DOI: https://doi.org/10.33262/ap.v7i3

Published: 2025-07-01

Bioclimatic adaptation and sustainability of vernacular architecture in Rumicruz, Chimborazo: a multiple case study

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.

Karina Elizabeth Cajamarca Dacto, Jean Carlos Montero Riofrio, Israel Fernando Noriega Cadena, Ana Lucia Cerda Obregón

6-37

Estimation of organic carbon released by burning vegetation in paramo, San Juan parish, Chimborazo

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.

Miguel Ángel Guallpa Calva, Victor German Guaraca Pomagualli, Andrea Patricia Guapi Auquilla, Germán Gonzalo Reinoso Muñoz

38-59

Determination of the concentration of heavy metals in soils of the Quero-Tungurahua canton. Case Study

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

Lourdes Cumandá Carrera Beltrán, Juan Carlos González García, Silvana Paola Ocaña Coello, Cristian David Buñay Estrella, Anderson David Chimbolema Cepeda

77-91

School-business relationship in technical accounting baccalaureate: a critical analysis from theory to practice

Introduction. Traditional education has long influenced learning approaches, a situation evident at Unidad Educativa Archidona, where students in the Technical Baccalaureate in Accounting face challenges in connecting classroom learning with real-world business environments. Incorporating digital tools such as accounting software in their education is key to motivating students and strengthening their practical learning with a focus on employment. Objective. This research aimed to analyze the school-business relationship between theory and practice in the technical training of accounting baccalaureate students. Methodology. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining qualitative and quantitative data. The study was descriptive, applied, and included fieldwork. Theoretical-level methods such as induction-deduction, analysis-synthesis, and historical-logical reasoning were employed as a basis for structuring the research process. Tools such as observation, interviews, and surveys were applied to collect information directly from the involved actors. The study was conducted with a sample of 56 third-year accounting students and 2 teachers of the general accounting subject. Results. The findings revealed a traditional teaching approach that is not well aligned with the labor market and a lack of familiarity with digital tools. Stakeholders involved in the issue believed that implementing accounting software would significantly enhance learning and support the achievement of the subject´s exit profile. Conclusion. The incorporation of accounting software will effectively support the training of technical accounting graduates, enabling them to align with the demands of the current labor market. General area of study: Education. Specific area of study: Pedagogy. Type of study: Original articles.

Jefferson Javier Shiguango Chimbo, Derlyn Lisseth Macias Chancay, Mireya Gioconda Delgado Chavarría, Mireya Stefanía Zúñiga Delgado

92-113

A gamification-based teaching strategy to strengthen mathematics teaching and learning in children

Introduction. The implementation of gamification is presented as a promising strategy to promote motivation, collaboration, and engagement in the educational environment and facilitate the understanding of mathematical content and operations. However, the need for teachers to possess the skills to properly implement it is emphasized. Objective. To design a gamification-based teaching strategy for the teaching-learning process of mathematics in a virtual environment for sixth-grade students at the Ciudad Ibarra Educational Unit. Methodology. A mixed-method approach was selected, an explanatory research approach. Data collection was carried out through a semi-structured interview with the principal and a survey for students and teachers. Results. The principal interview and surveys reveal a positive perception of gamification but highlight a lack of teacher training and resources. Ninety percent of teachers believe gamification improves comprehension and motivation, although only 38% know how to implement it. Seventy-five percent of students are motivated by games, and 85% want them to be used consistently in mathematics. However, few teachers frequently use digital tools. Conclusion. Based on the results, we conclude that there is a need to implement strategies based on captive methodologies such as gamification. This encourages teachers and students to use this resource. This promotes holistic development, i.e., at the cognitive and emotional levels by increasing motivation and social levels by focusing on collaboration. General Area of Study: Education. Specific area of study: Mathematics. Type of study: Original Article.

Jaime Rodrigo Falconí Simba, Mayra Yadira Paspuel Aldás , Efraín Velasteguí López, Tatiana Tapia Batidas

114-136

The impact of Artificial Intelligence in virtual educational spaces. Entrepreneurs Case of the Province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Introduction: Managing skills and capabilities to face the business world with artificial intelligence (AI) has become a challenge that every entrepreneur must know and manage. This project was developed by the students of the last level of the administration degree at the National University of Costa Rica (UNA), Liberia Campus, where academic training activities were developed in the areas of marketing, finance and human resources with AI.

Objective: The objective of this research is to examine the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in virtual educational spaces through the generation of knowledge focused on entrepreneurs in the province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Methodology: The research method is based on a quantitative methodology, with an exploratory-descriptive design. 600 entrepreneurs participated in the study. The instrument used is the questionnaire validated with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.86, the bibliographic review and the webinars as a means of interaction during the training with implementation of AI tools.

Results: The results show weaknesses in the entrepreneurial population that were improved from virtual learning spaces with AI focused on strengthening capabilities in the areas of marketing, human resources and finance, in addition to the legal constitution of a company, on the other hand. Although some entrepreneurs use social networks, they are not fully exploiting the benefits of technology with the use of AI.

Conclusion: It is concluded that the project generated a very satisfactory impact on the participants by obtaining new, varied and valuable knowledge in accordance with the current demands of the market and the possibility of this type of activities being replicated at a national and international level by other instances. favor of entrepreneurial people.

Jorge Luis Loáiciga Gutiérrez, Carlos Luis Chanto Espinoza

137-161

Methodological proposal for learning multiplication in students in the fifth year of elementary education

Introduction: The most current lines in education as a social process consider pedagogical actions in the various subjects of the school curriculum as an area of constant interest and concern. The incorporation of such knowledge as a basic ingredient of quality education is significant in the teaching of mathematics. Learning multiplication is a challenge since students have difficulties in their conceptual understanding and practical application. In the research, the following scientific problem is posed: How to contribute to the understanding of multiplication in students in the fifth year of basic education in the Logroño Educational Unit? Objectives: The objective is to propose a methodology with a constructivist approach, using digital technologies and resources that use play to strengthen the understanding of multiplication in fifth-year students of basic education in the Logroño Educational Unit. Methodology: the methodology was framed with a mixed approach. The study was conducted among 24 students and 30 educators. The data collection instruments include observation cards and questionnaires with a Likert scale, which allow identifying how to improve the understanding of multiplication in students. Results: The results show how teaching is based on traditional methods such as memorization. Teachers recognize the need to incorporate innovative strategies to improve learning. Conclusions: It is concluded that the implementation of the methodology favors the understanding and application of multiplication responding to the needs of the students. General area of study: Education. Specific area of study: Didactics of mathematics in basic education. Item type: Original item

María Mercedes Chacha Arteaga, Nelly Narcisa Juank Shuir, Roger Martínez Isaac, Ricardo Sánchez Casanova

162-189

Effect of pharmacy practice on the administration of treatments in older adults, Ecuador

Introduction. The older adult population is considered a vulnerable group that requires priority attention for their health care. The appearance of comorbidities, chronic non-communicable diseases, and other health other health events often lead to polymedication in the older adult, which increases the risk of this increases the risk of drug therapy failure. Objective. This is why this research aims to evaluate the impact of pharmaceutical interventions in older adults in Ecuador. Methodology. The population sample consisted of 345 older adults in Ecuador, considering the inclusion or exclusion criteria as: without distinction of ethnicity or gender. Surveys were administered to the study population, to obtain individual, demographic and socioeconomic data. Later the Dader method of pharmacotherapeutic follow-up was used for 32 weeks of scheduled sessions and the McNemar statistical analysis with a significant percentage of 5% was used to establish the significance of 5%, to establish a significant relationship between pharmaceutical activity in older adults. Results. 84.35% of the study population presented health problems, 47.25% consumed medicines for the treatment of their pathologies. A total of 118 negative outcomes associated with medicines were identified at 118 negative outcomes associated with medicines were identified. Also, 157 Drug-Related Problems (DRP), of which 33.05% were related to untreated health problems, quantitative ineffectiveness with 26.27% were quantitative ineffectiveness, followed by non-quantitative ineffectiveness 15.25%, and unnecessary medication effect at 3.39%. However, through the pharmaceutical activity, a better pharmaceutical adherence of 80.3% was achieved 80.3%. Conclusion. Ecuadorian older adults present various pathologies, and they seek pharmacological therapy, thus being identified as the most vulnerable group as the vulnerable group most susceptible to polymedication. In the study, a high frequency of the study showed a high frequency of problems related to medication. Without However, through the pharmaceutical interventions, adherence to treatment was adherence, which contributes significantly to the quality of life of this group life quality of this group. General Area of Study: pharmacy. Specific area of study: pharmaceutical care. Type of study: Original articles.

Yolanda Verónica Buenaño Suárez, Verónica Mercedes Cando Brito, Kleber Adrian Tene Quinchi, Jennyfer Rosario Ramírez Gavidia

190-208