Now showing 1 - 10 of 206
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Ethical Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Among Ecuadorian University Students
    (2025) ;
    Ángel Ramón Sabando-García
    ;
    Bosco Javier Sabando-García
    ;
    Artificial intelligence has transformed educational environments by facilitating processes such as information retrieval, assisted writing, automated feedback, and personalized tutoring. Within university settings, the adoption of technologies capable of autonomously generating content has increased rapidly, becoming a common academic resource for students. However, this accelerated integration poses ethical challenges, particularly when such tools are used without a clear understanding of their implications. This study aimed to examine how students’ emotional attitudes (affective), understanding (cognitive), and practical use (behavioral) of AI relate to their ethical engagement with these technologies. A structured questionnaire was administered to 833 university students in Ecuador. The instrument showed excellent internal consistency (α = 0.992; Ω = 0.992), and the validity analyses confirmed that the dimensions measured distinct but related constructs. ChatGPT was reported as the most used tool (62.2%), followed by Gemini and Siri. The structural model indicated that emotional and cognitive dimensions substantially influenced ethical behavior (β = 0.413 and β = 0.567, respectively), whereas frequent use alone exhibited no significant effect (β = −0.128; p = 0.058). These results suggest that ethical engagement with AI is primarily driven by reflection and knowledge rather than habit. This study contributes to the literature by modeling how different learning dimensions shape ethical behavior in AI use and underscores the relevance of aligning academic practices with socially responsible uses of emerging technologies.
      28
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Academic Performance and Inequality: Can Generative AI Widen the Digital Divide in Higher Education?
    Higher educationHigher education has undergone a rapid transformation driven by digitalization and the rise of generative artificial intelligenceGenerative artificial intelligence tools, such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer and Copilot. While these technologies offer significant opportunities to support learning processes, they also risk deepening existing inequalities if not implemented under equitable conditions. Many students, particularly those in rural areas or with limited resources, continue to face barriers related to device availability, Internet connectivity, and digital training, which restricts the effective use of generative AIArtificial intelligence and negatively affects academic performance. To analyze this gap and identify possible solutions, a critical narrative review of eighteen academic and technical sources published between 2022 and 2024 was conducted. The review focused on five key areas: access, digital literacy, academic impact, structural inequality, and inclusive strategies. The findings reveal sharp disparities: only 27% of rural students have access to devices compatible with generative AI, compared to 70% in urban settings, and students with strong digital competencies obtain up to 60% greater academic benefit from these tools. These results underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to avoid exacerbating the digital divide. In response, the study proposes five strategies: ensuring equitable institutional access, strengthening critical digital literacyCritical digital literacy, adopting hybrid pedagogical models, designing inclusive curricula, and promoting dedicated research lines on public policy. The conclusion is that although generative artificial intelligenceGenerative artificial intelligence holds considerable educational potential, its benefits will only be realized if embedded in inclusive ecosystems that guarantee equal conditions, teacher support, and the ethical development of learning. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
      8
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Design of a load elevator as a measure to reduce ergonomic risks
    Manual handling of loads in work environments poses significant ergonomic risks, leading to musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. To address this, mechanical solutions are essential to optimize processes and ensure employees’ health and well-being. In this study utilized four methodologies: the Ergonomic Checklist, NIOSH Equation, Snook and Cirello Tables, and the INSHT Technical Guide. These tools evaluated the physical load and risks of manual lifting. Concurrently, a load lifter was developed, utilizing a tractor system powered by an electric motor and a chain hoist, all automated by a PLC. The evaluations highlighted the high risks of manual load handling. After implementation it reduced unacceptable risk to acceptable as well as the distance workers needed to manually move loads was reduced from 8 meters to 2 meters with the automatic lift, a 75% decrease and increasing process efficiency. The designed hoist has a 500 kg capacity, streamlining the product reception and storage process. The introduction of the freight elevator, as an ergonomic solution, is pivotal in reducing workplace risks and enhancing safety and efficiency. This research underscores the need to embrace advanced technologies to tackle ergonomic issues in work settings.
      21
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    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
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Analysis of Urban Transport User Satisfaction in Ambato: Segmented Results from a Target Population
    (2025) ;
    William Avila-Armijos
    ;
    ; ;
    Fernando Vladimir Junta
    Urban public transportation plays a crucial role in the daily mobility of citizens, especially in medium-sized cities like Ambato, Ecuador. This study aims to evaluate user satisfaction levels with different urban transport cooperatives through a data-driven approach. A total of 123 responses were collected via a digitally distributed survey using QR codes, with a methodological focus on individuals aged 20 to 40 due to their higher digital literacy. The questionnaire included dimensions such as comfort and safety, risk perception, and punctuality. The analysis, conducted through Power BI, revealed differentiated levels of satisfaction across service dimensions. Comfort and safety received a mean rating of 41.5%, while risk perception reached 53.8%. Punctuality, evaluated through a single item, showed a favorable perception from 66.7% of users. These findings indicate specific areas of concern, such as perceptions of security and cleanliness, which require attention from transport providers and local authorities. The results provide a scalable model for user satisfaction assessment that can be replicated in other urban contexts. Moreover, the integration of business intelligence tools facilitates evidencebased decision-making and supports future initiatives to enhance urban mobility systems in Ecuador and Latin America. © 2025 IEEE.
      13
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Perceptions and Dispositions of Parents and Teachers Toward Technological Learning Communities
    (2023)
    Núñez-Hernández C.
    ;
    The search for strategies to improve students’ academic performance is increasingly common in education. Parents’ participation and teachers’ attention are key factors in forming a learning community. This article presents the results of a survey in which relevant statistical data was obtained. A significant association (p = 0.571) was found between the frequency with which parents help their children understand school content and their willingness to be part of a learning community, representing 40.65% of the population. In addition, it was found that 66.67% of parents frequently meet with their children’s teachers because they often solve the children’s doubts. Regarding the attention of teachers, it was evidenced that 64.71% of parents who meet very frequently with teachers do so with those who very frequently resolve children’s doubts effectively, which shows a correlation significant (p = 0.467). Finally, the relationship between the degree of mastery of teachers in learning management platforms and their participation in forming learning communities was analyzed. A significant correlation (phi = 0.321) was found between the degree of mastery of teachers in these platforms and their participation in the formation of learning communities, with 28.24% of teachers having sufficient mastery and 20.61% of those with a moderate domain. These findings highlight the importance of parent-teacher collaboration in fostering a culture of learning in school and improving student academic achievement. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023.
      29
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Predicting Academic Performance in Mathematics Using Machine Learning Algorithms
    Several factors, directly and indirectly, influence students’ performance in their various activities. Children and adolescents in the education process generate enormous data that could be analyzed to promote changes in current educational models. Therefore, this study proposes using machine learning algorithms to evaluate the variables influencing mathematics achievement. Three models were developed to identify behavioral patterns such as passing or failing achievement. On the one hand, numerical variables such as grades in exams of other subjects or entrance to higher education and categorical variables such as institution financing, student’s ethnicity, and gender, among others, are analyzed. The methodology applied was based on CRISP-DM, starting with the debugging of the database with the support of the Python library, Sklearn. The algorithms used are Decision Tree (DT), Naive Bayes (NB), and Random Forest (RF), the last one being the best, with 92% accuracy, 98% recall, and 97% recovery. As mentioned above, the attributes that best contribute to the model are the entrance exam score for higher education, grade exam, and achievement scores in linguistic, scientific, and social studies domains. This confirms the existence of data that help to develop models that can be used to improve curricula and regional education regulations. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
      39
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Design of a Semi-automatic Dough Mixer for the Prevention of Occupational Diseases in Marzipan Artisans
    Older people, due to the natural aging process, are particularly vulnerable to occupational tasks, as they experience a gradual loss of physical capacities, which increases the incidence of occupational diseases in this population. Despite these challenges, their experience and skills acquired over the years make them a valuable resource for society. This study focuses on designing a semi-automatic dough sheeter for the dough making process used by the artisans of Calderón in Ecuador, who currently carry out this work manually, this practice being an integral part of the local culture. The research began with a detailed analysis of modern manual molders, collecting data on shear force, bending moment, and tensile stress, which are fundamental to the design. Subsequently, a simulation of the design was carried out using SolidWorks software. The result was the creation of a prototype kneading machine equipped with AISI 1050 steel rollers, processed by HR. This device was able to significantly reduce repetitive hand movements, reducing the effort during the kneading process by 25,000 TMU, which translates into improved health and work performance for the artisans. The implementation of this technology reduced the risk of occupational diseases such as bursitis, which is caused by inflammation of the bursae in the joints, and carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the functionality of the hands. In addition to the physical benefits, this project also addresses the psychological aspect, as many older craftsmen and women feel demotivated due to their diminished ability to perform tasks they used to do in their youth. The research aims to provide a better quality of life for these workers, protecting both their physical health and emotional well-being. In short, the semi-automatic laminator not only improves the working conditions of the Calderon artisans but also preserves and promotes an important cultural tradition, ensuring that these valuable knowledge and skills can continue to be practiced in a safe and sustainable manner.
      11
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Power Flow Optimization in Electrical Networks using Gekko
    Power flow optimization in the electrical grid is critical to improve the stability and performance of power systems. The main challenge lies in finding an optimal distribution of power generation that meets the constraints imposed by the grid, such as voltage limits and power system stability conditions. The objective of this research was to evaluate the performance of Gekko in power flow optimization in electrical grids. To do so, a comparison was made with SciPy, a widely used benchmark framework in numerical optimization in order to assess their relative efficiency in problems with complex constraints. The comparison is based on metrics such as solution accuracy, convergence speed, and number of objective function evaluations. The results showed that both methods achieved the same objective value: SciPy (19.7) and Gekko (19.7). However, SciPy was slightly faster (0.01496 seconds vs. 0.0191 seconds), but required 60 objective function evaluations. In contrast, Gekko demonstrated greater computational efficiency, reducing the number of evaluations required for convergence. While SciPy is more efficient on small problems with explicit constraints, Gekko offers greater flexibility on problems with more complex constraints, making it more suitable for larger power systems.
      37
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Study of the Influence of Anthropogenic Sources on the Water Quality of the Ambato River, Tungurahua - Ecuador. A Growing Environmental Problem
    (2022)
    Pérez Aldas L.V.
    ;
    Guachamin Zambrano S.N.
    ;
    Acurio Arcos L.P.
    ;
    Robalino Martínez D.
    ;
    Fuentes E.M.
    The objective of this research was to establish the effect of anthropogenic sources on the degree of contamination in five points of the middle and lower basin of the Ambato River, in the province of Tungurahua (Ecuador), by determining ten physicochemical parameters following the Manual of Standard Methods for Water and Wastewater Analysis and Determination of Water Quality Index (WQI) from the National Sanitation Foundation NSF. The tests were structured in a replicated double division design, taking a sample for each sampling point, dividing them into two subsamples, which later are going to be four times replicated, 20 water samples were collected along the middle and lower basin of the river in two sampling campaigns. Of all the parameters tested, at least four parameters are within the permissible limit, temperature, turbidity, biological oxygen demand, and dissolved solids; while dissolved oxygen, suspended and total solids, hydrogen potential, chemical oxygen demand, and surfactants surpassed the permissible limits under the Ecuadorian law present at the “Environmental Quality and Water Resource Discharge Standard Book VI Annex 1” (TULSMA), according to the WQI, it was fair and foul along the river regarding the water quality. The results showed that untreated industrial wastewater and domestic waste discharged into the river are the main causes of environmental risk. Also, they affect the populations near the river since they use this water as a source for irrigation of their crops, becoming a health risk for consumers of the grown products irrigated with this water along the riverside. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
      15