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This paper investigates the potential of the Gamified Metaverse as a platform for promoting library services. The study compares the effectiveness of a traditional library program with a Metaverse- based library program in terms of knowledge acquisition and library anxiety. The research also examines students' perceptions of implementing gamification within the context of the Gamified Metaverse platform. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, including pre- and post-test analysis, statistical analysis, and qualitative data collection. The results indicate that both the traditional and Metaverse-based library programs effectively increased the participants' knowledge, with no significant difference between the two approaches. However, the Metaverse-based program was found to be less effective in facilitating interaction with librarians and reducing library anxiety. Additionally, students expressed positive perceptions of implementing gamification in the Gamified Metaverse platform, finding it engaging and motivating. These findings contribute to the understanding of the effect of the Metaverse as a tool for promoting library services and enhancing knowledge acquisition. However, it is not as effective in reducing library anxiety, particularly in terms of interaction with librarians and staff. It should be noted that the platform may have limitations such as high costs and potential side effects of virtual reality, making it more suitable as an additional tool for promoting library services, taking into account its feasibility and potential benefits for specific student populations and larger libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic drastically reduced opportunities for surgical skill sharing between high-income and low to middle-income countries. Augmented reality (AR) technology allows mentors in one country to virtually train a mentee in another country during surgical cases without international travel. We hypothesize that AR technology is an effective live surgical training and mentorship modality. METHODS: Three senior urologic surgeons in the US and UK worked with four urologic surgeon trainees across the continent of Africa using AR systems. Trainers and trainees individually completed post-operative questionnaires evaluating their experience. RESULTS: Trainees rated the quality of virtual training as equivalent to in-person training in 83% of cases (N = 5 of 6 responses). Trainers reported the technologys visual quality as acceptable in 67% of cases (N = 12 of 18 responses). The audiovisual capabilities of the technology had a high impact in the majority of the cases. CONCLUSION: AR technology can effectively facilitate surgical training when in-person training is limited or unavailable.

Skull base surgery has evolved significantly since Harvey Cushings first descriptions in the early 1900s. Computer aided surgery (CAS) applications continue to expand; they include virtual surgical planning, augmented and virtual reality, 3D printing of models/cutting guides/implants, surgical navigation, and intraoperative imaging. The authors will review the current skull base CAS literature and propose a computer aided surgical workflow categorizing these applications into 3 phases: 1) Virtual planning, 2) Surgical execution, 3) Intraoperative verification.

Abstract Background We compared computed tomography (CT) images and holograms (HG) to assess the number of arteries of the lung lobes undergoing lobectomy and assessed easiness in interpretation by radiologists and thoracic surgeons with both techniques. Methods Patients scheduled for lobectomy for lung cancer were prospectively included and underwent CT for staging. A patient-specific three-dimensional model was generated and visualized in an augmented reality setting. One radiologist and one thoracic surgeon evaluated CT images and holograms to count lobar arteries, having as reference standard the number of arteries recorded at surgery. The easiness of vessel identification was graded according to a Likert scale. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and κ statistics were used. Results Fifty-two patients were prospectively included. The two doctors detected the same number of arteries in 44/52 images (85%) and in 51/52 holograms (98%). The mean difference between the number of artery branches detected by surgery and CT images was 0.31 ± 0.98, whereas it was 0.09 ± 0.37 between surgery and HGs (p = 0.433). In particular, the mean difference in the number of arteries detected in the upper lobes was 0.67 ± 1.08 between surgery and CT images and 0.17 ± 0.46 between surgery and holograms (p = 0.029). Both radiologist and surgeon showed a higher agreement for holograms (κ = 0.99) than for CT (κ = 0.81) and found holograms easier to evaluate than CTs (p < 0.001). Conclusions Augmented reality by holograms is an effective tool for preoperative vascular anatomy assessment of lungs, especially when evaluating the upper lobes, more prone to anatomical variations. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04227444 Relevance statement Preoperative evaluation of the lung lobe arteries through augmented reality may help the thoracic surgeons to carefully plan a lobectomy, thus contributing to optimize patients’ outcomes. Key points • Preoperative assessment of the lung arteries may help surgical planning. • Lung artery detection by augmented reality was more accurate than that by CT images, particularly for the upper lobes. • The assessment of the lung arterial vessels was easier by using holograms than CT images. Graphical Abstract

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of using the ARSINAPS mobile augmented reality application on learning motivation and outcomes in high school and biology education students. The method used in this study was quasi-experimental with a post-test control group design. The research sample consisted of two experimental classes and two control classes from three schools in the Jakarta, Bekasi, and Tangerang areas, totalling 140 students, and from the college level, consisting of one experimental class and one control class, totalling 68 students. The data obtained were in the form of learning outcomes in the respiratory system and learning motivation scores in biology learning. The average high school-level motivation score in the control class was 85.99, and the overall average for learning outcomes was 77.33 and 63.05. Based on the results of the data calculations, the application effectively improves students’ learning outcomes at the high school and undergraduate levels

Virtual reality, augmented reality, quantum dot light-emitting diodes, and organic light-emitting diodes have progressed over the last two years. Key achievements in these displays are discussed in terms of device performance.

Abstract Background Mixed reality offers potential educational advantages in the delivery of clinical teaching. Holographic artefacts can be rendered within a shared learning environment using devices such as the Microsoft HoloLens 2. In addition to facilitating remote access to clinical events, mixed reality may provide a means of sharing mental models, including the vertical and horizontal integration of curricular elements at the bedside. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of delivering clinical tutorials using the Microsoft HoloLens 2 and the learning efficacy achieved. Methods Following receipt of institutional ethical approval, tutorials on preoperative anaesthetic history taking and upper airway examination were facilitated by a tutor who wore the HoloLens device. The tutor interacted face to face with a patient and two-way audio-visual interaction was facilitated using the HoloLens 2 and Microsoft Teams with groups of students who were located in a separate tutorial room. Holographic functions were employed by the tutor. The tutor completed the System Usability Scale, the tutor, technical facilitator, patients, and students provided quantitative and qualitative feedback, and three students participated in semi-structured feedback interviews. Students completed pre- and post-tutorial, and end-of-year examinations on the tutorial topics. Results Twelve patients and 78 students participated across 12 separate tutorials. Five students did not complete the examinations and were excluded from efficacy calculations. Student feedback contained 90 positive comments, including the technology’s ability to broadcast the tutor’s point-of-vision, and 62 negative comments, where students noted issues with the audio-visual quality, and concerns that the tutorial was not as beneficial as traditional in-person clinical tutorials. The technology and tutorial structure were viewed favourably by the tutor, facilitator and patients. Significant improvement was observed between students’ pre- and post-tutorial MCQ scores (mean 59.2% Vs 84.7%, p

In the ever-changing sector of education, the use of technology has become critical to innovation and increased learning opportunities. This research illustrates the intricate connections that exist between augmented reality [AR] and tremendous educational attributes, thinking about how AR might modify conventional teaching approaches. The important motive is to offer an entire knowledge of how augmented fact influences crucial areas of the educational revel in. Utilizing a quantitative studies method, the study seems at how AR impacts pupil behavior, creativity, and instructional practices, in addition to the mediating and moderating elements that influence these relationships. An online questionnaire was used to collect data from 444 random samples. The relationships between AR, teacher competence, technology acceptance, and educational outcomes were examined. Data shows that augmented reality has a positive effect on creativity, student behavior, and teaching strategies. Teacher competence moderated these relationships, highlighting the critical role of teachers in successfully integrating augmented reality, while technology acceptance emerged as a significant mediator demonstrating the significance of user perceptions. This study has critical implications for educators, administrators, and policymakers interested in using AR to improve instructional development, as well as for the field of generation-infused schooling administration. Additionally, it advances theoretical frameworks through a better understanding of the complicated tactics that impact the uptake and acceptability of AR.

In the context of Industry 4.0, a paradigm shift from traditional industrial manipulators to Collaborative Robots (CRs) is ongoing, with the latter serving ever more closely humans as auxiliary tools in many production processes. In this scenario, continuous technological advancements offer new opportunities for further innovating robotics and other areas of next-generation industry. For example, 6G could play a prominent role due to its human-centric view of the industrial domains. In particular, its expected dependability features will pave the way for new applications exploiting highly effective Digital Twin (DT)- and eXtended Reality (XR)-based telepresence. In this work, a novel application for the above technologies allowing two distant users to collaborate in the programming of a CR is proposed. The approach encompasses demanding data flows (e.g., point cloud-based streaming of collaborating users and robotic environment), with network latency and bandwidth constraints. Results obtained by analyzing this approach from the viewpoint of network requirements in a setup designed to emulate 6G connectivity indicate that the expected performance of forthcoming mobile networks will make it fully feasible in principle.

Bu çalışma, Scopus veri tabanı üzerinde 2008-2023 yılları arasında metaverse ve eğitim kavramlarını içeren uluslararası bilimsel çalışmaları bibliyometrik bir perspektifle incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Çalışma kapsamında, başlık, özet ve anahtar kelimeler içerisinde "metaverse" ve "eğitim" kavramlarını barındıran 709 uluslararası bilimsel çalışmanın bibliyometrik analizi gerçekleştirilmiştir. VOSviewer aracılığı ile çalışmalara yönelik analizlerin görsel haritaları oluşturulmuştur. 2008-2023 yılları arasında Scopus veri tabanında yayınlanan uluslararası bilimsel çalışmaların sayısında belirgin bir artış gözlemlenmiş olup; özellikle 2022 ve 2023 yıllarında önemli bir yükseliş olduğu tespit edilmiştir. "Bilgisayar Bilimleri", "Sosyal Bilimler" ve "Mühendislik" gibi farklı alan çalışmalarına ait akademik disiplinlerin, metaverse ve eğitim konularında yoğun bir şekilde araştırma yapılan alanlar olarak öne çıktığı görülmüştür. "Metaverse" kelimesi, bibliyometrik analizde en çok görüntülenen anahtar kelime olarak belirlenmiştir. "Virtual Reality", "Augmented Reality" ve "Education" gibi anahtar kelimeler, metaverse ve eğitim konularında yoğun bir şekilde birbirleriyle ilişkilendirilmiştir. Çalışmalar arasında en çok atıf alan eserler, Dwidedi (2022), Kye (2021), Hwang (2022) ve Tlili (2022) olarak tespit edilmiştir. Çin, en yüksek çalışma sayısına sahip olan ülke iken, bilimsel araştırmalarda en fazla atıf alan ülkenin Güney Kore olduğu görülmüştür. Güney Kore’yi ikinci sırada Çin’in, üçüncü sırada ise Amerika’nın takip ettiği gözlemlenmiştir.

Background: A task assigned to space exploration satellites involves detecting the physical environment within a certain space. However, space detection data are complex and abstract. These data are not conducive for researchers' visual perceptions of the evolution and interaction of events in the space environment. Methods: A time-series dynamic data sampling method for large-scale space was proposed for sample detection data in space and time, and the corresponding relationships between data location features and other attribute features were established. A tone-mapping method based on statistical histogram equalization was proposed and applied to the final attribute feature data. The visualization process is optimized for rendering by merging materials, reducing the number of patches, and performing other operations. Results: The results of sampling, feature extraction, and uniform visualization of the detection data of complex types, long duration spans, and uneven spatial distributions were obtained. The real-time visualization of large-scale spatial structures using augmented reality devices, particularly low-performance devices, was also investigated. Conclusions: The proposed visualization system can reconstruct the three-dimensional structure of a large-scale space, express the structure and changes in the spatial environment using augmented reality, and assist in intuitively discovering spatial environmental events and evolutionary rules.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Quiver application on science learning in preschool period. The study was organized in an experimental design from the nice research type. The sample of the study consisted of a total of 40 children in two kindergartens in the same school determined by random assignment. Five different checklists determined by the researchers were used as data collection tools. Pre-test and post-test were conducted just before and just after the interventions with the pre-prepared checklists. The data were analyzed using the nonparametric Mann Whitney U test used in the analysis of quantitative data. As a general result of the research, it was concluded that the activity processes planned with augmented reality application created a significant difference compared to the activity processes planned with traditional methods and provided higher learning. Looking at the themes separately, there was a significant difference in favor of the experimental groups in the themes of the cycle of water and rain formation, the life cycle of plants and the food chain, while there was no significant difference between the knowledge levels of the experimental and control groups in the themes of the life cycle of the frog and sea creatures.

Formulation of the problem. The rapid development of technologies in the modern world opens up new horizons for education. Integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) holds particular significance as a transformative approach, fostering interdisciplinary learning and preparing students for the challenges of a knowledge-based and digitized society. The transition from a traditional approach to STEAM education becomes even more captivating with the incorporation of immersive technologies. This direction, merging technical and creative aspects, requires an innovative approach to the organization of educational projects, considering the new opportunities and challenges presented by virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). Materials and methods. To achieve the goal of our research, we used the following methods: systematic and comparative analysis of pedagogical, psychological, philosophical, and sociological works, methodic literature, and analysis of the pedagogical experience of using immersive technologies to organize STEAM projects at school; synthesis and generalization to formulate the main provisions of the study; interviews and questionnaires of teachers regarding their understanding and attitude to immersive technologies as a means of implementing STEAM projects at school; interpretation of research results. We analyzed 18 scientific sources, including 14 Scopus-indexed articles, two reports (the educational report from Horizon 2020 and the "State of the Industry Report" from the XR Association), and two scientific studies by Ukrainian researchers. Eighty-seven teachers participated in interviews and surveys conducted through Google Forms. Results. Creating and organizing a STEAM educational project using immersive technologies involves the following teacher actions: forming a project name by the student's learning goals, educational content, and the project result as its product; creating a reference project; determining the subject, topic, age of students, project preparation time, learning time, essential immersive technologies; forming the purpose of the first lesson and project tasks to immerse and motivate students about the project; identifying problematic issues that should reflect the actual context or problem. We have characterized teachers' attitudes towards immersive technologies when organizing and conducting such projects. Based on the study's results, we have identified the features of organizing STEAM projects using immersive technologies: expanding the field of creativity with AR and VR, immersion in scientific concepts and conducting experiments through the use of virtual laboratories, visualizing abstract ideas through the use of augmented reality, interacting with technology through mixed reality projects, and teamwork in immersive environments. Conclusions. Immersive technologies in STEAM education have advantages (e.g., gaining practical experience, forming interdisciplinary connections through interdisciplinary learning, cooperation, communication, adaptive environment, and request for creativity) in teaching.

Abstract This paper describes a methodology for the assessment of training simulator‐based computer‐assisted intervention skills on an AR/VR‐guided procedure making use of CT axial slice views for a neurosurgical procedure: external ventricular drain (EVD) placement. The task requires that trainees scroll through a stack of axial slices and form a mental representation of the anatomical structures in order to subsequently target the ventricles to insert an EVD. The process of observing the 2D CT image slices in order to build a mental representation of the 3D anatomical structures is the skill being taught, along with the cognitive control of the subsequent targeting, by planned motor actions, of the EVD tip to the ventricular system to drain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Convergence is established towards the validity of this assessment methodology by examining two objective measures of spatial reasoning, along with one subjective expert ranking methodology, and comparing these to AR/VR guidance. These measures have two components: the speed and accuracy of the targeting, which are used to derive the performance metric. Results of these correlations are presented for a population of PGY1 residents attending the Canadian Neurosurgical “Rookie Bootcamp” in 2019.

Abstract Root canal therapy (RCT) is a widely performed procedure in dentistry, with over 25 million individuals undergoing it annually. This procedure is carried out to address inflammation or infection within the root canal system of affected teeth. However, accurately aligning CT scan information with the patient's tooth has posed challenges, leading to errors in tool positioning and potential negative outcomes. To overcome these challenges, a mixed reality application is developed using an optical see‐through head‐mounted display (OST‐HMD). The application incorporates visual cues, an augmented mirror, and dynamically updated multi‐view CT slices to address depth perception issues and achieve accurate tooth localization, comprehensive canal exploration, and prevention of perforation during RCT. Through the preliminary experimental assessment, significant improvements in the accuracy of the procedure are observed. Specifically, with the system the accuracy in position was improved from 1.4 to 0.4 mm (more than a 70% gain) using an Optical Tracker (NDI) and from 2.8 to 2.4 mm using an HMD, thereby achieving submillimeter accuracy with NDI. 6 participants were enrolled in the user study. The result of the study suggests that the average displacement on the crown plane of 1.27 ± 0.83 cm, an average depth error of 0.90 ± 0.72 cm and an average angular deviation of 1.83 ± 0.83°. Our error analysis further highlights the impact of HMD spatial localization and head motion on the registration and calibration process. Through seamless integration of CT image information with the patient's tooth, our mixed reality application assists dentists in achieving precise tool placement. This advancement in technology has the potential to elevate the quality of root canal procedures, ensuring better accuracy and enhancing overall treatment outcomes.

Abstract The integration of Augmented Reality (AR) into daily surgical practice is withheld by the correct registration of pre‐operative data. This includes intelligent 3D model superposition whilst simultaneously handling real and virtual occlusions caused by the AR overlay. Occlusions can negatively impact surgical safety and as such deteriorate rather than improve surgical care. Robotic surgery is particularly suited to tackle these integration challenges in a stepwise approach as the robotic console allows for different inputs to be displayed in parallel to the surgeon. Nevertheless, real‐time de‐occlusion requires extensive computational resources which further complicates clinical integration. This work tackles the problem of instrument occlusion and presents, to the authors’ best knowledge, the first‐in‐human on edge deployment of a real‐time binary segmentation pipeline during three robot‐assisted surgeries: partial nephrectomy, migrated endovascular stent removal, and liver metastasectomy. To this end, a state‐of‐the‐art real‐time segmentation and 3D model pipeline was implemented and presented to the surgeon during live surgery. The pipeline allows real‐time binary segmentation of 37 non‐organic surgical items, which are never occluded during AR. The application features real‐time manual 3D model manipulation for correct soft tissue alignment. The proposed pipeline can contribute towards surgical safety, ergonomics, and acceptance of AR in minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract Efficient communication and collaboration are essential in the operating room for successful and safe surgery. While many technologies are improving various aspects of surgery, communication between attending surgeons, residents, and surgical teams is still limited to verbal interactions that are prone to misunderstandings. Novel modes of communication can increase speed and accuracy, and transform operating rooms. A mixed reality (MR) based gaze sharing application on Microsoft HoloLens 2 headset that can help expert surgeons indicate specific regions, communicate with decreased verbal effort, and guide novices throughout an operation is presented. The utility of the application is tested with a user study of endoscopic kidney stone localization completed by urology experts and novice surgeons. Improvement is observed in the NASA task load index surveys (up to 25.23%), in the success rate of the task (6.98% increase in localized stone percentage), and in gaze analyses (up to 31.99%). The proposed application shows promise in both operating room applications and surgical training tasks.

Abstract Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer, affecting approximately one in eight women during their lifetime. Deciding on breast cancer treatment, which includes the choice between surgical options, frequently demands prompt decision‐making within an 8‐week timeframe. However, many women lack the necessary knowledge and preparation for making informed decisions. Anxiety and unsatisfactory outcomes can result from inadequate decision‐making processes, leading to decisional regret and revision surgeries. Shared decision‐making and personalized decision aids have shown positive effects on patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes. Here, Breamy, a prototype mobile health application that utilizes augmented reality technology to assist breast cancer patients in making more informed decisions is introduced. Breamy provides 3D visualizations of different surgical procedures, aiming to improve confidence in surgical decision‐making, reduce decisional regret, and enhance patient well‐being after surgery. To determine the perception of the usefulness of Breamy, data was collected from 166 participants through an online survey. The results suggest that Breamy has the potential to reduce patients' anxiety levels and assist them in decision‐making.

Abstract The use of head‐mounted augmented reality (AR) for surgeries has grown rapidly in recent years. AR aids in intraoperative surgical navigation through overlaying three‐dimensional (3D) holographic reconstructions of medical data. However, performing AR surgeries on complex areas such as the head and neck region poses challenges in terms of accuracy and speed. This study explores the feasibility of an AR guidance system for resections of positive tumour margins in a cadaveric specimen. The authors present an intraoperative solution that enables surgeons to upload and visualize holographic reconstructions of resected cadaver tissues. The solution involves using a 3D scanner to capture detailed scans of the resected tissue, which are subsequently uploaded into our software. The software converts the scans of resected tissues into specimen holograms that are viewable through a head‐mounted AR display. By re‐aligning these holograms with cadavers with gestures or voice commands, surgeons can navigate the head and neck tumour site. This workflow can run concurrently with frozen section analysis. On average, the authors achieve an uploading time of 2.98 min, visualization time of 1.05 min, and re‐alignment time of 4.39 min, compared to the 20 to 30 min typical for frozen section analysis. The authors achieve a mean re‐alignment error of 3.1 mm. The authors’ software provides a foundation for new research and product development for using AR to navigate complex 3D anatomy in surgery.

Abstract Surgical robotics has revolutionized the field of surgery, facilitating complex procedures in operating rooms. However, the current teleoperation systems often rely on bulky consoles, which limit the mobility of surgeons. This restriction reduces surgeons' awareness of the patient during procedures and narrows the range of implementation scenarios. To address these challenges, an alternative solution is proposed: a mixed reality‐based teleoperation system. This system leverages hand gestures, head motion tracking, and speech commands to enable the teleoperation of surgical robots. The implementation focuses on the da Vinci research kit (dVRK) and utilizes the capabilities of Microsoft HoloLens 2. The system's effectiveness is evaluated through camera navigation tasks and peg transfer tasks. The results indicate that, in comparison to manipulator‐based teleoperation, the system demonstrates comparable viability in endoscope teleoperation. However, it falls short in instrument teleoperation, highlighting the need for further improvements in hand gesture recognition and video display quality.

Abstract Recent research studies reported that the employment of wearable augmented reality (AR) systems such as head‐mounted displays for the in situ visualisation of ultrasound (US) images can improve the outcomes of US‐guided biopsies through reduced procedure completion times and improved accuracy. Here, the authors continue in the direction of recent developments and present the first AR system for guiding an in‐depth tumour enucleation procedure under US guidance. The system features an innovative visualisation modality with cutting trajectories that ‘sink’ into the tissue according to the depth reached by the electric scalpel, tracked in real‐time, and a virtual‐to‐virtual alignment between the scalpel's tip and the trajectory. The system has high accuracy in estimating the scalpel's tip position (mean depth error of 0.4 mm and mean radial error of 1.34 mm). Furthermore, we demonstrated with a preliminary user study that our system allowed us to successfully guide an in‐depth tumour enucleation procedure (i.e. preserving the safety margin around the lesion).

Abstract With the development of digital technologies, the use of augmented reality in the tourism sector has received increasing attention. However, the understanding of the factors influencing tourists’ post-experience intention with augmented reality devices is incomplete and there is a lack of empirical research. This study explores the impact of AR technical factors, individual factors and situational factors on users’ post-experience AR usage intention and destination revisit intention through satisfaction based on a socio-technical perspective. The survey data collected from 254 visitors who visited the Liangzhu Museum using the corresponding AR glasses were analysed, and the results showed that the novelty of the technical aspect, the technology trust of the individual aspect and the aesthetics, education and authenticity of the situational aspect influenced visitors’ AR usage intention and destination revisit intention through satisfaction. This study has an impact on future research on the application of augmented reality technology to heritage museums.

Abstract Background The objective of the present study was to evaluate the reliability of an augmented reality drilling approach and a freehand drilling technique for the autotransplantation of single-rooted teeth. Materials and methods Forty samples were assigned to the following surgical techniques for drilling guidance of the artificial sockets: A. augmented reality technique (AR) (n = 20) and B. conventional free-hand technique (FT) (n = 20). Then, two models with 10 teeth each were submitted to a preoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan and a digital impression by a 3D intraoral scan. Afterwards, the autotrasplanted teeth were planned in a 3D dental implant planning software and transferred to the augmented reality device. Then, a postoperative CBCT scan was performed. Data sets from postoperative CBCT scans were aligned to the planning in the 3D implant planning software to analize the coronal, apical and angular deviations. Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney non-parametric statistical analysis were used to analyze the results. Results No statistically significant differences were shown at coronal (p = 0.123) and angular (p = 0.340) level; however, apical deviations between AR and FT study groups (p = 0.008) were statistically significant different. Conclusion The augmented reality appliance provides higher accuracy in the positioning of single-root autotransplanted teeth compared to the conventional free-hand technique.

Robotic surgery has recently been used for treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and neoplastic thrombus located in the renal vein or inferior vena cava (IVC). Accurate identification of the thrombus location is crucial, and three-dimensional augmented reality (3D AR) may be valuable in achieving this. We enrolled patients with nonmetastatic RCC and level 0–I venous thrombus (Mayo Clinic classification) for robot-assisted radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy with 3D AR guidance. Five patients were prospectively enrolled; three had a level 0 thrombus and two had a level I thrombus. The mean operative time was 123 ± 15 min, mean IVC clamping time was 9.4 ± 6.8 min, and mean estimated blood loss was 750 ± 150 ml. The AR system allowed precise estimation of the thrombus location in all cases. No intraoperative complications or postoperative Clavien-Dindo grade >2 complications occurred. Use of 3D AR guidance allowed correct estimation of the limits of the thrombus and guided the surgeon in selecting an appropriate surgical strategy.

This study aimed to investigate the perception of STEM students (n = 147) on using mobile Augmented Reality (AR) across gender and learning styles in physics online classes. It utilized embedded mixed-method research and purposive sampling. An instrument named Students Perception in Integrating Mobile AR in Physics Class was developed and has undergone a series of validations such as item generation from literature review, content validation, cognitive interview, pilot testing, and exploratory factor analysis revealing two factors, CFA with indices that are of acceptable value, and good Cronbach alpha (α = 0.86) for reliability. Mean, standard deviation, percentages, two samples t-test, and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. Results revealed that all students have a source of internet connection as well as a device to use and most of them have a very stable to somewhat stable internet connection. Positive feedback was shown in terms of overall learning experience and perception across gender and learning styles. However, in terms of overall usability, females have more ease of use compared to males and kinesthetic learners only have a positive response. It was also found that there is no significant difference across gender. Moreover, the integration of AR in a physics lesson has received excellent responses from both students with and without prior experience in a classroom setting. All of the difficulties the students encountered were technological in nature. There are also opportunities to improve the integration of mobile AR in the technical and learning process. These results suggest that teachers should integrate mobile AR in online physics classes but should consider factors such as Internet connection, device, gender, and learning styles in developing the application.

Abstract 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.

The holistic growth and psychological well-being of people with special needs and disabilities remain high on the priority agenda for sustainable and inclusive education. Digital well-being technologies and especially “smart technologies”, are ready to revolutionize mental health interventions by meeting trainees’ needs and providing them with more positive and transformative mental, emotional, and social experiences. Μeta-skills refer to a set of consciousness-raising competences that incorporate meta-cognitive, social–emotional, and motivational attributes, allowing individuals to intentionally achieve a state of optimal functioning. Although positive psychology and well-being technologies are considered promising intervention approaches, there is less knowledge regarding the effectiveness of such interventions among people with special needs and disabilities, especially in the crucial domain of meta-skills development. Thus, the current systematic review aims to examine positive psychology strategies as well as the synergy with well-being technologies in the development of metacognition, emotional intelligence, and motivation meta-skills in populations with special training needs and disabilities. The PRISMA methodology was utilized to answer the research questions. A total of forty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated that positive psychology strategies improved a wide range of meta-skills, including self-regulation, emotional control, behavioral control, inhibition control, self-awareness, intrapersonal skills, interpersonal skills, adaptation, goal setting, and self-compassion. Artificial intelligence tools, wearables, smart applications, immersive technologies (virtual and augmented reality), neurofeedback and biofeedback technologies, as well as digital games were found to effectively assist such training programs. The results of the current review may provide positive feedback in the discussion about digitally-aided mental health interventions for training the meta-skills of mental and emotional health.

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.

Augmented reality (AR) applications are currently used in many fields for communication and educational purposes. Tourism is also a sector where augmented reality is used for destination marketing and cultural heritage promotion. This study will focus on mobile location-based AR applications and their potential in tourism. Such applications can guide tourists to places of interest and enhance their overall experience. The aim of this paper is to present a mobile application that was created for tourists visiting the region of Western Macedonia, Greece. The application was developed in order to guide the users in the region, entertain them, and educate them about the region’s sights, cultural heritage, and other special characteristics. The paper also aims to present a large set of features that are present in the application, including various types of AR (marker-based, markerless, and location-based) in order to provide designers who wish to create AR applications for tourism with new ideas. The application was validated by a usability test, and its features were evaluated by 39 participants who completed a questionnaire with 29 Likert-scale items. This procedure revealed the level of acceptance for the application features, and valuable feedback was also received during a discussion with the participants about how the application could be upgraded in the future.

Abstrack: Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menghasilkan modul monumen bersejarah yang dilengkapi dengan fungsi augmented reality (AR) untuk siswa kelas IX yang valid/cocok untuk melengkapi pengajaran dan praktis untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa. Penelitian ini menggunakan model pengembangan Lee dan Owens. Persentase hasil yang diperoleh dari validasi ahli media adalah 80%, dalam kategori valid dan layak. Pengetahuan material menyumbang 96,6% dari kelas yang valid dan layak. Siswa dan nilai ujian diterima dengan baik. Sementara itu, siswa yang ditugaskan secara acak mendapat nilai 93% (nilai bagus) dalam ujian mereka. Rata-rata pretest sebesar 90,75% dan rata-rata posttest sebesar 88,1%. Itu menunjukkan n-gain atau difference sebesar 65,52%. Oleh karena itu, dapat dikatakan bahwa terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan terhadap hasil belajar sebelum dan sesudah ujian. Berdasarkan kriteria, termasuk kriteria hasil belajar. Abstract: This study aims to produce a historical monument module equipped with augmented reality (AR) functions for the 9th-grade gymnasium, which is suitable for supplementing teaching and improving student learning outcomes. The study employed the development model suggested by Lee and Owens. The percentage results obtained through the validation of media experts were 80% of valid and feasible categories. The data yielded 96.6% valid and feasible in categories. The students' test results were well received. Meanwhile, randomly assigned students scored 93% (good grades) in their exams. The average of the pretest was 90.75% and the average of the posttest was 88.1%. This shows a gain or difference (n-gain) of 65.52%. Therefore, it could be claimed that there is a significant difference in learning results between pretest and posttest based on various criteria, including learning outcomes criteria.

Abstract A prototype system aimed at improving arm function and trunk control after stroke has been developed that combines mixed-reality (MR) feedback with a mobile seat system (Holoreach). The purpose of this study was to assess the usability of Holoreach in a rehabilitation setting from both the patient and therapist perspective. Ten therapists (eight physiotherapists and two occupational therapists) used the device in their regular therapy programs for fifteen stroke patients with trunk control issues. Each patient received four individual therapy sessions with the device performed under the supervision of the therapist. Therapists and patients kept therapy diaries and used customized questionnaires. At the end of the study two focus groups were conducted to further assess usability. Generally, the prototype system is suitable for training trunk and arm control. The therapists expressed overall positive views on the impact of Holoreach. They characterized it as new, motivating, fresh, joyful, interesting, and exciting. All therapists and 80% of the patients agreed with the statement that training with Holoreach is beneficial for rehabilitation. Nonetheless, improvements are required in the hardware and software, and design. The prototype system contributes at various levels to the rapidly evolving advances in neurorehabilitation, particularly regarding the practical aspect of exercise delivery.

Augmented Reality (AR) has emerged in our educational paradigm as a new tool to accelerate change in the teaching and learning process. This technology can improve students’ visualisation skills, which helps them understand abstract concepts, especially in Chemistry. Furthermore, visualisation skills help improve students’ critical thinking. This study was conducted with 16 secondary students. Before and after the intervention, students were required to complete a Purdue Spatial Visualisation Test to measure their visualisation skills. During four weeks of intervention, students explored the content using a mobile augmented reality application for learning chemical bonds (called CBOND) and completed critical thinking tasks each week. This study employed data mining using a decision tree to predict the path to improving students’ visualisation and critical thinking skills in learning chemical bonds. The results revealed that CBOND had a significant effect on students’ visualisation and critical thinking development. Therefore, this study proved that augmented reality technology could help students to visualise abstract concepts, especially in Chemistry, and in turn, foster their higher level of critical thinking.

Abstract 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

Abstract 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.

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.

Human errors are prevalent in manual assembly line statistics, but humans are still a necessary and numerous working force for assembly tasks. Since faster and shorter production cycles lead to higher mental efforts, an alternative to decrease the cognitive load and errors of manual assembly lines is using augmented reality (AR). AR increases system interaction and assists operators in the step-by-step of any tasks performed. Its use allows granular production data, enabling an increase in quality control and timely detection of assembly problems. However, AR alone is not enough to avoid demotivation and lack of engagement in the task, which is repetitive. Gamification can become an auxiliary resource to increase operators' motivation and engagement. This paper presents a system model to integrate AR and gamification for a manual assembly line of printed circuit boards (PCBs) called GRAAL, used to develop an actual system for PCB assembly, which can guide operators using AR but also tracks down their efficiency and efficacy which is then used for gamifying their performance. A prototype system was implemented and assessed by 34 specialist respondents. TAM 3 (Technology Acceptance Model 3) Questionnaire was used to assess the system, which allowed us to find that GRAAL was well accepted (all scores were above the center of a Likert scale from 1 to 7 values), suggesting that GRAAL may be useful as an auxiliary resource to manual assembly lines. We conclude that modeling a system that merges AR and gamification is feasible but a non-trivial task in industry. The system's features are dependent on conditioning factors such as Application Environment, Application Context, Application Audience, AR hardware, and gamification elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clustering is a popular data analysis technique that can explore the structure of data through cluster analysis. Similar data are put into the same cluster, while dissimilar data allocate to other clusters. The similarity/dissimilarity among data objects is determined using a distance function. Further, clustering algorithms aim to choose the optimal set of centroids for obtaining better partitioning, but clustering accuracy is always susceptible. This issue of clustering is addressed through meta-heuristic algorithms. This research also aims to handle the accuracy issue and presents a new algorithm for effective cluster analysis. The proposed clustering algorithm is inspired by a water flow optimizer (WFO). The WFO algorithm performance is validated on the well-defined clustering problems based on SSE, accuracy (AR) and detection rate (DR) parameters. The results indicate that the WFO algorithm gets higher clustering results in terms of SSE, AR and DR than the same class of algorithms. The performance is also validated using Friedman statistical test followed by a post hoc test. Results indicated that the proposed WFO gets better statistical results than other clustering algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Robot-assisted surgery facilitates the examination and improvement of artificial intelligence (AI) integration in surgical processes through the provision of comprehensive telemetry data and an advanced viewing interface. Machine learning (ML) techniques enhance the feedback on the development of surgical abilities, the efficacy of the surgical operation, surgical guiding, and predicted results. By incorporating tension sensors on the robotic arms and employing augmented reality techniques, the surgical experience can be greatly improved. This enables the continuous monitoring of organ movements in real time, resulting in enhanced precision and accuracy. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into robotic surgery is anticipated to have a substantial influence on the education of upcoming surgeons and improve the entire surgical process. Both endeavours strive for ultimate accuracy in order to enhance the quality of surgical care. With the rapid increase in computer processing capacity over the past two decades, machine learning techniques have been applied in many sectors of daily life. Machine learning in therapeutic settings is also gaining popularity. We analysed current studies on machine learning in robotic urologic surgery. We searched PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar up to December 2023. Search terms included "urologic surgery", "artificial intelligence", "machine learning", "neural network", "automation", and "robotic surgery". Automatic preoperative imaging, intraoperative anatomy matching, and bleeding prediction has been a major focus. Early artificial intelligence (AI) therapeutic outcomes are promising. Robot-assisted surgery provides precise telemetry data and a cutting-edge viewing console to analyse and improve AI integration in surgery. Machine learning enhances surgical skill feedback, procedure effectiveness, surgical guidance, and postoperative prediction. Tension-sensors on robotic arms and augmented reality can improve surgery. This provides real-time organ motion monitoring, improving precision and accuracy. As datasets develop and electronic health records are used more and more, these technologies will become more effective and useful. AI in robotic surgery is intended to improve surgical training and experience. Both seek precision to improve surgical care. AI in ''master–slave" robotic surgery offers the detailed, step-by-step examination of autonomous robotic treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study used a virtual environment to examine how older and younger pedestrians responded to simulated augmented reality (AR) overlays that indicated the crossability of gaps in a continuous stream of traffic. Background: Older adults represent a vulnerable group of pedestrians. AR has the potential to make the task of street-crossing safer and easier for older adults. Method: We used an immersive virtual environment to conduct a study with age group and condition as between-subjects factors. In the control condition, older and younger participants crossed a continuous stream of traffic without simulated AR overlays. In the AR condition, older and younger participants crossed with simulated AR overlays signaling whether gaps between vehicles were safe or unsafe to cross. Participants were subsequently interviewed about their experience. Results: We found that participants were more selective in their crossing decisions and took safer gaps in the AR condition as compared to the control condition. Older adult participants also reported reduced mental and physical demand in the AR condition compared to the control condition. Conclusion: AR overlays that display the crossability of gaps between vehicles have the potential to make street-crossing safer and easier for older adults. Additional research is needed in more complex real-world scenarios to further examine how AR overlays impact pedestrian behavior. Application: With rapid advances in autonomous vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian communication technologies, it is critical to study how pedestrians can be better supported. Our research provides key insights for ways to improve pedestrian safety applications using emerging technologies like AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The installation and commissioning of production units are crucial for establishing efficient production systems. However, current approaches frequently face challenges such as lengthy commissioning cycles, low productivity, and limited intelligence. This study aims to leverage the synergistic capabilities of augmented reality (AR) technology and digital twin technology in the context of Industry 4.0 to address the challenges faced in production commissioning. Therefore, to achieve intelligent commissioning, optimize the installation and commissioning process of production systems and increase productivity. This paper proposes a novel virtual-real fusion commissioning method utilizing AR for production commissioning. Initially, a digital twin modeling and process planning simulation method is introduced for virtual-real fusion production units; secondly, real-time commissioning and fusion display of the production process are enabled through AR technology; lastly, the approach is applied to the operation and commissioning of the motor rotor–embedded wire production unit. The results demonstrate that the system can simulate the entire production logic and operation even in the absence of certain equipment while visualizing the production process and product status. Furthermore, compared to traditional physical production commissioning, this method has achieved a 43.6% reduction in the commissioning cycle and resulted in space cost savings of 21.8%. Subsequent applications validate the soundness of the proposed modeling and fusion commissioning approach and provide practical theoretical and methodological guidance for digital twin modeling and production commissioning in production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, technological advancements have transformed the industry, highlighting the efficiency of automation and safety. The integration of augmented reality (AR) and gesture recognition has emerged as an innovative approach to create interactive environments for industrial equipment. Gesture recognition enhances AR applications by allowing intuitive interactions. This study presents a web-based architecture for the integration of AR and gesture recognition, designed to interact with industrial equipment. Emphasizing hardware-agnostic compatibility, the proposed structure offers an intuitive interaction with equipment control systems through natural gestures. Experimental validation, conducted using Google Glass, demonstrated the practical viability and potential of this approach in industrial operations. The development focused on optimizing the system's software and implementing techniques such as normalization, clamping, conversion, and filtering to achieve accurate and reliable gesture recognition under different usage conditions. The proposed approach promotes safer and more efficient industrial operations, contributing to research in AR and gesture recognition. Future work will include improving the gesture recognition accuracy, exploring alternative gestures, and expanding the platform integration to improve the user experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AR technology allows users to interact with virtual objects in real-world settings. Immersive AR experiences can enhance creativity and possibilities. Learners can explore real-life situations in a safe, controlled environment, understand abstract concepts and solve problems. This study investigates whether AR-codes affect boxing beginners' performance in some fundamental defensive techniques. An experimental and control group were created to implement a quasi-experimental design. By using the ASSURE instructional design model, AR technology was incorporated into the educational program and delivered in flipped classroom method to the experimental group. Comparatively, the control group is taught a program using a teacher's command style. A post-measurement of defensive boxing skills was conducted for both groups. Participants were 60 boxing beginners aged 12 to 14 who had enrolled in Port Fouad Sports Club's 2023/2024 training season in Port Said, Egypt. Randomly, participants were divided into control and experimental groups. They were homogenized and equivalent in terms of age, height, weight, IQ, physical fitness, and skill level. According to the study results, the experimental group performed better in post-measurements than the control group. The AR Codes technology had a large effect size on the learning of boxing defensive skills under study. Consequently, it is necessary to use AR Codes technology as an educational resource to enhance the learning process, integrate it with active learning strategies, and use it to teach defensive boxing skills and apply them to offensive and counterattack skills, thereby improving the learning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Augmented reality (AR) has been used for navigation during total hip arthroplasty (THA). AR computed tomography (CT)-based navigation systems and AR-based portable navigation systems that use smartphones can also be used. This study compared the accuracy of cup insertion during THA using AR-CT-based and portable AR-based navigation systems. Patients with symptomatic hip disease who underwent primary THA in the supine position using both AR CT-based and portable AR-based navigation systems simultaneously between October 2021 and July 2023 were included. The primary outcome of this study was the absolute difference between cup angles in the intraoperative navigation record and those measured on postoperative CT. The secondary outcome was to determine the factors affecting the absolute value of the navigation error in radiographic inclination (RI) and radiographic anteversion (RA) of the cup, including sex, age, body mass index, left or right side, approach, and preoperative pelvic tilt. This study included 94 consecutive patients. There were 11 men and 83 women, with a mean age of 68 years. The mean absolute errors of RI were 2.7° ± 2.0° in the AR CT-based and 3.3° ± 2.4° in the portable AR-based navigation system. The mean absolute errors of RA were 2.5° ± 2.1° in the AR CT-based navigation system and 2.3° ± 2.2° in the portable AR-based navigation system. No significant differences were observed in RI or RA of the cup between the two navigation systems (RI: p = 0.706; RA: p = 0.329). No significant factors affected the absolute value of the navigation errors in RI and RA. In conclusion, there were no differences in the accuracy of cup insertion between the AR CT-based and portable AR-based navigation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of digital technologies, the use of augmented reality in the tourism sector has received increasing attention. However, the understanding of the factors influencing tourists' post-experience intention with augmented reality devices is incomplete and there is a lack of empirical research. This study explores the impact of AR technical factors, individual factors and situational factors on users' post-experience AR usage intention and destination revisit intention through satisfaction based on a socio-technical perspective. The survey data collected from 254 visitors who visited the Liangzhu Museum using the corresponding AR glasses were analysed, and the results showed that the novelty of the technical aspect, the technology trust of the individual aspect and the aesthetics, education and authenticity of the situational aspect influenced visitors' AR usage intention and destination revisit intention through satisfaction. This study has an impact on future research on the application of augmented reality technology to heritage museums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immersive journalism is a recent field of research focusing on digital technologies such as augmented reality (AR), 360° video, and virtual reality (VR). This research analyzed 69 academic articles published in the Web of Science from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2021, using a systematic review of scientific literature (SLR). The prevalence of media effects and quantitative methodologies in investigating immersive journalism was demonstrated. The corpus analysis shows the recurrence of some key macro-concepts. We propose grouping these macro-concepts into affordances (presence, embodiment, and interactivity) and gratifications (comprehension, credibility, emotional engagement, and empathy), which affect in different extents the cognition, affectivity, and behavior of the users. This review highlights the need to expand and combine different theories and methodologies. Another important recommendation is to create specific frameworks for analyzing immersive news stories and examining their various narrative and aesthetic characteristics during both production and post-production. This article discusses the ethical and normative concerns of journalism in relation to current and future research in VR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Studies have shown that the introduction of multidisciplinary tumour boards can have a positive impact on the survival of cancer patients. By bringing together the different disciplines involved in the treatment of cancer patients, tumour boards provide an interdisciplinary approach to decision-making in the treatment of oncological diseases. Tumour boards have become an integral part of treatment planning. However, their preparation is time-consuming and labour-intensive. The multiplicity of sources and clinical systems makes common communication difficult and consumes a lot of resources. Mixed reality technology could provide the necessary information as an interactive user interface. This is a new digital holographic imaging technology that can generate virtual 3D objects in space from radiological sectional images. A mixed-reality-based software prototype will be developed to analyse whether and to what extent this technology is suitable as a platform for decision making in the head and neck tumour board. The preparation and implementation of interdisciplinary oncological case reviews are time-consuming and complex. The variety of clinical and radiological information must be presented in a clear and comprehensible manner. Only if all relevant patient-specific information is demonstrated in a short time frame can well-founded treatment decisions be made on this basis. Mixed reality (MR) technology as a multimodal interactive user interface could enhance understanding in multidisciplinary collaboration by visualising radiological or clinical data. The aim of the work was to develop an MR-based software prototype for a head and neck tumour board (HNTB) to support clinical decision-making. The article describes the development phases and workflows in the planning and creation of a MR-based software prototype that were required to meet the multidisciplinary characteristics of a HNTB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Three-dimensional reconstructions of state-of-the-art high-resolution imaging are progressively being used more for preprocedural assessment in thoracic surgery. It is a promising tool that aims to improve patient-specific treatment planning, for example, for minimally invasive or robotic-assisted lung resections. Increasingly available mixed-reality hardware based on video pass-through technology enables the projection of image data as a hologram onto the patient. We describe the novel method of real-time 3D surgical planning in a mixed-reality setting by presenting three representative cases utilizing volume rendering. Materials: A mixed-reality system was set up using a high-performance workstation running a video pass-through-based head-mounted display. Image data from computer tomography were imported and volume-rendered in real-time to be customized through live editing. The image-based hologram was projected onto the patient, highlighting the regions of interest. Results: Three oncological cases were selected to explore the potentials of the mixed-reality system. Two of them presented large tumor masses in the thoracic cavity, while a third case presented an unclear lesion of the chest wall. We aligned real-time rendered 3D holographic image data onto the patient allowing us to investigate the relationship between anatomical structures and their respective body position. Conclusions: The exploration of holographic overlay has proven to be promising in improving preprocedural surgical planning, particularly for complex oncological tasks in the thoracic surgical field. Further studies on outcome-related surgical planning and navigation should therefore be conducted. Ongoing technological progress of extended reality hardware and intelligent software features will most likely enhance applicability and the range of use in surgical fields within the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Augmented reality (AR) navigation systems are emerging to simplify and enhance the precision of medical procedures. Lumbosacral transforaminal epidural injection is a commonly performed procedure for the treatment and diagnosis of radiculopathy. Accurate needle placement while avoiding critical structures remains a challenge. For this purpose, we conducted a randomized controlled trial for our augmented reality navigation system. Methods: This randomized controlled study involved 28 patients, split between a traditional C-arm guided group (control) and an AR navigation guided group (AR-NAVI), to compare procedure efficiency and radiation exposure. The AR-NAVI group used a real-time tracking system displaying spinal structure and needle position on an AR head-mounted display. The procedural time and C-arm usage (radiation exposure) were measured. Results: All patients underwent successful procedures without complications. The AR-NAVI group demonstrated significantly reduced times and C-arm usage for needle entry to the target point (58.57 ± 33.31 vs. 124.91 ± 41.14, p < 0.001 and 3.79 ± 1.97 vs. 8.86 ± 3.94, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The use of the AR navigation system significantly improved procedure efficiency and safety by reducing time and radiation exposure, suggesting a promising direction for future enhancements and validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]