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    Item type:Publication,
    Augmented Reality as a Promoter of Visualization for the Learning of Mathematics in Ninth-Year of Basic Education
    (2023) ;
    Amaluisa Rendón P.M.
    ;
    ;
    Quinatoa-Casicana J.
    This research focused on developing a mobile application in Meta-verse augmented reality to improve the learning of notable products, factoring, and linear equations in ninth-grade students of the intercultural bilingual educational unit of the millennium “Pueblo Kisapincha” based on the notional method. The methodology applied was quasi-experimental and longitudinal, where related samples were compared using a diagnostic test versus a subsequent evaluation of knowledge. The sampling technique was by non-probabilistic convenience comprising 25 students and 15 teachers to whom a structured questionnaire was applied to determine the predisposition to work in the classroom with augmented reality, which was validated with Cronbach's alpha statistic (α = 0.844). The students’ scores improved significantly after participating in both evaluations, with the post-evaluation being the one that showed the highest score according to the Bayesian T-test applied to related samples. A proposal of activities was designed to motivate the study of algebraic expressions; this product was implemented considering the ADDIE instructional model, guiding each movement with its respective resolution process as a form of feedback. The proposal was evaluated by two experts in technology and two experts in education with more than ten years of experience. In conclusion, developing an augmented reality mobile application in Metaverse to improve the learning of introductory algebra proved to be a valuable and effective tool to contribute to student learning. The mobile application provided an interactive and engaging learning experience, so it is recommended to incorporate this mobile application in the curriculum of the Kisapincha educational unit and its possible implementation in other similar educational institutions. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
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    Diagnosis of User Experience (UX) and Accessibility in Traditional Recruitment Tools: Foundations for the Future Implementation of Gamified Processes
    Traditional personnel selection processes, based on printed tests and face-to-face interviews, present increasing challenges in terms of user experience (UX), usability, and accessibility. Elements such as candidate satisfaction, the learning curve required to understand and complete the processes, and the levels of frustration detected negatively impact fairness and effectiveness in skills assessment. This analysis represents the initial phase of a broader research project, whose ultimate goal is to develop gamified solutions grounded in a user-centered approach. In this initial stage, a qualitative study was conducted through in-depth interviews with six human resources specialists from different organizations, with the aim of identifying the limitations of conventional procedures and examining the perception of gamification as an improvement strategy. The findings indicate that conventional procedures result in a fragmented and unsatisfactory experience, imposing a high cognitive and emotional load on candidates. The specialists highlight persistent obstacles regarding clarity of instructions, limited feedback, unequal accessibility, and the lack of adaptability to diverse profiles. Likewise, they acknowledge the potential of game-based platforms to enhance motivation, reduce frustration, and provide more inclusive experiences. These findings underpin the design of a future quasi-experimental phase that will evaluate, using metrics such as the System Usability Scale (SUS), the comparative effectiveness of traditional versus gamified tools in selection processes. © 2025 IEEE.
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    University Extension in Architecture: Strategies adopted by COVID-19
    Latin-American universities have reacted during pandemic times by implementing strategies not only virtual (Bedoya-Dorado, Murillo-Vargas, y González-Campo, 2021), the actions adopted over the road have allowed that the programme of extension continues being performed in other ways and to consider as not a requirement the permanent presential link with the community. The goal of the research is to analyze the strategies developed in community projects of University Extension in Architecture developed in seven Latin-American countries. The inquiry presents a methodology with combined strategies (Groat y Wang, 2013) that includes a literature review of primary and secondary sources, cases of study and interviews. This papers contains cuali-cuantitative data related to modes of working, alternatives of virtual communication in social media and elaborated knowledge of seven community projects selected from online activities developed by Architectural Latin-American universities in Costa Rica, México, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile y Argentina. The study found that the compilation of projects done last year and few years ago are the most used modes of working, also, digital material, Facebook pages and YouTube channels are the alternatives for virtual communication and finally, that digital publications and videos are the elaboration (Cano e Ingold, 2020), production (Salvatierra, 2003), (Cohen, 2014), (Martínez y García, 2019) and construction (Bolaños y Aguilera cited by Martínez y García, 2019) of knowledge. © 2022 The authors.
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    Tiktok as a Learning Tool for Elementary School Students
    (2023) ;
    Espinosa-Pinos C.A.
    ;
    Núñez-Torres M.G.
    The large number of users of the social network Tiktok worldwide and the studies that demonstrate the advantages of its use in relation to its educational capacity encourage us to seek new ways of teaching. The present study was conducted at the Indoamerica Educational University in the city of Ambato-Ecuador during the 2021–2022 school year, comparing the motivation of students of General Basic Education: specifically, Basic Middle (Sublevel 3): fifth, sixth and seventh grade corresponding to boys and girls of 9, 10 and 11 years old respectively, and the use of Tiktok as a learning tool demonstrated in their academic performance. Group A has used Tiktok as a tool for the development of academic activities, while group B has not used it. A quantitative methodology was used with a descriptive-inferential procedure and a qualitative analysis through interviews with educators. A pre-test and a post-test were carried out to demonstrate the children's motivation at the end of the school year. It is confirmed that the children who used Tiktok as a learning tool consider themselves more motivated and show a greater dedication to the proposed subject matter than children who do not use it, which is evidenced in their academic record. On the other hand, the teachers interviewed expressed heterogeneous opinions. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
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    Transportation Oriented Development Method: Literature review
    (2023)
    Vega, J
    ;
    Balcázar R.
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    Guerra X.
    Cities are a wealth production system that attract more and more people in search of a better lifestyle. Migration to cities affects the demand for more housing, services and facilities that, in many cases, imply uncontrolled urban growth, an increase in the number of vehicles, processes of social segregation and effects on natural systems. Indeed, cities are responsible for 70% of greenhouse gas emissions, one of the causes of climate change. Transportation Oriented Development (TOD) is an urban planning model that considers higher density, mixed land use, promotion of public transportation and also promotes a walkable and cycleable environment. This study aims to identify the characteristics of TOD that, from various studies, contribute to the construction of a more efficient and equitable city. The objective is to identify and define the characteristics that build this urban planning approach. A review of the state of the art was carried out in two phases: the first consisted of a bibliometric review based on the Vosviewer software and in the second, 28 articles published in high-impact journals were reviewed according to the Scimago ranking. The results indicate that several of the characteristics of TOD overlap in several studies and that others are not considered at a general level and should be strengthened. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.
      11
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    Thermography applied to buildings as an opportunity to detect thermal bridges. Case study: Ambato, Ecuador
    (2024) ;
    Ranzet Ordóñez
    ;
    Liz Zambrano
    This research analyses the existence of thermal bridges in an urban context located at 2700 meters above sea level based on the analysis of thermal images of buildings taken in different ambient temperature conditions. The objective of this research is to expand and update the spectrum of analysis and detection of thermal bridges in an urban context, where environmental conditions change and increasingly reach higher and lower extreme peaks of temperature, which is why it is necessary to establish strategies for mitigation of thermal bridges and stabilization of internal temperatures, the materiality of the building envelope plays a very important role in this study. The methodology applied in this research is of mixed approach, qualitative in relation to the analysis and collection of information with thermal cards and photographs, and quantitative due to the comparison of thermal data obtained from the analysis and energy simulation of the case study. The qualitative results were obtained through the collection of thermographic information, the simulation of the house and focus on the detection of temperature leaks in an urban context of a building built in 2019 with contemporary materials and construction systems, the quantitative results were obtained from the energy simulation, which helped determine the failures in the envelope and thus could improve the energy performance of the building. The study concludes that currently, in spite of knowing the impact generated by climate change, improvements in the configuration of the envelope available in the market are not considered, which generates a negative impact on the perception of thermal comfort inside the building, it is also important to emphasize the importance of energy simulation in construction and design, since this helps to detect problems before building and to be more optimal when remodelling buildings
      28
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    Smart Signage with Augmented Reality: Inclusive Coworking
    This project focuses on the implementation of augmented reality signage designed to enhance user experience in a coworking space. The signage integrates 2D animations and virtual tours to provide an intuitive and immersive experience, from entry to the desired destination within the establishment. At the main entrance, a totem with a coworking directory features a QR code that visitors can scan to access an interactive directory. The 2D animations, thoughtfully designed with an inclusive approach, utilize validated corporate colors to ensure accessibility, especially for individuals with color vision deficiencies. Each business in the coworking space is identified by a unique corporate color, and internal business floor plans use analogous colors, adjusted to maintain aesthetic coherence and accessibility. In addition to being an effective navigation tool, these animations reinforce the visual identity of the coworking space. Each business within the establishment has an interactive virtual tour that guides visitors from entry to their final destination, providing real-time visual information for effective orientation. The signage system is based on WordPress to offer a seamless and efficient experience without the need to download a specific application. Upon scanning the QR code, users are redirected to a mobile-optimized web page. This page not only provides access to the 2D animations and virtual tours but also offers useful information such as business hours, links to the businesses’ and coworking space's social media, and other relevant details for the visit. This augmented reality signage approach not only enhances the functionality of the space but also ensures that all visitors, regardless of their needs, enjoy an inclusive and efficient experience in the coworking space.
      20
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    Ancestral Gastronomic Knowledge: A Key to Boost Tourism in Ecuador
    (2025) ;
    Alisson Doménica Espinosa-Rueda
    ;
    Globalization has had a significant impact on local cultures around the world, especially evident in Ecuador, where the rich tapestry of traditional gastronomy plays a crucial role in defining the nation’s identity; as the world becomes more interconnected, Ecuador’s younger generation, like their counterparts in many developing countries, is increasingly leaning toward foreign cuisines, often perceived as more modern or trendy. This shift not only neglects the diverse culinary heritage specific to various Ecuadorian regions, but also undermines the potential of traditional foods to attract tourists seeking authentic experiences. Ecuadorian gastronomy, with its unique flavors and textures, offers a window into the country’s cultural practices and history, making it an integral part of the tourism industry, but the gradual loss of this culinary heritage as local preferences evolve poses a threat not only to cultural identity, but also to the economic benefits derived from gastronomic tourism. Using the literature review method, this study collected and analyzed data from various documents highlighting the importance of local cuisine to the tourism sector. The results underline the need to strategically focus on revitalizing and promoting traditional Ecuadorian dishes to counter the influence of global food trends; also, the research delved into the reasons for young people’s inclination toward foreign cultures, suggesting a disconnection with their own cultural roots. It critically examined how this distancing could be reversed by fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of local traditions. By promoting a reconnection with their gastronomic past, Ecuadorians can leverage their rich culinary heritage as a key asset to boost tourism. This not only enhances the authenticity and attractiveness of the tourism experience, but also supports local economies. Ultimately, the study confirms that preserving and celebrating ancestral gastronomy can play a critical role in sustaining tourism and maintaining cultural identity in the face of globalization.
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    Classification Tools to Assess Critical Thinking in Automotive Engineering Students
    Inadequate conflict resolution skills in automotive engineering students can have negative consequences in the workplace. The development of mathematical logical thinking can help students develop critical analysis skills, improve problem-solving ability, develop reasoning skills, and effective communication, enabling them to deal effectively with conflicts and find creative solutions. This research aims to identify predictors of problem-solving ability using classification algorithms. Methodology: In this study, three classification algo-rithms were applied and the KDD process was used to identify predictors of problem-solving ability. The data set includes 60 records of students from the automotive engineering program at Universidad Equinoccial in Quito, Ecuador, to whom three tools were applied: a sociodemographic card, a Shatnawi test related to mathematical logical thinking, and a Watson Glaser test on conflict resolution ability. Results: The best classification model is the K-nearest neighbors’ algorithm and its predictive ability is very good, with a true positive rate versus false positive rate AUC of 0.75, along with a good performance in classifying negative cases. The model can be improved with increased sampling, cross-validation, or hyper-parameter adjustment. Conclusion: Age and mathematical logical thinking are strongly associated with conflict resolution ability. In future research it is important to consider additional variables such as experience in problem-solving projects, technical knowledge and communication skills; to explore the use of more advanced machine learning algo-rhythms; to design specific educational interventions based on the development of mathematical logical thinking; or to compare conflict resolution ability between different engineering disciplines.
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    Smart Antenna Array for Optimal Electromagnetic Energy Capture
    Smart antennas are currently one of the most exploited fields in terms of wireless networks, allowing high data transmission capacities, this is achieved by focusing the radiation on the desired direction and adjusting to the environment and conditions in which communications are developed. Smart antennas employ a set of radiating and emitting and combining elements organized in the form of arrangements connected at a common point to guarantee the required power, the signals from these elements are combined to form a moving beam pattern that follows a pattern determined by the user or designer. The consumption of energy within communication systems is considered a big problem and a challenge when carrying out implementations in media where the storage or recharging of the end terminals is complicated by their location, this trend grows with the presence of the Internet of the IoT things, where it is directly dependent on the construction of a large wireless network that allows everything to be interconnected, for this reason there are investigations in the 2.4 and 5.8 GHz bands and represents future work for the 5th Generation (5G) cell phone. The great possibility of collecting electromagnetic energy from densely populated urban areas becomes a great renewable source of power for communication devices for both existing Wi-Fi technology and new technologies such as the 5G network. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
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