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    Influence of continuous navigation modes on the immersive experience in a virtual supermarket
    (2026) ; ;
    Marco Salazar
    ;
    Guillermo Palacios-Navarro
    Introduction: Virtual reality has established itself as an effective tool for analyzing user experience and simulating everyday activities. However, there are still many questions remaining, such as how the type of movement in immersive environments influences this experience. The present study evaluated these variables in a virtual supermarket developed for Oculus Quest 2, with the aim of comparing the perceptual and cognitive experience under two navigation modalities: locomotion and joystick. Methods: Twenty-two young adults (18–32 years old) participated in both groups. Usability (SUS), presence (PQ), everyday memory (PRMQ), and cybersickness (CSQ-VR) questionnaires were administered, all with moderate and high reliability (α = 0.685–0.912). Results: The results showed high levels of usability in both conditions (SUS ≥79), with no statistically significant differences between navigation modes (p = 0.521). Natural presence was significantly higher in locomotion mode (6.17 vs. 5.47); however, this result should be interpreted with caution, as it was derived from exploratory subscale-level analyses (p = 0.038). Cybersickness symptoms remained low (p > 0.05). A very strong positive correlation was also observed between usability and presence in the joystick group (ρ = 0.902; p < 0.001), indicating that interaction fluidity enhances immersion. Discussion: Both modes were ergonomic and safe, although with distinct profiles: physical locomotion increased perceptual naturalness, while the joystick reinforced the relationship between ease of use and immersion. These findings provide empirical evidence on how movement modulates the immersive experience and propose an experimental model, with implications for the design of virtual environments applicable to different populations in the future. Copyright © 2026 Avilés-Castillo, Buele, Salazar and Palacios-Navarro.
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    Design and validation of the aggression tendency evaluation questionnaire (CETA-18)
    Aggressive behavior remains a critical concern in contemporary society, with individuals frequently exhibiting disproportionate responses to frustration or perceived provocation. Given the social and psychological consequences of such behavior, the present study aimed to develop and validate the Aggression Tendency Evaluation Questionnaire, a brief self-report scale designed to assess individual predisposition to aggression. The instrument was applied to a sample of 740 adults (365 men, 375 women) aged 18 to 70, residing in Quito, Ecuador. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional design was employed, and data were analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha, the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measure, Bartlett’s test of sphericity, exploratory factor analysis, and Spearman’s correlation. The questionnaire demonstrated high internal consistency (α = 0.904) and a clear three-factor structure, identifying verbal-expressive aggression, social/indirect aggression, and physical-reactive aggression as distinct dimensions. Correlational analyses revealed weak but significant inverse associations between aggression tendency and variables such as age, employment status, and religious practice, suggesting these factors may serve as protective elements. Other variables, including gender, educational level, and relationship status, showed no significant associations. These results support the questionnaire as a valid and reliable tool for assessing aggression tendency in adult populations. Its psychometric robustness and ease of application make it a practical instrument for use in both research and applied psychological contexts. Further studies are recommended to confirm its factorial structure and explore its cross-cultural applicability.
      17
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    Burnout syndrome in Ecuadorian health workers: Differences according to sociodemographic and labor factors
    Burnout Syndrome represents a growing occupational health concern among healthcare professionals worldwide, recognized by organizations such as the WHO and ILO due to its profound impact on worker well-being, organizational functioning, and service quality. In Ecuador, there is a lack of empirical studies that systematically address the pressing issue of burnout among health personnel, despite their daily experiences with increasing demands, emotional burdens, long working hours, and job instability. This research aims to investigate Burnout Syndrome as a significant psychosocial risk affecting Ecuadorian health professionals. It will focus on three core dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment. Additionally, the study seeks to identify prevalence patterns, associated factors, and the broader implications for occupational health.  A quantitative, cross-sectional, and non-experimental design with descriptive-correlational scope was adopted. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was administered to a sample of 100 health professionals carefully selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Findings indicate a high prevalence of Burnout Syndrome, with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization being the most severely affected dimensions. Significant associations were found between burnout levels and psychosocial variables such as job stability, work overload, interpersonal conflict, and organizational support. Specifically, professionals with unstable employment conditions, frequent interpersonal conflicts, or excessive workload reported considerably higher burnout scores. The results underscore the urgent need for comprehensive public health strategies in Ecuador that address the psychosocial risks inherent in healthcare work. Promoting job stability, managing workloads effectively, and improving organizational climate are critical to mitigating burnout, protecting mental health, and enhancing workforce well-being. This research provides important empirical evidence for creating preventive occupational health policies and intervention programs that aim to enhance mental health and maintain the long-term quality of healthcare services.
      12
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    Can social robots improve the hospital experience of children?
    (2026) ; ;
    Marcelo Fajardo-Pruna
    ;
    Edwin Pozo-Safla
    ;
    Francisco Yumbla
      15
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    Immersive Virtual Reality Application for the Evaluation of Depression in Older Adults
    Although evidence supports the use of virtual reality for cognitive assessment in the older adult, studies on the assessment of mental disorders such as depression are scarce. Previous studies show satisfactory results in the young adult population, but further analysis is needed in the geriatric population. This research analyzed the ability of a virtual reality application to assess levels of depression in older adults, analyzing the correlation between demographic variables and performance on the application. Fourteen older adults with an age of 74.86 (5.4) participated in the study. Demographic variables, depressive symptoms were evaluated, and Spearman correlation tests were performed to analyze the relationship between age, schooling and performance in the application. The research reveals a significant association between age and task execution time, indicating that the older the age, the longer it takes to complete the task. A correlation is identified between schooling and the number of errors, highlighting that more education does not guarantee the absence of errors. Although no direct correlation was found between level of depression and application performance, the promising utility of virtual reality in this area, supported by recent studies, is underscored. The study contributes to the understanding of how virtual reality applications can be valuable in the assessment of mental health in older adults. Although limitations such as sample size are acknowledged, the results establish a foundation for future research. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
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    Effects of Vehicular Emissions on Urban Air Quality in Ecuador and Implications for Respiratory Health
    (2026) ;
    Diego Criollo-Casignia
    Vehicular emissions are a major contributor to air pollution and respiratory morbidity in Ecuador’s urban centers. Despite increasing evidence of traffic-related health impacts, national research remains fragmented and unevenly distributed. This narrative review synthesizes 26 peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2024 to characterize vehicular air pollution sources, pollutants, and respiratory health effects in Ecuador. The evidence shows a strong geographic concentration, with more than half of the studies conducted in Quito, followed by Guayaquil and Cuenca. National inventories indicate that the transport sector accounts for approximately 41.7% of Ecuador’s CO2 emissions. Across cities, PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, and SO2 were the most frequently assessed pollutants and were repeatedly reported to approach or exceed international guideline values, particularly during traffic peaks and under low-dispersion conditions. Health-related studies documented substantial impacts, including up to 19,966 respiratory hospitalizations in Quito, with short-term PM2.5 exposure associated with increased hospitalization risk in children. Among schoolchildren attending high-traffic schools, carboxyhemoglobin levels above 2.5% were linked to a threefold increase in the risk of acute respiratory infections. Occupationally exposed adults, such as drivers, traffic police officers, and outdoor workers with regular exposure to traffic-related air pollution, also showed a higher prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms. Environmental evidence further highlighted the accumulation of traffic-related heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr) and pronounced spatial inequalities affecting low-income neighborhoods. Overall, the review identifies aging vehicle fleets and diesel-based transport as dominant contributors to observed pollution and health patterns, while underscoring methodological limitations such as the scarcity of longitudinal studies and uneven monitoring coverage. These findings provide integrated and policy-relevant evidence to support sustainable urban planning, cleaner transport strategies, and targeted respiratory health policies in Ecuador.
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    Analysis of Ergonomic Risks Based on Physical and Postural Characteristics in the Food Industry
    Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the leading causes of occupational disability worldwide, affecting workers across various industries, particularly in the food industry. These disorders are caused by factors such as improper postures, repetitive movements, and manual handling of loads. Despite efforts to mitigate these risks, ergonomic assessment in many work environments remains insufficient, as it is often limited to posture observation and does not include precise anthropometric measurements. This study aims to integrate anthropometric measurements with the Rapid Entire Body Assessment method for a more accurate and personalized evaluation of ergonomic risks in the food industry. Through a quantitative approach, anthropometric measurements of workers in a food production plant were analyzed and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment method was applied to assess working postures. The data obtained were statistically analyzed to identify correlations between the physical characteristics of employees and musculoskeletal discomfort. The results showed a significant correlation between anthropometric dimensions, such as elbow height and functional reach, with discomfort in areas such as the elbow, knees, and lower back. These findings emphasize the need to adapt workstations to the physical characteristics of employees to prevent injuries. The integration of anthropometric measurements and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment method provides a more accurate tool for assessing ergonomic risks and designing personalized interventions that improve occupational health and productivity in the food industry. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
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    Applications and Benefits of Augmented Reality in Medical Training
    Medical education faces challenges in teaching complex concepts and acquiring clinical skills. In this context, augmented reality has emerged as an innovative tool, enabling interactive visualization of anatomical structures and simulation of clinical procedures. However, its widespread implementation still faces barriers in terms of accessibility and costs, limiting its use in various educational institutions. This study presents a systematic literature review on the impact of augmented reality in medical education, analyzing experimental studies, systematic reviews, and empirical analyses published between 2010 and 2024. Articles from PubMed, Scopus, and IEEE Xplore were evaluated, selecting 11 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The results indicate that this technology significantly enhances knowledge retention (up to 75%), optimizes the understanding of human anatomy, and facilitates the teaching of clinical procedures without posing risks to patients. Applications such as Cranium and the use of Microsoft HoloLens have demonstrated benefits in the three-dimensional visualization of bone structures and surgical planning. Additionally, augmented reality has proven effective in nutritional education and cellular biology learning, expanding its applicability in health sciences. Augmented reality represents a significant advancement in medical training, although accessibility and costs remain challenges to be addressed. The integration of artificial intelligence and the development of open-source platforms are recommended to enhance its impact on global medical education. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
      10
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    Defect Reduction in Textile Manufacturing: A Review
    (2025)
    Ángeles Solís-Solís
    ;
    Sebastián Villacís-Capuz
    ;
    Marco Centeno-Alarcón
    ;
    ;
    The textile industry faces continuous challenges in reducing defects during manufacturing, as quality inconsistencies can lead to financial losses, reduced efficiency, and diminished consumer confidence. Addressing this issue requires a combination of methodological and technological approaches that optimize production while minimizing waste. This review examines various strategies for defect reduction, focusing on process improvement methodologies, predictive technologies, and sustainable practices. A systematic analysis of 12 studies highlights the effectiveness of structured quality management approaches in identifying and eliminating defect sources. Additionally, predictive models based on artificial intelligence have demonstrated significant potential in real-time defect detection and prevention, improving overall product quality. However, challenges such as machinery rigidity and the high variability of textile products complicate the implementation of these strategies. Sustainable manufacturing practices and specialized workforce training have also been identified as key factors in enhancing defect management, as they contribute to resource conservation, waste reduction, and improved working conditions. The findings suggest that a comprehensive approach, integrating advanced process optimization techniques, predictive analytics, and sustainable production methods, is essential for improving efficiency and quality in textile manufacturing. This integration not only reduces defects but also strengthens competitiveness in an industry increasingly driven by quality, sustainability, and technological innovation. The OSF registration can be accessed at: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/NAMWY. © 2025 IEEE.
      14
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    Thermal Dynamics in Agricultural Soils under Different Vegetative Covers in Coastal Ecuador
    (2025) ;
    Ángel Ramón Sabando-García
    ;
    Rosario Esther Huerta-Vera
    ;
    Liliana Carolina Argüello-Cedeño
    Global shifts in climate patterns are exerting growing pressure on agricultural systems, particularly in equatorial regions where crop productivity is directly tied to microclimatic conditions. This study investigated the relationship between ambient temperature and soil temperature under three surface conditions - bare soil, dry organic mulch, and live grass cover - using six years of continuous data (2015-2020) from tropical agricultural lands in coastal Ecuador. Soil temperature was measured at 20 cm depth, and the analysis integrated descriptive statistics, linear regression models, and Pearson correlation coefficients to quantify the interaction between air and soil thermal behavior. Additionally, the Mann-Kendall test and Sen's slope estimator were applied to detect temporal trends. The findings revealed statistically significant correlations between ambient and soil temperatures across all conditions. However, soils with vegetative cover demonstrated greater thermal stability and lower variability, highlighting their moderating role. Notably, a consistent downward trend was detected in both ambient air (-23.22%) and in soils with grass (-32.63%) and mulch (-28.54%) cover. These patterns suggest that vegetative layer's function as passive thermal regulators, buffering soils against climatic fluctuations. These insights have practical implications for agricultural and agro-industrial management. By promoting soil protection strategies, such as mulching or live cover maintenance, it is possible to mitigate thermal stress, optimize resource use, and enhance system resilience. Continuous soil-climate monitoring is recommended to guide adaptation efforts and ensure sustainability under future climate variability. © 2025 IEEE.
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