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Objective: This experiment examined performance costs when processing two sources of information positioned at increasing distances using a flat panel display and an augmented reality head-mounted display (AR-HMD). Background: The AR-HMD enables positioning virtual information at various distances in space. However, the proximity compatibility principle suggests that closer separation when two sources of information require mental integration assists performance, whereas increased separation between two sources hurts integration performance more than when a single source requires focused attention. Previous studies have provided inconsistent findings regarding costs associated with increased separation. Few of these experiments have examined separation for both focused and integration tasks, compared vertical and lateral separation, or measured head movements. Method: Three experiments collectively examined these issues using a flat panel display and a virtual display presented with an HMD, where the separation of information varied laterally or vertically during a focused attention (digit reading) task and an information integration (mental subtraction) task. Results: There was no performance cost for either display when information was increasingly separated. However, head movements mitigated performance costs by preserving accuracy at larger separations without increasing response time. Conclusion: Head movements appear to mitigate performance costs associated with presenting information increasingly far apart on flat panel displays and HMDs. Both eye scanning and head movements appear to be less effortful than expected. Application: These findings have important implications for design guidelines regarding the placement of information presented on flat panel displays and, more specifically, HMDs, which can present information 360° around the user. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By converging 3A—artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and anime culture, a new type of non-naturalistic and stylized anthropomorphism has been exercised on the latest hologram social robot—"Hupo." By combining scopes of human–machine communication and cultural studies, this study investigated how this 3A convergence constructed the user experience of Hupo. Through in-depth interviews with 25 users, we revealed their expected experience related to the dual identity of anime otaku and technology geeks alongside social segregation and loneliness. We found their actual experience highlighted how anime elements offset their dissatisfactions caused by AI weakness and the uncanny valley. Three specific anime-enabled strategies were illustrated, namely anime characterization, gamification, and idolization. Our analysis suggested that pop culture offers not technical solutions but temporary compensation for the current AI limitations. Nevertheless, such fusions between anime otakuism and instinct-served technologies also raise concerns about a further animalized human society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have indicated that integrating augmented reality into robot-assisted language learning modules could visually represent the students' learning needs and extend their embodied cognition of comprehension. To examine the potential of robots through extended embodied cognition, this quasi-experimental study was conducted in the English for Medical Purposes classrooms at the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. In the 2022 academic year, 526 male and female participants, whose first language is not English, were selected. Students were sorted into three English proficiency levels: pre-intermediate (n = 176), intermediate (n = 175), and upper-intermediate (n = 175), then semi-randomly divided into three-member teams, subsequently, randomly assigned to control (n = 370) or experimental (n = 156) groups. Students in the control group learned English for Medical Purposes listening and reading through online classrooms, while those in the experimental group learned the skills in robot (augmented reality)-assisted classrooms. In the control and experimental groups, flipped classrooms were conducted under the supervision of the teachers. The primary data sources included formative assessments of the participants' English for Medical Purposes listening and reading, as well as interviews. The findings showed that the participants in the robot's augmented reality group achieved significantly higher results, when compared with robot-only and control groups, in English for Medical Purposes listening and reading in academia and the healthcare fields. The positive perception participants had of robot's augmented reality was clear, based on interview results. The outcomes are discussed in detail. • Robot-aided modules facilitated English for Medical Purposes listening and reading. • The glossed robot fostered connection with the world. • Robot's AR enhanced extended embodied cognition for comprehension. • Robot's AR fostered variegated channels for comprehension. • Robot's AR facilitated listening and reading in the fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is commonly claimed that emerging technologies, including Augmented Reality (AR), open up new perspectives for education. Today, the finding of this research is that few objective data support the hypotheses that are made about the interest, effectiveness, usability and acceptability of these technologies that are based on interaction and immersion in real time. In this article, we present a review of some of the ergonomic problems of AR in teaching surfaces and volumes of 3D geometric shapes. In this approach, AR is considered and evaluated as an educational resource that helps with the activity and briefly explains the concept of AR and the envisaged interests of this technology for teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Episodic Memory (EM) is the neurocognitive capacity to consciously recollect personally experienced events in specific spatio-temporal contexts. Although the relevance of spatial and temporal information is widely acknowledged in the EM literature, it remains unclear whether and how EM performance and organisation is modulated by self-motion, and by motor- and visually- salient environmental features (EFs) of the encoding environment. This study examines whether and how EM is modulated by locomotion and the EFs encountered in a controlled lifelike learning route within a large-scale building. Twenty-eight healthy participants took part in a museum-tour encoding task implemented in walking Augmented Reality (AR) and stationary Virtual Reality (VR) conditions. EM performance and organisation were assessed immediately and 48-hours after trials using a Remember/Familiar recognition paradigm. Results showed a significant positive modulation effect of locomotion on distinctive EM aspects. Findings highlighted a significant performance enhancement effect of stairway-adjacent locations compared to dead-end and mid-route stimuli-presentation locations. The results of this study may serve as design criteria to facilitate neurocognitive rehabilitative interventions of EM. The underlying technological framework developed for this study represents a novel and ecologically sound method for evaluating EM processes in lifelike situations, allowing researchers a naturalistic perspective into the complex nature of EM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical guidelines for people with Parkinson's disease (pwPD) stress that, complementary to pharmacological treatment, exercise and physiotherapy should be given a central role in disease management. Adhering to regular exercise of the right type, and with high repetition, remains a challenge for pwPD. Exergaming has the potential to increase adherence through play and personalised interventions, both in clinic and at home. Reality DTx® is an augmented-reality (AR) home-based gait-and-balance exergaming intervention specifically designed for pwPD as an extension of supervised physiotherapy. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and potential efficacy of Reality DTx®. Methods: Twenty-four pwPD (Hoehn and Yahr stages 2–4) with self-reported gait and/or balance impairments will participate in this study. The study comprises a 6-week waitlist-controlled AR home-based therapeutic gait-and-balance exergaming intervention. Reality DTx® will initially be prescribed remotely for a minimum of 5 days a week for 30 min per day. We will remotely set and adjust the frequency, difficulty, type of games, and/or duration weekly, based on objective and subjective data from the AR glasses and participant, respectively. In addition to the home-based gait-and-balance exergaming intervention, the study comprises three laboratory visits: before the 6-week waitlist period (t0; baseline), before the 6-week intervention period (t1; pre-intervention), and after the 6-week intervention period (t2; post-intervention). The primary study parameters are feasibility (in terms of safety, adherence, and user experience) and potential efficacy for improving gait and balance (using standard clinical gait-and-balance tests and a targeted walking-related fall-risk assessment). Recruitment started in December 2022 and the final post-intervention assessment will be according to planning in July 2023. Conclusions: This clinical feasibility trial is the first remotely prescribed and monitored home-based AR gait-and-balance exergaming intervention for pwPD. The results in terms of clinical feasibility (i.e. safety, adherence, and user experience) and potential efficacy (gait, balance, and fall-risk outcomes) form the basis for future randomised controlled studies on the effectiveness of home-based AR gait-and-balance exergaming interventions for pwPD. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05605249. Registered on 4 November 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multimodal perception is the predominant means by which individuals experience and interact with the world. However, sensory dysfunction or loss can significantly impede this process. In such cases, cross-modality research offers valuable insight into how we can compensate for these sensory deficits through sensory substitution. Although sight and hearing are both used to estimate the distance to an object (e.g., by visual size and sound volume) and the perception of distance is an important element in navigation and guidance, it is not widely studied in cross-modal research. We investigate the relationship between audio and vibrotactile frequencies (in the ranges 47–2,764 Hz and 10–99 Hz, respectively) and distances uniformly distributed in the range 1–12 m. In our experiments participants mapped the distance (represented by an image of a model at that distance) to a frequency via adjusting a virtual tuning knob. The results revealed that the majority (more than 76%) of participants demonstrated a strong negative monotonic relationship between frequency and distance, across both vibrotactile (represented by a natural log function) and auditory domains (represented by an exponential function). However, a subgroup of participants showed the opposite positive linear relationship between frequency and distance. The strong cross-modal sensory correlation could contribute to the development of assistive robotic technologies and devices to augment human perception. This work provides the fundamental foundation for future assisted HRI applications where a mapping between distance and frequency is needed, for example for people with vision or hearing loss, drivers with loss of focus or response delay, doctors undertaking teleoperation surgery, and users in augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared to traditional techniques, augmented reality (AR) confers notable benefits in facilitating complex product assembly processes. The efficacy of AR systems in assembly contexts is notably influenced by the pivotal role of AR instructions. As such, meeting users' demands for AR instructions is crucial during AR-guided assembly processes. In the present study, an investigation was conducted into the influence of complex assembly task types and user assembly experience on their demands for AR instructions. Firstly, complex assembly tasks were categorized into repetitive complex assembly tasks (RAT) and non-repetitive complex assembly tasks (NRAT) based on their complex characteristics. A user study was conducted using HMD-HoloLens 2 as the experimental device. User performances were recorded during iterative execution of AR experimental tasks under the aforementioned task conditions. The specific measures included users' attention process, interface interaction behaviors, assembly errors, and users' subjective experience. The results indicate significant differences in users' demands for AR instructions across different task types. Moreover, users' demands for AR instructions also changed with increasing assembly experience. Through comprehensive analysis, the rules of users' demands for AR instructions were summarized. The present findings enhance the current comprehension of users' demands regarding AR instructions and offer valuable insights for designing and developing efficient AR-guided assembly systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractFine operations exist in the form of teleoperation, human-machine cooperative work, and fine manual assembly. However, there is a lack of research that explores the characteristics of different assistive guidance methods and their use for fine operation tasks with different levels of difficulty. For this issue, this study first designed a prototype of a magnetic-based kinesthetic interaction device, and then using this device, a user study (n = 27) was designed and conducted. The experiment explored the performance of 2D and 3D visual cues as well as haptic cues when facing operation tasks with different levels of difficulty and analyzed the characteristics of each guidance modality and its reasons. The experimental results suggest that (1) visual cues are better suited than haptic cues to convey directional information in fine operations, (2) haptic cues can introduce an additional physical load, and (3) 2D visual cues’ missing depth information can affect operations in the view direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent technological advancements present promising opportunities to enhance the frequency and objectivity of functional assessments, aligning with recent stroke rehabilitation guidelines. Within this framework, we designed and adapted different manual dexterity tests in extended reality (XR), using immersive virtual reality (VR) with controllers (BBT-VR-C), immersive VR with hand-tracking (BBT-VR-HT), and mixed-reality (MD-MR). Objective: This study primarily aimed to assess and compare the validity of the BBT-VR-C, BBT-VR-HT and MD-MR to assess post-stroke manual dexterity. Secondary objectives were to evaluate reliability, usability and to define arm kinematics measures. Methods: A sample of 21 healthy control participants (HCP) and 21 stroke individuals with hemiparesis (IHP) completed three trials of the traditional BBT, the BBT-VR-C, BBT-VR-HT and MD-MR. Content validity of the different tests were evaluated by asking five healthcare professionals to rate the difficulty of performing each test in comparison to the traditional BBT. Convergent validity was evaluated through correlations between the scores of the traditional BBT and the XR tests. Test-retest reliability was assessed through correlations between the second and third trial and usability was assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS). Lastly, upper limb movement smoothness (SPARC) was compared between IHP and HCP for both BBT-VR test versions. Results: For content validity, healthcare professionals rated the BBT-VR-HT (0[0–1]) and BBT-MR (0[0–1]) as equally difficult to the traditional BBT, whereas they rated BBT-VR-C as more difficult than the traditional BBT (1[0–2]). For IHP convergent validity, the Pearson tests demonstrated larger correlations between the scores of BBT and BBT-VR-HT (r = 0.94;p < 0.001), and BBT and MD-MR (r = 0.95;p < 0.001) than BBT and BBT-VR-C (r = 0.65;p = 0.001). BBT-VR-HT and MD-MR usability were both rated as excellent, with median SUS scores of 83[57.5–91.3] and 83[53.8–92.5] respectively. Excellent reliability was found for the BBT-VR-C (ICC = 0.96;p < 0.001), BBT-VR-HT (ICC = 0.96;p < 0.001) and BBT-MR (ICC = 0.99;p < 0.001). The usability of the BBT-VR-C was rated as good with a median SUS of 70[43.8–83.8]. Upper limb movements of HCP were significantly smoother than for IHP when completing either the BBT-VR-C (t = 2.05;p = 0.043) and the BBT-VR-HT (t = 5.21;p < 0.001). Conclusion: The different XR manual tests are valid, short-term reliable and usable tools to assess post-stroke manual dexterity. Trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04694833; Unique identifier: NCT04694833, Date of registration: 11/24/2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The indications for transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) for middle ear cholesteatoma have expanded for cases involving mastoid extension. However, TEES is not indicated for all cases with mastoid extension. In addition, predicting the extent of external auditory canal (EAC) removal needed for cholesteatoma resection is not always easy. The purpose of this study was to use augmented reality (AR) to project the lesion onto an intraoperative endoscopic image to predict EAC removal requirements and select an appropriate surgical approach. Methods: In this study, patients showing mastoid extension were operated on using a navigation system with an AR function (Stryker). Results: The results showed that some cases with lesions slightly extending into the antrum required extensive resection of the EAC, while cases with lesions extending throughout the antrum required smaller resection of the EAC, indicating TEES. Conclusions: By predicting the extent of the needed EAC removal, it is possible to determine whether TEES (a retrograde approach) or canal wall-up mastoidectomy, which preserves as much of the EAC as possible, should be performed. We believe that our findings will contribute to the success of middle ear surgeries and the implementation of robotic surgery in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a famed Chinese classical garden, the Jichang Garden was a constant inspiration to many poets in its hundreds of years' history, who composed a rich body of poems—a valuable intangible cultural heritage. While tourists tend to pay attention to tangible natural scenery and historical architectures, they often neglect intangible cultural heritage—poems. We interviewed 23 tourists and found that augmented reality (AR) was viable for tourists to enjoy the physical scenery and the poetry simultaneously. We developed an initial prototype of PoeticAR, which presents poems based on physical scenery to enhance tourists' cultural and aesthetic experience. We further revised the prototype based on the ideas generated from a workshop with 18 tourists. We conducted a between-subject user study with 30 tourists to compare PoeticAR with Video. Results showed that PoeticAR significantly motivated tourists' interest in poems, enhanced the cultural and aesthetic tour experience in Jichang Garden, and increased awareness of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Cultural Heritage sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Museum artifacts are the main way for visitors to experience and learn about cultural heritage. Augmented reality (AR) allows for high interactivity and is increasingly applied in museums to improve tourists' experience and learning. It also supports the extension of museum experience to outside of the physical museum space, contributing to the visiting trajectory and takeaway experience. In this paper, we present our design of two tangible AR interfaces for cultural artifacts: Postcard AR and CubeMuseum AR, followed by three user studies that evaluate and optimize the design. In Study 1, we conducted a within-subjects study (N = 24) that compares the two AR interfaces with a baseline condition (Leaflet). Our results demonstrate the positive effects of tangible AR interfaces on users' motivation and engagement in learning cultural heritage. In Study 2, we further explored how to optimize CubeMuseum AR by adopting a user-centered design approach. Through the analysis of expert interviews (N = 7) and an online survey (N = 207), the results specify a series of requirements and design guidelines for tangible AR interfaces to be used as a learning tool and a hybrid gift. Based on the findings, the design of the CubeMuseum AR was optimized and evaluated in Study 3. A between-subjects user study was conducted (N = 32) to compare the optimized design with the initial design. The results verified the positive effects of gamified tangible AR interfaces on users' motivation, engagement, and performance in learning cultural heritage. We present our design and evaluation results, and discuss the implications of designing tangible AR interfaces for cultural heritage learning and museum gifting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many forms of Intangible Culture Heritage (ICH) are fast disappearing. The Lantern Festival is an important part of Chinese tradition and a critical ICH of Taiwan. However, few young people attend ICH activities. Given the importance of ICH education, this study describes what participants learned after lantern exhibitions that combined Augmented Reality (AR), mobile websites, and Paper-based Exhibition Brochures. This study evaluated what a cohort of college students (n = 115) learned about ICH through experiments and questionnaires. The results show that the public understood ICH better through digital technology. All participants thought that applying AR to ICH was good for the public to gain more information on lantern culture, although it took a lot of time to learn the new technology. The results also encouraged the application of AR to engage in ICH education. Therefore, a large number of digital technologies that are popular among young people should be used as part of ICH education in order to improve their cultural awareness and learning motivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have highlighted a lack of practical strategies in mobile learning that effectively enhance learners' agency with mobile technology. The paper aims to engage and interest learners in cultural issues by exploring the capacity of mobile technology. In this paper, we report the design and development of a prototype story game app, The Story of Praya Lane that combines use of mobile sensing, machine learning and augmented reality (AR) to engage users in physical mobile activities as part of a gamified, non-linear storytelling application. We took a multidisciplinary approach to involve cultural heritage stakeholders to preserve and share the cultural stories of the Kristang community in Praya Lane, Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The results of user study show promise in promoting interest and engagement in cultural learning and reflection. From our findings, we recommend design guidelines for future interactive story games to support cultural learning and engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Two-dimensional (2D) medical visualization techniques are often insufficient for displaying complex, three-dimensional (3D) anatomical structures. Moreover, the visualization of medical data on a 2D screen during surgery is undesirable, because it requires a surgeon to continuously switch focus. This switching focus problem also results in extensive use of intraoperative radiation to gain additional insights for a 3D configuration. The use of augmented reality (AR) has the potential to overcome these problems, for instance by using markers on target points that are aligned with the AR solution. However, placing markers for a precise virtual overlay are time-costly, always have to be visible within the field of view and disrupt the surgical workflow. In this study, we developed ARCUS, a depth-based, markerless AR navigation system, which overlays 3D virtual elements onto target body parts to overcome the limitations of 2D medical visualization techniques. Methods and results: In a phantom study, our markerless ARCUS system was evaluated for accuracy and precision by comparing it to a Quick Response (QR) code-based AR registration method. The evaluation involved measuring the Euclidean distance between target points on a 3D-printed face and their corresponding points on the virtual overlay using a robotic arm for precise measurements. Correlations between the measuring points provided by our markerless system and the actual measuring points on the 3D-print were high, with promising consistent Euclidean distances between the 3D points and the virtual points generated by both our markerless system and the Vuforia QR Code system. We also show two clinical examples of ex vivo case studies on cadaveric human specimens where our markerless ARCUS system could be applicable to. Conclusion: The markerless AR navigation system holds strong potential as a 3D visualization method in clinical settings. While both ARCUS and the Vuforia QR code-based method fell short of meeting the surgical threshold of a 2 mm offset, our markerless system demonstrated promising features such as instant registration, markerless operation, and potential compatibility with non-rigid structures. Its automated virtual overlay onto target body parts offers significant advantages, paving the way for investigations into future clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractEarly learners experience various difficulties when learning foreign languages. Augmented reality technology can support learning environments and foreign language vocabulary teaching by attracting the attention of early learners. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of Augmented Reality (AR) technology supported English language learning activities on preschool children with the effects of traditional activities (presentation, lecture, question-answer). In this study, embedded mixed method was used. The sample of the study consisted of 44 five-year-old preschool children (19 boys, 25 girls). Color knowledge test, mood scale, observation, and interview forms were used as data collection tools. As a result of the study, it was concluded that AR-supported English learning activities were more effective than traditional activities on students’ English color vocabulary levels. The children were very happy and they had fun during the experimental process. According to the results of classroom observations, children made weekly progress in cognitive, affective and social/language categories. Implications are discussed in terms of pedagogical insights, practices for AR supported English language learning in preschool, and further research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a dynamic information fusion interactive system with a transparent display applied in the vehicle. The dynamic information fusion interactive system integrates three leading technologies: relative position acquisition, fusion information mapping, and visual field tracking adaptive information generation. For visual field tracking adaptive information generation, the position of fusion information changes as the observer's field of view varies to help observers use this system more comfortably and intuitively. The frame rate of the dynamic virtual information display can be increased from 10 to 20 Hz without increasing the AI computing power and providing observers with a better observer experience. Integrating those technologies could achieve an AR‐based interactive system on a direct‐view transparent display. Such a system can provide passengers with location‐based interactive virtual and real integration information in the mobile field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being 'there' and present within a physical space has been a long-accepted part of any art museum visitor experience. Once the sole access route, the emergence of digitisation and the Internet has since offered a new flexibility for visitors. Such online provision is often considered supplementary, ancillary, yet the year 2020 was witness to a seismic shift, when museums were compelled to unilaterally close their physical doors in response to Covid-19. This paper explores the sense of loss engendered by the abrupt removal of a direct interaction with physical artworks and examines the online initiatives that took its place. The theme of loss is explored through phenomenological experience of artworks/objects, an experience which cannot be recaptured virtually, in relation to the interchange between the physical and the virtual at both an individual artwork level and within a curated museum space. Advances in digital access, exciting new realities and future possibilities are examined, considering how this sense of loss might be accommodated in lieu, mitigated online. It is argued that a multiplicity of approaches that seek to redefine rather than replicate will engage new audiences experientially and offer a refreshed look at access between the physical and virtual art museum space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given the variety in mitral valve (MV) pathology and associated surgical techniques, extended reality (XR) holds great potential to assist MV surgeons. This review aims to systematically evaluate the currently available evidence investigating the use of XR and associated technologies in MV surgery. Methods: A systematic database search was conducted of original articles and case reports that explored the use of XR and MV surgery in EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane database and Google Scholar, from inception to February 2022. Results: Our search yielded 171 articles, of which 15 studies were included in this review, featuring 328 patients. Two main areas of application were identified: (i) pre-operative planning and (ii) predicting post-operative outcomes. The articles reporting outcomes relating to pre-operative planning were further categorised as exploring themes relevant to (i) mitral annular assessment; (ii) training; (iii) evaluation of surgical technique; (iv) surgical approach or plan and (v) selecting ring size or type. Preoperatively, XR has been shown to evaluate mitral annular pathology more accurately than echocardiography, informing the surgeon about the optimal surgical technique, approach and plan for a particular patient's MV pathology. Furthermore, XR could simulate and aid ring size/type selection for MV annuloplasty, creating a personalized surgical plan. Additionally, XR could estimate the postoperative MV biomechanical and physiological characteristics, predicting and pre-empting post-operative complications. Conclusion: XR demonstrated promising applications for assisting MV surgery, enhancing outcomes and patient-centred care, nevertheless, there remain the need for randomized studies to ascertain its feasibility, safety, and validity in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a cornerstone of dermatological practice. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology, initially used for entertainment, have entered healthcare, offering real-time data overlaying a surgeon’s view. This paper explores potential applications of VR and AR in MMS, emphasizing their advantages and limitations. We aim to identify research gaps to facilitate innovation in dermatological surgery. We conducted a PubMed search using the following: “augmented reality” OR “virtual reality” AND “Mohs” or “augmented reality” OR “virtual reality” AND “surgery.” Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed articles in English discussing these technologies in medical settings. We excluded non-peer-reviewed sources, non-English articles, and those not addressing these technologies in a medical context. VR alleviates patient anxiety and enhances patient satisfaction while serving as an educational tool. It also aids physicians by providing realistic surgical simulations. On the other hand, AR assists in real-time lesion analysis, optimizing incision planning, and refining margin control during surgery. Both of these technologies offer remote guidance for trainee residents, enabling real-time learning and oversight and facilitating synchronous teleconsultations. These technologies may transform dermatologic surgery, making it more accessible and efficient. However, further research is needed to validate their effectiveness, address potential challenges, and optimize seamless integration. All in all, AR and VR enhance real-world environments with digital data, offering real-time surgical guidance and medical insights. By exploring the potential integration of these technologies in MMS, our study identifies avenues for further research to thoroughly understand the role of these technologies to redefine dermatologic surgery, elevating precision, surgical outcomes, and patient experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critical care injuries, such as burn trauma, require specialized skillsets and knowledge. A clinical decision support system to aid clinicians in providing burn patient management can increase proficiency and provide knowledge content for specific interventions. In austere environments, decision support tools can be used to aid in decision making and task guidance when skilled personnel or resources are limited. Therefore, we developed a novel software system that utilizes augmented reality (AR) capabilities to provide enhanced step-by-step instructions based on best practices for managing burn patients. To better understand how new technologies, such as AR, can be used for burn care management, we developed a burn care application for use on a heads-up display. We developed four sub-set applications for documenting and conducting burn wound mapping, fluid resuscitation, medication calculations, and an escharotomy. After development, we conducted a usability study utilizing the System Usability Scale, pre- and post- simulation surveys, and after-action reviews to evaluate the AR-based software application in a simulation scenario. Results of the study indicate that the decision support tool has generalized usability and subjects were able to use the software as intended. Here we present the first use case of a comprehensive burn management system utilizing augmented reality capabilities to deliver care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the fitness of older adults is a primary concern in countries with rapidly growing aging populations. This study examines older adults' behavioral intention to engage in fitness activities using a bespoke pervasive game called Agoing. Based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) model, this study developed the UTAUT-LK model, 'LK' is an acronym for linear and knowledge. The UTAUT-LK model tested five independent variables in a single-group quasi-experiment. Data were collected from 378 participants using a 20-item questionnaire and subsequently analyzed through a structural equation model. The results indicate that effort expectancy (EE, p =.033), social influence (SI, p =.029), and hedonic motivation (HM, p <.001) significantly affect behavioral intention, with a high effect size (r =.827). In conclusion, well-designed pervasive games can enhance older adults' EE, SI, and HM to engage in fitness activities. This study contributes to understanding the behavioral intention toward physical activity among older adults through the pervasive game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Augmented reality technology had developed rapidly in recent years and had been applied in many fields, including medical education. Augmented reality had potential to improve students’ knowledge and skills in medical education. This scoping review primarily aims to further elaborate the current studies on the implementation of augmented reality in advancing clinical skills. This study was conducted by utilizing electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science in June 2022 for articles focusing on the use of augmented reality for improving clinical skills. The Rayyan website was used to screen the articles that met the inclusion criteria, which was the application of augmented reality as a learning method in medical education. Total of 37 articles met the inclusion criteria. These publications suggested that using augmented reality could improve clinical skills. The most researched topics explored were laparoscopic surgery skills and ophthalmology were the most studied topic. The research methods applied in the articles fall into two main categories: randomized control trial (RCT) (29.3%) and non-RCT (70.3%). Augmented reality has the potential to be integrated in medical education, particularly to boost clinical studies. Due to limited databases, however, any further studies on the implementation of augmented reality as a method to enhance skills in medical education need to be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is about the metaverse environment which has recently heard a lot in life. Although many individuals and institutions are interested in metaverse, it is an imaginary future space, and the conceptual framework is not fully drawn. The metaverse is a mix of augmented, virtual, and mixed reality technologies that are predicted to affect our lives over the next decade including our money, possessions, and ownership. So, we examined to forecast metaverse token price using ANN and ANFIS methods. The market value of the five metaverse token firms: opening price, highest value, lowest value, closing price, volume value, and variables, is evaluated between October 17, 2017, and December 15, 2022, by YSA and ANFIS. The ANN method training was carried out using ten hidden layers and the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm. In the ANFIS method, training was carried out with 100 iterations in a triple mesh structure. At the end of the method training, the training performed with the ANN method was 99.3% successful, and the ANFIS method was 99.1% successful. It is concluded that the model fitness of the R2 values of ANN and ANFIS methods is appropriate at 99.3 and 98.7%, respectively. As a result, ANN and ANFIS methods can be used for the prediction of metaverse token prices for the estimation of financial instruments. ANN and ANFIS are advanced tools for predicting metaverse token prices, with ANFIS having unique features like fuzzy logic. However, using only basic price data is not enough for precise predictions. While the EMA and SMA have less impact, gold (XAU), BTC, ETH, US dollar (USD), Chinese Yuan (CNY), and Brent oil (BRT) are observed to have a moderate impact on determining the market values of metaverse prices. The use of XAU and ETH prices in both ANN and ANFIS methods gives successful results. Especially, we have achieved favorable outcomes when employing the ANN method for analyzing EMA and BTC values. Additionally, we have obtained valuable and successful results by utilizing the ANFIS method for analyzing BRT. Using only opening, highest, lowest, closing prices, and volume values and USD, CNY, BRT, and SMA prices has not demonstrated usefulness in attaining favorable results. The findings of this research indicate that the utilization of the metaverse world has the potential to enhance learning capabilities and motivation, as well as make significant contributions to industrial production and the field of health. However, it is important to note that the existing body of research on the metaverse world remains limited in scope and depth. Users often hold preconceived notions and biases regarding ethical concerns associated with the metaverse world. Additionally, there are significant obstacles that need to be addressed in terms of fulfilling hardware requirements for its implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An educational augmented reality auscultation system (EARS) is proposed to enhance the reality of auscultation training using a simulated patient. The conventional EARS cannot accurately reproduce breath sounds according to the breathing of a simulated patient because the system instructs the breathing rhythm. In this study, we propose breath measurement methods that can be integrated into the chest piece of a stethoscope. We investigate methods using the thoracic variations and frequency characteristics of breath sounds. An accelerometer, a magnetic sensor, a gyro sensor, a pressure sensor, and a microphone were selected as the sensors. For measurement with the magnetic sensor, we proposed a method by detecting the breathing waveform in terms of changes in the magnetic field accompanying the surface deformation of the stethoscope based on thoracic variations using a magnet. During breath sound measurement, the frequency spectra of the breath sounds acquired by the built-in microphone were calculated. The breathing waveforms were obtained from the difference in characteristics between the breath sounds during exhalation and inhalation. The result showed the average value of the correlation coefficient with the reference value reached 0.45, indicating the effectiveness of this method as a breath measurement method. And the evaluations suggest more accurate breathing waveforms can be obtained by selecting the measurement method according to breathing method and measurement point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of aging civil infrastructure and growing concerns about rapid structural deterioration due to climate change, the demand for real-time structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques has been predominant worldwide. Traditional SHM methods face challenges, including delays in processing acquired data from large structures, time-intensive dense instrumentation, and visualization of real-time structural information. To address these issues, this paper develops a novel real-time visualization method using Augmented Reality (AR) to enhance vibration-based onsite structural inspections. The proposed approach presents a visualization system designed for real-time fieldwork, enabling detailed multi-sensor analyses within the immersive environment of AR. Leveraging the remote connectivity of the AR device, real-time communication is established with an external database and Python library through a web server, expanding the analytical capabilities of data acquisition, and data processing, such as modal identification, and the resulting visualization of SHM information. The proposed system allows live visualization of time-domain, frequency-domain, and system identification information through AR. This paper provides an overview of the proposed technology and presents the results of a lab-scale experimental model. It is concluded that the proposed approach yields accurate processing of real-time data and visualization of system identification information by highlighting its potential to enhance efficiency and safety in SHM by integrating AR technology with real-world fieldwork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter fully studies the coloured point cloud quality assessment in augmented reality (AR) environment through subjective test. Firstly, a point cloud dataset, named point cloud quality dataset‐AR, including ten reference point clouds and their 90 distorted versions is presented, which were generated using the reference software of video‐based point cloud compression across various combinations of geometry and texture quantization parameters. Then, the impact of geometry and texture distortions on perceived quality of point clouds in AR environment was discussed in detail. Moreover, the performance of existing objective point cloud quality assessment metrics on the proposed dataset is evaluated. The subjective dataset including the values of mean opinion score were released to public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• It is important to involve alpha generation in the conservation of urban heritage as they will be the next generation responsible for its preservation. • The use of augmented reality based on serious game and GPS-guided applications has proven to be effective for heritage conservations. • This research describes a serious game based on the use of GPS-guided augmented reality in a renaissance village. It is important to involve young people in the conservation of urban heritage as they will be the next generation responsible for its preservation. The use of Augmented Reality (AR) based on Serious Game (SG) and GPS-guided applications has proven to be effective for heritage revitalisation. However, there are currently only a few applications that combine GPS AR and SG for urban heritage enhancement, and these are generally aimed at adult tourists rather than the young people of the alpha generation. This research describes a serious game based on the use of GPS-guided augmented reality in the Renaissance village of Caldana, Italy, to raise awareness of the importance of urban heritage and to stimulate its visit by the alpha generation. The application consists of a treasure hunt that children have to solve by meeting and listening in augmented reality to historical characters who built the Renaissance village at specific points of interest, following a route with increasing levels of difficulty. The application was tested using a questionnaire with a sample of 79 children. The results provide useful indications for the development of augmented reality applications to increase the awareness and attitudes of the alpha generation towards knowledge and conservation of urban heritage. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transfacet minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) is a novel approach available for the management of lumbar spondylolisthesis. It avoids the need to manipulate either of the exiting or traversing nerve roots, both protected by the bony boundaries of the approach. With the advancement in operative technologies such as navigation, mapping, segmentation, and augmented reality (AR), surgeons are prompted to utilize these technologies to enhance their surgical outcomes. A 36-year-old male patient was complaining of chronic progressive lower back pain. He was found to have grade 2 L4/5 spondylolisthesis. We studied the feasibility of a trans-Kambin or a transfacet MIS-TLIF, and decided to proceed with the latter given the wider corridor it provides. Preoperative trajectory planning and level segmentation in addition to intraoperative navigation and image merging were all utilized to provide an AR model to guide us through the surgery. The use of AR can build on the safety and learning of novel surgical approaches to spine pathologies. However, larger high-quality studies are needed to further objectively analyze its impact on surgical outcomes and to expand on its application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We explore relationships between barriers and facilitators experienced by users to understand dynamic interactions in sociotechnical systems and improve a mobile phone-based augmented reality application that teaches users about the contents of a standardized pediatric code cart. Background: Understanding interactions between performance obstacles and facilitators can provide guidance to (re)designing sociotechnical systems to improve system outcomes. Clinicians should know about contents and organization of code carts, and an augmented reality mobile application may improve that knowledge but changes the sociotechnical system in which they learn. Prior work identified barriers and facilitators impacting the use of this application—participants described dimensions together, indicating interactions that are explored in the current study. Method: We conducted four focus groups (number of clinicians = 18) and two interviews with clinicians who used the application. We performed a secondary analysis of focus group data exploring interactions between previously identified barriers and facilitators to application use. We used epistemic network analysis to visualize these interactions. Results: Work system barriers interacted with barriers and facilitators interacted with facilitators to amplify cumulative negative or positive impact, respectively. Facilitators balanced barriers, mitigating negative impact. Facilitators also exacerbated barriers, worsening negative impact. Conclusion: Barriers and facilitators interact and can amplify, balance, and exacerbate each other—notably, positives are not always positive. To obtain desired outcomes, interactions must be further considered in sociotechnical system design, for example, the potential improvements to the application we identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the visual angle threshold value for the recognition of Chinese characters displayed on the optical head-mounted display. As optical head-mounted displays are becoming increasingly popular in various fields, character legibility has become an important topic for research. In this study, a legibility test was conducted by randomly displaying characters on the optical head-mounted display. The characteristics that were tested included the number of strokes, components and usage frequency rankings. The visual angle threshold value of each character was recorded and analysed. The results indicate that Chinese characters with more strokes, more components and lower usage frequency have a larger visual angle threshold value than characters with fewer strokes, fewer components and higher frequency. The number of strokes and usage frequency rankings were inputted into a regression model to predict the visual angle threshold value for character recognition (R2 = 0.72; Adj-R2 = 0.71). The regression analyses revealed that the foregoing inputs increased the visual angle threshold value. These findings provide a practical reference for the display of Chinese characters on optical head-mounted displays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to understand the usability of common button colours and background choices in the existing augmented reality (AR) interface. AR is increasingly used in dynamic situations, such as driving using an AR head-up display. However, studies regarding the usability of AR interfaces, especially about the colours, are scarce. Twenty-four participants performed button selection tasks in an experiment using Microsoft HoloLens. Three measures (task completion time, the number of errors, and button colour visibility were collected for the 12 experimental conditions (3 backgrounds by 4 button colours). Significant differences were found in completion time between backgrounds and blue button visibility. On a moving background, the most effective button colour is orange, and the most minor effective button colour is blue. The results of this study can be used for colour choices in designing AR applications and devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of immersion has been widely used for the design and evaluation of user experiences. Augmented, virtual and mixed-reality environments have further sparked the discussion of immersive user experiences and underlying requirements. However, a clear definition and agreement on design criteria of immersive experiences remains debated, creating challenges to advancing our understanding of immersive experiences and how these can be designed. Based on a multidisciplinary Delphi approach, this study provides a uniform definition of immersive experiences and identifies key criteria for the design and staging thereof. Thematic analysis revealed five key themes – transition into/out of the environment, in-experience user control, environment design, user context relatedness, and user openness and motivation, that emphasise the coherency in the user-environment interaction in the immersive experience. The study proposes an immersive experience framework as a guideline for industry practitioners, outlining key design criteria for four distinct facilitators of immersive experiences – systems, spatial, empathic/social, and narrative/sequential immersion. Further research is proposed using the immersive experience framework to investigate the hierarchy of user senses to optimise experiences that blend physical and digital environments and to study triggered, desired and undesired effects on user attitude and behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmedia storytelling and social media platforms have emerged as crucial strategies for mobilizing content, cultivating followers, and addressing the challenge of diminished public engagement with museums. Conversely, the development of digital content and the extension of interaction across diverse platforms are adopted as measures to engage younger demographics and serve as educational initiatives. The potential of transmedia storytelling and social media to facilitate the dissemination of knowledge and promote societal change is highlighted through the creation of innovative content infused with scientific significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to explore the role of the metaverse in teaching and learning science. The available literature was analyzed and current research was reviewed to understand how virtual technologies and the metaverse can be used to improve the experience of teaching and learning science. A qualitative research approach was used in a case study style. This is because applying the metaverse in teaching is considered a new experience. This research chose an expert science teacher and a group of students in an intentional way. Semi-structured interviews were the main method of collecting data in this research. An objective analysis of the interviews was conducted, and the results showed that the metaverse can play an important role in enhancing science learning. Scientific concepts can become more clear and interactive through the use of virtual technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and virtual worlds, because it allows students to directly interact with scientific concepts and explore them in an appropriate and interesting way. Recommendations drawn from this research include developing educational resources appropriate for the metaverse and providing training and support for teachers. The necessity of implementing active learning and cooperation among students, and providing effective assessment and immediate feedback. Research and innovations in this field must also be supported to achieve future developments, and the research confirms that metaverse technology can be a powerful tool to enhance science teaching and learning. By providing interactive experiences, participation, and realistic simulations, as well as enhancing understanding and active participation of students in the teaching and learning process, and the necessity of integrating metaverse technology in a complementary way with the traditional curriculum in teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traumatic events, particularly childhood interpersonal victimisation, have been found to play a causal role in the occurrence of psychosis and shape the phenomenology of psychotic experiences. Higher rates of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma‐related mental health problems are also found in people with psychosis diagnoses compared to the general population. It is, therefore, imperative that therapists are willing and able to address trauma and its consequences when supporting recovery from distressing psychosis. Method: This paper will support this need by providing a state‐of‐the‐art overview of the safety, acceptability and effects of trauma therapies for psychosis. Results: We will first introduce how seminal cognitive‐behavioural models of psychosis shed light on the mechanisms by which trauma may give rise to psychotic experiences, including a putative role for trauma‐related emotions, beliefs and episodic memories. The initial application of prolonged exposure and eye movement and desensitation and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) for treating PTSD in psychosis will be described, followed by consideration of integrative approaches. These integrative approaches aim to address the impact of trauma on both post‐traumatic stress symptoms and trauma‐related psychosis. Integrative approaches include EMDR for psychosis (EMDRp) and trauma‐focused Cognitive‐Behavioural Therapy for psychosis (tf‐CBTp). Finally, emerging dialogic approaches for targeting trauma‐related voice‐hearing will be considered, demonstrating the potential value of adopting co‐produced (Talking with Voices) and digitally augmented (AVATAR) therapies. Conclusion: We will conclude by reflecting on current issues in the area, and implications for research and clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioconservative bioethicists (e.g., Kass, 2002, Human Dignity and Bioethics, 297–331, 2008; Sandel, 2007; Fukuyama, 2003) offer various kinds of philosophical arguments against cognitive enhancement—i.e., the use of medicine and technology to make ourselves “better than well” as opposed to merely treating pathologies. Two notable such bioconservative arguments appeal to ideas about (1) the value of achievement, and (2) authenticity. It is shown here that even if these arguments from achievement and authenticity cut ice against specifically pharmacologically driven cognitive enhancement, they do not extend over to an increasingly viable form of technological cognitive enhancement – namely, cognitive enhancement via augmented reality. An important result is that AR-driven cognitive enhancement aimed at boosting performance in certain cognitive tasks might offer an interesting kind of “sweet spot” for proponents of cognitive enhancement, allowing us to pursue many of the goals of enhancement advocates without running into some of the most prominent objections from bioconservative philosophers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of next‐generation microdisplays is flourishing. Relevant display technologies, such as mini‐light emission diodes (mini‐LEDs), micro‐organic light emission diodes (micro‐OLEDs), and micro‐light emission diodes (micro‐LEDs) are thus in the urgent stage of development. From this perspective, comprehensive and systematical analyzes are conducted for the aforesaid microdisplay configurations. A holistic view of microdisplay technologies is developed with the corresponding performance metrics, providing a path for miscellaneous scenarios. Among these scenarios, the applications in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), wearable devices, and head‐up displays (HUD) are currently attracting considerable attention for deeper human‐digital interactions. However, there is a multiplicity of obstacles and challenges hindering such development. Nevertheless, recent advances in microdisplay technologies hold tremendous promise for the paradigms of these applications, taking a leap forward for next‐generation microdisplays. This review presents perspectives, relevant materials, and the technology landscape for such ongoing display technologies, offering guidance on the design of advanced microdisplays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research is focused on finding ways to develop safe environment design using virtual worlds like Second Life and Metavers and identifying the best opportunities for this. The novelty of the study lies in a wide representative survey of experienced participants in the process of designing a secure environment using virtual tools and obtaining their generalized Delphi assessment of the prospects and optimal capabilities of this process. The survey involved 228 participants from 31 countries. The participants formulated a set of possibilities and patterns of possible development and then gave them an assessment. The results of the study showed that designers and planners tend to distrust the possibilities of modeling and predicting the state of the urban safe environment in virtual spaces and tend to perceive it as a means of creating projects, revealing the imagination and talent of the designer and a space for communication and co-design with the expert community and communities. It was revealed that they see the use of augmented reality for the presentation of real objects in the virtual world and information about objects in the real world as the most promising direction of development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Looking at the weakness of students in learning geometry, a study was conducted on using modules with augmented reality technology for primary school students. This study aims to identify the effectiveness of using such modules on students' conceptual and procedural knowledge in geometry, particularly for Year 4. A random sampling of students was conducted to determine the experimental group of students who studied using modules with augmented reality. In contrast, the control group studied with traditional module methods. Fifty-nine students were involved in this study, with 29 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. The study results analyzed by ANCOVA showed that the conceptual and procedural scores of the experimental group students were significantly better than the control group students in the post-test and the delayed post-test. Using modules with augmented reality benefits students' conceptual and procedural knowledge in learning geometry. This study indirectly allows students to learn geometry concepts through an augmented reality technology approach with smart devices. Students also have the opportunity to learn through a student-centered approach and collaborative learning strategies while using augmented reality applications in learning. Simultaneously, using this technology is an innovation that also benefits teachers and stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental rotation is the ability to mentally rotate two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional objects in one's mind. Previous studies have examined the relationship between mental rotation abilities and embodied cognition. However, conflicting findings underscore the necessity for further investigation. This study aims to investigate how different levels of embodiment in mental rotation training affect mental rotation training. Three versions of mental rotation training with different levels of embodiment (keyboard, touchpad and augmented reality) were developed for this study. A quasi‐experimental study was conducted with a total of 125 university students to explore how different training versions affect participants' training performances, perception of the usability of the training and mental rotation ability. The results suggest those who used the versions with higher levels of bodily engagement performed better than those who used the versions with lower levels of bodily engagement (p < 0.001). Participants' mental rotation ability also improved significantly after training with the augmented reality (AR1) version compared to those in the keyboard group (p = 0.01). The learning analytics results provide additional clarity by indicating that the participants' mental rotation ability can be predicted by their training performance in the AR condition (p < 0.001). This study has significant implications for the potential of using embodied AR training to improve mental rotation ability. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topicMental rotation ability is a malleable trait that can be improved through repeated and long‐term game‐based training.Short‐term training using digital games has limited impacts on mental rotation ability.Mental rotation abilities are linked to our bodily interactions with the physical world.What this paper addsInvestigates how different levels of bodily engagement in a digital game affect short‐term mental rotation training.Investigates how different levels of bodily engagement in a mental rotation training game affect players' game performance and perception of the usability of the game.Investigates if players' performance in a mental rotation training game can predict their mental rotation ability and self‐diagnosed sense of direction.Leverages learning analytics to explain findings generated by traditional research methods.Implications for practice and/or policyLeveraging augmented reality technology in more embodied mental rotation training games can facilitate short‐term gains in mental rotation.Game‐based learning researchers should consider leveraging learning analytics techniques to provide richer and more nuanced explanations for findings generated by traditional research methods.Game performance in effective mental rotation training games can predict mental rotation abilities, thus potentially assessing such abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital games are widely used in education to motivate students for science. Additionally, augmented reality (AR) is increasingly used in education. However, recent research indicates that these technologies might not be equally beneficial for students with different background characteristics. Moreover, students with different backgrounds may differ in their self‐efficacy and interest when playing games and this could lead to differences in performance. Given the increased use of games and immersive technologies in education, it is important to gain a better understanding of the effectiveness of games for different student groups. This study focused on the role of students' socio‐economic status (SES) and examined whether SES was associated with in‐game performance and whether interest and self‐efficacy mediated potential associations between SES and in‐game performance. Since log data are increasingly used to predict learning outcomes and can provide valuable insights into individual behaviour, in‐game performance was assessed with the use of log data. In total, 276 early secondary school students participated in this study. The results indicate that SES has no direct or indirect effect through self‐efficacy and interest on in‐game performance. However, a lower self‐efficacy increased the likelihood to drop out of the game. These findings suggest that students from different socio‐economic backgrounds are equally interested and self‐efficacious while playing the game and that their performance is not affected by their background. The affordances of AR as an immersive learning environment might be motivating enough to help mitigate possible SES differences in students. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic Digital games are an effective tool to increase motivation and learning outcomes of students.Students' self‐efficacy and situational interest influence learning outcomes and in‐game performance.It is unclear whether digital games are equally effective for students with different socio‐economic status.What this paper adds Socio‐economic status (SES) of students does not affect in‐game performance.Students with different SES are equally interested and self‐efficacious.Lower self‐efficacy and lower school track influence the likelihood of dropout.Implications for practice and/or policy Socio‐economic status does not fortify the possible performance differences between students and games can be utilized as a learning tool that motivates all students equally.There are students who do not optimally benefit when games are implemented in education and who may need additional support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Conventional freehand methods of pedicle screw placement are associated with significant complications due to close proximity to neural and vascular structures. Recent advances in augmented reality surgical navigation (ARSN) have led to its adoption into spine surgery. However, little is known regarding its overall accuracy. The purpose of this study is to delineate the overall accuracy of ARSN pedicle screw placement across various models. Methods: A systematic review was conducted of Medline/PubMed, Cochrane and Embase Library databases according to the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant data extracted included reports of pedicle screw placement accuracy and breaches, as defined by the Gertzbein–Robbins classification, in addition to deviation from pre-planned trajectory and entry point. Accuracy was defined as the summation of grade 0 and grade 1 events per the Gertzbein–Robbins classification. Results: Twenty studies reported clinically accurate placed screws. The range of clinically accurate placed screws was 26.3–100%, with 2095 screws (93.1%) being deemed clinically accurate. Furthermore, 5.4% (112/2088) of screws were reported as grade two breaches, 1.6% (33/2088) grade 3 breaches, 3.1% (29/926) medial breaches and 2.3% (21/926) lateral breaches. Mean linear deviation ranged from 1.3 to 5.99 mm, while mean angular/trajectory deviation ranged 1.6°–5.88°. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the overall accuracy of ARSN pedicle screw placement. However, further robust prospective studies are needed to accurately compare to conventional methods of pedicle screw placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Virtual and augmented reality have enjoyed increased attention in spine surgery. Preoperative planning, pedicle screw placement, and surgical training are among the most studied use cases. Identifying osseous structures is a key aspect of navigating a 3-dimensional virtual reconstruction. To automate the otherwise time-consuming process of labeling vertebrae on each slice individually, we propose a fully automated pipeline that automates segmentation on computed tomography (CT) and which can form the basis for further virtual or augmented reality application and radiomic analysis. Methods: Based on a large public dataset of annotated vertebral CT scans, we first trained a YOLOv8m (You-Only-Look-Once algorithm, Version 8 and size medium) to detect each vertebra individually. On the then cropped images, a 2D-U-Net was developed and externally validated on 2 different public datasets. Results: Two hundred fourteen CT scans (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine) were used for model training, and 40 scans were used for external validation. Vertebra recognition achieved a mAP50 (mean average precision with Jaccard threshold of 0.5) of over 0.84, and the segmentation algorithm attained a mean Dice score of 0.75 ± 0.14 at internal, 0.77 ± 0.12 and 0.82 ± 0.14 at external validation, respectively. Conclusion: We propose a 2-stage approach consisting of single vertebra labeling by an object detection algorithm followed by semantic segmentation. In our externally validated pilot study, we demonstrate robust performance for our object detection network in identifying individual vertebrae, as well as for our segmentation model in precisely delineating the bony structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive survey on the utilization of smart glasses in the context of cultural heritage. It offers a systematic exploration of prevailing trends, the latest state-of-the-art technologies, and notable projects within this emerging field. Through a meticulous examination of diverse works, this study endeavors to categorize and establish a taxonomy, thereby facilitating a structured analysis of the current landscape. By distilling key insights from this categorization, the paper aims to draw meaningful conclusions and provide valuable insights into the potential future trajectory of SGs technology in the realm of CH preservation and appreciation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]