ABSTRACT The measures implemented by governments to protect the health of citizens have generated major financial problems in this industry. The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of the pandemic on sales in the automotive industry and how continuing education and learning contribute to sales. The research methodology was a mixed, qualitative-quantitative, non-experimental cross-sectional study. The results showed that traditional brands such as Chevrolet, Hyundai and Toyota occupy the majority of the automotive market, but the presence of new brands makes this segment increasingly competitive. The pandemic has generated a significant reduction in economic revenues, which has led dealers to establish new commercial strategies, in which financing is a primary strategy to increase sales. Despite the effects of the pandemic and the reduction in economic income, customers tend to value financing facilities to acquire a vehicle, in which service plays a key role in their purchase decision. In this sense, the automotive industry needs to adapt to the changes generated by the pandemic and establish continuing education programs to improve sales and remain competitive. The results obtained in this study were used in the continuing education of professionals graduated from the Business Administration career of the Catholic University of Cuenca.

RESUMEN Las medidas implementadas por los gobiernos para proteger la salud de los ciudadanos han generado grandes problemas financieros en esta industria. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar el impacto de la pandemia en las ventas en la industria automotriz y cómo aporta la educación continua y el aprendizaje sobre las ventas. La metodología de investigación fue de carácter mixto, cuali - cuantitativo con corte transversal no experimental. Los resultados mostraron que marcas tradicionales como Chevrolet, Hyundai y Toyota ocupan la mayor parte del mercado automotriz, pero la presencia de nuevas marcas hace que este segmento sea cada vez más competitivo. La pandemia ha generado una reducción significativa en los ingresos económicos, lo que ha llevado a los concesionarios a establecer nuevas estrategias comerciales, en las que el financiamiento es una estrategia primordial para aumentar las ventas. A pesar de los efectos de la pandemia y la reducción en los ingresos económicos, los clientes tienden a valorar las facilidades de financiamiento para adquirir un vehículo, en la que el servicio ocupa un papel primordial para su decisión de compra. En este sentido, la industria automotriz necesita adaptarse a los cambios generados por la pandemia y establecer programas de educación continua para mejorar las ventas y mantenerse competitiva. Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio fueron empleados en la educación continua de profesionales graduados de la carrera de Administración de Empresas de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca.

Abstract:An investigation of the main methodologies for the adoption of online learning is carried out, and a methodology is proposed for the creation of virtual learning scenarios mediated by mobile devices to address the implementation of m-learning projects in institutions that offer training services. In the first instance, a comparative analysis of various proposals, models and methodologies that have used m-learning has been carried out. The proposed methodology will be presented accompanied by a model of classroom conformation, finally the validation is presented to verify its effectiveness using the Empirical-Analytical Method of inquiry "Expert Criteria", and the results obtained were systematized and analyzed by the Delphi Method " Cut Points”, the results obtained from said verification demonstrate its acceptance in the use of the implementation of m-learning projects.

Resumen:Se realiza una investigación de las principales metodologías para la adopción del aprendizaje en línea, y se propone una metodología para la creación de escenarios virtuales de aprendizaje mediados por los dispositivos móviles para abordar la implementación de proyectos m-learning en instituciones que ofrecen servicios de formación. En primera instancia se ha realizado un análisis comparativo de diversas propuestas, modelos y metodologías que han utilizado m-learning. Se presentará la metodología propuesta acompañada de un modelo de conformación de aula, finalmente se presenta la validación para verificar su eficacia usando el Método Empírico-Analítico de indagación “Criterio de expertos”, y los resultados obtenidos fueron sistematizados y analizados por el Método Delphi “Puntos de Corte”, los resultados obtenidos de dicha verificación demuestran la aceptación de la misma en el uso de la implementación de proyectos m-learning.

Abstract This article determines the influence of intellectual capital on the financial performance of companies in the bodybuilding sector in Ecuador. For this, the Value Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC™) model is applied with the information of 96 financial statements published by the Superintendence of Companies, Securities and Insurance, which after its purification was reduced to 43, corresponding to the 15 bodywork companies that they remained active in the 2014-2019 period. This is a descriptive - explanatory study whose results of the multiple linear regression analysis report that 31.0% of the return on assets, and 28.6% of the return on equity are explained by the VAIC™ and the control variables, debt ratio and company size. This confirms the hypothesis that intellectual capital influences the financial performance of companies in the bodybuilding sector in Ecuador.

Resumen Este artículo determina la influencia del capital intelectual en el rendimiento financiero de las empresas del sector carrocero en el Ecuador. Para ello se aplica el modelo Coeficiente Intelectual de Valor Añadido (VAIC™) con la información de 96 estados financieros publicados por la Superintendencia de Compañías, Valores y Seguros, que luego de su depuración se redujeron a 43, correspondientes a las 15 empresas carroceras que se mantuvieron activas en el periodo 2014-2019. Este es un estudio descriptivo-explicativo cuyos resultados del análisis de regresión lineal múltiple reportan que el 31,0% del retorno sobre el activo y el 28,6% del retorno sobre el patrimonio son explicados por el VAIC™ y las variables de control, razón de endeudamiento y tamaño de la empresa. Con ello se comprueba la hipótesis de que el capital intelectual influye en el rendimiento financiero de las empresas del sector carrocero del Ecuador.

Abstract This study analyzes the impact of macroeconomic crises on the agricultural sector of Ecuador. The methodology uses a vector autoregressive (VAR) approach that allows identifying the channels for the transmission of financial and economic crises towards the sector's performance in 20082020. In this context, two possible scenarios are proposed to understand the evolution of the sector in the coming years. The main results indicate that the national GDP, exports, and financing have a direct impact on the growth of the agricultural sector in the long term, while in the short term, only GDP and international nade have a negative influence on the sector. On the other hand, only financing shows a direct relationship. Finally, the proposed scenarios do not offer a very encouraging prognosis given the constant abrupt variations that prevent the sector from a continued recovery, determining its sensitivity to failures in the economic system.

Resumen El presence estudio analiza el impacto de las crisis macroeconômicas en el sector agropecuario del Ecuador. La metodología emplea una regresión de vectores autorregresivos (VAR) que permite identificar los canales de trasmisión de las crisis financieras y económicas hacia el desempeño del sector, en el periodo 2008-2020. En este contexto, se plantean dos posibles escenarios para entender la evolución del sector en los próximos años. Los principales resultados indican que el PIB nacional, las exportaciones y el financiarme rito en el largo plazo impactan directamente en el crecimiento del sector agropecuario, mientras que en el corto plazo tan solo el PIB y el comercio internacional influyen negativamente en el sector. Por otra parte, solo el financiamiento presenta una relación directa. Finalmente, los escenarios planteados no arrojan un pronóstico muy alentador, dadas las constantes variaciones abruptas que impiden su continua recuperación, determinando la sensibilidad del sector ante fallos en el sistema económico. JEL Classification: H12, Q00, F43

Abstract Cavia tschudii is a wild rodent that inhabits Andean and coastal grasslands and wetlands whose ecological aspects have been rarely studied. In this study we describe their daily activity patterns and evaluate the effect of lunar luminosity on their nocturnal activity during the 2019 wet and 2020 dry seasons in a bulrush community of a coastal wetland in Peru. Moreover, we evaluated the activity overlap of C. tschudii with the species that co-occurred with it. Using six camera trap stations and analyzing the dates and times of the recordings, we found that during both seasons C. tschudii was mainly nocturnal, the dogs were cathemeral and Rattus sp. was nocturnal. The activity of C. tschudii had a moderate overlap with the dogs and a high overlap with Rattus sp. During both seasons C. tschudii showed two peaks of activity when the lunar luminosity was 76-100 % and 1-25 %. Likewise, in the dry season, its nocturnal activity had a positive correlation with lunar luminosity. This is the first study that evaluates the daily and lunar activity patterns of C. tschudii under natural conditions. We conclude that the daily activity of C. tschudii is mostly nocturnal during both seasons, but during the dry season the nocturnal activity increases; the highest activity overlap with Rattus sp. suggests a possible competition; and the nocturnal activity of C. tschudii during the dry season suggests that it takes advantage of moonlight to improve its foraging and predator detection.

Resumen Cavia tschudii es un roedor silvestre que habita pastizales y humedales andinos y costeros cuyos aspectos ecológicos han sido poco estudiados. En este estudio describimos sus patrones de actividad diaria y evaluamos el efecto de la luminosidad lunar sobre su actividad nocturna durante las temporadas húmeda de 2019 y seca de 2020 en un área de juncales de un humedal costero de Perú. Además, evaluamos el solapamiento de actividad de C. tschudii con las especies que co-ocurrieron con él. Utilizando seis estaciones de cámaras trampa y analizando las fechas y horas de registros encontramos que durante ambas temporadas C. tschudii fue mayormente nocturno, los perros, catemerales y Rattus sp., nocturno. La actividad de C. tschudii tuvo un solapamiento moderado con los perros y alto con Rattus sp. Durante ambas temporadas C. tschudii mostró dos picos de actividad cuando la luminosidad lunar era de 76-100 % y 1-25 %. Asimismo, en la estación seca su actividad nocturna tuvo correlación positiva con la luminosidad lunar. Este es el primer estudio que en condiciones naturales evalúa los patrones de actividad diaria y lunar de C. tschudii. Concluimos que la actividad diaria de C. tschudii es mayormente nocturna durante ambas temporadas, pero durante la temporada seca la actividad nocturna se incrementa; el mayor solapamiento de actividad con Rattus sp. sugiere una posible competencia; y la actividad nocturna de C. tschudii durante la temporada seca sugiere que aprovecha la luz de la luna para mejorar su búsqueda de alimento y detección de depredadores.

Resumo Este ensaio descreve a instalação de um circuito lírico, na Havana da primeira metade do século XIX, para em seguida observar como ópera e escravidão são temas que aparecem entrelaçados em três narrativas datadas desses mesmos tempo e lugar. Autobiografía de un esclavo, de Juan Francisco Manzano, Cecilia Valdés, de Cirilo Villaverde, e Viaje a La Habana, da Condessa de Merlin, todas obras produzidas por escritores cubanos entre 1834 e 1844, desenham um panorama multifacetado da Havana oitocentista, em que se destacam a ópera como um eixo da engrenagem cultural e social da cidade, e o escravizado, como elemento que põe em movimento e lubrifica essa engrenagem.

Abstract This essay describes the installation of a lyrical circuit in Havana in the early 19th century, in order to observe opera and slavery as themes that appear intertwined in three narratives dated from that same time and place: Autobiografía de un esclavo, by Juan Francisco Manzano, Cecilia Valdés, by Cirilo Villaverde, and Viaje a La Habana, by the Countess of Merlin, all of which were authored by the Cuban writers between 1834 and 1844. All three draw a multifaced panorama of 19th century Havana, in which opera is portrayed as an axis in the city's cultural and social gears, and slavery is the element that puts in motion and lubricates those gears.

Resumen Este ensayo describe la instalación de un circuito lírico en La Habana de la primera mitad del siglo XIX, para en seguida observar como ópera y esclavitud son temas que aparecen entrelazados en tres narrativas fechadas en el mismo tiempo y lugar. Autobiografía de un esclavo, de Juan Francisco Manzano, Cecilia Valdés, de Cirilo Villaverde, y Viaje a La Habana, de la Condesa de Merlin, todas obras producidas por escritores cubanos entre 1834 y 1844, dibujan un panorama multifacético de La Habana decimonónica, en que se destacan la ópera como un eje del engranaje cultural y social de la ciudad, y el esclavizado, como el elemento que pone en movimiento y lubrica este engranaje.

Resumo Em artigo de 1963, o poeta, ficcionista e também ensaísta Lêdo Ivo analisa o conto "Uns braços", de Machado de Assis, relacionando-o com outros contos do escritor, em particular, com "Missa do galo". Observa, nesse conjunto, a representação da esfera do imaginário e o papel desempenhado pelo imaginário no jogo do erotismo. Ao fim, Ivo propõe "o drama do espírito faminto de absoluto" como temática privilegiada pela ficção machadiana.

Abstract In a 1963 article, poet, fictionist and essayist Lêdo Ivo analysed Machado de Assis's short story "Her Arms" and related it to other short stories written by the author, namely "Midnight Mass." In this grouping he notes the representation of the sphere of the imaginary and the role it plays in the game of eroticism. Ivo concludes by proposing "the drama of the spirit that craves the absolute" as a Machadian hobby horse.

Abstract: Microplastics (< 5 mm) are ubiquitous contaminants in the marine environment. The aims of the present study were to report the incidence of microplastic pollution in three mollusk species from the coast of Lima and to investigate the relationship between microplastic ingestion and feeding ecology. Specimens of three mollusk species Semimytilus algosus, Tegula atra and Chiton granosus were sampled from the intertidal rocky zone. For microplastic isolation, soft tissues were digested in 10% KOH, vacuum filtrated and analyzed under a microscope. Rigorous contamination prevention measures were taken into account. C. granosus was the most contaminated mollusk (6.92 ± 2.13 particles g-1). Red fibers were the overall most abundant microplastic. The feeding behavior of T. atra promotes microplastic exposure to C. granosus. More research is needed to fully understand the microplastic effects on mollusk species.

Resumen El trabajo presenta una propuesta para incorporar el marco de trabajo BPM, en la empresa de servicios ETAPA EP de la ciudad de Cuenca - Ecuador. Para ello se propone un marco de referencia por parte de los autores que contempla los siguientes pasos: se parte de la revisión de un marco teórico y conceptual; se aborda el marco referencial, de la organización, partiendo de la descripción sobre visión, misión, aspectos estratégicos, mapa de proceso. Se elige el área funcional específica en donde se ejecutará para procesos críticos en importancia, el modelo de procesos con notación BPMN haciendo uso del software Bizagi. Se confecciona para los procesos un esquema de indicadores, se elabora un cubo de datos en excel (datamart), y se despliega el valor de los KPI, con la herramienta de software Power BI por intermedio de un tablero de comandos; al final se levantan las conclusiones.

Abstract The research presents a proposal to incorporate the BPM framework, in the service company ETAPA EP of the city of Cuenca in Ecuador. For this, a frame of reference is proposed by the authors, which contemplates the following steps: it starts with the revision of a theoretical and conceptual framework; the referential framework of the organization is addressed, starting from the description of vision, mission, strategic aspects, process map. The specific functional area is chosen where the process model with BPMN notation using Bizagi software will be executed for critical processes in importance. An indicator scheme is proposed for the processes, a cube of data is prepared in excel (datamart), and the value of the KPIs is displayed, with the Power BI software tool through a command board; in the end the conclusions are raised.

Abstract Ecuador is located in a high seismicity zone. If we consider that many Ecuadorian structures are vulnerable, it is evident that the seismic risk in Ecuador is high. If the structure’s vulnerability is reduced the seismic risk will decrease, in this context the Building Construction Codes regulate the minimum requirements to obtain safe structures for their users, however, there are not many studies comparing the vulnerability obtained using Ecuadorian Construction Code (NEC-15) regarding the vulnerability obtained using other Constructions Codes. To understand the degree of vulnerability of reinforced concrete structures designed with NEC-15 has regarding those designed using National Construction Codes of Ecuador’s nearby countries, will allow us to recommend improvements to NEC-15. To do that, we designed 18 reinforced concrete building using NEC-15 and Colombia and Peru Construction Codes (NSR10 and E030, respectively). Considering the recommendations of these 3 National Constructions Codes, we obtain parameters required to carry out a nonlinear static analysis and from this data, we assessed the vulnerability of these buildings using the capacity spectrum method. We concluded that the application of the NSR-10 reflects a lower degree of vulnerability in the structures, even though buildings designed using E.030 were more rigid, also we found that structures designed under the same conditions with NEC-15 are more vulnerable than structures designed using NSR and E030. Still that, this vulnerability may change if other structural configurations are used, which we suggested as future work.

Resumen Ecuador está localizado en una zona de alto peligro sísmico, si consideramos adicionalmente que muchas de las estructuras en el país son vulnerables se infiere que el riesgo sísmico en Ecuador es elevado. Para reducir este riesgo se puede modificar la vulnerabilidad de las estructuras, en este sentido los códigos de construcción establecen los requerimientos mínimos para obtener estructuras que sean seguras para sus usuarios. Sin embargo, no hay muchos estudios que comparen la vulnerabilidad de estructuras diseñadas con la norma ecuatoriana de la construcción (NEC-15) respecto a la vulnerabilidad que se obtendría usando otros códigos. Entender el grado de vulnerabilidad de estructuras de hormigón armado diseñadas con NEC-15 respecto a la vulnerabilidad obtenida usando la norma de países vecinos nos permitirá sugerir recomendaciones a nuestra actual norma. Para ello realizamos 18 modelos de edificios de hormigón armado, considerando los diferentes parámetros indicados en las normas (NEC2015), el Reglamento Colombiano de Construcción (NSR-10) y el Reglamento Nacional de Edificaciones de Perú (E.030) y a partir de este diseño realizamos un análisis estático no lineal para posteriormente mediante el método del espectro de capacidad evaluar la vulnerabilidad de estas estructuras. Del conjunto de estructuras estudiadas determinamos que la aplicación de la NSR-10 reflejo un grado de vulnerabilidad menor pese a que los edificios diseñados con E.030 fueron más rígidos, además determinamos que las estructuras diseñadas en las mismas condiciones con NEC-15 son más vulnerables que las diseñadas usando NSR-10 y E030, pese a ello, las respuestas encontradas pueden variar incluyendo si se incluyen otras configuraciones estructurales lo cual se sugiere como un trabajo futuro.

Resumo Nesta entrevista, a professora, pesquisadora e editora Marta de Senna conta o que a motivou a preparar uma edição eletrônica dos romances e contos de Machado de Assis e quais foram os principais dilemas e desafios que enfrentou durante o processo de edição. Comenta, ainda, as especificidades do trabalho editorial com as obras de ficção do escritor e o papel das notas em uma edição.

Abstract In this interview, professor, researcher and editor Marta de Senna reveals her motivation to prepare an electronic edition of the novels and short stories by Machado de Assis, as well as the main dilemmas and challenges faced during the process. In addition, she comments on the specificity of editing the author's works of fiction, and the role of the notes in an edition.

Resumo Nesta entrevista, Irene Moutinho e Sílvia Eleutério, pesquisadoras responsáveis pela edição da Correspondência de Machado de Assis, em cinco tomos, sob a direção de Sergio Paulo Rouanet, contam como se envolveram com a iniciativa; descrevem o método de trabalho que adotaram; comentam os critérios que utilizaram; e compartilham análises e impressões desse material, a que tiveram acesso em primeira mão.

Abstract In this interview, Irene Moutinho and Sílvia Eleutério, the researchers responsible for the edition of the Letters of Machado de Assis, in five volumes, directed by Sergio Paulo Rouanet, tell how they got involved in the initiative; describe their working method; comment the criteria adopted; and share their analysis and impressions of the material they had access to in first hand.

Resumo Reproduzem-se aqui três textos curtos de Austregésilo de Athayde sobre Machado de Assis, publicados originalmente na imprensa. Em "Machado de Assis, homem de ação", de 1939, o crítico interroga-se sobre a possibilidade de o escritor servir de modelo à juventude; em " A humanidade de Machado de Assis", de 1955, ele toma como ponto de partida para suas reflexões o livro Machado de Assis desconhecido, de Magalhães Júnior; e na entrevista "Machado de Assis vivia as inquietações de sua época", de 1958, observa a centralidade do Bruxo do Cosme Velho no sistema literário brasileiro.

Abstract This text includes three short texts about Machado de Assis by Austregésilo de Athayde, originally published in the daily press. In "Machado de Assis, Man of Action", from 1939, the critic asks himself whether the writer could be a role model for the youth; in "The Humanity of Machado de Assis", from 1955, the author bases his considerations on The Unknown Machado de Assis, by Magalhães Júnior; and in the interview "Machado de Assis Experienced the Concerns of His Time", from 1958, he observes the centrality of "the Wizard of Cosme Velho" in the Brazilian literary system.

ABSTRACT This research deals with the interactive synchronous digital portfolio as an innovative methodological strategy in the network society, strengthening the self-assessment culture and achieving a high degree of learning and interactivity during synchronous virtual sessions. In the synchronous teaching-learning moments, learning is promoted in the form of a teacher's monologue through video conferencing, not allowing the students' participation, construction, and interactivity of learning. The interactive synchronous digital portfolio is proposed as an alternative. According to the results, this innovative methodological strategy can be applied in videoconferences, strengthening the processes of self-evaluation, criticality, metacognition, creativity, continuous participation, and interactivity during virtual classes.

RESUMEN El presente trabajo presenta la propuesta del portafolio digital síncrono interactivo como estrategia metodológica innovadora en el contexto de la sociedad red, para fortalecer la cultura autoevaluativa y alcanzar un alto grado de aprendizaje e interactividad durante las sesiones virtuales síncronas. En los momentos de enseñanza aprendizaje síncronos se promueve el aprendizaje en forma de monólogo del docente mediante la videoconferencia y esto no posibilita la participación, construcción e interactividad del aprendizaje por parte del estudiante. El portafolio digital síncrono interactivo se propone como alternativa. Según los resultados obtenidos se puede aplicar esta estrategia metodológica innovadora en las videoconferencias, fortaleciendo los procesos de autoevaluación, criticidad, metacognición, creatividad, participación continua e interactividad durante las clases virtuales.