Revista Colón Ciencias, Tecnología y Negocios

Asymmetries in the export of Ecuadorian cocoa to the U.S. market

Michelle Rivera Gallegos, Michelle Viera-Romero — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The work of small farmers in the town of Naranjal is essential for the export of cocoa from Ecuador to the United States. However, these farmers, unaware of the dynamics of international trade, usually receive a much lower payment. Given this scenario, the question of this research is: What are the main challenges faced by small farmers in Naranjal (Ecuador) for the direct export of cocoa to the U.S. market? Using a qualitative approach, this work seeks to solve this question by interviewing different participants in the cocoa value chain. Through the interviews it was possible to characterize the dynamics of purchase and sale of cocoa for export that the farmers in Naranjal have, along with some details about the setting of prices and the main characteristics that the product must have for its shipment to the United States. Thus, it was determined that there are information asymmetries between farmers and other participants in the cocoa value chain that need to be addressed. As an alternative, the development of a cocoa export guide is proposed to help Naranjal farmers export to the United States.

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Cybersecurity Abimelec Antek Arias Ariza1, Miguel Vargas-Lombardo

Abimelec Antek Arias Ariza, Miguel Vargas-Lombardo — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Cybersecurity plays a vital role in protecting digital assets and the privacy of individuals in the information age. In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have emerged as powerful tools to improve the detection and prevention of cyber threats. This article analyzes the use of AI and ML in cybersecurity, examining its historical evolution, advantages and limitations, as well as its social impact and ethical considerations. A review of scientific and technical literature is carried out using keywords "Artificial Intelligence in cybersecurity", "Machine Learning in computer security" and "AI and ML in threat detection" in the IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect and ACM Digital Library databases, selecting 30 useful references from a total of 150 articles identified. A questionnaire was applied to 12 systems engineers from various companies in the country who have at least a master's degree in cybersecurity in order to find out if they can implement the PICOC technique in cybersecurity environments. Artificial intelligence and machine learning have revolutionized cybersecurity by allowing the automated detection of threats, the analysis of abnormal behavior, and the generation of faster and more accurate responses to potential cyber-attacks.

Construction of affordable housing in Colon

Gabriel Montúfar Chiriboga — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The affordable housing crisis in Colón Province, Panama, has been a persistent issue affecting thousands of families. This situation has worsened due to factors such as rapid urbanization, lack of investment in infrastructure, and inefficient management of public resources. This study aimed to analyze and adapt successful international strategies for affordable housing construction to the specific context of Colón, considering the region's socioeconomic, cultural, and geographical particularities. An international comparative approach was used, analyzing successful cases of affordable housing construction in various regions of the world. Relevant and recent studies from academic databases were selected, and adaptability and sustainability criteria were applied to determine their applicability in Colón. The information was evaluated through a qualitative-comparative analysis, highlighting the most effective and adaptable practices. Prefabrication and modular construction strategies, Lean Construction methodology, integration of housing and transportation, and sustainable construction technologies were identified as the most viable for adaptation in Colón. These strategies showed a significant impact on reducing costs, construction times, and improving housing quality in similar contexts. The application of these international strategies in Colón could significantly contribute to mitigating the affordable housing crisis in the region, improving the housing supply, and ultimately the quality of life of its inhabitants. However, successful implementation will depend on a collaborative approach between the government, the community, and the private sector, as well as coordinated and sustainable urban planning.

A study of the effects on Panamanian companies as a result of cybercriminals and the use of ransomware for information theft

Luis Francisco González Jaén, Miguel Vargas-Lombardo — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of the research is to determine the reality regarding the incidence rate of cyberattacks in Panama, specifically ransomware attacks representing a growing problem within the country. Thirty-four companies were randomly selected to participate in the study ensuring adequate representation of different regions and the impact on the commercial sector. The study has a quantitative approach, and a survey was applied as a data collection instrument to information and communications technology managers within companies in the provinces of Panama, Colon and the interior of the country. The results will allow us to recommend improvements in computer security services in the companies consulted.

Different approaches to the marketing mix and its contribution to the commercialization of products and services in companies. A literature review

Ronald Ariel Gutiérrez Gutiérrez — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The marketing mix works through four key elements: product, price, place and promotion, as revealed by the literature associated with this topic. These variables, when combined, allow companies to market their products and services to strengthen the value chain with their customers. This article, in the context of a literature review, examines the different approaches to the marketing mix and the benefits it brings to companies when manufacturing and selling their goods. To achieve this objective, the existing literature in the Elsevier Scopus database was compiled under the following search equation: TITLE-ABS-KEY ("product" AND "price" AND "point of sale" AND "promotion"), which encompasses the four Ps of marketing (product, price, point of sale and promotion). The basis for the literature analysis was a population of 76 documents, distributed under the following percentages: articles (80%), reviews (9%), session documents (7%), book chapters (2%) and books (1%). The bibliometrix program was used to obtain and analyze data. The results show the highest number of citations received by a document was 211, a higher average of citations of 7.67 corresponding to the year 2015, in a word tree the concept with the highest number of appearances was advertising and promotion and in the elaboration of a plot of 3 fields the source with the highest number of published documents was Tobacco Control. It is concluded that in this literature analysis the marketing mix is applied to the marketing of tobacco-related products, green marketing, health and social welfare and mobile advertising, which reflects the presence of the marketing mix in these types of activities.

State responsibility in the preservation of mangroves in Panama

Cristhyn Karina Vergara Agioyanis — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The role played by the Panamanian State in the protection of one of the most important natural ecosystems is analyzed: the mangroves. These are in danger due to the growth of cities and other human actions. Despite being very important for the sustainability of the planet, the current regulations are described and the obstacles to their compliance. The opinion of people who live in the area adjacent to these sites that require protection is also taken into account.

Blockchain implementation in the Panamanian maritime industry

Damayanti Idalmis Terreros Aguilar — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Over the past few decades, the global maritime sector has undergone several technological transformations to improve the efficiency, security, and transparency of its operations. In this situation, blockchain technology has emerged as a promising tool. Also known as the foundation of cryptocurrencies, it is a distributed ledger technology that allows data to be stored and shared in a secure and immutable manner. Various initiatives around the world have begun to research and implement blockchain in logistics and maritime operations. In major ports such as Rotterdam and Hamburg, significant improvements in the transparency and efficiency of supply chains have been demonstrated through pilot projects involving blockchain technology.

Critical factors in the efficiency and improvement of the use of personal protective equipment in the port sector

Thania Iveth Cornejo Mendoza — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Within the port sector, safety is a priority, since workers are constantly exposed to risks in the workplace, such as mishandling heavy loads, falls, inhalation and exposure to toxic substances that affect their health and work activities. Furthermore, it is essential to highlight that personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to minimize these risks and guarantee better safety for employees. Therefore, this topic reflects the need to improve and educate about the importance, quality and proper use of personal protective equipment in the port sector. This would be achieved with the help of policy implementations, training and inspections that ensure that Protective equipment is adequate, meets the optimal conditions and safety standards established by organizations.

Editorial

Carlos Manuel Gómez Rudy — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000