Search Results (288)

With the advancement of immersive technologies, metaverse museum exhibitions have become an increasingly important medium through which audiences access cultural content and experience artistic works. This study aims to identify the key factors influencing visitors’ processual experiences in metaverse museum exhibitions and to explore how these factors collectively contribute to the formation of satisfaction with the visiting experience. Adopting an interdisciplinary theoretical perspective, the study integrates the Experience Economy theory with the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) model to construct a systematic theoretical framework. This framework reveals how exhibition-related stimuli affect visitors’ behavioral intentions through psychological response pathways. Specifically, perceived educational appeal, interactive entertainment, escapist experience, and perceived visual aesthetics are defined as stimulus variables, while psychological immersion, emotional trigger, and cognitive engagement are introduced as organismic variables to explain their effects on satisfaction with the visiting experience and social sharing intention as response variables. Based on 507 valid responses, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed for empirical analysis. The results indicate that interactive entertainment and escapist experience have significant positive effects on psychological responses, serving as key drivers of deep visitor engagement. Emotional Trigger acts as a significant mediator between exhibition stimuli and satisfaction with the visiting experience, which in turn significantly predicts social sharing intention. In contrast, perceived educational appeal and perceived visual aesthetics exhibit weaker impacts at the cognitive and behavioral levels. This study not only identifies these weakened pathways but also proposes optimization strategies grounded in experiential construction and cognitive synergy, offering guidance for enhancing the educational function and deep experiential design of metaverse exhibitions. The findings validate the applicability of the Experience Economy theory and the SOR model in metaverse cultural contexts and deepen our understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying immersive cultural experiences. This study further provides a pathway for shifting exhibition design from a “content-oriented” to an “experience-driven” approach, offering theoretical and practical insights into enhancing audience engagement and cultural communication effectiveness in metaverse museums. Full article

Serious games (SGs) have been widely employed in the digital preservation and transmission of architectural heritage. However, the key determinants and underlying mechanisms driving users’ continuance intentions toward ancient-architecture cultural heritage serious games (CH-SGs) have not been thoroughly investigated. Accordingly, a conceptual model grounded in the stimulus–organism–response (S–O–R) framework was developed to elucidate the affective and behavioral effects experienced by CH-SG users. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) were employed to capture both the linear and nonlinear relationships among model constructs. By integrating sufficiency logic (PLS-SEM) and necessity logic (necessary condition analysis, NCA), “must-have” and “should-have” factors were identified. Empirical results indicate that cultural authenticity, knowledge acquisition, perceived enjoyment, and design aesthetics each exert a positive influence—of varying magnitude—on perceived value, cultural identification, and perceived pleasure, thereby shaping users’ continuance intentions. Moreover, cultural authenticity and perceived enjoyment were found to be necessary and sufficient conditions, respectively, for enhancing perceived pleasure and perceived value, which in turn indirectly bolster CH-SG users’ sustained use intentions. By creating an immersive, narratively rich, and engaging cognitive experience, CH-SGs set against ancient architectural backdrops not only stimulate users’ willingness to visit and protect heritage sites but also provide designers and developers with critical insights for optimizing future CH-SG design, development, and dissemination. Full article

Urban wetlands are increasingly recognized for their ecological and cultural benefits, yet remain underutilized due to limited public awareness and environmental literacy. This study investigates how visitors’ perceptions of wetland ecosystem services influence their motivations to engage with a constructed wetland in Putrajaya, Malaysia. By integrating the ecosystem services framework with push-pull motivation theory, the research aims to bridge knowledge gaps and inform sustainable wetland tourism planning. A structured questionnaire was administered to 420 visitors, with 385 valid responses (response rate: 91.7%). Data were analyzed using non-parametric tests (Kruskal–Wallis, Spearman correlation) and multiple regression analysis. Results show that cultural and regulating services are perceived most positively, while emotional restoration and aesthetic appreciation emerged as key motivational drivers. Regression findings reveal that push factors are stronger predictors of ecosystem service engagement than pull factors. These insights highlight the importance of emotional and psychological connections to nature, offering practical implications for urban wetland management, visitor education and environmental communication strategies. Full article

Street view imagery has become a vital tool for assessing urban street greenery, with the Green View Index (GVI) serving as the predominant metric. However, while GVI effectively quantifies overall greenery, it fails to capture the nuanced, human-scale experience of urban greenery. This study introduces the Front-Facing Green View Index (FFGVI), a metric designed to reflect the perspective of pedestrians traversing urban streets. The FFGVI computation involves three key steps: (1) calculating azimuths for road points, (2) retrieving front-facing street view images, and (3) applying semantic segmentation to identify green pixels in street view imagery. Building on this, this study proposes the Street Canyon Green View Index (SCGVI), a novel approach for identifying boulevards that evoke perceptions of comfort, spaciousness, and aesthetic quality akin to room-like streetscapes. Applying these indices to a case study in Nanjing, China, this study shows that (1) FFGVI exhibited a strong correlation with GVI (R = 0.88), whereas the association between SCGVI and GVI was marginally weaker (R = 0.78). GVI tends to overestimate perceived greenery due to the influence of lateral views dominated by side-facing vegetation; (2) FFGVI provides a more human-centered perspective, mitigating biases introduced by sampling point locations and obstructions such as large vehicles; and (3) SCGVI effectively identifies prominent boulevards that contribute to a positive urban experience. These findings suggest that FFGVI and SCGVI are valuable metrics for informing urban planning, enhancing urban tourism, and supporting greening strategies at the street level. Full article

Background and Objectives: Orthodontic treatment aims to enhance dental aesthetics and function, yet many patients report dissatisfaction. This study was designed with the following objectives: To assess overall patient satisfaction during active orthodontic treatment; to identify key psychosocial and clinical predictors of satisfaction, including self-confidence, social experiences, and cost perception; to evaluate the impact of orthodontist–patient communication on satisfaction and perceived treatment outcomes; to explore the relationship between aesthetic improvement and willingness to undergo treatment again. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using structured questionnaires to assess satisfaction, pain perception, treatment expectations, and communication quality. Statistical analyses, including correlations and regression models, were used to identify predictors of satisfaction. The study included 450 orthodontic patients from the north-eastern region of Romania, undergoing active treatment at the time of data collection. Results: The strongest predictor of satisfaction was improved self-confidence and smile aesthetics (r = 0.62). Effective communication with orthodontists significantly increased satisfaction (r = 0.58, p = 0.002), while perceived high costs had a negative impact (r = −0.41). Pain and discomfort were common, with 90% of patients experiencing treatment-related pain, leading to reduced compliance. Social embarrassment due to braces also contributed to dissatisfaction (r = −0.47). Conclusions: Patient satisfaction with orthodontic treatment is primarily influenced by aesthetic improvements and effective communication. While enhanced smile perception boosts confidence, financial concerns and social discomfort may negatively affect the overall experience. Improving accessibility to treatment and providing comprehensive patient support are essential for optimizing patient satisfaction. Full article

Grassland communities consist primarily of perennial herbaceous species, with grasses forming a dominant or significant component. These ecosystems have been utilised for economic purposes since the earliest periods of human history. In the natural environment, they fulfil numerous critical functions that, despite increasing awareness of climate change, often remain undervalued. Grasslands contribute directly to climate regulation, air purification, soil conservation, flood mitigation, and public health—all of which positively affect the well-being of nearby populations. Moreover, they satisfy higher-order human needs known as “cultural” services, providing aesthetic enjoyment and recreational opportunities. These services, in tangible terms, support the development of rural tourism. The objective of this study was to examine the perception of cultural ecosystem services provided by different types of grassland communities—meadows, pastures, and lawns. The study employed a structured questionnaire to evaluate the perceived significance and functions of these communities. Respondents assessed their aesthetic and recreational value based on land-use type. To quantify these dimensions, the study applies the Recreational and Leisure Attractiveness Index (RLAI), the Aesthetic Attractiveness Index (AAI), ranking methods, and contingent valuation techniques. Based on the respondents’ declared WTP (willingness to pay) and WTA (willingness to accept) values, statistically significant differences in the perceived value of land-use types were identified. Lawns were rated highest in terms of recreational attractiveness, meadows in terms of aesthetics, while pastures achieved the highest economic values. Significant differences were also observed depending on respondents’ place of residence and academic background. The results indicate that the valuation of cultural services encompasses both functional and psychological aspects and should be integrated into local land-use and landscape planning policies. Full article

Advances in information technology have enabled virtual museums to transcend traditional physical boundaries and become important tools in education. Despite their growing use, the factors influencing the effectiveness of virtual museums in enhancing students’ learning motivation remain underexplored. This study investigates key factors that promote learning motivation among secondary school students using the National Museum of Nature’s Online Virtual Exhibition as a case study. Grounded in the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S-O-R) theoretical framework, a conceptual model was developed and empirically tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine relationships among stimulus variables, psychological states, and learning motivation. Results reveal that affective involvement, cognitive engagement, and perceived presence significantly enhance learning motivation, while immersion shows no significant effect. Among the stimulus factors, perceived enjoyment strongly promotes affective involvement, perceived interactivity enhances cognitive engagement, and content quality primarily supports cognitive processing. Visual aesthetics contribute notably to immersion, affective involvement, and perceived presence. These findings elucidate the multidimensional mechanisms through which user experience in virtual museums influences learning motivation. The study provides theoretical and practical implications for designing effective and engaging virtual museum educational environments, thereby supporting sustainable digital learning practices. Full article

The relationship between natural environments and psychological well-being has gained increasing attention in environmental and health sciences. However, there is still a lack of robust quantitative instruments to assess the restorative potential of different environments. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Portuguese version of the Perceived Restorativeness Scale (PRS), an instrument based on Attention Restoration Theory that evaluates the perceived restorative qualities of environments. In Study 1, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on data from 410 participants. The results supported a refined 20-item version of the scale, comprising four factors—being away, fascination, compatibility, and legibility—with good internal consistency and acceptable model fit. Measurement invariance analysis confirmed configural, metric, and scalar invariance across gender. In Study 2, a separate sample of 212 participants completed the PRS along with additional validated measures: the Sublime Emotion toward Nature Scale (SEN), an aesthetic evaluation of landscapes, and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). The PRS showed strong convergent and discriminant validity and significantly predicted restorative outcomes. These findings support the psychometric adequacy of the Portuguese PRS and its relevance as a valid tool for assessing perceived restorativeness in both natural and built environments. The scale may inform future research and public policies aimed at designing spaces that promote psychological restoration and mental well-being. Full article

Matching the most suitable material for furniture design in interiors is a challenging task for designers, as it requires them to perceive the material’s attributes. This issue leads to a quest to understand the designer’s approach to selecting materials for furniture in the design process. Considering the aesthetic, technical, and ecological advantages of wood, this research aims to understand the position of wood material through methodologies used in design studies. Given that wood has been utilized in buildings, interiors, and furniture for centuries, it raises the question of its relevance to the new generation of designers. To investigate this, students of design studies were tasked with creating a product utilizing the knowledge gained regarding the phases of product development and the latest findings related to material assignment procedures. Design process is one that continually incorporates new procedures driven by technological advancements. The innovative approach of Speculative and Critical Design (SCD) can enhance the perception of creative thought; however, a conventional approach provides a reliable foundation that encourages further exploration and adherence to the established phases of design. Material assignment techniques such as Product-Driven Design (PDD) and Material-Driven Design (MDD) also play a significant role in comprehending the material properties and methods of product material allocation. Gaining insight into both product development processes and material assignment techniques can illuminate the role of wood as a material within design studies, particularly among students. This research focuses on comparing the methodologies and assignment techniques derived from the existing literature and studies, centered around a project aimed at understanding the willingness of design students to utilize wood materials. Ultimately, it is disclosed that the students plan to utilize wood as their primary material, in conjunction with traditional methodological approaches, and in accordance with PDD, indicating their focus on the requirements of the product. Full article

Background: Class II Division 1 malocclusion is often characterized by an increased overjet, which has traditionally been considered a negative predictor of aesthetic outcomes, treatment efficacy, and long-term stability. Although early two-phase treatment is generally perceived as less effective than a single-stage pubertal peak intervention, it may be beneficial in cases with concerns such as trauma risk or bullying. This study aimed to assess the relationship between initial overjet and sagittal correction (as measured by the ANB and WITS indices) to identify a threshold beyond which two-phase treatment might be more effective. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 58 patients (mean age: 9.01 years), all of whom were treated consecutively with the Manni Telescopic Herbst Appliance. Lateral cephalograms taken at the start (T0) and end (T1) of Herbst treatment were analyzed to evaluate changes in skeletal and dental parameters. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between higher initial overjet and increased skeletal sagittal correction. Specifically, for every 1 mm increase in overjet, there was a 0.65 mm reduction in the WITS index and a 0.30° decrease in the ANB angle (p < 0.01). These effects were more pronounced when the initial overjet exceeded 8.0 mm. Conclusions: The Manni Telescopic Herbst Appliance demonstrated enhanced skeletal correction in patients with larger initial overjet values, particularly when the overjet exceeded 8.0 mm. This suggests that early two-phase treatment may be especially beneficial in such cases. Full article

Background/Objectives: A previous study evaluating convex facial profiles at rest demonstrated that combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgical treatment is more effective in enhancing facial aesthetics compared to orthodontic camouflage alone. The present follow-up study aimed to reassess these findings by incorporating both profile and frontal facial views in the aesthetic evaluation. Methods: This retrospective cohort study sample included 36 consecutively selected patients with convex facial profiles and Class II Division 1 malocclusion. Two groups of 18 non-growing patients with similar characteristics were compared. Group A was treated with orthodontics and orthognathic surgery, whereas Group B was treated with orthodontics exclusively. Pre- and post-treatment profile and frontal facial photographs were simultaneously presented to orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, convex profile patients, and laypeople, asking them to assess changes in facial appearance. Results: Significant positive changes in facial appearance were perceived for Group A, in contrast to no changes for Group B, with a difference of 17/100 visual analogue scale (VAS) units. The rater groups demonstrated a high degree of consistency (ICC > 0.88). Multivariate analysis revealed significant differences in perceived changes between the two treatment groups (F = 14.63, p < 0.001, Pillai’s Trace = 0.36, and partial η² = 0.36), with no significant effects from the rater group (p > 0.05). Similar results are evident when only profile photos were rated (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgery approach effectively enhances facial appearance in convex profile cases, whereas orthodontic treatment alone does not result in significant changes. These findings should be clearly communicated during patient consultations and considered in treatment planning. Full article

Premium fashion brands are increasingly adopting Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) to reduce costs and enhance creativity. However, consumers have mixed perceptions of clothing with AI-generated patterns (CAGPs) launched by premium fashion brands, especially in online shopping contexts where consumers cannot examine physical products firsthand. This study integrates the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) with Customer Perceived Value (CPV) to investigate Chinese Millennials’ attitudes and purchase intentions toward online purchases of CAGPs launched by premium fashion brands. Using a purposive sampling approach, the study collected 471 valid responses from Chinese Millennials. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was then employed to test the proposed model and hypotheses. The results reveal that perceived brand design effort and perceived price value are primary drivers of purchase intention for CAGPs from premium fashion brands, while perceived aesthetic value significantly shapes consumer attitudes. The subjective norm and attitude positively influence purchase intention. This study sheds light on the roles of aesthetic, emotional, monetary and social factors in driving purchase intention, offering practical suggestions for premium brands’ product design and marketing strategies. Full article

OnabotulinumtoxinA (OnaBoNT-A) is approved for chronic migraine prevention and follows the PREEMPT protocol with injections in the glabellar and forehead regions. While aesthetic changes are considered a side effect, their effect on patient satisfaction has not been thoroughly assessed. This study evaluated patient satisfaction with facial aesthetic outcomes after repeated OnaBoNT-A treatment for chronic migraine. Conducted at specialist headache centers, it included adult patients with chronic migraine who had received at least three OnaBoNT-A cycles. Participants completed a structured questionnaire on demographics, migraine history, facial wrinkles and age perception, appearance satisfaction, psychological impact, treatment satisfaction, and adverse aesthetic events. A total of 124 patients (92.7% female; median age 42.5 years) participated. OnaBoNT-A reduced wrinkle severity (p < 0.0001). Most patients (74.2%) reported aesthetic improvement post-treatment. The majority of patients (76.7%) declared that treatment met or exceeded expectations. 32% reported looking younger post-treatment, with a median perceived age difference of 5 years. Adverse event frequency was similar to pivotal trial outcomes, mostly mild, with no treatment discontinuations. OnaBoNT-A for chronic migraine, following the PREEMPT protocol, provides significant therapeutic benefits and high patient satisfaction regarding aesthetic outcomes. Although aesthetic side effects were generally mild, they were not uncommon. Full article

Architectural ambiance refers to the mood perceived in a built environment, assessed through human reactions to virtual drawings of prospective spaces. This paper investigates the use of a ready-made artificial intelligence model to automate this task. Based on professional BIM models, videos of virtual tours of typical urban areas were built: a business district, a strip mall, and a residential area. GPT-4V was used to assess the aesthetic quality of the built environment based on keyframes of the videos and characterize these spaces shaped by subjective attributes. The spatial qualities analyzed through subjective human experience include space and scale, enclosure, style, and overall feelings. These factors were assessed with a diverse set of mood attributes, ranging from balance and protection to elegance, simplicity, or nostalgia. Human participants were surveyed with the same questions based on the videos. The answers were compared and analyzed according to these subjective attributes. Our findings indicate that, while GPT-4V demonstrates adequate proficiency in interpreting urban spaces, there are significant differences between the AI and human evaluators. In nine out of twelve cases, the AI’s assessments aligned with the majority of human voters. The business district environment proved more challenging to assess, while the green environment was effectively modeled. Full article

Background: The Profunda Artery Perforator (PAP) flap is a viable alternative to the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap, particularly for patients with low BMI and therefore insufficient abdominal tissue. To reduce the high complication rate, especially in our low BMI patient population, we have adapted the use of the vertical skin island design. This study compares complication rates and long-term outcomes of vertical versus horizontal skin island designs in PAP flap breast reconstruction. Methods: This prospective, single-center study included 20 patients who underwent PAP flap breast reconstruction. Quality of life and scar quality were assessed using the BREAST-Q and POSAS questionnaires. Additionally, the cosmetic outcomes were analyzed by four plastic surgeons. Results: Mean BMI in the vertical group was 23.9 kg/m² and 22.7 kg/m² in the horizontal group. Mean flap weight was 326 g for the vertical group and 355 g for the horizontal group. Fewer complications were observed at the donor site in the vertical group (Clavien–Dindo Classification 3b at donor site: p = 0.25). The BREAST-Q evaluation revealed significantly better results regarding the psycho-social well-being (p = 0.04) in patients with the horizontalskin island design. Scar evaluation using the POSAS revealed that the scar was perceived as thinner (p = 0.02), less pigmented (p = 0.03), and showed less relief (p = 0.02) in the vertical group. No significant difference was observed in the overall scar assessment by observers (p = 0.46). The aesthetic analysis by plastic surgeons showed significantly better results in the horizontal group. Conclusions: The vertical skin island design in PAP flap breast reconstruction was associated with lower complication rates and better scar quality compared to the horizontal design. Surgeons, however, rated the overall aesthetic outcome of the vertical design less favorably. These findings highlight the importance of balancing donor site morbidity with overall aesthetic results. Full article