Introduction: this article analyzes the legal treatment of conflicts of interest in Ecuadorian corporate bodies and the role of corporate compliance as a mechanism for strengthening corporate governance. Objectives: a) To analyze the legal treatment of conflicts of interest in Ecuadorian corporate bodies and the role of corporate compliance as a prevention mechanism; b) to identify the limitations of the regulatory framework against conflicts of interest; c) to determine the scope of compliance as an instrument of good governance; d) to examine the relevance of commercial companies to voluntarily incorporate compliance standards aimed at their prevention and management. Methodology: based on a qualitative review of the Ecuadorian regulatory framework, the provisions applicable to the prevention of conflicts of interest are examined, especially in SMEs, as well as the civil liability that the Civil Code attributes to directors in support of their fiduciary duties. Likewise, the scope of corporate compliance as an instrument of good governance is studied and its potential contribution to transparency, organizational integrity and the protection of the social interest is assessed. Results: the results show that the civil liability of directors, together with compliance programs, codes of ethics, whistleblowing channels, compliance and abstention officers, are relevant tools to strengthen corporate management and promote a culture of compliance in Ecuadorian societies.  Conclusions: Ecuadorian law recognizes, in a general way, the duties of diligence, loyalty and good faith of directors, but lacks specific mechanisms for disclosure, abstention and control in the face of conflicts of interest, a gap that is aggravated in SMEs. Corporate compliance, through a code of ethics, compliance officer, reporting channels and declaration of conflicts, is confirmed as an ideal mechanism to operationalize these duties, provided that its incorporation follows a staggered model that distinguishes between large corporations and SMEs. General area of study: Law. Specific area of study: Corporate law. Type of article: original.

Introduction: despite the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings, empirical evidence regarding its actual effects at the high school level within the Latin American context remains limited. Objective: to evaluate the impact of AI on the learning outcomes of students at Unidad Educative Fiscal Jorge Enrique Chávez Celi, located in Santa Rosa, El Oro, Ecuador. Methodology: a mixed-methods approach with a sequential explanatory design was employed. Academic performance during the 2025–2026 school year, which was conducted without systematic technological intervention, was compared with that of the 2026–2027 academic year, during which trained teachers integrated AI into the learning process in a guided manner. Data collection combined surveys, teacher interviews, and a comparative analysis of academic grades. Results: quantitative: Statistically significant improvements were observed in subjects such as mathematics (difference = +1.1; p < 0.001) and biology (+0.8; p < 0.01), as well as a notable increase in the frequency of AI use and perceived usefulness (p < 0.001). Qualitative: Four central categories emerged: pedagogical potential, the digital divide, the need for teacher training, and the impact on student autonomy. Conclusion: AI enhances the teaching and learning process when supported by adequate training, clear policies, and measures to reduce technological inequalities. General Area of Study: Education. Specific Area of Study: Artificial Intelligence in Education. Type of Study: Original Research Article.

Introduction. Secondary education requires strategies that articulate entrepreneurial competencies, leadership, and pedagogical use of technologies. Objective. The objective was to analyze the pretest postest changes in entrepreneurship and leadership competencies of secondary education students associated with a pedagogical strategy based on mentoring, collaborative networks, and EdTech tools. Methodology. A pre-experimental quantitative study of a particular group was conducted with 33 students aged 16 and 17 years. A 24-item Likert scale (1–5) organized into entrepreneurship, leadership, and use of digital tools/networks was applied. Results. Global internal consistency was high (αpre=.917; αpost=.868). The total score increased from M=88.24 (SD=12.79) to M=109.39 (SD=7.73); the mean difference was 21.15 points, 95% CI [15.97, 26.33], t(32)=8.32, p<.001, with a large effect size (d_z=1.45). Wilcoxon confirmed the difference (W=6, p<.001). Significant increases were also observed in entrepreneurship, leadership, and digital tools/networks. Conclusion. The findings show a large-scale pre-post change and support the formative potential of integrating accompaniment, collaboration, and digital resources. The absence of a control group, the post-test ceiling effect, and the limitations of instrumental validation restrict causal inference. General Area of Study: Education. Specific area of study: Master’s degree in educational leadership and Entrepreneurship. Type of study: Original articles.

Introduction. The constitutional recognition of intercultural legal pluralism in Ecuador raises the problem of guaranteeing legal certainty in the relationship between indigenous justice and ordinary jurisdiction, given the persistent absence of an interjurisdictional coordination law provided for in article 171 of the Constitution of the Republic of Ecuador.
Objective. To analyze the case law treatment of legal certainty in Ecuadorian indigenous justice and to propose interjurisdictional coordination guidelines that guarantee it without undermining indigenous autonomy.
Methodology. Qualitative study, with a documentary design and jurisprudential case study, based on the content analysis of a corpus of five rulings issued by the Constitutional Court of Ecuador between 2014 and 2025.
Results. The analysis shows that legal certainty operates as an implicit standard within the guarantees of a competent judge and reasoned decision, rather than as the subject of an autonomous ruling; it documents, through anthropological expert opinions, a structurally equivalent own procedural sequence between kichwa communities in different locations; and it systematizes an interjurisdictional coordination model made up of six components operating at the jurisdictional, procedural, and structural levels.
Conclusion. The legal certainty of indigenous justice depends on the consistency with which the Constitutional Court has applied these criteria in the absence of a coordination law, and the systematized model offers a reference point for guiding the relationship between both justice systems until that law is enacted.
General Area of Study: Law
Specific area of study: Constitutional law / Legal pluralism
Type of study: Original article.

Introduction. Small-scale commercial plazas combine shopping, services, gastronomy, and social interaction. In Cuenca, there is limited empirical evidence on visitor behavior and its variation across different time periods. Objective. To analyze consumer behavior in six commercial plazas in Cuenca by identifying patterns of visits, dwell time, footfall, and interaction with establishments. Methodology. A qualitative, descriptive-analytical study based on structured non-participant observation was conducted. Six commercial plazas were analyzed using an observation guide applied during three time periods: 10:00–12:00, 13:00–15:00, and 18:30–20:30. Results. Visits with a predefined destination predominated, with limited exploration among stores. Morning activity focused on errands and services; midday on gastronomic consumption; and evening on social and recreational activities. Banks, ATMs, supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, and cafés functioned as major traffic generators. Operational factors that limited commercial interaction were also identified. Conclusion. Visitors’ behavior varies according to visit purpose and time of day. Footfall and dwell time do not necessarily imply consumption, making it important to distinguish between presence, service use, dwell time, and transaction to improve commercial management. General Area of Study: Marketing. Specific area of study: Consumer behavior and commercial plaza management. Type of study: Original article.

Introduction. Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella, found in various countries around the world. Objective. The study was carried out with the aim of updating the main myths and truths about bovine brucellosis in Ecuador. Methodology. A non-experimental, descriptive, and analytical design was applied; for this, a literature review was conducted using different databases related to the study topic (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, SciELO, Redalyc, and Google Scholar), where combined descriptors were used for the search, considering publications from the last five years. Results. The results demonstrated that bovine brucellosis is a disease that affects livestock production worldwide, with a lower incidence in developed countries. The disease is transmitted through the ingestion of abortive secretions and contact between animals, causing late-term abortions and reduced fertility, thereby demonstrating that bulls are not the primary means of disease transmission within the herd. Diagnostic methods for this disease are based on serological tests (RBT, ELISA, CFT). The vaccines used for prevention and control are S19 and RB51, which are primarily administered to young females to reduce the transmission of this disease. Conclusion. It is concluded that myths regarding transmission routes and disease management persist today. General field of study: veterinary medicine. Specific field of study: zoonoses and infectious diseases of cattle. Study type: systematic literature review.

Introduction. The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education presents different opportunities for optimization within curricular planning and the teaching-learning process. In contemporary times, teachers in basic general education exhibit limitations in the pedagogical use of AI tools due to insufficient information and application capacities. Objectives. The objective of this research is to design an AI training manual to strengthen the development of curriculum planning for basic general education teachers, through the integration of contents, resources, and exercises developed with Genially. Methodology. Methodologically, the study adopted a mixed approach with a non-experimental cross-sectional design and a descriptive-propositional scope. The population was made up of 35 teachers belonging to the Aurelia Becerra Educational Unit, applying as collection instruments: a questionnaire of 12 items categorized by Likert scale, and a semi-structured interview implemented with the educational authorities. Results. The research presents a structure of three phases made up of: diagnosis (pretest), design of the training manual (proposal) and evaluation of results (posttest), establishing as results the presence of basic competencies and a favorable attitude of use of AI tools by the population, with limitations in specific training in their pedagogical application. Conclusions. In conclusion, the design and implementation of the AI training manual constitutes a pertinent alternative in the strengthening of teaching competencies, promoting innovative, ethical, and contextualized educational practices. General area of study: Education. Specific area of study: Educational technology and innovation. Type of study: Original articles.

Introduction. Body hydration status and body composition in older adults in rural communities in Ecuador have been little studied. Sociodemographic factors, physical activity levels, fluid intake, and nutritional status may influence water compartments and body composition in this population. Therefore, this study examined the associations between sex, age, body composition, physical activity, fluid intake, and overall nutritional status with measures of hydration and body fat assessed using bioimpedance analysis (BIA) in older adults living in rural areas of Ecuador. Objective. To evaluate the association between body composition, sociodemographic factors, and lifestyle factors in older adults in rural areas of Ecuador. Methodology. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 316 older adults (≥65 years) from rural parishes in Ecuador (Sinincay, Ricaurte, and El Valle). Sociodemographic variables, physical activity levels, fluid intake, and nutritional status (MNA) were assessed. Body composition was analyzed using 8-electrode segmental bioimpedance analysis. Comparisons between sexes were performed using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, the chi-square test, and Spearman’s correlation with Bonferroni correction. Associations were determined using multivariable linear regressions stratified by sex. Results. The study included 316 older adults (68.7% women; mean age 74.3 years). Men had greater height, weight, muscle mass, lean mass, and body water (p<0.001), while women had a higher percentage of body fat (41.5% vs. 35.8%, p<0.001). Both sexes showed an increase in body fat percentage and a decrease in body water with age. Physical activity was positively associated with body water in men (p<0.05), but not in women. BMI was significantly associated with body fat percentage in both sexes (p<0.05). Body mass index did not differ between sexes, although the prevalence of being overweight exceeded 60% in the sample. Conclusion. Gender, age, BMI, and physical activity influence body composition and hydration in older adults living in rural Ecuador. Differences in body water regulation between genders and the relationship between physical activity and hydration in men suggest the need for gender-specific preventive interventions. Further longitudinal studies are needed in this population. General area of study: nursing. Specific areas of study: health and nutrition. Type of article: quantitative analytical.

Introduction. This project stems from the parent study approved by the CEISH entitled “Comprehensive geriatric assessment in adults aged 65–90 in the canton of Cuenca, 2024–2025”. Its aim is to investigate the relationship between the mass/fat mass ratio and cardiometabolic abnormalities in older adults in rural communities in Ecuador, considering the clinical relevance of these factors in ageing. Objective. To investigate the association between RLMG and the prevalence of cardiometabolic abnormalities in older adults living in rural communities in Ecuador. Methodology. Cross-sectional observational analytical study based on anonymized records from the parent project. Multifrequency bioimpedance will be used to obtain measurements of visceral fat and segmental lean mass by anatomical region. Clinical variables such as blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipid profile will be integrated. Statistical analysis will include bivariate correlations and logistic regression models to estimate the predictive power of cross-sectional indicators. Results. The aim is to identify significant associations between the prevalence of visceral fat and reduced segmental lean mass with markers of cardiometabolic risk. The findings will enable the proposal of clinical reference thresholds and the development of stratified metabolic profiles, which will be useful for functional and preventive geriatric assessment. General Area of Study: Nursing. Specific Area of Study: Health and Nutrition. Article Type: Original.

Introduction. Loneliness and social isolation are growing public health problems among older adults, especially in rural areas. In Ecuador, this vulnerability is exacerbated by limited access to health services, socioeconomic conditions, and the loss of support networks. The construct of “Social Loneliness” integrates the subjective and objective dimensions of the deterioration of social relationships. Objective. Define the predictors of Social Loneliness among older adults living in rural areas of Ecuador and analyze cognitive, emotional, and functional differences according to the participants’ level of Social Loneliness. Methodology. A cross-sectional study involving 316 older adults aged 65 and older, selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling in rural communities in Ecuador. A medical history and comprehensive geriatric assessment were conducted. Social loneliness was assessed using the ESTE-R Scale and its four dimensions: familial, marital, social, and existential loneliness. Depression was assessed using the Yesavage Scale, cognitive status using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and functional capacity using the Lawton and Brody Scale. Results. The main predictors were: Total loneliness (R²=0.517), existential crisis (β=0.686), living arrangement (β=-0.168), and gender (β=-0.149); Marital loneliness (R²=0.240), living arrangement (β = −0.384), and gender (β = −0.199); family loneliness (R² = 0.126), existential crisis (β = 0.300); and social loneliness (R² = 0.031), existential crisis (β = 0.138) (all p < 0.05). Participants with higher levels of social loneliness exhibited more depressive symptoms, greater existential crisis, and poorer cognitive performance (all p<0.05). Conclusion. Existential crisis was the main predictor of social loneliness among older adults in rural Ecuador. These findings support the development of preventive strategies aimed at the early identification of individuals at higher risk of unwanted loneliness. General area of study: Health Sciences. Specific area of study: Gerontology. Type of article: original.

Introduction. Population aging is one of the most relevant demographic phenomena of the twenty-first century. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the proportion of people over 60 years of age is projected to double in the coming decades, from 11% in 2020 to 25% in 2060, in 2022 older adults represented 11.5% of the total population, and it is estimated that they will reach 18% by 2050. Objective. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of nutritional status using the Body Mass Index (BMI) among older adults in three rural parishes of the Cuenca canton (Sinincay, Ricaurte, and El Valle), Ecuador, and to analyze the associated sociodemographic, behavioral, and mental health factors. Methodology. A sample of 316 individuals aged 65 and older was analyzed using a cross-sectional design. Descriptive analyses, bivariate contingency tables, and bivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between variables. Results. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 71.2%, with a higher prevalence among women (73.2%) than among men (67.0%). No significant association was found between nutritional status and sex, age group, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, living arrangements, or depression. Low socioeconomic status was associated with a lower prevalence of overweight/obesity [OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.34–0.97; p<0.05]. Conclusion. It is concluded that being overweight and obesity constitute the main nutritional problem in this age group, requiring multidisciplinary interventions that address the social determinants of diet among older adults in rural Ecuador. General Area of Study: nursing. Specific area of study: older adults. Type of study: original articles.