City Of Loja Research Articles

Determinación de la densidad vehicular en ciudades intermedias por medio de visión por computador

The objective of this research work is to calculate the vehicle density of cities through the use of computer vision. To carry out the study, we captured videos of vehicular traffic at 8 intersections in the city of Loja using a drone and a high-resolution camera. Subsequently, we used the Python language and the YOLOv8 library to count vehicles of different categories, such as small vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles. Through mathematical formulas used in transportation engineering, the values ​​of vehicle density, vehicle flow rate, and average spacing were obtained. As results, we have that the machine learning model using YOLOv8 has an accuracy of 90% in detecting and classifying vehicles, and thanks to its use, the road with the highest vehicle density was identified. The practical applications of this work could improve vehicle flow and help competent organizations related to traffic management make decisions.

Salix humboldtiana as an Indicator of Air Pollution by Trace Metals in the Urban Areas of the City of Loja, Southern Ecuador

Air pollution is the most important environmental problem in urban areas related to vehicular traffic and industrial activities. The widespread presence of common urban trees, such as Salix humboldtiana, and their ability to tolerate diverse environmental conditions make this species an especially promising candidate for assessing environmental metal contamination. Therefore, biomonitoring with vascular plants has been widely used to assess air pollution, especially the accumulation of trace metal concentrations. Therefore, for the first time, we analyzed the concentration of trace metals using Salix humboldtiana in twelve areas with different levels of pollution in a city in Southern Ecuador. For this purpose, samples were taken from each site to assess the accumulation of trace metals such as Zn, Mn, Fe, Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, Al, and Ni. The results obtained showed significant differences in the concentrations of Zn, Mn, Fe, and Cd between the urban areas and the control area, indicating that the central areas were the most polluted by vehicular traffic. However, these findings suggest that Salix humboldtiana may not be a particularly effective tool for quantifying levels of environmental metal contamination such as Cu and Ni, at least in urban areas in the city of Loja. This study has demonstrated that Salix humboldtiana leaves can effectively monitor trace metals associated with road traffic emissions in areas with varying levels of vehicular activity, indicating that vascular plants can be utilized for this purpose in tropical cities.

Analysis of the Thermal Comfort Perception in Residential Buildings in Loja City based on Ecuadorian Energy Efficiency Standard

Analysis of the Thermal Comfort Perception in Residential Buildings in Loja City based on Ecuadorian Energy Efficiency Standard

Gamification in the Teaching-Learning Process of Social Studies to Encourage Participation in Basic General Education

Currently, the development of new information technologies has generated great changes, including in its advancement to the educational sector, hence this research addresses gamification in the teaching-learning process of Social Studies to encourage participation in general education. basic; The population is limited to a sample of 31 students, corresponding to the 10th year of basic general education of the “Miguel Ángel Suárez” high school in the city of Loja, the methodological approach used is quantitative, and is combined with quantitative descriptive research to gain a complete and accurate understanding of the effects of gamification on student engagement. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the perception and participation of the students. The results obtained highlight the need to adapt active methodologies to satisfy the demands of today's society and promote digital skills in the classroom. This research highlights the importance of transforming traditional education towards more engaging and participatory approaches, where gamification can play a fundamental role in improving the educational process and student engagement.

Memory strategies focused on english vocabulary learning: A case study in a public high school in Loja City

The research " Memory Strategies Focused on English Vocabulary Learning: A Case Study in a Public High School in Loja City" aimed to determine the effectiveness of memory strategies focused on English vocabulary learning among students of a public high school in Loja City. This study examined how various memory strategies promote vocabulary acquisition and retention, as well as opportunities for students’ practice in real contexts. It also investigated the adaptability of memory strategies to individual student needs and their efficacy for learners with diverse language proficiency levels or specific learning requirements. This study involved implementing four memory strategies, such as creating mental linkages, applying images and sound, reviewing well, and employing action, within the classroom setting over 12 weeks. Data collection methods included pre and post-assessments, student surveys, and classroom observations. Preliminary findings suggest that the use of specific memory strategies positively influences vocabulary retention and fosters a deeper understanding of language concepts. Finally, this research showed that memory strategies motivated vocabulary learning improvement and provided insights into improving language learning experiences for high school students.

The Formation of the Urban–Rural Fringe Space in the San Cayetano Area: The Transformation of a Peripheral Urban Landscape in Ecuador

The transition between the urban and the rural in intermediate Andean cities has been consolidated, presenting a close relationship between socioeconomic dynamics and urban configuration. The peripheral neighborhood of San Cayetano, located in the city of Loja in southwestern Ecuador, presents multiple contradictory scenarios. Located on a hillside, the forms of adaptation to the challenging topography are diverse, fragile, and fragmented, especially because they present a dispersed image due to the proximity to the consolidated center. This study analyzes the spatial phenomena that have led to the integration of this neighborhood into the formal city, identifying recurrent spatial configurations that characterize the spatial fragment as a determinant in the configuration of the Andean periphery. To this end, official data are juxtaposed with on-site visits to identify the urban and architectural patterns of the neighborhood that contribute to defining this characteristic fragmentation of today’s peripheries. These patterns are then examined through mapping and graphic representation. As a consequence, the resulting urban plots are imposed on sloping land, leaving aside the natural characteristics of the terrain, which causes morphological alterations at the level of the natural, urban, and architectural landscape.

IMPACT OF UNSEALED SURFACE PAVEMENTS ON AIR TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY IN PUBLIC SPACES

Public space allows the interaction and encounter of the population without distinction of age, race or gender. The use and permanence in these places depend on the accessibility and comfort experienced by the user. Among the main aspects that determine comfort is temperature control or control of the sensation of heat conditioned by thermal radiation, environmental conditions (air temperature and humidity, wind speed, shade and shelter), and individual factors (age, health, clothing, physical activity). Pavement options affect the sensation of heat, some, such as reflective or lighter-colored pavements can help mitigate the urban heat island effect by reducing the absorption of solar radiation and lowering surface temperatures. This research focuses on the effects of thermal radiation from unsealed surface pavements on air temperature and relative humidity at different heights (5 cm, 60 cm, 90 cm, 120 cm, and 150 cm). Measurements were recorded in central public places such as squares and parks in the city of Loja (Ecuador) exposed to high levels of solar radiation. The study mainly revealed that grass and white terrazzo presented lower surface temperatures and increased the relative humidity of the air at 150 cm, refreshing the environment and contributing to the mitigation of the heat island effect.

Micronucleus Induction in Vicia faba Root Tips by Crude Oil-Polluted Soil from Ecuadorian Amazon

In the past four decades, the Amazon rainforest has emerged as a crucial zone for crude oil extraction in the South American region. In the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, hydrocarbon blocks (called “bloques”) cover vast zones, including agricultural and livestock farms, protected natural regions and the territories of uncontacted indigenous tribes. This study proposes a micronuclei assay on Vicia faba following a 24 h exposure to various soil samples collected from Bloque 57 in Ecuador. Sampling was conducted between the Dayuma and Aguarico zones, approximately 30 km from Nueva Loja city. The research aimed to assess the impact of different soil samples, particularly those from areas affected by crude oil spills, to induce micronuclei and mitotic index changes in V. faba roots. Results: The soil pollution caused by crude oil is not the sole factor contributing to cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in V. faba. Most samples from areas polluted by crude oil outside the small-scale farm showed no significant difference in micronuclei rate compared to negative control and Amazon unpolluted soil. Conversely, samples from the small-scale farm displayed a statistically significant genotoxic effect. Furthermore, samples collected from open-air wastewater pools demonstrated higher levels of cytotoxicity compared to the controls and those from small-scale farms. The mitotic index was lower in seedlings exposed to wastewater in open-air pools, especially for the 20 cm deep samples. This phenomenon could be linked to bitumen-like substances and oils floating on the surface, attaching to the small roots and causing suffocation.

Application of the 6D BIM approach in the evaluation and energy rehabilitation proposal of public educational infrastructure

INTRODUCTION. When approaching the design of a building, one of the primary objectives is to create an interior environment that promotes the health and comfort of its occupants. OBJECTIVE. The research seeks to evaluate through 6D BIM the energy performance of the prototype educational infrastructure built in Ecuador, in a case of the city of Loja, in order to know the comfort parameters, compare them with what is exposed by the normative bases and propose an energy rehabilitation proposal to improve comfort and reduce the energy consumption of the building. METHOD. The process is carried out through virtual test-tube simulation in Revit software and its simulation engine EnergyPlus to know its energy performance. Based on this, strategies to improve thermal and lighting comfort and air quality in the building are proposed and validated. RESULTS. The results show that the equipment does not comply with the comfort ranges according to the zone where it is located, with an interior temperature of 17.88°C, lighting levels of 3500 lumens, RH of 60% and 51 MWh/y of electricity consumption. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. The proposed intervention has demonstrated significant improvements, including an increase in temperature by 6.18°C, a reduction of 2300 lumens in lighting, a 10% decrease in relative humidity (RH), and reduced electrical consumption to 42 MWh/a. These results consolidate this intervention as a highly replicable and energy efficient alternative for similar infrastructures.

Characterization and Analysis of Landslide Evolution in Intramountain Areas in Loja (Ecuador) Using RPAS Photogrammetric Products

This case study focuses on the area of El Plateado near the city of Loja, Ecuador, where landslides with a high impact on infrastructures require monitoring and control. The main objectives of this work are the characterization of the landslide and the monitoring of its kinematics. Four flights were conducted using a remotely piloted aerial vehicle (RPAS) to capture aerial images that were processed with SfM techniques to generate digital elevation models (DEMs) and orthoimages of high resolution (0.05 m) and sufficient accuracy (below 0.05 m) for subsequent analyses. Thus, the DEM of differences (DoD) and profiles are obtained, but a morphometric analysis is conducted to quantitatively characterize the landslide’s elements and study its evolution. Parameters such as slope, aspect, topographic position index (TPI), terrain roughness index (TRI), and topographic wetness index (TWI) are analyzed. The results show a higher slope and roughness for scarps compared to stable areas and other elements. From TPI, slope break lines have been extracted, which allow the identification of landslide features such as scarps and toe tip. The landslide shows important changes in the landslide body surface, the retraction of the main scarp, and advances of the foot. A general decrease in average slope and TRI and an increase in TWI are also observed due to the landslide evolution and stabilization. The presence of fissures and the infiltration of rainfall water in the unsaturated soil layers, which consist of high-plasticity clays and silts, contribute to the instability. Thus, the study provides insights into the measurement accuracy, identification and characterization of landslide elements, morphometric analysis, landslide evolution, and the relationship with geotechnical factors that contribute to a better understanding of landslides. A higher frequency of the RPAS surveys and quality of geotechnical and meteorological data are required to improve the instability analysis together with a major automation of the GIS procedures.

Gamification strategies on the development of English listening comprehension skills

English classes have faced some difficulties in attracting students' interest in the English listening comprehension class using the traditional method of learning. Most of the students are losing their interest in the English Language class due to lack of engagement between students and teachers. This is an action research study focused to improve English listening comprehension skill by using gamification among superior basic education students at a public institution Loja city. A convenience sample of 35 students participated in the study for eight weeks with 40 hours of instruction. To achieve the objective of the study, the researcher applied a pre-test, post-test, and a questionnaire were used to gather quantitative and qualitative data. The test included five questions about listening sub-skills: listening for general understanding, sequence and for specific information. A mixed-question type of questionnaire was administered to determine students’ perceptions about gamification strategies such as badges, rewards, leaderboards, competition, motivation, dynamic and listening games. The pre-test and post-test difference indicated that the students increased meaningfully in listening comprehension skill. Furthermore, the questionnaire discovered that gamification strategies had good students’ perceptions, because they increased their motivation, competency, social interaction and the dynamic environment in the class

Students’ perceptions on the benefits of authentic materials through technology in English listening comprehension

The use of didactic materials in teaching has been an important issue throughout the history of education. Considering the constant educational innovations, authentic materials have been effective tools for developing listening comprehension skills. Recent studies have shown that use of authentic materials through technology in teaching have highlighted the need to analyse their effects in Learning the English Language. In this sense, the present research aims to figure out the seventh-grade students’ perceptions on the benefits of authentic materials through technology in the improvement of their listening comprehension skills at an elementary school in Loja city during the 2022-2023 school year. For this reason, the researcher applied an action research model approach with a questionnaire to gather quantitative and qualitative data, which were interpreted and analysed by using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results showed that students agreed that authentic materials like songs, cartoons, conversations, TED talks, and documentaries helped them to acquire the language, keep them motivated, develop their interaction with their classmates, feel comfortable, and improve their listening skills. Therefore, it was concluded that seventh-grade students positively perceived the use of authentic materials provided through technology.

Stimulation for psychomotor and language development in children under five years of age who attend the "Sendero de Alegría" rehabilitation center

The application of the Language Therapy and Physical Therapy program for children who attend the "Sendero de Alegría" Rehabilitation Center, the general objective was to apply a Language Therapy and Physical Therapy program for children under five years of age. who attend the aforementioned Rehabilitation Center located in the Orillas del Zamora park in the City of Loja, where with the help of the analytical, descriptive, deductive and synthetic method, it is possible to have a clear idea of the psychomotor development of how the acquisition of experiences and their generalization by the child, begins from the moment of birth. The simplest conditioned reflexes that are formed in children from the first days of life and encompasses comprehension, communication and behavior skills, all united to achieve the motor, cognitive, social and language development of the child where the latter is a complex function. that allows expressing and perceiving affective states, concepts, ideas, etc., through acoustic or graphic signs. To obtain information regarding the issue raised, instruments were applied such as: Clinical History, which was addressed to parents; The Psychomotor Evaluation, Articulation Examination Sheet, was carried out with the children to diagnose the psychomotor and language problem they have, this information allowed to reach the diagnosis and develop an individual program for each patient, taking as a sample for the development of the descriptive-explanatory research to 5 children.

Improving reading comprehension through lesson study among tenth-grade students at a public school in the city of Loja during 2021 – 2022 school year

The present research had as main objective to improve the reading comprehension through lesson study among tenth-grade students at a public school in the city of Loja during 2021-2022 school year. This skill is considered the most important because learners can obtain lexical knowledge and general information from written texts. Furthermore, this research used a quasi-experimental design with a mixed method approach in order to gather quantitative (scores) and qualitative (perceptions) data through the use of a pretest and posttest, as well as a questionnaire and field notes. The data analyzed demonstrated that students significantly improved (p ≤ 0.05) their reading comprehension after the application of the lesson study model and helped pre-service teachers develop professionally in their field. It was concluded that the lesson study model impacted students’ reading comprehension, mostly in the aspects of skimming and scanning, and that students found the strategies applied as relevant for their learning process. In addition, this model helped pre-service teachers to improve the creation of relevant lesson plans and to successfully conduct a class.

Efecto del COVID-19 en el desperdicio de alimentos en los hogares de la ciudad de Loja, Ecuador

In Ecuador, before the start of the global pandemic, 939 metric tons of food were wasted per year, whichis equivalent to a loss of 332 million dollars per year. Thus, the present investigation tries to examine theeffect of COVID-19 on food waste in households in the city of Loja during the pandemic. For this analysis,the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equations (PLS-SEM) wereused. The results obtained show that social norms, environmental awareness and COVID-19 have significantvalues and affect food waste in households in the city of Loja. Accordingly, if consumer behavior andhabits had changed before the pandemic, food waste would have decreased. Therefore, it is important topromote food donation campaigns to the most needy people and, on the other hand, make a shoppinglist and create a meal plan to buy and prepare the necessary food and mitigate food waste in the city. from Loja.

Sensory activities as part of a cultural tourism route for the Festival de Artes Vivas de la Ciudad de Loja (Living Arts Festival of the City of Loja)

This work was carried out with the objective of elaborating a proposal for a sensory tourism route of art and culture for the FIAVL, based on a selection of attractions under specific criteria of: availability, accessibility, safety, in addition to their relationship with the senses and how these senses are perceived in an attraction by the tourist; this is how the attractions that will act as the basis of this route were chosen. Based on these, together with the bibliographic review and the visitor's opinion or demand, the sensory tourism activities were defined; the second important factor for the route. With these two factors, we proceeded to design the "Sensory Route: Feel Loja", a cultural tourism route that involves the five senses: sight, touch, smell, taste and hearing. The attractions are related to activities that stimulate these senses, and at the same time allow the visitor to learn more about the history and culture of the city of Loja. The methodology proposed for this research work was of the exploratory type, since no route of this type has been carried out in the city, and it also has a quantitative and qualitative approach. Bibliographic consultations were carried out, survey of tourist attractions: data sheet adapted to the methodology of the MINTUR and technical data sheets of the INPC, data collection through survey technique and Focus Group, among others.

RAFT strategy and writing descriptive texts among eighth-year students

This study was aimed to improve the EFL descriptive writing skills through RAFT (Role, Audience, Topic, Format) strategy among eighth-year students at a public school in the city of Loja, Ecuador during the 2021 - 2022 school year. In order to carry out this research, a mixed method was used which combines quantitative and qualitative data. For quantitative data, one group pretest-posttest design was applied in order to know the students’ knowledge before and after the treatment. On the other hand, for qualitative data, questionnaires were administered with the purpose of noticing the students’ perceptions regarding to RAFT strategy. The results showed that there was a significant difference (p≤0,05) before and after the treatment which demonstrated that students had a relevant improvement in the descriptive texts aspects such as identification of the phenomena, vocabulary, grammar patterns and mechanics. Additionally, it could be evidenced that RAFT strategy developed their critical thinking skills (imagination, curiosity and research skills) and trigger their interest due to its aspects flexibility (Role, Audience, Format, Topic). It was concluded that RAFT strategy improved students’ descriptive texts writing performance as well as activated the students’ imagination, interest and curiosity to develop the RAFT assignments.

Lesson study and the pronunciation of -ed endings of regular verbs

This study aims to improve the pronunciation of -ed endings of regular verbs among 35 ninth-graders through the implementation of lesson study at a public school in the city of Loja, Ecuador during the 2021-2022 school year. This study employed a mixed method with a quasi-experimental design. Data were collected through a pretest and posttest, a qudestionnaire, and field notes which were registered by the researcher as a participant observer and three collaborators as non-participant observers. After an eight-week period of time, results demonstrated that lesson study helped ninth-graders to improve their pronunciation knowledge related to -ed ending sounds (/d/, /t/, /id/) as they moved from ineffective or partially effective pronunciation to good pronunciation. Additionally, among the four strategies used for pronunciation instruction, students expressed that “songs” were the most effective for their pronunciation improvement. Furthermore, it was beneficial for the researcher as it contributed to his openness to reflect upon his collaborators’ observations, which helped him to develop more effective lesson plans.

Perspectives of informal street waste pickers in Loja-Ecuador

Waste pickers contribute to country environmental and sustainability goals, and yet they are a marginalised and precarious group that requires further research. Using a case study design of informal waste pickers in Loja-Ecuador, representatives from waste picker associations, recycling warehouses, and public agencies were interviewed about the dynamics of informal recycling in this city. In addition, street level waste pickers were interviewed to understand their difficulties. The data obtained were complemented by participant observation of the recycling work on the street. The results show that in the city of Loja, two types of waste pickers coexist —associated and non-associated—, those who are associated obtain higher profits although the main perceived benefit is to carry out the activity under the authority’s consent. Likewise, it was found that waste recovery is the main income source for most of the families engaged in this activity, however, the income generated varies by gender. Furthermore, the majority of waste pickers are women who, along with children and the elderly, are disadvantaged as compared with their male counterparts in performing this activity. Competition for recyclable material among waste pickers was cited as the main problem. The findings provide the basis for constructing an inclusive urban development process that considers the work of waste pickers within the framework of a popular and solidarity economy.

Estimation of Traction Energy Consumption of Urban Service Buses in an Intermediate Andean City

The purpose of this work is to estimate the traction energy consumption of public transport buses in the urban sector of the city of Loja, Ecuador. Initially, with a data logger device, connected to the OBDII port, the speed and position variables of the transport units are acquired in real time, at a frequency of 1 Hz, during 25 round trips on 3 bus lines with the highest passenger flow; the effects of the slope profile are considered. To avoid information bias, 25 different HINO AK bus units, with different drivers, are monitored on full daily working days, where traffic is variable; different mass of the bus is defined in the three lines, based on historical data of the average number of passengers. Then, based on the fundamental theory of vehicle dynamics, the traction energy consumption of the buses is obtained in Matlab Simulink. For this purpose, a typical driving cycle (TDC) is de-fined, through a deterministic method, for both the outbound and the return trip of each line. The results highlight a higher traction energy consumption on line L8, with 50.36 kWh, where 52.43% is associated with slope resistance, 35.76% inertia resistance, 10.06% rolling resistance and 1.75% aerodynamic resistance. These findings represent a starting point for subsequent studies, in this Andean city, related to electromobility in mass transportation systems.