Lara Calle, Andrés
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Lara Calle, Andrés
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Ambato
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andreslara@uti.edu.ec
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Scopus Author ID
58020366900

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Impact of different types of rennet on sustainability and safety in cheese production

2024 , Buele, Jorge , Michael Villafuerte , Steven Paucar , Lara Calle, Andrés

Cheese production, an ancient technique that has endured through the centuries, has evolved to incorporate a variety of coagulants, each with specific characteristics and applications. However, the industry now faces a sustainabilityrelated challenge: the need to find ethical and efficient alternatives to calf rennet, as its use raises significant environmental concerns, as well as ethical and occupational health issues due to exposure to contaminants in the production environment. This study explores how different types of rennets (animal, vegetable, microbial, and recombinant) can contribute to a more sustainable, productive, and safer cheese production, adapting to the growing market demands for environmentally respectful practices. Through a methodology that included a literature review, the characteristics of these rennets and their effect on the organoleptic, microbiological, and productivity aspects of cheese production were identified and compared. The results indicated that, although calf rennet remains preferred for its coagulating properties, vegetable and microbial alternatives are gaining ground due to their adaptability, efficiency, and lower environmental impact. This diversification of rennet sources not only meets ethical, commercial, and food security demands but also affects the income of small producers by enabling more sustainable practices. However, more empirical research is needed to optimize these processes across different production contexts and enhance both productivity and sustainability.

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Automated AirWellness System

2024 , Lara Calle, Andrés , Willian Molina , Pedro Escudero-Villa

Many Latin American countries face indoor air quality issues due to rapid urban growth, industrialization, and the lack of environmental regulations. Companies must ensure safe work environments in Tungurahua, Ecuador, especially concerning air quality. Exposure to CO, NOx, SO2, and particulate matter (PM) can lead to respiratory illnesses. This project focuses on mitigating air pollution in indoor spaces of companies in Tungurahua through an automated purification system using IoT. Employing automated measurement technology, the system identifies and manages chemical and ergonomic risks. An activated carbon-based purification system optimizes the reduction of pollutants, while IoT integration allows for real-time monitoring and automatic activation of the cleaner. The system's validation was performed by quantifying alcohol (2000 mg/m3), carbon monoxide (100 ppm), carbon dioxide (200 ppm), and PM2.5 particles (2500 ug/m3). A statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon test showed a significant difference between the values before and after using the purifier, with a p-value less than 0.05, allowing the rejection of the null hypothesis and acceptance of the alternative. The results indicate a significant reduction in pollution levels. This prototype can improve air quality in indoor spaces, promoting respiratory health among workers and providing a foundation for the development of future risk prevention systems.

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Effects of Teleworking on the Body Mass Index of the Teachers of an Educational Institution

2022 , Moreno Medina, V. , Bermudez L. , Lara Calle, Andrés

In recent years overweight and obesity are a public health problem, this attention to the integrity of diverse types of professions where the work context from home and interaction with computer equipment are part of the new work models. Currently part of these jobs with a high prevalence of these work characteristics are teachers, the problem lies in an inadequate intake of food and little physical activity because of their work. Hence, assessing nutritional status based on body mass index in teachers of an educational institution in three academic periods, including a period of teleworking. For this, anthropometric indicators and statistical analysis based on a spreadsheet are used, this descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with the data of forty-five teachers, of which 27% were men and 73% were women. Data were described using mean and confidence intervals, with comparative analysis by sex. Among the main results, it was determined that there was a prevalence of overweight of 42% and obesity of 18.0%, being more critical for men. In the end, it can be concluded that there is no malnutrition or underweight, but that overweight and obesity were highly prevalent, and that two-thirds of 60% of the teachers of the educational unit suffer from them, that is, they are slightly higher than those reported for the country (62.8%), in the National Health and Nutrition Survey in 2012. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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Automated AirWellness System

2024 , Lara Calle, Andrés , Willian Molina , Pedro Escudero-Villa

Many Latin American countries face indoor air quality issues due to rapid urban growth, industrialization, and the lack of environmental regulations. Companies must ensure safe work environments in Tungurahua, Ecuador, especially concerning air quality. Exposure to CO, NOx, SO2, and particulate matter (PM) can lead to respiratory illnesses. This project focuses on mitigating air pollution in indoor spaces of companies in Tungurahua through an automated purification system using IoT. Employing automated measurement technology, the system identifies and manages chemical and ergonomic risks. An activated carbon-based purification system optimizes the reduction of pollutants, while IoT integration allows for real-time monitoring and automatic activation of the cleaner. The system's validation was performed by quantifying alcohol (2000 mg/m3), carbon monoxide (100 ppm), carbon dioxide (200 ppm), and PM2.5 particles (2500 ug/m3). A statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon test showed a significant difference between the values before and after using the purifier, with a p-value less than 0.05, allowing the rejection of the null hypothesis and acceptance of the alternative. The results indicate a significant reduction in pollution levels. This prototype can improve air quality in indoor spaces, promoting respiratory health among workers and providing a foundation for the development of future risk prevention systems.

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Augmented Reality and 3D Balance Learning

2022 , Lara Calle, Andrés , Cruz J. , Mejía N.

The augmented reality is presented as an opportunity to help understand students with attention problems. The objective of this research is to determine the incidence of augmented reality with academic performance and the satisfaction of learning 3D (Third dimension) balance in the training project of Vector Mechanics of the Industrial Engineering career at the Indoamerica Technological University. The problem identified in this investigation was the loss of interest in students when solving problems with three-dimensional systems, unfortunately the textbooks present their printed diagrams in two dimensions, which means, the student cannot locate himself correctly in the system, making errors in his analysis and calculations. This research has a quantitative approach with a positivist and socioformative paradigm. The applied methodology obeys to create didactic material of three-dimensional systems with Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and presented in augmented reality with collaborative work of the students. We used the Pearson's correlation analysis to verify the correlation, obtaining a low coefficient of 0.204 between the variables analyzed. As a result, the hypothesis “The use of augmented reality relates academic performance with the satisfaction of learning Equilibrium 3D in students” was verified. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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Psychosocial Risk and Work Stress in Logistics and Distribution

2023 , Lara Calle, Andrés , Prado D.

The research is focused on studying the psychosocial risk factors and work stress in the logistics and distribution personnel of a company in the city of Latacunga, Ecuador. It contributes to the thematic area of the Psychology of Engineering, and the methodology follows a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design and correlational scope. For data collection, the evaluation method of psychosocial factors designed by the National Institute of Safety and Health at Work of Spain through the FPSICO 4.0 software and the Work Stress Questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization are used. The study is conducted on 25 workers. The results show a 70% presence of psychosocial risk with a moderate to a high level, and there is low work stress of 68%. To identify if there is a possible relationship between psychosocial risk and work stress, the variables are analyzed. Initially, the Shapiro-Wilk normality test is performed, obtaining values less than 0.05, and there is no homogeneity between variables. Therefore, the non-parametric statistical test of Spearman’s correlation is established, in which a value of 0.38 is obtained, accepting the alternative hypothesis with a low correlation between the variables. In this sense, this demonstrates the importance of evaluating the work environment to identify the existence of risks that may be affecting the performance of workers and the fulfillment of business objectives. Finally, these results allow for creating awareness in the country to reduce or mitigate the existing risks and prioritize the health of workers. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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