Variation of the physical-mechanical properties of Pinus radiata D. Don wood elements with the presence of chestnut rot in the city of Cuenca

Introduction:  One of the main problems in wooden structures is that over time and under various climatic conditions, they are attacked by insects and fungi, causing relevant structural damage. Damage caused by chestnut rot fungi can lead to significant structural failure in a short time. Objective: To evaluate the variation of physical-mechanical properties in wood elements of Pinus radiata D. Don with the presence of chestnut rot. Methodology:  Three samples with the presence of chestnut rot and three control samples (without visible deterioration) are taken, specimens are made from them and tests are carried out for compression parallel to the fiber, normal compression and static bending according to the standard. ASTM D143. Results: The samples with the presence of rot showed notable reductions in apparent elasticity modulus and rupture modulus for the three tests carried out. Also, density losses of up to 39% could be observed in contrast to the average of the control samples. Conclusion: The visible deterioration in elements with the presence of chestnut rot can be related to important losses in the mechanical properties mentioned in this document. Additionally, it should be considered a warning sign for the health of the structure. General study area: Civil engineering. Specific study area: Structures.

David Israel Chica Urgiles, Juan Sebastián Maldonado Noboa

26-48

Murder, and the consummation of the right to life by violent deaths in Ecuador

Introduction: This article is directed towards the problem of murder and the consummation of the right to life through the accelerated rate of violent deaths in Ecuador. Objective: The legal and social aspects related to these crimes are analyzed, as well as the repercussions on Ecuadorian society. Updated statistics are presented and viable solutions to address this severe problem are explored. Methodology: The scientific article is based on a quantitative and descriptive approach, using historical, dogmatic, analytical, and synthetic methods; by obtaining information and data through an interview with the Provincial Prosecutor of Cañar. Finally, the creation of public policies is proposed, such as stricter immigration controls, criminal background checks, the positive reinsertion of convicted persons through education programs in rehabilitation centers and the creation of sources of employment for those deprived of liberty. Results: The importance of guaranteeing the right to life as a fundamental pillar of democratic society is highlighted. A reform to article 158 of the Constitution of the Republic of Ecuador is suggested, to strengthen security controls with the intervention of the Armed Forces, as well as to toughen the penalty established in article 140 of the Organic Integral Penal Code from 30 to 35 years of deprivation of liberty.

David Santiago Novillo Palomeque, Julio Cesar Inga Yanza

49-74.

Deep Learning for Multispectral Imaging based Predictions in Agriculture

Introduction. Artificial Intelligence has achieved immense success in recent years, and although commercially profitable applications currently compete with humans in terms of accuracy and efficiency, there are other areas that could benefit from these technologies and in which obstacles still exist. An important aspect of this paper is that these results allow us to better understand the limitations related to the use of uncommon data in AI models. This may enable the development of tools to implement smaller, faster, and more efficient models with applications in agriculture, and other areas that use multispectral images. Objective. This paper proposes a scheme in which data from non-conventional sources related to agriculture are analyzed by custom AI models to generate predictions about variables measured in the fields, and that can eventually help the understanding of the underlying physical and biological phenomena. Methodology. This work summarizes the results obtained throughout the implementation of a project that has used multi- and hyperspectral image data of agricultural crops, as well as information taken in the field. The datasets include multispectral images of wheat crops, and hyperspectral images of canola and wheat, and includes manual measurements of certain variables. When it comes to AI models, these are closely related to addressing the problem of data processing. In both cases, simple deep learning models have been chosen, but with differences in the type of data that they are optimized to process. Results. The main result of this work is the demonstration of the use of AI/DL models for unconventional data analysis. In the first case, using 3D convolutional networks, we have managed to implement a model that can predict the yield of the wheat crops under analysis; and in the second case, using a dual scheme, with sequential and spatial models, we have managed to predict the moisture content. Conclusion. Primarily, this work demonstrates that a DL model can find useful features within an MSI dataset for yield prediction; in addition to finding an accurate DL model for the prediction of moisture content of canola and wheat crops, based on HSI. These results demonstrate the versatility of ML models and the possibility of extending the results obtained in other applications.

Julio Torres Tello

75-87

Sicariato as an aggravating circumstance of the crime of murder in the COIP

Introduction: The legislator has recognized the need to incorporate new criminal offenses in the text of the Ecuadorian penal norm known as the COIP, for the protection of legal interests. However, these punitive control mechanisms have proven insufficient, as is the case with Article 143, which establishes the crime of hired assassination as an independent offense from murder, without considering that both offenses already prescribe an equivalent penalty for the act of killing. The only difference lies in the former, where the commission of the criminal act is attributed to a payment or reward. Methodology: Given the, the research article employs a qualitative approach, as it draws from doctrinal studies, jurisprudence, scientific articles, and is substantiated by interviews conducted with knowledgeable individuals in the field, revealing a favorable understanding of the research problem. Results: Consequently, in the subject under study, the primary focus was directed towards considering the crime of hired assassination as an aggravating circumstance of the crime of murder within the COIP. Conclusions: In this context, the punitive measures applied to the mentioned offenses are the same. However, for better protection of the safeguarded legal interest (life), it is imperative to enact reforms aimed at both increasing the penalty and implementing criminal policies regarding the crime of hired assassination. Having the same penalty and the same governing element has done nothing to mitigate the occurrence of violent deaths in recent times.

Sandra Estefanía Pesantez Moreno, Ana Fabiola Zamora Vázquez

103-132

Revealing the hidden vulnerabilities of an educational institution's ERP system: facing risk

Introduction: The inappropriate use of information and communication technology tools leads to serious consequences, such as information theft, identity theft, and the commission of cybercrimes, among others. One of the main concerns lies in the use of these tools in the educational field. The improper use of web applications can result in significant losses for companies, such as reputation damage, loss of market share, or lack of competitiveness. Objective: Conduct a vulnerability analysis to identify threats and exposures that the ERP system of a Higher Education Institution may be susceptible to. Methodology: A comprehensive vulnerability analysis was carried out concerning the ERP web platform using useful tools hosted on Kali Linux. These vulnerabilities were evaluated based on their degree of criticality, considering their potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA), using an unauthenticated analysis topology. Results: A total of 36 identified vulnerabilities are presented, excluding "log" type vulnerabilities. Additionally, a thorough analysis of the web page's security configuration structure is conducted. Conclusion: The comprehensive enumeration of vulnerabilities and deficiencies in the configuration provides a solid foundation for enhancing the security of the ERP system. This information enables the implementation of corrective measures and the application of appropriate protective measures to mitigate the identified risks, these measures would be even more effective with an authenticated topology analysis.

Darío Xavier González Miranda , Jorge Fernando Illescas Peña, Sang Gunn Yoo

133-146

Job stress: identification of its main causes in employees of the Judicial Function of Azuay

Introduction: Job stress is a problem in Latin America being a significant cause of illness in the world. The research highlights the importance of work stress as a general problem, emphasizing the need to address it in organizations such as the Judicial Function of Azuay. Several studies reflect that employees with burnout, work overload and pressure have high levels of stress; similarly, there are cases of health problems among collaborators where it is described how professionals face increasing pressure due to work demands. The main objective was to identify the causes and determinants of work stress in the Judicial Function of Azuay and to describe its characteristics. Methodology: The research was exploratory - descriptive with a mixed approach combining literature review and surveys to obtain an understanding of the topic. Results: The results show that 12.2% of employees are able to control work activities and 24.7% do not find adequate conditions to control activities, causing stress. Conclusions: The conclusions show that it is necessary to implement work management strategies that alleviate the burden of employees, the strengthening of human resources and a healthier work environment with recognition of achievements and efforts of workers.

Santiago Rafael Lara Cisneros, Cecilia Ivonne Narváez Zurita, Jorge Edwin Ormaza Andrade

147-172

Analysis of financing mechanisms for agricultural and livestock production in Sevilla de Oro, Ecuador

Objectives: Financial management plays a fundamental role in the economic context of all productive activity. Therefore, the main purpose of the study is to develop a specific financial management model for agricultural and livestock producers in the Sevilla de Oro canton, in the province of Azuay - Ecuador, that allows them to assess the sources of financing. In order to achieve the objective, conceptualizations of financing sources and financial management, their relevance and scope were analyzed. Methodology: The research was carried out using a non-experimental approach, and the collection and analysis of numerical, statistical and qualitative information was carried out. The scope of the research was descriptive and transversal. Results: The sampling was simple random that included 169 farmers. The findings show that 71% of study subjects face difficulties in obtaining information about debts and financial obligations, which highlights the importance of improving financial education and the dissemination of adequate data. Conclusions: The proposed financial management model is structured in three fundamental stages: financial analysis and planning, acquisition of financial resources, administration and supervision of monetary aspects. Special attention is devoted to phase II, which focuses on the thorough evaluation of the different sources of financing available, with the objective of making informed and strategic decisions.

Doris Oliva Ortiz Ortiz, Cecilia Ivonne Narváez Zurita, Jorge Edwin Ormaza Andrade

199-227