Search Results (74)

Traffic assignment is crucial for urban traffic regulation and management. Based on this background, this study proposes a heterogeneous graph neural network that integrates Transformer-based multi-head self-attention for traffic assignment in urban road networks. The model builds a heterogeneous graph with both physical road links and virtual origin–destination links. It features a dual-encoder structure: the V-Encoder and the R-Encoder. The V-Encoder employs Transformer multi-head self-attention to capture long-range spatial relationships between origin and destination nodes. In contrast, the R-Encoder aggregates local topological features to characterize the transmission of flow across road segments. A combined loss function that includes flow conservation constraints is designed to ensure predictions are both accurate and physically realistic. Experiments on the Sioux Falls and EMA networks demonstrate that the method outperforms baseline models under various congestion conditions, exhibiting high accuracy and efficiency. Ablation tests show that Transformer multi-head self-attention is vital for performance enhancement. The approach also remains robust under abnormal conditions, such as in the case of incomplete OD demands, making it a practical solution for efficient, low-carbon, and sustainable traffic management. Full article

In the digital economy era, Urban vitality has transitioned into an intertwined Virtual-Physical system. This study examines Changsha’s five urban districts through a dual-dimensional framework bridging physical (social, economic, cultural, and ecological) and virtual (video, social, and digital life) dimensions. Integrating Coupling Coordination Degree (CCD) and XGBoost-SHAP models, we elucidate the spatial patterns and nonlinear drivers of Virtual-Physical synergy. The results indicate that: (1) Urban Vitality exhibits a significant center-periphery gradient. Although the Coupling Degree between the two dimensions is high, the overall CCD remains relatively low, reflecting pervasive spatial mismatches. Notably, 55 units display a reverse pattern where Virtual Vitality surpasses Physical Vitality, suggesting that digital flows can reconfigure urban space by transcending traditional locational constraints. (2) Interactions within the built environment exert pronounced threshold effects. Structural elements require specific critical masses to activate synergy, beyond which marginal returns diminish, as exemplified by the U-shaped effect of the Green View Index and the inverted U-shaped effect of Spatial Enclosure on CCD. (3) Interaction analysis identifies building density as a multiplier, unlocking the synergistic potential of land-use mix and transport networks once critical thresholds are surpassed. Furthermore, the efficacy of population and transit relies on dense road networks and intersection, while functional diversity buffers against negative micro-environmental impacts. This study advocates for a shift from facility-increment to threshold-triggered precision strategies in urban regeneration, providing empirical support for human-centric planning in the digital twin era. Full article

The subjective perception of safety in public space is a crucial indicator of urban participation, shaping how people experience and navigate their surroundings. Urban fear spaces highlight how physical, social, and emotional factors unequally structure access to and use of public environments, linking spatial perception to social justice. This paper addresses the question: What opportunities and limitations does a mixed-methods approach—combining immersive Virtual Reality (VR), electrodermal activity (EDA) measurement, and semi-structured interviews—offer for examining subjective perceptions of urban fear? It offers a methodological reflection on an exploratory study of potential fear spaces on the campus of Ruhr University Bochum, hypothesizing that mixed-methods integration reveals non-conscious arousal patterns inaccessible via verbal data alone. We discuss methodological potentials and limitations in integrating physiological data within qualitative frameworks. The study design comprised VR simulation, physiological signal acquisition, and qualitative interpretation and triangulation. Findings show that combining immersive VR with EDA detects non-conscious physiological arousal patterns that would remain inaccessible through verbal data alone, while simultaneously revealing substantial interpretative challenges that necessitate qualitative contextualization. Integrating interviews proved vital for linking physiological patterns to subjective meaning. The reflection concludes with implications for applying such multimodal approaches in participatory urban planning and spatial research. Full article

Virtual vitality has become an important complementary dimension for describing urban vitality; however, the identification and formation mechanisms of its stable, high-vitality state during dynamic change remain insufficiently explored. Taking five urban districts of Harbin as the study area, this study uses TikTok short-video data from July to August 2024 (summer) and December 2024 to January 2025 (winter), together with Gaode Map POI data, as the core dataset. Kernel density differences between adjacent weeks are used to measure the dynamic changes in virtual vitality. Bivariate local spatial autocorrelation is applied to identify high-vitality stable zones, and a Random Forest model is employed to examine the nonlinear influence of physical vitality spatial structures. The results show the following: (1) Dynamic change patterns of virtual vitality differ significantly across seasons, and when online attention content points to specific physical spatial structures, a stable high-vitality state is more likely to be maintained. (2) Bivariate local spatial autocorrelation analysis indicates that high-vitality stable zones (HH zones) exhibit significant spatial clustering, with vitality-enhancing zones (LH zones) distributed around them and showing spillover effects, while vitality-declining zones (HL zones) are more scattered. (3) The Random Forest results show that the stable maintenance of high virtual vitality depends more on combinations of spatial structural characteristics with high recognizability, among which distance to activity center (tourism), functional composition dissimilarity (culture), and functional composition dissimilarity (shopping) have the strongest influence. These findings reveal a nonlinear relationship between the stable high-vitality state and the structure of physical vitality space, providing insights for guiding online attention to support physical spatial development. Full article

To evaluate the effectiveness of an adaptive physical education (APE) program using VR technologies, we studied the physical development and vitality indicators of college female students in two groups: those with and without functional health limitations (N = 70 each). Students with disabilities were randomly divided into experimental and control groups of 35 people each. The experimental group participated in physical education classes using VR. The health assessment included heart rate, blood pressure, and subjective health assessments. Physical development was assessed by the biological age index (BAI) by Voitenko, static balance duration, and breath-holding time. Psychological activity was assessed using the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Rezapkina Vitality Test, and the Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS). The delayed effect was assessed using a questionnaire. Students with functional impairments initially demonstrated a significant decrease in overall vitality, physical activity duration, and more negative health self-perception. After the virtual reality sessions, they showed a restoration of physical development and vitality indicators to levels close to healthy, as well as a decrease in BAI. The delayed effect was confirmed after three months. The use of virtual reality technologies in the APE program effectively improves the physical development and activity (vitality) of students with functional health impairments. Full article

Leisure time physical activity (LTPA) plays a vital role in preventing and managing chronic diseases in people with disabilities (PWD). Using virtual reality (VR) can help people feel more comfortable and confident about LTPA. The aim of this study is to identify research focusing on VR, LTPA, and people with motor disabilities. Methods: A scoping review was completed by searching MEDLINE, CINAHL, SportDiscuss, Academic Search Premier, and Web of Science in June 2024 (updated July 2025). Eighteen studies were included. Results: Most studies examined cycling (56%) and targeted post-stroke (28%) and spinal cord injury (22%) populations. VR interventions showed potential to improve various domains such as functional mobility, motor function, and psychosocial well-being. A total of 35 distinct outcome measures were identified, categorized into motor/balance, physiological, psychological, user experience, and performance themes. Conclusions: While most VR interventions used LTPA primarily as a therapeutic tool, some were designed to teach sport-specific skills to facilitate participation outside the clinical setting. Future research should examine how VR can aid rehabilitation and prepare PWD for sustained engagement in LTPA. Full article

Improving energy efficiency in electric drive systems is vital for sustainable manufacturing. Despite their potential, metaheuristic optimizations are rarely used in industrial virtual commissioning (VC) due to high computational demands and lack of reliability metrics. This paper presents a statistically validated genetic algorithm (GA) framework designed to bridge this gap, enabling high-speed deployment within practical VC workflows. The framework optimizes target speed, acceleration, and deceleration across three objectives: minimizing energy consumption, maximizing efficiency, and reducing losses. Comparative evaluations show that the GA achieves near-optimal solutions with a significant speedup, reducing optimization time from hours to minutes. Extensive statistical validation (100 independent runs) confirms high reliability and feasibility for multi-run industrial strategies. Furthermore, the study introduces a novel post hoc normalized analysis to quantify trade-offs between competing objectives. Validated on two physical testbeds (belt and strap conveyors), the methodology demonstrates cross-system generalizability and significant energy improvements. Implemented via IEC 61131-3 compliant programming, this eco-efficient automation system directly supports global sustainable development goals (SDGs 7 and 9) by enabling sustainable-by-design industrial automation. Full article

University dormitories, as crucial living spaces for students, significantly influence their physical and mental health based on the quality of spatial design. However, whether the use of an upper bunk (UB) or lower bunk (LB) induces differential physiological and psychological effects remains unclear. This study aimed to measure participants’ physiological and psychological responses in UB and LB environments to explore the differential impact of bunk bed positions on student comfort. A crossover experiment was conducted with 28 participants (14 male, 14 female). Dormitory scenes were recreated using point cloud scanning and virtual reality technology, and a crossover experimental design was implemented. Physiological and psychological responses during the use of UB and LB spaces were measured via heart rate variability (HRV), electroencephalography (EEG), and the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Key findings indicated that the UB space promoted a state of deeper relaxation, evidenced by significantly higher Delta activity (p = 0.039) and lower heart rate (p = 0.042) compared to the LB. Psychologically, participants reported significantly higher vitality (Vigor, p = 0.032) and lower total mood disturbance (TMD, p = 0.038) in the UB. Conversely, the LB environment tended to trigger neural alertness, with significantly elevated High Beta waves (p = 0.009). Furthermore, gender significantly moderated emotional responses, particularly for Vigor (p = 0.045). Overall, from the perspective of promoting physical and mental health, the UB space provided greater comfort than the LB. These findings offer empirical evidence to inform the optimization of dormitory spatial design. Full article

Background: Approximately half of U.S. adults have ≥1 cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Exercise is universally recommended as a first-line lifestyle therapy to prevent and treat CVD. Objective: We will conduct a feasibility and pilot efficacy randomized controlled trial to test the usability and user satisfaction of an evidence-based digital health tool we developed for physicians—the Prioritizes Personalizes Prescribes EXercise algorithm (P3-EX)—to treat patients with CVD risk factors (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT07238556). Methods: We will recruit 24 physicians who do not prescribe written exercise prescriptions (ExRx) from two local CT hospitals. Physicians will recruit two patients each (N = 48); both patients must have CVD risk factors. Each physician will deliver a P3-EX ExRx to one patient (n = 24) and the Physical Activity Vital Sign ExRx to the other patient (n = 24) in a random sequence crossover design. Physicians and patients will rate the feasibility and acceptability of each ExRx method using validated questionnaires. Patients will perform their ExRx for 12 weeks and complete an exercise diary to monitor exercise adherence with weekly virtual oversight by Research Assistants. Before and after the exercise intervention, we will measure patient CVD risk factors and physical activity levels via accelerometry. Results: This trial has received Institutional Review Board approval (E-HHC-2025-0198) and will begin in January 2026, with findings published in 2027. Conclusions: This protocol provides the scientific rationale and methodology to test P3-EX within a real-world clinical setting, to inform the feasibility of using P3-EX as a digital health support tool by physicians, and preliminary efficacy of P3-EX to improve patient cardiovascular health and physical activity levels. Full article

Abandoned mines, as emblematic heritage spaces in the process of deindustrialization, preserve collective production memory and serve as vital symbols of local identity. However, current redevelopment practices primarily emphasize physical restoration while overlooking the visual expression and interactive communication of regional culture. This study introduces an augmented reality (AR)–based visual narrative framework that integrates regional culture to bridge the gap between spatial renewal and cultural regeneration. Drawing on semiotics and spatial narrative theory, a multidimensional “space–symbol–memory” translation mechanism is constructed, and a coupling model linking tangible material elements with intangible cultural connotations is established. Supported by technologies such as simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), semantic segmentation, and level of detail (LOD) rendering, a multilayer “position–perception–presentation” module system is designed to achieve stable anchoring of virtual and physical spaces and enable multilevel narrative interaction. Through task-oriented mechanisms and user co-creation, the system effectively enhances immersion, cultural identity, and learning outcomes. Experimental validation in a representative mine site confirms the feasibility of the proposed framework. While the study focuses on a single case, the modular and mechanism-based design indicates that the framework can be adapted to cultural tourism, educational communication, and community engagement applications. The key innovation lies in introducing an iterative “evidence–experience–co-creation” model, providing a new methodological reference for the digital reuse of abandoned mines and the sustainable preservation of industrial heritage. Full article

The preservation and digital transmission of cultural heritage have become increasingly vital in the era of immersive media. This study introduces a real-time framework for digitizing and animating traditional performing arts, with a focus on Korean traditional dance as a representative case study. The proposed approach combines three core components: (1) high-fidelity 3D avatar creation through volumetric scanning of performers, costumes, and props; (2) real-time motion capture using multi-camera edge processing; and (3) motion-to-avatar animation that integrates skeletal mapping with physics-based simulation. By transmitting only essential motion keypoints from lightweight edge devices to a central server, the system enables bandwidth-efficient streaming while reconstructing expressive, lifelike 3D avatars. Experiments with eight performers and eight cameras achieved low latency (~200 ms) and minimal network load (<1 Mbps), successfully reproducing the esthetic qualities and embodied gestures of Korean traditional performances in a virtual environment. Beyond its technical contributions, this framework provides a novel pathway for the preservation, dissemination, and immersive re-experiencing of intangible cultural heritage, ensuring that the artistry of traditional dance can be sustained and appreciated in digital form. Full article

The equilibrium between electricity demand and consumption is vital to ensure the stability of the transmission and distribution systems grid (TS & DS) and to ensure the stable operation of the electrical system. The aim of this review study is to highlight the current legislative and technical situation and the possibilities for managing peak loads, decentralization, sharing, storage, and sale of electricity generated from renewable sources in Slovakia. The European Union′s (EU) goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and a minimum of 42.5% renewable energy consumption by 2030 brings with it obligations for individual member states. These are transposed into national strategies. The current share of renewable sources in Slovakia is approximately 24% and the EU target by 2030 is probably unrealistic. Water resources are practically exhausted; other possibilities for increasing the share of renewable energy sources (RES) are in photovoltaics, wind, and thermal sources. Due to long-term geographical and historical development, electricity production in Slovakia is based on large-scale solutions. The move towards decentralization requires legislative and technical support. The review article examines the possibilities of increasing the share of RES and energy sharing in Slovakia, and examines the legislative, economic, and social barriers to their wider application. At the same time as the share of renewable sources in electricity generation increases, the article examines and presents solutions capable of ensuring the stability of electricity networks across Europe. The study formulates diversified strategies at the distribution network level and the consumer and building levels, and identifies physical (various types of electricity storage, electromobility, electricity liquidators) and virtual (electricity sharing, energy communities, virtual batteries) solutions. In conclusion, it defines the necessary changes in the legislative, technical, social, and economic areas for the most optimal improvement of the situation in the area of increasing the share of RES, supporting the decentralization of the electric power industry, and sharing electricity in Slovakia, also based on experience and good examples from abroad. Full article

Background: Current guidelines endorse the integration of exercise into cancer care. The diagnosis of cancer and its treatment, however, may introduce factors that make exercise engagement difficult, especially for individuals with advanced stages of disease. In this paper, we describe the baseline screening and triage process implemented for the Alberta Cancer Exercise (ACE) hybrid effectiveness-implementation study and share findings that highlight the multifaceted complexity of the process and the direct role of the clinical exercise physiologist (CEP). Methods: ACE was a hybrid effectiveness-implementation study examining the benefit of 12-week cancer-specific community-based exercise program. The ACE screening process was developed by integrating evidence-based guidelines with oncology rehabilitation expertise to ensure safe and standardized participation across cancer populations. The screening process involved four steps: (1) a pre-screen for high-risk cancers, (2) completion of a cancer-specific intake form and the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+), (3) a CEP-led interview to further evaluate cancer status, cancer-related symptoms and other health issues (performed in-person or by phone), and (4) a baseline fitness assessment that included measurement of vital signs. Results: A total of 2596 individuals registered and underwent prescreening for ACE with 2570 (86.6%) consenting to participate. After full screening including the baseline fitness testing, 209 participants (8.1%) were identified as requiring further medical clearance. Of these, 191 (91.4%) had either a high-risk cancer, metastatic disease or were in the palliative end-stage of cancer, and 161 (84.3%) reported cancer-related symptoms potentially affecting their ability to exercise. In total, 806 (31.4%) participants were triaged to CEP-supervised in-person programming, 1754 (68.2%) participants to ACE community programming, and 8 (0.3%) specifically to virtual programming (post-COVID-19 option). Conclusions: The findings highlight the complexity and challenges of the screening and triage process, and the value of a highly trained CEP-led iterative approach that included the application of clinical reasoning. Full article

Aquaculture is vital for global food security but faces challenges like disease, water quality control, and resource optimization. Digital twin technology, a real-time virtual replica of physical aquaculture systems, emerges as a transformative solution. By integrating sensors and data analytics, it enables monitoring and optimization of water quality, feed efficiency, fish health, and operations. This review explores the current adoption status of digital twins in aquaculture, highlighting applications in real-time monitoring and system optimization. It addresses key implementation challenges, including data integration and scalability, and identifies emerging opportunities for advancing sustainable, intelligent aquaculture practices. Full article

Collaborative robots are vital in Industry 5.0 operations. They are utilized to perform tasks in collaboration with humans or other robots to increase overall production efficiency and execute complex tasks. Aiming at a comprehensive approach to assembly processes and highlighting new applications of collaborative robots, this paper presents the development of a digital twin (DT) for the design, monitoring, optimization and simulation of robots’ deployment in assembly cells. The DT integrates information from both the physical and virtual worlds to design the trajectory of collaborative robots. The physical information about the industrial environment is replicated within the DT in a computationally efficient way that aligns with the requirements of the path planning algorithm and the DT’s objectives. An enhanced artificial fish swarm algorithm (AFSA) is utilized for the 4D path planning optimization, taking into account dynamic and static obstacles. Finally, the proposed framework is utilized for the examination of a case in which four industrial robotic arms are collaborating for the assembly of an industrial component. Full article