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Technological Innovation to Assess Cognitive Functions in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

2021 , Ramos Galarza, Carlos , Acosta-Rodas M. , Acosta-Vargas P. , Salvador-Ullauri L.

The development of a neuropsychological assessment procedure through a technological platform for children with ADHD. This platform is based on Python programming language, where stimuli have been inserted and, to which, children evaluated must respond freely (letters P), and others to which must inhibit his/her responses (letters R), using an adapted button box (greater attraction for children with ADHD). Variables of interest to the clinician are (a) number of responses to impulse control stimuli, (b) total time of execution of the task, (c) time in milliseconds from the moment when the stimulus is presented until getting a response from the child, and (d) total answers made. This study was applied in children with ADHD versus children without the disorder, finding that children with ADHD presented a mean error of M = 5.05 while children without ADHD M = 3.42. © 2021, The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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Automated AirWellness System

2024 , Lara Calle, Andrés , Willian Molina , Pedro Escudero-Villa

Many Latin American countries face indoor air quality issues due to rapid urban growth, industrialization, and the lack of environmental regulations. Companies must ensure safe work environments in Tungurahua, Ecuador, especially concerning air quality. Exposure to CO, NOx, SO2, and particulate matter (PM) can lead to respiratory illnesses. This project focuses on mitigating air pollution in indoor spaces of companies in Tungurahua through an automated purification system using IoT. Employing automated measurement technology, the system identifies and manages chemical and ergonomic risks. An activated carbon-based purification system optimizes the reduction of pollutants, while IoT integration allows for real-time monitoring and automatic activation of the cleaner. The system's validation was performed by quantifying alcohol (2000 mg/m3), carbon monoxide (100 ppm), carbon dioxide (200 ppm), and PM2.5 particles (2500 ug/m3). A statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon test showed a significant difference between the values before and after using the purifier, with a p-value less than 0.05, allowing the rejection of the null hypothesis and acceptance of the alternative. The results indicate a significant reduction in pollution levels. This prototype can improve air quality in indoor spaces, promoting respiratory health among workers and providing a foundation for the development of future risk prevention systems.

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Natural lighting performance of vernacular architecture, case study oldtown Pasa, Ecuador

2023 , Bustán-Gaona D. , Ayala-Chauvin M. , Buele, Jorge , Jara-Garzón P. , Riba-Sanmartí G.

Vernacular architecture is an architectural style that reflects the traditions and cultural aspects of a particular region or community. It is characterized by the use of local materials and traditional construction techniques, adapting to the climatic, geographical, and cultural conditions of the place. Despite extensive research on the benefits of natural lighting in modern architecture, there is limited understanding of how vernacular architecture integrates natural lighting principles in various climatic conditions, mainly due to restrictions in intervention and concerns about structural integrity. In today's world, energy efficiency and conservation are crucial aspects of building design. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effectiveness of natural lighting in the indoor spaces of vernacular architecture. The research includes measurements taken in traditional buildings in the parish of Pasa, Ambato, Ecuador, as well as simulations to evaluate the behavior of sunlight. The findings reveal that, with new construction technologies, lighting levels in the interior spaces of these buildings can be improved. To address this issue, a proposed solution is presented to optimize the use of natural light, resulting in an increase from 30 to 100 lx. This improvement could pave the way for the implementation of policies that enhance the quality of life for users. © 2023

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A Systematic Literature Review on Technological Solutions to Fight Bullying and Cyberbullying in Academic Environments

2022 , Cedillo P. , Bermeo A. , Betancourth A. , Espinosa F. , Illescas L. , Jadán Guerrero, Janio

Nowadays, the world is more connected than ever; the use of internet, social networks and platforms allows for people of all ages to have constant communication. During the past year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, children and teenagers have had to spend most of their time using a technological device, for educational and recreational purposes. This constant connection has carried on several issues, one of them being cyberbullied. This is when a person intentionally and repeatedly harms another one, on a virtual environment. Even with its downside, technology has many advantages; it has allowed for children and teenagers to engage in educational communities and applications. Then, studies on bullying and the ways to fight it exist from many years prior, however, there are little literature about the technological solutions to help in the fight against cyberbullying and bullying. Therefore, the objective of this research is to perform a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) about technological solutions for education and to fight bullying and cyberbullying in children and teenagers. To perform a trustworthy, rigorous and repeatable SLR, the methodology proposed by Kitchenham was used. The presented SLR, uses studies from 2009 to 2021. To start, a group of primary studies was selected, which met the characteristics to answer the research question “What technological tools, methods and models are used to educate about bullying and cyberbullying?” The primary studies were obtained from the most used digital libraries, prominent journals, and most representative conferences in the area. In conclusion, this study provides a global vision of the state of the art in this area, which represents a helpful tool for researchers to detect weaknesses and gaps and open new horizons regarding the use and design of technology to fight bullying and cyberbullying. Copyright © 2022 by SCITEPRESS – Science and Technology Publications, Lda. All rights reserved.

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Construction of a Low-Cost Semi-automatic Machine for Tensile Testing

2021 , Varela Aldas, José , Buele, Jorge , Cruz J.

Tensile tests make it possible to determine the resistance and other relevant parameters of the materials. These procedures are usually performed with equipment that is expensive and inaccessible to higher education centers with limited budgets. In the case of acquiring this hardware, the disadvantage is that this are purely manual machines that make the use and learning process difficult. That is why this document shows the construction of a machine that allows this type of testing, but using low-cost materials. The mechanical and electronic design and programming that has been used to implement and semi-automate the machine is briefly but clearly described. To validate the functionality, the respective tests have been carried out, although it is a limited version that requires improvements, the results are satisfactory. The curve obtained when carrying out tests with A36 steel has shown a similarity with the theory. Thus, students obtain a technological tool that contributes to academic training, strengthening knowledge in the study of materials. © 2021, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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The influence of corporate social responsibility on firm reputation with the moderating effect of personal employees' ethical value

2022 , Saeidi S.P. , Saeidi, Parvaneh , Alvarez Zamora N.F. , Endara H.V.

This study attempts to investigate the conditional effects of the ethical values of employees and corporate social responsibility (CSR), as two possible influencing variables on a firm's reputation. Moreover, this research determines the moderating effect of ethical values of employees on the relationship of CSR with firm reputation. AMOS is used as a visual program in structural equation modelling in order to analyse and test the hypotheses suggested in this paper. Data were collected from 301 SMEs in industrial and service sectors, in Malaysia, using survey method through structured questionnaires with five-point Likert scales. According to the results, hypothesis of moderating effect of personal employees' ethical values (PEEV) on CSR and firm reputation in the industrial sector was rejected; whereas a conditional moderating effect of ethical values of employees on CSR and firm reputation was reported in the service sector. This shows that when companies rely more on human resources, a higher level of ethical values among employees leads to a higher level of reputation for the firm in society, even if CSR is at a low level at those companies. Copyright © 2022 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

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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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Virtual learning environments as an alternative in the teaching of critical medicine

2022 , Dillon F. , Jara F. , Rojas, David , Freire Muñoz, Irina

The general objective of this research work was to determine the feasibility of incorporating EVA as a didactic alternative in the teaching of critical medicine in postgraduate students. The research paradigm was of a propositive critical type with a mixed descriptive, explanatory, and correlational approach. The study population was selected through an intentional sampling for convenience and was made up of 90 students and 23 teachers of the postgraduate degree in Critical Medicine from two private universities in Ecuador. The research instruments used were two multiple-choice surveys with a single response on a Likert scale that, prior to their application, were validated and are reliable. The results obtained made it possible to determine the feasibility of incorporating EVAs in the academic training of critical medicine postgraduate students, thus also allowing the reduction of hospital absence times due to the academic training received virtually. © 2022, Associacao Iberica de Sistemas e Tecnologias de Informacao. All rights reserved.

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Challenges and Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence in the Media: A Theoretical Approach

2025 , Londoño Proaño, Cristián , Buele, Jorge

This study explores the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI) in the media, specifically in newspapers, radio and television. AI is transforming these industries by automating processes such as news generation, transcription, and content personalization. The aim of this article is to identify, explore and analyze the main advances of AI in the media industry. In the end, the challenges and the effects on audiences are raised. The methodology employed includes a descriptive and analytical approach, based on the analysis of annual reports and case studies of media that have implemented AI. Among the results obtained, the growth in the use of AI to generate automated and personalized content, as well as the integration of virtual presenters, stands out. However, concerns also emerge about the spread of misinformation and the ethical handling of personal data. In conclusion, AI offers significant operational advantages for the media, but it is crucial to balance its implementation with strong ethical management to ensure information quality and protect the rights of audiences.

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Resistance Is Not Futile: Widespread Convergent Evolution of Resistance to Alpha-Neurotoxic Snake Venoms in Caecilians (Amphibia: Gymnophiona)

2023 , Mancuso M. , Zaman S. , Maddock S.T. , Kamei R.G. , Salazar Valenzuela, David , Wilkinson M. , Roelants K. , Fry B.G.

Predatory innovations impose reciprocal selection pressures upon prey. The evolution of snake venom alpha-neurotoxins has triggered the corresponding evolution of resistance in the post-synaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of prey in a complex chemical arms race. All other things being equal, animals like caecilians (an Order of legless amphibians) are quite vulnerable to predation by fossorial elapid snakes and their powerful alpha-neurotoxic venoms; thus, they are under strong selective pressure. Here, we sequenced the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha-1 subunit of 37 caecilian species, representing all currently known families of caecilians from across the Americas, Africa, and Asia, including species endemic to the Seychelles. Three types of resistance were identified: (1) steric hindrance from N-glycosylated asparagines; (2) secondary structural changes due to the replacement of proline by another amino acid; and (3) electrostatic charge repulsion of the positively charged neurotoxins, through the introduction of a positively charged amino acid into the toxin-binding site. We demonstrated that resistance to alpha-neurotoxins convergently evolved at least fifteen times across the caecilian tree (three times in Africa, seven times in the Americas, and five times in Asia). Additionally, as several species were shown to possess multiple resistance modifications acting synergistically, caecilians must have undergone at least 20 separate events involving the origin of toxin resistance. On the other hand, resistance in non-caecilian amphibians was found to be limited to five origins. Together, the mutations underlying resistance in caecilians constitute a robust signature of positive selection which strongly correlates with elapid presence through both space (sympatry with caecilian-eating elapids) and time (Cenozoic radiation of elapids). Our study demonstrates the extent of convergent evolution that can be expected when a single widespread predatory adaptation triggers parallel evolutionary arms races at a global scale. © 2023 by the authors.