Universidad Indoamérica
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Quito
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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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Social Robotic Platform to Strengthen Literacy Skills

2021 , Zapata M. , Gordón J. , Caicedo A. , Alvarez-Tello J.

This work presents a robotic platform with mechanical movements of the head, torso, and arms interact in real-time through the “Tití app” that integrates game sessions to improve literacy skills, relating the development of a new learning scenario. The functionality of the app is based on the reading and writing errors proposed by the T.A.L.E test. The prototype developed for the dynamic interaction with the app, is controlled by an Arduino board, which manages the servo-motors and the Bluetooth communication to establish a wireless connection with a Tablet or mobile device that runs the app. The mechanical design and the control software development allow the execution of operations between the robotic prototype Titíbot and the Tití app. Its design form, function and context were considered to define each of its functions and customize the interaction to reinforce the scenario and context of application. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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Patterns of avian haemosporidian infections vary with time, but not habitat, in a fragmented Neotropical landscape

2018 , De Aguilar J.R. , Castillo F. , Moreno A. , Peñafiel N. , Browne L. , Walter S.T. , Karubian J. , Bonaccorso E.

Habitat loss has the potential to alter vertebrate host populations and their interactions with parasites. Theory predicts a decrease in parasite diversity due to the loss of hosts in such contexts. However, habitat loss could also increase parasite infections as a result of the arrival of new parasites or by decreasing host immune defenses. We investigated the effect of habitat loss and other habitat characteristics on avian haemosporidian infections in a community of birds within a fragmented landscape in northwest Ecuador. We estimated Plasmodium and Haemoproteus parasite infections in 504 individual birds belonging to 8 families and 18 species. We found differences in infection status among bird species, but no relationship between forest fragment characteristics and infection status was observed. We also found a temporal effect, with birds at the end of the five-month study (which ran from the end of the rainy season thru the dry season), being less infected by Plasmodium parasites than individuals sampled at the beginning. Moreover, we found a positive relationship between forest area and Culicoides abundance. Taken as a whole, these findings indicate little effect of fragment characteristics per se on infection, although additional sampling or higher infection rates would have offered more power to detect potential relationships. © 2018 Rivero de Aguilar et al.This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

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Factors Influencing the Economic Growth of the Business Sector in Zone 3 of Ecuador

2024 , Morales Molina, Tania , Urrutia X.M. , Figueredo-Morales C. , Vásquez G.B.B.

In zone 3 of Ecuador there are diverse economic and productive activities, therefore, in this research work we intend to analyze the factors that influence growth in the business sector, a documentary-bibliographic research will be carried out through the review of different scientific articles, documents, books, texts and doctoral theses in order to build the state of the art, as well as data from secondary sources of national statistical offices will also be used. The result focuses on the discussion among public, non-governmental and private sector actors, on the economic factors that stimulate the emergence of new companies and the strengthening of existing ones with general information, which affect the initiative to the contribution to business growth and sustainability of the company. In the conclusions we can refer that the entrepreneurs of zone 3 should be more linked among themselves, should be more communicated, have more cooperation among them and establish long-term relationships between them, to generate better conditions that favor the business system and strengthen productivity and innovation. © 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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Role changes in software development projects using agile methodologies: A case study of private companies in Guatemala City

2022 , Santos-Tiberio H. , Vinueza A. , Jadán Guerrero, Janio

This new era of software development began to generate changes in the way software development teams are organized, new roles and functions are established in project management. In many cases this role does not exist and a similar role must be chosen and the project manager must adapt. This research seeks to know the changes made by software project managers in private companies in Guatemala City. The research hypothesizes that the implementation of agile methodologies produces an update in the functions and roles in the area of project management in private institutions. For this purpose, a four-phase study was carried out: Design of the instrument, Distribution of the instrument, Processing of the information and Analysis of the information. A sample of 35 private companies was worked with the participation of software development team leaders. The results obtained from an online survey allowed us to discover that there are considerable changes in the roles and responsibilities of project leaders in organizations that migrate from traditional methodology to agile methodology. © 2022 IEEE.

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Delay in language development in preschool children in Ecuador [Retraso en el desarrollo del lenguaje en niños de nivel inicial en Ecuador]

2023 , Pullas J.M.L.

Knowledge about the risk factors and causes of delays in language development is vital to developing and implementing effective intervention strategies. The objective of this research is to determine the presence of delay in language development in children of initial level 1 (three to four years old) in Ecuador, in a context of significant changes in social routines. Data were collected from 122 educators in children’s centers in the 9 areas of the country. The results reveal indicators of delay in language development, such as difficulties in linking language with play, complex narratives, organization of discourse, detailed descriptions, creative use of language, formation of negative sentences, expression of opposite concepts, resolution of riddles, vocabulary expansion and grammatical skills. The findings show the need to implement educational strategies and programs that promote linguistic development through communicative activities, storytelling, language play and vocabulary acquisition. These early interventions can overcome identified difficulties and promote healthy language development at this crucial stage. © Licencia de Creative Commons Atribución 4.0 Internacional (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.es

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Design and Implementation of a Wastewater Heat Recovery System Prototype for Electric Showers in Quito-Ecuador

2020 , Remache Vinueza, Byron , Calderón G.E. , Zapata, Mireya

A wastewater heat recovery system was designed and implemented in the city of Quito - Ecuador. The prototype consists of adapting a heat exchanger to recover energy from wastewater and preheat the water that enters an electric shower. A temperature control system was designed and adapted to work based on a preset comfort temperature. A procedure for the manufacture of copper U-pipe fittings was developed for the construction of the heat exchanger coil, which consists of freezing water inside the pipe so that when rolled it avoids crushing and excessive loss of the inner diameter. Results show that for an average family of 4 members a reduction of energy consumption by 57% is possible. For the case of Ecuador, a reduction of 56.69 Mt of equivalent CO2 emissions was estimated if the system was implemented across the country. A payback period of 8.35 years was calculated for the initial investment. © 2020, The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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Rescue of Historical Natural Elements: Urban Design for the Recovery of “El Censo” Ravine in Quito, Ecuador

2024 , Zumárraga Salgado, María Daniela , Miniguano A.M.C. , Padilla M.J.U.

Quito has a wealth of natural elements that over time have been consolidated as an important part of the city's landscape, however, they are in a progressive deterioration due to the lack of awareness of all urban stakeholders. The El Censo ravine is one of the most important natural elements in the city center since it has a historical value related to productive economic activities, however, it is in constant deterioration. This research has two objectives: the first, to diagnose the current state of the ravine by applying the habitability index of the public space (qualitative and quantitative research approach) and the second, to propose an urban design project that seeks to rescue this natural space (exploratory research approach). As a result, it is found that the design of an active border of the ravine can become a dynamic and connecting element of the neighborhoods in the area, in addition to conserving biological diversity, encouraging the conversion of communities and reusing historical infrastructure to rescue the urban image of the area. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.

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Evaluation of the energy autonomy of urban areas as an instrument to promote the energy transition

2022 , Ayala-Chauvin, Manuel Ignacio , Riba Sanmartí G. , Riba C. , Lara P.

The management of energy systems with a high share of renewables is a challenge for grid planners and operators, as weather and energy demand do not always coincide. Investigating the energy autonomy of cities and their local energy resources can help to overcome this challenge. To this end, real energy demand data from the city of Loja, Ecuador, and wind energy generation from a nearby wind farm were compared. This showed that wind energy provides 53% of the city’s demand. It is exposed that despite the excess energy, the wind farm’s ability to supply the city with electricity is limited to about 74% when the wind farm is expanded to twice its rated capacity. The results show that in order to improve the autonomy, other energy sources, such as photovoltaic, as well as useful size energy storage are needed. © 2022 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

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