Azuay Province Research Articles

Arqueología pública y cartografías participativas: institucionalidad y resignificaciones locales del patrimonio arqueológico del Sígsig, Ecuador (2022-2024)

The objective of the article is to identify the perceptions, meanings, and resignifications that the inhabitants of Sígsig canton, Azuay province (Ecuador), assign to archaeological heritage. It also attempts to explain how these ways of understanding and using such heritage come into conflict and friction when managed exclusively within a legal and institutional framework. To analyze the ambiguities arising from the dichotomy between public management and the local populations’ uses and meanings of heritage, this study employs the theoretical frameworks of public archaeology and the methodological approach of participatory cartographies. By analyzing national and local heritage regulations and conducting interviews and mappings with actors from the educational, political, and general society sectors, it is suggested that institutional management views heritage as an identity, historical, and economic resource through tourism. Additionally, this management is characterized by a fiscalizing, regulatory, and sanctioning logic, while the inhabitants understand, incorporate, and use archaeological objects and vestiges in their daily lives. This usage fosters a direct connection with oral traditions, intangible aspects, and, above all, with nature. Thus, frictions were identified between the social and political uses of heritage, which regularly involve themes such as gold, mining, and water, within a framework of collective imaginaries and discourses.

"Barriers and Advantages of Self-Sampling Tests, for HPV Diagnosis: A Qualitative Field Experience Before Implementation in a Rural Community in Ecuador".

Cervical cancer screening has demonstrated high efficacy in reducing cervical cancer mortality worldwide. However, clinician sampling is often perceived as an uncomfortable procedure that could reduce screening uptake. Self-sampling methods for HPV diagnosis have shown high sensitivity, which could increase acceptance and screening rates among women. This study aims to identify the perceived barriers and advantages of self-sampling methods versus clinician sampling for cervical cancer screening in a rural setting in Ecuador. A qualitative study was conducted. Seven focus group discussions took place in the rural Parish of El Valle in Azuay Province, Cuenca, Ecuador. Women native to this rural area were included in the study. FGDs were recorded and transcribed, and content analysis was performed to categorize and analyze the data. A total of 45 women participated in the study. Clinician sampling was perceived as a painful and intrusive method. However, participants believed that it is more reliable compared to self-sampling methods, attributing this to the direct visualization of the cervix, which facilitates the detection of cervical pathologies. The perceived advantages of self-sampling included increased comfort, pain reduction, time savings, the ability to perform the test at home, and the potential for widespread availability through pharmacies or local traditional healers. Nevertheless, doubts about the test's reliability as well as the user's proficiency in self-testing posed barriers to the adoption of this technique. Self-sampling methods offer several advantages over clinician sampling, such as enhanced privacy, comfort, and accessibility to cancer screening. Barriers primarily revolved around users' proficiency in performing the test and the reliability of the results. Providing training for using self-sampling tests could address these barriers.

Intraoral Soft Tissue Lesions in 6-Year-Old Schoolchildren in Regions of Southern Ecuador: An Epidemiological Study.

Oral Mucosal Lesions (OMLs) are conditions of the oral mucosa that cause alterations in their presentation and pain in the affected patient, highlighting their importance for study. The aim of this research is to determine the prevalence of oral lesions in the Ecuadorian Austro. Descriptive statistics were used to associate variables, yielding statistically significant findings based on oral lesions, sex, and geographical environment. This study was conducted under the appropriate bioethical permissions. The results obtained correspond to the prevalence of lesions by province. Morona Santiago displays a rate of 17% for abscesses, surpassing the provinces of Azuay (13.50%) and Cañar (10.67%). However, gingivitis for pathology, Azuay stands out with 13.17%, while Cañar and Morona Santiago present 10.50% and 8.33%, respectively. There is also a predominant occurrence of abscesses in rural areas (41.17%) compared to urban ones (26.33%). Regarding sex, girls show a higher percentage of abscesses (41.17%) compared to boys who have a clear tendency to present GUM lesions (22.33%). The data indicates that in the studied provinces, geographical environment and sex are key variables to understand the distribution of oral lesions. These findings encourage us to continue pursuing this type of research, which contributes to improving the quality of life for children.

Polythore vexilla sp. nov. from southwestern Ecuador (Odonata: Polythoridae)

Polythore vexilla sp. nov. (holotype ♂, allotype ♀: ECUADOR, Azuay Province, small tributary of Río Pijilí, about 4.1 km SE of Victoria, -2.940°, -79.5625°; approximate elev. 730 m, 11-IV-2008, K. J. Tennessen leg., deposited in Florida State Collection of Arthropods) belongs in the Andean clade of Polythore Calvert. Based on genital ligula morphology it appears to be most closely related to P. gigantea (Selys). The male is distinct from all congeners by the narrow, medial black band in all four wings; the central band in the female wings is similar to the male.

Rights of nature, defense and warranty; legal and social analysis in communities of Azuay

The study in seven communities in the province of Azuay in Ecuador, had goal determining the knowledge of populations of rights of nature, citizen participation, social control and if there are infringement of this, analyzed legally and socially the rights of participation in relationship with rights of Nature enforcement and guarantee, the rights of participation as an element necessary for effective compliance of rights of nature, through quantitative and qualitative analysis. The majority of population considers that they know about rights, four of the communities do not that these rights are enshrined in the Constitution, it is meaning that they do know, generate a limiting for reach the defense it. It found the necessity to educate for protect and defend the rights of nature, to know the rights, as a requirement of the defense for the appropriation of the norms and participation tools, as a citizen

Estimation of the fundamental period of vibration of the dental clinics and the dental classroom of the Catholic University of Cuenca using environmental vibration recordings

In the Faculty of Dentistry of the Catholic University of Cuenca, located in the city of Cuenca, province of Azuay. The lecture hall and the clinics of the faculty are built. These structures were built during 2018 and 2019. Due to the seismic events occurred in recent years, monitoring was carried out to obtain the characterization of the dynamic behaviour. The two structures are formed by a structural system based on structural steel frames (beam-column), the structure for laboratory use has metal columns filled with concrete, while the structure for classroom use has metal columns without concrete filling. The main objective was to obtain the vibration periods experimentally from the recording of environmental vibrations and also to obtain them analytically with mathematical models elaborated in structural analysis programs and environmental vibration tests were performed. The results show that building 1, composed by the dentistry clinic, obtained a vibration period of 0.41 s in X and 0.33 s in Y (Analytical Model); and, in the environmental vibration test it showed a period of 0.46 s in X and, 0.30 in Y. Building 2, composed of the dental faculty classroom, obtained periods of 0.53 s in X and 0.29 s in Y (Analytical Model). While in the environmental vibration studies they gave values of 0.52 s in X and 0.26 in Y.

Approach to adolescents with suicidal ideation

Introduction: Suicidal ideation is the presentation of self-destructive thoughts in apparently normal adolescents, it is a key predictor of future suicide attempts or completed suicide; worldwide and Ecuador, it is a significant public health problem, the etiology is multifactorial, the approach is difficult due to several factors such as social stigma, personal fears and denial, difficulty expressing their feelings and thoughts, several scales have been designed. . that help for early diagnosis and prevention, the main evaluation methods are Beck, Plutchik and ISO-30, intervention programs seek to create a protective environment through group and educational activities; Intervention strategies range from environmental awareness to cognitive-behavioral therapies. These programs seek to raise awareness, provide coping skills and support based on specific needs.Objective: To carry out a systematic review that allows us to analyze and determine the approach, risk factors and evaluation scales of adolescents with suicidal ideation, using updated scientific evidence, with the purpose of facilitating health personnel in the early identification and diagnosis of the school adolescents with suicidal ideation to avoid a fatal outcome.Materials and methods: an exhaustive search was carried out in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scielo and Redalyc using Boolean operators, articles in English and Spanish published in the last five years were analyzed, allowing the selection of original studies, systematic reviews and meta-analysis, in addition to exclude studies not relevant to the age group under study or that lacked a relationship with suicidal ideation.Results: Three key tools are described to evaluate suicidal ideation: the Plutchik Suicidal Risk Scale (ERSP), the ISO-30 Suicidal Orientations Inventory and the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). The ERSP, adapted by Páez to Spanish, consists of 15 items and evaluates impulsivity, suicidal ideation and other related aspects. The ISO-30, validated in Spanish by Liporace and Casullo, addresses dimensions such as hopelessness, low self-esteem and loneliness, difficulty coping with emotional problems and suicidal thoughts. The BHS, developed by Beck, evaluates hopelessness and has 20 questions with true answers. or false, being a relevant indicator of possible suicidal behavior according to its total score.Conclusions: Suicidal ideation, suicide attempt and completed suicide have emerged as an important public health problem worldwide in the young population. In our country, the provinces of Pichincha and Azuay are the ones that have recorded the highest cases, the early identification of Suicidal ideation is crucial to prevent premature deaths, effective prevention and addressing require a comprehensive approach combining individual and community interventions, highlighting the importance of identifying risk factors and the implementation of preventive programs.

Subiendo: nuevos registros altitudinales de abejas de las orquídeas (Hymenoptera: Apidae) en los valles interandinos del sur de Ecuador y su potencial ruta de dispersión

Orchid bees are a conspicuous and ecologically important group of insects, commonly distributed at medium and low altitudes in tropical ecosystems. Therefore, new recordings of orchid bees at higher altitudes are interesting. Here we report the presence of two species of orchid bees in urban and peri-urban environments within the inter-Andean valleys in the province of Azuay in southern Ecuador at more than 2,200 m. One male of Eulaema (Apeulaema) polychroma (Mocsáry, 1899) and a female of Euglossa (Euglossa) cf. charapensis Cockerell, 1917, were recorded in the city of Cuenca at 2,550 m, and several females of Eg. (Eg.) cf. charapensis in the surroundings of the city of Gualaceo at 2,264 m. These new altitude distribution records represent the highest for the genus Euglossa in Ecuador. Also, they show the great altitude dispersal capacity, and high adaptability of these insects to urban and peri-urban environments. Finally, we proposed the Jubones river basin as a potential migration route of these bees from lowland areas in the western foothills of the Andes to the inter Anden valleys of Cuenca and Gualaceo.

Inequity In Rural Communities (Sanaguin-Molleturo) On the Proper Management of Pesticides and Its Consequences on Public Health

Inequity in rural areas regarding the proper management of pesticides, especially in communities where their main economic activity is agriculture, it is important to prioritize environmental training issues that contribute to Public Health in the least favored sectors, so in this in the document, the community of Sanagüin, which has approximately 100 inhabitants, is selected. The economic activity is based mainly on the cultivation and production of the land, generally this work is carried out manually, and very little mechanized and technical; Products such as sugar cane are grown mostly in this community. As an alternative activity and that has gained strength in recent years are grass crops for livestock, especially in the highlands where the inhabitants have dedicated themselves to fattening cattle. In the community of Sanagüin, the indiscriminate use of pesticides results in a direct impact on the health of the population, in addition to environmental and soil contamination, so this work is based on the collection of primary and secondary data that shows mismanagement of pesticides in different crops. To support and quantify the inequity of knowledge of reference to the indiscriminate use of chemical products, such as a local one carried out at the level of the different communities at a rural level in the province of Azuay, blood tests were carried out that justify a level of mild long-term intoxication. term by means of Acetylcholinesterase; since the results found show levels that are outside the normal range.

Human health risk assessment due to mercury use in gold mining areas in the Ecuadorian Andean region

Mining activity drives economic development and has established itself as one of the main industrial spheres globally. However, illegal, and artisanal gold mining, which uses mercury (Hg), is a major source of global pollution. Hg is highly toxic and persistent in the environment, affecting human health and the ecosystem. The objective of this research is to; (a) analyze Hg concentrations in surface waters of nine provinces of the Andean region of Ecuador and compare them with the maximum permissible limits of Ecuadorian regulations, and (b) evaluate the health risk of people exposed to waters with high Hg content through residential and recreational scenarios. In this study, 147 water samples from rivers and streams were analyzed. The results revealed worrying levels of Hg, especially in the provinces of Azuay and Loja where Hg values of up to 0.0913 mg/L and 0.0387 mg/L, respectively, were detected. In addition, it was found that 45% of the samples did not meet the water quality criteria for the preservation of aquatic life, which represents a severe risk to the ecosystem. The probabilistic risk analysis yielded values that exceeded the acceptable exposure limit for adults and children in residential settings in Azuay and Loja, while in the recreational scenario the safe exposure limit was exceeded for both receptors only in the province of Azuay. The elevated presence of Hg in the provinces, mainly in Azuay and Loja, possibly related to illegal gold mining activity, represents a threat to water quality and aquatic life in the Andean region of Ecuador. Children are especially vulnerable, and effective regulation is required to ensure the safety of the population. This study provides valuable information for decision makers regarding the risk associated with Hg exposure in areas of mining activity in the Ecuadorian Andean region. In addition, it can contribute to the development of policies and strategies to control contamination in mining environments and protect human and environmental health in the region.

The propylitic alteration in the Ponce Enriquez Gold Mining district, Azuay province, Ecuador: genetic constraints from a mineral chemistry and fluid inclusions study

Wide areas of the Southern sector of Ecuador are characterized by Cretaceous mafic volcanic rocks, pervasively altered by a propylitic mineralogical assemblage with epidote, chlorite, and quartz with minor titanite, illite and prehnite. These propylitically altered rocks host significant gold mineralization in veins, deeply exploited in the last decades. Porphyry Au-Cu deposits also occur in the area. This work focuses on the study of this propylitic alteration to assess the genetic conditions and the relation with the distance from the porphyry system, through the chemical composition of the secondary minerals (particularly trace elements in epidote and chlorite) and fluid inclusion data. The aim is to improve knowledge of the trace element geochemistry of secondary minerals in propylitic alteration and their relationship to the causative porphyry systems. The results of this work indicate that alteration affecting the rocks of the Pallatanga Fm. can be related to the propylitic hydrothermal alteration halo of porphyry copper deposits. Fluid inclusion investigation in quartz veins associated with epidote and chlorite evidenced at least two pulses of hydrothermal fluids characterized by temperature around 345°C for the first one and around 305°C for the second one. The salinity of the fluids is always low (around 1.5 wt% NaClequiv.) suggesting a dominantly meteoric component. Evidence of boiling processes have not been observed. We hypothesize that the hydrothermally altered “green rocks” of the Ponce Enriquez Mining District could be envisaged as the propylitic halo of the Miocene hornblende-bearing Au-Cu porphyry deposits of Gaby-Papa Grande, and discuss the epidote and chlorite trace element composition in this scenario. The results help improving the general knowledge of the propylitically altered rocks in southern Ecuador and add new data for the use of trace element chemistry of epidote and chlorite in mineral exploration elsewhere.

Analysis of landslide explicative factors and susceptibility mapping in an andean context: The case of Azuay province (Ecuador)

Landslides are one of the natural phenomena with more negative impacts on landscape, natural resources, and human health worldwide. Andean geomorphology, urbanization, poverty, and inequality make it more vulnerable to landslides. This research focuses on understanding explanatory landslide factors and promoting quantitative susceptibility mapping. Both tasks supply valuable knowledge for the Andean region, focusing on territorial planning and risk management support. This work addresses the following questions using the province of Azuay-Ecuador as a study area: (i) How do EFA and LR assess the significance of landslide occurrence factors? (ii) Which are the most significant landslide occurrence factors for susceptibility analysis in an Andean context? (iii) What is the landslide susceptibility map for the study area? The methodological framework uses quantitative techniques to describe landslide behavior. EFA and LR models are based on a historical inventory of 665 records. Both identified NDVI, NDWI, altitude, fault density, road density, and PC2 as the most significant factors. The latter factor represents the standard deviation, maximum value of precipitation, and rainfall in the wet season (January, February, and March). The EFA model was built from 7 latent factors, which explained 55% of the accumulated variance, with a medium item complexity of 1.5, a RMSR of 0.02, and a TLI of 0.89. This technique also identified TWI, fault distance, plane curvature, and road distance as important factors. LR's model, with AIC of 964.63, residual deviance of 924.63, AUC of 0.92, accuracy of 0.84, and Kappa of 0.68, also shows statistical significance for slope, roads density, geology, and land cover factors. This research encompasses a time-series analysis of NDVI, NDWI, and precipitation, including vegetation and weather dynamism for landslide occurrence. Finally, this methodological framework replaces traditional qualitative models based on expert knowledge, for quantitative approaches for the study area and the Andean region.

Catalogue of type specimens deposited in the Herpetology Collection of the Natural History Museum Gustavo Orcés V. at Escuela Politécnica Nacional (Ecuador).

The Herpetology Collection of the Natural History Museum Gustavo Orcés V. at Escuela Politécnica Nacional (MEPN-H) in Quito maintains more than sixteen thousand curated specimens and it comprises Ecuador ´s second largest collection of herps. The Collection contains 193 type specimens: 14 holotypes, 34 paratopotypes and 145 paratypes, which correspond to 10 families, 17 genera and 32 species. The collection of type specimens is particularly important in the genera Atelopus and Pristimantis in amphibians and the genera Atractus and Enyaloides in reptiles. An assessment of the geographic distribution showed that collection sites of type specimens are clustered towards the south of Ecuador in the provinces of Zamora Chinchipe, Morona Santiago and Pastaza in the Amazon Region; and in the provinces of Carchi and Azuay in the Andes. The collection of type specimens dates from 1955 to 2013, comprising an invaluable source of historical biodiversity data.

Descriptive study of the dental market in the Austro region of Ecuador

Background: Since time immemorial, marketing in dentistry has been a subject based on competition due to the high demand of public and private institutions rendering their services, therefore, due to the strong demand, different ways of reaching patients have been modernized. However, each public or private institution must follow the new marketing rules to achieve success. Methodology: A descriptive observational cross-sectional study was carried out with a total of 9 dental clinics in the province of Azuay, Ecuador. The study used surveys with multiple-choice questions based on the PEST analysis. Results: After the analysis through the different surveys the owners were aware of dental marketing but were not clear on how to apply it. Conclusions: Marketing in dentistry in terms of advertising can help patients to understand the treatments available, the main objective of marketing encompasses the various methods for a dental office or clinic to achieve its objectives in terms of profitability, which is strictly linked to maintaining the oral health of patients. Among the nine professionals interviewed, the same ones that through web pages and social networks carried out publicity and promotion obtained the greatest result of the four points evaluated, a higher level of financial income and the reaction of the patients, obtaining new patients as a result, this means that within the dental market of Ecuador, the different professionals are aware of the methods used in marketing, however, this does not mean that in the future they will maintain the same results due to the fact that marketing in dentistry is in constant change.

The Virome of Babaco (Vasconcellea × heilbornii) Expands to Include New Members of the Rhabdoviridae and Bromoviridae.

Babaco (Vasconcellea × heilbornii) is a subtropical species in the Caricaceae family. The plant is native to Ecuador and represents an important crop for hundreds of families. The objective of this study was to characterize, at the genomic level, two new babaco viruses identified by high-throughput sequencing. The viruses, an ilarvirus and a nucleorhabdovirus, were found in a symptomatic babaco plant from a commercial nursery in the Azuay province of Ecuador. The tripartite genome of the new ilarvirus, provisionally named babaco ilarvirus 1 (BabIV-1), is related to subgroup 3 ilarviruses, including apple mosaic virus, apple necrotic mosaic virus, and prunus necrotic ringspot virus as the closest relatives. The genome of the nucleorhabdovirus, provisionally named babaco nucleorhabdovirus 1 (BabRV-1), showed the closest relation with joa yellow blotch-associated virus and potato yellow dwarf nucleorhabdovirus. Molecular-based detection methods found BabIV-1 and BabRV-1 in 21% and 36%, respectively, of plants surveyed in a commercial babaco nursery, highlighting the importance of enforcing virus testing and nursery certification programs for babaco.

Molecular typing of Brucella species in dairy farms in the Province of Azuay – Ecuador

La Brucelosis es una enfermedad zoonótica extendida a nivel mundial en el ganado bovino, ocasionada principalmente por Brucella abortus, previamente reportada en ciertas regiones del Ecuador. La caracterización de las cepas circulantes de Brucella spp. en ganaderías lecheras resulta importante para comprender la epidemiología de esta enfermedad. La tipificación bacteriológica de la Brucella spp. es un proceso lento, riesgoso y requiere de laboratorios especializados. El objetivo de este estudio fue tipificar las cepas de Brucella spp. que afectan al ganado bovino en la provincia del Azuay, mediante ensayos moleculares, a partir de muestras de sangre y leche de vacas seropositivas a brucelosis. En fincas seropositivas a ELISA-Indirecto en leche, se seleccionaron 70 vacas Holstein mestizas, reactoras individualmente a las pruebas Rosa de Bengala y confirmadas con ELISA competitivo. Se extrajo el ADN de esas muestras de sangre y leche confirmando en un inicio la viabilidad del material genético de bovino con oligonucleótidos específicos para el género Bos. La amplificación de ADN para Brucella spp. se realizó por PCR-AMOS con cebadores de genero para la región IS711 y de especie para Brucella abortus, Brucella mellitensis, Brucella suis y Brucella ovis. Se pudo identificar ADN bovino en 65 (92,8 %) muestras de leche y en 62 (88,5 %) muestras de sangre. Un total de 62 muestras de ADN extraído de leche resultaron positivas (95,4 %) al género Brucella spp. y todas las muestras de sangre resultaron negativas. El PCR-AMOS mostró bandas con un peso molecular de 498 pb en muestras de cuatro animales correspondiente a B. abortus. Este es el primer estudio de identificación molecular en la provincia del Azuay con evidencia científica de la especie de Brucella spp. circulante en las ganaderías bovinas de la zona, contribuyendo de base para la identificación futura de los biovares de B. abortus aún no reportados en esta zona del país.

Two new syntopic species of glassfrogs (Amphibia, Centrolenidae, Centrolene) from the southwestern Andes of Ecuador.

We describe two new species of glassfrogs of the genus Centrolene living in syntopy at La Enramada, province of Azuay, southwestern Ecuador. They were found in a small creek in montane evergreen forests at 2,900 m elevation. The first new species is distinguished from all other members of the genus Centrolene by having the following combination of characters: dentigerous process of vomer absent; sloping snout in lateral view; thick, white labial stripe and a faint white line between the lip and anterior ¼ of body; humeral spine in adult males; parietal peritoneum covered by iridophores, visceral peritonea translucent (except pericardium); ulnar and tarsal ornamentation; dorsal skin shagreen with dispersed warts; uniform green dorsum with light yellowish green warts; and green bones. The new species is remarkable by being sister to a species from the opposite Andean versant, C. condor. The second new species is distinguished from all other Centrolene by having the following combination of characters: dentigerous process of vomer absent; round snout in lateral view; thin, yellowish labial stripe with a row of white tubercles between the lip and arm insertion, and a yellowish line between arm insertion and groin; uniform green dorsum; humeral spine in adult males; parietal peritoneum covered by iridophores, visceral peritonea translucent (except pericardium); dorsal skin shagreen with dispersed spicules; ulnar and tarsal ornamentation; and green bones. The second new species is sister to C. sabini and an undescribed species of Centrolene from southeastern Ecuador. Based on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences, we present a new phylogeny for Centrolene and comment on the phylogenetic relationships inside the genus.

Prediction of the adherence to sports practice of young Ecuadorians based on the perception of the coach's interpersonal style.

Based on the framework of the self-determination theory, the present study aimed to test a predictive model in the Ecuadorian sports context by using autonomy support as a trigger, which was mediated by basic psychological needs and later by autonomous motivation. This procedure was used to predict the intention to be physically active and was carried out on 280 athletes from the province of Azuay (Ecuador) aged between 12 and 20 years (M = 15.28; SD = 1.71). Different scales were used to measure the perception of the interpersonal style of autonomy supported by the coach. The scales employed included the degree of satisfaction of basic psychological needs, motivation to practice sports, and intention to be physically active. A structural equation analysis revealed that perceived autonomy support positively predicted basic psychological needs, which in turn positively predicted autonomous motivation and, as a result, the athletes' intentions to be physically active. It was concluded that coaches' support for the interpersonal style of autonomy can benefit the development of basic psychological needs as well as autonomous motivation, which in turn can increase young athletes' intentions to be physically active. Future research is also recommended to verify this predictive model and to encourage further experimental studies in which coaches promote autonomy support for athletes intending to increase their adherence to practising sports.

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH REGIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH IN ECUADOR

In the literature on growth, infrastructure, in addition to other factors, is identified as a determining element in the growth of regions from a long-term perspective. However, there are few studies where the unit of analysis is disaggregated down to the regional level. Therefore, this research aims to explore the importance of infrastructure (social and economic) in the economic growth of Ecuador´s provinces. The methodology used leads to the calculation of a Global Productive Infrastructure Index (GPII) composed of two categories: Social Productive Infrastructure (SIP), and Economic Productive Infrastructure (EPI) (Hansen, 1965). In addition, econometric estimates are made of the relationship between infrastructure and economic growth, the latter measured by the Gross Added Value of each province. The results of the empirical models used indicate that the economic productive infrastructure is essential for the economic growth of Ecuador´s provinces. It is made up of energy infrastructure, transport infrastructure and communications infrastructure, of which the last two are the most representative and affect growth directly. In terms of the disaggregation of indices, it is observed that, in general, the provinces with the highest economic and global index and, therefore, the highest growth are the provinces of Pichincha, Azuay and Guayas.

Malnutrition and its association with intellectual coefficient in children from a school in Seville de oro. Province of Azuay, Ecuador, 2023

Introduction: in Ecuador, malnutrition is considered a public health problem because it affects approximately one out of every four children. This figure increases in the Inter-Andean region since it is influenced by the socioeconomic situation or the diet, causing problems in cognitive development as it compromises one´s intelligence quotient. Objective: determine malnutrition and its association with intelligence quotient in 6-to-10-year-old schoolchildren from two rural schools in Sevilla de Oro Canton in Azuay Province, Ecuador. Methodology: this was an observational, analytic, cross-sectional study. One hundred and nineteen 6-to-10-year-old children were used as a sample, the children being selected via stratified random sampling. The parameters of the World Health Organization for weight and size were used, which determined the body mass index for its location in the respective percentile. To assess the intelligence quotient, Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (K-BIT) was applied. Results: 7,6 % of the population under study had malnutrition, 63,9 % of which were below average as regards the intelligence quotient. The statistical association test was square chi, with a P value of 0,856. Conclusions: No statistically significant association existed between malnutrition and an intelligence quotient below average