Background: Chemistry and biology students often have difficulty understanding molecular structur... more Background: Chemistry and biology students often have difficulty understanding molecular structures. Sonification (the rendition of data into non-speech sounds that convey information) can be used to support molecular understanding by complementing scientific visualization. A proper sonification design is important for its effective educational use. This paper describes a participatory design (PD) approach to designing and developing the sonification of a molecular structure model to be used in an educational setting. Methods: Biology, music, and computer science students and specialists designed a sonification of a model of an insulin molecule, following Spinuzzi’s PD methodology and involving evolutionary prototyping. The sonification was developed using open-source software tools used in digital music composition. Results and Conclusions: We tested our sonification played on a virtual reality headset with 15 computer science students. Questionnaire and observational results showe...
RESUMEN Se propone la implementación de un sistema embebido con GNU/Linux, que realizará el proce... more RESUMEN Se propone la implementación de un sistema embebido con GNU/Linux, que realizará el proceso de seguimiento de satélites de órbita baja (LEO, por sus siglas en inglés). Entre las ventajas de la plataforma desarrollada se encuentra su fácil fabricación, bajo costo y la construcción de nuestra propia antena. La propuesta presentada, desarrolla las funciones básicas de cualquier solución comercial pero en nuestro caso se desarrollo bajo la filosofía de software Libre. Con la automatización del proceso de seguimiento, la operación de satélites LEO resulta más fácil y precisa. ABSTRACT This work proposes the use of an embedded system with GNU/Linux, which is responsible of satellite tracking process for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. The advantages of this platform are the ease of construction, low cost and the use of a homebrew antenna. This platform performs the same basic functions of any of the commercial systems but with the Free Software Philosophy. With the automation of...
Estudio de revisión Resumen La literatura ha reportado la importancia de los invernaderos, descri... more Estudio de revisión Resumen La literatura ha reportado la importancia de los invernaderos, describiendo casos exitosos. La función principal de un invernadero es la de re-crear y mantener-en un espacio específico-condiciones adecuadas y controladas de luz, hu-medad, temperatura, bióxido de carbono y pesti-cidas, entre otras, para cultivar plantas destinadas a diversos propósitos. Sin embargo, dichas condi-ciones pueden ser potencialmente dañinas para los seres humanos que laboran en invernaderos. Una alternativa para solucionar este problema ha sido la aplicación de la robótica en este tipo de espacios en el agro, aplicando de manera adecua-da subsistemas de inteligencia artificial y mecáni-cos que componen a un robot. Este artículo describe una revisión de la literatura acerca de la investigación y desarrollo de robots aplicados en tareas tales como fumigación y cosechas dentro de invernaderos. Palabras clave Horticultor, cosechas, inteligencia artificial, robótica, visión computac...
International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 2007
Although some critics may argue that conflictresolution cannot be carried out appropriately by vi... more Although some critics may argue that conflictresolution cannot be carried out appropriately by virtualeducation, the basic elements of conflict present themselveswithin distance education courses, which can provide richenvironments to practice mediation and resolution. Newcommunication technologies and Internet tools maketraining persons from all over the world possible, thuspermitting conflict resolution tools to cascade withindifferent pluralistic organizations or groups of persons fromdifferent backgrounds that must interact in order to achievea common goal. Conflict resolution, in short, adds to thepositive socio-emotional atmosphere of an organization andleads to greater trust, a vital component in anyorganization. The innovative use of technology and Internettools provides a new medium for conflict resolution thatrepresents an interesting and important area of research.The methodology we propose permits participants to notonly coexist within a distance education course, but to...
2021 IEEE/ACIS 20th International Fall Conference on Computer and Information Science (ICIS Fall)
Video games are an important part of the lives of many people, being a popular entertainment medi... more Video games are an important part of the lives of many people, being a popular entertainment medium, and providing engaging and motivating player experiences. Some types of video games are also played to learn about a particular topic, working as serious games (games that have a purpose beyond pure entertainment). That is the case of cooking games, a hybrid game genre where simulation, casual and other genres are involved. In cooking games, food preparation and presentation isare the central gameplay mechanic. In this paper, we present a review of popular cooking games, and suggestions for analyzing and testing cooking video games, taking into account the games' usability, training and learning components. These components could help designing and developing new cooking games. We conclude that in order to improve cooking games testing, testers should know the basics of cooking shown in the game beforehand, and be aware of the importance of the game's look and feel to evoke meaningful and compelling culinary experiences. Cooking games can help people to learn a life skill such as meal preparation, beyond just playing a casual game.
PANDORA protocol for emergency and rural wireless networks is described, which is based on the Hy... more PANDORA protocol for emergency and rural wireless networks is described, which is based on the Hybrid Wireless Mesh Network (HWMN) architecture. The HWMN is an emerging two-tier architecture targeting the deployment of large-scale networks in a quick and inexpensive fashion. We test three queuing disciplines using the PANDORA protocol: PRIO, HTB, and DSMARK, with four kinds of traffic: TCP, voice, video, and UDP without marks. Results have shown that PRIO and HTB prioritizing UDP performed the best. Ill. 6, bibl. 14 (in English; summaries in English, Russian and Lithuanian).
This paper presents a wireless communication protocol based on the Earliest Deadline First policy... more This paper presents a wireless communication protocol based on the Earliest Deadline First policy for wireless body sensor networks. This work advances a previous effort by proposing using an implicit Earliest Deadline First policy to guarantee real-time communication by optimizing network traffic flow, although this strategy may imply using the totality of bandwidth resources. The proposed protocol uses a slotted time-triggered medium access transmission control that is collision-free, even in the presence of hidden nodes. The protocol has been analytically modeled using Colored Petri Networks and Simulated in OPNET.
Chemistry students experience a number of problems during the learning process in subjects like m... more Chemistry students experience a number of problems during the learning process in subjects like molecular biology, biochemistry and others, particularly when they study molecular structure, since it is generally complex and abstract. This paper describes a proposal of learning object development to support understanding of molecular structures, using multimodal virtual reality technology. This paper also comments the development of a test bed for analyzing the possible applications and limitations of the technology and pedagogical contents of learning objects in virtual reality.
This paper describes an overview of olfactory displays (human–computer interfaces that generate a... more This paper describes an overview of olfactory displays (human–computer interfaces that generate and diffuse an odor to a user to stimulate their sense of smell) that have been proposed and researched for supporting education and training. Past research has shown that olfaction (the sense of smell) can support memorization of information, stimulate information recall, and help immerse learners and trainees into educational virtual environments, as well as complement and/or supplement other human sensory channels for learning. This paper begins with an introduction to olfaction and olfactory displays, and a review of techniques for storing, generating and diffusing odors at the computer interface. The paper proceeds with a discussion on educational theories that support olfactory displays for education and training, and a literature review on olfactory displays that support learning and training. Finally, the paper summarizes the advantages and challenges regarding the development and...
Interactive whiteboards (IWBs) can be a great asset to teachers trying to help students visualize... more Interactive whiteboards (IWBs) can be a great asset to teachers trying to help students visualize what they are trying to teach, especially for supporting instructors and teams of students in class. However, commercial IWBs can be costly and difficult to operate. This paper describes the development of a low-cost IWB using a video game controller and “homebrew” infrared pens, and how its usability and technology acceptance will be tested in the context of sociology courses. We propose that the use of low-cost and highly-usable technologies in sociology courses may enhance student learning outcomes and retention rates as a way to fit the learning needs of students and supporting them in the engagement of critical thinking.
This paper presents a wireless communication protocol based on the Earliest Deadline First policy... more This paper presents a wireless communication protocol based on the Earliest Deadline First policy for wireless body sensor networks. This work advances a previous effort by proposing using an implicit Earliest Deadline First policy to guarantee real-time communication by optimizing network traffic flow, although this strategy may imply using the totality of bandwidth resources. The proposed protocol uses a slotted time-triggered medium access transmission control that is collision-free, even in the presence of hidden nodes. The protocol has been analytically modeled using Colored Petri Networks and Simulated in OPNET.
Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) provide platforms to make online education more convenient an... more Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) provide platforms to make online education more convenient and affordable for learners. Although VLE are currently in great demand, their acceptance needs to be assessed. In this research, an instrument that measures the technology acceptance of a VLE is validated by applying a confirmatory factor analysis on 15 items and five factors. Results show that the overall fit of the model was satisfactory and that all correlations between the latent factors were higher than 0.48. It was found that the assessment of technology acceptance is very important, because the VLE’s success depends largely on the favorable reception of professors, researchers, and educational leaders.
En la actualidad, es necesario concebir la escuela, la educación y el aprendizaje de forma difere... more En la actualidad, es necesario concebir la escuela, la educación y el aprendizaje de forma diferente. Hay que despertar el interés y el deseo de aprender de los estudiantes. En este sentido, la computadora puede apoyar tres procesos fundamentales en la formación del estudiante y de los profesores: el procesamiento de la información, la interacción y la comunicación (Chacón, 1997)
Human-computer interaction (HCI) is an area with a wide range of concepts and knowledge. Therefor... more Human-computer interaction (HCI) is an area with a wide range of concepts and knowledge. Therefore, a need to innovate in the teaching-learning processes to achieve an effective education arises. This article describes a proposal for teaching HCI through the development of projects that allow students to acquire higher education competencies through the design and evaluation of computer games. Finally, an empirical validation (questionnaires and case study) with 40 undergraduate students (studying their fifth semester of software engineering) was applied at the end of the semester. The results indicated that this teaching method provides the students with the HCI skills (psychology of everyday things, involving users, task-centered system design, models of human behavior, creativity and metaphors, and graphical screen design) and, more importantly, they have a positive perception on the efficacy of the use of videogame design in a higher education course.
Olfactory displays (digital interfaces that generate and diffuse smells to a user with a purpose)... more Olfactory displays (digital interfaces that generate and diffuse smells to a user with a purpose) have been proposed and researched to support the user experience (UX) of video game players. These emerging human-computer interfaces have great potential for stimulating players' mood, helping immerse them in video game scenarios, and supporting other human senses used for playing games, among other useful applications. However, little is known about effective mixed research and reporting methodologies for developing and testing olfactory displays in video games. These interfaces pose a number of multidisciplinary research challenges, such as how to measure the smell perception in video game players. This workshop paper will discuss mixed research methodologies on the development of olfactory displays in video games, such as the use of usability questionnaires and field testing, and reporting aspects regarding quantitative and qualitative aspects on the odors and players' UX.
Background: Chemistry and biology students often have difficulty understanding molecular structur... more Background: Chemistry and biology students often have difficulty understanding molecular structures. Sonification (the rendition of data into non-speech sounds that convey information) can be used to support molecular understanding by complementing scientific visualization. A proper sonification design is important for its effective educational use. This paper describes a participatory design (PD) approach to designing and developing the sonification of a molecular structure model to be used in an educational setting. Methods: Biology, music, and computer science students and specialists designed a sonification of a model of an insulin molecule, following Spinuzzi’s PD methodology and involving evolutionary prototyping. The sonification was developed using open-source software tools used in digital music composition. Results and Conclusions: We tested our sonification played on a virtual reality headset with 15 computer science students. Questionnaire and observational results showe...
RESUMEN Se propone la implementación de un sistema embebido con GNU/Linux, que realizará el proce... more RESUMEN Se propone la implementación de un sistema embebido con GNU/Linux, que realizará el proceso de seguimiento de satélites de órbita baja (LEO, por sus siglas en inglés). Entre las ventajas de la plataforma desarrollada se encuentra su fácil fabricación, bajo costo y la construcción de nuestra propia antena. La propuesta presentada, desarrolla las funciones básicas de cualquier solución comercial pero en nuestro caso se desarrollo bajo la filosofía de software Libre. Con la automatización del proceso de seguimiento, la operación de satélites LEO resulta más fácil y precisa. ABSTRACT This work proposes the use of an embedded system with GNU/Linux, which is responsible of satellite tracking process for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. The advantages of this platform are the ease of construction, low cost and the use of a homebrew antenna. This platform performs the same basic functions of any of the commercial systems but with the Free Software Philosophy. With the automation of...
Estudio de revisión Resumen La literatura ha reportado la importancia de los invernaderos, descri... more Estudio de revisión Resumen La literatura ha reportado la importancia de los invernaderos, describiendo casos exitosos. La función principal de un invernadero es la de re-crear y mantener-en un espacio específico-condiciones adecuadas y controladas de luz, hu-medad, temperatura, bióxido de carbono y pesti-cidas, entre otras, para cultivar plantas destinadas a diversos propósitos. Sin embargo, dichas condi-ciones pueden ser potencialmente dañinas para los seres humanos que laboran en invernaderos. Una alternativa para solucionar este problema ha sido la aplicación de la robótica en este tipo de espacios en el agro, aplicando de manera adecua-da subsistemas de inteligencia artificial y mecáni-cos que componen a un robot. Este artículo describe una revisión de la literatura acerca de la investigación y desarrollo de robots aplicados en tareas tales como fumigación y cosechas dentro de invernaderos. Palabras clave Horticultor, cosechas, inteligencia artificial, robótica, visión computac...
International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 2007
Although some critics may argue that conflictresolution cannot be carried out appropriately by vi... more Although some critics may argue that conflictresolution cannot be carried out appropriately by virtualeducation, the basic elements of conflict present themselveswithin distance education courses, which can provide richenvironments to practice mediation and resolution. Newcommunication technologies and Internet tools maketraining persons from all over the world possible, thuspermitting conflict resolution tools to cascade withindifferent pluralistic organizations or groups of persons fromdifferent backgrounds that must interact in order to achievea common goal. Conflict resolution, in short, adds to thepositive socio-emotional atmosphere of an organization andleads to greater trust, a vital component in anyorganization. The innovative use of technology and Internettools provides a new medium for conflict resolution thatrepresents an interesting and important area of research.The methodology we propose permits participants to notonly coexist within a distance education course, but to...
2021 IEEE/ACIS 20th International Fall Conference on Computer and Information Science (ICIS Fall)
Video games are an important part of the lives of many people, being a popular entertainment medi... more Video games are an important part of the lives of many people, being a popular entertainment medium, and providing engaging and motivating player experiences. Some types of video games are also played to learn about a particular topic, working as serious games (games that have a purpose beyond pure entertainment). That is the case of cooking games, a hybrid game genre where simulation, casual and other genres are involved. In cooking games, food preparation and presentation isare the central gameplay mechanic. In this paper, we present a review of popular cooking games, and suggestions for analyzing and testing cooking video games, taking into account the games' usability, training and learning components. These components could help designing and developing new cooking games. We conclude that in order to improve cooking games testing, testers should know the basics of cooking shown in the game beforehand, and be aware of the importance of the game's look and feel to evoke meaningful and compelling culinary experiences. Cooking games can help people to learn a life skill such as meal preparation, beyond just playing a casual game.
PANDORA protocol for emergency and rural wireless networks is described, which is based on the Hy... more PANDORA protocol for emergency and rural wireless networks is described, which is based on the Hybrid Wireless Mesh Network (HWMN) architecture. The HWMN is an emerging two-tier architecture targeting the deployment of large-scale networks in a quick and inexpensive fashion. We test three queuing disciplines using the PANDORA protocol: PRIO, HTB, and DSMARK, with four kinds of traffic: TCP, voice, video, and UDP without marks. Results have shown that PRIO and HTB prioritizing UDP performed the best. Ill. 6, bibl. 14 (in English; summaries in English, Russian and Lithuanian).
This paper presents a wireless communication protocol based on the Earliest Deadline First policy... more This paper presents a wireless communication protocol based on the Earliest Deadline First policy for wireless body sensor networks. This work advances a previous effort by proposing using an implicit Earliest Deadline First policy to guarantee real-time communication by optimizing network traffic flow, although this strategy may imply using the totality of bandwidth resources. The proposed protocol uses a slotted time-triggered medium access transmission control that is collision-free, even in the presence of hidden nodes. The protocol has been analytically modeled using Colored Petri Networks and Simulated in OPNET.
Chemistry students experience a number of problems during the learning process in subjects like m... more Chemistry students experience a number of problems during the learning process in subjects like molecular biology, biochemistry and others, particularly when they study molecular structure, since it is generally complex and abstract. This paper describes a proposal of learning object development to support understanding of molecular structures, using multimodal virtual reality technology. This paper also comments the development of a test bed for analyzing the possible applications and limitations of the technology and pedagogical contents of learning objects in virtual reality.
This paper describes an overview of olfactory displays (human–computer interfaces that generate a... more This paper describes an overview of olfactory displays (human–computer interfaces that generate and diffuse an odor to a user to stimulate their sense of smell) that have been proposed and researched for supporting education and training. Past research has shown that olfaction (the sense of smell) can support memorization of information, stimulate information recall, and help immerse learners and trainees into educational virtual environments, as well as complement and/or supplement other human sensory channels for learning. This paper begins with an introduction to olfaction and olfactory displays, and a review of techniques for storing, generating and diffusing odors at the computer interface. The paper proceeds with a discussion on educational theories that support olfactory displays for education and training, and a literature review on olfactory displays that support learning and training. Finally, the paper summarizes the advantages and challenges regarding the development and...
Interactive whiteboards (IWBs) can be a great asset to teachers trying to help students visualize... more Interactive whiteboards (IWBs) can be a great asset to teachers trying to help students visualize what they are trying to teach, especially for supporting instructors and teams of students in class. However, commercial IWBs can be costly and difficult to operate. This paper describes the development of a low-cost IWB using a video game controller and “homebrew” infrared pens, and how its usability and technology acceptance will be tested in the context of sociology courses. We propose that the use of low-cost and highly-usable technologies in sociology courses may enhance student learning outcomes and retention rates as a way to fit the learning needs of students and supporting them in the engagement of critical thinking.
This paper presents a wireless communication protocol based on the Earliest Deadline First policy... more This paper presents a wireless communication protocol based on the Earliest Deadline First policy for wireless body sensor networks. This work advances a previous effort by proposing using an implicit Earliest Deadline First policy to guarantee real-time communication by optimizing network traffic flow, although this strategy may imply using the totality of bandwidth resources. The proposed protocol uses a slotted time-triggered medium access transmission control that is collision-free, even in the presence of hidden nodes. The protocol has been analytically modeled using Colored Petri Networks and Simulated in OPNET.
Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) provide platforms to make online education more convenient an... more Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) provide platforms to make online education more convenient and affordable for learners. Although VLE are currently in great demand, their acceptance needs to be assessed. In this research, an instrument that measures the technology acceptance of a VLE is validated by applying a confirmatory factor analysis on 15 items and five factors. Results show that the overall fit of the model was satisfactory and that all correlations between the latent factors were higher than 0.48. It was found that the assessment of technology acceptance is very important, because the VLE’s success depends largely on the favorable reception of professors, researchers, and educational leaders.
En la actualidad, es necesario concebir la escuela, la educación y el aprendizaje de forma difere... more En la actualidad, es necesario concebir la escuela, la educación y el aprendizaje de forma diferente. Hay que despertar el interés y el deseo de aprender de los estudiantes. En este sentido, la computadora puede apoyar tres procesos fundamentales en la formación del estudiante y de los profesores: el procesamiento de la información, la interacción y la comunicación (Chacón, 1997)
Human-computer interaction (HCI) is an area with a wide range of concepts and knowledge. Therefor... more Human-computer interaction (HCI) is an area with a wide range of concepts and knowledge. Therefore, a need to innovate in the teaching-learning processes to achieve an effective education arises. This article describes a proposal for teaching HCI through the development of projects that allow students to acquire higher education competencies through the design and evaluation of computer games. Finally, an empirical validation (questionnaires and case study) with 40 undergraduate students (studying their fifth semester of software engineering) was applied at the end of the semester. The results indicated that this teaching method provides the students with the HCI skills (psychology of everyday things, involving users, task-centered system design, models of human behavior, creativity and metaphors, and graphical screen design) and, more importantly, they have a positive perception on the efficacy of the use of videogame design in a higher education course.
Olfactory displays (digital interfaces that generate and diffuse smells to a user with a purpose)... more Olfactory displays (digital interfaces that generate and diffuse smells to a user with a purpose) have been proposed and researched to support the user experience (UX) of video game players. These emerging human-computer interfaces have great potential for stimulating players' mood, helping immerse them in video game scenarios, and supporting other human senses used for playing games, among other useful applications. However, little is known about effective mixed research and reporting methodologies for developing and testing olfactory displays in video games. These interfaces pose a number of multidisciplinary research challenges, such as how to measure the smell perception in video game players. This workshop paper will discuss mixed research methodologies on the development of olfactory displays in video games, such as the use of usability questionnaires and field testing, and reporting aspects regarding quantitative and qualitative aspects on the odors and players' UX.
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Papers by Miguel Garcia