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A bilingual lexicon/glossary of neologisms from written business english sources for ecuadorian english teachers, translators, and students(PUCE, 2017) Pareja Lalama, María Augusta; Romo Rother, Dina EdithThe basic premise of this dissertation is that English business vocabulary is always changing by the creation of neologisms; therefore, to help all people interested and who work with business English and related topics. The newly created words were collected, analyzed, and presented as documented additions to normal dictionaries. The dissertation starts with an introduction, which describes the topic, justification, approach and scope of the subject, as well as the background and objectives. The first chapter develops the theoretical framework and methodology. In the second chapter, the research methodology and collection of data are applied. The third chapter presents the author’s conclusions and recommendations. The study met the proposed objectives since fifty-three neologisms were identified with their Spanish and English meaning, probable formation analysis, and they are displayed in a glossary table to facilitate their use. As a result of this study, the author recommends that these efforts of collecting neologisms should be continued by the Faculty of Communication, Linguistics and Literature. The updates to this research should be published at least digitally because those involved in business English will take advantage of the Internet as a reference source. English Linguistics professors, as dissertation advisors, should encourage some of their students to pursue with this never-ending task, as a class exercise and a contribution that will make easier the work of English teachers, translators, and other students.Item Open Access 
A bizarre new species of Lynchius (Amphibia, Anura, Strabomantidae) from the Andes of Ecuador and first report of Lynchius parkeri in Ecuador(2019) Ron Melo, Santiago Rafael; Ron Melo, Santiago RafaelWe describe a new species of Lynchius from the eastern montane forest of southern Ecuador. We also report the occurrence of L. parkeri in Ecuador, on paramos of Yacuri National Park, near the border with Peru. We used morphological and genetic evidence for the description of the new species and the new report of L. parkeri. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference on DNA sequences for mitochondrial and nuclear genes. The phylogeny shows that L. simmonsi is sister to a clade composed of the remaining species of Lynchius and that the new species is sister to L. flavomaculatus. The new species has a prominent and heavily ossified head with noticeably spiculate cranial exostosis that easily distinguishes it from all its congeners. The dorsal region and limbs present several reduced subconical and rounded tubercles and pronounced dermal ridges on the dorsum. We also describe the osteology of the new species based on x-rays of the holotype. Only six species of Lynchius, two known to occur in Ecuador (L. flavomaculatus and L. simmonsi). The description of L. megacephalus sp. n. and new record of L. parkeri double the number of known Lynchius in Ecuador and suggest that the diversity of Ecuadorian and Peruvian Lynchius is still underestimated.Item Open Access A Common but Overlooked New Species in the Hyper-Diverse Genus Inga Mill. from the Northwestern Amazon(2019) Hernández Rentería, Consuelo Bethsabé; Valencia Reyes, Luis Renato; Hernández Rentería, Consuelo Bethsabé y Valencia Reyes, Luis RenatoInga kursarii is a new species collected in the terra firme forests of the northwestern Amazon, one of the regions with the highest tree species diversity in the world. According to morphological and phylogenetic analyses, the new species is morphologically similar and sister to Inga gracilifolia Ducke, but it can be distinguished by having 5–6 pairs of caducous leaflets, elliptical leaflets with acute apex and slightly asymmetrical base, spiked inflorescence, subsessile flowers, calyx tube with 4 lobes, tufts of hairs at the apex of calyx lobes, corolla tube with non reflexed lobes, shorter staminal tubes, and capitate stigma. In addition, analyses of the chemical defensive profile (chemocoding) show that both taxa are chemically different, with I. kursarii having a chemistry based on gallocatechin/epigallocatechin gallates, and I. gracilifolia producing a series of dihydroflavonols. Finally, we present a table with a comparison of diagnostic characters that allows separation of the two species.Item Open Access A comparation of the approaches used in teaching EFL at the PUCESA to adults and teenagers(Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador Sede Ambato, 2006) Proaño López, Guillermo LuisAdults and teenagers have the necessity to learn English because our world pushes people to interact and transmit information each day. English has become an international language and it is used for many purpose. Our country is not the exception and Ecuadorians need to learn to communicate in English, otherwise Ecuador would get behind the new and latest information. Adults have to conscious that English is a tool to be better in their jobs, and teenagers should prepare themselves by learning English to be competetive in this world. Ecuador has many wonderful places to be visited; unfortunately, it is neither well promoted nor advertised. Ecuadorians should have a good level of English so they can explain and advertide our country to foreigns from diverse cultures and nationalities. Schools, universities and institutes that offer English as an academic subject should have good English programs and very well trained teachers, so their students are able to accomplish their objective which is communication in EnglishItem Open Access A comparative analysis reveals weak relationships between ecological factors and beta diversity of stream insect metacommunities at two spatial levels(2015-02-23) Dangles, Olivier Jacques; Dangles, Olivier JacquesThe hypotheses that beta diversity should increase with decreasing latitude and increase with spatial extent of a region have rarely been tested based on a comparative analysis of multiple datasets, and no such study has focused on stream insects. We first assessed how well variability in beta diversity of stream insect metacommunities is predicted by insect group, latitude, spatial extent, altitudinal range, and dataset properties across multiple drainage basins throughout the world. Second, we assessed the relative roles of environmental and spatial factors in driving variation in assemblage composition within each drainage basin. Our analyses were based on a dataset of 95 stream insect metacommunities from 31 drainage basins distributed around the world. We used dissimilarity-based indices to quantify beta diversity for each metacommunity and, subsequently, regressed beta diversity on insect group, latitude, spatial extent, altitudinal range, and dataset properties (e.g., number of sites and percentage of presences). Within each metacommunity, we used a combination of spatial eigenfunction analyses and partial redundancy analysis to partition variation in assemblage structure into environmental, shared, spatial, and unexplained fractions. We found that dataset properties were more important predictors of beta diversity than ecological and geographical factors across multiple drainage basins. In the within-basin analyses, environmental and spatial variables were generally poor predictors of variation in assemblage composition. Our results revealed deviation from general biodiversity patterns because beta diversity did not show the expected decreasing trend with latitude. Our results also call for reconsideration of just how predictable stream assemblages are along ecological gradients, with implications for environmental assessment and conservation decisions. Our findings may also be applicable to other dynamic systems where predictability is low.Item Metadata only A computational study of steviol and its suggested anticancer activity. A DFT and docking study(2021-09) Meneses Olmedo, Lorena Maribel; Meneses Olmedo, Lorena MaribelIn the present, study we analyzed the electronic properties of Steviol, the Stevia rebaudiana metabolite, and its interaction with antiapoptotic protein BCL-2. The ionization potential and electrophilicity index values were evaluated in the framework of the DFT, and these values suggest that Steviol may form ligand-receptor interactions. Also, the bond dissociation energy and the electrostatic potential distribution of Steviol reveal its antioxidant behavior. Docking studies were performed to evaluate the feasibility of this molecule to interact with antiapoptotic protein BCL-2. However, no hydrogen bonds were found in the pocket site, instead six interactions, including alkyl and π-alkyl type were formed, suggesting that the possible most feasible mechanism for anticancer activity would be through free radicals scavenging.Item Open Access A contemporary Art Group from Ecuador: Ana Gabriela Ribadeneira, César Portilla, Soraya CoralCentro Ecuatoriano de Arte Contemporáneo; Brito, Paola; Pazmiño, JenniferItem Metadata only A DIDACTIC STRATEGY TO TEACH ENGLISH TO SLOW LEARNERS(Ecuador - PUCESE – Maestría en Pedagogía del Inglés como Lengua Extranjera, 2020-11-18) Tenorio Merchán, Carla YasnaiaSlow learner is a term that is used to define students with low average Intelligence Quotient level. These students are not disabled but, learn in a different way and most of the time the learning process takes longer than an average student. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the slow learners’ main needs of improving the English-speaking ability at Luis Vargas Torres University Esmeraldas. A descriptive, qualitative-quantitative investigation was carried out with the use of the methods of Analysis and Synthesis, Hermeneutics, using the techniques of observation and survey, which were applied to 120 students and 10 teachers of English. The data obtained from the observations were analyzed to determine what strategies students and teachers use to develop the ability of speaking in the English classes at Luis Vargas Torres University. After the observation process, it was identified that students do not consider themselves competent in the ability of speaking. The results also revealed an agreement between students and teachers about the need for pair work for practicing speaking, since students do not like to work by themselves. Both students and teachers stated that working with somebody else the speaking ability gives them confidence and security of a better performance. This coincides with the results of previous studies about the characteristics of slow learners like demotivation, shyness, strong lack of vocabulary and a low self-esteem. It is concluded that teachers need to be more patient with slow learners; they should also keep in mind that slow learners do learn, just in a different fashion. For that reason, a variety of strategies should be used to achieve the goal.Item Metadata only A espaldas de otros lenguajes(2019)Existen al menos dos momentos fundamentales en la obra lírica de Javier Ponce, determinados por las estrategias discursivas que predominan en cada una y que, al mismo tiempo, expresan diversas preferencias temáticas. En un primer momento, prevalece la experimentación y búsqueda conceptual y estilística y, en un segundo, los hallazgos imaginarios más importantes, acompañados de un cambio radical de estilo (…) Parecería que, en el trasfondo de su más reciente obra, Ponce termina por descubrir o aceptar que la poesía deambula, que la poesía convoca siempre la horda. Y que, a pesar de los poetas. La poesía se escribe a espaldas de otros lenguajes porque deja atrás de sí un texto en ruinas que no se puede restaurar.Item Open Access A los 40 años de la declaración de Alma Ata. Memorias del I Congreso Internacional de Salud Pública, Desigualdades e Investigación, V Encuentro Internacional de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Medicina Tropical(2019) Dueñas Espín, Iván Guillermo; González Pérez, Lien; Sáenz Calderón, Fabián Ernesto; Torres Castillo, Ana LucíaLa Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE), a través del Instituto de Salud Pública (ISP), la Facultad de Medicina, el Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina (CISEAL), la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales y la Universidad de Ohio, en una alianza estratégica por la salud pública y en conmemoración de la Declaración de Alma Ata, desarrollaron el I Congreso Internacional de Salud Pública, Desigualdades e Investigación y el V Encuentro Internacional de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Medicina Tropical. Este evento se desarrolló en Quito, en la sede de la PUCE del 10 al 12 de octubre de 2018, con el propósito de crear un espacio de debate, reflexión y difusión de los aportes que ha generado la investigación científica en el abordaje de las desigualdades en salud, de manera que se convierta en una contribución para orientar el logro de la salud para todos. El logro de esta iniciativa conlleva la movilización de varias voluntades e intereses de múltiples instituciones para pensar la Salud Pública en Ecuador, por lo que se contó con el aval del Ministerio de Salud Pública y la colaboración de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), el Fondo de Naciones Unidas para la Infancia (UNICEF), el Fondo de Naciones Unidas de Población (UNFPA), el Instituto de Medicina Tropical de Amberes, el Comité Nacional de Investigadores en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Tropicales y la Academia de Ciencias del Ecuador.Item Open Access A manual suction toilet for sewage reduction(2020) Basantes Flores, Andrés Esteban; Davis Michael, Joseph Maks; Sáez Vaquero, José María; Basantes Flores, Andrés Esteban, Davis Michael, Joseph Maks y Sáez Vaquero, José MaríaIn Ecuador, 46.4% of households lack access to a sewerage system, where as a result much wastewater is discharged from sewerage into the environment untreated. This paper presents the results of a research project aimed at the development of prototypes that retrofit existing toilets into a manual suction ultra-low flush toilet. These prototypes use around one liter of water, and therefore the amount of sewage produced is substantially reduced. The strategy covered two areas. First, the prototype design is developed with the active participation from users using sociological study tools such as workshops, focus groups and interviews, which enabled to polish or re-define design aspects aimed at improving levels of end-user acceptance. Second, dissemination of results and designed products is implemented through web platforms to enable replicability, allowing potential participation from external collaborators. The main approach of this research is to act at a small scale (houses, departments, buildings) in order to amend the amount of metric tons of wastewater within a larger urban scale.Item Open Access A methodological strategy that integrates online platforms to improve listening skills for intermediate English students(Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, 2023) Solís Carrasco, Ana Alexandra; Jarrín Escobar, Verónica GisselaEl presente trabajo de investigación nace de la necesidad de brindar a profesores y estudiantes del idioma inglés una estrategia metodológica innovadora para practicar y mejorar la destreza escuchar. Para cumplir el proceso de la comunicación es necesario comprender lo que el otro dice de forma que sea posible reaccionar a dichos mensajes. Los estudiantes que participaron en la investigación comprenden un grupo de 30 personas, 13 hombres y 17 mujeres del nivel intermedio, pertenecientes al Departamento de Lenguas y Lingüística de la Pontifica Universidad Católica del Ecuador sede Ambato. El método aplicado fue el empírico-analítico, el cual se basa en las experiencias de los estudiantes y porque se tomó en cuenta las variables que se analizaron en particular para resolver la problemática. La investigación cumplió un proceso descriptivo y explicativo bajo una investigación cuantitativa-cualitativa. Para la recolección de datos se utilizaron entrevistas y encuestas. Además, fue necesario un pre-test para conocer el nivel de comprensión al escuchar. Luego se aplicó la estrategia metodológica para finalmente aplicar un post-test para identificar los cambios luego de la intervención. Los resultados mostraron mejora en la comprensión al escuchar, además de altos niveles de motivación para continuar usando las plataformas en línea además de mejorar no solo la destreza de escuchar sino también las otras destrezas del lenguaje.Item Open Access A mobile app for developing visual literacy on in-service teachers(2019-10) Huilcapi Collantes, Catalina de los Ángeles; Miguel Ángel Conde González, Francisco Jesús Rodríguez Sedano, Camino Fernández Llamas y Francisco José García-PeñalvoVisual is a mobile app that promotes Visual Literacy (VL) and it was created as a resource for a VL training course for in-service teachers. The VL course performs through blended learning approach and Visual app allows users to experience learning-onthe-move [10] and ubiquitous learning thanks to affordances of mobile technology. The Visual app presents its content in six short units, which are related to the VL course content. Each unit has ten activities, for teachers to do them. Performing activities helps teachers to improve the understanding about the course topics. Each activity shows immediate feedback to users by evaluating if the response was correct or incorrect. Visual app was designed based on user-centered design methodology. This project aims to achieve an effective integration of mobile technology into the teaching-learning process for inservice teachers training in VL.Item Open Access A multi-causal model for chronic malnutrition and anemia in a population of rural coastal children(2019-12-14) Astudillo Silva, Ricardo Fabricio; Buitrón Sánchez, Gladys Janett; Moncayo Benalcázar, Ana Lucía; Rivadeneira Guerrero, María Fernanda; Tello Ponce, Betzabé Magdalena; Astudillo Silva, R., Buitrón Sánchez, G., Moncayo Benalcázar, A., Rivadeneira Guerrero, M. y Tello Ponce, B.Objectives: Chronic malnutrition and anemia are prevalent in developing countries. This research aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic malnutrition and anemia and their associated factors in children under five using a multi-causal model in a rural community in the coast of Ecuador. Methods: The study included 314 children under 5 years old who were residents of San Isidro, Ecuador. Indicators of chronic malnutrition and anemia were identified. Mothers/caregivers were surveyed on socio-economic and environmental conditions, feeding and care practices, access to health services and biological characteristics. Bivariate and multivariable Poisson regression were performed. Results: The prevalence was 12.42% (n = 39) for chronic malnutrition and 16.98% (n = 54) for anemia. There was a significant and independent association between chronic malnutrition and family income less than $80 USD per month (Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 2.74, 95% CI 1.04, 7.20), maternal height less than 150 cm (PR 3.00, 95% CI 1.69, 5.32) and residence in a household with more than 4 children (PR 3.05, 95% CI 1.48, 6.29). Anemia was 2.57 times higher (95% CI 1.17, 5.65) in children with more than two episodes of diarrhea in the last 6 months. Prenatal care (5 to 8 visits) provided a protective effect for anemia (PR 0.48, 95% CI 0.27, 0.89). Conclusions for Practice: Findings support the need for comprehensive interventions targeted toward chronic malnutrition and anemia in children from rural coastal communities. Improvement of socioeconomic conditions, family planning, prenatal care and reduction of diarrheal diseases should be prioritized.Item Open Access A nafion film cover to enhance the analytical performance of the CuO/Cu electrochemical sensor for determination of chemical oxygen demand(2019-02) Espinoza-Montero, Patricio Javier; Fernández Martínez, Lenys Mercedes; Espinoza-Montero, Patricio Javier y Fernández Martínez, Lenys MercedesWe modified and evaluated the performance of a CuO/Cu electrochemical electrode for chemical oxygen demand (COD) determination by covering it with a Nafion (Nf) film. The resulting modified CuONf/Cu electrode sensor was used for the electrochemical determination of COD in river, slaughterhouse and estuarine water samples in order to evaluate its performance for this particular task. It was compared with the CuO/Cu sensor with no Nafion. The main electrochemical characteristics of interest, resistance, sensitivity, accuracy and reproducibility, were assessed by means of Linear Sweep Voltammetry using glucose as a standard. Results of these essays indicate that the procedure used produced smooth and firmly attached Nf films covering the whole copper surface. This sensor was shown to be resistant to interferences and effective in electro-oxidation of a wide range of organic compounds and therefore very useful for COD determination. Using the newly developed CuONf/Cu electrode an analytical linear range of 50 to 1000 mg·L−1 COD, with a detectionlimitof2.11mg·L−1 (n=6)CODwasachieved. The comparison shows that theCuONf/Cu sensor is more appropriate for COD determination than its counterpart with no Nafion.Item Metadata only A new case of interoceanic movement of a humpback whale in the southern hemisphere: The El Niño Link(2020) Félix Grijalva, Fernando; Félix Grijalva, FernandoExtensive seasonal migrations by humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have been well documented for decades. Unlike other more oceanic whales with complex seasonal patterns, such as blue (Balaenoptera musculus), sei (B. borealis), and even Bryde's (B. edeni) whales the presence of humpback whales in destination areas in high and low latitudes are predominantly regular and predictable. Based on their breeding areas, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) recognizes seven different stocks of humpback whales in the Southern Hemisphere, assigned as Breeding Stocks A to G. Genetic studies largely support this separation, although a certain level of gene flow between the different stocks exists. Although long-term migratory fidelity between breeding and feeding sites is well known in humpback whales, some individuals deviate from this pattern. This has been related to large-scale ocean-atmospheric events, changes in prey distribution, and probably other lesser-known ecological processes driven by climate change. Here, a new case of the interoceanic movement of a humpback whale recorded during the breeding season in two different ocean basins is presented.Item Open Access A new cryptic species of Anolis lizard from northwestern South America (Iguanidae, Dactyloinae)(2018-11) Torres Carvajal, Lenin Omar; Torres Carvajal, Lenin OmarA new species of Anolis lizard from the Andean slopes of southwestern Colombia and northwestern Ecuador, from between 1187 and 2353 m in elevation, is described. The new species can be distinguished from other Anolis in squamation, cranial osteology, hemipenial morphology, and nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. The new species is sister to Anolis aequatorialis, and it is suggested that previous records of A. aequatorialis in Colombia correspond to the new species described herein.Item Open Access A new cryptic species of the Pristimantis lacrimosus group (Anura, Strabomantidae) from the eastern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes(2021-07-23) Carrión Olmedo, Julio Cësar; Ron Melo, Santiago Rafael; Carrión Olmedo, Julio César y Ron Melo, Santiago RafaelWith 566 species, the neotropical genus Pristimantis is the most speciose vertebrate genus. As a result of its striking diversity, taxonomic reviews remain a challenge. Herein, we present an updated phylogeny of the Pristimantis lacrimosus group and describe a new species from Llanganates and Sangay National Parks. We also report, for the first time, the phylogenetic position of Pristimantis degener, P. eugeniae, P. katoptroides, and P. petersi. Based on our phylogeny, we add two species to the Pristimantis lacrimosus group. Through the integration of molecular and bioacoustic evidence, we describe a new species which was hidden under “Pristimantis petersi”. Pristimantis petersioides sp. nov. is most closely related to Pristimantis petersi and an undescribed species from Peru. It can be distinguished from P. petersi by its advertisement call and large genetic differences (uncorrected p-genetic distances 7.9% to 8.4% for gene 16S). Moreover, the new species and P. petersi are not sister species. We suggest assigning the new species to the Endangered Red List category because it has a small distribution range with deforestation as result of agriculture and other anthropogenic influences.Item Open Access A new environmental governance(2019) Muñoz Barriga, Andrea; Delgado, L. y Marín, V.At present, there is no unified theoretical framework to deal with environmental governance issues. Consequently, there is a diversity of interpretations of the concept at the public-political arena both nationally and internationally. Recent Latin American efforts have given a step forward conceptualizing environmental governance from the South and systematizing experiences to illustrate a diverse contemporaneous reality. At a regional scale, within the last decades, discursive turns in national policies such as the introduction of the sustainable development concept have triggered an increase in studies and applications of environmental governance (e.g., forest’s governance, climate change, marine coastal zones) including the use of the ecosystem services concept. The instrumentation of public actions in relation to environmental governance derives from the states. However, if analyzed with a beyond-the-States view, governance can be understood as a process involving the participation of governmental and non-governmental actors reaching decisions, for mutual benefits, through negotiation processes. However, there is not, still, within the countries of the region, inclusive and participative governance oriented toward the sustainable use of natural resources. Although there are many challenges, in this chapter we discuss two of them: (1) to build an analytical framework to understand the environmental governance modes currently available in Latin America and (2) to generate a new sociopolitical interdisciplinary framework involving both natural and sociopolitical systems as a contribution to a new analytical framework for environmental governance. In other words, new environmental governance for Latin America.Item Open Access A new giant anole (Squamata: Iguanidae: Dactyloinae) from southwestern Ecuador(2021) Torres Carvajal, Lenin Omar; Torres Carvajal, Lenin OmarWe describe a new species of Anolis lizard from the Pacific slopes of the Andes of southwestern Ecuador at elevations between 372–1,000 m. The new species belongs to the Dactyloa clade and may be distinguished from other Anolis by size, external anatomy, mitochondrial DNA divergence, and dewlap color. Based on phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data, we found that the new species is sister to A. fraseri in a clade composed primarily of large Dactyloid species. The new species is known from a protected area in southern Ecuador, Buenaventura Reserve, which suggests that at least some its populations are well protected.