Facultad de Ingenierías
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Item type:Publication, Decision-Making and Operational Research Methods: A Theoretical-Cognitive Approach Personal Experience(Springer Nature Switzerland, 2026); ; Guerrero-Aldana, Andy NicolásThis article examines the relationship between decision-making and operations research methods, focusing on their evolution and application in complex environments. The main objective is to analyze how tools such as linear programming, simulation, and queue theory optimize resources and improve efficiency through the incorporation of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and predictive analytics. These methods have been essential in solving problems across various sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, and services. Interviews with 50 participants, including academics and students, were used to assess the effectiveness of various operational methods in decision-making. The primary criterion was efficiency and improvement in the results obtained, while secondary results included the perception of flexibility and practical applicability of the methods. Simulation emerged as the most efficient approach, with a 22% improvement over other methods. Simulation methods proved to be the most effective, improving results by 22% compared to other approaches like integer and nonlinear programming. Participants highly valued practical and flexible methods, such as simulation, due to their ability to adapt to different contexts and situations. Additionally, the ease of implementation and time savings in decision-making were key factors in their preference. The study confirms that simulation is a key tool in decision-making in complex operational environments, providing superior results in efficiency. This suggests that, for future research, further exploration of the integration of practical and flexible methods like simulation, along with the exploration of their potential in combination with emerging technologies, is needed to optimize real-time decision-making processes. It is also recommended to evaluate their implementation in other sectors beyond those analyzed in this study, such as healthcare and public management. © 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 Technology in Tourism with Projections and Opportunities from Sustainable Banking(Springer Nature Switzerland, 2026); ; ;Martínez-Tocoronte, EricCasanovas-Cosío, EnriqueSustainable tourism is one of the main trends in the global industry, promoting practices that minimize environmental impact and encourage responsible economic development. One of the most significant barriers to the adoption of green technologies in the tourism sector is limited access to financing. In response to this need, several financial institutions have developed sustainability-focused products designed to encourage investments in green infrastructure, energy efficiency and natural resource conservation. This study analyzes a green financial product whose purpose is to support companies and entrepreneurs in the tourism sector in the adoption of sustainable practices. Given its short time in operation, there is no history of its long-term behavior, so forecasting models were applied to estimate growth until 2026, using advanced statistical methodologies. The analysis began with a short-term prediction approach using time series models, determining that the weighted moving average method with Microsoft Excel’s SOLVER tool was the most appropriate, obtaining an average absolute deviation of 173 accounts; subsequently, statistical modeling techniques were applied in Minitab and SPSS software, simulating different regression models, both linear and non-linear. The exponential regression model was found to be the most accurate, with a confidence level of 73.8%, projecting a growth of 470.79% in January 2024 compared to the actual demand in January 2023. The results demonstrate the positive impact of financial incentives in the promotion of sustainable tourism, facilitating access to resources for tourism operators seeking to reduce their environmental footprint, implement renewable energies and improve waste management. Green finance becomes a key tool for the transition to a more responsible and resilient tourism model. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Comparative Analysis of the Technical Performance of a Centralized Photovoltaic Power Plant and Distributed Micro-Solar Power PlantsThis article presents a comparative analysis of the technical and energy performance of centralized and distributed photovoltaic (PV) generation configurations applied to a rural radial feeder. The analyzed feeder exhibits peak demand during nighttime hours, revealing a structural misalignment between the solar generation profile and the consumption profile. Five scenarios were evaluated using hourly simulations with representative demand and generation profiles. The analysis considered daily energy losses (kWh), power flow direction, power factor behavior per phase at the delivery point, and feeder operating conditions. The results demonstrate that the reduction in losses is not proportional to the installed capacity. The centralized configuration generated sustained reverse flows during peak irradiance hours. In contrast, the configurations sized based on average daytime demand exhibited more balanced energy performance, achieving reductions of up to 2.41% in total losses through phase-adjusted single-phase distributed generation. It is concluded that the optimal integration of photovoltaic generation in rural networks with a predominantly nighttime load profile depends primarily on the temporal alignment between generation and local demand, rather than on matching the system's peak demand. The study provides a methodological framework based on hourly energy analysis and phase-by-phase evaluation, geared towards the optimal planning of photovoltaic penetration in rural distribution systems. © 2026 IEEE. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Impact of mixed reality on the care of the elderly: a scoping review(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2026-07-06); ; Palacios-Navarro, GuillermoPopulation aging requires innovative technological strategies that promote autonomy, functionality, and well-being in old age. In this context, mixed reality (MR), a technology that integrates physical and digital elements in a shared and interactive real-time environment, emerges as a promising alternative. To analyze the current state of evidence on the use of MR in the care of older adults, including its theoretical and practical implications. Scientific articles were reviewed in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and EBSCO. Data from 15 studies were organized into an analytical matrix to identify methodological and impact patterns. MR interventions have shown promising preliminary results in physical rehabilitation, cognitive stimulation, emotional well-being, and social interaction by combining sensory feedback, functional tasks, and meaningful experiences. The included studies represent heterogeneous MR configurations along the virtual reality continuum, including transparent or pass-through optical viewers, VR-HMD-based systems with real-world interaction, and sensor- or projection-based platforms. Rather than demonstrating superiority over virtual or augmented reality, the evidence suggests specific advantages related to contextual awareness, physical interaction, and cognitive-motor-affective integration. These features were associated with potential improvements in mobility, executive functions, motivation, positive emotions, and social presence, supporting an interpretive cognitive-motor-emotional framework and the design of safe, meaningful, and context-sensitive interventions. MR shows promising potential for the care of older adults by improving cognitive, motor, emotional, and social outcomes. However, current evidence remains preliminary due to small sample sizes, methodological heterogeneity, a scarcity of comparative studies, and a lack of longitudinal evidence. © The Author(s) 2026. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Impact of the Integration of Digital Channels on Customer Service in Apparel Stores(Springer Nature Switzerland, 2026); ; Hidalgo-Potosí, Daniela AlejandraThis 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. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Digitalization to Improve Efficiency and Traceability in Personal Protective Equipment WarehousesEfficient 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. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Improving Electrical Efficiency at La Roca S.A. Construction Company(Springer Nature Switzerland, 2026); ;Sisalema-Cisneros, Allanis AngelinaThe present research conducted at Constructora La Roca S.A. focuses on improving electrical energy efficiency due to the lack of adequate history in energy management within the organization. The methodology includes a diagnosis of the current situation, identifying opportunities for energy savings in electrical equipment, and implementing three energy efficiency indicators. A load survey was carried out for the two transformer services, revealing a 32.16% overload in service one and the lack of a transformer bank for 380 V equipment. Additionally, the lighting network did not meet UNE and NEC standards, leading to the proposal of a new 400 kVA transformer and a 45 kVA dry transformer, as well as changing fluorescent lamps to LEDs in the production area, reducing installed power from 12 kW to 3.2 kW and achieving an energy efficiency of 87.51%. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Interfaces and Usability in Digital Flight Logs: Applied Design in the Aeronautical Context(2026)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 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, U-Net Models for Breast Cancer Detection: Improving Diagnostic Accuracy and Specificity(2024) ;Dayanara Yánez-Arcos; Elena Blanco-RomeroBreast cancer remains a critical global health issue, necessitating continuous research and innovative approaches for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This study evaluates the effectiveness of U -Net models in enhancing diagnostic precision and efficiency using real hospital samples. We aim to improve key diagnostic metrics such as accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity through the application of U-Net models. Our image classification model, tailored for 256 × 256 × 3 input images, excels in detecting and categorizing tumor cells. The architecture begins with initial convolutional layers featuring 64 filters, progresses to layers with 128 filters, and includes a Dropout layer to prevent overfitting. The deep network for object detection utilizes both region proposal and regression/classification approaches, achieving 92.27% confidence and 100% accuracy. Additionally, our deep learning algorithms accurately segment nuclei in histopathological images, employing a clustering strategy that delivers 88.81% confidence and 100% accuracy. Visual results demonstrate precise tumor cell localization and prediction confidence. Performance metrics from ten experimental runs indicate average confidence levels between 74.19% and 92.31%, with 90.0% accuracy and specificity in benign analysis. The model's ability to classify non-carcinomas versus carcinomas achieved an AUC of 0.78, illustrating its effective differentiation between classes.10 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, IoT Monitoring to Control a Bicycle Parking Lot(2022); ;Lara-Alvarez P. ;Riba C.In recent years, the development of new technologies has improved the management of resources and services at the urban level. In this sense, several cities worldwide have developed intelligent infrastructures such as Smart Cities in which, through data collection and management, they aim to achieve social, environmental and economic improvements. Innovative bike racks are a promising solution to traffic-related problems in major cities around the world; however, there is a lack of low-cost solutions for controlling and monitoring bike racks and thus boosting the mobility of cyclists. This paper presents a system to monitor and control a bicycle parking lot. In order to achieve this goal, software and hardware specifications were defined and characterised by the control system. The conceptual design and detail of the prototype and the materialisation proceeded, where technology with ESP8266 microcontrollers and Raspberry Pi+Ethernet/WiFi microprocessors was used in the MQTT communication protocol to implement its architecture. The system implements in the bicycle parking lot of the Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica. The series of data collected allowed for determining the frequency of use. With this, a database creates where the information on the frequency of use of bicycles is stored. Finally, through a mobile application, the availability of parking spaces can be consulted, and bikes in the parking lot can monitor. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.43
