Introduction. Introduction: Vernacular architecture uses local knowledge and materials to adapt to the Andean climate and culture, but migration and modernization threaten its value and social cohesion. Preserving it is key to sustainability and community memory. Objective. Therefore, this research aims to: Analyze the formal, functional, constructive, and bioclimatic characteristics, the context and state of conservation of six vernacular houses in the community of Rumicruz, with the purpose of contributing to the rescue, valuation, and preservation of its traditional architecture. Methodology. Qualitative and descriptive research of six vernacular houses in Rumicruz, Chimborazo, combining field work and documentary review. With ethnographic method, it analyzes formal, functional, and bioclimatic aspects through visits and empirical and theoretical data. It includes dwellings and inhabitants, whose knowledge is key to value traditional architecture as a heritage and sustainable model. Results. In Rumicruz, at more than 3200 meters above sea level, six old vernacular dwellings, mostly abandoned, are in a small area for security and access to local materials. They have compact volumes, adobe, and mud walls, sloping thatched roofs and few openings to conserve heat, with orientations that protect from the wind and take advantage of the sun. Internally, multifunctional spaces reflect traditional lifestyles. Their passive bioclimatic design optimizes thermal comfort, supported by wooden structures and local materials, although recent changes have affected their original efficiency and functionality. Conclusion. The vernacular architecture of Rumicruz is an efficient bioclimatic adaptation with local techniques that surpass modern constructions, but modernization and migration threaten its conservation. Revaluing it with policies and training integrating traditional knowledge will strengthen identity and community resilience General Area of Study: Architecture. Specific area of study: Vernacular Architecture. Type of study: Original articles.

Introduction. The paramo ecosystems are among the most important carbon reservoirs in high mountain regions, playing a fundamental role in regulating the global carbon cycle and mitigating climate change. These unique ecosystems, characterized by their high carbon storage capacity in both plant biomass and organic soils, are facing increasing anthropogenic pressures, including the use of fire as a traditional management tool. Objective. This study focused on estimating the organic carbon content released by a controlled vegetation burn in the páramo ecosystem of the Pasguazo community, San Juan parish, Chimborazo province. Methodology. The study area covered 100,035 m² and included three transects, each divided transversely into six quadrants measuring 0,5 m x 0,5 m, with 2 meters between each quadrant. Three quadrants were assigned to the burned area and three to the unburned area. Total organic carbon was determined at two depths: 0–5 cm and 5–10 cm, along with necromass and aboveground biomass (in t ha⁻¹), and fire intensity per quadrant to estimate the amount of organic carbon released. Physicochemical soil properties were analyzed before and after the burn. Statistical analysis included testing for normality and homogeneity of variances, followed by a student’s t-test. Results. The study showed no significant differences in physicochemical properties or organic carbon content before and after the burn. However, at the 0–5 cm depth, the burned area showed a slightly higher mean total carbon content (18.01 t ha⁻¹) compared to the unburned area (17,84 t ha⁻¹). Fire intensity was classified as low. Lastly, the physicochemical characterization of the soil indicated favorable conditions for the regeneration of herbaceous vegetation in the evaluated páramo ecosystem following a controlled burn. Conclusion. It was determined that in the area subjected to controlled burning, the 0–5 cm soil layer had a higher mean organic carbon content (18,01 t ha⁻¹) compared to the unburned area (17,84 t ha⁻¹). General Area of Study: Forest Sciences. Specific area of study: Soils. Type of study: Original articles.

Introduction: This research explores the improvement of the surface properties of elastomeric polyurethanes by incorporating non-stick additives in mass and surface. Objectives: The objective was to optimize the processing of low-performance polyurethane and to evaluate the effect of different fluorinated and functionalized silica additives on its hydrophobicity and mechanical properties. Methodology: A quantitative experimental methodology was followed, using standard formulations of polyol and isocyanate, to which additives were incorporated both in mass and in coating, and the samples were characterized by contact angle tests. Results: The results showed that additives such as F1 and F2 at 1% in coating and F2 at 1% in mass significantly increased the contact angle without compromising mechanical properties. Conclusions: It is concluded that fluorine-functionalized silica additives (NS1 and NS2) are especially promising, and that this strategy is applicable to the development of high-performance non-stick polyurethanes for industrial applications. General area of study: Chemistry. Specific study area: Polyurethanes. Type of study:  Original articles.

Introduction: The Quero canton located in the province of Tungurahua, eminently agricultural and livestock, has suffered a reduction in crop yields in recent years. Objectives: The objective of the research was to determine the quality of soil for agricultural use to ensure food quality. Methodology: it began with the determination of the sampling points considering the facilities provided for access to the land, proceeded to take the soil sample, subsequent treatment, physical-chemical and chemical analysis, and finally interpretation. Results: the results indicate a pH variation of 4.30 -7.18 (ranging from extremely acidic to neutral), an electrical conductivity between 39.40 and 123.25 uS/cm (negligible salinity values), a bulk density between 1.02-1.20 g/ml, real density 2.52-2.85 g/ml, OM content between 1.42-2.87%, the texture identified was mostly sandy-loam. The N content ranged from 100-1100 mg/kg, the P from 304.33-316.33 mg/kg, the K from 411.68-1780.35 mg/kg, the Ca from 143.44 mg/kg to 541.81 mg/kg, the Mn from 77.58 mg/kg to 159.55 mg/kg, and the Zn from 9.75 mg/kg to 20.71 mg/kg. The results of the heavy metal analyses Cd, Pb and Hg indicated values below the detection limit of the equipment (0.25 mg/kg), the Se content varied between 0.02 and 0.09, while As presented a variation between the detection limit 0.25 mg/kg and 0.84 0.25 mg/kg; the Cd, Pb, Se and As complied with the reference values of the Ecuadorian Regulations, so it can be concluded that there is no risk of contamination by heavy metals in the products grown in these soils. Conclusions: The heavy metal analysis values of Cd, Pb, Se and As were lower than the reference value established by current Ecuadorian regulations, which shows that there is no contamination by heavy metals in these soils. General study area: agriculture. Specific area of study: sustainable management of natural resources. Item Type: Original