Espirales Revista Multidisciplinaria de investigación

Acceptance of Artificial Intelligence in English Learning: Perceptions of A2-B1 Level University Students at the University of Guayaquil

Gabriela Geovanna Guevara Enríquez — 2026-03-31

Artificial intelligence (AI) has gained relevance in language learning within higher education by enabling personalized practice, immediate feedback, and autonomous support. This study examined university students’ acceptance of AI tools in learning English as a foreign language at the A2 and B1 proficiency levels, based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, and correlational design was employed. Using non-probabilistic convenience sampling, 296 students from the University of Guayaquil participated in the study. The instrument consisted of a 15-item Likert-scale questionnaire grounded in TAM, validated through expert judgment and piloted with 30 students to ensure clarity and reliability. Data were analyzed using SPSS. The results demonstrated strong internal consistency (α= .879–.912) and statistically significant positive correlations among perceived usefulness and behavioral intention (r = .767, p < .001), perceived ease of use and behavioral intention (r = .709, p < .001), and perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use (r = .694, p < .001). Findings indicate a generally favorable perception of AI tools; however, their sustained pedagogical integration requires structured guidance and strengthened digital literacy among students.

Optimization of Mining and Classification Processes through Linear Programming: Tanlahua Quarry Case, Ecuador

Nixon Santiago Fonseca Loya — 2026-03-31

Open-pit mining operations in Ecuador face the constant challenge of reducing production costs without compromising required extraction volumes. At the Tanlahua quarry (San Antonio de Pichincha), operated by EXPLOCOM, inefficiencies were identified in the excavation, hauling, sorting, and dispatch processes, with significant downtime negatively impacting profitability. Objective. To optimize the mining and sorting processes at the Tanlahua mining area through the application of the Simplex Method of linear programming. Materials and methods. A descriptive, prospective, and field study focused on the concession’s operational processes. Techniques included direct observation, cycle time studies, hourly cost analysis, and machinery performance evaluation. Data were processed using JSimplexsoftware to solve objective functions aimed at minimizing operating costs. Results. In high-demand scenarios, the optimized model generated a daily saving of USD 1,068.15 (36.1% reduction), while in low-demand conditions, the saving reached USD 486.85 per day (35.5% reduction). Considering 312 working days, the estimated annual savings amount to USD 242,580. Conclusion. The application of the Simplex Method enables efficient machinery allocation and a reduction in operating costs exceeding 35%, serving as a highly relevant technical-economic management tool for stone aggregate quarries

Evidence of content validity and internal consistency for a reading comprehension questionnaire administered to 10th-grade students

Genny Maritza Reyes Pihuave — 2026-04-11

Reading comprehension is a key competence for school learning and requires technically supported instruments for its assessment. The objective of the study was to determine the evidence of content validity and internal consistency of a reading comprehension questionnaire for students in the tenth year of higher basic education. A quantitative, instrumental and descriptive study was developed. The instrument consisted of 20 open questions organized into literal, inferential and critical levels, assessed through an analytical rubric. The validity of the content was established with five expert judges and the internal consistency was estimated in a pilot test with 30 students. In addition, the questionnaire was applied as a pre-test and post-test to 76 students. The results reported Aiken's V = 0.96, Cronbach's alpha = 0.906, and McDonald's omega = 0.911. It is concluded that the instrument presents favorable initial evidence to evaluate reading comprehension in the context studied.