ConcienciaDigital

Influence of working distance and repeated use on the accuracy of the drilling system in guided endodontics

2025-07-15T14:28:00+00:00

Introduction: Partial or complete obliteration of root canals, because of progressive mineralization processes, constitutes a significant challenge in contemporary endodontic practice. These complex cases require a highly precise approach to minimize the risk of deviations, iatrogenic perforations, and loss of tooth structure. In this context, Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) technologies have allowed the development of guided navigation systems that optimize the planning and execution of endodontic access. Objectives: The objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the influence of working distance and the number of reuses on the accuracy of the bit-ring assembly used in guided endodontics procedures. The relationship between the repetition of clinical use and the angular and linear deviation in the drilling path is analyzed, to determine the functional impact of these factors on the accuracy of the assisted drilling system. Methodology: An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the drill-ring assembly in guided endodontics, considering the working distance and the number of uses. Bovine dentin discs drilled with high-speed steel drill bits (0.65 mm) at 1200 rpm and 4 N of torque, guided by 3D printed rings, were used. Deviation was measured with ImageJ® software and data was statistically analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance in GraphPad Prism 9. Results: This study analyzed the accuracy of the perforations made by a guided system, focusing on the variations recorded in the X and Y axes. On average a deviation of 0.28 mm was observed on the X axis and -0.43 mm in the Y axis, being the largest deviation detected at the height of disk number 7. To better understand the behavior of the system, a two-way ANOVA analysis was applied that evaluated the impact of the drilling depth and the number of times the instrument was reused. The results revealed no statistically significant differences, although depth explained a considerable proportion of the observed variability. In addition, when analyzing the trajectories of the boreholes, it was noted that they did not follow a constant direction, suggesting a random deviation without a clear pattern. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings indicate that neither the length of the perforation nor the reuse of the components significantly compromise the accuracy of the procedure. This reinforces the reliability of the static guides, which proved to be effective and stable, even after multiple uses and at different depths, always within the parameters evaluated in this study. General area of study: Dentistry. Specific area of study: Endodontics. Type of study: Original article.

Theoretical model for human talent management to improve administrative productivity at the Hacienda Amanda Michelle banana plantation.

2025-07-23T19:54:49+00:00

The study reveals that human talent management in the Ecuadorian banana sector presents critical deficiencies that profoundly impact administrative productivity. At Hacienda Amanda Michelle, systemic problems were identified between organizational practices and human capital needs: selection processes prioritize urgency over competencies, generating job mismatches. Training is perceived as irrelevant and disconnected from actual duties, while compensation is considered unfair and unrelated to performance. This combination generates chronic demotivation and erosion of work commitment. Faced with this scenario, a transformative model is proposed centered on the following pillars: cultural restructuring, aligning leadership and organizational climate with a shared vision that values talent; psychosocial strengthening, through group cohesion, authentic participation in decision-making, and proactive conflict resolution; and comprehensive human development, linking intrinsic motivation, professional growth paths, and incentives aligned with achievement. The proposed solution focuses on reconnecting talent management with workplace dignity and collective efficiency, transforming human resources from a cost into a strategic pillar of sustainability. Introduction. In Ecuador, the agricultural and industrial sectors are two important components of the economy. In this regard, governments are seeking ways to prioritize exportable products based on the country's local and socioeconomic development. It is noteworthy that the aforementioned sectors are positively correlated, although their growth is uneven. Policies aimed at achieving development have been implemented in these sectors, resulting in high export production. Companies in the agricultural sector have competitive advantages, reflected in higher profit levels. Despite these advances, it is evident that most workers have low labor productivity, which indirectly affects derived production. Objective. Develop a human talent management model to improve administrative productivity at the Hacienda Amanda Michelle banana plantation in Bolívar Canton, Ecuador. Methodology. The research involved an analysis of the theoretical foundations and a diagnosis of the current situation regarding the variables of human capital management and productivity. Exploration, description, bibliographic analysis, and modeling methods were employed. Results. The diagnosis revealed poor human talent management: selection processes that ignore competencies, training irrelevant to roles, compensation unrelated to performance, and supervision lacking effective feedback. This led to chronic demotivation, recurring operational errors, and poor resource utilization. Productivity was severely affected by this disconnect between organizational practices and human needs. As a solution, a qualitatively focused model is proposed: realigning culture with a shared vision that honors talent, strengthening group cohesion through authentic participation in decisions, and linking individual development (motivation, training) to collective achievements. Transformation requires translating these principles into concrete actions, making human talent the strategic axis for sustainable efficiency. Conclusion. The diagnosis revealed poor human talent management: selection processes that ignore competencies, training irrelevant to roles, compensation unrelated to performance, and supervision lacking effective feedback. This led to demotivation, recurring operational errors, and poor resource utilization. Productivity was severely affected by this disconnect between organizational practices and human needs. As a solution, a qualitatively focused model is proposed: realigning culture with a shared vision that honors talent, strengthening group cohesion through authentic participation in decisions, and linking individual development (motivation, training) to collective achievements. Transformation requires translating these principles into concrete actions, making human talent the strategic axis for sustainable efficiency. General Area of Study: Business Administration Specific area of study: Human Talent Management Type of study: Original articles.

Evaluation of environmental pollution due to the presence of arsenic in the influence area of the Tungurahua volcano. Case Study (ECUADOR)

2025-07-31T13:47:33+00:00

Introduction: The study of arsenic presence in soils is of immense importance due to its environmental, agricultural, and health implications. Objective: This review paper is focused on information regarding the presence of arsenic in the influence zone of the Tungurahua volcano (Ecuador) due to volcanic eruptions. Method: Information was obtained from various sources such as scientific databases (Scielo, PudMEd, WEB OF SCIENCE, and Science Direct) and web browsers (Google Scholar). The structure of the review paper is the following: arsenic properties, presence of arsenic in the environment, the impact of arsenic in human health, presence of arsenic in volcanic ash, and a review of research done on arsenic in Latin America mainly in the influence zone of the Tungurahua volcano. Discussion: Recent studies conducted in Ecuador have identified notable concentrations of this metalloid, particularly in areas influenced by volcanic activity. Conclusions: Arsenic is a toxic metal that produces an impact on the environment and human health. This element is found in several oxidation states and consequently in various organic and inorganic compounds in nature. One of the main sources of arsenic is the ash from volcanoes and specifically in the influence zone of the Tungurahua volcano arsenic has been found in water, soil, raw milk and several agricultural products (potatoes- Solanum tuberosum, carrots - Daucus carota, corn - Zea mays) which implies the need of additional studies in the area. General area of study: agriculture Specific area of study: sustainable management of natural resources Type of article: systematic bibliographic review.