This study assessed the water quality and ecological integrity of the Columbe River micro-watershed in the Ecuadorian Andes through a multidimensional approach incorporating biotic, physicochemical, and structural indices. Indices such as the Andean Biotic Index (ABI), Biological Monitoring Working Party index adapted for Colombian conditions (BMWP-Col), Fluvial Habitat Index (IHF), Riparian Quality Index adapted for Andean conditions (QBR-And), and Water Quality Index (WQI) characterized environmental quality gradients and evaluated the impact of human activities across 11 monitoring sites. Hierarchical cluster analysis classified sampling sites into three groups: less polluted (LP), moderately polluted (MP), and highly polluted (HP). HP sites showed elevated levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅), chemical oxygen demand (COD), electrical conductivity (EC), and turbidity, alongside low biotic and structural scores, indicating advanced ecological degradation. Conversely, LP sites demonstrated greater ecological integrity, despite elevated BOD₅ and COD levels across the watershed, suggesting widespread diffuse contamination. The findings identify anthropogenic activities such as livestock, agriculture, and domestic discharges as major pressures on water quality and macroinvertebrate biodiversity. Significant correlations between physicochemical parameters—including BOD₅ and EC—and declining biotic indices underscore the link between chemical water degradation and ecological fragmentation. In this context, this study highlights the critical need for comprehensive management and restoration strategies to combat pollution, safeguard relatively pristine areas, and rehabilitate the ecological integrity and connectivity of high-altitude Andean aquatic ecosystems under anthropogenic pressure.

The current study aims to analyze the fundamental ecological niches of five páramo species in the high Andean zones of South America. Hereby, the research focuses on the typical flora species of this ecosystem, such as Azorella aretioides, Azorella crenata, Azorella biloba, Azorella corymbosa, and Azorella pedunculata, testing whether their niches are more similar than expected. The study area in the Ecuadorian Andes encompasses altitudinal gradients between 2000 and 5000 m above sea level, where the species were previously registered. For the methodology, we used data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and identified the determining bioclimatic variables for the model as Bio1, Bio2, Bio3, Bio4, Bio12, Bio13, Bio14, Bio18, and Bio19. Moreover, we considered two alternative socioeconomic scenarios of climate change (SSP126 and SSP 245) projected for the period 2021–2040. In the same way, ecological niche models were evaluated and applied in order to identify areas of reduction in geographic space and the ecological space of the five species. Subsequently, the analysis revealed significant sensitivity of these high mountain species to variations in temperature and precipitation, with potential risks to associated species and water resources. In conclusion, changes in the fundamental niche were observed, with all species indicating reductions in distribution for 2040. This occurs particularly under the SSP245 scenario and especially in the equatorial zone, which currently exhibits extraordinary richness concerning the Azorella genus. Therefore, the study highlights evidently the vulnerability of páramo species to climate change, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.

Introduction: The effectiveness of graphic design in enhancing information retention depends largely on how visual elements are structured and perceived. Objective: The study analyzes the impact of graphic design on information retention, using a rigorous statistical and experimental approach. Methodology: Through a linear mixed model, principal component analysis and artificial neural networks, several visual elements such as typography, contrast, visual hierarchy, text density, layout type and content format were evaluated. Results: With a sample of 90 observations, the results showed that sans-serif typefaces, soft contrasts, use of icons, low text density and layouts with white space favor immediate information retention. On the other hand, advertising materials showed better performance compared to academic or infographics, possibly due to their more simplified and attractive design. Likewise, infographics stood out in long-term retention, due to their ability to integrate visual and textual content efficiently. The study also underscored the value of white space as a facilitator of cognitive processing, reducing mental overload. In sum, the findings demonstrated that design is not just aesthetics, but a strategic tool in enhancing learning. Conclusion: It is concluded that a conscious visual design, adapted to the type of content and the cognitive profile of the user, can significantly optimize the way people absorb, process and remember information.

El objetivo de este estudio es estimar el número de muertes por cáncer de pulmón provocadas por la contaminación ambiental debida a la exposición de las personas a material particulado fino menor a 2.5 µm (PM2.5). Para cumplir con este fin, se realizó un estudio con enfoque deductivo en el que se efectuaron simulaciones del modelo de evaluación de la morbilidad ambiental desarrollado por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se evaluó la exposición de la población a la contaminación por PM2.5, basado en datos monitoreados en 12 estaciones de calidad de aire del Distrito Metropolitano de Quito en los grupos de población expuestas a PM2.5, y la incidencia en la salud, estimada en la tasa de mortalidad en la población. Para el período de análisis 1990-2020 el total de muertes por neoplasias pulmonares es de 3058 ± 24 de los cuales 523 ± 32 se asociarían con las concentraciones de PM2.5; equivalente al 17.1%, CI=95% [15.9%-18.3%] y un Riesgo Relativo de 1.2046 [1.0688, 1.394]. Estos resultados fueron obtenidos a través de un software desarrollado para el efecto. En conclusión, los valores obtenidos en la presente simulación se encuentran dentro del intervalo de confianza en relación a otros estudios similares.AbstractThe objective of this study is to simulate the estimation of the number of deaths from lung cancer caused by environmental pollution due to human exposure to fine particulate matter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5). To achieve this goal, the study was conducted with deductive approach. A simulation environmental model to assess morbidity developed by the World Health Organization was applied, based on population exposure to PM2.5 pollutant. This was done with data obtained from 12 air quality stations of the Metropolitan District of Quito and the population groups exposed to PM2.5, determining the impact on health. The final simulation was calculated using the death rate in the population. For the period 1990-2020, the total number of deaths due to lung neoplasms was 3058 ± 24. The number of these deaths associated to PM2.5 pollution was 523 ± 32, which supposes a Relative Risk of 523 ± 32, equivalent to 17.1%, CI=95% [15.9%-18.3%]. These results were obtained through software developed for this purpose. In conclusion, the values obtained in the present simulation are within the confidence interval of other similar studies.

El presente artculo analiza la estructura y conformacion de la Red de Monitoreo deCalidad del Aire de Cuenca respecto a estandares, normas y recomendaciones nacionalese internacionales, incluyendo sus metodos de monitoreo, y la idoneidad o no del emplazamiento de las actuales estaciones de monitoreo, ofreciendo recomendaciones para mejorar la representatividad de las mismas.El presente artculo analiza la estructura y conformacion de la Red de Monitoreo deCalidad del Aire de Cuenca respecto a estandares, normas y recomendaciones nacionalese internacionales, incluyendo sus metodos de monitoreo, y la idoneidad o no del emplaza-miento de las actuales estaciones de monitoreo, ofreciendo recomendaciones para mejorarla representatividad de las mismas.