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Effects of a dual intervention (motor and virtual reality-based cognitive) on cognition in patients with mild cognitive impairment: a single-blind, randomized controlled trial

2024 , Buele, Jorge , Avilés-Castillo, Fátima , Carolina Del-Valle-Soto , Varela Aldas, José , Guillermo Palacios-Navarro

Abstract Background The increase in cases of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) underlines the urgency of finding effective methods to slow its progression. Given the limited effectiveness of current pharmacological options to prevent or treat the early stages of this deterioration, non-pharmacological alternatives are especially relevant. Objective To assess the effectiveness of a cognitive-motor intervention based on immersive virtual reality (VR) that simulates an activity of daily living (ADL) on cognitive functions and its impact on depression and the ability to perform such activities in patients with MCI. Methods Thirty-four older adults (men, women) with MCI were randomized to the experimental group (n = 17; 75.41 ± 5.76) or control (n = 17; 77.35 ± 6.75) group. Both groups received motor training, through aerobic, balance and resistance activities in group. Subsequently, the experimental group received cognitive training based on VR, while the control group received traditional cognitive training. Cognitive functions, depression, and the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) were assessed using the Spanish versions of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-S), the Short Geriatric Depression Scale (SGDS-S), and the of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL-S) before and after 6-week intervention (a total of twelve 40-minutes sessions). Results Between groups comparison did not reveal significant differences in either cognitive function or geriatric depression. The intragroup effect of cognitive function and geriatric depression was significant in both groups (p < 0.001), with large effect sizes. There was no statistically significant improvement in any of the groups when evaluating their performance in ADLs (control, p = 0.28; experimental, p = 0.46) as expected. The completion rate in the experimental group was higher (82.35%) compared to the control group (70.59%). Likewise, participants in the experimental group reached a higher level of difficulty in the application and needed less time to complete the task at each level. Conclusions The application of a dual intervention, through motor training prior to a cognitive task based on Immersive VR was shown to be a beneficial non-pharmacological strategy to improve cognitive functions and reduce depression in patients with MCI. Similarly, the control group benefited from such dual intervention with statistically significant improvements. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06313931; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06313931.

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Phantom sensation: Threshold and quality indicators of a tactile illusion of motion

2024 , Remache Vinueza, Byron , Trujillo-León A. , Vidal-Verdú F.

Utilizing a randomized, blind, controlled experiment, and the ascending method of limits, we determined the minimum amplitude of motion at which individuals perceive a tactile illusion called moving phantom sensation, the perceived level of clarity and continuity of motion. Implementing tactile illusions in virtual/augmented reality, sensory substitution systems, and other human–computer interaction technologies results in interfaces with improved resolution, using two vibrating actuators only. The actuators are attached to the skin in different locations to render a moving phantom sensation. The intensity of vibrations increases in one actuator while decreases in the other according to the envelope of the voltage supply signals. This intensity variation creates the illusion of a vibrating point moving between the actuators. We gradually increased the amplitude of motion until the participant reported perceiving the illusion, for eight values of duration of the stimulus from 0.1 to 6.0 s. Participants perceived the illusion at a minimum amplitude of motion of 20%; being 100% the motion from one actuator to the other. The median level of clarity of the perceived illusion at the minimum amplitude of motion was 2 (not so clear). Finally, we found a positive correlation between duration and continuity of motion. © 2024 The Author(s)

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Maintenance Plan Based on TPM for Turbine Recovery Machinery

2021 , Lozada-Cepeda J.A. , Lara-Calle R. , Buele, Jorge

The maintenance and repair of the components of hydroelectric turbines require the use of specialized equipment. To keep these teams operational, it is proposed to design a master plan in order to develop a TPM philosophy for a vertical turning lathe. This project develops five of the twelve steps established by JIPM for the TPM implementation. This paper also provides the necessary documentation for 5S and autonomous maintenance applications. Also, some safety, health and environmental suggestions are provided. PM activities are chosen based on RCM techniques like CA and FMEA. And predictive maintenance activities are established following ISO 3655, 2006. All these activities including automotive maintenance ones are organized and scheduled. Finally, OEE rate is applied to the lathe to identify the principal losses on the machine. After applying this proposal there is an increase of 27.84% and 39.71% in availability and performance respectively. The OEE calculation has increased by 29.97%, thereby motivating readers to implement this methodology in other industries. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.

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Big Data as a Tool for Analyzing Academic Performance in Education

2024 , Ayala-Chauvin, Manuel Ignacio , Chucuri-Real B. , ESCUDERO VILLA, PEDRO FERNANDO , Buele, Jorge

Educational processes are constantly evolving and need upgrading according to the needs of the students. Every day an immense amount of data is generated that could be used to understand children’s behavior. This research proposes using three machine learning algorithms to evaluate academic performance. After debugging and organizing the information, the respective analysis is carried out. Data from eight academic cycles (2014–2021) of an elementary school are used to train the models. The algorithms used were Random Trees, Logistic Regression, and Support Vector Machines, with an accuracy of 93.48%, 96.86%, and 97.1%, respectively. This last algorithm was used to predict the grades of a new group of students, highlighting that most students will have acceptable grades and none with a grade lower than 7/10. Thus, it can be corroborated that the daily stored data of an elementary school is sufficient to predict the academic performance of its students using computational algorithms. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.

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Vibrotactile stimulus duration threshold for perception of pulse to vibration transition

2025 , Remache Vinueza, Byron , Andrés Trujillo-León , Fernando Vidal-Verdú

This study investigates the minimum stimulus duration required to perceive the transition from pulse to vibration sensations, a critical parameter for optimizing information transmission via haptic interfaces such as smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, game consoles, and sensory substitution systems. Efficient transmission relies on minimizing stimulus duration, enabling more information to be conveyed in less time. A preliminary experiment established intensity perception thresholds—the minimum vibration intensities detectable—at 40, 80, 150, 250, 300, and 590 Hz, frequencies primarily activating the Pacinian (Rapid Adapting II) psychophysical channel. Subsequently, 35 participants determined the minimum durations needed to perceive the transition from pulse to vibration sensations across this frequency range. Results revealed a consistent minimum duration of approximately 30 ms, contrasting with findings in audition, where shorter durations suffice at higher frequencies, but aligning with prior studies in tactile perception.

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Acceptance Sampling of Vegetables and Legumes in Units Based on the Military Standard (MIL-STD 105E)

2024 , Villacís Guerrero, Jacqueline del Pilar , Álvarez-Duque W. , Bonilla-Villacís J.R. , Avilés-Castillo F.

A low-quality batch brings with its adverse effects on the productivity and profitability of a product. The Military Standard (MIL-STD 105E) allows calculating the acceptance number for an attribute sampling plan under regular inspection with an acceptable quality level. This study is carried out in the national distribution center (CND) of one of the largest supermarket chains in Ecuador. There is a lack of quality control in the reception of essential products and processes carried out empirically. Ensure the quality and safety of vegetables and legumes that are received daily. Develop specific instructions for sampling vegetables and legumes in units based on MIL-STD 105E. When conducting a verification audit, an increase of 15.93% in compliance with the standard technical ARCSA-DE-067-2015-GGG was obtained. Food product reception, processing, and distribution must follow strict biosafety and quality protocols. This proposal provides business opportunities for improvement and standardized handling of documentation and processes, which other similar institutions can use. © 2024, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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Perceptions and Dispositions of Parents and Teachers Toward Technological Learning Communities

2023 , Núñez-Hernández C. , Buele, Jorge

The search for strategies to improve students’ academic performance is increasingly common in education. Parents’ participation and teachers’ attention are key factors in forming a learning community. This article presents the results of a survey in which relevant statistical data was obtained. A significant association (p = 0.571) was found between the frequency with which parents help their children understand school content and their willingness to be part of a learning community, representing 40.65% of the population. In addition, it was found that 66.67% of parents frequently meet with their children’s teachers because they often solve the children’s doubts. Regarding the attention of teachers, it was evidenced that 64.71% of parents who meet very frequently with teachers do so with those who very frequently resolve children’s doubts effectively, which shows a correlation significant (p = 0.467). Finally, the relationship between the degree of mastery of teachers in learning management platforms and their participation in forming learning communities was analyzed. A significant correlation (phi = 0.321) was found between the degree of mastery of teachers in these platforms and their participation in the formation of learning communities, with 28.24% of teachers having sufficient mastery and 20.61% of those with a moderate domain. These findings highlight the importance of parent-teacher collaboration in fostering a culture of learning in school and improving student academic achievement. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023.

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Strategic Planning to Improve the Production Systems of an MSME: Case Study of a Toy Store

2024 , Buele, Jorge , Lozada-Cepeda J.A. , Ruales, María Belén

Competitiveness in the sales and services sector is becoming more and more intense. Therefore, the implementation of methodologies and strategies is necessary for the achievement of objectives, business growth, and the improvement of production systems. This article presents the performance of a strategic plan (SP) to identify the shortcomings of a company belonging to the MSME group. A toy store developing in Ecuadorian business is presented as a case study. The initial analysis uses tools such as the external PESTEL analysis, the Servqual model, and an analysis of current competitiveness. A new business model (Business Model Canvas) is defined to implement the plan, and strategic initiatives and projects are established. Since this study is projected for five years, experimental results are obtained for the first year, which shows a reduction in the gaps between customer expectations and the service offered. There is also evidence of minor quality mismatches in the Servqual model and a better competitive position than others. These objectives are related to increasing the company’s performance and combining quality, cost, and logistics on time. © 2024, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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Body Temperature Control Using a Robotic Arm

2021 , Varela Aldas, José , Moreira A. , Criollo P. , Ruales, María Belén

At the end of 2019, a highly contagious virus appears, changing the form of interaction between humans, this has implied the use of technology as a support tool to counteract the effects of the new disease (COVID-19). Although many technologies have been successfully adapted, applied robotics promises to reduce or even eliminate the need for person-to-person contact. This article presents the control of the body temperature of the clients of a commercial premises through the implementation of a system that includes a robotic arm, two sensors and a mobile device. The robotic arm is constructed using 3D printing and a low-cost electronic circuitry, body temperature is obtained using an infrared sensor, and a mobile device displays, alerts, and stores the information. The developed code allows remote control of the robot positions or a pre-programmed sequence is automatically activated that includes temperature measurement and hand disinfection. The results show the robot in operation and the data acquired by the system, observing adequate temperatures in most of the users and a single alert during the tests carried out. The conclusions establish the importance of the system in the real application and highlight the multiple benefits of this proposal. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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Interactive Software for the Learning of Mathematics in Elementary School Students in the Province of Tungurahua

2023 , Sánchez, Patricio , Jácome L. , Sancho C. , Sánchez R.

This article shows a study on the impact of the development of a video game for the teaching of mathematics in elementary school students, developed mainly to strengthen knowledge as a new educational resource for teachers to give interactive classes changing the usual way in which they teach, which would cause the student’s interest in learning. The methodology used was based on three phases: first, exploratory research was carried out in the Gabriela Mistral institution in San Pedro de Pelileo (Ecuador), second, the video game was developed with an agile methodology, applying an adaptive algorithm in its architecture that helps the children’s knowledge to be modified through the game, expanding the knowledge information they have. Finally, a determined group of students was evaluated to know whether or not the game contributed to their education and it was found that an increase of 27.78% was achieved in their knowledge, in relation to the levels they had with the conventional learning method. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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