Núñez-Naranjo, Aracelly Fernanda
Preferred name
Núñez-Naranjo, Aracelly Fernanda
Main Affiliation
Ambato
Email
fernandanunez@uti.edu.ec
ORCID
0000-0001-7431-2339
Scopus Author ID
57918896500
69 results
Now showing 1 - 10 of 69
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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, Decision-Intelligent Educational Management and Sustainable Brand Performance: Insights from Ecuador(Springer Nature Switzerland, 2026-08-02); ; ; This study analyzes how the joint use of information systems and economic analytics strengthens sustainable brand performance in Ecuadorian higher education institutions. The objective is to characterize levels of digital maturity and economic analytics and to relate them to perceived outcomes of sustainable marketing and ICT investment. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was implemented, combining a stratified survey of students, faculty, and staff with semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Results show heterogeneous digital maturity: 22% of institutions operate at a basic level (limited to email and office tools), 48% at an intermediate level (LMS, videoconferencing, CRM), and 30% at an advanced level (big data, predictive analytics, ERP). Economically, 42% rely on traditional financial indicators, 33% assess academic program profitability, and 25% apply predictive analytics, indicating a partial integration of information technology with managerial decision-making. Perceived outcomes of sustainable marketing include improved reputation (72%), community relations (67%), resource efficiency (59%), and student attraction (64%). ICT budgets rose from 12% to 18% between 2020 and 2024, prioritizing basic platforms over advanced technologies. Based on these findings, a practical, data-driven framework is proposed that connects academic, financial, and ESG indicators to guide managerial choices. The study concludes that the effectiveness of sustainable brand strategies depends on the alignment between digital maturity, evaluation culture, and institutional scale. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2027. - 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, 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, 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, Green transition and productive structure in Latin America: the role of innovation, finance, and the energy matrix in ALADI countries(Frontiers Media SA, 2026-06-22) ;Morales-Urrutia, Ximena; ;Solórzano, Melissa ;Naranjo-Gaibor, Jefferson NapoleonAcosta-Vargas, PatriciaIntroduction The green transition in Latin America takes place within structurally heterogeneous economies characterized by dependence on primary exports, uneven technological capabilities, and partially diversified energy matrices. This study examines how technological innovation, financial development, renewable energy consumption, trade openness, economic growth, and industrialization influence CO 2 emissions in member countries of the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI). Methods A balanced panel dataset covering 11 ALADI countries for the period 2000–2021 was analyzed using a two-step System Generalized Method of Moments (System GMM) estimator. This approach addresses endogeneity, unobserved heterogeneity, and the dynamic persistence of emissions. Additional robustness analyses were conducted using pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Random Effects (RE) estimators. Results The findings indicate that structural factors are the main determinants of CO 2 emissions. Industrialization and trade openness exert positive and statistically significant effects, highlighting the role of productive structure and international integration in shaping environmental outcomes. Economic growth is also positively associated with emissions, suggesting that production expansion remains linked to environmental pressure. In contrast, technological innovation, renewable energy consumption, and financial development do not exhibit statistically significant effects in the dynamic specification. Discussion The results suggest that the green transition in ALADI countries is not automatic and cannot be driven solely by technological progress or financial expansion. Persistent structural characteristics, including carbon-intensive productive systems and patterns of global economic integration, continue to constrain environmental sustainability. Achieving a successful transition therefore requires deeper transformations in productive structures, industrial policies, and energy systems to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation. - 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) ;Carvache-Franco, Mauricio; ;Carvache-Franco, Orly ;Torres-Naranjo, MónicaCarvache-Franco, WilmerStudying sustainability in marine and coastal tourism within national parks is essential to balance visitor use with the conservation of fragile ecosystems and biodiversity. In this context, the Galápagos Archipelago is a major coastal and marine destination in Ecuador, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The aim of this empirical study was (i) to identify the principal motivational dimensions in sustainable coastal and marine destinations; (ii) to determine which motivations significantly predict tourist satisfaction in these contexts; and (iii) to establish which motivations influence loyalty in sustainable coastal and marine destinations. The research was conducted in situ, obtaining 407 valid questionnaires. Multiple regression analysis and exploratory factor analysis were applied. The results reveal six motivational factors: learning; heritage and nature; sun and beach; sports; authentic coastal experience; novelty; and social interaction. The motivation that most strongly predicts satisfaction is heritage and nature, followed by novelty. Likewise, the motivation that most strongly predicts loyalty is heritage and nature, with additional influence from sun and beach and sports motivations. These findings provide practical guidance for the development of sustainable destination management plans and contribute to the academic literature on sustainability, satisfaction, and loyalty in coastal and marine tourism contexts. © 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, Determinants of the Ecological Footprint in ALADI Countries: Economic Growth, Trade Openness, Energy Intensity, and ICT Services Exports(MDPI AG, 2026-05-26) ;Morales-Urrutia, Ximena; ;Solórzano, Melissa ;Pico-Barrionuevo, FannyAcosta-Vargas, PatriciaEnvironmental degradation has become a critical structural challenge for sustainable development, particularly in regions where economic growth remains closely linked to natural resource exploitation. In Latin America, and specifically within ALADI countries, limited empirical evidence exists on the dynamic interactions among economic growth, trade integration, energy efficiency, and digital transformation in shaping environmental pressures. This study addresses this gap by employing a dynamic panel data approach based on System GMM for the period 2000–2021. The results reveal that economic growth and trade openness have a positive, statistically significant effect on the ecological footprint, confirming the persistence of scale effects and the absence of structural decoupling between economic expansion and environmental degradation. In contrast, energy intensity and ICT service exports, although positively associated with environmental pressure, did not show statistically significant effects, suggesting that their role in driving sustainability transitions remains limited under current structural conditions. These findings highlight that structural economic factors predominantly drive environmental dynamics in the ALADI region, while the estimated effects associated with technological and efficiency-related variables remain comparatively weak and statistically inconclusive under current structural conditions. From a policy perspective, the study underscores the need for deeper structural transformations, including cleaner energy transitions, stronger environmental regulation in trade, and a more effective integration of digitalization into sustainability strategies. The study contributes to the literature by providing robust dynamic evidence on socio-environmental interactions in developing economies and advancing the understanding of sustainability transitions in Latin America. © 2026 by the authors. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Impact of AI on Internal Control and Risk Management Systems in Ecuador(Springer Nature Switzerland, 2026); ; The implementation of artificial intelligence in internal control systems has emerged as a key trend in the improvement of organizational management, enabling comprehensive data analysis and effective risk identification, transforming the way organizations monitor and control their operations. The objective is to analyze the perception and use of AI in internal control systems in Ecuador, focusing on its ability to perform advanced data analysis and accurate identification of risk areas. The research methodology employed a mixed approach. A survey was administered to 30 accounting professionals and business people to evaluate the effectiveness of tools for the purpose of improving internal control systems. The results show that AI can identify patterns and anomalies in large volumes of data with higher accuracy than traditional methods. In conclusion, the study provides a comprehensive view of the potential of AI to transform internal control processes, ensuring greater transparency and reliability in organizational management. The predictive capability of AI allows organizations to anticipate and mitigate risks before they materialize. The integration of artificial intelligence in Ecuadorian internal control systems offers significant improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of risk management with more effective decision making. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
