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Virtual Reality and User Experience: Current Trends and Future Challenges

2025 , Avilés-Castillo, Fátima , Buele, Jorge , Guillermo Palacios-Navarro

Virtual reality is an emerging and versatile technology that is gaining increasing interest from the scientific community, particularly regarding user experience. A review of the literature highlights the need for updated analyses that comprehensively address current trends in this field. The objective of this study is to analyze the evolution of scientific publications related to virtual reality and user experience, identifying trends, the most influential authors, relevant journals, and international collaborations, to provide a comprehensive overview. A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection database, identifying a total of 1,848 relevant publications. Network analysis techniques and Bradford’s law were applied, allowing for the examination of the distribution and impact of publications, as well as collaboration between authors and institutions. The results show an exponential growth in scientific output, particularly since 2019. While the United States leads in the number of publications, most of the influential authors are from Europe, with notable scientific output in Spain and Portugal. Current research hotspots include virtual reality applications in education and healthcare (over 70% of the analyzed publications), which align with Sustainable Development Goals, particularly 3 and 4. Trends indicate a shift towards integrating virtual reality with artificial intelligence, adaptive systems, and multisensory interaction to enhance immersion and usability. Challenges include a lack of standardized methodologies to assess immersion, presence, and cognitive load, which limits comparisons across studies and hinders the development of best practices. Future research should focus on refining interaction paradigms, improving accessibility, and developing ethical frameworks that respect data privacy and protect the user from cybersickness and the psychological effects of prolonged virtual reality exposure.

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An assessment of a ROS class using an educational mobile robot

2024 , Varela Aldas, José , Junta, Christian , Buele, Jorge , Guillermo Palacios-Navarro

The Robot Operating System (ROS) is a middleware that standardizes robot programming, both in simulation and with real equipment. Despite this open-source tool being available for several years, there's still a need to enhance its utilization in robotics education across all educational levels. In this study, a ROS class is assessed among university students using a commercial educational robot. The primary objective is to measure academic emotions in learning and student performance to determine the impact of the class using the open-access tool from a GitHub repository (https://github.com/joseVarelaAldas/ROS-Crowbot). This tool is based on the rosserial package, compatible with the ESP32 board. For class, CrowBot robots connected to the local wireless network via WiFi are used. TThe participants in this study were eight students from an electronics degree program at a higher education institution, who had no prior experience with ROS and received practical training using the educational mobile robot. For data collection on class performance, three parameters are assessed: execution time, functionality, and motivation, and to measure academic emotions, a validated self-report instrument is used. The results show an overall performance of 82.1%, and in the self-report on academic emotions, a high score in enjoyment (95%) and the lowest score in boredom (24.1 %) were obtained. In conclusion, the repository provides an interesting, practical, and accessible tool for an introduction into the world of robotics using ROS.

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Vehicle locking system using an electronic breathalyzer and notification by mobile communication

2020 , Brito, G. , Salazar, F.W. , Lema, E.O. , Sánchez, A.P. , Pérez, H.V. , Buele, Jorge

This paper presents the implementation of a prototype to lock/unlock the vehicle ignition system. It involves the adaptation of an opto-isolated relay, which has been equipped with a wireless interface of the MQTT protocol. The relay activation is controlled by an embedded board Raspberry Pi 3; it acts as the main unit of the proposed system. The executed control actions are given depending on the information received by radiofrequency from an implemented electronic breathalyzer. This device evaluates the alcohol level and humidity in the driver's breath using the MQ-3 and DHT11 sensors. In addition, a mobile communication platform compatible with Android smartphones is provided to inform the enabling/disabling of the vehicle's ignition system, its geographical location by GPS coordinates and a front facial photograph of the driver. All these features are incorporated by a wireless local network (WiFi) for the elements that make up the prototype. This work also presents the transmission of information to mobile terminals compatible with the Telegram instant messaging system through the UMTS network. In order to validate this proposal, the corresponding tests are carried out and their comparison with a commercial device. © 2020 American Scientific Publishers.

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Robotics in higher education and its impact on digital learning

2025 , Zamora Lascano, Patrick , Lozada, Alan , Buele, Jorge , Avilés-Castillo, Fátima

In recent years, robotics has transformed various industrial processes but has also influenced teaching methodologies. Although there are literature reviews on its application in professional training, many are outdated or lack a current focus on its impact in higher education. Addressing this gap, the present mini review examines the impact, challenges, and opportunities of this technology in the university setting. To this end, a search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, APA PsycNet, and Web of Science databases, selecting 11 studies that addressed diverse applications of robotics, including educational robotics, robotic telepresence, human-robot interaction, and artificial intelligence applications. Their effects on teaching, the factors influencing their adoption, and the strategies used to optimize their implementation were analyzed. The findings show that educational robotics enhances student motivation and engagement, with prediction models reaching an accuracy of 98.78% in assessing academic engagement. Additionally, robotic telepresence emerges as an effective alternative for hybrid education, and social robots and AI-based tutors demonstrated their potential to personalize learning. However, methodological and structural challenges persist, such as the need to develop more accurate evaluation metrics and ensure accessibility and educational equity. Future research should focus on improving these aspects, enabling more efficient integration to enhance teaching processes. This study was registered in the Open Science Framework under the code: 10.17605/OSF.IO/KHDTU.

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Environmental Sustainability in Industrial Operations: A Comprehensive Review

2024 , Espinoza Castro, Froilan , Lara Ramírez, Andy , Buele, Jorge

As industrial activities expand, their significant environmental impact calls for the adoption of sustainable practices to mitigate adverse effects on ecosystems and communities. This comprehensive review synthesizes recent literature from recognized databases such as Scopus, SciELO, IEEE Xplore and Latindex, focusing on articles published within the last five years that emphasize the implementation of sustainable strategies in industrial operations. Our findings highlight a range of implemented strategies across various sectors, including advancements in energy efficiency through technology integration and resource optimization. Despite these improvements, challenges such as high resource consumption and waste production persist, underscoring the ongoing conflict between industrial growth and environmental preservation. The review discusses case studies demonstrating both the environmental and economic benefits of sustainable practices, illustrating the potential for industry-wide improvements. Conclusively, while the industrial sector has made notable progress towards sustainability, substantial efforts are required to address inherent challenges such as the high costs of initial investments and general resistance to change. Future research should explore the development and application of innovative technologies tailored to specific industrial needs, aiming to foster a holistic approach to sustainability that integrates economic, social, and environmental aspects.

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3D Object Reconstruction Using Concatenated Matrices with MS Kinect: A Contribution to Interiors Architecture

2020 , Buele, Jorge , Varela Aldas, José , Castellanos E.X. , Jadán Guerrero, Janio , Barberán J.

Interior architecture is part of the individual, social and business life of the human being; it allows structuring the spaces to inhabit, study or work. This document presents the design and implementation of a system that allows the three-dimensional reconstruction of objects with a reduced economic investment. The image acquisition process and treatment of the information with mathematical support that it entails are described. The system involves an MS Kinect as a tool to create a radar that operates with the structured light principle to capture objects at a distance of less than 2 meters. The development of the scripts is done in the MATLAB software and in the same way the graphical interface that is presented to the user. As part of the initial tests of this prototype, the digitization of geometric shape structures has been performed with an accuracy of over 98%. This validates its efficient operation, which serves as the basis for the development of modeling in interior architecture for future work. © 2020, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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Ethical Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Among Ecuadorian University Students

2025 , Buele, Jorge , Ángel Ramón Sabando-García , Bosco Javier Sabando-García , Yánez Rueda, Hugo

Artificial intelligence has transformed educational environments by facilitating processes such as information retrieval, assisted writing, automated feedback, and personalized tutoring. Within university settings, the adoption of technologies capable of autonomously generating content has increased rapidly, becoming a common academic resource for students. However, this accelerated integration poses ethical challenges, particularly when such tools are used without a clear understanding of their implications. This study aimed to examine how students’ emotional attitudes (affective), understanding (cognitive), and practical use (behavioral) of AI relate to their ethical engagement with these technologies. A structured questionnaire was administered to 833 university students in Ecuador. The instrument showed excellent internal consistency (α = 0.992; Ω = 0.992), and the validity analyses confirmed that the dimensions measured distinct but related constructs. ChatGPT was reported as the most used tool (62.2%), followed by Gemini and Siri. The structural model indicated that emotional and cognitive dimensions substantially influenced ethical behavior (β = 0.413 and β = 0.567, respectively), whereas frequent use alone exhibited no significant effect (β = −0.128; p = 0.058). These results suggest that ethical engagement with AI is primarily driven by reflection and knowledge rather than habit. This study contributes to the literature by modeling how different learning dimensions shape ethical behavior in AI use and underscores the relevance of aligning academic practices with socially responsible uses of emerging technologies.

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A Review of Technological Innovations in Rubber Recycling

2024 , Asubadin Espin, Pablo , De la Cruz, Rubén , Buele, Jorge

Rubber waste management poses a significant environmental challenge globally, exacerbated by the growing production of tires and limited recycling capacity in various industries. This study addresses the need for innovations in rubber recycling by identifying economic and structural barriers that hinder the effective implementation of advanced technologies. The goal is to analyze and evaluate technological innovations, such as enhanced tire marking and pyrolysis, and their potential to improve recycling efficiency and promote a circular economy. The methodology involved a systematic review of the literature, covering recent studies on recycling technology and extended producer responsibility models. Recovery rates of rubber below 4% were identified in some regions, highlighting the urgency of adopting these innovations. The main findings indicate that while technologies like pyrolysis can transform waste into valuable resources, their implementation remains limited due to a lack of infrastructure and economic support. It is emphasized that although promising solutions exist, their success depends on a comprehensive approach that considers socioeconomic realities and the need for supportive policies and public awareness.

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Design and validation of the sexual affection inventory (SAI-55)

2025 , Subia Arellano, Andrés , Pérez Vega, Doris , Buele, Jorge

In psychological and sexological research, it is essential to have valid and reliable tools to evaluate various aspects of human sexuality. Sexual affections enable individual well-being and influence interpersonal relationships and social dynamics. However, these aspects of human affectivity have proven difficult to measure comprehensively due to their subjective and dynamic nature. To address this challenge, this study introduces the Sexual Affect Inventory, designed to evaluate key constructs of human sexuality: desire, attraction, and love. This cross-sectional study was validated with 465 participants aged 21 to 65, employing robust psychometric methods. Statistical analyses confirmed the reliability and validity of the inventory, including Bartlett’s test of sphericity (χ² = 17,771.693; p < .001) and a Kaiser‒Meyer‒Olkin measure of .95. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses identified three components (desire, attraction, and love), explaining 51.87% of the total variance, with Cronbach’s alpha values of .96 overall (.94, .96, and .94 for each component). The inventory stands out for integrating these dimensions into a single tool, surpassing existing scales that evaluate these constructs independently. By encompassing the interplay of sexual desire, emotional attraction, and love, the inventory advances understanding in psychological and sexological research. Its percentile-based scoring system further supports nuanced interpretation across diverse demographic contexts. This tool provides a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers by offering a comprehensive and reliable assessment of sexual affects. Its development underscores the importance of multidimensional approaches in evaluating human sexuality, bridging gaps in existing methodologies. Future research should expand its application across diverse populations and explore its utility in therapeutic settings, emphasizing its role in diagnostics and clinical interventions.

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Cognitive Flexibility and Attitude Toward AI: A Correlational Study

2025 , Subia Arellano, Andrés , Pérez Vega, Doris , Rocio Patiño-Fernández , Buele, Jorge

Artificial intelligence plays a leading role across various sectors, underscoring the importance of understanding the individual factors influencing their acceptance. Previous research has pointed out that variables such as age, gender, and cognitive flexibility impact attitudes toward these technologies. However, the interaction among these variables still requires further analysis. This study sought to explore the relationships between cognitive flexibility, age, gender, and attitudes toward artificial intelligence in a sample of 342 participants, with an average age of 26.80 years. Employing a descriptive-correlational design, two scales were used: one to measure cognitive flexibility and another to assess attitudes toward this technology. Due to the lack of normality in the distributions of the variables, Spearman's correlation was used for the analysis. The results show that cognitive flexibility and educational level have a positive and significant relationship with the attitude toward artificial intelligences (r = 0.245, p < 0.001 and r = 0.140, p = 0.009, respectively). On the other hand, age presents a weak negative relationship (r = -0.117, p < 0.05), while no significant relationship was observed with gender. These findings provide an initial basis for understanding individual differences in technology acceptance, although further research is needed to delve into the underlying mechanisms and evaluate other contextual factors.