Browsing by Author "Castro, Camila"

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    A new species of Alsodes (Anura: Alsodidae) from Altos de Cantillana, central Chile
    (MAGNOLIA PRESS, 2015) Charrier, Andres; Correa, Claudio; Castro, Camila; Mendez, Marco A.
    Based on morphological and molecular evidence (mitochondrial and nuclear sequences) we describe a new species of spiny-chest frog, Alsodes cantillanensis, from central Chile (around 34 degrees S). The type locality, Quebrada Infiernillo, is located in the Coastal Range at approximately 65 km from Santiago (Metropolitan Region), the capital of Chile. The distribution of the new species is included entirely in that of A. nodosus (32-36 degrees S approximately), which was identified as the sister taxon according to molecular phylogenetic analyses. Moreover, both species are sympatric in the type locality. The new species was found in a Nothofagus macrocarpa relict forest potentially threatened by gold mining activities. We identify other threats for its conservation and some biological data needed for understanding the evolution of this species. This discovery reveals the scarce knowledge about biogeography, evolution and ecology of spiny- chest frogs from central Chile.
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    Testing of a Drawing Toy for Children with Blindness: The Kuwu Experience
    (2021) Escobar, Jose-Pablo; Castro, Camila; Garolera, Marion; Sepulveda, Angelica; Santa Cruz, Martin; Rosas, Ricardo
    Play is a fundamental activity in early childhood and a source of cognitive development. One ludic activity in early childhood is drawing, a semiotic activity in which children can build and transform symbols and meanings in a way to reflect their thoughts and emotions. However, drawing has a visual component that is a challenge for some children with blindness or visual impairment. This research aims to evaluate a prototype of a haptic pencil called Kuwu. Through user's usability tests and expert heuristic inspection, we evaluated 10 children with blindness or visual impairments between 5 and 8 years old, from 2 schools of Santiago, Chile. Heuristics evaluation shows the minimalist design, ease, and flexibility of use of the pencil that allows children to draw independently. Usability testing is a foundational phase in any technological development, especially when creating from a universal design perspective.