Universidad Indoamérica
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INDOAMÉRICA es una Institución de educación superior con más de tres décadas al servicio de la ciencia y la formación de profesionales de excelencia. Nuestros orígenes se remontan a los años ochenta, cuando fue constituido el Centro de Estudios de Computación “Servisistemas Informáticos Indoamérica”. Su nombre, INDOAMÉRICA, expresa un profundo sentido de pertenencia a la cultura latinoamericana, lo cual constituye la base fundamental de nuestra identidad.

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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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Near-shore island lizard fauna shaped by a combination of human-mediated and natural dispersal

2023 , Salerno, Patricia E. , Chan L.M. , Pauly G.B. , Funk W.C. , Robertson J.M.

Aim: Island biotas provide opportunities to study colonization and adaptation to novel environments. Islands, especially near-shore islands, may have a long record of human habitation such that some lineages result from human-assisted introductions. Here, we combine phylogenetic analyses with fossil data and historical specimen records to reconstruct colonization histories, characterize among-island divergence and assess the role of humans in shaping the evolutionary history of lizards inhabiting a near-shore island archipelago. Location: Channel Islands and adjacent mainland of California, United States. Taxa: Western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis), southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata), common side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana). Methods: We sequenced mitochondrial DNA (ND1, cyt-b) from each of three lizard species, covering their entire island distributions plus the adjacent mainland. For each, we estimated diversity within and among each island, obtained maximum likelihood bootstrapped phylogenies, constructed haplotype networks and tested for population expansion. We used museum specimen records and microfossil evidence to infer colonization scenarios. Results: Sceloporus occidentalis is characterized by a single island-colonization event, and exhibits the deepest divergences from mainland relatives and the highest among-island divergence. Elgaria multicarinata and Uta stansburiana each have at least three distinct colonization events, with fossil and historical data indicating that some of these occurred after humans arrived to the islands. Main Conclusions: The evolution of Channel Island lineages for two lizard taxa has been mediated by ancient and contemporary anthropogenic activity, while the evolution of the third is shaped by natural dispersal and vicariance caused by sea-level rise. Genetic divergence corroborates the treatment of S. occidentalis as an endemic island species, Sceloporus becki. The unique histories of these three taxa are synthesized with other Channel Island lineages highlighting that taxa inhabiting islands with long histories of human activity should be carefully studied to assess the role of people in facilitating colonization and subsequent gene flow. © 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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Criminal characteristics and psychopathy in women in prison [Características delictivas y psicopatía en mujeres en prisión]

2023 , Molina-Coloma V. , Lara-Machado R. , Lara-Barros B. , Valdez-Miño C.

Objectives: To compare the factors and facets of psychopathy based on criminal characteristics in a sample of women in prison. Material and method: Descriptive, comparative, cross-sectional study composed of a sample of 41 women incarcerated in the Ambato prison in Ecuador. In an individual session, the Hare Psychopathy Scale Revised was applied. Results: Recidivist women, with a juvenile criminal history and who are admitted to the maximum-security ward, have a higher score in the affective facet of the PCL-R. In addition, those women who are in the maximum-security pavilion have scored high in factor 2 (social deviance), mainly in the antisocial aspect. Discussion: This subgroup of women in prison is characterized by lack of remorse, emotional insensitivity, manipulation, inability to accept responsibility for their own actions, and superficial affection. Further expansion of the study of psychopathy in women is required. © 2023, Sociedad Espanola de Sanidad Penitenciaria. All rights reserved.

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Molecular Markers and Conservation of Plant Species in the Latin-America: The Case of Phaedranassa viridiflora (Amaryllidaceae)

2013 , Oleas Gallo, Nora Helena , Meerow A.W. , Francisco-Ortega J.

Phaedranassa viridiflora (Amaryllidaceae) is an endemic and endangered plant restricted to the Northern Andes in Ecuador. It is known in three locations where it is sympatric with other Phaedranassa species. Phaedranassa viridiflora is the only species of the genus with yellow flowers. We analyzed 13 microsatellite loci to elucidate the genetic structure of the populations of P. viridiflora. Our results provided the first evidence of natural hybridization in the genus (between P. viridiflora and P. dubia in the Pululahua crater of northern Ecuador). The central and southern populations did not show hybridization. Genetic diversity was the highest in the Pululahua population. Central and southern populations have a higher proportion of clones than Pululahua. Bayesian and cluster analysis suggest that the yellow flower type evolved at least three times along the Ecuadorean Andes. In contrast to other Phaedranassa species, Phaedranassa viridiflora shows lower genetic diversity, which is likely related to a vegetative reproductive strategy. © 2013 The New York Botanical Garden (outside the USA).

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A First Look at the Inhibitory Potential of Urospatha sagittifolia (Araceae) Ethanolic Extract for Bothrops atrox Snakebite Envenomation

2022 , Vera-Palacios, A.L. , Sacoto-Torres, J.D. , Hernández-Altamirano, J.A. , Moreno, A. , Peñuela-Mora, M.C. , Salazar Valenzuela, David , Mogollón, N.G.S. , Almeida, J.R.

Bothrops atrox snakebites are a relevant problem in the Amazon basin. In this biodiverse region, the ethnomedicinal approach plays an important role as an alternative to antivenom therapy. Urospatha sagittifolia (Araceae) is a plant used for this purpose; however, its neutralizing properties have not been scientifically accessed. To fill this gap, we investigated the ability of U. sagittifolia to modulate the catalytic activity of Bothrops atrox venom, and their toxic consequences, such as local damage and lethality. The venom profile of B. atrox was assessed by chromatography and electrophoresis. Inhibition of the three main enzymatic and medically important toxins from the venom was evaluated using synthetic substrates and quantified by chromogenic activity assays. Additionally, the neutralization of lethality, hemorrhage and edema were investigated by in vivo assays. The possible interactions between venom proteins and plant molecules were visualized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Finally, the phytochemical constituents present in the ethanolic extract were determined by qualitative and quantitative analyses. The ethanolic extract reduced the activity of the three main enzymes of venom target, achieving ranges from 19% to 81% of inhibition. Our in vivo venom neuralizations assays showed a significant inhibition of edema (38.72%) and hemorrhage (42.90%). Additionally, lethality was remarkably counteracted. The highest extract ratio evaluated had a 75% survival rate. Our data support the biomedical value of U. sagittifolia as a source of natural enzyme inhibitors able to neutralize catalytically active B. atrox venom toxins and their toxic effects. © 2022 by the authors.

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Augmented Reality as a Promoter of Visualization for the Learning of Mathematics in Ninth-Year of Basic Education

2023 , Espinosa Pinos, Carlos Alberto , Amaluisa Rendón P.M. , Núñez Torres, María Giovanna , Quinatoa-Casicana J.

This research focused on developing a mobile application in Meta-verse augmented reality to improve the learning of notable products, factoring, and linear equations in ninth-grade students of the intercultural bilingual educational unit of the millennium “Pueblo Kisapincha” based on the notional method. The methodology applied was quasi-experimental and longitudinal, where related samples were compared using a diagnostic test versus a subsequent evaluation of knowledge. The sampling technique was by non-probabilistic convenience comprising 25 students and 15 teachers to whom a structured questionnaire was applied to determine the predisposition to work in the classroom with augmented reality, which was validated with Cronbach's alpha statistic (α = 0.844). The students’ scores improved significantly after participating in both evaluations, with the post-evaluation being the one that showed the highest score according to the Bayesian T-test applied to related samples. A proposal of activities was designed to motivate the study of algebraic expressions; this product was implemented considering the ADDIE instructional model, guiding each movement with its respective resolution process as a form of feedback. The proposal was evaluated by two experts in technology and two experts in education with more than ten years of experience. In conclusion, developing an augmented reality mobile application in Metaverse to improve the learning of introductory algebra proved to be a valuable and effective tool to contribute to student learning. The mobile application provided an interactive and engaging learning experience, so it is recommended to incorporate this mobile application in the curriculum of the Kisapincha educational unit and its possible implementation in other similar educational institutions. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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Analysis and improvement of the web accessibility of a tele-rehabilitation platform for hip arthroplasty patients

2019 , Calle-Jimenez T. , Sanchez-Gordon S. , Rybarczyk Y. , Jadán Guerrero, Janio , Villarreal S. , Esparza W. , Acosta-Vargas P. , Guevara C. , Nunes I.L.

This paper explains some of the challenges that exist to make accessible the web interfaces of a Tele-rehabilitation platform for hip arthroplasty patients and propose an iterative method to improve the level of accessibility using automatic evaluation tools. Web accessibility is not concerned with the specific conditions of people who use the Web, but with the impact that their conditions have on their ability to use it. If the web interfaces of the Tele-rehabilitation platform for hip arthroplasty patients are not accessible enough, the patients will not be able to understand, perceive or operate adequately the platform to benefit completely of the physical therapy. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0) provides a set of rules and recommendations to help solve the problems of Web accessibility. Additionally, there are evaluation tools that allow identifying main web accessibility problems. These tools are best exploited when used by accessibility experts. The purpose of this research is threefold. First, to present the results of a web accessibility evaluation of the web interfaces of the Tele-rehabilitation Platform for Hip Arthroplasty Patients using three the evaluation tools: WAVE, AChecker and TAW. Second, to analyze the results presented by the tools according to the WCAG 2.0 guidelines to define a list of accessibility improvements. Third, to implement the improvements through the re-factorization of the existing code and re-testing the improved web interfaces to verify that they meet acceptable accessibility levels. © Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2019.

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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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Telemetry and Video Surveillance System in a UAV for the Control and Monitoring of Long-Distance Missions

2020 , Buele, Jorge , Yánez-Arcos E. , Moscoso M.E. , Huilca J.S. , Jordán E.P. , Urrutia-Urrutia P. , Salazar F.W.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are multidisciplinary technological tools, which are used in the military area for surveillance, reconnaissance and intelligence tasks in conflict zones. Due to its versatility and performance, this manuscript describes the implementation of a telemetry and video surveillance system to develop long-range missions in a UAV prototype. Communications subsystems and a ground station are integrated, with which an unmanned aerial system (UAS) is formed, carrying out the necessary calibrations and configurations. After a set of tests and the necessary adjustments, a long-distance mission is carried out and its energy consumption, height reached and trajectory tracking are analyzed. In addition, the video signal level obtained and the percentage of telemetry signal in each of the tests are established, which managed to be 90% with a distance greater than 4 km. They have good benefits, with a low economic investment, representing an interesting proposal for developing countries with a limited budget for their improvement. © 2020, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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System Identification and Nonlinear Model Predictive Control with Collision Avoidance Applied in Hexacopters UAVs

2022 , Recalde, Luis , Guevara, B.S. , Carvajal, C.P. , Andaluz, V.H. , Varela Aldas, José , Gandolfo, D.C.

Accurate trajectory tracking is a critical property of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) due to system nonlinearities, under-actuated properties and constraints. Specifically, the use of unmanned rotorcrafts with accuracy trajectory tracking controllers in dynamic environments has the potential to improve the fields of environment monitoring, safety, search and rescue, border surveillance, geology and mining, agriculture industry, and traffic control. Monitoring operations in dynamic environments produce significant complications with respect to accuracy and obstacles in the surrounding environment and, in many cases, it is difficult to perform even with state-of-the-art controllers. This work presents a nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) with collision avoidance for hexacopters’ trajectory tracking in dynamic environments, as well as shows a comparative study between the accuracies of the Euler–Lagrange formulation and the dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) models in order to find the precise representation of the system dynamics. The proposed controller includes limits on the maneuverability velocities, system dynamics, obstacles and the tracking error in the optimization control problem (OCP). In order to show the good performance of this control proposal, computational simulations and real experiments were carried out using a six rotary-wind unmanned aerial vehicle (hexacopter—DJI MATRICE 600). The experimental results prove the good performance of the predictive scheme and its ability to regenerate the optimal control policy. Simulation results expand the proposed controller in simulating highly dynamic environments that showing the scalability of the controller. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

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