Serious games for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) require rigorous evaluation frameworks that capture neurodivergent interaction patterns. This pilot study designed, developed, and evaluated a serious game for children with ASD, focusing on operability assessment aligned with ISO/IEC 25010:2023 standards. A repeated-measures design involved ten children with ASD from the Carlos Garbay Special Education Institute in Riobamba, Ecuador, across 25 gameplay sessions. A bespoke operability algorithm incorporating four weighted components (ease of learning, user control, interface familiarity, and message comprehension) was developed through expert consultation with certified ASD therapists. Statistical study used linear mixed-effects models with Kenward–Roger correction, supplemented by thorough validation including split-half reliability and partial correlations. The operability metric demonstrated excellent internal consistency (split-half reliability = 0.94, 95% CI [0.88, 0.97]) and construct validity through partial correlations controlling for performance (difficulty: r_partial = 0.42, p = 0.037). Eighty percent of sessions achieved moderate-to-high operability levels (M = 45.07, SD = 10.52). In contrast to requirements, operability consistently improved with increasing difficulty level (Easy: M = 37.04; Medium: M = 48.71; Hard: M = 53.87), indicating that individuals with enhanced capabilities advanced to harder levels. Mixed-effects modeling indicated substantial difficulty effects (H = 9.36, p = 0.009, ε2 = 0.39). This pilot study establishes preliminary evidence for operability assessment in ASD serious games, requiring larger confirmatory validation studies (n ≥ 30) to establish broader generalizability and standardized instrument integration. The positive difficulty–operability association highlights the importance of adaptive game design in supporting skill progression.
In wireless communications, there are Rician and Rayleigh multipath phenomena, which can cause destructive interference caused by a strong dominant component. The objective of the study is to analyze how these multipath phenomena affect the Bit Error Rate (BER), using phase shift keying (QPSK), as well as 5G Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology to reduce or not the effect of fading to improve the BER. For the present study, the quantitative method is used to measure BER by comparative simulations of Rician and Rayleigh phenomena using different MIMO antenna configuration schemes using Matlab software. When comparing the multipath Rician and Rayleigh phenomena with QPSK modulation, it was determined that the most efficient channel is the Rician channel, since the BER is lower, performing a 4x4 MIMO antenna configuration. However, this efficiency may change if another type of modulation is used, which implies reducing the bit rate causing a reduction in bandwidth.
Background: Children with spastic hand impairments resulting from cerebral palsy or neuromuscular disorders often exhibit a restricted range of motion and diminished functional use. Rehabilitation devices that assist joint mobilization can enhance therapeutic outcomes, yet few solutions target pediatric populations. Methods: This study aimed to design, implement, and preliminarily evaluate a biomechanical device tailored to promote flexo-extension, radial–ulnar deviation, and supination movements in spastic hands of school-aged children. A prototype combining a motor-driven actuation system, adjustable wrist and finger supports, and a MATLAB-based graphical user interface was developed. Two participants (aged 8 and 10) with clinically diagnosed spastic hemiparesis underwent 25-minute sessions over 15 consecutive days. Joint angles were recorded before and after each session using an electro-goniometer. Data normality was assessed via the Shapiro–Wilk test, and pre–post differences were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (α = 0.05). Results: Both participants demonstrated consistent increases in their active range of motion across all measured planes. Median flexo-extension improved by 12.5° (p = 0.001), ulnar–radial deviation by 7.3° (p = 0.002), and supination by 9.1° (p = 0.001). No adverse events occurred, and device tolerance remained high throughout the intervention. Conclusions: The device facilitated statistically significant enhancements in joint mobility in a small pediatric cohort, supporting its feasibility and safety in spastic hand rehabilitation. These preliminary findings warrant larger controlled trials to confirm the device’s efficacy, optimize treatment protocols, and assess its long-term functional benefits.
10 January 2024 in Revista Científica Multidisciplinar G-NER@NDO
Este estudio explora la implementación de un sistema RFID en el Centro de Rescate CRIAR-Riobamba, destacando su efectividad en el monitoreo y mejoramiento del bienestar animal. A través de una metodología experimental, que incluye el análisis de datos mediante IBM SPSS y ThingSpeak, se evaluó la precisión del sistema RFID en la localización y seguimiento de la salud de los animales, contribuyendo significativamente a optimizar las tasas de adopción. Los resultados evidencian una mejora notable en la gestión del cuidado animal, resaltando la importancia de incorporar tecnologías avanzadas en centros de rescate. La investigación subraya la relevancia de adoptar sistemas RFID y similares para fortalecer las operaciones de rescate y cuidado animal, promoviendo un modelo de gestión más eficiente y efectivo. Este enfoque no solo beneficia a los animales mediante el cuidado mejorado y una mayor probabilidad de adopción, sino que también establece un precedente valioso para la práctica en el campo del rescate animal, incentivando a otros centros a considerar la integración de tecnologías innovadoras en sus operaciones.