marine Destinations: Galapagos National Park, Ecuador(MDPI AG, 2026-08-06); - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Gender Barriers, Equity and Social Sustainability in Rural Agriculture: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach from EcuadorGender equity has become a key component of sustainable rural development and socially sustainable agricultural systems. This study examines the relationship between perceived gender barriers, gender equity, and social sustainability in agriculture in Tungurahua Province, Ecuador. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional design was employed using survey data collected from 930 farmers during 2025. Descriptive analyses were used to assess perceived levels of gender equity and social sustainability, while structural equation modeling was applied to evaluate the relationships among the study constructs. The findings reveal high perceived levels of gender equity (80.3%) and social sustainability (88.3%) among participants. The structural model indicates that perceived gender barriers are significantly associated with gender equity (β = 0.383, p < 0.001), and gender equity is positively associated with social sustainability (β = 0.350, p < 0.001). No significant direct effect of perceived gender barriers on social sustainability was identified. The results suggest that gender equity may represent an important pathway linking perceived gender barriers and social sustainability in rural agricultural systems. These findings highlight the importance of promoting equitable access to productive resources, training opportunities, and leadership participation to strengthen social sustainability and inform gender-responsive rural development policies in Ecuador. © 2026 by the authors. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Living Heritage and Knowledge Dialogue: Intercultural Revitalization of Muleteering as a Strategy for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in Saraguro, Ecuador(MDPI AG, 2026-07-09); - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Smart Learning for Dyscalculia: Cognitive Support with a Pedagogical Approach(Springer Nature Switzerland, 2026); ; ; This study explores the impact of the cognitive rehabilitation of dyscalculia, assessing its effectiveness in improving mathematical competencies and its potential as a complementary tool in educational and therapeutic settings. Preliminary results suggest a significant improvement in numerical performance, highlighting the importance of technology in inclusive education. Smart Learning for Dyscalculia represents an innovative pedagogical approach that combines adaptive technologies with inclusive educational strategies to support learners who experience persistent difficulties in mathematical cognition. Dyscalculia often affects numerical processing, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills, leading to increased anxiety and reduced confidence in formal learning contexts. To address these challenges, Smart Learning environments integrate intelligent tutoring systems, interactive applications, and serious games designed to provide personalized guidance, real-time feedback, and dynamic scaffolding. From a pedagogical perspective, this approach emphasizes student-centered learning by recognizing individual rhythms, strengthening working memory, and promoting motivation through gamification and challenge-based tasks. Immediate feedback and progressive difficulty levels foster critical thinking, while reducing frustration and promoting a sense of achievement. The role of the teacher remains essential, as educators act as facilitators who interpret data from smart systems, adapt strategies, and provide socio-emotional support to ensure equitable learning outcomes. This cognitive support framework not only leverages technology to mitigate mathematical learning barriers, but also advances inclusive education by aligning innovation with pedagogical intentionality. Ultimately, Smart Learning for Dyscalculia contributes to the development of essential mathematical competencies, ensuring that students with diverse needs can participate fully and effectively in academic and everyday contexts. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Gamification and Digital Collaboration as Strategies to Enhance Literacy Skills(Springer Nature Switzerland, 2026-08-02); - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Effects of Public Finance Behavior: The Ecuadorian Scenario(Springer Nature Switzerland, 2026); ; The behavior of Ecuador’s public finances is critical to ensuring economic stability and sustainable development. In a context marked by economic crises and fiscal challenges, understanding the effects of fiscal policies is essential for designing strategies that promote growth and social well-being. This research analyzes the recent behavior of Ecuador’s public finances, identifying challenges and opportunities in fiscal management while evaluating the impact of fiscal policies on the economy and society. Using a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach, the study includes a review of prior research, analysis of economic data from government and international organizations, and interviews with public finance officials. The findings reveal significant progress, such as increased tax collection and investments in infrastructure, education, and health. However, persistent issues such as economic informality, inefficiencies in spending, and corruption limit the effectiveness of these efforts. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable fiscal policies, greater transparency, and accountability to foster inclusive growth and reduce reliance on oil exports. In conclusion, Ecuador’s public finance dynamics have a profound impact on the economy and society. Overcoming challenges requires sustained reforms, improved efficiency, and diversified growth strategies to ensure long-term economic resilience and equity. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Social Capital and Economic Growth: An Analysis in South America(2025); Ximena Morales-UrrutiaSocial capital has emerged as a key variable in explaining regional economic disparities, yet its multidimensional nature complicates measurement and policy design. In the South American context, characterized by institutional fragility and inequality, the impact of social capital on economic growth remains empirically ambiguous. Methods This study employs a quantitative methodology using panel data from 2007 to 2023 across nine South American countries. Data is sourced from the Legatum Prosperity Index, focusing on five elements of social capital: family relationships, social networks, interpersonal trust, social tolerance, and civic participation. Econometric analysis is conducted using instrumental variables and two-stage least squares models to address endogeneity. Results The econometric findings reveal heterogeneous effects among dimensions of social capital. Civic participation and family relationships exhibit a significant positive association with economic growth, while social tolerance and interpersonal trust show negative or inconsistent impacts. Notably, social networks instrumentalized in the model have a negative and significant relationship with growth, suggesting potential inefficiencies in their current form. The presence of endogeneity and multicollinearity among variables highlights the complexity of causality in this domain. Conclusions Social capital plays a critical, yet context-dependent, role in fostering economic development in South America. While some dimensions such as civic engagement promote inclusive growth, others may reinforce exclusion or inefficiencies depending on institutional quality and social structure. Policymakers should therefore target specific aspects of social capital, promoting civic participation and inclusive networks while addressing institutional weaknesses. Future research should explore longitudinal dynamics and the interaction of social capital with digitalization and labor market transformation.