Search Results (46)

Over the past two decades, transitional justice has become a central concern in Taiwan’s cultural and political landscape. This study investigates how 1029 visitors from Taiwan, Sinophone regions (China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia), and international backgrounds engage with digital interpretation systems at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (CKSMH)—a politically sensitive site associated with Taiwan’s authoritarian past. Using a mixed-methods approach combining surveys and qualitative responses, the study analyzes cross-cultural differences in visitor motivation, use of digital tools, perceived experiential value, satisfaction, and behavioral intention. Results show that international visitors reported higher levels of engagement and satisfaction, particularly in educational, esthetic, entertainment, and escapist dimensions. In contrast, Sinophone visitors expressed lower satisfaction and more frequent discomfort with the site’s historical narrative. Key factors such as language accessibility, cultural proximity, and usability influenced how visitors perceived the digital content. The findings suggest that interactive digital tools can support both cultural engagement and critical reflection while also revealing tensions in memory politics at sites of transitional justice. Full article

Virtual geographic environments long simulated real-world scenarios in urban planning, monument preservation, city infrastructure management, education, and entertainment. Their web-based visualisation and distribution made these environments widely accessible. However, many systems remain static, lacking real-time data integration and multi-user collaboration, while virtual worlds designed for the Metaverse emphasise dynamic interaction yet often omit essential geospatial context. Bridging this gap is critical for advancing virtual geographic environments into the next generation. In this paper, we present a modular system architecture for applications demonstrating geospatial virtual worlds over the web. Our goal is to provide a generic, well-structured framework that exposes the essential classes and interfaces needed for building 3D virtual worlds with geospatial data at their core. Our work focuses on defining specific geospatial components, methods, classes, and interfaces that form the foundation of a modern geospatial virtual environment in the Metaverse era. The proposed architecture is organised into three layers: access, world, and integration, which together enable accurate mapping and integration of real-time sensor data, digital twin synchronisation, and support for location-based services. Our analysis reveals that while most current solutions excel in either multi-user interaction or geospatial data management, they rarely combine both. In contrast, our model delivers enhanced geospatial focus, real-time collaboration, and interoperability between physical and digital realms. Overall, this work lays a solid foundation for future innovations in creating immersive, interactive, and geospatially grounded virtual experiences over the web, marking an important step in the evolution of virtual geographic environments for the Metaverse era. Full article

This research investigates the utilization of entertainment approaches, such as serious games and gamification technologies, to address various challenges and implement targeted tasks. Specifically, it details the design and development of an innovative gamified application named “J-Plus”, aimed at both professionals and non-professionals in journalism. This application facilitates the enjoyable, efficient, and high-quality collection of emotionally tagged speech samples, enhancing the performance and robustness of speech emotion recognition (SER) systems. Additionally, these approaches offer significant educational benefits, providing users with knowledge about emotional speech and artificial intelligence (AI) mechanisms while promoting digital skills. This project was evaluated by 48 participants, with 44 engaging in quantitative assessments and 4 forming an expert group for qualitative methodologies. This evaluation validated the research questions and hypotheses, demonstrating the application’s diverse benefits. Key findings indicate that gamified features can effectively support learning and attract users, with approximately 70% of participants agreeing that serious games and gamification could enhance their motivation to practice and improve their emotional speech. Additionally, 50% of participants identified social interaction features, such as collaboration, as most beneficial for fostering motivation and commitment. The integration of these elements supports reliable and extensive data collection and the advancement of AI algorithms while concurrently developing various skills, such as emotional speech articulation and digital literacy. This paper advocates for the creation of collaborative environments and digital communities through crowdsourcing, balancing technological innovation in the SER sector. Full article

Using a commodity RGB-D sensor is a popular and cost-effective way to enable interaction at room scale, as such a device supports body tracking functionality at a reasonable price point. Even though the capabilities of such devices might be enough for applications like entertainment systems where a person plays in front of a television, this type of sensor is unfortunately sensitive to occlusions from objects or other people, who might be in the way in more sophisticated room-scale set-ups. One may use multiple RGB-D sensors and aggregate the collected data to address the occlusion problem, increase the tracking range, and improve accuracy. However, doing so requires the gathering of calibration information with regard to the sensors themselves and also regarding their relative placement on interactable surfaces. Another challenging consequence of relying on multiple sensors is the need to perform skeleton matching and merging based on their respective body tracking data (e.g., so that skeletons from different sensors but belonging to the same person are recognised as such). The present contribution focuses on approaches to tackling these issues. Ultimately, it contributes a working human interaction tracking system, leveraging multiple RGB-D sensors to provide unobtrusive and occlusion-resilient understanding capabilities. This constitutes a suitable basis for room-scale experiences such as those based on wall-sized displays. Full article

Introduction: Stress is a common concern among healthcare students, due to the demands of their coursework and the elevated expectations they face. Especially among dentistry and nursing students, the phenomenon, although well-documented, covers psychosocial and physiological dimensions, with somatization symptoms being less explored. These manifestations are crucial to identify discipline-specific stressors and health impacts that can lead to targeted interventions for both disciplines. Aim: This study investigates stress perceptions, somatization, and coping strategies among 271 nursing and dentistry students at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Methodology: An e-questionnaire was open for submissions during February and March 2024. Results: Females reported higher stress somatization (M = 10.22, SD = 5.23) than males (M = 7.94, SD = 6.14; Cohen’s d = 0.412, p < 0.05). The interpretation of stress as “restlessness and psychological pressure” was more prevalent in dentistry students compared to nursing students. Moreover, nursing students who perceived stress as the “inability to manage unexpected or difficult situations, insecurity, panic” were more likely to experience stress somatization symptoms, while for dentistry students, stress somatization was related to “pressure to meet daily obligations/long-term goals”. Physical symptoms for all students included chest discomfort, digestive issues, and headaches/nausea. Also, dentistry students reported more teeth clenching or grinding than nursing students. Short-term coping strategies included emotional balance, managing stressors, situation analysis, and breathing techniques. Long-term strategies involved distraction and entertainment, physical exercise, and patience. A higher willingness to seek coaching support correlated with higher stress somatization among dental students. Nursing students favored psychological support, while dentistry students suggested curriculum revision and improved infrastructure. Discussion/Conclusions: Females exhibited higher stress somatization levels, with themes of insecurity and physical symptoms. Nursing students reported higher somatization linked to insecurity, while dental students associated stress with daily obligations and goals. The study highlights the need for improved support systems, flexible academic procedures, and better communication to address stress in healthcare academia. Full article

Serious games play a significant role in the teaching and learning process by focusing on educational objectives rather than purely on entertainment. By addressing specific educational needs, these games provide targeted learning experiences. The integration of emotion recognition technology into serious games can further enhance teaching and learning by identifying areas where students may need additional support, The integration of emotion recognition into a serious game facilitates the learning of mathematics by allowing the identification of emotional impact on learning and the creation of a tailored learning experience for the student. This study proposes a challenge-based and task-based math serious game that integrates facial emotion recognition named TasksZE. TasksZE introduces a novel approach by adjusting gameplay based on detected emotions, which includes real-time emotion analysis and the cross-validation of emotions. We conducted a usability evaluation of the game using the System Usability Scale (SUS) as a reference, and the results indicate that the students feel that TasksZE is easy to use, the functions are well integrated, and most people can learn to use it very quickly. The students answered that they would use this system frequently since they felt motivated by game attributes, rewards, and level progression. These elements contributed to a more engaging and effective learning experience. Full article

Significant efforts are currently being made to improve the quality of life of the older adult population. These efforts focus on aspects such as health, social interaction, and mental health. One of the approaches that has shown positive results in several studies is the application of game-based systems. These systems are not only used for entertainment, but also as tools for learning and promoting positive feelings. They are a means to overcome loneliness and isolation, as well as to improve health and provide support in daily life. However, it is important to note that, while these experiences are gradually being introduced to the older adult population, they are often designed with a younger audience in mind who are assumed to be more technologically proficient. This supposition can make older adults initially feel intimidated when interacting with this type of technology, which limits their ability to fully utilize and enjoy these technological solutions. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to apply a game experience and fun evaluation process oriented toward the older adult population based on the playability theory of human–computer interaction in virtual reality game experiences. This is expected to offer highly rewarding and pleasurable experiences, which will improve engagement with the older population and promote active and healthy aging. Full article

Sound localization is a key area of interest in auditory research, especially in complex acoustic environments. This study evaluates the impact of incorporating higher-order Ambisonics (HOA) with virtual reality (VR) and gamification tools on sound source localization. The research addresses the current limitations in VR audio systems, particularly the lack of native support for HOA in game engines like Unreal Engine (UE). A novel framework was developed, combining UE for VR graphics rendering and Max for HOA audio processing. Participants performed sound source localization tasks in two VR environments using a head-mounted display (HMD). The assessment included both horizontal and vertical plane localization. Gamification elements were introduced to improve engagement and task comprehension. Results showed significant improvements in horizontal localization accuracy, although challenges remained in back localization. The findings underscore the potential of VR and gamification to enhance auditory tests, reducing test duration and participant fatigue. This research contributes to the development of immersive and interactive audio experiences, highlighting the broader applications of VR beyond entertainment. Full article

Shape modeling is a dynamic area in computer graphics with significant applications in computer-aided design, animation, architecture, and entertainment. Virtual sculpting, a key paradigm in free-form modeling, has traditionally been performed on desktop computers where users manipulate meshes with controllers and view the models on two-dimensional displays. However, the advent of Extended Reality (XR) technology has ushered in immersive interactive experiences, expanding the possibilities for virtual sculpting across various environments. A real-time virtual sculpting system implemented in a Virtual Reality (VR) setting is introduced in this paper, utilizing quasi-uniform meshes as the foundational structure. In our innovative sculpting system, we design an integrated framework encompassing a surface selection algorithm, mesh optimization technique, mesh deformation strategy, and topology fusion methodology, which are all tailored to meet the needs of the sculpting process. The universal, user-friendly sculpting tools designed to support free-form topology are offered in this system, ensuring that the meshes remain watertight, manifold, and free from self-intersections throughout the sculpting process. The models produced are versatile and suitable for use in diverse fields such as gaming, art, and education. Experimental results confirm the system’s real-time performance and universality, highlighting its user-centric design. Full article

Embedded computers are ubiquitous in products across various industries, including the automotive and medical industries, and in consumer goods such as appliances and entertainment devices. These specialized computing systems utilize Systems on Chips (SoCs), devices that are made up of one or more main microprocessor cores. SoCs are augmented with sub-blocks that perform dedicated tasks to support the system. Sub-blocks contain custom logic or small-footprint microprocessors, depending upon their complexity, and perform support functions such as clock generation, device testing, phase-locked loop synchronization and peripheral management for interfaces such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). SoC designers have traditionally obtained sub-blocks from commercial vendors. While these sub-blocks have well-defined interfaces, their internal implementations are opaque. Without visibility of the specifics of the implementation, SoC designers are limited to the degree to which they can optimize these off-the-shelf sub-blocks. The result is that power and area constraints are dictated by the design of a third-party vendor. This work introduces a novel idea: using an open-source, small, multitasking, real-time operating system inside an SoC sub-block to manage multiple processes, thereby conserving code space. This OS is TurbOS, a new operating system whose primary goal is to provide the highest performance using the least amount of space. It is written in the assembly language of a new pipelined 16-bit microprocessor developed at the University of Florida, the Turbo9. TurbOS is derived from and incorporates the design benefits of an existing operating system called NitrOS-9, and reduces the code size from its progenitor by nearly 20%. Furthermore, it is over 80% smaller than the popular FreeRTOS operating system. TurbOS delivers a rich feature set for managing memory and process resources that are useful in SoC sub-block applications in an extremely small footprint of only 3 kilobytes. Full article

Religious conversion is a multifaceted phenomenon that has captivated scholars, theologians, and social scientists alike. With the aim of delineating and comprehending the variables associated with personal and social transformation, this paper employed an exploratory quantitative inquiry within a sample of participants affiliated with a Protestant church, chosen for its relevance to analogous experiences within worldwide congregations. The findings present antecedent factors that exert a favorable influence on the conversion process of parishioners, establishing a pronounced correlation between overall satisfaction and perceived benefits observed among regular church attendants. Antecedents to religious conversion are deeply rooted in a complex interplay of personal and social factors. Conversion paths are shaped by existential questioning, crises, or a search for meaning, with key roles played by social factors such as family, peers, and exposure to belief systems through preacher pressure. The benefits of religious conversion are equally multifaceted and can encompass various dimensions of an individual’s life. Spirituality often becomes a source of solace and resilience, helping individuals navigate adversity. On the emotional level, conversion may provide a sense of belonging, inner peace, and a framework for understanding the world and life’s challenges. Adopting a new faith enhances community support and is influenced by cultural and entertainment experiences, contributing to the decision to convert. However, understanding the antecedents and benefits of religious conversion offers valuable insights into the dynamics of faith and human transformation under the global challenges and guidance for religious marketing in the religious postmodern pluralism era. Further research is essential to examine the diverse experiences of religious conversion and their long-term impacts on well-being and societal cohesion, ultimately concluding that it is a multifaceted process influenced by numerous antecedents. Full article

The widespread integration of smartphones into modern society has profoundly impacted various aspects of our lives, revolutionizing communication, work, entertainment, and access to information. Among the diverse range of smartphones available, those operating on the Android platform dominate the market as the most widely adopted type. With a commanding 70% share in the global mobile operating systems market, the Android OS has played a pivotal role in the surge of malware attacks targeting the Android ecosystem in recent years. This underscores the pressing need for innovative methods to detect Android malware. In this context, our study pioneers the application of rough set theory in Android malware detection. Adopting rough set theory offers distinct advantages, including its ability to effectively select attributes and handle qualitative and quantitative features. We utilize permissions, API calls, system commands, and opcodes in conjunction with rough set theory concepts to facilitate the identification of Android malware. By leveraging a Discernibility Matrix, we assign ranks to these diverse features and subsequently calculate their reducts–streamlined subsets of attributes that enhance overall detection effectiveness while minimizing complexity. Our approach encompasses deploying various Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, such as Support Vector Machines (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbor, Random Forest, and Logistic Regression, for malware detection. The results of our experiments demonstrate an impressive overall accuracy of 97%, surpassing numerous state-of-the-art detection techniques proposed in existing literature. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a crucial tool in healthcare with the primary aim of improving patient outcomes and optimizing healthcare delivery. By harnessing machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, and computer vision, AI enables the analysis of complex medical data. The integration of AI into healthcare systems aims to support clinicians, personalize patient care, and enhance population health, all while addressing the challenges posed by rising costs and limited resources. As a subdivision of computer science, AI focuses on the development of advanced algorithms capable of performing complex tasks that were once reliant on human intelligence. The ultimate goal is to achieve human-level performance with improved efficiency and accuracy in problem-solving and task execution, thereby reducing the need for human intervention. Various industries, including engineering, media/entertainment, finance, and education, have already reaped significant benefits by incorporating AI systems into their operations. Notably, the healthcare sector has witnessed rapid growth in the utilization of AI technology. Nevertheless, there remains untapped potential for AI to truly revolutionize the industry. It is important to note that despite concerns about job displacement, AI in healthcare should not be viewed as a threat to human workers. Instead, AI systems are designed to augment and support healthcare professionals, freeing up their time to focus on more complex and critical tasks. By automating routine and repetitive tasks, AI can alleviate the burden on healthcare professionals, allowing them to dedicate more attention to patient care and meaningful interactions. However, legal and ethical challenges must be addressed when embracing AI technology in medicine, alongside comprehensive public education to ensure widespread acceptance. Full article

In recent years, the need for computation-intensive applications in mobile networks requiring more storage, powerful processors, and real-time responses has risen substantially. Vehicular networks play an important role in this ecosystem, as they must support multiple services, such as traffic monitoring or sharing of data involving different aspects of the vehicular traffic. Moreover, new resource-hungry applications have been envisaged, such as autonomous driving or in-cruise entertainment, hence making the demand for computation and storage resources one of the most important challenges in vehicular networks. In this context, Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) has become the key technology to handle these problems by providing cloud-like capabilities at the edge of mobile networks to support delay-sensitive and computation-intensive tasks. In the meantime, researchers have envisaged use of onboard vehicle resources to extend the computing capabilities of MEC systems. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the most recent works related to MEC-assisted vehicular networks, as well as vehicle-assisted MEC systems. We illustrate the MEC system architecture and discuss its deployment in vehicular environments, as well as the key technologies to realize this integration. After that, we review the recent literature by identifying three different areas, i.e.: (i) MEC providing additional resources to vehicles (e.g., for task offloading); (ii) MEC enabling innovative vehicular applications (e.g., platooning), and (iii) vehicular networks providing additional resources to MEC systems. Finally, we discuss open challenges and future research directions, addressing the possible interplays between MEC systems and vehicular networks. Full article

The safeguarding of intellectual property and maintaining privacy for video content are closely linked to the effectiveness of security protocols employed in internet streaming platforms. The inadequate implementation of security measures by content providers has resulted in security breaches within entertainment applications, hence causing a reduction in the client base. This research aimed to enhance the security measures employed for video content by implementing a multi-key approach for encryption and decryption processes. The aforementioned objective was successfully accomplished through the use of hybrid methodologies, the production of dynamic keys, and the implementation of user-attribute-based techniques. The main aim of the study was to improve the security measures associated with the process of generating video material. The proposed methodology integrates a system of mathematical equations and a pseudorandom key within its execution. This novel approach significantly augments the degree of security the encryption mechanism provides. The proposed methodology utilises a set of mathematical equations that are randomly employed to achieve encryption. Using a random selection procedure contributes to the overall enhancement of the system’s security. The suggested methodology entails the division of the video into smaller entities known as chunks. Following this, every segment is subjected to encryption using unique keys that are produced dynamically in real-time. The proposed methodology is executed via Android platforms. The transmitter application is tasked with the responsibility of facilitating the streaming of the video content, whereas the receiver application serves the purpose of presenting the video to the user. A careful study was conducted to compare and contrast the suggested method with other similar methods that were already in use. The results of the study strongly support the safety and dependability of the procedure that was made available. Full article