Politecnica Salesiana University

About: Politecnica Salesiana University is a education organization based out in Cuenca, Ecuador. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Computer science & Population. The organization has 2102 authors who have published 1847 publications receiving 7665 citations.

Agroecology in Ecuador: historical processes, achievements, and challenges

Abstract: Agroecology in Ecuador has developed from its early stages as a little known, incoherent response to the Green Revolution into a serious agrarian model, with key principles enshrined in the country’s Constitution and Food Sovereignty Law. This article provides a historical overview and analysis of this process, highlighting key actors, events, and challenges. In particular, this article reveals that the adoption of agroecology as a form of resistance by indigenous and peasant movements played a key role in its development. Furthermore, articulation between organizations, academia, and public institutions helped agroecology grow in conceptual depth, national reach, and political influence. Nonetheless, as the stalled passage of the law on agrobiodiversity demonstrates, significant obstacles to implementation remain.Abbreviations: ACRI: Association of Coffee Growers of the Intag River; AE: Ecology Action; APAA: Association of Agroecological Producers of the Austral; AUCM: Unity Assembly of the Canto...

Finite-time and fixed-time impulsive synchronization of chaotic systems

Abstract: This paper investigates the finite-time and fixed-time synchronization of chaotic systems with impulsive control method. Based on the theory of impulsive differential system, Lyapunov stability and finite-time control technique, some new sufficient criteria are derived to achieve the finite-time and fixed-time synchronization of chaotic systems. Different from the existing methods of finite-time and fixed-time synchronization scheme, the effective impulsive control protocol is exerted to obtain faster convergence speed and less state information transmission, which is more flexible and practical in real systems. Finally, the simulation is given to illustrate the effectiveness and validity of the theoretical results.

A system to monitor tremors in patients with Parkinson's disease

Abstract: In this work the design and development of a system to monitor tremors in patients with Parkinson's disease based on Arduino open-source prototyping platform is presented. For processing data tremors acquired by the sensor device we have developed an Android application which allows an evaluation of the state of PD patients based on three types of tests that are in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale recommended by the Movement Disorder Society (MDS-UPDRS); the tests performed in the application are: postural tremor of the hands, kinetic tremors of the hands and resting tremor amplitude. The results of PD Patients showed that despite receiving medication to minimize symptoms of their disease, patients have a considerable tremor amplitude, which affects the normal development of their daily activities. In addition, the spectral analysis of the tremors shows that two of the patients were correctly diagnosed with PD while the third patient showed spectral characteristics which led us to suggest to the treating physician reconsider the diagnosis.

Valoración y evaluación de los Aprendizajes Basados en Juegos (GBL) en contextos e-learning

Abstract: The use of gamification in education and specifically in e-learning environments has been an exponential increase from 2014. Currently coexist more than 10,000 mobile applications (apps) that intermingle instructional design, educational content and playful interaction elements. However, there is no consensus in the scientific community about how to evaluate and assess Games Based Learning (GBL) of these platforms. This research aims to apply the Theoretical Integrated Gamification Model Environments E-Learning (E-MIGA) at 10 apps with more downloads in AppStore (IOS) and PlayStore (Android), through a judgment of 30 experts in the field of e-learning and gamification, to transform this theoretical model into an instrument of quantifiable dimensions and indicators. A pilot with scores drawn from expert judgment apps aforementioned test is then applied. It follows that neither test mobile applications analyzed education has received an excellent score of 62 points, although several of them as Memrise, Kahoot and Duolingo fully comply with 72% of the values set by the indicators.

Electricity sector in the Galapagos Islands: Current status, renewable sources, and hybrid power generation system proposal

Abstract: The electricity sector in the Galapagos Islands is heavily dependent on fossil fuels for electricity generation but only a few renewable sources are used for such a purpose in this archipelago. Therefore, this work aims to present the current status of its electricity sector and show estimates for the upcoming years, discuss exploited and unexploited renewable resources, and put forward a proposal for a hybrid system to generate renewable power. Currently, thermoelectric power plants run on diesel are the main source of electricity generation in the archipelago due to supplying 85% of the total power installed in the islands (27.6 MW), and the remaining 15% (7.3 MW) is from renewable sources, such as the wind (10.8%), sun (4.1%), and vegetable oils (0.1%). In the upcoming years, there will be a growth in the use of these renewable resources if an additional capacity of 28.5 MW is installed. The gross electric output generated by this sector in the last twelve months (March 2017 - February 2018) was 53.80 GWh, which has allowed a return on revenues of over five million dollars at an average cost of US $0.10/kWh. Based on the existing renewable resources in the Galapagos Islands, the implementation of a hybrid solar/biogas power generation system is an attractive alternative to support the zero-fossil fuel initiative, diversify the energy matrix, and promote local development. However, sustainable development policies, energy efficiency programs and foreign investment funds to carry out new projects are required to ensure a bright future for the electricity sector in the Galapagos.