Search Results (1,817)

Virtual tours are increasingly used in education, particularly when access to real environments is limited. This study examined how display mode and representation format affect subjective user experience in an educational virtual tour of a hospital operating room. A within-subject 2 × 2 design compared two representation formats (360° photographs vs. 3D models) and two display modes (desktop PC vs. immersive virtual reality using Meta Quest 2). Eighty-four university students completed the four visualization conditions and evaluated each experience using an adapted version of the QUXiVE questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and internal consistency indices were calculated, and each questionnaire dimension was analyzed using a two-way repeated-measures ANOVA with display mode and representation format as within-subject factors. A significant main effect of display mode was found for presence, engagement, immersion, flow, emotion, judgment, physical consequences, and perceived educational usefulness (all p < 0.001), but not for usability (p = 0.273). A significant main effect of representation format was observed for presence (p = 0.003), emotion (p = 0.018), and perceived educational usefulness (p = 0.015), whereas no significant interaction effects were found. These findings indicate that immersive VR had the strongest and most consistent effect on subjective user experience across both 360° and 3D virtual tours, although it was also associated with higher physical-consequence scores. By contrast, the effect of representation format was more limited. Overall, both approaches appear to be complementary educational resources, depending on pedagogical goals, available infrastructure, and desired levels of interactivity. Full article

Background: Digital surgery integrates advanced imaging, computational modeling, additive manufacturing, and intraoperative navigation technologies. Although widely explored, most platforms remain fragmented and lack regulatory cohesion. The B-onic Platform was conceived as a unified workflow that enables surgical planning, device personalization, and intraoperative navigation within a regulatory-compliant framework. Objective: This study aimed to present a comprehensive single-center clinical evaluation of the implementation of the B-onic Platform in a large single-center cohort, focusing on efficiency, patient safety, and surgeon-reported outcomes. Methods: A retrospective review of 308 consecutive surgical plans was performed at La Paz University Hospital (Madrid, Spain) between 2020 and 2024 and compared with institutional historical controls from 2018 to 2019. Procedures included maxillofacial surgery, traumatology, reconstructive surgery, and other specialties. The platform incorporated imaging-based CAD modeling, 3D-printed biomodels and guides, and immersive validation through the NavigatorPro XR module. Outcomes analyzed were preoperative planning time, operative duration, 30-day complication and rehospitalization rates, intraoperative blood loss, and surgeon-reported perception of anatomical understanding and intraoperative confidence. Results: Mean preoperative planning time was reduced by 34% (−42 h; 95% CI: −48 to −36 h; p < 0.01) compared with historical controls. Mean operative duration decreased from 226 ± 74 min to 181 ± 61 min (−45 min; 95% CI: −52 to −38 min; p < 0.001). The 30-day postoperative complication rate decreased from 12.9% to 10.7% (absolute reduction 2.2%; 95% CI: 0.2–4.1%; p = 0.037), while rehospitalization rates declined from 9.1% to 4.3% (p = 0.012). Mean length of hospital stay decreased from 6.8 ± 3.1 to 5.2 ± 2.3 days (p = 0.022), and intraoperative blood loss was reduced by 12–30% across specialties (p = 0.008). NavigatorPro XR halved validation time for guides and implants (71.8 ± 22.4 h vs. 35.6 ± 18.9 h; p < 0.001). Ninety-two percent of surveyed surgeons reported improved 3D anatomical understanding and enhanced intraoperative safety. Conclusions: The B-onic Platform has transitioned from a prototype to a consolidated system, integrated into routine practice with significant gains in efficiency, safety, and training value. These findings support the potential of the platform as a precision surgery model; however, further multicenter prospective studies are required to confirm scalability. Full article

This study aims to systematically analyze scholarly research on virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and the metaverse in the tourism and hospitality sectors, offering insights into publication patterns, key contributors, thematic evolution, and potential research directions from 2016 to mid-2025. It maps how the literature evolved in response to technological maturation and changing tourism constraints. A systematic literature review and comprehensive bibliometric analysis were conducted using the Scopus database. The analysis encompassed bibliographic metrics, thematic clustering, and content analysis techniques to identify influential journals, authors, and evolving research themes. The results reveal a pronounced acceleration in research activity post-2020, reflecting heightened interest due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s push towards digital and immersive solutions. Core journals identified include Tourism Management, Current Issues in Tourism, and Journal of Travel Research. Influential contributors such as Timothy H. Jung, M. Claudia tom Dieck, and Dimitrios Buhalis significantly shaped the field. The thematic trajectory demonstrates a shift from initial exploration and application of VR and AR technologies toward comprehensive integration into metaverse ecosystems, with emerging themes such as digital twins, synthetic experiences, immersive storytelling, and growing emphasis on ethical and sustainability considerations. By synthesizing nearly a decade of research, this study provides valuable insights into immersive technologies’ evolution in tourism and hospitality, identifying critical areas for future investigation aligned with enterprise information management strategies. Full article

The purported benefits of Virtual Reality for pilot flight simulator training, such as increased immersion and presence, would be of great benefit in training those flight skills that rely on visuospatial awareness. The implementation of this technology for the training of pilots requires careful consideration of its ability to transfer required skills and of any comparative advantages over conventional flight simulators. In order to examine this question, a quasi-transfer-of-training study was conducted using a separate-sample pretest–posttest design. The ability of a low-cost VR simulator to transfer flying skills and mission projection skills, using internally valid measures, during a common flight manoeuvre was evaluated. Results were consistent with improved post-intervention flying performance (g = 0.875) and ‘mission projection’ performance (g = 0.661), with no statistically significant difference between the estimated effect sizes, as well as the combined measure (g = 0.768). The findings indicate that the VR simulator was associated with better performance in the quasi-transfer of basic flying skills, those skills that require understanding of spatial relationships based on visual information, and in the broader training of technique. These findings must, however, be considered in the context of the noted limitations of the technology and the research design. Full article

The traditional craft of Buddha statue carving represents an important form of cultural heritage in many Asian societies, yet the transmission of this knowledge is increasingly threatened by modernization and the declining number of skilled artisans. This study explores the use of Virtual Reality (VR) as an innovative tool for preserving and teaching the cultural knowledge associated with Salah Lanna stone Buddha carving. A VR-based learning environment was developed to simulate traditional carving techniques, tools, and cultural narratives related to Lanna Buddhist art. The system was designed using Unity 3D and integrated hand-tracking interaction to enable immersive practice of carving procedures. The prototype was evaluated through expert review involving ten specialists in Buddha carving, art education, and VR technology. The evaluation assessed five dimensions: usability, authenticity, cultural relevance, immersion, and perceived learning potential. Results indicate high levels of expert evaluation results regarding the effectiveness of the system, with average scores of 4.6 for usability, 4.8 for authenticity, 4.7 for cultural relevance, 4.5 for immersion, and 4.9 for perceived learning potential on a five-point scale. The findings suggest that VR technology can provide a promising platform for preserving traditional craftsmanship and supporting immersive cultural learning. By integrating technical training with cultural narratives, the system demonstrates potential for enhancing access to traditional craft education while contributing to the digital preservation of Salah Lanna cultural heritage. Full article

A critical aspect of virtual reality is the extent to which the user forgets their real surroundings and becomes completely engaged within the virtual environment. Diverse factors affect this user perception, which are grouped into two main concepts: immersion and presence. Although the study of presence is extensive, researchers have not reached a consensus on a protocol with specific instruments and stages to evaluate it. This leads to a wide variety of results with different assessment methods, experimental setups, stimuli implemented, and applications. Therefore, this article aims to provide an analysis of the state-of-the-art methods for assessing presence in VR systems during the last few years. This study seeks to determine and improve the understanding of current techniques used for presence assessment, human data collected, data analysis methods, and the technologies and virtual environments implemented. In addition, four opportunities are discussed to provide researchers guidelines that can lead to enhanced presence assessments and personalized VR experiences. Full article

In the context of immersive technologies deeply integrated into the cultural tourism industry, immersive cultural tourism has become an important means of heritage revitalization. Immersive experience is both a crucial consumer element and a key indicator for evaluating the attractiveness of cultural tourism landscapes. This study evaluates the post-use experience of the cultural tourism landscape of Xidajie Street in Baoding from the perspective of tourist immersion. Through a literature review, investigation of typical immersive districts, and expert interviews, we extract immersive cultural tourism landscape evaluation criteria based on a depth model of immersion, focusing on three dimensions: narrative, enclosure, and interaction. Subjective perception data from tourists is then collected through a survey, and IPA (Importance–Performance Analysis) is employed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of Xidajie’s cultural tourism landscape. The results show that Xidajie excels in spatial environment shaping and historical preservation, but has room for improvement in cultural narrative extension, contextual immersion, and interactive experiences. Therefore, strategies are proposed to enhance the cultural IP, establish a complete narrative structure, create authentic enveloping environments, and enrich interactive games to build a high-quality online and offline immersive cultural tourism landscape. This aims to promote the renewal of Xidajie and the dynamic transmission of Baoding’s local culture. Full article

The accelerated expansion of advanced technologies—particularly artificial intelligence, intelligent systems, and interactive digital environments—is influencing contemporary media ecosystems and contributing to changes in educational practices. This study provides a systematic and descriptive bibliometric mapping of recent scientific production on artificial intelligence in education, algorithmic ethics, and digital inequality. A total of 229 Scopus-indexed documents published between 2021 and 2026 were analyzed using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer to examine publication patterns, influential authors and sources, and the conceptual structure of the field. Results indicate a marked increase in research output since 2024, with an annual growth rate of 47.58%, an average of 8.68 citations per document, and an international co-authorship rate of 24.45%. These indicators reflect an expanding and increasingly collaborative research landscape, accompanied by a diversification of thematic priorities within the field. The analysis identifies five thematic clusters: (1) the technical foundations of AI and digital transformation; (2) intelligent and immersive learning environments; (3) personalized and adaptive learning systems; (4) AI literacy and pedagogical integration; and (5) ethical considerations, including algorithmic bias and educational robotics. The findings highlight the need for explicit justification of database selection, strengthened critical AI literacy, and context-sensitive strategies that address disparities in access, skills, and institutional capacity. Overall, this study offers a coherent overview of a research area that is currently expanding and undergoing conceptual reorganization, providing evidence-informed insights for future research, policy development, and the design of equitable AI-driven educational technologies. Full article

Indigenous cultures in Taiwan embody rich ecological knowledge and strong environmental conservation values. However, elementary and secondary education often provides limited exposure to these cultures due to geographic constraints and insufficient instructional resources, relying primarily on textbooks and teacher-centered teaching methods. Such approaches restrict experiential learning, which may diminish students’ motivation and depth of understanding. However, 360-degree virtual reality (VR360) enables immersive simulations of authentic environments, increasing the accessibility of cultural and ecological education through smartphones and low-cost Google Cardboard. In addition, drone technology enhances learning by offering multiple perspectives for environmental exploration and data collection. This study examines the effectiveness of integrating a VR360 and virtual drone system into instruction focused on the ecological context of Sun Moon Lake and Thao Indigenous culture. Learning outcomes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students were compared in terms of learning effectiveness, motivation, cognitive load, and technology acceptance. Ecological and cultural materials were collected through field investigations and drone photography, enabling students to explore landscapes from a first-person perspective and engage with Thao cultural practices and their relationship with local ecology. The findings indicate that the proposed VR-based system significantly enhances learning experiences and demonstrates strong potential for cultural and ecological education, offering valuable guidance for the design of future immersive instructional strategies and learning materials related to Indigenous cultures. Full article

The growing complexity and interdependence of critical infrastructures (CIs), increasingly exposed to natural and technological hazards, call for educational approaches to enhance resilience and risk management. This study examines trends, patterns, and challenges in integrating digital and immersive technologies into education and training for stakeholders in critical infrastructure management. A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted using Scopus as the primary source, covering the last decade and analyzing the corpus across six dimensions: technological approach, pedagogical model, hazard typology, infrastructure domain, stakeholder category, and implementation phase. Following the PRISMA framework, 5635 records were identified and screened through a multistage process combining rule-based filtering and manual review, resulting in 105 papers meeting the inclusion criteria. The analysis reveals a shift from classroom instruction and physical drills toward immersive, simulation-based, and data-informed learning ecosystems that strengthen situational awareness, procedural accuracy, and decision-making under stress. However, the review identifies persistent gaps in evaluation metrics, cross-sector frameworks, and collaborative learning environments that limit adoption. The findings underscore that digital and immersive technologies can reconfigure education and training frameworks, enabling the formation of Resilient Operators endowed with adaptive cognition, continuous learning capacities, and responsiveness to natural hazard-induced technological risks. Full article

Eye movement research has emerged as a powerful tool in architectural and environmental design, offering insights into how people visually engage with built and natural surroundings. Eye tracking technology enables the study of visual attention, user engagement, and navigation patterns, thereby informing user-centered design. This paper reviews a wide and vast body of research that demonstrates eye tracking’s capacity to inform architectural and environmental design decisions by providing objective, data-driven insights into human perception and interaction with the built world. Key methodologies are discussed, including desktop, mobile, and VR-based systems, as well as recent advances in software analytics and artificial intelligence. Beyond summarizing the existing literature, this review critically evaluates methodological approaches, identifies key challenges, and outlines future research directions. The key findings indicate increased integration of immersive technologies, diversification of analytical paradigms, and expanded application in sustainable and user-centered design. However, methodological heterogeneity, limited ecological validation, and insufficient integration with design optimization frameworks remain significant limitations. This review provides a structured foundation for advancing interdisciplinary research and enhancing evidence-based architectural design. The paper concludes by outlining a forward-looking research agenda for creating more responsive, intuitive, and human-centered environments. Full article

This study evaluated the effect of applying tea tree essential oil (TTEO) on the sensory, microbiological, and antioxidant quality of grated anco squash (Cucurbita moschata). To this end, different application methodologies and concentrations of TTEO were applied to the product, and their effect on sensory characteristics, microbiological quality and bioactive compounds was evaluated. The anco squash was washed, disinfected, cut, peeled, grated, and then treated with TTEO at concentrations of 4 and 8 μL/mL using different application methods: spraying (TS), immersion (TI), and absorbent strips impregnated with EO attached to the trays to generate vapors (TV). In addition, an immersion treatment with NaClO (100 ppm, 3 min) (TH) and a water-immersion control (TC) were included. All samples were packaged in PVC trays, sealed with 35 µm polypropylene bags, and stored at 5 °C for 8 days. According to sensory evaluation, TTEO spray treatments (TS) maintained the highest scores until day 4, and were therefore identified as the most effective strategy for application. Antioxidant capacity initially increased for all TTEO treatments compared to the control, while phenolic compound levels remained stable and carotenoid content decreased progressively during storage. Overall, TTEO treatments maintained the quality of grated anco squash for up to 4 days at 5 °C, highlighting their potential to improve nutraceutical properties and extend shelf life when integrated with complementary preservation technologies. Full article

The integration of immersive educational technologies into medical education has attracted growing attention owing to their potential to improve the learning of complex anatomical structures and specialized terminology. This study investigates the use of zSpace technology as an interactive, learner-centered instructional tool for teaching the human respiratory system to undergraduate students in Nursing, Midwifery, and Physician Assistant programs. A structured pedagogical framework combined prior theoretical instruction in anatomy and Latin medical terminology with a zSpace-based practical learning activity was used. After the workshop, the students completed a survey evaluating perceived learning effectiveness, student engagement, and the quality of three-dimensional (3D) visualization. Data from 34 participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics and reliability analysis. The results indicated high levels of student satisfaction regarding the clarity, anatomical detail, and educational value of the immersive 3D models, along with higher levels of engagement compared with traditional methods. Despite challenges related to technical infrastructure, lecturer readiness, and students’ digital competencies, the findings support the pedagogical relevance of immersive 3D technologies in medical education. Overall, the findings suggest that students perceive zSpace technology as supporting anatomical understanding and enhancing engagement within the studied context. Full article

Cultural heritage, in all its tangible and intangible expressions, is undergoing a process of renewal driven by the integration of digital technologies and participatory approaches. This study presents a pilot project developed within the SAMOTHRACE Fundation, focused on the design of a Serious Game dedicated to the Norman Castle of Aci Castello in Sicily. The project explores how game-based learning and interactive storytelling can enhance visitor engagement, accessibility, and understanding of small-scale heritage sites that are often excluded from major cultural circuits. Using Unity and Blender, the prototype combines historical research, 3D reconstruction, and narrative interaction to transform the castle into an immersive educational environment. This initial phase also served as the basis for an academic thesis, laying the methodological groundwork for future expansion and evaluation. The results of this pilot provide preliminary quantitative evidence that serious games can support cultural communication strategies, foster emotional engagement, and stimulate curiosity toward minor heritage sites, while remaining compatible with the constraints of modest institutions. Ultimately, the project illustrates how even modest institutions can leverage digital innovation to revitalize their heritage assets, promote inclusive participation, and explore new models of interactive archaeology and community-centered cultural engagement. Full article

The Industrial Metaverse (IM) integrates digital twins, IoT, AI, and immersive technologies to create interconnected, data-driven production environments. While its potential for enhancing efficiency and collaboration is widely acknowledged, its operationalization, particularly in alignment with sustainability goals, remains underexplored. This paper investigates how manufacturing firms transition from isolated pilots to strategic adoption of IM technologies, using a Digital Maturity Model as an analytical lens. Drawing on two industrial case studies, a university-based smart production lab, and expert roundtable discussions, we identify key barriers such as interoperability, governance, and skills gaps, alongside opportunities for circular material flows and resource optimization. Based on these insights, we propose three pathways for implementation: (1) digital maturity and Infrastructure Readiness, (2) organizational transformation for metaverse-enabled workflows, and (3) strategic value realization through sustainable business models. The study contributes a roadmap for managers and policymakers seeking to leverage the IM as a catalyst for resilience, circularity, and long-term competitiveness in smart manufacturing ecosystems. Full article