Environmental Experiences Research Articles

Enhancing Non-Player Characters in Unity 3D using GPT-3.5

This case study presents a comprehensive integration process of OpenAI's GPT-3.5 large language model into Unity 3D to enhance non-player characters (NPCs) in video games and interactive applications. The study aims to develop an architecture and open source software framework that enables NPCs to engage in dynamic real-time interactions with players and other characters. The background and motivation for the study are provided, highlighting the existing limitations of traditional NPC programming and the potential of advanced natural language models such as GPT-3.5 to overcome these limitations. The methodology section outlines the step-by-step process, covering framework design and preparation, core architecture development, humanoid avatar integration and animation, and important feature extensions. The progression of framework design and implementation is described, emphasizing key architectural concepts, design patterns, and essential classes and interfaces. The results of the case study are discussed, focusing on the valuable insights gained and the implications for future advancements. Lessons learned from the integration process are shared, along with suggestions for potential improvements and directions for future research. This case study provides a practical resource for game developers and researchers interested in leveraging advanced natural language processing capabilities to create more immersive and interactive NPC experiences in Unity 3D environments.

SIGNIFICANCE OF ELECTRONIC EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT WHEN TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGE FOR STUDENTS’ RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Background. The paper focuses on the urgent problem of foreign language vocational training of prospective specialists and its significance in students’ research activities. Nowadays, the current concept of teaching foreign languages at non-linguistic university training emphasizes the teaching system combining vocational training and language acquisition. In other words, it is crucial to consider the competencies for prospective occupation and the ability of students to use their professional language skills in a dynamically changing environment. Based on the modern standards of higher education, with an emphasis on project and research activities, the programs of teaching foreign languages consider the student’s research activities one of the most important motivation tools for mastering a foreign language. These activities allow students to creatively apply the achievements of scientific and technological progress in practice. Purpose. The aim of the research is to present a description of the structure of the electronic educational environment of the university and to identify the specifics of foreign language teaching for research activities of students. Materials and methods. The competence approach, in particular foreign-language professional-oriented competence, is considered as the methodological basis of the study. Achievement of the set research goal was carried out on the basis of theoretical and methodological analysis, systematisation and generalisation of scientific literature on the given problem. Quantitative indicators were used as an element of describing the dynamics of changes in the educational environment of the university. Using the given methods, the students should obtain foreign language competencies, including the extensive application of electronic educational resources and research skills. We described the approaches to organizing the teaching process, focusing on the concept of a computer-based environment, including electronic educational resources. Results. The experience of Sevastopol State University (Sevastopol, Russia) serves as an example of the positive experience of the electronic educational environment, which underlines the scientific novelty of the study. Practice shows that using an electronic educational environment is essential in engaging students in research activities. Such an environment promotes the formation of creative skills among students and increases the level of their vocational training.

The role of resilience in self-esteem among bullying victims

Purpose : Bullying phenomena often occur in the context of education. Those who are bullied experience self-esteem issues because self-esteem grows from interactions with their environment and personal experiences. Bullying can reduce self-esteem, so that victims of bullying need resilience to overcome their traumatic experiences. The purpose of this research is to examine the role of resilience in self-esteem among bullying victims. Method : This research uses a quantitative method with a correlational research design. The characteristics of this research are students who have been victims of bullying and enrolled in senior high school in Surabaya. The amount of subjects in this research was 59 students. Result : The research shows that resilience significantly influences self-esteem among bullying victims (F=15.711; p<0.001) with a contribution of 21.7%. It was also found that resilience has a significant positive correlation with self-esteem (r=0.466). Conclusion: Resilience is a protective factor for individuals' mental health, so when experiencing bullying, individuals still accept themselves as valuable and important individuals.

Exploring student's learning experience with an e-learning platform

In this paper, we present the results of the research on students' learning experience with the use of an e-learning platform. The research aimed to have a better overview of the student's perception of the e-learning platform and their satisfaction with its features for learning. The virtual learning environment can influence student learning, and enable rich and engaged students’ experience. E-learning can offer many opportunities for learning beyond traditional boundaries so e-learning platforms are popular and massively used. Nevertheless, some factors could potentially affect the outcomes and results of e-learning. One of them is the learner's perception of e-learning and another is digital technology used to facilitate e-learning with a focus on the reliability, ease of use, quality and usefulness of the technology itself. In this paper, we will talk about the e-learning platform Merlin, in this case, the Learning Management System that is part of the Virtual Learning Environment and students' experience in its use. The E-learning platform Merlin is maintained by the E-learning Centre at the University of Zagreb University Computing Centre (SRCE) and is part of the virtual learning environment for the higher education system in Croatia. The e-learning platform is based on the open-source system Moodle. Student feedback is important and enables the E-learning Centre team at SRCE to have a better overview of the student's perception of the e-learning platform and their satisfaction with its features for learning. The results indicate that students' perception of the e-learning platform depends as well on the e-courses they attend, therefore how teachers are skilled to know how to use the e-learning platform and its features. Research results indicate that students’ experience is modest as their e-courses are prepared using basic LMS features. Nevertheless, the results show that students find the e-learning platform important for their learning, they recognize its flexibility in accessing the course content and information about the course and performing tasks needed in the course. In addition, they prefer hybrid learning and find themselves knowledgeable in the use of ICT and e-learning.

Community‐based participatory research for urban regeneration: Bridging the dichotomies through the exp‐EIA method

AbstractUrban environment design profoundly influences citizens' health and well‐being. Despite the aim of urban regeneration initiatives to enhance community well‐being and social connections, they often struggle to ensure a balance of power among stakeholders, effectively involve citizens, and accurately assess subjective urban experiences. New methodological approaches in community‐based participatory research (CBPR) are advocated to facilitate interactions among social actors and overcome the digital versus real dichotomy. This article introduces the Experiential Environmental Impact Assessment (exp‐EIA) method as a novel research and intervention tool to address these challenges. Grounded in psychology, exp‐EIA aims to integrate emotional, cognitive, and community identity dimensions to capture the nuanced experiences of urban environments. Through digital data collection and visualization tools, exp‐EIA could facilitate participatory decision‐making processes across various stages of urban regeneration projects. Furthermore, its adaptability enables significant integration with existing participatory methods, fostering inclusive engagement and innovative design solutions. The theoretical framework of exp‐EIA, its application in CBPR, and its potential to bridge the gap between technological innovation and citizen engagement in urban regeneration processes are discussed. A blended case study conducted in the metropolitan area of Milan (Italy) is presented, highlighting a promising pathway towards more inclusive and effective approaches to community revitalization.

Privacy preserving technology in ophthalmology.

Patient privacy protection is a critical focus in medical practice. Advances over the past decade in big data have led to the digitization of medical records, making medical data increasingly accessible through frequent data sharing and online communication. Periocular features, iris, and fundus images all contain biometric characteristics of patients, making privacy protection in ophthalmology particularly important. Consequently, privacy-preserving technologies have emerged, and are reviewed in this study. Recent findings indicate that general medical privacy-preserving technologies, such as federated learning and blockchain, have been gradually applied in ophthalmology. However, the exploration of privacy protection techniques of specific ophthalmic examinations, like digital mask, is still limited. Moreover, we have observed advancements in addressing ophthalmic ethical issues related to privacy protection in the era of big data, such as algorithm fairness and explainability. Future privacy protection for ophthalmic patients still faces challenges and requires improved strategies. Progress in privacy protection technology for ophthalmology will continue to promote a better healthcare environment and patient experience, as well as more effective data sharing and scientific research.

Modeling pedestrians' activity time-use choices in a virtual urban public space: The influences of the environment and affective experience

Understanding pedestrians' time-use choices for multiple activities in urban public spaces is crucial for developing diverse and inclusive public spaces. Few studies have explored how pedestrians' time-use choices are influenced by the physical environment when engaging in various micro-level activities in public spaces, nor have they captured the influence of experience-based factors (e.g., emotion and perceptions) triggered by varying environments, as well as heterogeneity between individuals. This study employs the multiple discrete-continuous extreme value (MDCEV) model to estimate the effects of public space environmental attributes, visit purpose, emotion, and perceptions on individuals' activity time-use choices using data collected in varying virtual hypothetical public spaces. A latent class MDCEV model incorporating personal variables is used to further examine individual heterogeneity. The results indicate that outdoor dining spaces and benches significantly promote outdoor activities. Emotional pleasure and arousal, as well as perceived legibility and liveness, significantly influence various activities in varying ways and to varying degrees. Differences in activity time-use choice patterns between two groups are revealed - one more emotionally driven and the other more cognitively driven. The results complement existing knowledge of pedestrians' activities and inform the planning and design decisions for positive human-environment interactions in urban public spaces.

Designing for Successful Educational Experiences in Virtual Reality Environments

Designing for Successful Educational Experiences in Virtual Reality Environments

Pathways for Green Governance and Legalization in Mega-Cities

The realization of China's style of modernization relies on the high-quality development of cities, which represents the modernization of megacity governance, with the fundamental goal of enhancing the well-being of the population. The ecological governance of megacities encompasses the entire process from urban planning to design to renewal in the temporal dimension, and in the spatial dimension, it covers the entire economic, social, and ecological landscape. Summarizing the environmental governance experiences in domestic megacities, deepening the fundamental paradigm of ecological governance focusing on energy conservation, emissions reduction, mutual assistance, sharing, and the empowerment of the digital economy, and using the green principles established by the Civil Code as guidance to prevent risks and address challenges, ultimately explores a universally applicable new path for green governance in megacities.

Somatic small body map protocol: renegotiating trauma with LGBTQIA+ service users

ABSTRACT Background LGBTQIA+ service users suffer microaggressions on a daily basis within a heterosexual, cisgendered society. They may become so accustomed to feeling unsafe that this becomes unconsciously considered the norm. Context A Somatic Small Body Map Protocol has been devised that introduces a lived experience of a safe environment. The protocol has been used with twenty service users in an individual setting. This paper explores specific responses from three different service users. Approach The protocol integrates psychodynamic art therapy with Somatic Experiencing in order to create a guided process that pendulates between somatic verbal feedback and the lived experience of the creative process, moving back and forth between inner sensations and their visual expression on paper, changing constantly in response. Outcomes The service users report positive feedback following the protocol that includes reduced anxiety, greater awareness of the effects of social homophobia on their psychological and physiological states and improved ability to contact difficult emotions without being overwhelmed. Conclusions The protocol may be useful within art therapy as a somatic tool to renegotiate trauma connected to microaggressions, increase awareness of bodily sensations and support the capacity to tolerate potentially overwhelming emotions. Implications for research The necessity of integrating somatic techniques when working with trauma is widely acknowledged. The protocol offers a structured tool to facilitate this, and specific training is being organised for its use. It may be adapted for use with other minority identities or in general to renegotiate any situation where a person has felt unsafe. Plain-language summary People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual or otherwise differ (LGBTQIA+) from heteronormative conventions concerning gender, biological sex or sexual orientation can often feel unsafe outside their home. They may be so accustomed to this, they don’t consider it unusual. To help change this, the art therapist has produced a guided process based around the completion of a small body outline that is coloured in according to the person’s physical sensations. Art therapist and service user then explore together what could be represented in the area external to the body outline in order to help the person feel as safe as possible. They will proceed to track the felt sensations created by these reassuring things, and explore what changes are now necessary inside the body outline to reflect how their feelings have transformed in this new environment. This paper examines three service users’ reactions to this experience. The process combines art therapy with Somatic Experiencing, the name given to techniques that use verbal communication to work with body sensations. The therapist supports the service user in contacting their body’s sensations and describing them so that they can be represented inside the outline. The body’s response to what has been drawn can then be explored. By introducing positive things during difficult moments, the art therapist can help the person become less anxious about feeling painful things. Many people believe that working somatically with body sensations is key when working with trauma and the art therapist hopes that this guided somatic art therapy process will be useful for other art therapists. She offers specific training for its use. This process may be helpful not just for LGBTQIA + people but for everyone who has felt unsafe at any time.

Exploring lifestyles, work environment and health care experience of Nepalese returnee labour migrants diagnosed with kidney-related problems.

In recent years, international media and the scientific community have expressed concerns regarding rising kidney health-related risks among Nepalese labour migrants in Gulf countries and Malaysia. Previous studies have highlighted poor lifestyles and work conditions among Nepalese migrants, which could potentially impact their kidney health. This qualitative study aims to explore the lifestyles and work environment of returnee Nepalese migrants who were diagnosed with kidney health problems. In-depth interviews were carried out with twelve returnee migrants, all males, with half having worked abroad for at least a decade. Our analysis yielded seven themes: (a) living and lifestyles; (b) work environment; (c) exposure to pollutants; (d) Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) experience; (e) use of painkillers and healthcare; (f) medical expenses for CKD patients; and (g) pre-departure training. This study indicates that Nepalese migrants face numerous challenges, including limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities, poor diets, exposure to occupational hazards, and overuse of pain medication, all of which may contribute to an increased risk of kidney disease. An enhanced pre-departure and on-arrival orientation programme focusing on kidney health-related topics, including the necessary advocacy at the country of destination to provide access to basic services, may encourage migrants to adopt healthy lifestyles and safe working environments, as well as help sensitise migrants to their kidney health risks.

The impact of changes in daylight illuminance levels on architectural experiences in office environments using virtual reality and electroencephalogram

This study investigates the influence of varying daylight illuminance levels on architectural experiences in a virtual office environment. Integrating subjective assessments and electroencephalogram (EEG) data, we aim to comprehensively understand how illuminance impacts emotional and neurophysiological responses. The experiment exposes participants to nine illuminance levels, ranging from 66 to 1500 lux, to discern optimal conditions for different architectural experiences. Subjective evaluations, gathered via questionnaires, required participants to rate the perceived pleasantness, interest, excitement, calmness, and spaciousness. Simultaneously, EEG data was recorded to analyze neurophysiological changes associated with different illuminance conditions. The results showed that the power of the α and θ band at channels in the parietal and centro-parietal regions had statistically significant differences under nine daylight illuminance levels. Illuminance changes activated brain regions associated with cognitive functions. The relative power of α band at the parietal region were negatively correlated with the subjective evaluation, and was relatively low at levels between 300 and 900 lux, indicative of heightened pleasantness, interest, spaciousness, with the peak experience occurring in the 700–900 lux range. Illuminance exceeding 1300 lux, conversely, correlated with increased absolute power of the alpha band, suggesting heightened arousal, while levels below 300 lux led to decreased arousal and increased calmness. By integrating neurophysiological measures with subjective evaluations, we gain a nuanced understanding of how illuminance affects emotional and cognitive responses. This research may provide a reference for the selection of office illuminance levels for employees during high-intensity mental work and rest.

Exploring Subjective Mental Health Change in Older Adults after Experiencing an Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) -Based Natural Environment.

The study explored subjective mental health change in adults aged 60 to 100 by experiencing immersive virtual reality (IVR)-based on the natural environment. It investigated changes in thinking, behaviour, and emotions from a socioecological perspective. The study conducted quantitative surveys of 540 older adults via IVR who lived in 20 longevity villages in South Korea from Dec. 2022 to Nov. 2023. It also paralleled a qualitative study with 38 of the 540. Study results predicting subjective mental health changes after experiencing IVR in those over 70 showed the highest gladness and happiness. In over 70 compared with 60 to 69 ages, the study found that relieving stress and depression, gladness and happiness, and relaxing the mind have about two-fold subjective mental health changes after experiencing IVR. The study suggests that it can be utilized to promote subjective mental health through the experience of an IVR-based natural environment for older adults.

Encouraging, empowering, and educating: Informal educators, caregivers, and children as partners in computational thinking activities

AbstractInformal learning environments, such as libraries and museums, are key areas for supporting computational thinking (CT) with young children and their families. Educators in these environments are working to offer CT‐related experiences and activities for families of young children, often incorporating aspects of sociocultural learning such as scaffolding and dialogic practices. Because the parent/caregiver is typically present with their young child in these environments, there is an opportunity to provide them with CT information and support so that they can then actively engage in and encourage their child's CT learning, thereby extending their child's capabilities in a zone of proximal development. Previous research by Ohland et al. offers an initial framework of parental roles in CT experiences that serves as a foundation for this study's analysis of interviews with 18 libraries and museums from across the United States. The goal was to understand informal educators' goals for caregiver participation in CT activities with young children and their strategies for enabling caregivers to embody these different roles. Findings reveal that educators want caregivers to play a variety of roles with their child(ren) in these CT experiences. Furthermore, educators are implementing a variety of methods that explicitly encourage interaction, collaboration, and more. The connections between these goals and methods begin to build a model of caregiver encouragement, empowerment, and education in CT experiences in informal learning environments.

Supporting the Living Laboratory: A Literature Review of Montreal Sound-Related Research

Sound and noise play a critical role in the experience of urban environments. We review the literature on sound environments in Montreal and their effects on city users, including public sector reports from the City of Montreal and Montreal’s public health agency in addition to academic research, published between 2010 and 2020. 73 studies were analyzed according to scale, methodologies, methods, settings, sound sources covered, and domains of findings. This review summarizes the main findings at city level, paving the way for more integrated urban sound and noise policies tailored to local realities while staying informed of international best practices.

Towards a residential socio-physical framework: positioning subjective experiences in physical environments

Towards a residential socio-physical framework: positioning subjective experiences in physical environments

Multisensory Environment Program Improving Relaxation and Reducing Stress and Anxiety for Community Health

Abstract Date Presented 03/21/24 Research exploring the impact of a customized multisensory environment experience on self-reported stress, anxiety, and relaxation with adult community participants of varying abilities. Qualitative and quantitative analysis indicate positive impact. Primary Author and Speaker: Nicole Halliwell Additional Authors and Speakers: John R. Patro, Francesca Storino, Tori Aguilar

Obstetrics clinical learning needs: Priorities of undergraduate medical students

Background. The obstetrics clinical learning environment is complex and often not conducive to learning. Understanding the priority clinical learning needs of students with experience in this setting is essential for designing effective educational interventions to optimise clinical learning. Objective. To describe the priority obstetrics-related clinical learning needs of undergraduate medical students informed by their experience of the clinical learning environment. Methods. A multigroup nominal group technique (NGT) was applied to a purposively sampled group of medical students who had experienced obstetrics-related clinical placements in facilities at various levels of care, from primary to tertiary. Individual group priorities were further integrated into themes. Results. Seven priorities emerged: (i) perinatal procedural skills, (ii) teaching approaches to obstetrics, (iii) pregnancy-related screening and complications, (iv) postnatal support for women, (v) interprofessional and gender roles, (vi) orientation to patient care and the clinical environment, and (vii) psychological preparation of students. Conclusion. Educational interventions to optimise the obstetrics clinical learning environment must consider students’ priorities. These priorities extend beyond procedural skills and include collaborative practice and psychological preparation.

Embracing Business Sustainability: The Case of Small and Micro Tourist Accommodation In The Upper East Region

Purpose: This study holds significant importance as it delves into the degree to which small and micro tourist businesses (SMTBs), particularly small lodging businesses in the Upper East Region of Ghana, have adopted the concept of sustainability. This investigation is crucial for understanding the current state of sustainability in the tourism industry. Design/Methodology/ Approach: This study employed a purposive sampling technique and conducted a comprehensive survey of 196 lodging facility owner-managers. The responses of 144 participants were meticulously examined to gauge the level of sustainability embraced by their companies. A 5-point Likert-type scale, ranging from 1 (not at all) to 5 (very much so), was used to measure the responses. The statistical techniques of ANOVA and frequency analysis were employed to investigate and test the means of the variables and their significance across business categories. Findings: The findings revealed that, depending on the type of business, there are notable variations in the following areas: 1) attitude toward accepting sustainability; 2) application of sustainability for their enterprises; and 3) understanding of the obstacles to applying sustainability among owner-managers of lodging houses. Research Limitation/Implication: This study was only exploratory due to some practical constraints and methodological limitations that prevented the inclusion of a wide range of sectors. It also focused on SMTBs in only the Upper East Region of Ghana. Practical Implication: A policy foundation is necessary for small businesses to respond dynamically to changing business and social environment trends. For example, environmental marks in the manufacturing industry, environmental tourism management practices, and environmental tourism consumption experiences should be introduced and rewarded, and related promotion measures should be specified. Social Implication: The study recommends policy options for improving SMTB sustainability and how their establishments can impact the environment and society. Originality/Value: The study's originality is how SMBTs respond to environmental sustainability concerning their business characteristics at the local level. Secondly, the Upper East Region of Ghana has many tourism businesses; hence, there is a need to understand the concept of sustainable tourism specifically applied to business activities.

Quality of Experience That Matters in Gaming Graphics: How to Blend Image Processing and Virtual Reality

This paper investigates virtual reality (VR) technology which can increase the quality of experience (QoE) on the graphics quality within the gaming environment. The graphics quality affects the VR environment and user experience. To gather relevant data, we conduct a live user experience and compare games with high- and low-quality graphics. The qualitative feedback obtained through questionnaires prove the importance ofcontextualizing users’ experiences playing both games. Furthermore, our findings prove the crucial role of graphics quality in adopting user engagement and enjoyment during gaming sessions. Users consistently reported their feeling more connected when interacting with games and receiving high-quality graphics. If the graphics quality received is low, the user rating for a particular game is low. Further examination of VR technology reveals its potential to revolutionize graphics quality within game play.