Introduction: Conventional methods used to determine the strength of concrete have significant limitations in terms of time, costs, and operational efficiency. A 28-day curing period is required for a specimen to be considered ready for testing and its maximum strength to be measured. In addition, these traditional techniques involve the destruction of the samples after testing, which generates an irreparable loss of material and economic resources. This procedure not only increases project costs but also causes significant delays in the execution of the works, affecting their schedule, quality, and economic viability. Objective: Design a multiple linear regression model to predict the compressive strength of plain normal strength concrete at 7, 14 and 28 days. Methodology: Initially, information was collected on variables involved in the dosage of concrete and which influence compressive strength. For the training and testing stage of the model, the hold-out technique was used. The metrics used to evaluate the predictive capacity and validation of the model were R2, RMSE, MAPE. For the validation stage, laboratory tests of the materials were conducted, and concrete specimens were produced with a resistance of 240 kg/cm2 at 28 days, cured in the laboratory under controlled conditions. Results: The age of the concrete is the variable that presents the highest linear correlation value (0.648), of the 27 variables initially considered for the construction of the model, 13 were statistically significant for the model with 90% confidence. Conclusion: The analyses showed that the Multiple Linear Regression model generates acceptable predictions with a mean absolute percentage error of 7%. General Area of Study: Civil Engineering. Specific area of study: Materials. Type of study: Original articles.

Introduction. The energy crisis in Ecuador, driven by high dependence on hydropower and climate variability, has affected residential dwellings, with power outages, higher costs, and lower quality of life. This situation requires an effective response in terms of public policies and household energy consumption habits. Objective. To characterize energy consumption in residential dwellings in the Andean region of Ecuador, through the implementation of surveys and electricity consumption measurements, to identify energy efficiency patterns and opportunities that contribute to the reduction of energy consumption and the mitigation of the current energy crisis. Methodology. Surveys of residential households in Cuenca. Data was analyzed exploratorily. The assumptions of normality were verified with the Shapiro-Wilk test and homogeneity of variance with the Levene test. Statistical tests, t-tests and ANOVA were applied. In addition, linear regression was used to analyze the association between variables and energy consumption. Finally, clustering was applied. Results. Energy consumption is not associated with the type of housing, sector, socioeconomic level, size, expenses, the number of people, bathrooms, and bedrooms. The energy consumption profile does not show clear patterns in relation to the factors analyzed. The appliance with the highest energy demand in homes is the refrigerator. Conclusion. In Cuenca's residential homes, the average energy consumption is 84.8 kWh, with a variability of 17.5 kWh. A higher average consumption can be seen in apartments and in homes with a medium socioeconomic level. There are no significant patterns related to the type of housing or the socioeconomic level; however, the high consumption of the refrigerator suggests an opportunity to implement energy efficiency measures. General Area of Study: Energy and Sustainability. Specific area of study: Energy consumption. Type of study: Original article.

Introduction: A mineral extraction company located in the province of El Oro decided to begin implementing an environmental management system based on ISO 14001:2015 requirements. To do so, it analyzed each of the requirements in their content and subsequently designed a simple but effective methodology that met these requirements. The company decided to use requirement 4.1 (understanding the organization and its context) as a pilot test. The overall objective of this research was to develop a SWOT analysis proposal and a mineral extraction process diagram that complies with the ISO 14001 requirement, taken as a sample. This approach will serve to plan the entire management system, since requirement 4.1 (understanding the organization and its context) constitutes one of the most important guidelines for its overall environmental management. The methodology used was to create work teams with senior and middle management. Analysis and discussion sessions were held, and worksheets were used to collect information, which was then prioritized to work with the most relevant information. In the case of the process diagram, a block diagram was created that provided an overview of mineral extraction, and the inputs and outputs were subsequently identified and written, resulting in the final process diagram required for the company to continue with its ISO 1400 implementation. The results obtained were matrices that were simultaneously adjusted to what the requirement requested and resulted in a SWOT matrix detailing the external and internal issues relevant to the company's mission and that affect the expected results of the environmental management system as required by the requirement. The conclusion is that with the final deliverables obtained, the company fully complies with requirement 4.1: understanding of the organization and its context. It also has a general and accurate view of its business environment, as well as an internal description. All the above, with the idea that the company can subsequently determine its environmental objectives that will allow it to manage its environmental aspects and therefore prevent significant environmental impacts. General study area: Environmental Management Systems Specific study area: Compliance with requirement 4.1 of the ISO 14001 Standard: Type of article: Systematic bibliographic review.

Introduction: The central issue lies in the tension between the growing demand for higher education and the system's limited capacity to accommodate all applicants, despite efforts to expand academic offerings. In Ecuador, the requirements for accessing higher education have undergone various changes in policies, laws, and regulations, particularly since the approval of the 2008 Constitution. Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze how these changes have influenced access to universities and polytechnic schools in Ecuador. Methodology: This research follows a qualitative, documentary-based approach, grounded in a systematic review of higher education regulations in Ecuador between 2012 and 2022. Results: The analysis of higher education policies in Ecuador from 2012 to 2022 reveals a period of significant transformation, marked by progress, setbacks, and ongoing adjustments. In the initial years, there was a strong push toward democratizing access and improving quality. Centralized entrance exams were implemented, flagship universities were established, and investment in research within public institutions was prioritized. However, by the end of the period, notable shifts emerged: admission processes were relaxed, funding schemes were modified, and quality control mechanisms were restructured. These developments reflect a continuous effort to balance expanded access with the preservation of academic excellence. Conclusions: Access to higher education in Ecuador has been characterized by significant progress, yet persistent limitations remain. Despite efforts to enhance quality and promote inclusivity, substantial challenges still exist—particularly regarding infrastructure, territorial equity, policy communication, and the assurance of genuine opportunities for all sectors of society. General Study Area: Education. Specific Study Area: Education. Type of Study: Original Articles

Introduction. Leadership in Ecuador's educational system is a fundamental component for improving the quality of teaching, developing educators' potential, managing change, and fostering a collaborative learning environment. Objective. To determine the characteristics of the school leader through a document review and the application of a survey, to develop an activity guide aimed at improving teacher performance. Methodology. The qualitative approach facilitated the collection of numerical data through techniques, while the descriptive scope contributed to the characterization of the population. The design was cross-sectional, with data being collected at a specific moment in time. The Likert scale increased reliability, and a questionnaire consisting of ten items was employed. Results. Teachers feel unmotivated, communication is inadequate, resistance to adaptations stands out, and there are limitations in opportunities for professional growth and continuous training. These aspects reduce effort and dedication and negatively affect mental and emotional health. Conclusions. The guide promotes practices aligned with the vision and mission of the educational institution. It focuses on the continuous development of skills such as decision-making, team management, and conflict resolution. Its purpose is to achieve job satisfaction, well-being, and productivity, contributing to the formation of responsible and committed citizens. General Area of Study: Education. Specific area of study: Leadership and Teacher Performance. Type of study: Original Articles.

Introduction. Ecuador, like many regions in the developing world, faces the need to promote awareness and adoption of renewable energy sources. Solar thermal energy is commonly used for heating domestic water; however, this article explores its application in space heating. Objective. This study aims to evaluate the temperature variations induced by a solar heater prototype using water and oil as thermal fluids, to determine the temperature inside an experimental model box installed in a study room. Methodology. This is a quantitative study. A solar heater prototype was designed and installed, consisting of a heater box and a closed-loop circuit of ½-inch steel coiled tubing. This system heats a thermal fluid—either water or oil—which acts as a heat carrier from the solar heater box to the experimental box installed in a study room of a residential home in the city of Loja. Temperature variations were measured using a Testo 174H temperature logger and a multimeter with a temperature probe over a period of 24 days. Results. After analyzing the data collected, an increase of 6.72 °C was observed when using water, and 1.92 °C when using oil, inside the experimental box installed in the study room. Conclusion. Once the research was completed, it was concluded that the temperature inside the experimental model box installed in the study room increased when using the solar heater prototype with both water and oil as thermal fluids. General Area of Study: Sustainable Architecture. Specific area of study: Renewable Energy in Buildings. Type of study: Original.

Introduction: In the context of population growth, meteorological changes and energy dependence on hydroelectric sources, Ecuador faces important challenges in terms of electricity generation and environmental sustainability. Objectives: This study focuses on the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of incorporating On-Grid photovoltaic (PV) systems in holiday homes located in the rural parish of Tarqui. Methodology: the sizing of the PV system is based on the average electricity consumption, evaluating the required system and developing a cost-benefit study using a descriptive and quantitative approach. Electricity consumption data from the last three years have been collected and processed with tools such as MedCalc and Excel. Results: The results indicate that the installation of these systems, although technically feasible, has a payback period of approximately 18 years with an IRR of 4.44%, in addition to a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions during the useful life of the system. Conclusions: It is concluded that the implementation of On-Grid PV systems in this area, although it faces economic challenges in the short term, offers important environmental benefits, underlining the need for public policies that promote their adoption to guarantee a sustainable energy future. General Area of Study: Architecture. Specific Area of study: Construction. Type of study: Original Articles.