Virtual Presence Research Articles

Gather in the metaverse: Learning outcomes, virtual presence, and perceptions of high- and low-achieving pre-service teachers of English as a Foreign Language

Gather in the metaverse: Learning outcomes, virtual presence, and perceptions of high- and low-achieving pre-service teachers of English as a Foreign Language

1241 A Review: How Is Anatomy Best Taught in Postgraduate Surgical Education?

Abstract Introduction Successful surgery relies on complete appreciation of the appropriate anatomy, with inadequate expertise noted as a key cause of surgical errors. Despite this, there are fewer formal sessions dedicated to anatomy tuition, with surgical trainees expected to be taught “at the operating table” (Older, 2004). Aim We investigated how various anatomy teaching methods were received by core surgical trainees (CSTs). Method 28 CSTs from West Midlands deanery attended a training day at Keele Anatomy and Surgical Training Centre, comprising tuition using cadavers and Primal Pictures software. Feedback forms investigating several factors, including progress through postgraduate surgical examinations, and opinions on resources used for revision, were sent out one week and 3-6 months after the session. Results Of the attending delegates, 37.9% had failed Part A MRCS, 27.6% had passed Part A, with a further 10.3% having also passed Part B. Principal resources used for anatomy revision were textbooks and videos, with question banks and anatomy apps also used. Access to cadavers was highlighted as a significant benefit, allowing for “real-life” learning, with 86% of delegates preferring anatomy tuition using cadavers outright or in combination with Primal Pictures. Conclusions The opportunity to access human specimens appears unparalleled in its ability to illustrate “real-life” anatomy. However, these are scarce resources, and require experts to facilitate tuition, creating significant limitations to providing regular and reliable teaching. Anatomy textbooks remain a consistent choice, but with the modern migration to a world permeated with a virtual presence, the internet, videos, and apps are becoming prevalent and viable considerations.

Virtual selfhood and consumer behavior: Exploring avatar attachment and consumption patterns in Second Life's metaverse

In the vast digital landscape of the Metaverse, users can create and personalize their avatars as virtual representations of themselves. This study delves into the emotions users experience in relation to their avatars and examines how this attachment influences their consumption behaviors within the virtual world. The research employed a sample of 214 active users participating in Second Life, a prominent virtual world platform. By analyzing survey data, we explore the dynamics of self-presentation and attachment between users and their virtual personas across this well-established platform. Our research offers valuable contributions to the existing literature on the Metaverse, providing empirical evidence on how virtual reality platforms like Second Life foster avatar customization and how this, in turn, affects consumer behavior. As the Metaverse gains prominence in the business world, understanding the habits and preferences of virtual reality users is increasingly crucial. We aim to enhance our understanding of consumer behavior by incorporating attachment theory into our research on long-standing virtual environments like Second Life. Our study of Second Life provides valuable insights into the dynamics of consumer behavior within a well-established virtual world, which can be applied to the emerging Metaverse platforms. This knowledge helps businesses identify consumer profiles, address their needs, and enhance their virtual presence and success.

The Linkage Between Virtual Team Leadership Towards Team Performance: A Study at Selected Companies

Since the outbreakof COVID-19,virtual teams haveaddedsignificant presence in the workplace.Despite being unable to meet each other physically, virtual team members utilize various digital technologies to communicate with each another to carry out activities and achieve organizational goals. However, there are limited studies identifyingthe linkage between virtual team leadership and team performancedespite its prominence. Therefore, this study aims to examine the link betweenvirtual team leadership and team performanceamong work remote employees working in virtual environment. The survey was distributed to a sample size of 338 remote employees among selected companies that agreed to participate with a response rate of 27.6 percent(105 respondents). The collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics via IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). It is found that virtual team leadership have positive significant effect on team performance. In particular, virtual leaders who communicate well through virtual platform would affect the team performance. This indicates the need for existing leaders to be equipped with the latest know-how on digital communication.

Sex, sexes, sex roles, and gender in land plants.

"When we view gender as an accomplishment, an achieved property of situated conduct, our attention shifts from matters internal to the individual and focuses on interactional and, ultimately, institutional arenas. In one sense, of course, it is individuals who 'do' gender. But it is a situated doing, carried out in the virtual or real presence of others who are presumed to be oriented to its production. Rather than as a property of individuals, we conceive of gender as of an emergent feature of social situations: both as an outcome of and a rationale for various social arrangements and as a means of legitimating one of the most fundamental divisions of society." This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

A longitudinal analysis of highly cited papers in four CALL journals

AbstractThis study traces the evolution of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) by investigating published research articles (RAs) in four major CALL journals: ReCALL, Computer Assisted Language Learning, Language Learning & Technology, and CALICO Journal. All 2,397 RAs published over four decades (1983–2019) were included in the pool of data, and the Google Scholar citation metric was adopted to assess the impact of the papers. By selecting the top 15% of widely cited papers from each individual year, we minimized the time bias between years, enabling a balanced narration of the history of CALL through a representative dataset of 426 high-impact RAs. To identify the evolution of research trends, the contexts, methodologies, theoretical underpinnings and research foci of all 426 RAs were investigated using NVivo 12 and AntConc. The analysis of the data yielded encouraging results such as the upward trend in the number of publications and the international reach of CALL in the last two decades, the physical or virtual presence of language learners with diverse language profiles, and the growing tendency to triangulate methodology for increased complexity. However, long-standing issues such as the heavy reliance on traditional research contexts, poor reporting practices of basic demographic information, the large number of atheoretical papers and the concentration on a limited number of research foci continue to pose challenges in CALL research. Based on the findings, the paper suggests solutions for the controversies and addresses key issues for future research in CALL.

Being where, with whom, and when it happens: spatial, interpersonal, and temporal presence while viewing live streaming of collegiate sports in virtual reality

Introduction: Although virtual reality (VR) is most popularly known for its applications to gaming, other entertainment applications are increasingly being explored including in the sports media industry, but little research has so far examined the experiences induced by VR viewing of a live sporting event.Materials and methods: Participants (n = 93) were university students who were approached in the context of a field study from a nearby community eatery area on the university campus to watch brief segments of a 360° live stream of the home games of their university volleyball and basketball teams both while wearing and not wearing an inexpensive smart-phone based head-mounted display (HMD). Immediately afterward, participants then reported on their relative experience of spatial, interpersonal, and temporal presence, as well as their satisfaction-preference with each of the two viewing modalities, in response to brief face-valid screening questions.Results: The majority of participants experienced greater presence while wearing the VR headset, and approximately one in every two reported preferring to watch the games in VR. Participants’ experience of spatial presence independently correlated with preferring to watch the games in VR.Discussion: Media vendors should offer VR viewing of sports including via inexpensive, smart-phone mediated VR as an additional, cost-effective alternative means of heightening fans’ experience of virtual presence at the games when fans are unable to go to the games in person.

ПРОСТІР ПРИСУТНОСТІ У ПРОЕКТАХ МЕТАВСЕСВІТНОЇ НЕРУХОМОСТІ. АРХІТЕКТУРНИЙ ТА МИСТЕЦЬКИЙ АСПЕКТИ

The first experiences of designing virtual environments showed that in the future, professional education and theoretical reflection will face the problems of inconsistency of "traditional" ideas about architectural form with the features that it acquires in metaversal living spaces. Therefore, these differences and specifics should become the object of attention of professional science, which should assess the nature of the new values of the architectural space, as well as the amount of necessary changes, in particular in the educational field, which should be oriented to the real needs of the industry and current processes in design. Since the mentioned changes, as mentioned above, affect the basic foundations of creating an environment, it is necessary to define the concept of the space of presence, freed from the "traditional" vital needs of "sustenance", and focused on the interaction of consciousness and impressions, both of a personalistic and communicative nature. Based on the analysis of two hundred architectural projects of metaverse real estate, their stylistic and artistic evaluation, the following trends in the formation of the space of presence from the quantitatively most numerous to the smallest are highlighted: philosophical-transcendent, neomodernist, traditional interior, mixed (combination of several trends), fantasy, historicism, simplified three-dimensional geometry, psychedelic, futuristic, parametric architecture, landscape zones, expressionist, urban. The difference in the number of each of them, and such a morphological structure testifies to the gradual formation of the priorities of the space of virtual presence, in which the main priorities are requests of consciousness, not vitality. In addition to the fact that in such spaces there are practically no elements of traditional life support (kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms, service and technical premises, security, parking spaces, etc.), considerable attention is paid to the means of achieving an emotional response, which activates and strengthens communication interaction. In the context of the specificity outlined above, it was found that the space of presence in metaversal real estate projects contains a number of promising directions that have a distinctive character and can be considered the starting point for the development of trends and phenomena that are characteristic only for virtual architecture. Among the most obvious, the following are highlighted: anti-gravitational shaping (the use of elements suspended in space and used only to create an environmental framework), semantic transcendence (the establishment of iconic and symbolic resources for communicative reflection), multi-temporal mobility (different chronological states as an option of instant choice), the formation clever surprises (using various techniques such as compositional, coloristic, naturalistic, etc.).

Virtual Selfobject Presence: Future Orientation in the Treatment of Eating Disorders.

From a self-psychology perspective, the profound disruption of the will to exist physically and psychically in patients suffering from anorexia can be seen as a primary impairment of the selfobject's capacity to make space for them within itself. Kohut viewed the primary phase of the baby's existence in the mother's mind as its "virtual conception." On this foundation, the author uses the notion of "virtual selfobject" to understand the impaired will to exist in patients with anorexia and describes how the therapist may embrace a standpoint that creates a space-for-being for the patient, facilitating the reactivation of self needs in the transference. The notion of virtuality thus entails a future perspective, which ostensibly foretells or creates the potential future emergence of the patient's self. This conceptualization and its application are illustrated through a life-restoring therapy with a patient hospitalized with a life-threatening eating disorder.

Metaverse: Telepresence in 3D Virtual Digital Worlds through the use of Avatars

This article addresses telepresence through avatars in virtual environments such as Metaverso. Important concepts such as Metaverse and 3D Virtual Digital Worlds, avatars, presence and telepresence were discussed. The applications of avatar telepresence in a variety of areas, including education, healthcare, entertainment, professional training, and customer service, as well as privacy and security concerns associated with this technology, were also explored.

The method behind the unprecedented production of indicators of the presence of languages in the Internet.

Reliable and updated indicators of the presence of languages in the Internet are required to drive efficiently policies for languages, to forecast e-commerce market or to support further researches on the field of digital support of languages. This article presents a complete description of the methodological elements involved in the production of an unprecedented set of indicators of the presence in the Internet of the 329 languages with more than 1 million L1 speakers. A special emphasis is given to the treatment of the comprehensive set of biases involved in the process, either from the method or the various sources used in the modeling process. The biases related to other sources providing similar data are also discussed, and in particular, it is shown how the lack of consideration of the high level of multilingualism of the Web leads to a huge overestimation of the presence of English. The detailed list of sources is presented in the various annexes. For the first time in the history of the Internet, the production of indicators about virtual presence of a large set of languages could allow progress in the fields of economy of languages, cyber-geography of languages and language policies for multilingualism.

The role of vicarious learning strategies in shaping consumers' uncertainty: the case of live-streaming shopping

PurposeThis article seeks to understand how live-streaming technology (i.e. interactivity and effective use of live-streaming shopping’s information presentation tool) impacts consumers’ credibility perception regarding live streamers.Design/methodology/approachThe authors empirically examined their hypotheses with data (n = 405) collected from a survey of consumers who engage in live-streaming shopping.FindingsThe results demonstrate that vicarious learning strategies (both coactive and independent) can shape consumers’ benefit perceptions (i.e. virtual presence and psychological proximity), and further have a positive effect on consumers’ personal value (i.e. perceived live streamer credibility). Furthermore, the consumers’ perception of the live streamers’ credibility positively affects their purchase intention and ultimately influences their purchase behavior.Originality/valueBuilding on the vicarious learning theory and means-end chain (MEC) model, this study investigates the mechanism of the IT features of live-streaming shopping in reducing consumers’ uncertainty about live streamers. This study reveals the value of vicarious learning experiences in reducing consumers’ uncertainty and further enhancing their purchase behavior.

Virtually present others and their influence on complainants’ follow-ups and firm response

PurposeThe purpose of this empirical research is to investigate the influence of interactive virtually present others (VPOs) on a firm response and customers’ reiterated complaints (follow-ups) during service failures. This research follows up on previous experimental studies that suggest VPOs affect the focal customers’ complaint intention.Design/methodology/approachMore than 16,000 posts (of complaints and complainants’ follow-ups) on 13 airline Facebook pages were analyzed using partial least squares.FindingsThis empirical study found that customers’ complaints are attended to the extent the complaints are followed up with more comments as supported by VPOs suggesting a contagion effect. Besides, it appears, the squeaky wheel is the one that gets the grease. The interactive virtual presence of others does not have an effect on a firm response toward them, despite their support to complainants and calling the airline to act.Originality/valueTo date, previous experimental studies have only featured a single VPO in potential complainants’ responses; however, in this empirical study the authors take into consideration the interaction of several VPOs in the service failure. Also, the focus is on the influence of VPOs on customers' complaints rather than the other way around.

The Effect of Virtual Presence and Self-Efficacy on Nursing Students’ Evaluation of Virtual Simulation Training

ABSTRACT The study aims to determine the effect of virtual simulation practice in nursing students using the Virtual Patient Learning System Evaluation (VPLSE) tool. The study uses descriptive research, centering on correlation and regression analysis. 295 nursing students in Grades 3 and 4 who have experienced virtual simulation practice within the past year were included. The main variables of VPLSE comprise four sub-domains: nursing knowledge improvement, clinical competency development, confidence in nursing performance, and nursing care plan application. In addition to the VPLSE, two other tools, measuring virtual presence and self-efficacy, were utilized. The VPLSE was significantly positively correlated with virtual presence and self-efficacy, respectively. The VPLSE subdomain of “clinical competency development” had a strong positive correlation with virtual presence. To increase the effect of virtual simulation education, it is necessary to maintain the advantages of virtual simulation practice, such as freedom from space and time, repeated learning, psychological stability and application of nursing plans.

Video playback, affective witnessing, and the mobility of trauma: Video evidence of violent crime in the criminal justice system

In today's technologically mediated society, video is increasingly relied upon as an objective and reliable source of evidence in the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes. The now pervasive presence of violent video in the criminal justice system, however, presents new challenges for understanding repeated work-related exposure to and witnessing of potentially traumatic material and its impacts. Thus, this project seeks to qualitatively examine the relational affective processes that occur among criminal justice professionals when violent crimes are captured on video. We present four key categories organized around the circumstances of exposure and its impacts: 1) playback in the investigative and pre-trial process; 2) sharing videos among colleagues; 3) playing videos for victims, witnesses, and families and; 4) transmission in the broader public. Findings suggest this work involves deeply embodied processes where video evidence of violent crime enables a virtual presence at scenes and an emotional proximity to events through new forms of witnessing. These affective experiences are one relational dynamic that keeps witnessing active, thus expanding the mobility of trauma, its reach and potential impacts.

Virtual Learning in Global Neurosurgery: A Necessary Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically reduced access to in-person educational activities in neurosurgery, necessitating different educational paradigms. Virtual learning, both live and on-demand, has become an essential educational paradigm in global neurosurgery in response to the pandemic. We discuss the different virtual learning modalities that have been developed or grown within global neurosurgery due to the pandemic.
 Methods: A narrative and anecdotal review was conducted.
 Results: We discuss webinars, virtual interactive presence technologies, digital simulation, social media, and web-based connectors and their role in global neurosurgery.
 Conclusion: As a community of neurosurgeons and future neurosurgeons, if we are to meet the global growing demand for neurosurgical care, we must embrace virtual learning in surgical training. The irreplaceable role of hands-on demonstration and teaching in the operating theatre will always remain paramount. However, development and utilization of progressive connectivity technologies will bring us closer to an achievable and sustainable future for neurosurgical training worldwide.

Application of Virtual Reality in Hospitals: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Due to the increasing use of virtual reality (VR) technology in the healthcare field, the present study was conducted to systematically investigate the use of VR in hospitals. Method: To access related articles, the keywords "Virtual Reality" and "Hospital" and their synonyms were searched in databases of Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar without a time limit until August 15, 2022. The original articles that were published in English and dealt with "the application of virtual reality in the hospital" were included in the study, and their characteristics were analyzed. Results: Eleven articles were included in the present study, in which various applications for VR in the hospital environment have been reported. The most common uses of VR in hospitals are as follows: managing behavioral symptoms, creating relaxation and inducing positive emotions in patients, providing treatment and physical, mental, and emotional rehabilitation in patients, providing training for care providers in different hospital departments, virtual presence at home for hospitalized children and teenagers; VR can also work as a supplement to the procedure for the children's lives and an adaptive substitute for experiences in the real environment for the medical residents. . Conclusion: Considering the positive impact of using VR in hospitals, using this technology as an auxiliary tool to improve education, treatment, and prevention in the healthcare system is suggested.

Feasibility and acceptability of virtual parental presence on induction of anesthesia-A pilot study.

Feasibility and acceptability of virtual parental presence on induction of anesthesia-A pilot study.

Historic Designation Planning for the Nicodemus National Historic Site and Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park: A Cross-Case Analysis of Representation in Public Memory, Equity-Based Preservation Planning, and Maintenance Backlogs

Abstract: The hidden histories of Black towns from post-Reconstruction, namely Nicodemus, Kansas, and Colonel Allensworth, California, can provide public awareness of the black experience. In this article, we draw upon previous research by the authors to further emphasize and compare designation outcomes related to representation, equity-based preservation planning, and maintenance backlogs issues. Key partners from both sites were interviewed and central preservation planning documents were analyzed. Key findings emphasized limited opportunities for community involvement, and historic structures preservation and maintenance work. Additionally, some action has been taken by the National Park Service and California State Parks to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion. Despite these efforts, there are still alarming indicators of systematic underrepresentation within both systems. Recommendations and best practices include increasing racial equity and diversity training, evaluating diversity hiring practices and public memory awareness, practicing inclusive partnership planning, redesigning maintenance backlog funding systems, engaging economic revitalization, practicing inclusive and digitally enhanced programming, and expanding virtual presence. Consideration of this study's recommendations could provide meaningful preservation change for the Nicodemus National Historic Site, Allensworth State Historic Park, and other similar African American historical locations.

Proceedings of the ANSO-PAS-MAAP Conference on Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness

An EPIDEMIC is a disease that affects many people within a community, population, or region. ENDEMIC is something that belongs to a particular people or country. A PANDEMIC is an epidemic that’s spread over multiple countries or continents. Epidemics and pandemics are some of the leading threats to global health security. They not only affect people’s health and well-being, but they can also have a massive impact on livelihoods and entire societies too. Pandemics can cause sudden, widespread morbidity and mortality as well as social, political, and economic disruption. The world has endured several notable pandemics, including the Black Death, Spanish flu, and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Most new pandemics have originated through the “zoonotic” transmission of pathogens from animals to humans, and the next pandemic is likely to be a zoonosis as well. Zoonoses enter human populations from both domesticated animals (such as farmed swine or poultry) and wildlife. Many historically significant zoonoses were introduced through increased human-animal interaction following domestication, and potentially high-risk zoonoses (including avian influenzas) continue to emerge from livestock production systems. Some pathogens (including Ebola) have emerged from wildlife reservoirs and entered human populations through the hunting and consumption of wild species (such as bushmeat), the wild animal trade, and other contacts with wildlife. Spending and costs specifically associated with pandemic preparedness and response efforts are poorly tracked. There is no widely accepted, consistent methodology for estimating the economic impacts of pandemics.
 To highlight strategies to combat pandemics, a three-day ANSO-PAS-MAAP Conference on Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness was jointly organized by the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS), Alliance of International Science Organization (ANSO), and MonbukagakushoMEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan (MAAP) organized a three-day ANSO-PAS-MAAP Conference on “Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness” from December 5 - 7, 2022 in the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Islamabad. In total, 31 lectures were delivered at the ANSOPAS-MAAP Conference by leading experts in five technical sessions focused on the surveillance and preparedness against global Pandemics and epidemics. Of these, seven (07) lectures were presented by international speakers and twenty-six (26) lectures were presented by Pakistani speakers. The resource persons were leading foreign experts from different countries i.e., China, New Zealand, Italy, USA, and Pakistan. While 32 posters were presented on various themes of pandemics and epidemics in the Poster competition, in which young scientists from across the country participated. Over 400 academicians, scientists, researchers, and postgraduate students from Pakistan and abroad have registered to participate in the deliberations of the conference through physical and/or virtual (online) presence. In addition to the technical sessions, four group works were conducted to formulate recommendations. Recommendations of the conference will be shared with national and international bodies and research institutions dealing with the development of vaccines for the control of potential epidemic and pandemic-related issues worldwide.