Search Results (106)

Background/Aims: This study set out to compare patient experiences and attitudes toward virtual reality (VR) versus in-office ophthalmic functional testing, as well as their eye exam visit preferences. Methods: A total of 64 patients undergoing a comparative clinical trial including VR and in-office versions of 24-2 visual field perimetry, Pelli–Robson contrast sensitivity, ETDRS visual acuity, Ishihara plates, and Amsler Grid tests were given a survey that included Likert-scaled questions regarding overall experience, speed, and comfort of broad VR testing versus in-office tests, as well as binary modality preference, like or dislike of various exam modality aspects, ease of understanding each test, distance traveled to their appointment, visit frequency, and remote care preferences. Results: In terms of overall experience, 59 (93.7%) participants rated VR as “Liked” or “Very Much Liked” compared to 38 (60.3%) for in-office tests (χ² p < 0.0001). Regarding comfort, 59 (93.7%) and 38 (60.3%) participants at least “Liked” VR and in-office tests, respectively (χ² p < 0.0001). For speed, 60 (95.2%) and 36 (57.1%) participants at least “Liked” VR and in-office tests, respectively (χ² p < 0.0001). Accordingly, 11 (17.5%) patients liked all aspects of in-office tests, while 54 (85.7%) patients said the same for VR (χ² p < 0.0001). Overall, 33 (52.4%) patients disliked something about in-office tests, while 20 (31.7%) said the same for VR (χ² p < 0.0001). There were no differences in ability to understand tests between the two modalities. We noted a variable distribution of distance traveled and visits per year in our population, yet there was also a strong preference for implementing more remote eye testing options. Conclusions: Development and implementation of virtual reality analogs to in-office, functional ophthalmic exams can improve patient experience and facilitate remote care delivery. Full article

Intelligent transportation systems (ITSs) and traffic control promise substantial efficiency and safety improvements but frequently face public resistance and driver compliance issues. Many drivers perceive such control measures as unfair or unnecessary, despite measurable system-wide benefits. This study investigates how chronoception—the subjective perception of time—affects user acceptance of ITS control strategies and how signal design can be adapted to reduce perceived delays. We introduce a chronoceptive design framework that integrates insights from cognitive psychology into traffic-control design. Using ramp metering as a case study, we conduct virtual experience stated preference experiments with 101 participants, comparing standard and chronoceptive ramp metering designs featuring shorter signal cycles, three-phase lights, and countdown timers. The results show that chronoceptive signal designs significantly improve user acceptance (by up to 12%) and reduce perceived waiting times, despite identical or slightly longer objective travel times. These findings reveal a systematic bias between factual and perceived benefits and highlight the potential of chronoceptive design to enhance compliance and fairness perception. This study contributes a new human-centred design paradigm for traffic control that aligns objective performance with user perception and outlines how chronoception and perceived fairness can be operationalised in traffic control. The source code and survey data can be found open-source on GitHub. Full article

Virtual heritage tourism has become an important way for Generation Z to connect with intangible cultural heritage (ICH). However, current tourism research has predominantly emphasized technology acceptance, with little discussion of how digital experience can be transformed into a deep cultural identity and drive the internal mechanisms of cultural sustainability. This study explores how the emotional–cognitive path of digital tourism experience promotes cultural sustainability, with a special focus on the digital experience space of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Twenty-eight Generation Z travelers were interviewed at the TCM Culture Exhibition Hall, and their narratives were analyzed using a three-stage grounded theory approach in NVivo 15. An emotional–cognitive path model was constructed, including five stages: emotional arousal, emotional immersion, emotional connection, emotional sedimentation, and emotional assessment. Research has found that digital tourism experiences gradually internalize from sensory contact to cultural identity through emotional–cognitive pathways, thereby promoting cultural sustainability and inheritance intentions. This study reveals the mechanism of the emotional evolution in digital heritage tourism, providing a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the sustainable inheritance of ICH. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic brought global tourism to a near standstill, rapidly shifting many destinations from overtourism to a temporary state of non-tourism due to lockdowns and border closures. As travel resumed between 2021 and 2022, ‘revenge tourism’ emerged, characterised by a surge in travel as people sought to compensate for lost experiences. This resurgence has reignited overtourism, a phenomenon marked by excessive tourist numbers and negative impacts on host communities, including environmental degradation, infrastructure strain and socio-cultural disruption. While overtourism has been extensively studied in the global North, its manifestations in the global South, particularly in South Africa, remain underexplored. This study addresses the existing gap by exploring the potential of digital technologies, namely, artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR) and social media platforms, as instruments for managing visitor flows and alleviating overtourism in selected hotspots throughout South Africa. Using a qualitative, literature-based design, this study evaluates the contextual relevance and multi-dimensional scalability of these technologies. The findings aim to advance discussions on overtourism and propose innovative, technology-driven strategies, as well as research opportunities tailored to the unique challenges of the global South. Full article

This study employs a reflexive autoethnography, guided by flow and place attachment theory, to examine how gaming experiences influence attachments to virtual environments and inspire real-world travel intentions. Data comprise reflexive journal notes written over a 10-month period after playing multiple video games and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis following a hybrid deductive–inductive approach. The analysis identified eight themes across three dimensions: temporal immersion, escapism, narrative immersion, and self-expression under flow; emotional, cognitive, and behavioural attachment under place attachment; and place-induced travel intention as the behavioural outcome. The findings establish flow as a critical antecedent to the development of place attachment within virtual environments. Consistent with emerging scholarship, the study confirms that attachment formation does not require physically tangible places; rather, it can emerge through digitally mediated presence and interaction, indicating that virtual environments are capable of eliciting place attachment. More significantly, it demonstrates that these virtual attachments can fluidly extend toward real places depicted in games, revealing a cross-environmental continuity in attachment processes. The integrated framework thus contributes a novel theoretical proposal linking flow, virtual and real place attachment, and tourism behaviour, an area that remains conceptually fragmented and empirically underdeveloped. Full article

Sustainability in tourism is becoming an increasingly significant challenge given the growing environmental, social, and cultural pressures associated with traditional forms of travel. One tool considered in this context is virtual reality (VR), which enables tourism experiences without the need for physical travel. The aim of this article is to examine how individual characteristics and features of the VR experience relate to user experience and changes in the evaluation of tourist destinations. The empirical study is based on surveys conducted before and after VR sessions in which 215 participants used the “Google Earth VR” application and visited locations of their choice. This paper presents the results of the relationship analysis between different variables. The dataset included evaluation of perceived realism and its components (360° representation, graphical quality, lag/smoothness, freedom of exploration, sound quality, tracking accuracy), engagement, emotion in VR, intuitiveness of VR use and more. In terms of the most important results, participants with a higher interest in travel reported stronger emotional responses and higher engagement during the VR experience, while perceived realism showed a weaker but directionally consistent association. VR showed a somewhat stronger, though still small, association with positive change in destination evaluation among participants with low initial tourism interest, for whom the experience may introduce novelty or reduce psychological distance to the destination. The analyses conducted contribute to a better understanding of the factors associated with the virtual tourism experience and highlight the potential of VR as a tool supporting the development of more sustainable forms of tourism experiences. 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

Background/Objectives: Older adults with neurocognitive and psychological disorders are often institutionalized in nursing homes, which negatively affects well-being and mood, and may accelerate cognitive decline. Immersive virtual reality (VR) is a promising non-pharmacological countermeasure, but VR-headset discomfort limits its usability in this population. Therefore, this study examined the tolerability and feasibility of an immersive VR room, which provides customizable interactive environments projected across four walls at 360° and enables shared experiences, to enhance positive affect and engagement in nursing home residents. Methods: Twenty nursing home residents were initially enrolled, and nineteen completed five 10 min sessions in the immersive VR room accompanied by a caregiver. State positive and negative effects were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Observed Emotion Rating Scale (OERS), and participants’ verbal feedback was collected during and after the sessions. Results: VAS scores indicated that VR room immersion was feasible and well-tolerated, with most participants feeling secure and experiencing increased positive affect during and just after the sessions. OERS scores and observations revealed frequent expressions of pleasure, interest, and active engagement with both the VR environments and the caregiver. Participants’ reports valued the enjoyable and relaxing experience provided by immersion in the VR room, noting the realism and aesthetics of the environments and nature-related elements, which allowed them to travel virtually and evoke personal memories. Conclusions: Immersive VR room sessions were well tolerated, enhanced positive affect, and may support cognitive functioning by fostering active engagement and social interaction. Given that this is a feasibility study with a small cohort and short follow-up, the present findings should be considered preliminary and confirmed in larger, controlled, longer-term studies. Full article

With the continuous development of global intelligent shipping technology, in fields such as virtual testing of intelligent ships and crew training and assessment, there is an urgent need for a highly realistic model to reproduce the driver’s bumpy feeling of ship drivers. Due to the limited travel of the six-degree-of-freedom platform, the platform is unable to provide continuous acceleration during the simulation of the driver’s body sensation in the three degrees of freedom of the ship, namely, sway, surge, and yaw. To overcome the above problems, a six-degree-of-freedom motion model of ships is constructed under low sea conditions based on the MMG-separated ship motion model and the FFT wave simulation method. Secondly, the otolith model and the semicircular canal model are introduced to establish a human body perception deception mechanism. The gravity is transferred by using the deflection angles of roll and pitch to extend the acceleration sensation in the three degrees of freedom of sway, surge, and yaw. Finally, through the real ship rotation and Z-shaped test experiments, the simulation trajectory, real ship attitude, and platform motion data are compared to verify the effectiveness of the established method. To simplify the research, under the low sea conditions where the three degrees of freedom of heave, roll, and pitch are ignored, the virtual ship simulation trajectory based on the above method is basically consistent with the real ship, and the correlation between the platform and the real ship body-sensing data is at least 81.2%. Through scoring the simulation driving body-sensing reproduction experience, it is proven that the above method can achieve a better body-sensing reproduction effect on the six-degree-of-freedom platform. Full article

Low-disturbance liquid manure injection is increasingly important for sustainable soil management because it reduces residue burial, minimizes surface disruption, and lowers energy demand during application. However, the performance of low-disturbance shanks has not been systematically optimized, and their interaction with soil remains poorly quantified. This study developed an integrated discrete element method (DEM)–experimental framework to evaluate and optimize the performance of a purpose-built injector shank featuring a 45° rake angle, 25 mm thickness, and 110 mm width. The framework aimed to identify operating conditions that balance soil disturbance and energy efficiency. A DEM soil model was constructed using mechanical properties obtained from laboratory characterization tests and validated against soil bin experiments measuring draft force and soil rupture area across five working depths (100–250 mm) and three travel speeds (350–450 mm/s). The calibrated model showed strong agreement with experimental observations, yielding mean absolute relative errors of 1.7% for draft force and 6.2% for rupture area. Following validation, a multi-objective optimization was performed to minimize draft force while maximizing soil rupture, two key indicators of energy demand and injection effectiveness. Optimization results identified the most favorable operating parameters at a forward speed of 450 mm/s and an injection depth of 150 mm, achieving a desirability score of 0.884. The integrated DEM–experimental framework demonstrated reliable predictive capability and enables virtual testing of soil–tool interactions prior to field implementation. This study provides a scientifically grounded approach for improving injector shank operation and supports sustainable manure management by identifying settings that achieve adequate soil disruption while reducing energy consumption. Full article

Mobile Mapping Systems (MMSs) have emerged as indispensable instruments for producing high-precision road maps in recent years. Despite incorporating modern devices, their efficacy may be influenced by operational variables such as vehicle speed or the type of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) differential correction employed. This study assesses the impact of varying vehicle speeds and differential correction settings on the accuracy of point grids acquired with an MMS on a two-lane rural road. The experiment was performed across a 7 km distance, incorporating two speeds (40 and 60 km/h) and two travel directions. Three correction methodologies were examined: a proximate local base (MBS), a network station solution of the National Geographic Institute (NET), and virtual reference stations (VRSs). The methodology encompassed normality analysis, descriptive statistics, mean comparisons, one- and two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the computation of the root mean square error (RMSE) as a measure of accuracy. The findings indicate that horizontal discrepancies remain steady and unaffected by the correction technique; however, notable changes are seen in the vertical component, with the NET option proving to be the most effective. The acquisition rate is the primary determinant, exacerbating errors at 60 km/h. In conclusion, the dependability of MMS surveys is contingent upon the correction approach and operational conditions, and it is advisable to sustain moderate speeds to guarantee precise three-dimensional models. Full article

Poultry transport represents a significant animal welfare challenge, particularly when birds are exposed to heat stress during travel, a condition that can compromise physiological stability, performance, and survival. Despite the relevance of this issue, research on engineering improvements to poultry transport crates remains limited. In this study, four virtual models of poultry transport crates were evaluated to assess their potential to improve the thermal comfort internal airflow conditions. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted under three transport speeds, complemented by wind tunnel experiments using reduced-scale prototypes fabricated by additive manufacturing. The results demonstrated that the alternative crate 3 (AC3) model presented exhibited superior internal average airflow velocities (IAFV) across all speeds, including a 32.85% increase compared to the conventional crate at 60 km/h. Wind tunnel testing confirmed significant differences among crate designs. AC3 showed lower air temperature than AC1 and reduced relative humidity compared to CC and AC2. Thermal comfort indices supported these findings, with AC3 presenting the lowest THI and enthalpy, indicating a less stressful microclimate. In terms of airflow, AC2 and AC3 achieved higher IAFV (19.27 ± 8.49 m/s and 19.30 ± 4.80 m/s) than CC and AC1. AC3 also had the lowest dynamic pressure, suggesting reduced airflow resistance and more efficient aerodynamics. Therefore, improved crate geometry and increased ventilation surface can enhance airflow distribution, potentially reduce heat accumulation and improve animal welfare. However, further studies involving live birds, realistic stocking densities, and full-scale trailer simulations are required to validate these benefits under commercial transport conditions. Full article

The present paper discusses extended reality (XR) applications specifically designed to enhance experiential location-based learning in outdoor spaces, which are utilized in the context of an environmental education program of the Education Center for the Environment and Sustainability (E.S.E.C.) of Kastoria. With the use of augmented, mixed, and virtual reality technologies, an attempt is made to enrich the knowledge and experiences of the students during their visit to the representation of the Neolithic settlement (open-air museum) and their active participation in the learning process. Students take on roles such as those of an archeologist, a detective, and an explorer. By utilizing mobile devices and leveraging GPS technology, students search for and identify virtual findings at the excavation site, travel through time, and investigate the resolution of a mystery (crime) that occurred during the Neolithic period, exploring and navigating the space of the neolithic representation interacting with real and virtual objects, while through special VR glasses they discover the lifestyle of neolithic man. The design of the applications was based on the ADDIE model, while the evaluation was conducted using a structured questionnaire for XR experiences. The fundamental constructs of the questionnaire were defined as follows: Challenge, Satisfaction/Enjoyment, Ease of Use, Usefulness/Knowledge, Interaction/Collaboration, and Intention to Reuse. A total of 163 students were involved in the study. Descriptive statistics showed consistently high scores across factors (M = 4.21–4.58, SD = 0.41–0.63). Pearson correlations revealed strong associations between Challenge—Satisfaction/Enjoyment (r = 0.688), Usefulness/Knowledge—Intention to Reuse (r = 0.648), and Satisfaction—Intention to Reuse (r = 0.651). Regression analysis further supported key relationships such as Usefulness/Knowledge—Intention to Reuse (β = 0.31, p < 0.001), Usefulness/Knowledge—Interaction/Collaboration (β = 0.34, p < 0.001), Satisfaction/Enjoyment—Usefulness/Knowledge (β = 0.42, p < 0.001) and Challenge—Satisfaction/Enjoyment (β = 0.69, p < 0.001). Overall, findings suggest that well-designed XR experiences can support higher engagement, perceived cognitive value, and intention to reuse in authentic outdoor learning contexts. Full article

Traditional approaches to welder training demand substantial investments in equipment, consumable materials, and workshop facilities, while also exposing novice learners to considerable safety risks. This study investigates the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR)-based welding training system developed with Unity for the Meta Quest 2 platform, designed to deliver safe and immersive instruction in fundamental welding techniques. A total of twenty participants with no prior welding experience completed structured VR training sessions over two weeks. The program focused on developing competencies in welding machine operation (including start-up procedures and parameter adjustments), controlling shielding gas flow, and accurately regulating torch-to-workpiece distance, torch angle, and travel speed. Real-time feedback was integrated into the system to support accurate control and positioning of the welding torch. Quantitative assessments demonstrated significant improvements in both technical proficiency and trainee confidence and anxiety levels. Knowledge test scores increased from 45.3 to 85.1, while machine adjustment accuracy rose from 28.7 to 92.3. In parallel, participant confidence levels increased substantially, and anxiety scores decreased from 4.0–4.5 to 1.1–1.5 on standardized scales. These findings provide experimental evidence that VR-based training can enhance fundamental welding education by offering a safe, repeatable, and effective practice environment that simultaneously improves technical performance, strengthens learner confidence, and reduces training-related anxiety. Full article

Analysis of nonlinear plasma waves, formulated and applied for ionospheric HF heating experiments, indicates that Langmuir/upper hybrid waves excited by parametric instabilities can evolve into traveling solitary waves accompanied by self-induced cavitons. To explore these cavitons, a digisonde operating in fast mode was utilized. Significant results were observed in ionograms recorded two minutes after the activation of the O-mode heater. These ionograms displayed two distinct bumps in the virtual height spread, located slightly below both the HF reflection height and the upper hybrid resonance height. It is notable that these heights are also slightly below the excitation regions where Langmuir/upper hybrid Parametric Decay Instabilities (PDIs) are typically generated by an O-mode HF heater. These observations correlate with the theory and provide valuable insights into the dynamics of nonlinear plasma waves and their interaction with the ionosphere during HF heating experiments. Full article