Environmental Experiences Research Articles

Mitigating Cybersickness in Virtual Reality: Impact of Eye–Hand Coordination Tasks, Immersion, and Gaming Skills

Cybersickness remains a significant challenge for virtual reality (VR) applications, particularly in highly immersive environments. This study examined the effects of immersion, task performance, and individual differences on cybersickness symptoms across multiple stages of VR exposure. Forty-seven participants aged 18–45 completed a within-subjects design that involved the Cybersickness in Virtual Reality Questionnaire (CSQ-VR) and the Deary–Liewald Reaction Time (DLRT) task. Cybersickness symptoms were assessed across four stages: before and after VR immersion, and before and after a 12 min rollercoaster ride designed to induce cybersickness. The results showed significant increases in symptoms following the rollercoaster ride, with partial recovery during the post-ride tasks. Eye–hand coordination tasks, performed after the ride and VR immersion, mitigated nausea, as well as vestibular, and oculomotor symptoms, suggesting that task engagement plays a key role in alleviating cybersickness. The key predictors of symptom severity included a susceptibility to motion sickness and gaming experience, particularly proficiency in first-person shooter (FPS) games, which was associated with a reduced cybersickness intensity. While task engagement reduced symptoms in the later stages, particularly nausea and vestibular discomfort, overall cybersickness levels remained elevated post-immersion. These findings underscore the importance of task timing, individual differences, and immersive experience design in developing strategies to mitigate cybersickness and enhance user experiences in VR environments.

‘Journeys in the Dark’ - Towards Game Master AI in Complex Board Games

The Game Master is a player role synonymous with many tabletop games. The asymmetric gameplay of the role provides different opportunities compared to other players, and can be both cooperative and competitive with the other players in the same game. Though complex environments for exploring human and Artificial Intelligence collaboration exist, few focus on the Game Master role's semi-cooperative play. Here, we propose a new complex environment based on the board game `Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition)', as part of the Tabletop Games Framework, showcasing one-versus-many play, tactical combat, and large, dynamic action and state spaces. We include baseline AI player performance of Monte Carlo Tree Search agents in this game, finding them to be well-adept at considering multiple possible end-game conditions compared to the greedy One Step Look Ahead agents. In-depth analysis reveals interesting behaviours and Hero synergies, with the aim of informing the design of games and AI models to enhance human experience in semi-cooperative environments.

THE STUDENTS' AND TEACHERS’ IMPRESSION TOWARD NEARPOD APPS IN LEARNING ENGLISH OF CURRICULUM MERDEKA PERSPECTIVES

This article discusses using an application for Education called Nearpod. Nearpod is an application with real-time insights into student understanding through interactive lessons, gamified learning, formative assessment, and other exciting activities. Nearpod can be personalized instruction for individual students, small group assignments, or homework to differentiate and allow students to work independently, which all this feature in line with the framework of Kurikulum Merdeka. This research was done by using qualitative approach. In this article, the author wants to find students' and teacher perceptions or feedback about their experience learning and teaching English by using Nearpod in the classroom. the interview was used as the instrument in collecting main data. Hence, 5 students became the sample in this research. Besides that, the author also provides the observation as the supporting data to look on how the student engage with the apps. The data were taken from a school in Tangerang, Banten province. This school has been applying of Kurikulum merdeka for 4 years. In which, this will have a strong bond between the demand in both curriculum and this app. The result of the research shows thematic dimensions of positive and negative feedbacks. Those are memory of learning retention, creativity and critical thinking, new environment experience, advantages and disadvantages for future suggestions.

Comprehensive Analysis of Cloud Computing Performance Factors: Investigating the Impact of Response Time, Load Balancing and Service Broker Policies on Cloud Service Efficiency Using CloudSim Simulation

Cloud performance refers to the efficiency and effectiveness with which a cloud system operates delivering hosted services over the internet. As cloud computing continues to offer flexibility, scalability and computational power monitoring and improving cloud performance is essential. Performance optimization is influenced by factors such as load balancing and service broker policies which impact system response times and overall user experience. This paper provides an in-depth review of key publications and real-time cloud performance tools identifying critical performance factors that affect cloud efficiency. Notably, response time emerged as a fundamental metric for cloud service quality. Using CloudSim simulation we examine cloud performance evaluation criteria and experimentally assess the impact of response time dependencies on broker policies, load balancing techniques and data center distribution. This study offers a framework for understanding cloud performance evaluation and highlights strategies to enhance user experience in diverse cloud environments.

Metaverse Metamorphosis: Fintech's Evolution Catalyzing New Era of Consumer Behavior

ABSTRACTAll facets of society may enter the virtual world more quickly due to the rapid development of digital technology, which would blur the boundary between the real and the digital realms and encourage the creation of a Metaverse. In the upcoming decades, metaverse technology—which allows immersive experiences in virtual and real environments—will be the next revolutionary force in society. The Fintech industry has been one of the first to adopt it, and it is one of those that uses technology to resolve problems. The study begins by conceptualizing the Metaverse as being defined explicitly by the convergence of its essential components and its influence on the fintech sector. It further discusses how Metaverse could create value in consumer behaviour in three vicinities: social perception, user identity and advertising & consumer psychology. Finally, the study presents the various implications and future scope of this research by doing the thematic analysis to enhance our understanding of the Metaverse economy and how it influences consumer behaviour. This study provides an overview of the shift occurring in the marketplace and contemplates the various changes that it may bring, all through the perspective of consumer behaviour which can be used to create predictive models that recognize emerging trends in customer behaviour, market activities, and other aspects of the business.

Digital competence of faculty members in health sciences measured via self-reflection: current status and contextual aspects.

This descriptive study aims to determine the digital competence level of faculty members who teach in the health sciences, empirically considering possible contextual aspects. Two data collection instruments were used: a self-reflection questionnaire to assess digital competence, and a survey querying demographics and aspects of teaching and learning context. In total, 306 health sciences faculty members from six universities voluntarily participated the study. The results revealed that a majority of the faculty members have intermediate (integrator or expert) level of digital competence, which is described as being aware of the potential use of digital technology in teaching and having a personal repertoire for its use under various circumstances. Age, digital teaching experience, perception of work environment, and previous teaching experience in fully- or partially-online courses were identified as influencing factors for digital competence. Faculty members in health sciences were able to integrate digital technologies in their teaching practices. Health education institutions may facilitate the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning environments. Moreover, institutions or stakeholders should consider that digital competence requires practice and experience in meaningfully-designed digital environments and tools.

Examining students’ learning experiences in hybrid environments

In the aftermath of the pandemic, a generation of students who are comfortable with learning online and prefer having the autonomy to decide how they want to learn – in-person or remotely – has emerged. Hybrid learning, where teaching instruction is given to students in different spatial settings at the same time, is a modality that has the potential to deliver stimulating learning experiences to support diverse learning needs. The experiences in various forms of learning – in-person, fully online and hybrid – have exposed students to various modalities of learning and access to resources. However, the absence of physical presence and the lack of feedback from remote students has caused lecturers to be uncertain of the effectiveness of hybrid lectures and tutorials. Thus, understanding students’ learning and their considerations when determining their preferred modality will provide lecturers with clear strategies for supporting students. This qualitative study aims to examine students' learning experiences in a research-intensive public University in New Zealand university. The study was guided by the following questions: (i) What are students’ perceptions of learning in a hybrid environment?; and (ii) How do students learn in hybrid environments? In-depth interviews with 15 students who have experienced hybrid education in a research-intensive public university in New Zealand was conducted using a descriptive case study. Three categories that described students’ considerations and dispositions towards learning in hybrid environments, and how various conditions and resources within their learning environment influenced their behaviours emerged. Preliminary findings found that students’ dispositions towards learning were critical factors that contribute towards their behaviours in a hybrid environment. Unlike traditional conceptions of teaching and learning, hybrid education requires students to be active participants in their learning and take charge of their own learning in aspects such as deciding how they best learn. Despite minimal social and physical interaction with lecturers and their peers, students found hybrid learning to be effective. Interviews with students who had experienced hybrid education highlighted perspectives that differed from previous studies. Remote students showed willing and drive to excel in their studies despite being disconnected from their peers in the physical spaces, and did not feel that they had less of a learning experience. This finding echoes that of Zhong et al., where social presence was not found to be significantly related to learning persistence. Students found having immediate access to information and lecturers to be more important than whether they could communicate and interact with other in-person classmates. The study recommends strategies lecturers can employ to improve teaching practices in hybrid environments. This includes ensuring all materials are digitally captured synchronously and having a student partner to monitor questions or teaching assistant to address questions the chatroom will help remote students greatly. Further analysis of the current data will take a closer look at how students’ dispositions play a part in students’ engagement levels and their behaviours in hybrid environments.

The impact of meaningful watershed environmental experiences on the academic achievement of middle school students

The impact of meaningful watershed environmental experiences on the academic achievement of middle school students

Meta-analytic structural equation modeling for exploring workplace friendship, well-being, and organizational commitment.

Workplace friendships, which are informal relationships in the workplace, foster mutual trust, assistance, and emotional support and create a sense of belonging among coworkers. Employees with positive perceptions of their job responsibilities, psychological needs, and work environment experience happiness, satisfaction, and an overall sense of well-being. A heightened sense of well-being in the workplace positively affects employee satisfaction with job tasks and the work environment, reinforcing employees' sense of belonging and organizational commitment. The study proposed and validated a theoretical model, with meta-analytic structural equation modeling employed to conduct quantitative, empirical research on workplace friendships, well-being, and organizational commitment in Taiwan and to analyze correlations between relevant variables. The theoretical model was further validated through structural equation modeling, which yielded favorable goodness of fit in terms of various indicators. The mediating effect of well-being was verified through bootstrapping analysis. Within a 95% confidence interval, the total effect size of workplace friendships on organizational commitment was 0.549, which is the sum of its direct effect (0.255) and indirect effect (0.294). This finding indicates that well-being plays a mediating role in the association between workplace friendships and organizational commitment. The proposed theoretical model in this study is supported. Finally, the research results are discussed, and practical suggestions are provided.

Exploring the effect of walking patterns on pathway design in landscape architecture using gait analysis

This study investigates the impact of pathway design on human walking patterns using advanced gait analysis techniques to inform landscape architecture. By analyzing key gait parameters such as stride length, cadence, walking speed, step width, and foot placement angles, this research seeks to identify how various pathway features—such as surface material, slope, curvature, and width—influence walking behaviour. Data is collected through motion capture systems and wearable sensors from diverse participants, including individuals of different ages and physical abilities. Statistical methods, including Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), are applied to determine significant differences in walking patterns across pathway types, while ML techniques, such as k-means clustering, classify participants based on their walking strategies. The results offer data-driven insights into how different pathway designs affect walking efficiency and comfort. For example, pathways with a slope of 10% reduced WS by 14% compared to flat pathways, while surfaces like gravel increased Foot Placement Angles by 18% compared to concrete, impacting stability. The study provides practical recommendations for creating pathways that support natural human movement, such as ensuring step width and stride length remain consistent across varied surface types by designing smooth transitions between different materials. The study emphasizes the importance of designing inclusive, accessible pathways that accommodate the needs of diverse user groups. For instance, individuals with mobility challenges exhibited a 12% increase in step width on sloped surfaces, suggesting that gentler inclines and smoother textures are essential for accessibility. The findings contribute to LA by offering evidence-based guidelines that optimize pathways’ functionality and user experience in outdoor environments. These guidelines include maintaining a pathway slope below 5% for universal accessibility and using surface materials like concrete or permeable pavers that balance durability and comfort, promoting sustainability and user-centred design.

Experiences of the emergency department environment: a qualitative study with caregivers of people with dementia.

ED crowding and boarding adversely impact older patients' care and outcomes. Little is known about how ED crowding impacts persons living with dementia, a vulnerable population. This study sought to explore ED experiences of caregivers of people with dementia during a period of ED crowding and boarding. We performed semi-structured interviews with caregivers of people with dementia with an ED visit during a period of ED crowding and boarding at two public hospitals experiencing a threefold increasein boardingfrom pre-pandemic levels. Participants were recruited via chart review. We coded data using an inductive approach. Three themes emerged from 29 caregiver interviews: (1) difficulty obtaining assistance, (2) patient harms, and (3) concerns about triage and rooming processes. First, caregivers described having to be proactive to obtain symptom control and assistance with mobility. Second, caregivers observed harms of noise and stimulation provoking agitation and delays in administration of routine medications. Third, caregivers felt it was inappropriate for people with dementia to receive care in waiting room chairs or to receive prolonged hallway care. Caregivers advocated for preferential considerations for rooming and rapid assessment to avoid agitation, facilitatd access to ED staff, and promote patient comfort. Caregivers of people with dementia associated ED environments with difficulty obtaining assistance, patient harms, and triage concerns. Strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of ED crowding on people with dementia should focus on environmental modifications, uptriage of people with dementia, supporting activities of daily living and mobility, andinnovation around patient disposition.

The influence of visual and auditory environments in parks on visitors’ landscape preference, emotional state, and perceived restorativeness

Various auditory and visual factors influence people’s perception and restoration experiences in the spatial environments. However, few studies have treated these factors as a comprehensive system phenomenon to reveal their integrated effects. Therefore, a specific explanation of the primary pathways and factors that contribute to the main effects of park soundscapes and visual features and the resulting perceived restorativeness remains unclear. The study surveyed 861 visitors in five urban parks in China and collected audiovisual information. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the research explored the direct, indirect, and moderating effects of common audiovisual environments in parks on perceived restorativeness, emotional states, and preferences. The results indicate that most natural-related visual and auditory factors provide direct benefits for people’s perceived restorativeness, emotional state, and preference. Additionally, certain landscape features and types of sound sources, such as trees and water sounds, have indirect effects on activating restoration through preference and emotion mediation. The study also reveals the moderating effects of landscape features and sound source types on emotional and perceived restorativeness. Another noteworthy finding is the significant relationship between bird songs and the positive impact on perceived restorativeness, emotional state, and preference, which is closely related to acoustic quality indicators. These findings offer new insights for creating urban park spaces through visual and auditory interactions.

Vaccination as an element of health security management - analysis of factors of patient attitudes towards COVID-19 preventive vaccinations based on the opinions of healthcare experts

Background: Preventive vaccinations play a significant role in reducing the spread of infectious diseases. They mitigate the course of infectious diseases and limit the occurrence thereof. Thus, they allow maintaining the health security of citizens and are one of the activities that allow for effective population health management. However, even though vaccinations bring significant benefits to the population as a whole, the attitudes of individuals to them raise a number of controversies. Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze the characteristics and factors of patient attitudes towards COVID-19 preventive vaccinations based on the opinions of healthcare experts. The study was carried out in the framework of a project "The interdependence of lifestyle and attitudes towards COVID-19 preventive vaccinations", which finished in June 2023. Method: The research method was an in-depth telephone interview with experts who had previously studied the research problem and the results of quantitative research, and expressed individual opinions on the factors of patient attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccinations. The experts indicated various factors which, in their opinion, can influence patient willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19. In the research process, four main factors were found: patient social environment and patient experience; patient knowledge and awareness, social impact (message of medical authorities and political decision makers), balance of benefits and risks. Results: The results obtained in the study and the conclusions drawn show the need for further, in-depth research in patient attitudes towards preventive vaccinations, not only COVID-19 vaccinations.

Developing a Cloud and IoT-Integrated Remote Laboratory to Enhance Education 4.0: An Approach for FPGA-Based Motor Control

Remote laboratories are essential in addressing access and quality challenges in technical education. They enable students from various locations to engage with real equipment, overcome geographic and economic constraints, and provide solutions during crises, such as pandemics, when in-person learning is limited. As a key element of Education 4.0, remote labs promote technical skill development, enhance engineering education, and support diverse learning approaches. This study presents a remote laboratory based on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), developed using a waterfall methodology integrating IoT and Cloud Computing technologies to facilitate close interaction between hardware and software. The lab focuses on controlling DC, servo, and stepper motors, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts such as digital signals, pulse-width modulation (PWM), and data representation in bits in a practical setting. The testing phase involved 50 robotics and mechatronics engineering students who participated in hands-on sessions for one month, followed by a structured survey evaluating their experience, interaction, and the educational relevance of the platform. The survey shows high student satisfaction, highlighting the platform’s strengths and identifying areas for improvement. The results also underscore the system’s potential to significantly enhance the educational experience in remote environments, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Evaluation of a longitudinal Indigenous health elective in family medicine

Background: In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action 22 to 24 around health, the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Calgary piloted a novel Indigenous Health Longitudinal Elective (IHLE) to give first year residents longitudinal experiences in Indigenous healthcare environments. The purpose of this evaluation was to capture the successful qualities and identify areas for improvements to ensure feasibility of the IHLE pilot program. Methods: Between November 2022 and April 2023, semi-structured interviews were completed with seven participants of the IHLE and included a mix of residents, preceptors, and clinic staff members. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to gain an in-depth understanding of the IHLE program experiences of all participants. Results: Benefits of the IHLE program include a deeper understanding of the values and priorities critical to working in healthcare with Indigenous peoples in Southern Alberta. Areas for improvement include clarity around IHLE program structure; clearly defining roles and responsibilities for preceptors; increased opportunities for reciprocity and relationality; and a deeper self-reflection process. Conclusion: Recommendations for future iterations of the IHLE include ensuring preceptors are trained and engaged, while providing residents more opportunities for relationality and peer debriefing. Results from this study may also help inform future Indigenous health programming in family medicine.

The fate of neuronal synapse homeostasis in aging, infection, and inflammation.

Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize and modify its neuronal connections in response to environmental stimuli, experiences, learning, and disease processes. This encompasses a variety of mechanisms, including changes in synaptic strength and connectivity, the formation of new synapses, alterations in neuronal structure and function, and the generation of new neurons. Proper functioning of synapses, which facilitate neuron-to-neuron communication, is crucial for brain activity. Neuronal synapse homeostasis, which involves regulating and maintaining synaptic strength and function in the central nervous system (CNS), is vital for this process. Disruptions in synaptic balance, due to factors like inflammation, aging, or infection, can lead to impaired brain function. This review highlights the main aspects and mechanisms underlying synaptic homeostasis, particularly in the context of aging, infection, and inflammation.

The perceptions of Autistic school students of their well-being at school: a meta-synthesis

ABSTRACT Students identifying as autistic, whose numbers have grown rapidly in recent years, often encounter a lack of understanding from teachers and peers at school, and face high levels of bullying and interpersonal abuse. Increasing knowledge of autistic students’ own understanding of their wellbeing is important for developing appropriate intervention strategies to support their school experience. In this meta-synthesis, 22 in-depth qualitative studies of 10–14-year-old students’ perspectives on their wellbeing at school were systematically analysed. The 225 students in these studies were mostly male and from resource-rich countries. Three synthesised findings were identified: first, autistic students’ wellbeing is connected to positive relationships at school; second, autistic students’ wellbeing at school centres around their self-identity; and third, the experience of school environments impacts autistic students’ wellbeing. Findings suggest first, that schools need to support the development of positive relationships between autistic students, their peers and teachers; second, that schools need to respond to how autistic students identify themselves and provide support appropriate to that identity; and third, that autistic students’ sensory needs need to be better supported through improved school design. Implications for practice include development of rights-based approaches and privileging autistic students’ own ideas about wellbeing and inclusion at school.

Multisensory healing: transformative service encounters in nonpharmacological therapies for cancer patients’ well-being

Purpose This study aims to explore the impact of nonpharmacological therapies on cancer patients’ daily illness management and long-term well-being. It focuses on the design and effects of immersive multisensory workshops, including therapies such as yoga, music therapy and visual imagery. By examining individuals’ experiences before, during and after the service experience, the study aims to provide comprehensive insights into the transformative effects of these immersive multisensorial experiences from the individuals’ perspectives. Design/methodology/approach From November 2021 to March 2023, the authors conducted 13 interviews and 3 focus groups (10 participants in total) among cancer patients. Thematic analysis of recorded interviews and focus groups revealed recurring patterns, key themes and meaningful insights from participants’ narratives. Findings The findings provide insights into individuals’ journey of service experiences among cancer patients from a user perspective. By framing the results within the service encounters model, individuals’ journey of this immersive multisensory experience is studied in three different periods: the pre-core, the core and the post-core service encounter. The pre-core service encounter includes activities such as information gathering to answer concerns and setting expectations, with the therapy. The core service encounter encompasses the immersive environmental experience, which includes multisensory integration and activity immersion, body-mind reconnection, as well as engaging interactive experiences with service providers, other patients and internal engagement. The post-core service encounter reflects the cognitive, psychological, behavioral and spiritual outcomes of the service. Originality/value This paper sheds light on the design of immersive multisensory workshops as nonpharmacological therapy. Adopting a user-focused approach using the service encounters framework helps clarify various aspects of this therapy and its effects on patients’ reconnection with their bodies and well-being. This research offers valuable insights for designing effective multisensory therapeutic environments for chronic patients to improve the quality of health-care services.

Translating the narrative of tolerance in designing a museum environment

The study explores the design of a museum environment based on the narrative of 'tolerance.' Museums deliver in-depth and interactive messages through creating spatial experiences that provides information and engages visitor's emotions. This academic design study utilises the narrative architecture approach to compose and create holistic spatial flow that guide visitors through various sensory experiences. The design of the museum environment consists of five core spaces with different flows of sensorial narrative related to the experience of tolerance, named Susila, Sahayanda, Sabah, Sadrah, and Segianya. The sequence between spaces allows for a coherent and progressive narrative of tolerance, enabling visitors to feel a deep involvement from one space to another. Sensorially, manipulation and organisation of spatial scales bring different experiences of light, texture, sound, and visuals to create a comprehensive and memorable experience. The application of narrative architecture allows the museum environment to evolve, not only as a place to exhibit artefacts but also as a dynamic educational platform. It provides important information about the history of tolerance-related events and reflectively enriches how the visitors experience the space. Connections between the conveyed narrative of tolerance and the space create a vibrant experience of the overall museum environment.

Smart Attendance Management System with QR Code Authentication

Abstract: This paper presents the development of a Smart Attendance Management System (SAMS) designed to automate and streamline the process of tracking attendance in educational institutions and workplaces. The proposed system utilizes advanced technologies such as facial recognition and QR code to accurately and efficiently monitor attendance. By eliminating the need for manual entry, the system reduces human error, saves time, and enhances data accuracy. The SAMS also integrates with databases and analytics tools to provide real-time reporting and insights, helping institutions make data-driven decisions. The study outlines the system's architecture, implementation, and potential impact, demonstrating its ability to enhance operational efficiency and improve user experience in diverse environments