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    Impact of the Integration of Digital Channels on Customer Service in Apparel Stores
    (Springer Nature Switzerland, 2026) ; ;
    Hidalgo-Potosí, Daniela Alejandra
    This study aims to evaluate the impact of integrating digital channels and social networks on customer service in the clothing retail sector. A descriptive and correlational design was used with a random sample of 300 consumers who had interacted with the stores through digital channels in the last six months. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed customer profile, interaction on digital channels, and customer satisfaction. Descriptive and correlational analyses were performed using statistical software, with the primary evaluation criterion being customer satisfaction, measured using a 5-point Likert scale. The results show that the integration of digital channels increases the satisfaction of very satisfied customers by 26.7%, and 40% of the surveyed consumers expressed a greater willingness to repeat purchases. The correlational analysis revealed a moderate positive relationship (r = 0.56, p < 0.01) between the integration of digital channels and customer satisfaction. Additionally, a reduction in the variability of response times was observed after integration, indicating greater consistency and efficiency in customer service. The questionnaire demonstrated high internal consistency, with a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.84, which ensures the reliability of the measurements. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the digitalization of customer service in the clothing retail sector significantly improves consumer satisfaction and loyalty, supporting the need for companies to continue innovating in their customer service strategies to maintain a competitive advantage in an increasingly demanding market. These findings have important implications for future research, which could delve deeper into the analysis of the long-term impact of automation on customer relationships and the development of artificial intelligence algorithms that further optimize digital service. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
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    Digitalization to Improve Efficiency and Traceability in Personal Protective Equipment Warehouses
    Efficient management of industrial warehouses remains a recurring challenge in sectors that rely on strict control of critical supplies, such as personal protective equipment, where manual processes continue to limit inventory accuracy, traceability, and operational responsiveness. In this context, digitalization emerges as a key mechanism for optimizing logistics flows and reducing risks associated with errors in materials management. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of implementing information technologies on the efficiency and traceability of a personal protective equipment warehouse, identifying the operational benefits derived from the automation of recording, control, and tracking processes. A descriptive mixed-methods design was developed, combining direct observation, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis with quantitative measurements taken before and after the technological intervention. The strategy included the incorporation of inventory software, electronic code readers, and digitalized protocols for receiving, dispatching, and replenishment. The primary outcome measure was inventory accuracy, while secondary criteria included traceability, internal request response time, and the reduction of human errors in material registration. Digitalization significantly increased inventory accuracy, showing substantial improvements in the correspondence between physical stock and recorded stock. In addition, traceability demonstrated notable progress by enabling real-time identification of the location and status of supplies, while dispatch and replenishment times were considerably reduced due to the automation of search and verification procedures. Errors associated with duplicated or incomplete records decreased noticeably following digital standardization. In conclusion, the integration of information technologies proved to be an effective tool for improving logistics efficiency and strengthening operational control in personal protective equipment warehouses, confirming the relevance of its adoption in industrial environments seeking to optimize resources, minimize risks, and move toward sustainable management models. These results open the door for future research aimed at analyzing staff satisfaction, budgetary performance, and the scalability of these solutions in larger and more complex organizations. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
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    Exploring Challenges and Strategies for Measuring the Social Impact of Entrepreneurship in Ecuador
    Research conducted in Ecuador reveals that while 27% of entrepreneurs surveyed identified lack of liquidity as their main challenge, another 23% highlighted low sales as a significant obstacle, and 19% pointed to insecurity. These challenges vary markedly between regions such as Pichincha, Guayas, Manabí and Azuay, which complicates the standardization of methods for measuring the social impact of ventures. Through qualitative interviews and quantitative analysis of INEC data, it was observed that less than 40% of entrepreneurs in Pichincha are trained in impact assessment techniques, which contrasts with the need for training and tools adapted to local contexts. This lack of preparation underlines the urgency of developing customized methodologies that allow entrepreneurs and policy makers to better understand and support the sustainable growth of entrepreneurship in each province. The need for adaptation and customization of measurement tools is evident, particularly in provinces where economic and cultural characteristics vary significantly, e.g. in Azuay, where the artisanal sector is preponderant, it would be beneficial to implement measurement systems that consider cultural and community impacts in addition to economic ones, and collaboration between academia, government and non-governmental organizations can provide vital support in the creation of these methodologies, ensuring that they are robust and relevant. By fostering a stronger environment for social impact measurement, supportive policies could be improved, thus contributing to more equitable economic and social development in Ecuador. This study suggests a clear path towards creating a more effective framework for assessing and maximizing the social impact of ventures, opening up opportunities for future research that delves deeper into the interaction between public policies and entrepreneurial practices in different regional settings.
      31
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    Interfaces and Usability in Digital Flight Logs: Applied Design in the Aeronautical Context
    In Ecuador, the management of flight logs is still predominantly conducted in physical format, representing a significant barrier to operational efficiency and aviation safety. This situation highlights an important gap in the availability of digital solutions specifically designed for the local context and validated with real users. This study seeks to address that gap by designing and validating a user interface focused on user experience (UX) principles, aimed at optimizing the flight logging process and improving information quality. The research adopts a qualitative approach with elements of applied research, structured into four phases: requirements gathering through semi-structured interviews, iterative prototyping using Figma, usability testing with the “think aloud” technique, and heuristic evaluation by UX experts. The sample was intentionally selected and included 12 Ecuadorian civilian pilots (6 in training and 6 professionals), all with experience in using physical logbooks and basic familiarity with digital devices. The results show substantial improvements in process efficiency: a 40% reduction in average data entry time, an average of only 1.2 errors per session, and an average System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 89 out of 100, classified as “excellent usability”. 91% of participants expressed high satisfaction with the developed interface, highlighting its intuitive navigation, visual clarity, and offline usability—an essential factor in contexts with limited connectivity. These findings confirm that applying user-centered design principles can produce highly effective and well-accepted digital solutions, even in technical and regulated sectors such as aviation. The study lays the groundwork for future institutional implementations, emphasizing the importance of integrating co-creation processes with end users and planning progressive training and adoption strategies to ensure successful and sustainable technological change. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
      4
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    DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPERTY RIGHTS OF AUTHORS OF MUSICAL WORKS AND THEIR COLLECTIVE MANAGEMENT IN ECUADOR AND SPAIN
    (2022)
    Tocoronte, E.M.
    ;
    This article deals with the essential elements that intervene with the ability to understand, from the different text typologies in the teaching-learning process of the Castilian language, based on theory, as well as Colombian normative documents, which as a whole and based on the Political Constitution of 1991, must guarantee an inclusive education, where the social and cultural environment of the individuals must be taken into account in order to develop a meaningful and contextualized pedago-gical practice. Throughout the writing, the teaching-learning process is related with the formation of the ability to understand, from different text typologies, as a dynamic element of this process in the third grade students of Basic Primary Education. © 2022, University of Cienfuegos, Carlos Rafael Rodriguez. All rights reserved.
      20
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    Optimizing the Laboratory Supply Chain with Clarke and Wright Fuzzy Algorithm
    The implementation of an optimization strategy in a company dedicated to the sale of laboratory equipment and reagents is detailed. Initially, two routes were established with the objective of significantly reducing delivery times and related costs. These routes were designed using linear programming methods, considering elements such as vehicle carrying capacity, time constraints and customer requirements. After defining the routes, they were incorporated into the company’s operations, adjusting the delivery schedule, and allocating the appropriate resources for the execution of the new logistics plan. In addition, a system was implemented to regularly monitor and control the results, allowing necessary adjustments to be made. The implementation of these measures proved successful, reducing delivery time by 321 min, equivalent to 5.35 h, and saving USD 51.54 per kilometer. This led to a substantial improvement in the company’s logistical efficiency and customer satisfaction. It is recommended to maintain weekly monitoring and control of the implementation, evaluating the results periodically. It is also advisable to regularly check the vehicles used in transportation to ensure their optimal condition and guarantee efficiency and safety in deliveries. The possibility of applying this optimization proposal in other companies in the same sector is raised, given that the positive results obtained could be replicable in similar organizations. In conclusion, the application of this optimization proposal in the laboratory material and reagents company has proven to be extremely effective, reducing delivery times and associated costs, while improving operational efficiency and increasing customer satisfaction.
      14  1
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    AN ASSESSMENT OF CUBAN FOOD SECURITY BASED ON THE AGRICULTURAL AREA UNDER CULTIVATION AND AGRICULTURAL YIELDS
    The research was carried out with official data published in the country, collected from official information sources from 2007 to 2019. In the variables analyzed, the following were considered as having high explanatory power: land distribution, total area, agricultural area, cultivated area, yields of selected crops. For the calculation of the nutritional needs of the population, the nutritional recommendations for the Cuban population were taken into account and the productions were grouped ac-cording to the classification established for the food groups in Cuba. The country’s agricultural area is 6400.18 Mha in 2019, which its use decreases for all the items studied, except for banana, bell pepper, bean, lemon, guava and pump fruit. In addition, yields of the main crops are low, as is the productivity of the livestock sector analyzed. To contribute to the achieve-ment of food security for the Cuban population in correspondence with the standards of the National Institute of Nutrition, an area with technological package (irrigation and optimal yields) of 3942577.82 ha is needed, existing agricultural area in the country; and without technological package (without irrigation), an area of 6424285.82 ha, which are insufficient in 23485 ha. © 2022, University of Cienfuegos, Carlos Rafael Rodriguez. All rights reserved.
      24
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    Strategies to Produce Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Supplies for Tourism in the Galapagos Archipelago
    The implementation of disinfectants in the Galapagos Islands requires a meticulous and thoughtful approach, given the ecological sensitivity of this protected area. Disinfectants must be biodegradable and non-toxic to preserve the unique terrestrial and marine biodiversity of the islands. Their effectiveness against a variety of pathogens is critical to protect public health, but this must not compromise the integrity of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Adherence to strict environmental regulations and the provision of clear information on their use are imperative to ensure that their application is both safe and responsible. Maintaining this delicate balance between the protection of human health and the conservation of the unique ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands is crucial, and the disinfectants used play a key role in this effort. The microenterprise under study is dedicated to the manufacture of cleaning products such as disinfectants, liquid soap, and fabric softener for the hotel sector on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Archipelago; 8 years ago, due to external factors on the island, the company presented an increase in sales, resulting in inefficiency in the manufacturing process due to lack of capacity, the physical space where it processes was not designed for this business as it is located within the property of the owner of the company, for this reason the 30 m2 that are currently used do not have inventory areas of raw materials, material in process and finished products, which can meet the current demand for production. By using manual processes for the manufacture of the products, the transformation time varies between 1 and 2 days for each reference, which delays delivery times, creating failures that contribute to the non-fulfillment of orders. By diagnosing the mixing and packaging operations that directly influence the failure to deliver products to the final customer, an improvement proposal is made to take advantage of the capacity of the areas [1], reduce waste and minimize the ergonomic risks of the current production line to increase its productivity and satisfy the demand of its customers
      19
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    Software and Methods Applied in the Standardization of the Grinding Process for Automobile Engines as a Business Solution
    When the research addresses the problem of empirical engine rectification based exclusively on the experience of the workers, which results in nonconformities on the part of the customers due to delays in delivery times. To solve this, it was proposed to standardize the operation cycles using the Stop and Observe Method. Through techniques such as direct observation, time studies and process diagrams, the grinding process was analyzed in detail. The data collected were compared with the Crystal Ball program, demonstrating consistency with 95% confidence. It was determined that the time required to rectify an engine was 27.23 days, with supplements affecting 4.8 h of an 8-h workday. The investigation proposed improvements, including the implementation of a hydraulic scissor table to reduce the physical strain on the operators and the introduction of hearing protection. This resulted in a noise reduction from 30 dB to 15 dB, exceeding the regulations of Executive Decree 2393. With these measures, the total grinding time was reduced to 26 days, representing an efficiency gain of 639.15 min or 10.65 h. This standardization not only improves the efficiency of the process, but also allows for more accurate communication with the customer on delivery times, increasing customer satisfaction.
      29  1
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    Sustainable Tourism in Cotacachi Canton, Ecuador
    (2025) ;
    Camila Terán-Robayo
    ;
    Nicole Alejandra Revelo-Bossano
    ;
    This study examines the development and perception of sustainable tourism in Cotacachi, a region known for its rich biodiversity and indigenous culture in the province of Imbabura, Ecuador. Despite its potential for ecotourism, our survey results indicate that 66.7% of respondents are unaware of the concept of sustainable tourism and 63.3% have never participated in related activities, highlighting a notable lack of awareness and participation in sustainable practices. The research included a quantitative analysis using online surveys targeting 30 respondents, revealing that only 33.3% are familiar with sustainable tourism. Furthermore, although 50% of participants recognize the importance of these practices, there is a significant discrepancy in the perception of their relevance, suggesting a divide in the understanding and appreciation of sustainable tourism. The results highlight the need for intensive educational programs that not only promote awareness of sustainability but also integrate the community into the planning and benefits of tourism. The sustainable tourism plan proposed in this study seeks to improve the visibility and accessibility of Cotacachi’s natural landscapes, promote the inclusion of indigenous communities in tourism, and strengthen environmental conservation efforts. It is suggested that these efforts could enrich the tourism experience while stimulating local economic development, supporting biodiversity conservation, and reinforcing the region’s cultural identity. Through a holistic approach, the study proposes to transform Cotacachi into a model of sustainable tourism, ensuring long-term benefits for both the community and the environment. The study further revealed that 60% of respondents are aware of Cotacachi’s food fair that connects farmers with merchants, representing a sustainable practice. However, further dissemination and participation in these events is still lacking. For future research, it is recommended to continuously monitor perception and participation in sustainable tourism, in addition to assessing the economic, social, and environmental impact of the proposed interventions. With these measures, Cotacachi can move toward truly sustainable tourism that equitably benefits all stakeholders.
      19