Introduction: Globally, agricultural systems face a sustainability crisis marked by the challenge of balancing productivity, environment, and social development. Sustainability indicators allow for measuring this balance and guiding strategic actions. In Ecuador, a country dependent on the primary sector, agriculture is affected by climate change and inadequate resource management, compromising food security and poverty reduction. Research highlights that conserving natural systems optimizes costs and production, while the transition toward agroecological models and new forms of commercialization is essential to achieve long-term sustainability. Within this framework, the present study focuses on the characterization of the sustainability of productive units in the La Maná canton (Cotopaxi), evaluating three dimensions: economic, ecological, and sociocultural. The analysis seeks to identify strengths, weaknesses, and priority areas, contributing to the design of strategies that strengthen rural resilience and sustainability in the territory. Objective: To characterize the sustainability of agricultural production units in La Maná canton, located in the subtropical region of Cotopaxi province, Ecuador. Methodology: The research was conducted in the parishes of La Maná canton (Cotopaxi), applying a proportional stratified random sampling of 72 productive farms. Techniques such as observation, surveys, and multivariate analysis (SPSS and InfoStat) were used to characterize sustainability across economic, ecological, and sociocultural dimensions. Indicators were weighed according to their relevance. The General Sustainability Index (GSI) was calculated, considering that each dimension should reach values above 2. Results: The sustainability assessment in La Maná shows an intermediate performance: the economic dimension is acceptable (2.33), the sociocultural dimension is moderate (2.28), and the ecological dimension is the lowest (1.71), which limits overall sustainability. The general index (2.50) does not reach the required threshold. Strengthening agroecological practices, productive diversification, and the recovery of ancestral knowledge are necessary to progress toward a sustainable model. Conclusions: The results indicate that La Maná is at a medium level of sustainability, with a favorable economic base but challenges in the environmental and sociocultural dimensions. Future sustainability requires reinforcing agroecological systems, expanding solidarity markets, and consolidating public policies that support community-based management. General study area: Agronomy. Specific study area: Production. Article type: Original.

Introduction. In Ecuador, gaps between theoretical teacher training and actual classroom practice exacerbate the low PISA results and the recommendations issued by UNESCO. In the educational institutions “Cotacachi” and “Luis Ulpiano de la Torre” (Imbabura), there is a persistent lack of knowledge regarding explicit instruction—an approach proven effective for managing cognitive load (Sweller)—particularly within unequal rural contexts. Objective. To evaluate teachers’ pedagogical knowledge from the perspective of explicit instruction (prior knowledge activation, cognitive load, multimedia principles) among 80 active teachers (2025–2026). Methodology. Descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study. A validated 5-point Likert questionnaire (Google Forms) was applied to the total population: 53% of teachers from “Luis Ulpiano de la Torre” and 47% from “Cotacachi.” Analyses included means/standard deviations (Excel) and Mann–Whitney tests by gender (SPSS). The study complies with Ecuadorian ethical standards. Results. Overall mean: 3.7/5.Prior knowledge activation: 3.0 (high variability, σ = 1.30–1.62). Cognitive load: 4.0 (σ = 1.13–1.41; 32% question the explanations provided). Multimedia: 4.0 (low σ; possible desirability bias). No gender differences were found (p > 0.05). Conclusion. Findings show heterogeneous adoption with critical gaps, suggesting the need for contextualized, evidence-based professional development to promote educational equity. General Area of Study: Pedagogy. Specific area of study: Explicit instruction and teacher training. Type of study: Original articles.

Introduction: Family-run agricultural microenterprises constitute an essential part of Ecuador's rural productive fabric. However, they operate with limited resources in contexts of high economic, social, and environmental vulnerability. This article analyzes how adopting principles of economic, social, and environmental sustainability in the daily management of these production units can enhance their permanence, improve their productivity, strengthen their ties with the community, and contribute to equitable and sustainable rural development. Objectives: The objective of this research is to explore, through available evidence, how family-run agricultural microenterprises in Ecuador can integrate sustainability into their daily management, and what factors facilitate or hinder this transition, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Methodology: This research adopts a mixed-methods approach, of an exploratory-descriptive nature, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The main design is a multiple case study, focused on family-run agricultural microenterprises in Ecuador, selected using criteria defined in the PRISMA method. Results: Through a review of specialized literature and case studies in Ecuador (including the central highlands and rural communities), conditions, opportunities, and challenges are identified, along with recommendations for promoting a sustainable and solidarity-based agribusiness model, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Conclusions: Sustainability can only be consolidated if social capital, associationism, rural justice, and community participation are strengthened simultaneously. These social dimensions allow microenterprises to collectively address environmental and economic challenges, generating more resilient production models aligned with SDGs 2, 12, 13, and 15. General area of ​​study: agricultural sciences. Specific area of ​​study: agroecology. Article type: systematic literature review.

Introduction: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital image editing tools significantly transformed journalism, visual communication, and contemporary design. The paper analyzes how these technologies optimized visual production processes, allowing everything from automatic image restoration to the generation of hyper-realistic content using advanced models such as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). Objectives: to analyze the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital image editing tools on journalism, visual communication, and contemporary design, evaluating both their contributions to optimization and creativity in visual production and the risks associated with content manipulation, misinformation, and ethical, legal, and educational challenges. with special emphasis on the Ecuadorian context. Methodology:  qualitative approach, of an analytical descriptive nature, aimed at understanding and interpreting the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital image editing tools on journalism, visual communication, and contemporary design. A documentary and content analysis design was adopted, which enabled the systematic examination of academic, normative, and professional sources related to the application of AI in visual production, image manipulation and disinformation phenomena, such as deepfakes. Results: the text exposes how the democratization of AI-based tools increased the risk of misinformation, by making it difficult to distinguish between authentic images and synthetic content. Faced with this scenario, technical detection methods stand out, such as forensic noise analysis and audiovisual inconsistencies, which seek to preserve the integrity of visual information. Finally, the paper addresses the ethical, legal, and educational implications of using AI in image editing. Conclusions: the need to establish clear ethical guidelines, promote transparency in automated processes and strengthen media literacy is highlighted. In the Ecuadorian context, progressive progress is recognized, although challenges related to the digital divide, regulation, and public trust in AI-generated content remain. General area of study: Communication. Specific area of study: Digital Imaging. Type of study: original.