bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for local spread of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
Authors: Lager Kelly , Mengeling William , Wesley Ronald
Published: August 2024

This report presents evidence from a field investigation indicating that indirect area spread of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus occurred among swine farms in north-central Iowa. The mode of transmission was not determined.
Effects of chlortetracycline administration on the health status and performance of sows: Results of a field trial
Authors: Sbiraki Aphrodite , Saoulidis Konstantinos , Kyriakis Spiros , Saratsis Philippos , Alexopoulos Costas , Fthenakis George
Published: August 2024

Objectives: To investigate the effects of in-feed chlortetracycline (CTC) during lactation on health status and reproductive performance of gilts or sows in a herd with a history of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome; to evaluate health status and performance of the piglets born to these females; and to investigate health status and reproductive performance of the same sows during the subsequent lactation period, when no in-feed CTC was administered. Methods: Two groups of 200 gilts or sows were monitored for two consecutive breeding cycles (phases). During Phase 1, the CTC+ group received CTC in the feed (10 g per animal daily) from 5 days before farrowing until the first service after weaning. The CTC– group received non-medicated feed. During Phase 2, both groups received non-medicated feed. Results: Rates of occurrence of poor appetite and vaginal discharges were lower for the CTC+ group during both phases, and rates of occurrence of clinical mastitis, anestrus, and returns-to-estrus were lower for CTC+ sows in Phase 1. The CTC+ sows lost less body weight during lactation, had a shorter wean-to-first estrus interval in Phase 1, and had a shorter interval between Phases 1 and Phase 2 farrowing dates. More piglets were weaned from CTC+ sows, and the piglets had lower mean throughout-lactation diarrhea scores in both phases and heavier weaning weights in Phase 1. Implications: In-feed administration of CTC during lactation improved health and performance of sows and their piglets. The beneficial effects continued during the subsequent lactation, when no CTC was administered.
Effect of a phytogenic feed additive on weaning-to-estrus interval and farrowing rate in sows
Authors: Kris Robert , Bilkei Gabor
Published: August 2024

Primiparous and multiparous sows were supplemented during lactation and until the first standing estrus with oregano, chlortetracycline, or no supplement. Weaning-to-estrus interval was shorter in sows supplemented with oregano compared to other treatments, and farrowing rate was greater in sows supplemented with either chlortetracycline or oregano compared to untreated sows.
Improving validity of on-farm research
Authors: Johnston Lee , Renteria Antonio , Hannon Michael
Published: August 2024

On-farm research receives much attention from swine producers and industry professionals, and is often perceived by pork producers to be more relevant to real-world commercial pork production than controlled experiments conducted in university settings. Swine producers and industry professionals must realize that retrospective analysis can identify associations among variables of interest but provides no evidence for a causal relationship between a manipulated variable(s) and a production response. As substantial commitments of time and resources are required for a properly conducted experiment, producers should give careful consideration to undertaking on-farm research. To generate useful information in on-farm experiments, one must adhere to principles of scientific inquiry; maintain integrity of the production system; willingly commit labor and financial resources; and pay attention to details. Effective communications with farm owners, barn workers, and other decision makers are crucial. Advice of a statistician on experimental design and statistical analysis of data, before initiating the study, helps ensure conclusions are valid and defensible. Ideas to enhance the success of on-farm research are presented.
Pilot studies to evaluate the efficacy of a truck-mounted tire sanitizer system
Authors: Amass Sandra , Schneider Jessica , Ragland Darryl , Hill Michael
Published: August 2024

Objective: To determine whether using a tire sanitizer system to apply a disinfectant or water would reduce or eliminate bacteria on the tires of a truck after it was driven through a swine farm. Materials and methods: After truck tires were contaminated by driving on a farm road in the spring and fall, disinfectant or water was sprayed on the left tires using a tire sanitizer system. The right tires were untreated controls. Bacterial counts were compared from swabs collected from standard areas of the tire after contamination and after treatment. Results: Use of the tire sanitizer system with disinfectant was effective in removing bacteria from the tire footprint and, in most cases, the tread grooves of tires in fall and spring seasons. Use of the tire sanitizer system to spray water was not effective in reducing bacterial counts. Driving along an asphalt road, without use of disinfectant, removed bacteria from tires in some cases. In cool, muddy conditions, bacterial counts on the tires were lower when the tire sanitizer system was used than when the system was not used, but counts were not consistently lower in warm, dry conditions. Implications: Bacterial numbers on tires varied with temperature and moisture conditions. Use of the tire sanitizer system with disinfectant was effective in removing bacteria from the footprints and, in most cases, from the tread grooves. Use of tire sanitizers with disinfectant may be an adjunct tool in protocols for vehicle decontamination.
Evaluation of tylosin tartrate in drinking water for treatment of porcine proliferative enteropathy (ileitis)
Authors: Paradis M , pauling G , Brennan J , Winkelman N , Bagg R , Dick C , Wilson J
Published: August 2024

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of tylosin tartrate administered via drinking water to pigs orally challenged with Lawsonia intracellularis. Materials and methods: The study consisted of three treatments (Nonchallenged- unmedicated, Challenged-unmedicated, and Challenged-medicated), with six pens of six pigs per treatment (N = 108 pigs). Pigs 28 days old were challenged orally on Days 0 and 1 with L intracellularis. Drinking water medicated with tylosin tartrate (Tylan Soluble Powder; Elanco Animal Health, Indianapolis, Indiana) was provided to medicated pens Days 10 to 17. Pigs were weighed daily and assigned clinical scores, and feed consumption was measured. At necropsy (Days 17 and 18), gross lesions consistent with porcine proliferative enteropathy (PPE) were recorded, and tissues were collected for histopathologic examination and testing by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Among challenged pigs, those medicated with tylosin had lower mean fecal consistency scores (P < .05), fewer pigs per pen with PPE-associated lesions (P < .05), less PCR-positive ileal tissue (P < .05), and better growth parameters (P < .05), compared to unmedicated pigs. Among unmedicated pigs, those challenged with L intracellularis had higher mean fecal consistency scores (P < .05), more pigs per pen with PPE-associated lesions (P < .05), more pigs PCR-positive for L intracellularis (P < .05) and poorer growth parameters (P < .05), compared to nonchallenged pigs. Implications: This study provides evidence that tylosin tartrate administered in drinking water is effective in reducing clinical signs, lesions, and suppression of growth performance associated with PPE in swine challenged with L intracellularis.
Intradermal vaccination for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae
Authors: Jones Gary , Rapp-Gabrielson Vicki , Wilke Rebecca , Thacker Eileen , Thacker Brad , Gergen Linda , Sweeney Diane , Wasmoen Terri
Published: August 2024

Objectives: To evaluate the ability of needleless intradermal (ID) vaccines to induce protection against clinical disease and to compare the serological response of pigs to intramuscular (IM) and ID vaccination with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterins. Materials and methods: In each study, pigs seronegative for M hyopneumoniae were vaccinated either once or twice with M hyo-pneumoniae bacterins. The serological response to ID and IM vaccination was evaluated by the DAKO M hyopneumoniae blocking ELISA, and ID vaccine efficacy was tested by experimental respiratory challenge with a heterologous strain of virulent M hyopneumoniae. Results: Injection site reactions were minimal for all vaccines. Pigs vaccinated ID, either by needle or needleless injector, had significantly higher M hyopneumoniae antibody titers than did pigs vaccinated by IM injection. Pigs vaccinated by needleless ID injection had lower lung lesion scores and higher IgA and IgG titers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid than did nonvaccinates following challenge. Protective immunity was established by 21 days postvaccination after a single ID dose of vaccine. Intradermal vaccination of swine for M hyopneumoniae by needleless injector was safe and efficacious, and did not require shaving or other preparation of the skin. Implications: Intradermal vaccination of swine with needleless injectors is feasible if vaccines are formulated for small doses (eg, 0.2 mL).
Autonomy at the Crossroads: Knowledge Workers Teamed with Intelligent Machines: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Smith Mahdis , Houghton Luke , Riverola Carla , Intezari Ali
Published: August 2024

This study aims to identify risks in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) for organizational decision-making by examining empirical studies. AI, is increasingly applied to automate tasks and decisions which were traditionally made by humans, posing challenges to sense of autonomy. Design/methodology – A total of 28 empirical studies were selected using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. To this end, this research systematically explored the processes of inquiry, identification, selection, critical appraisal, and the synthesis of empirical studies. This study is undertaken to address the following primary inquiries: (1) What is the direction of the observed effect? (2) What is the magnitude of the effect within the inclusion criteria? (3) Does the effect exhibit a consistent pattern across the spectrum of studies encompassed in the analysis? (4) What is the level of evidentiary robustness underlying the discovered effect? Findings – This content analysis interpretated within task-technology fit (TTF) model revealed that AI adoption represents a promising outlook for the future of human-AI teams. Anchoring on reliable data, this qualitative systematic review informs knowledge workers and leaders on adoption of AI systems and how it positively influences their working processes. Contributions/value – This research conducted a structured analysis to reveal the gap between collective perception of AI adoption, and what leaders and knowledge workers have experienced in relying on AI systems. AI tools are becoming more autonomous therefore a true representation of human-AI team interaction must be displayed. By uncovering the diverse approaches of leaders and the reactions of knowledge workers to AI integration, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of working in the age of AI. The provided insights can assist organizations in harnessing the potential of AI while maintaining a healthy balance of autonomy within their domain.KEYWORDS Leadership, AI-Driven Decisions, Problem-Solving, Digital Autonomy, Hybrid intelligence, Human-Machine Teams, Qualitative Systematic Literature Review.
How many Robots is too many? Findings about Single-Human Multiple-Robot Systems
Authors: Rey-becerra Estefany , Wischniewski Sascha
Published: August 2024

Mobile robots are increasingly being used to perform tasks that are difficult for humans to reach. Due to their high degree of autonomy, a human can control multiple robots through a graphical user interface, which is called one-human multiple-robot (SHMR) system. However, information about them is scarce. The current literature review synthesizes the features of SHMR systems related to safety and health at work for the operator and system performance. A total of 658 records were identified through an exploratory search since 2000, and 35 were selected to meet the inclusion criteria. The characteristics were consolidated and provide valuable insights about field of application, team composition, and reported outcomes. Future research can focus on exploring these systems in industries that have not yet been studied, or it can examine the impact of individual operator characteristics on these systems.
Robotisation of work - what are the experiences among employees in automotive industry company in the Czech republic
Authors: Lipsova Vladimira , Pirova Viola , Murza Jana , Libalova Ivana
Published: August 2024

The appearance of new technologies, such as advanced robotic systems that can closely interact with humans, has led to a revival of the debate on the automation potential of jobs and tasks as well as their consequences on occupational safety and health (OSH). Especially for the automation of physical tasks, industrial robots appear most frequently. The possible associated health effects for the employees has not yet been fully explored. Inadequate robotic task allocation and design can be mostly associated with psychosocial risks like reduced wellbeing, emotional exhaustion, nervousness or irritability. Mechanical robotic failures may cause physical harm. Also the prevalence of information and communication technologies (ICT) is growing rapidly. The digital stress may negatively affect individual physiological wellbeing, user satisfaction or individual performance at work.Purpose: The aim of the qualitative study was to describe experiences with introduction of robots into work activities among employees in automotive industry.Methods: We interviewed 8 employees of automotive industry company in the Czech Republic using a semi-structured guide and subjected the interviews to qualitative content analysis.Results: We summarized 9 themes: General perception; Change; Fear; Problems; Support (training, current support); Social relations and communication; Characteristics of the employee; Physical health and Mental health (stress, fatigue, cognitive function: memory and attention, abuse.Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest the importance of support in terms of adequate and easy to understand training and also supportive leadership. The characteristics of the employee who is collaborating and cooperating with robots in the studied company was unique – not highly educated but very skilled and proactive. It also seems that company culture and managerial support are necessary to create a healthy and successful organization.Supported by Ministery of Health, Czech rep. - RVO (NIPH, 75010330)
Empirical analysis of social implications during the development of automated driving
Authors: Brüggemann Nuria , Preis Sebastian , Claus Arnd Engeln Heinrich
Published: August 2024

This article presents and discusses studies and their first results on the development of an empirical method for the investigation of social implications caused by automated driving. The basic research project KARLI is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. One of the objectives of KARLI is to develop a methodological approach for the empirical identification and evaluation of social implications expected in different phases of the user-centred development of automated driving. In KARLI, the empirical analysis of social implications is integrated in different studies throughout an iterative user-centred development process of interaction concepts for automated driving (SAE 0-4). In our definition, social implications address the consequences of a technological development for social structures or processes, as well as the development-related prerequisites necessary for a desired social target state. The empirical identification of possible social implications is conducted in two studies, using a qualitative survey (N = 12) and open-ended questions as part of an online survey (N = 35). Based on the results, a first draft of a questionnaire with closed questions is designed to assess the social implications previously identified. In a forthcoming third study, a VR simulation to test three different concepts to promote level-compliant driver behaviour, the social implications are assessed using the designed questionnaire. In addition, further expected social implications are elicited through open-ended questions. The study runs from the end of March to May 2024 with participants between 35 and 45 years of age (N = 95). According to the results, the statements about probable social implications are well answerable by car users, but the validity of the forecast given by the users remains unclear. That for, for a valid estimation of social implications a combination of users and expert’s perspectives seems to be helpful.
The Rolling Robot and the Human Brain: Handover of the Driving Task in Automated Vehicles
Authors: Roessger Peter , Acevedo Cristi , Bottesch Miriam , Nau Samuel , Stricker Tobias , Diederichs Frederik
Published: August 2024

The automation of driving represents a pivotal innovation in vehicular technology, transitioning from automating secondary and tertiary tasks such as ignition, gearboxes, and rain sensors, to automating the core driving procedures. This redefinition of the driving process fundamentally alters the human-machine interface (HMI) and vehicle interiors. Ensuring safe driving, vehicle usability, and a positive user experience necessitates clear delineation of responsibilities between human and machine drivers.In a laboratory study with 20 participants (55% female, 45% male, ages 20-59) with varying experience in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), four handover procedures were evaluated for understandability and user experience. The study comprised two parts: testing the comprehensibility of animated icons and a comparative analysis of four handover procedure designs. Icon sets differed in their representation—one holistic and the other detailed—and varied in their display strategy and location.Data were collected via direct questioning, the Net Promoter Score (NPS), the meCUE user experience questionnaire, design rankings, and open interviews. Results indicated a preference for detailed icons over holistic ones. The most favored handover procedure featured a centrally located, single detailed icon representing the current activity, leading to superior scores in NPS, meCUE, and overall ranking. Interview feedback highlighted preferences for clarity, simplicity, and central icon placement. Younger participants favored animated icons with bubble effects, while older participants preferred simpler designs. These findings underscore the importance of user-centric design in automated driving systems.The study was performed during the KARLI project funded by the German Ministry of Economy.
Age-based Differences in Pedestrians’ Feeling of Trust and Safety when Crossing in Front of a Real Communicating Self-driving Car During Daytime or Nighttime
Authors: Sahaï Aïsha , Puscasu Onoriu , Métayer Natacha
Published: August 2024

The introduction of self-driving cars (SDCs) onto public roads will raise challenging issues to ensure traffic fluency. One of these is to guarantee pedestrians feel safe and confident when encountering this new type of vehicle in order to promote pedestrian crossing in front of SDCs. Hence, the aim of the study was to investigate the impact of different types of external Human-Machine Interfaces (eHMIs) indicating the yielding behaviour of a SDC on pedestrians’ feeling of safety and trust. Thirty-four participants (19 young adults aged 22-41 and 15 older adults aged 63-80) volunteered to take part in the experiment. Participants were requested to cross in front of a real SDC which gave way to them on a crosswalk. The SDC was equipped with devices that could send different types of eHMI signals. In the hourglass condition, two displays located in front of the SDC were showing a luminous hourglass when the SDC yielded (daytime and nighttime tests). In the safety zone condition, projectors were sending a cyan light signal onto the ground around the SDC when it yielded (nighttime tests). In the no eHMI condition, none of the above-mentioned signals were shown. The participants were not informed in advance about the presence of the eHMI signals or their meaning. After each crossing, they were asked to rate their level of trust (on a Likert scale from 1- no trust at all to 7- totally in trust) and their level of safety (on a Likert scale from 1- not secure at all to 7- totally secure) during their crossing in front of the SDC. Finally, semi-directive interviews were lead in order to gather additional information such as the cues used by the participants in their crossing decision-making, other than the eHMIs signals. Our results showed high levels of self-reported trust and safety overall. Moreover, a significant main effect of the age group indicating a stronger level of trust during the crossing of the older adults as compared to the young adults was found. However, no significant effect of the age group nor of the type of eHMI signal were found on the participants’ feeling of safety during their crossing. In addition, no significant effect of the type of eHMI signal was found on the participants’ level of trust during their crossing. Yet, the analysis of the semi-directive interviews revealed that the young adults were likely to use more implicit communication cues exhibited by the SDC during the nighttime tests as compared to the daytime tests while the older had a more conservative crossing decision-making strategy during both daytime and nighttime tests. These findings provided understanding elements of pedestrians’ crossing experience with regards to communicating SDCs in realistic conditions.
Inclusive smart navigation service design for the blind and visually impaired: a proposal for the city of Genoa
Authors: Burlando Francesco , Maria Lorusso Federica , Chen Boyu
Published: August 2024

The advancement of interactive technologies offers promising potentials for enhancing mobility and quality of life for visually impaired individuals in smart cities. Goal 11.7 of the 2030 Agenda emphasizes the importance of inclusive, safe, and sustainable urban spaces, specifically addressing the needs of elderly and disabled citizens. This paper examines the potential of interactive technologies, such as smart white canes, wearable aids, and smart devices, in transforming urban public spaces to support the daily activities of individuals with blindness or vision-related challenges in Genoa. By integrating these technologies effectively, this study proposes inclusive service solutions aimed at improving accessibility and promoting independent navigation within the city.
The role of negative emotions in videogames
Authors: Arrias Weiller Thais , Campos Pedro , Cesário Vanessa
Published: August 2024

This work will explore the literature on the different ways in which videogames can elicit negative emotions and which game's elements can provoke such reactions in players. Videogame development and research have, in their early years, mostly focused on their fun and pleasant side. In the last two decades, however, research on different emotions evoked by certain videogame titles and essays on how failure is an indivisible part of the playing experience have been successfully illuminating the nuances of what we feel when we play. The tools used to bring out such reactions are many, such as story aspects, visual and audio cues and mechanical elements. Most of these not completely fun games are also pleasant, even though this is not their main characteristic, which implies a certain type of balance between positive and negative meanings, a composition that is similar to the eudaimonia concept of media studies. This research hypothesis is that, although the majority of videogames aim mainly to stimulate pleasure and fun in their players, there is a growing number of games that aim to engender negative emotions. These games, however, do not stimulate only these emotions, but rather, weaving them together with the most commonly used emotions, such as pleasure and fun. This will be done firstly by examining released games that already evoke these emotions, secondly by isolating the elements in the game that could be responsible. This research will be convenient for researchers by providing a snapshot of what is currently known about the relationship between negative emotions and game design elements and also for the game design field by providing designers with extra knowledge and even tools to approach their métier in a different light and crafting richer experiences.
Redefining Creativity and Artistic Endeavours: Exploring the Impact of AI-Generated Digital Art on Human Society
Authors: Ho Amic
Published: August 2024

Artificial intelligence has transformed the field of creative work, challenging existing ideas of creativity and creative work. AI-generated digital art has emerged at the crossroads of innovative technology and human creativity and prompted an extensive investigation into its potential consequences on a wide range of human activity. Students also consider whether AI-generated digital art influences individuals’ willingness to engage in art-related activities and produce their work. The use of AI in art evokes components of self-consciousness and identity. Furthermore, the researchers examined the colours provoked by AI-generated digital art, revealing useful information on how AI art generates new emotions and interactions. This article seeks to identify ways in which AI technologies and methodologies open up new possibilities for creators and artists, investigating through case studies, surveys, and qualitative and quantitative measures the transformative potential of AI-generated digital art and its influence on cultural and social dynamics.
An AI-Driven User-Centric Framework reinforced by Autonomic Computing: A case study in the Aluminium sector
Authors: Angosto Artigues Ramon , Gregores Coto Andrea , Josue Torrez Herrera Jonathan , Lou Tomás Fernando , Verardi Sabrina , Giuseppe Marzano Mattia , Fernandez Martinez Andrea
Published: August 2024

The integration and deployment of AI in the industry faces several challenges, involving not only the need for robust and accurate AI models, but also their seamless integration with existing systems, while ensuring an intuitive user experience for workers. Furthermore, it is critical for AI solutions to be continuosly managed for data governance, performance optimization, and the mitigation of risks, among other factors. This paper presents a service-oriented application that explores the integration of Machine Learning algorithms by adopting Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) strategies to enhance user-technology interactions in an Aluminium industrial environment. The proposed application exploits the use of data-driven Autonomic Computing techniques in AI Data Pipelines to promote the development of self-managed, adaptive systems that support dynamic interactions between technology and workers. Through the implementation of a web interface, workers are provided with seamsless access to real-time data analysis and intelligent solutions within the user-empowered application.
Predicting Key Substance Levels in Aquaculture through AI-Based Water Quality Monitoring
Authors: Kim Ji-yeon , Kim Ki-hwan , Kang Young-jin , Jeong Seok-chan
Published: August 2024

Land-based aquaculture farms use seawater transported from nearby seas instead of large amounts of freshwater. A seawater recirculating filtration system is essential for sustainable fish farming; however, this system has limitations in improving the levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, which are directly linked to fish mortality. Therefore, most land-based aquaculture farms periodically exchange a certain amount of seawater to maintain optimal water quality. Despite these efforts, managing water quality remains a significant challenge due to the fluctuating levels of these harmful substances.This study aims to address this challenge by predicting the levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate—the primary causes of fish mortality in land-based aquaculture—using AI models. The training data were collected from various sensors installed in the farms, including those measuring water temperature, dissolved oxygen, dissolved solids, pH level, oxidation-reduction potential, salinity, nitrate, and ammonia. By leveraging this comprehensive dataset, we evaluated the performance of multiple models, such as Random Forest (RF) and K-Neighbors Regressor (KNN).The study demonstrated that these models could achieve remarkable performance metrics, with the Random Forest model recording an MAE of 0.0150, MSE of 0.0008, RMSE of 0.0289, R² of 0.9999, RMSLE of 0.0039, and MAPE of 0.0024. Such high accuracy levels indicate that AI-based water quality prediction models have significant potential for effectively monitoring and predicting fish health in aquaculture farms. Implementing these AI models can lead to more proactive and precise management of water quality, ultimately reducing fish mortality rates and enhancing the sustainability and profitability of aquaculture operations.
BlindSpot: An AI-Powered Intelligent Mirror Assisting with Facial Hygiene Analysis for Blind People
Authors: Lu Toby
Published: August 2024

Appearances are important for our everyday lives: it is how we present ourselves. Yet, for people who are blind or visually impaired, it can be challenging to notice or take care of their facial hygiene without sighted assistance. Furthermore, existing AI-powered visual assistive technologies such as Seeing AI do not provide such support.We first performed an online search to identify the needs of blind people and people who are visually impaired by checking their appearances. We found that checking appearances is a pertinent need shared by many people who are blind or visually impaired. For example, in the autoethnography by a blind girl [1], the author explains that growing up with visual impairments is physically and mentally strenuous on teenagers. In Li et al. [2], the authors find that people who are visually impaired “normally keep [their] appearance the same as before the loss of vision. This makes people focus less on [their] face and [their] visual impairments.” And that “people with visual impairments are attentive to their appearance,” by “applying makeup”, so that they “can control [their] appearance again.” Pradhan et al. [3] found that people with visual impairments care about their appearance as “they know people around them can see them,” they also “rely on sighted or partially sighted people to act as their mirrors.” Such prior work highlights the need to develop novel solutions and mechanisms to help blind people check on their appearances more independently. The advances in artificial intelligence, especially with regard to AI’s capabilities on analyzing images, brings tremendous potential to augment the vision of people who are blind or visually impaired. In this project, I propose the design of BlindSpot, which is an AI-powered intelligent mirror to help people who are blind and visually impaired check their appearances through uploading images to the platform. Our prior need-finding search revealed diverse needs by blind people on checking appearances, including checking food stains around mouth area, checking makeup quality, and checking cleanliness of their faces. To use BlindSpot, we imagine users can first upload a reference photo which displays their regular appearance, and then upload another photo that they wanted to have the intelligent mirror check for them. In cases where users do not have a reference photo, they can directly upload a photo of interest and ask BlindSpot to check their appearance for them. To evaluate the design concept of BlindSpot, we first constructed a repository composed of people’s headshot images with different appearance issues ranging from food stuck on teeth, to smudge of makeup. We then prompted GPT-4 to evaluate the headshot images and give users feedback for them to adjust their appearance. We found that in most of the scenarios, GPT-4 is able to generate accurate assessment and give helpful feedback. We report scenarios where GPT-4 makes mistakes and makes suggestions on how to further improve the design.
Design Process for Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences from the Perspectives of UX and Game Designers
Authors: Kim Jingoog , Lee Lina
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a cognitive study comparing the approaches of User Experience (UX) designers and game designers in Augmented Reality (AR) experience design. The AR Haunted College is a scenario-based sequential AR experience that transforms the Monroe Hall building at Loyola University New Orleans into a chilling Halloween spectacle. The design of AR Haunted College involved contributions from both UX designers and game designers. We characterize the distinct approaches of UX and game designers by analysing the design process of the AR Haunted College developed in an agile project management framework. Our results show common and distinct HCI and game design principles between UX and game designers’ perspectives. Building on the findings of the analysis, we propose a set of design principles as a basis for an AR design framework and associated heuristics.
Hybrid Improvisational Theatre: A Thematic Review of the Production Processes
Authors: Lock Daniel , Gochfeld David , Kirman Ben
Published: August 2024

Hybrid events, offering both in-person and online access, have become increasingly common, since the COVID-19 pandemic, as a way to make work and entertainment more accessible. Furthermore, growing uptake of modern consumer XR products has led to the development of a number of successful hybrid theatre productions. Such productions generally aim to offer an equally entertaining experience for both the in-person viewers and virtual, globe-spanning, audiences that attend performances online, through a range of different methods. However, while such theatre productions are being produced there has been limited academic work investigating its impact on the development of theatre production from the practitioner's perspective. This paper aims to rectify this by developing an in-depth understanding of the creative and technical challenges posed by hybrid theatre by examining the creation of one such production through interviews with the practitioners and audiences. For this purpose, researchers from the University of York collaborated with the theatre company FANDCO to develop a hybrid improvisational theatre production. To achieve this Unreal Engine, Motion Capture and projector screens were utilized to enable the actors to have a simultaneous in-person and virtual presence. The audience were similarly split, with the flexibility to view the performance either in-person at the theatre or online via a live video stream and a moderated interactive chat. After each showing the practitioners and in-person audience were invited to be interviewed and complete a questionnaire asking them to critically evaluate the overall experience. The online audience were sent a link to the questionnaire and provided the opportunity to be interviewed at a later date. To analyse the data a thematic analysis approach was adopted. The results in this paper highlight a clear understanding between the audience and the practitioners on how the process could be built upon to create captivating hybrid experiences. However, there is an interesting disparity between the two viewpoints on the difficulty of implementing change, setting an elevated expectation on what is viewed as possible compared to what can be achieved with the constraints of budget, time and resources. Overall it is clear that the process of creating hybrid performances could be improved to benefit both the audience and the practitioners but adopting such changes is limited by the resources available to the production team. We conclude that the use of hybrid technology positively affects the theatre space and provides opportunities for novel, exciting avenues for immersive and interactive productions. Furthermore, a rich understanding of the needs of practitioners and audiences can positively affect the theatrical production development process. The findings in this paper provide key insights into the challenges for creators and audience in the development of improvisational hybrid theatre productions and XR-based theatre more generally.
Exploring the potentials of wearable devices in research on wellbeing and stress in workplaces
Authors: Pillan Margherita , Ruina Isabella
Published: August 2024

Work-related wellbeing and stress are major research issues nowadays. Stress at work affects employee’s mental and physical health and reduces productivity. Since the definitions of stress and wellbeing are various, different strategies to investigate the problem and promote solutions have been taken. This study was developed within the innovation ecosystem MUSA (Multilayered Urban Sustainability Action) in the challenge of Spoke 2, Big Data-Open Data in Life Sciences, which aims to create solutions for the collection, conservation, and process of big data to improve lifestyle, prevention, and treatment. The study is grounded on the requirement to meet the complexity of stress and wellbeing conditions, therefore integrating qualitative (EMA questionnaire diary) with quantitative (wearable device Fitbit) data. This article presents the preliminary studies with the principles and recommendations leading to the final design of the experiments included in the research.
Gamification to Enhance the Mini-Conference: A Case Study from Researching Digital Cultural Heritage
Authors: Vishwanath Gautam , Diaz-kommonen Lily
Published: August 2024

Recent trends since the COVID-19 era indicate a rapid increase in remotely organized conferences; however, the remote-based nature of these types of events has gained notoriety for a lack of appeal particularly due to long and exhausting sessions without physical contact. On the other hand, previous research has demonstrated several benefits to well-designed games and gamification such as its ability in creating a state of flow by instilling motivation and rewarding its participants for overcoming challenges. As a case study in the cultural heritage sector, we organized a day-long remote conference known as the mini-conference held among members of a consortium to which we belong. The mini-conference applied gamification in combination with other relevant methodologies using online collaboration tools.This remotely organized event employed four (4) collaborative workshops conducted by the different consortium partners. The results of the workshops presented in this paper employed gamification and were based on qualitative engagement, group participation and outputs emanating from each of the activities. They point towards the positive effects of gamification in drawing interest and enhancing engagement among the remotely located participants.The contributions made by this paper include unique insights to the ongoing research on remotely organized conferences, especially through the purview of gamification. In addition, the paper also sheds light on methods that could be employed by museums within the domain of cultural heritage. These might be relevant to the “post-COVID-19 era” in which hybrid engagement consisting of physical and remote collaboration is becoming the norm
UX Sustainability in AI-infused Objects: a systematic literature review of available tools for Designers
Authors: Paracolli Alice , Arquilla Venanzio
Published: August 2024

The rapid integration of AI-infused objects into our daily lives, as part of the growing Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, is transforming common appliances into sophisticated and interconnected systems (ITU, 2020). With projections indicating an increase from 5 billion objects in 2020 to over 200 billion by 2030 (CISCO, 2020), these AI-infused objects create expansive networks of data-consuming devices that persist indefinitely (Crawford, 2018). This surge necessitates a deeper understanding of their ongoing environmental impact, particularly during the use phase. Recognizing the potential for user experience Designers to adjust interactions to mitigate the environmental impact during the use phase of AI-infused objects, we conducted a systematic literature review to pinpoint the Design tools that can assist Designers in this effort. Our systematic literature review aims to identify Design tools that evaluate the sustainability of User Experience in IoT products. We analyzed 24 sources dedicated to sustainability from a User Experience perspective, and 22 that assess UX in IoT devices. The findings reveal a strong focus on product-focused evaluation tools, with general emphasis on User Experience and the usage ecosystem of these objects. As AI-infused objects become increasingly prevalent, it is essential for Designers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impacts and their cause. This awareness could lead Designers to integrate both technological advancements and environmental considerations effectively into their Design process.
Automated Visualization for Visual Analytics: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Kumar  Uppalapati Vinay , Sun Bo
Published: August 2024

Visualization, as a major approach of visual analytics, involves many human interaction techniques, especially in terms of how individuals communicate, comprehend, and interpret information. Creating visualizations is a tedious process and requires skill, but automatic data visualization technologies have made it easier to create visualizations. They completely changed the landscape of data analysis and decision-making processes. As the demand for effective and efficient visualization solutions grows across diverse sectors, researchers and practitioners have developed a plethora of autonomous systems aimed at transforming raw data into meaningful visual representations. This paper investigates the methodologies utilized by these systems, categorizing them based on machine learning approaches combined with various data inputs, template-based approach, and other technique/algorithm-based approach. We collected 31 top-tier journal papers in the field and shed light on the diverse techniques employed in generating visualizations automatically, enhancing our understanding of their capabilities, compatibility, and usability across various contexts. Our survey aims to provide insights into the strengths, limitations, and potential areas for future exploration in automatic data visualization, offering guidance to practitioners, researchers, and developers in selecting appropriate techniques for their specific needs and datasets. By systematically examining these systems and pinpointing areas for improvement, we contribute to the advancement and refinement of automatic data visualization methodologies, fostering progress in this dynamically evolving domain.
Enabling Factors in Complex Operations. Lessons from Jazz
Authors: Água Pedro , Conceição Vítor
Published: August 2024

The contemporary world is facing a multitude of complex problems that are often rooted in the solutions of the past. Despite the ubiquity of systems in human activity, systems thinking and systems sciences are not widely incorporated into mainstream education curriculums. As a result, the lack of comprehensive understanding of systems and their rules has led to an increase in complexity resulting from political, economic, social, and technological factors. This has resulted in the emergence of new and complex issues that often prove to be insurmountable. Even sensitive domains such as security and defence have been affected, as their operations are required to be carried out in the same complex environment as everyone else. To address these growing problems, which are further exacerbated by the emergence of disruptive technologies, new ways of thinking are required, necessitating non-traditional approaches. One such approach is organisational design and management. Traditional management and organisational schools of thought are ill-equipped to address the rising complexity, and hence, alternative sources of knowledge should be sought. The Jazz Organization is one such field that provides answers to complex problems. They have been studied by special operations forces and even delicate medical teams, who have derived solutions that can be adapted to their contexts.The Jazz Organization differs from most organisational forms, as it has evolved over the last 100 years without much design thought. Like nature's systems, it emerged in a somewhat chaotic manner, yet it is quite effective in harnessing complexity and delivering delicate operations, where improvisation and creativity are key. Jazz musicians do not abide by routine; in fact, they unlearn routines as a key skill. They address problem-solving by jumping into uncharted territory, seemingly without fear. They accept "trial and error" as a normal modus operandi. Their structures are flexible, continuously adapting in the face of last-minute problems. They learn together within jam sessions, providing a unique leadership lesson as there is no central leadership figure, and every musician has his own shining moment during any performance. Lastly, jazz musicians introduce disruptions on purpose, so the entire ensemble can evolve into a better unknown.The benefits of adopting some of the lessons taken from jazz are significant for businesses, governments, special services, and any organisation engaged in complex operations. By following a critical and logical thinking process, a pragmatic analysis can be presented, and transformational action can be suggested. This alternative approach to organizational design and management can help address the growing problems that traditional management and organizational schools of thought are ill-equipped to manage.