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Subjective Well-Being and Corruption in Latin America

2024 , Núñez-Naranjo, Aracelly Fernanda , Ximena Morales-Urrutia , Rodrigo Villegas

This study explores the impact of corruption on subjective well-being in Latin American countries, focusing on Chile, Ecuador, Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru during the period 2017-2021. The research examines how perceptions of corruption affect key indicators such as education, health, income, and life satisfaction. Utilizing secondary data from the World Values Survey, a descriptive and explanatory methodology was employed, incorporating statistical analysis and ordinal logistic regression models. Findings reveal a complex relationship between corruption and subjective well-being, indicating that higher levels of education are associated with increased awareness of corruption, while economic stability, political trust, and life satisfaction show varied associations with perceived corruption. The study highlights regional differences and contextual factors influencing these dynamics, providing insights into the multifaceted effects of corruption on human development and overall well-being in Latin American populations.

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Gamification: From Motivation and Challenges to Improving Academic Performance in Learning Mathematics

2024 , Núñez Naranjo, Aracelly , Sinailin-Peralta J. , Morales-Urrutia E.

Gamification is a didactic strategy that motivates and improves teaching processes, for this reason the present study has been proposed in which a methodological proposal is structured that seeks to improve academic performance using gamification as a strategy for teaching operations with applied polynomials. Students of the first year of high school of an educational institution in the city of Quito, the methodology is addressed from a descriptive and correlational level given the exploratory approach that has been carried out, for the development of the proposal the principles of gamification that relate to motivation with learning challenges, we worked with 28 students in scheduled class meetings, a pre-test and a post-test were applied to them, obtaining the following average course results: initial pre-test evaluation 4.93 and post-test -test, a value of 8.61 was obtained, evidencing an increase in the total average, with these data it is concluded that the gamification of activities and assessments if it improves the academic performance of students. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.

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Validation of a teaching model instrument for university education in Ecuador through an artificial intelligence algorithm

2025 , Jenniffer Sobeida Moreira-Choez , Tibisay Milene Lamus de Rodríguez , Núñez-Naranjo, Aracelly Fernanda , Ángel Ramón Sabando-García , María Belén Reinoso-Ávalos , Cynthia Michel Olguín-Martínez , Daniel Omar Nieves-Lizárraga , Julieta Elizabeth Salazar-Echeagaray

Introduction: In the context of university education in Ecuador, the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the assessment and adaptation of teaching models marks significant progress toward enhancing educational quality. The integration of AI into pedagogical processes is increasingly recognized as a strategic component for fostering innovation and improving instructional outcomes in higher education. Methods: This study focused on the validation of an AI-based instrument, specifically designed for the evaluation and adaptation of pedagogical strategies in the Ecuadorian university environment. A quantitative methodology was adopted, employing multivariate statistical analyses and structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the internal consistency, construct validity, and interrelations among various didactic dimensions. The instrument was applied to a statistically representative sample of university professors across both undergraduate and graduate levels. Results: The statistical analysis demonstrated high levels of internal consistency and discriminative validity among the constructs representing different teaching models. The confirmatory factor analysis and SEM procedures verified the adequacy of the theoretical structure and the robustness of the proposed measurement model. Coefficients obtained for reliability and model fit met or exceeded established thresholds in educational research. Discussion: The findings confirm the empirical soundness of the AI-based instrument and support the feasibility of using such tools to assess and enhance teaching models in higher education. These results underscore the importance of adopting innovative, data-driven methodologies that respond to the demands of contemporary educational environments. Furthermore, the use of AI in the validation process enables a more precise interpretation of educational information, reinforcing the relevance of AI-supported models in optimizing teaching and learning processes.

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The Natural Environment and Investment in Economic Growth: From the Perspective of the Prosperity of Developed and Developing Countries

2025 , Ximena Morales-Urrutia , Núñez-Naranjo, Aracelly Fernanda , Rubén Nogales-Portero , Evelin Yanez-Toapanta

This research aims to identify the environmental factors that affect economic growth in developed and developing countries using a panel data regression model. In advanced economies, restrictions on international investment, emissions, the use of natural resources, and environmental preservation efforts stand out as influential variables. In contrast, in developing countries, contract enforcement, emissions, and exposure to air pollution are key determinants of economic performance. This study concludes that the natural environment plays a more significant role in the economic growth of developed countries, due to their greater capacity to implement sustainability policies. In developing countries, institutional conditions and environmental management are more relevant, highlighting the need to strengthen legal frameworks and invest in mitigation measures to achieve sustainable economic development.

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Analysis of the determinant factors in university dropout: a case study of Ecuador

2024 , Núñez-Naranjo, Aracelly Fernanda

University dropout is a social issue that directly impacts both families and the state, characterized by disparities in enrollment and graduation based on various factors. The primary objective of this study was to analyze the determinants of university dropout supported by multifactorial analysis at a private university in Ecuador. This research was conducted within a post-positivist paradigm with a quantitative approach, utilizing digitized statistical records of students and results from a personalized survey sent to dropouts via email. Out of a total of 1,078 students admitted and/or enrolled over 5 years, a sample was analyzed from the 484 who dropped out. Student dropout is associated with personal, familial, economic, academic, and institutional factors, contributing to school abandonment with an estimated probability of 44.90%. In conclusion, a higher dropout rate was observed among male students from public institutions who did not complete the first cycle, despite having a higher number of enrollments at the university. Finally, the Multilevel Logistic Regression model can predict with 76.44% accuracy the behavior of the independent variables affecting school dropout.

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Relationship Between Body Schema and Socioemotional Well-Being in Early Childhood: A Comparative Study

2025 , Anabel Valdivieso , Núñez-Naranjo, Aracelly Fernanda , Morales Molina, Tania

The present study explores the deficiencies observed in the development of the body schema and the limited access to socio-emotional tools in early education students. The objective was to analyze the influence of the body schema on the socio-emotional well-being of boys and girls aged 4 to 5 years, belonging to the Teresa Flor Educational Unit, located in Ambato, Ecuador. With a quantitative approach and a quasi-experimental design of exploratory and explanatory scope, 47 students were evaluated using the Goodenough and Harris tests. Statistical tests were used to test the hypothesis that the development of the body schema positively impacts socioemotional well-being. The results revealed that greater development of the body schema is related to higher self-esteem, better emotional management and more effective social interaction. Objectively applied evaluations showed that children with greater knowledge of their body tend to manage their emotions better and establish stronger social relationships. In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of promoting activities that encourage the development of the body schema, since they contribute significantly to socio-emotional well-being in early childhood. These findings highlight the need to incorporate socio-emotional tools and resources in educational programs to guarantee comprehensive development.

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Digital tools in the development of social skills: The role of the teacher as facilitator

2025 , Núñez-Naranjo, Aracelly Fernanda , Sánchez Torres, Adriana

The paper analyzes the role of the teacher in the development of social skills of seventh and eighth grade students through the integration of digital tools. The aim was to evaluate the impact of technology-mediated pedagogical strategies on the social and academic development of students. A quasi-experimental design with a mixed approach was used; a pretest-posttest was applied to a control group (traditional teaching) and an experimental group (digital tools: Educaplay, Kahoot, Genially, Google Meet). A validated CHASO questionnaire and classroom observation sheets were applied, assessing social skills and teaching practices. SPSS was used (t-tests, Kolmogorov-Smirnov), and qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The experimental group showed a significant improvement in social skills and academic performance compared to the control group. Technological tools enhanced motivation, although individual challenges persisted. The teaching guide mediated the use of technology and fostered empathetic and collaborative environments. The integration of digital tools in the classroom effectively promotes the development of social skills and digital competencies. However, it may vary due to individual and contextual factors, and teacher intervention is necessary. Curricular designs that promote the integration of digital tools in the classroom are recommended.

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Firm Size and Growth in Ecuador's Trade Sector: An Analysis from an Industrial Economics Perspective

2024 , Núñez-Naranjo, Aracelly Fernanda , Diego Marcelo Lara Haro , Juan Pablo Martínez Mesías , María José Sanchez Sarzosa

This study examines the dynamics of firm growth in the trade sector from 2016 to 2021, utilizing Gibrat's Proportional Effect Law. Panel data and Arellano and Bond's dynamic GMM estimator were employed to analyze variables such as sales revenue, growth, age, innovation, and indebtedness. The results suggest that small firms grow more rapidly than large ones, contradicting the assumption of growth independence from initial size. Additionally, it was observed that the growth of commercial companies is not continuous and is negatively influenced by the previous period, challenging the assumption of independence between periods. Furthermore, evidence of diversity in corporate growth was found, which refutes the idea of a trend towards concentration and monopoly. Finally, age, innovation, and indebtedness were determined to exert a significant influence on firm growth.

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Teaching Tools Based on Artificial Intelligence to Strengthen English Language Skills

2024 , Núñez-Naranjo, Aracelly Fernanda , Elizabeth Morales-Urrutia , Ximena Tapia

The use of tools based on artificial intelligence is taking an important role every day in the teaching and learning processes, which is why this study promotes the use of a repository of tools based on artificial intelligence to strengthen language skills. English seeking to help students develop the four skills necessary for learning English (listening, speaking, writing and reading). For the investigative process, a mixed methodology was used, a pretest was applied, obtaining an average value of 6.3 and once the repository was used with practical activities supported by artificial intelligence tools, a post test was applied with an average rating of 9, demonstrating a very notable improvement which evidenced the improvement of language skills. It is concluded that the proposed activities based on artificial intelligence tools motivated and stimulated students, improving their academic performance in learning the English language.

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Collaborative Work Mediated by ICT To Strengthen Reading Comprehension in Language and Literature

2025 , Núñez-Naranjo, Aracelly Fernanda , Ana Urrego , Edwin Acuña-Checa

This study addresses the challenge of improving reading comprehension in secondary students within rural educational contexts, where traditional methods often fail to foster interpretation and critical thinking. It evaluates the impact of ICT-mediated collaborative strategies on reading performance in Language and Literature. A quasi-experimental design was applied in an Ecuadorian public school, involving 180 students divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group engaged in eight weeks of interactive activities using digital tools such as Genially, Padlet, and Storyjumper. Results showed a significant improvement in the experimental group’s performance (from 6.4 to 8.1 average), along with increased motivation and classroom engagement. These findings confirm the effectiveness of integrating collaborative digital strategies to enhance reading comprehension. The originality of this study lies in its contextualized application of ICT tools at the secondary level, offering scalable pedagogical insights for broader educational innovation.