Comprehensive management of food and beverage services: professional kitchen, service, menus, and dining experience
This book examines food service as part of historical, technical, operational, cultural, and business knowledge. The book begins with a review of the origins of classical and modern cuisine, highlighting the evolution of food service, the emergence of the modern restaurant, and the consolidation of professional culinary organizations. Building on this foundation, it explores key culinary concepts, cutting techniques, cooking methods, garnishes, the use of utensils, and criteria for the functional design of professional kitchens. Subsequently, this work delves into topics related to the organization, equipment, and operations of a kitchen, considering requirements for infrastructure, ventilation, lighting, water supply, waste management, work areas, auxiliary spaces, heating and cooling equipment, as well as efficient layout in accordance with principles of hygiene, safety, and food safety. The book also examines basic preparations and essential ingredients, such as eggs, potatoes, rice, pasta, meat, and fish, linking their quality, handling, and culinary application to professional culinary practice. As a second thematic focus, the text analyzes the role of restaurants and cafes as strategic units within the food and beverage department, describing their historical evolution, concept, classification, categorization, service staff, organizational charts, furnishings, table settings, functional areas, and comfort conditions. Finally, the book integrates customer service, mise en place, service organization, menu engineering, human talent management, innovation, digitalization, sustainability, and the dining experience as key determinants of competitiveness. Ultimately, this book serves as an academic and practical guide for training professionals in gastronomy, hospitality, tourism, and food and beverage management. Its approach combines theoretical foundations, applied procedures, and quality criteria, enabling an understanding of professional cuisine as a productive, cultural, health-related, organizational, and experiential system, a perspective highly relevant to current university education.
Copyright (c) 2026 María Fernanda Quintana Saltos, Doly Silvana Del Salto Dávila, Wiliam Marco Samaniego Erazo, Verónica Tatiana García García (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Learning Analytics for personalizing learning in virtual higher education environments
This work examines the potential of Learning Analytics as a strategy for personalizing learning in virtual higher education, moving beyond a purely technocentric approach. Through a theoretical and methodological articulation, it analyzes how the digital traces generated by students in virtual learning environments can be transformed into interpretable pedagogical evidence to optimize learning pathways, strengthen student retention, and mitigate dropout risks. The text establishes important conceptual distinctions among Learning Analytics, Educational Data Mining (EDM), and Academic Analytics, defining the operational scope of each discipline within the context of university management. It also provides an in-depth examination of the dimensions that underpin the data lifecycle, ranging from data collection sources and technological interoperability to the development of valid indicators of student engagement, regularity, and academic performance. Through a comprehensive approach, the book describes the implementation of descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive models, detailing the operation of adaptive recommendation systems, automated academic tutoring, and evidence-based instructional design. Beyond computational and algorithmic components, the authors place strong emphasis on ethical considerations, transparency, institutional governance, and algorithmic fairness, warning against the risks of excessive surveillance, automated bias, and the stigmatizing labeling of students. In conclusion, the work is proposed as a reference framework for educators, researchers, and university administrators committed to digital transformation. It demonstrates that Learning Analytics achieves its true value only when it is placed at the service of human development, socio-educational equity, and the continuous improvement of academic quality in virtual learning environments.
Copyright (c) 2026 Verónica Teresa Veloz Segura, Elizabeth Alexandra Veloz Segura, Javier Alonso Veloz Segura, Liana Fuentes Seisdedos Liana Fuentes Seisdedos (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Smart hybrid models for personalized learning in higher education
This research addresses the need to manage student diversity and academic trajectories in higher education through personalized learning, overcoming the risks of algorithmic reductionism and decontextualized automation that depersonalize the educational process. Through an applied instructional design approach and a systematic review of the technical literature, this study proposes and substantiates the architecture of an intelligent hybrid model that coherently articulates and integrates massive analytical data sources from learning management systems (LMS), educational ontologies, explicit pedagogical rules, and machine learning algorithms. The conceptual results demonstrate that the development and implementation of adaptive environments and intelligent tutors make it possible to model dynamic student profiles and structure flexible learning paths that continuously adjust according to students’ achievement levels. In this context, we successfully designed highly efficient early-warning systems based on data mining that promptly identify signs of academic risk and vulnerability, thereby significantly reducing dropout rates and enhancing student retention. It is concluded that the true effectiveness of intelligent hybrid models is not limited to their metric or predictive accuracy, but rather lies substantially in active faculty mediation, algorithmic transparency, decision explainability, and ethical and institutional governance of information. Technological personalization gains viability and social value only when it is established as a tool aimed at strengthening equity, inclusion, and informed human decision-making within the university ecosystem.
Copyright (c) 2026 Elizabeth Alexandra Veloz Segura, Verónica Teresa Veloz Segura, Javier Alonso Veloz Segura, Washington Raúl Fierro Saltos (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
IX Conference on Soil Sciencen IX JCS, and 1st ConCiencia Innova
The abstract book of the Ninth Conference on Soil Science (IX JCS) and the First International Congress on Research and Extension in Science and Technology for Life (I ConCiencia Innova) constitute a multidisciplinary compendium that brings together research on productive sustainability, applied biotechnology, and scientific governance. The central focus of this work lies in the convergence of knowledge to address the challenges of environmental degradation and food security in the Andean region and globally. In the field of soil science, the volume presents studies on the spatial variability of fertility using satellite remote sensing, the optimization of germination parameters in ancient grains such as barley, and the development of Bokashi-type organic amendments for soil restoration in coffee and solanaceous crops. This research highlights the importance of precision agriculture and the management of biological resources for improving the resilience of agroecosystems. Complementarily, the text explores the biotransformation of industrial waste, highlighting the conversion of distillery vinasse into biofertilizers through fungal inoculation and the synthesis of biodegradable hydrogels as strategic water reservoirs for arid zones. The technological dimension expands with an analysis of advanced artificial intelligence architectures, moving from pixel processing toward intelligent agents based on multimodal models and large language models (LLMs) for real-time monitoring of production processes. On the management front, the book integrates the perspectives of bioethics and public science and technology policies, proposing a governance model that prioritizes knowledge sovereignty and economic sustainability. The cross-cutting discussion in the volume highlights the need for synergistic coordination between chemical engineering, bioengineering, and social justice to ensure that technological innovation is consistent with the mitigation of socio-environmental risks. Finally, the book concludes that the transition toward a circular and decarbonized bioeconomy depends on the validation of precise analytical protocols and the utilization of secondary metabolites, such as essential oils, in high-value-added industrial processes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Carlos Luis Vásquez Freytez, Arnaldo José Armado Matute, Ysmel Mariela La Rosa Romero, Geraldine Rodríguez, Minerva Márquez, Henry Baloy Porras (Coordinador de obra) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Corporate finance and product innovation in competitive markets
Corporate finance and product innovation in competitive markets offers a systemic and integrated perspective on modern business management, transcending traditional departmental silos to demonstrate how financial rigor and commercial agility coexist and reinforce one another. The book is structured around three distinct pillars that guide the reader from economic fundamentals to the organization’s strategic outlook. First, corporate finance is introduced as the common language of business success; here, investment and financing decisions are analyzed, along with the use of technical tools such as capital budgeting to maximize the firm’s value. Second, it addresses strategic product management, linking budgetary resources to the creation of comprehensive value propositions that encompass goods, services, and memorable experiences aimed at building customer loyalty. Finally, financial forecasting is examined as a bridge to the future; here, the analysis focuses on quantitative and qualitative methods that reduce uncertainty and equip managers with the ability to respond proactively to the volatility of the global environment. By combining academic rigor with a practical approach enriched by the calculation of financial ratios to assess financial health, this book serves as a guide for professionals, researchers, and students seeking to optimize the profitability, sustainability, and competitive positioning of their organizations in today’s market.
Copyright (c) 2026 Verónica Tatiana García García , Paola Estefanía Albán Trujillo, Darwin Vladimir Rivera Piñaloza (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The volume AI in academia and business presents an interdisciplinary analysis of the integration of artificial intelligence across key domains such as scientific research, education, and digital marketing; this work brings together four chapters that examine the impact of these technologies from technical, pedagogical, ethical, and social perspectives. In this context, the purpose of the volume is to analyze how artificial intelligence reshapes knowledge production processes, teaching-learning dynamics, and the understanding of consumer behavior in contemporary digital environments. The overall methodology is based on systematic reviews of scientific literature following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, enabling the identification, selection, and analysis of empirical evidence published between 2020 and 2025 in indexed databases; this approach ensures methodological rigor, transparency, and validity in the synthesis of findings. Through thematic analysis, categories are structured around the automation of research processes, personalized learning, consumer behavior analytics, and the ethical challenges associated with the use of intelligent technologies. The findings demonstrate that artificial intelligence enhances efficiency in scientific production, improves educational outcomes through adaptive systems, and transforms marketing strategies through personalization and predictive decision-making; however, risks related to ethics, privacy, information quality, and the digital divide are also identified. Consequently, the volume concludes that artificial intelligence constitutes a strategic axis of social transformation, whose implementation requires a critical, regulated, and human-centered approach.
Copyright (c) 2026 Daniela Paola Ávalos Espinoza, Carlos Napoleón Ribadeneira Zapata , Wilter Rodolfo Camacho Arellano Wilter Rodolfo Camacho Arellano, Charles Paul Vizcarra Armijos Charles Paul Vizcarra Armijos (Autor de capítulo) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Technology and agroecological resilience
Technology and agroecological resilience address the transformation of cocoa farming in the face of climate change challenges, integrating digital innovation with sustainable agroforestry management. Using a mixed-methods approach applied across ten farms of the National Confederation of Dominican Cocoa Farmers (CONACADO), the book documents a comprehensive intervention model based on computerized monitoring and agroecological conversion. The book is structured around two main themes: the first examines the use of geospatial and digital tools for monitoring biophysical variables, while the second details the transition process toward organic management practices and technical training. The consolidated results after two years of implementation demonstrate the viability of this synergy, reporting an average 12 % increase in crop productivity and a 15 % increase in soil organic matter content. These improvements reflect a significant recovery of soil fertility and a strengthening of functional biodiversity within production systems. Furthermore, 80 % of participating producers reported tangible benefits in economic, social, and environmental terms, confirming the view that these technologies serve as drivers of sustainability. In conclusion, this work offers a replicable methodological framework that demonstrates that digitalization and agroecology are not mutually exclusive approaches, but rather complementary ones for ensuring productive resilience in tropical ecosystems. The text serves as an essential reference for researchers, technical experts, and decision-makers interested in the sustainable future of the global cocoa sector.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Ender Iñiguez , Ing.MSc. Ezequiel Echevarría, Dra. Agripina Ramírez Sánchez (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
III International Congress of Biotechnology and Neotropical Ecosystems
The Proceedings of the Third International Congress on Biotechnology and Neotropical Ecosystems (CIBEN 2025) synthesize the knowledge generated regarding the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity in the ecuadorian Amazon, addressing challenges such as habitat loss and climate change. The main objective of this meeting, held at the Ikiam Amazonian Regional University, was to strengthen the dialogue between science and society by integrating biotechnological, ecological, and socio-environmental approaches. Six thematic symposia were organized (Biodiversity and Global Change, Biotechnology, One Health, Earth Sciences, Sustainable Construction, and Ichthyology), where oral presentations and posters were evaluated based on criteria of scientific rigor, originality, and potential impact. Findings were presented on cryptic diversity in amphibians (Pristimantis complex) and crustaceans, ecological niche modeling for snakes in the face of climate change, and the genetic characterization of isolated populations of Crocodylus acutus. Likewise, the importance of technological tools such as the Ikiam Biobank and the csv2xyd software for managing big data in biodiversity was highlighted. It was emphasized that sustainability in the Neotropics depends on inter-institutional cooperation and the integration of local knowledge with academic research. In this context, CIBEN 2025 has established itself as a platform for developing nature-based solutions, promoting a vision of development that balances biodiversity conservation with the resilience of Amazonian communities.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zulay Marina Niño Ruiz, Laura Inés Salazar Cotugno (Coordinador de obra); Patricia Yissel Dávalos Cerrón, Azucena Chanatasig, Felipe Cerrera, Andrea Carolina Palacios Rosado, Mateo Patricio Sánchez Sanaguano, Liliana Paulina Lalaleo Córdova, William Calero Cáceres, Santiago Casado, Joshua Pazmiño, Jaime Martí-Herrero, Rocio Cecibel Jiménez Paute, Kevin Campaña, Elena Coyago-Cruz, Andrea Hidalgo-Dávila, Lizbeth Alpusig-Guanoluisa, Belén Apolo, Felipe Rivera-Rueda, Yerovi Sánchez-Arias, Karen Marcella García, Rubianith Suárez, Harol Smith Daza, Geovanna Tafurt, Duverney de Jesús Chaverra, Edita Valle, Evelyn Oña, Mishel Calero, Jonathan Liria, Andrés Sebastian Calderón Velasco, Roque Rivas-Párraga, Inti Llumiquinga, Ana Bravo, Julio Rea, Máximo Moreira, Oscar Vivanco, Nicole Jara, Lilibeth Carrión, Stefanía Cevallos, Paulo Herrera, Esteban Patricio Romero Valladares, Ana Paula Rosero-Jácome, Eliza Jara-Negrete, Gabriel Picón Nava, Nelly Paredes, Wilfredo Ramiro Franco, Wilmer Shiguango, Willin Álvarez, Juan Ponce, Jessica Sánchez, Christian Israel Andrade Romero, Alexandra Vargas, David Sanchez, Negover Briñez, Byron García, Dennis Tomalá, Mery Ramirez, Jenny Rodríguez, Paúl Tufiño Mateus, Enrique Laaz, Willan Revelo, Cecilia Puertas, Juan Andrés Guadamud, Karina Olalla-Tacuri , Darwin Omar Yánez Avalos, Diana Callejas, Sara Álvarez, John Mauricio Castillo Torres, Edith Pamela Tapia Pruna, Daniela Endara, Carolina Castro, Silvia Alejandra Llerena Gordillo, Kevin Stwart Tulcanaza Ruiz, Noroska G.S. Mogollón, Melany Ochoa, María Cristina Peñuela, Jimmy Yumbo, Enith Yánez, Carolina Ñacato, Samira Lluno, Henry Conteron, Pedro Cadena, Corina Campos, Oswaldo Guzman, Micaela Campos, Cindy Vera, Dayana Vera, Christian Coral, Bruce Tumbaco, María Soledad Solorzano, Bryan Valencia, José Sebastián Araujo Soria, Sandra Torres, Enzo Loor, Oscar Ayala, Darwin Rosero, Amparo Condor, Luis Cáceres, Miguel Flores, Elena Ulcuango, Nicole Pilco, David Galarza, Mishell Cabrera, Julieth Chancay, Paola Soto, David Portillo, Diana Cisneros, José Aguirre-Déleg, Pablo Maita-Zambrano, Aimee Delgado-Cruz, Myrian Larco, María Soledad Salazar, María Susana Grijalva, Viviana Stefanía Cárdenas Loor, Mónica Dazzini Langdon, Sheila Tobar Vallejo, Vinicio Velásquez Zambrano, Juan Carlos Soria Aguas (Autor de capítulo) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
This volume of the series Mercado, Tecnología y Ciudadanía offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the dynamics shaping the interaction between technological progress and social reality in 2026. Through five selected chapters, the work examines how automation and artificial intelligence can be placed at the service of sustainable development and human well-being. The editorial journey begins with technological solutions applied to environmental management, highlighting the use of computer vision for waste treatment and the implementation of circular economy models in the textile industry—key sectors for urban resilience. It then moves into an analysis of cultural capital and community ethics, reminding us that the success of any social system depends on understanding the identity-based and educational foundations of its citizens. Finally, the book addresses the frontier of digital health, demonstrating how supervised machine learning algorithms can transform preventive healthcare by enabling early detection of chronic diseases based on individual factors. Overall, this volume documents cutting-edge scientific advances while proposing a reflective framework for scholars and public policy decision-makers, emphasizing that true technological innovation must be inclusive, ethically grounded, and oriented toward strengthening the rights and quality of life of contemporary citizens in a globalized and digitally transformed market.
Copyright (c) 2026 Thomás Ricardo Borja Saltos, Claudio Xavier Borja Saltos , Jorge Wilson Tamami Pachala, Cristhian Geovanny Villamarin Arroba, Mercedes Anabel Monar Verdezoto, Hernán Arturo Rojas Sánchez, Simeón Ángel Zavala Verdezoto, Alisson Daniela Ocampo Paño, Mario Manuel Paredes Lopez, Erika Anabel Duche Manobanda, Jesús Ernesto González Torres, Alexander Ufredo Alegria Chavez, Diana Magali Alegría Camino, Verónica Elizabeth Sánchez Aguiar (Autor de capítulo) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Identification of pathogenic microorganisms in horticultural products
The growing demand for fresh horticultural products has increased concerns about the presence of harmful bacteria that jeopardize food safety. In Ecuador, particularly in the Guaranda canton, the microbiological quality of marketed fruits and vegetables is not effectively controlled. Foodborne illnesses (FBIs), caused by bacteria such as Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli, pose a serious threat to public health, especially among vulnerable groups. In this context, the present study employed microbiological and molecular methods to detect the presence of these pathogens in commonly consumed horticultural products. Samples of lettuce (Lactuca sativa), broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica), blackberries (Rubus glaucus), and grapes (Vitis vinifera) were collected from six markets in the Guaranda canton. Microbiological procedures, biochemical assays, and conventional PCR were applied. A factorial A×B design was used, with three dilution levels and three types of pathogens, and statistical analysis was carried out using multifactorial ANOVA. Different concentrations of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and E. coli strains were detected in the analyzed samples. The presence of these pathogens was confirmed using conventional PCR techniques. The ANOVA results showed statistically significant differences between microorganism types and dilution levels, suggesting that contamination levels vary depending on the product and the market of origin. Some of the analyzed fruits and vegetables were found to exceed the microbiological limits established by Ecuadorian regulation NTE INEN 1334-1. The prevalence of harmful microorganisms in horticultural products reflects deficiencies in post-harvest hygiene procedures and in the distribution chain. To reduce the incidence of FBIs, the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and continuous monitoring programs is recommended. These findings highlight the need to improve microbiological surveillance systems for fresh food in Guaranda. The molecular identification of pathogens can serve as a foundation for public policy decision-making aimed at protecting consumer health.
Copyright (c) 2025 Darwin Alberto Núñez Torres, Edison Riveliño Ramón Curay, Franz Patricio Verdezoto Mendoza, José Luis Altuna Vásquez (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Practical applications in soil management and crop fertilization
This book brings together a series of applied research studies that explore different strategies to improve soil management and optimize crop fertilization, with a focus on sustainability and productive efficiency. Across five chapters, it presents field and laboratory studies ranging from the reliability of practical techniques for soil analysis to the use of unconventional organic materials such as bovine bone, studied for its phosphorus content and potential as a soil amendment. It also includes experiments on the development of criollo cacao seedlings treated with organomineral fertilizers and beneficial fungi like Trichoderma spp., highlighting their role in plant growth promotion. Additionally, the book evaluates the effects of organic and inorganic fertilization on forage crops such as bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) and vegetables like chili pepper (Capsicum chinense), considering agro-productive variables and the nutritional quality of forage and fruits. This work provides a comprehensive look at the use of local resources and bioinputs for the sustainable management of agricultural systems, aimed at agricultural technicians, students, researchers, and producers interested in applying scientific knowledge to rural contexts. The content is characterized by its practical application, accessible language, and technical foundation, making this book a valuable tool for professional training and decision-making in the agricultural field.
Copyright (c) 2025 Arnaldo José Armado Matute, Raúl Jesús Jiménez Solórzano, Anais Fabiola Fagúndez Benaventa, Minerva Márquez, Henry Baloy Porras, Carlos Humberto Aguas Changoluisa, Daniel Loreto Amoretti, Darwin Alberto Núñez Torres, Kevyn Porras, Domenico Fabio Pavone Maniscalco, Diego David Moposita Vásquez, Sebastián Cestari-Abreu, Saúl Flores (Autor de capítulo) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Digital Communication Strategies and Transmedia Branding
The book Strategies of Digital Communication and Transmedia Branding critically examines the impact of digital transformation on organizational communication, journalism, and the management of digital communities, focusing on how brands and media build meaningful connections with their audiences in hyperconnected environments. In a context marked by technological convergence, artificial intelligence, and the emergence of new platforms, this work offers an analysis of contemporary digital communication practices, emphasizing ethics, innovation, and user participation. The methodology employed in the various chapters is based on qualitative and exploratory approaches, including literature reviews, documentary analysis, and case studies that reveal how organizations and media adopt transmedia narrative strategies and user-centered communication practices. The results presented in each chapter show that success in digital communication depends on the effective use of technological tools and the ability to integrate ethical values, cohesive narrative structures, and bidirectional relationships with audiences. It is observed that the most effective brands are those that promote content co-creation, strategically use multiple platforms, and respect the handling of personal data; while digital media that prioritize transparency, fact-checking, and immersive storytelling strengthen their credibility. Regarding community management, good practices are identified that transform this role into a strategic function aimed at building digital reputation and managing crises with sociotechnical sensitivity. Likewise, transmedia design is proposed as a strategy to provoke audience engagement across multiple digital spaces. The book’s general discussion highlights the need to rethink the foundations of digital communication from a critical, ethical, and transdisciplinary perspective that acknowledges the new challenges of the digital age without losing sight of the communicators’ social responsibility. Overall, the book provides a conceptual and practical framework for academics, professionals, and students interested in understanding and applying the most current strategies in digital communication, branding, and transmedia narratives.
Copyright (c) 2025 José Bladimir Guarnizo Delgado, Hernán Arturo Rojas Sánchez, Pilar Janeth Chávez Chacán, Gabriela Alejandra Velásquez-Yánez, Sandra Betzabeth Maldonado López, Andrés Sebastián Ibarra González, Jorge Renato Cabezas Ramos, Washington Oswaldo Dután, Jhoselyn Deyalit Guarnizo Ordóñez, Danilo Eduardo Villaroel Silva, Silvana Nataly Haro Acosta, María José Haro Acosta, Marcelo Gustavo Barriga Tamay (Autor de capítulo) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Strengthening strategies in cooperatives for competitive and sustainable management
The Valles del Lirio Savings and Credit Cooperative is an important player in financial inclusion and the socioeconomic development of rural communities in the Guaranda canton, Ecuador. However, it faces numerous obstacles in the areas of administrative management, technological innovation, and, most importantly, human talent motivation. The objective of this study was to assess the organizational status of the cooperative and suggest methods for its institutional strengthening to increase its sustainability and competitiveness. To achieve this, a mixed, descriptive, and cross-sectional approach was used, which included semi-structured interviews with management staff, as well as surveys of employees and members. To contextualize the results, SWOT and PESTEL matrices were added to descriptive statistics and thematic coding, which served as the basis for data analysis. The results showed both weaknesses, such as the perception of a lack of incentives and training programs, limited innovation in services, and poor institutional communication, as well as strengths, for example, a collaborative work environment and sufficient willingness to use technological tools. Members expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of agility in procedures, ineffectiveness of marketing campaigns, and lack of trust in data security. This highlights the need to improve external communication and operational processes. The diagnosis also identified low strategic planning and little alignment of administrative functions with institutional objectives. As a solution, a comprehensive strategic plan is proposed with goals aimed at improving human resource management, promoting innovation in products and services, enhancing internal and external communication, and fostering an open and participatory corporate culture. This tactical approach will enable the cooperative to position itself as a concrete actor within the popular and solidarity economy system, with a focus on member satisfaction and, most importantly, sustained long-term growth within the region.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jorge Estuardo Goyes Noboa, Eddy Stalin Alvarado Pacheco, Mariangela Andreina Pinto Ocanto, Widinson Alexander Gavilanes Caiza, Jefferson David Zavala Capus (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Innovation, Technology, and Methods in Digital Communication
The accelerated transformation of digital environments has reshaped communication processes, presenting new challenges for research and professional practice in digital communication. This collective work, from an interdisciplinary perspective, explores how technological innovation, artificial intelligence, and emerging methods influence contemporary messages, strategies, and communication projects. Methodologically, it adopts mixed approaches—both qualitative and quantitative—along with documentary analysis and case studies. The study found that understanding communicative behavior requires moving beyond traditional declarative models and focusing on the analysis of behavioral patterns, digital discourse, and transmedia interaction. It also highlights that communication innovation projects achieve greater impact when they incorporate tools such as big data, artificial intelligence, automation, and user-centered planning models. In the field of digital marketing, the integration of AI-based technologies—such as chatbots, generative models, and programmatic advertising—has proven effective for audience segmentation, message personalization, and resource optimization. Regarding training processes, the relevance of intensive pedagogical models, such as Boot Camps, is emphasized for strengthening skills in web programming, content structuring, and the development of interactive experiences. Finally, the book proposes a revision of digital communication research methodologies from a postmodern perspective, underscoring the need for analytical frameworks that acknowledge subjectivity, knowledge fragmentation, and phenomena such as post-truth and infocracy. The discussion argues that strategic thinking and technological expertise must be aligned with communication ethics and a humanistic outlook. Altogether, this work offers conceptual, technical, and methodological tools to understand, analyze, and act within contemporary communication scenarios.
Copyright (c) 2025 Andrés Alfredo Luna Montalvo, Kléber Renato Romero Quiroga, Diana Carolina Vásquez Niama, Wagner Enrique Ortega Arcos, Wagner Omar Ortega Roldán, Elizabeth Alexandra Veloz Segura, Alicia María Elizundia Ramírez (Autor de capítulo) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The proceedings of the VIII Soil Science Conference present a selection of scientific papers developed by researchers, academics, and professionals, focusing on the study and sustainable management of edaphic resources. Organized by the Biochemical Research Laboratory of Soils and the Environment (LIBSA), the event centered around the theme "Regenerative Agriculture and Agroecology." This eighth edition addressed four key areas: 1) Principles and practices of regenerative agriculture and agroecology; 2) Organic fertilization and sustainability; 3) Technologies for soil and crop improvement; and 4) Integrated pest and disease management. Throughout the conference, both theoretical principles and practical applications of these disciplines were explored, with a special emphasis on the responsible management of soils and crops to ensure their long-term conservation and productivity. This publication serves as a contribution to the exchange of knowledge, promoting responsible agricultural and environmental practices aimed at optimizing soil functionality and ensuring its sustainability.
Copyright (c) 2025 Editorial Unión Científica https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Development and characterization of a freeze-dried yogurt high in fiber and protein
The objective of this study was to develop a freeze-dried yogurt with prebiotic properties by incorporating two fiber sources: inulin and wheat bran. The aim was to create a snack-type product as an alternative within the dairy industry, distinguished by its high fiber and protein content. A 22 experimental design was implemented, generating four treatments, each with one replicate, for the production of freeze-dried yogurt with prebiotic characteristics. The response variables evaluated for the drinkable yogurt included fiber, protein, fat content, and pH. Prior to the study, a physicochemical analysis of the raw materials was conducted to ensure compliance with the INEN 9:2012 standard. Regarding the response variables, optimal values were obtained for fiber (6.11%), fat (3.6%), pH (4.49), and protein (4.22%). Treatment T4 (2% inulin and 4% wheat bran) stood out for its superior bromatological characteristics, while sensory analysis identified treatment T1 (1% inulin and 2% wheat bran) as the most preferred due to its organoleptic properties. The physicochemical and microbiological analysis of the final product derived from T1 revealed a fiber content of 9.09%, protein 28.01%, fat 12.80%, moisture 5.30%, ash 2.30%, calcium 543.59 mg/100 g, and a viable Lactobacillus count of 1.00±0.27×1071.00 ± 0.27 \times 10^71.00±0.27×107 CFU. Finally, a label design was developed for the freeze-dried product. The findings conclude that the development of this yogurt represents a viable and promising alternative, offering a nutritious and functional option with significant health benefits for consumers.
Copyright (c) 2025 B. Bajaña, J. Altuna, D. Moposita, D. Núñez (Autor/a) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0