The journal IDEAS, in its Volume 8, Number 1 issue titled “Convergencia Digital y Productiva: Ingeniería para el Desarrollo Local”, brings together research that converges around digital technologies, optimization of productive processes, and applied solutions to regional and environmental challenges. The works published here show how engineering and applied sciences connect with data methodologies, automation, and user‑centered design to generate impact in small businesses, public services, and environmental management.

In the area of digital transformation for SMEs, Palacios and Trejo present a mobile application integrated with electronic invoicing that, using the Mobile D agile framework and cross‑platform technologies (Flutter and Firebase), significantly reduces transaction times and improves the shopping experience in a local retail store.

Regarding networks and communications, Meneses et al. compare SD‑WAN and MPLS through simulation scenarios with controlled loads and visualization in Grafana, offering technical criteria on latency, jitter, bandwidth, and packet loss to guide decisions in enterprise infrastructures.

Revelo, applying remote sensing to environmental conservation, explores species distribution models that integrate machine learning and geospatial data, highlighting their usefulness for identifying critical areas and supporting conservation and ecosystem management strategies.

In the field of Big Data and infrastructure, Caicedo reviews architectures and tools such as Hadoop, Spark, and NoSQL databases, and discusses Lambda and Kappa patterns, security challenges, and emerging trends like edge computing and the integration of AI in data ingestion and analysis workflows.

On API security and architecture, Rea proposes the design and implementation of a lightweight API Gateway in Java as a centralized alternative to JWT tokens, describing functional requirements, architecture, and the application of DSR and Scrum methodologies for its development and secure integration with REST APIs.

In the sphere of agricultural automation, Buenaño offers a systematic review on automatic control in banana production, emphasizing the role of PLC and SCADA systems in improving efficiency, stability, and sustainability of the sector’s production processes.

For demand forecasting in transport services, Sánchez and Chamorro compare ARIMA, Prophet, and Random Forest in the context of a radio‑taxi service, finding that ARIMA shows better error metrics (MAE, MSE, RMSE) and greater consistency in the analyzed predictions.

Concerning the design and quality of public transport, Garzón proposes the development of a statistical model to interpret variables of comfort, accessibility, safety, and cleanliness at bus stops, aiming to produce data‑driven recommendations to improve user experience and inclusion.

Finally, in the area of plant layout and emerging technologies, Valenzuela and collaborators review the integration of IoT, virtual/augmented reality, and artificial intelligence in facility layout, showing how these technologies can increase operational efficiency and support decision making in industrial settings.

The articles gathered in this issue offer an interdisciplinary panorama where data, automation, and applied design combine to solve concrete regional problems. IDEAS Vol. 8 N.º 1 proposes not only technical solutions but also replicable methodological frameworks that strengthen the link between academia, industry, and community. We thank the authors and reviewers for their contributions and hope these studies inspire new collaborations and applications that drive local development with sustainable impact.

La Revista IDEAS de la Universidad Técnica del Norte presenta con orgullo su volumen 7, número 2, bajo el título “Ingeniería aplicada a problemas de la sociedad actual”, una edición que recoge investigaciones que vinculan el conocimiento técnico con soluciones relevantes para los desafíos contemporáneos. Este número da la bienvenida a sus lectores con aportes multidisciplinarios provenientes de diversas universidades ecuatorianas, reflejando el compromiso nacional con una ingeniería al servicio del bienestar colectivo.

Desde la Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Gema Isabel Medranda, Gabriel Cotera, Marely Cruz y Wilmer Moreira analizan los avances en la monitorización ambiental mediante la integración de IoT y Big Data, destacando su potencial para reducir contaminantes y optimizar recursos, aunque enfrentan retos de interoperabilidad y ciberseguridad. En la misma línea institucional, Michelle Plaza y Oscar López proponen un sistema inteligente de diagnóstico precoz del cáncer gástrico usando redes neuronales, logrando una precisión del 97.4%. Por su parte, Cristopher Quijije y Wilmer Moreira exponen un análisis crítico sobre la seguridad y privacidad de datos en Ecuador, proponiendo medidas para fortalecer la resiliencia digital ante amenazas emergentes.

Desde la Universidad Central del Ecuador, Jessica Amagua presenta un estudio orientado a la sostenibilidad agrícola, identificando genotipos de papa resistentes al vector Bactericera cockerelli mediante antibiosis. Héctor Barros analiza la pertinencia del currículo de mecatrónica frente a las demandas del campo laboral, proponiendo una integración equilibrada de competencias técnicas y pedagógicas. Marco Chiluisa profundiza en el impacto positivo de la robótica educativa en el desarrollo de habilidades técnicas y blandas en estudiantes ecuatorianos, destacando su potencial transformador en la educación del siglo XXI.

Desde la Universidad Politécnica Estatal del Carchi y la Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Iván Narváez y Erick Herrera proponen un modelo predictivo del desempleo en Ecuador que combina redes neuronales y variables macroeconómicas, superando las limitaciones de los métodos econométricos clásicos. También desde la Universidad Politécnica Estatal del Carchi, Cristian Flores y Mairett Rodríguez aplican técnicas multivariadas y simulación para mejorar la productividad en procesos industriales de una empresa láctea, destacando la eficacia de la metodología 5S para reducir tiempos y aumentar producción. Desde la Universidad Técnica del Norte, Carlos Mafla y colaboradores exploran cómo la frecuencia y el tiempo de inyección afectan el funcionamiento de inyectores electrónicos CRDi, ofreciendo hallazgos relevantes para la optimización del rendimiento mecánico. En esta misma institución, Jenyffer Yépez, Karla Negrete y Marco Alarcón desarrollan una metodología de gestión de mantenimiento basada en la norma NTE-INEN-EN-15341, adaptada a las MIPYMES manufactureras de Imbabura, lo que contribuye a la continuidad operativa de procesos productivos regionales.

Este número 7.2 ha sido completamente editado en LATEX, un sistema de composición tipográfica de alto nivel que permite una maquetación precisa, profesional y estructurada. La adopción de LATEX marca un hito en la evolución editorial de la revista IDEAS, posicionándola a la par de las publicaciones científicas de mayor impacto a nivel regional y global, mejorando significativamente la presentación, interoperabilidad digital y coherencia visual del contenido.

Agradecemos profundamente a Pedro Cargua, Gabriela Obando y Alejandro Ledesma por su valiosa colaboración en la edición en LATEX de este número. Su compromiso técnico y profesionalismo han sido fundamentales para alcanzar la calidad editorial que hoy ofrecemos a nuestros lectores.

In this edition of the IDEAS journal, titled "Addressing Current Challenges in Applied Engineering," we present a collection of studies that tackle topics of scientific and industrial relevance from multidisciplinary perspectives. The works featured in this issue not only highlight thematic diversity but also demonstrate methodological rigor and creativity in solving current problems.
Researchers Carrera-Pacheco and Zúñiga-Miranda from UTE University offer a comprehensive review of the role of cytochrome P450 enzymes in the bioactivation of the chemotherapeutic agent cyclophosphamide, with a focus on improving the efficacy of gene therapies for cancer. Their work illustrates how fundamental science can lay the groundwork for high-impact therapeutic advances.
In the field of psychology and artificial intelligence, Velasco-Benavides and Herrera present a study that combines the analysis of burnout syndrome among educators with models based on neural networks and multivariate techniques. Conducted at the Polytechnic State University of Carchi (UPEC), their approach not only validates measurement instruments but also opens new pathways for the early detection of this occupational issue.
From a business perspective, Condori Antezana and colleagues at the National University of San Marcos in Lima, Peru, in collaboration with the Technical University of the North (UTN) in Ecuador, examine the relationship between strategic processes and competitiveness in the consulting sector. Using a quantitative approach and advanced statistical tools, they demonstrate how strategic planning can be a key to organizational success.
The small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sector is also represented in this issue. Yepez and her collaborators at UTN explore associativity among SMEs in Imbabura, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for strengthening their position in national and international markets.
In another UTN study, Negrete and colleagues propose a strategic methodology for fair trade organizations in Ecuador, offering a practical framework that enhances the management of small producer associations through contextually adapted strategies.
In the healthcare field, Daquilema and Herrera from UPEC present an analysis of chronic malnutrition detection in children under five. By leveraging classifiers based on neural networks and artificial intelligence, their research sets new standards for early identification of this issue, with significant implications for public health.
Aguirre and Umaquinga-Criollo introduce a technological innovation applied to public services. Developed collaboratively between UPEC and UTN, their web application, aligned with ISO/IEC 25010 standards, aims to optimize payment processes and service quality for specific communities.
Ignacio Benavides and colleagues from UTN and the National Polytechnic School in Quito, Ecuador, examine the impact of different oil viscosities on engine wear at various altitudes. This work makes significant contributions to the fields of tribology and engine maintenance in unique geographical contexts, such as high-altitude cities.
In the sustainability domain, Argüello and his team from the State University of Guayaquil investigate the integration of clean technologies into industrial processes. Their findings reveal not only environmental benefits but also economic and reputational improvements for companies, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices.
Finally, Juan P. Vásquez and collaborators from UTN and the Instituto Tecnológico San Antonio address the development of a modular platform for teaching microcontrollers and embedded systems. Their innovative design, which combines open-source hardware and didactic methodologies, has proven to enhance practical learning and reduce costs for students and universities.
Together, these works reflect the wealth and diversity of ideas that seek to transform both theory and practice in key areas of science and engineering. This issue of IDEAS stands as a testament to our authors’ commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation.

The Faculty of Engineering in Applied Sciences at Universidad Técnica del Norte presents Volume 6, Issue 2 of its scientific journal: Innovation & Development in Engineering and Applied Science – IDEAS, titled: Diverse Axes in Multidisciplinary Engineering Applications. This edition comprises ten high-level articles addressing areas such as textile engineering, industrial engineering, energy, educational technology, bioengineering, and economic engineering.

Omar Godoy, from Universidad Técnica del Norte, stands out in the textile field with a literature review on cotton dyeing, emphasizing the importance of proper selection of dyes and auxiliaries to maximize process efficiency and sustainability. Complementing this approach, Chamorro et al., from the same university and in collaboration with Instituto Superior Tecnológico Tena, present a study on the production of non-woven wool, offering innovative methods for fiber homogenization and compaction. In the field of energy design, Benavides et al. demonstrate a tool for optimizing the performance of centrifugal pumps used as turbines through advanced numerical simulations and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. This approach provides valuable insights into the efficiency and operational characteristics of the pump-turbine system.

Tapia and Galvis, from Universidad Politécnica Estatal del Carchi, enrich the realm of sustainable solutions and agriculture with a study combining ARIMA methods, Bayesian optimization, and XGBoost models to predict rainfall. This robust tool enhances agricultural resilience to meteorological variations. Cerrón et al., from the Digital Fabrication Laboratory at Universidad Continental and Universidad Católica de Santa María in Peru, address education during the pandemic by adapting the "Ruta Maker" program to a virtual environment. This study shows that digital learning ecosystems can significantly strengthen students' technological skills and maker culture. Additionally, Araujo et al., from Instituto Superior Tecnológico ITCA, implement augmented reality in education, demonstrating notable improvements in information retention and comprehension.

In the field of biotechnology and renewable natural resources, León et al. present an innovative proposal for an Intelligent Aerial Laboratory (IAL) to monitor water sources using unmanned aerial vehicles. This advanced solution enables remote and autonomous surveillance of water bodies. On the other hand, Benalcázar and Pinto, from Universidad Técnica del Norte, present a matrix metric for evaluating learning in Complex Mathematics, providing an effective tool for identifying and improving areas with opportunities for growth in basic sciences knowledge. Astudillo et al., from Instituto Superior Tecnológico Universitario San Isidro, offer an economic analysis of the activities generated around a unique temporary event and its influence on the entrepreneurial sector's economy. Finally, Parra et al., from Instituto Universitario Misael Acosta, develop a mobile panic button application, under the SCRUM methodology, that enhances security and communication in emergency situations in rural communities.

The contributions achieved with this collection of studies offer innovative and practical solutions to contemporary challenges in multidisciplinary engineering, promoting sustainability, efficiency, and continuous improvement in various industrial and academic sectors. The diversity of research reflects IDEAS journal's commitment to disseminating knowledge that contributes to scientific and technological advancement in Ecuador and internationally.

Innovación y Desarrollo en Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas - IDEAS begins this period in 2024 with Volume 6, Number 1 titled: Engineering: from investigative skills to their application in society. This issue addresses the areas of energy, industrial engineering, data management, and engineering education. In this way, a set of high-level works in the fields of engineering and applied sciences are made available.
This issue starts with a work by Puente et al., presenting from the Technical University of Cotopaxi and the Technical State University of Quevedo, the design of a microgrid for electrical supply and the analysis of economic feasibility. This design is based on photovoltaic solar energy to be applied in an economically disadvantaged urban area in the coastal region of Ecuador.
Umaquinga from the Technical University of the North analyzes various data mining techniques focused on the detection of diseases in different types of crops, prediction of performance and growth, as well as analysis of water and soil. Climatic variables, topographic and edaphological conditions are examined, all based on a review of high-impact literature.
Yépez et al. from the Technical University of the North conducted an analysis of ergonomic risks to which teachers in a public Ecuadorian university are exposed. For this, they worked with a sample of 30 teachers and the Kuorinka Nordic questionnaire. The entire process was carried out in three phases, and the results show that the observed ergonomic risks are between medium and high levels.
Next, Catota et al. show us from the Rumiñahui Higher Technological Institute in collaboration with the San Antonio Higher Technological Institute, the design and implementation of a didactic model of a wind tunnel. This development allows the evaluation of operating parameters and their impact on the performance of a wind turbine. This demonstrates the creation of a useful tool for teaching related subjects.
Finally, Guerrero et al. from the National University of Loja address a fundamental topic: the assessment of investigative skills of first-semester engineering students. This study demonstrates the application of validated tools to assess areas within investigative activity that need to be strengthened in engineering education.

The volume 5, number 2 of the scientific journal "Innovation & Development in Engineering and Applied Science" entitled: "Engineering Applications in Business Processes and Occupational Health." is made available to researchers and students. In this edition, high-level papers proposed and developed by Ecuadorian researchers have been selected.
This issue begins with a study conducted by Segovia et al. in collaboration with the University of Otavalo, Universidad Técnica del Norte, and Escuela Politécnica Nacional, regarding the effect of shielding gases in GMAW welding processes on various characteristics of the weld bead.
Next, the development of business applications through the combination of EJB and Front End Angular tools is addressed. This work was proposed and validated by Rea et al. from Universidad Técnica del Norte with satisfactory results.
Narváez et al. present a joint work between Universidad Técnica del Norte and the Instituto Tecnológico Particular Sudamericano Cuenca, based on an introductory review of artificial intelligence applied to autonomous vehicles.
This issue closes with two papers focusing on workplace safety and health. Saraguro from Universidad Técnica del Norte proposes a study on ergonomic risks related to excess noise in the metalworking industry, while Guzmán from Instituto Tecnológico Universitario Cordillera addresses the prevention of occupational hazards through management systems.
The results presented in this publication demonstrate the ongoing interest in research development at the national level. The editorial committee of the journal extends its gratitude to the authors for their valuable contribution to this second issue of 2023. Likewise, we invite national and international researchers in various engineering fields to submit their contributions, highlighting that this call is ongoing, which means the acceptance of articles throughout the year.

Multidisciplinary Engineering: Automation of buildings and applications in industry, is the title we have assigned to volume 5 number 1 of the journal Innovation & Development in Engineering and Applied Science. This volume integrates the proposals and reviews articles presented by authors from different institutions of higher education in Peru, Portugal, and Ecuador.
About Remote Method Invocation (RMI) as a technology used in object communication, Guaraca, Jácome, Pinchao, Silva, and Imbaquingo in a collaborative work between the University of Minho (Portugal) and the Technical University of the North, contribute to this edition with a literature review showing the application of this method to distributed computing.
In the field of biomaterials, Rincón from the University of the North in Colombia proposes a review focused on the characterization of biodegradable composite materials with applications in medicine. This study covers the most used manufacturing and characterization techniques in recent years related to this type of materials.
Montenegro, Vélez, Gonzáles, Jaramillo, and Umaquinga contribute with a documentary and descriptive study on the use of home automation for people with disabilities, revealing the importance of building automation in therapeutic health issues.
In the textile engineering field, Angulo and Godoy, from the Universidad Técnica del Norte, present the results of a study of micro-movements in sewing tasks with industrial sewing machines oriented in terms of production time reduction, ergonomic risks, and database construction.
Finally, from the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (Peru), the Universidad Técnica del Norte and the Instituto Superior Tecnológico Ibarra (Ecuador), Salazar, Luza, Revelo and Castañeda, present an exploratory review of the literature on proposed solutions to noise pollution based on IoT.
From the Editorial Committee of the journal, we thank each of the authors for their contributions in this first issue of the year 2023 and we extend the invitation to national and international researchers in the different fields of engineering to submit their contributions; emphasizing that this call is permanent, which implies the reception of articles throughout the year.

In the present edition, IDEAS continues to publish scientific articles from various fields of engineering presented by authors from renowned institutions in the country and the world. For this reason, we are grateful for the trust placed in this journal by important researchers from all over the world to present their findings.

Volume 4 issue 2 of 2022 of the journal Innovation & Development in Engineering and Applied Science begins with a proposal by Reascos from Universidad Técnica del Norte and Carvalho of the University of Minho (Portugal) based on a methodological guide for implementing business applications in small and medium-sized enterprises (PYME).

Similarly, Ponce, Ortega and Pusdá from Universidad Técnica del Norte present an application in the field of precision agriculture. It is a process of segmentation of agricultural images acquired with drone by means of algorithms.

In addition, Delgado, Gomes, Martino and Pérez from the Biomechanics Center of the Universidad Carabobo (Venezuela) show the results obtained about a femoral endomedullary nail for pediatric patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. This alternative is presented as a solution to post-surgical rotation problems, allowing bone development in an aligned manner.

In the field of Industrial Engineering, contributions were received from the University of Guayaquil (Ecuador); De La A Daniel, Pulley, Ponce y Zapata, who proposed a management system for different materials for the design of an industrial plant. This article discusses important considerations for designing the layout of a cheese production plant to maximize efficiency and productivity.

In turn, Plua, Carriòn, Madruñero & Castro propose the estimation of the required area and plant layout of a metal-mechanic industry. For the case study, the necessary factors were determined to establish the relationship between the number of machines and the total area required considering expansion plans and operational requirements.

Likewise, Plua, Carriòn, Madruñero and Castro propose the estimation of the required area and plant distribution of a metal-mechanic industry. For the case study, the necessary factors were determined to establish the relationship between the number of machines and the total area required considering expansion plans and operational requirements.

This edition ends with the proposal of a geoportal with thematic displays for the visualization of geospatial information of Ecuador carried out by Pablo Landeta, Jorge Vásquez, Tatyana Saltos and Xavier Mauricio Rea who focused on the development of a geoportal that includes a map visualization where it is possible to visualize in detail the various layers of important aspects of Ecuador. This tool allows the user to observe thematic maps according to different areas and obtain geospatial information in an efficient way.

The editors of IDEAS, we reiterate our gratitude to all the researchers who have contributed with their work making volume 4 issue 2 of 2022, a reality. Finally, we invite all national and international researchers to publish their scientific works with the advantages that we offer as a journal of open access.

IDEAS arrives at its VII edition and continues with the work established for the publication of scientific
articles from different areas of engineering, working together with several prestigious national and
international institutions.
As usual, in this edition a double-blind peer review was performed.
This edition begins in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Vehicle and Materials Engineering.
Authors Alexander Peralvo, Tamia Quilumbango and Ignacio Benavides present research that was designed with the purpose of presenting the general specifications of nanoparticle additives.
On the other hand, the author Silvana Fonseca tells us about how a morphometric, physical and
socioeconomic diagnosis and characterization of the Tena micro-watershed was developed.
Now we enter in the Energy, Environmental engineering part.
In this area we will talk about the Elaboration of a noise map in the center of Esmeraldas canton which is presented by Narcisa Veliz and Jefferson Lozada, then, Oscar Gonzalez and Ricardo Rosero tell us about their article "Applications in the management of medium and low voltage electrical energy by means of a solid-state transformer" in which they present a description of the characteristics and functionalities of a solid state transformer.
Entering the area of Textile Industries Engineering, the article "Textile and machine learning: A
Bibliometric analysis" is presented by the authors Ana Umaquinga, Marco Naranjo and Omar Godoy, who belong to the Universidad Técnica del Norte.
Continuing with the presentation of research areas, we move on to Bioengineering where the author
Leonardo Silva presents a development of a solution for a hybrid external fixator for lower limb tibia and fibula.
And now coming to the end we enter the Industrial Engineering area.
In this area we present The Macroergonomic Analysis in Food Processing Companies with the Ergonomics Maturity Model, this article being developed by Guillermo Neusa, Edison Quilumba and Bryan Alvarez.
Coming to the end of this new edition, the authors Guillermo Neusa, Francisco Mena and Santiago Quelal carry out a study that represents the impact of psychosocial risk in health workers and how it affects their work performance.

IDEAS reaches its XXth edition and continues with the established norms to publish scientific papers from various areas of engineering, coming from prestigious national and international institutions. Therefore, we appreciate the confidence deposited in this journal of important researchers to visualize their results. As in previous editions, a double-blind peer review was performed.

This edition begins with a paper presented by Tocaín and Layana, from the “Universidad Técnica del Norte” and Berutti from “Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador Sede Ibarra”. They propose a Sexual reversal in Oncorhynchus mykiss through the application of the masculinizing hormone 17 α-methyltestosterone in gynecogenic fingerlings.

Simisterra from “Instituto Superior Tecnológico Luis Tello” and Yépez Ponce from Ardutech.ec present an interactive game obtained through an application based on the STEAM methodology.

Salgado, Villota, Ramírez and Terán, from “Universidad Técnica del Norte”, show a Literature Review of SHARENTING.

Lima and Inlago, from “Universidad Técnica del Norte”, presents a Literature Review of the dangerous world of Spyware.

On the other hand, Ortíz from “Instituto Tecnológico Superior Luis Tello”, show an analysis of the 5G Architecture in relation to the non-autonomous option of the Global Association of the Mobile Ecosystem (GSMA).

A web electoral system for the Instituto Tecnológico Superior Luis Tello del Cantón Esmeraldas, is presented by Simisterra from the same institute.

The last work presented by Landaeta, Vásquez, Saltos and Rea from “Universidad Técnica del Norte” propose a SARIMA model for forecasting passengers on national and international flights in Colombia

The IDEAS editorial board reiterates its acknowledgment to all the researchers who contributed with their work from different areas of engineering and applied sciences to make volume 3 of 2021 a reality.

Finally, we invite to every national and international researcher in publish their scientifical works in IDEAS, journal that is strengthen every day. 

Con el objetivo de conocer la importancia del cuidado del planeta, en esta edición nos enfocamos en artículos que sobresalen en el campo de la Ingeniería Ambiental. Además de otras publicaciones que brindan un aporte a la comunidad científica. 

This number of IDEAS has been produced in times of a pandemic, which makes this effort something special in a great way. Articles related to the areas of energy, automation, computer science, electrical engineering are presented. The topics addressed provide scientific articles, reviews and technological developments. This gives a global character with unity around engineering and basic sciences that will surely be an enriching contribution for all our readers.

IDEAS as a mean of disseminating works with pertinence and scientific relevance, in the different areas of engineering research and applied sciences, continues to strengthen actions to advance the fulfillment of its objectives. This edition maintains the ethical and transparent commitment by selecting the articles through double-blind arbitration, as well as full commitment to the quality of scientific production, highlighting the effort made by national and international researchers who have placed their trust in this medium to make their results visible.

This issue of IDEAS contains research and development works with solutions to problems of mechanical design, economic and social security of Ecuador, industrial production, health, and energy, through the application of knowledge of systems, industrial, electronics, electrical and mechatronics engineerings.

The present volume of the IDEAS is a compilation of results of research works in various areas related to engineering, reflecting the hard work done by researchers in order to find solutions to everyday problems or developing new research methods. or application of knowledge. Therefore we can summarize this volume in one word INNOVATION.