Zapata, Mireya
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Zapata, Mireya
Main Affiliation
Quito
Email
mireyazapata@uti.edu.ec
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Scopus Author ID
56818703100

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Sensory Substitution in Music: Enhancing Deaf Perception Through Vibrotactile Feedback

2024 , Johann Jadán , Zapata, Mireya , Remache Vinueza, Byron

Music experienced through vibrotactile interfaces is a method of perceiving musical elements through the sense of touch, often involving vibrations. This technology functions by converting audio signals into physical sensations that can be sensed through the skin, typically via a wearable device like a wristband. Beginning with an initial audio file devoid of tactile feedback, the procedure entails altering it through sinusoidal modeling and, if necessary, implementing a Space-Fixed Audio transformation by utilizing the Head-Related Transfer Function (HRTF). In this study, we successfully transformed sound files into tactile stereo vibrations using specialized hardware. This process was rigorously tested and validated through experimentation involving ten individuals. Our findings confirm that psychophysical sensations can indeed be perceptible. Notably, the most consistent responses were observed when applying the Vibrato and Tremolo effect, following an HRTF transformation. The Space-Fixed Audio transformation primarily introduced variations in azimuth, covering 360∘ in a clockwise direction. Consequently, this processing led to significant spectral changes, effectively rescaling and compressing the audio’s frequencies into lower equivalents. These modified spectral characteristics were subsequently transmitted through vibrotactile actuators, thereby transforming the essence of sound into a tactile experience. This innovative system creates a sensory replacement approach based on the psychophysical sensations perceived on the skin. It has proven to be exceptionally beneficial, particularly for individuals with hearing impairments who may not perceive music in the same way as individuals with typical hearing abilities.

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Real-Time Adaptive Physical Sensor Processing with SNN Hardware

2023 , Madrenas J. , Vallejo-Mancero B. , Oltra-Oltra J.À. , Zapata, Mireya , Cosp-Vilella J. , Calatayud R. , Moriya S. , Sato S.

Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) offer bioinspired computation based on local adaptation and plasticity as well as close biological compatibility. In this work, after reviewing the Hardware Emulator of Evolving Neural Systems (HEENS) architecture and its Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) design flow, a spiking implementation of an adaptive physical sensor input scheme based on time-rate Band-Pass Filter (BPF) is proposed for real-time execution of large dynamic range sensory edge processing nodes. Simulation and experimental results of the SNN operating in real-time with an adaptive-range accelerometer input example are shown. This work opens the path to compute with SNNs multiple physical sensor information for perception applications. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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Low-Cost Non-Wearable Fall Detection System Implemented on a Single Board Computer for People in Need of Care

2024 , Vanessa Vargas , Pablo Ramos , Edwin A. Orbe , Zapata, Mireya , Valencia-Aragón, Kevin

This work aims at proposing an affordable, non-wearable system to detect falls of people in need of care. The proposal uses artificial vision based on deep learning techniques implemented on a Raspberry Pi4 4GB RAM with a High-Definition IR-CUT camera. The CNN architecture classifies detected people into five classes: fallen, crouching, sitting, standing, and lying down. When a fall is detected, the system sends an alert notification to mobile devices through the Telegram instant messaging platform. The system was evaluated considering real daily indoor activities under different conditions: outfit, lightning, and distance from camera. Results show a good trade-off between performance and cost of the system. Obtained performance metrics are: precision of 96.4%, specificity of 96.6%, accuracy of 94.8%, and sensitivity of 93.1%. Regarding privacy concerns, even though this system uses a camera, the video is not recorded or monitored by anyone, and pictures are only sent in case of fall detection. This work can contribute to reducing the fatal consequences of falls in people in need of care by providing them with prompt attention. Such a low-cost solution would be desirable, particularly in developing countries with limited or no medical alert systems and few resources.

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Design of a Human Machine Interface for Programming and Testing Adjustable Frequency Drives for Constant Pressure Pumping Applications

2021 , Remache-Vinueza B. , Castro-Ramírez J. , Zapata, Mireya

In this project, a human machine interface (HMI) was developed for programming adjustable frequency drives (AFDs). Frequency drives have a wide range of industrial applications such as pumping systems, conveyor belts, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and, in general, applications that require motors with high torque. Constant pressure pumping systems with AFDs, for instance, allow working with a proportional integral derivative (PID) control, providing the system with precise response between the desired value and the process feedback. In this project, an HMI has been designed to effectively configure, test and calibrate AFDs for constant pressure pumping applications. Various alternatives of HMI screens were analyzed using the prioritization matrix method to determine the most suitable screen. The HMI interface was developed in the DOPsoft 4 software of DELTA Electronics, following the guidelines set forth by ANSI/ISA-101.01-2015, to generate a clear and easy to understand HMI. © 2021, The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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MobileTestPro: Testing Framework for Mobile Application

2025 , Jorge Romero-Collaguazo , Danilo Martinez , Zapata, Mireya , Xavier Ferre

In the last decade, both the mobile market and app development have seen exponential growth, with millions of apps in online stores and billions of downloads recorded. Several development processes are used for app development, with agile approaches being the best fit for the market model. However, there is a weakness in testing activities and tasks. To provide a tool to improve software quality, we present a proposal for a framework for software testing in apps. Our proposal combines a series of tools used to evaluate an application in key areas such as consistency, security, compatibility, stress, among others, the development activities that provide a deliverable, and Mobile Ilities. To evaluate the feasibility of using the proposal, a toy app was used. The results reflect situations where the app’s behavior is not desired and its relationship with mobile ilities. The main contribution of the paper is to guide app developers in evaluating apps and contributing to improving app quality.

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A Virtual Learning Environments as Training Tools: An Experience with NEO LMS in Physics Teaching

2021 , Zapata, Mireya , Polo-Mantuano J.

This research shows the design and implementation of a Virtual Learning Environment in Physics at the graduate level developed in NEO LMS. This proposal presents an alternative solution to the pedagogical mediations in virtual training spaces. The objective was to create virtual teacher-student communication Scenario either synchronously and asynchronously where interactive, and self-learning are managed through multiple resources: chat, forums, readings, videos, and simulators. As a result of using this instrument, students showed more interest in resource interaction, elements that contributed to the improvement of motivation and academic performance. Moreover, critical thinking, argumentation, and learning culture were strengthened in the students. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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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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Enhancing mathematics learning with 3D augmented reality escape room

2024 , Zapata, Mireya , Ramos Galarza, Carlos , Valencia-Aragón, Kevin , Lidia Guachi

Learning mathematics is a challenge for many students, especially because of the traditionalist method with which its contents are taught. To a large extent, mathematics classes generate little motivation in students, so in this research, a novel technological method based on augmented reality is applied to improve the mathematics learning process, particularly the techniques of solving systems of linear equations. The research design used was a two-phase mixed sequential confirmatory type. The research worked with a sample of 65 students (Mage=17.72, SD=0.65; 58.5% female and 41.5% male). In the first phase, a quasi-experimental study was designed with an experimental group (M=32) and a control group (M=33). The experimental group received a mathematics teaching and learning intervention based on augmented reality vs. the control group, which received a traditional educational process. The experimental group showed improvements in acquired knowledge and motivation compared to the control group students. In the qualitative phase, two focus groups were conducted with students from their respective groups. In the experimental group, the following categories were identified: interesting, fun, innovative, and entertaining. The control group identified the following categories: little attention, low interest in learning, tired knowledge, and lack of motivation. The results are discussed in relation to the need to generate educational processes that benefit mathematics learning

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Design and evaluation of a heuristic optimization tool based on evolutionary grammars using PSoCs

2020 , Vallejo Mancero B. , Zapata, Mireya , Topón-Visarrea L. , Malagón P.

Currently, the evolutionary computing techniques are increasingly used in different fields, such as optimization, machine learning, and others. The starting point of the investigation is a set of optimization tools based on these techniques and one of them is called evolutionary grammar [1]. It is a evolutionary technique derived from genetic algorithms and used to generate programs automatically in any type of language. The present work is focused on the design and evaluation of hardware acceleration technique through PSoC, for the execution of evolutionary grammar. For this, a ZYNQ development platform is used, in which the logical part is used to implement factory modules and independents hardware blocks made up of a soft-processor, memory BRAM, and a CORDIC module developed to perform arithmetic operations. The processing part is used for the execution of the algorithm. Throughout the development, the procedures and techniques used for hardware and software design are specified, and the viability of the implementation is analyzed considering the comparison of the algorithm execution times in Java versus the execution times in Hardware. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020.

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Optimizing Agriculture with LoRaWAN and HCI: A Smart Approach to Sustainable Farming

2025 , Valencia-Aragón, Kevin , Zapata, Mireya , Cristopher Toapanta , Arias Flores, Hugo Patricio

Modern agriculture faces challenges including water scarcity, excessive fertilizer use, and limited connectivity in rural areas, all exacerbated by climate change. This paper presents a smart agriculture system leveraging LoRaWAN technology and human-computer interfaces (HCI) to address these issues. The proposed system integrates low-cost sensors, a LoRaWAN-based network, and a user-friendly dashboard for real-time monitoring of critical variables such as soil moisture, ambient humidity and temperature. A proof-of-concept implementation demonstrates the system’s effectiveness in optimizing water and fertilizer use while maintaining scalability for large agricultural operations. The system operates reliably within rural environments without relying on traditional internet infrastructure, offering an affordable and sustainable solution. Field tests validate the system’s performance, highlighting its potential to enhance decision-making and resource efficiency in floriculture and beyond. Future work aims to expand the system’s capabilities with additional sensors, artificial intelligence for predictive analytics, and automated control mechanisms, further supporting sustainable farming practices

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