Abstract
VR (Virtual Reality) is a technology that has been gaining more and more traction over the years, with a market that keeps on increasing in size and great opportunities. This research aims to obtain a better grasp on how VR will impact the future of omnichannel marketing, with a focus on retail. Some businesses have already begun taking advantage of these technologies. They coordinate the integration of both physical and digital channels used to interact with customers in order to improve the customer experience. VR is one such channel, and it offers consumers a whole new way to do their shopping. As technology evolves, it is important that businesses and people stay informed in order to adapt to an ever-changing market. VR is an innovative technology that a lot of potential companies could take advantage of and even gain a competitive advantage over other businesses. Through VR people and businesses are able to access the metaverse. The metaverse is a digital world parallel to our own where customers can interact with brands and their virtual products. By interacting with a virtual version of a product, consumers will have a better grasp of the product they are interested in and make better decisions when purchasing the real one. This not only raises consumer satisfaction but could also be very useful. To fully grasp what VR is capable of, a literature review was performed to understand what VR is in fact and how the metaverse can be used. Finally, a Prisma systematic review will be presented with the research question “How VR will impact the future of omnichannel marketing?”. This was done in order to obtain unbiased data from which conclusions can be drawn. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.

Abstract
Remaining current with emerging trends and technologies is crucial for businesses to stay at the forefront, satisfy consumer demands, and maintain competitiveness. As marketing strategies such as phygital and omnichannel tactics continue to evolve, technologies like augmented reality are becoming increasingly relevant and disruptive. Augmented reality is an innovative technology that is currently revolutionizing omnichannel marketing strategies. It offers numerous opportunities in both the metaverse and phygital marketing, greatly improving the overall customer experience, increasing sale success rate, and improving brand image. A systematic review using PRISMA methodology incorporating a total of six studies explores augmented reality (AR) technology’s influence on omnichannel marketing strategies in the retail industry. The findings analyze AR, omnichannel marketing, and the metaverse in-depth, their interplay, and how they influence the customer journey, experience, and behavior. This study explores how to effectively integrate AR into omnichannel marketing for retail, emphasizing on harnessing synergies between channels and devising targeted strategies. Research gaps in the literature are identified and future steps to seamlessly integrate channels through AR technology in retail. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.

Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive study on the application of machine learning techniques in the prediction of respiratory rate via time-series-based statistical and machine learning methods using several physiological signals. Two different models, ARIMA and LSTM, were developed. The LSTM model showed a stronger capacity for learning and capturing complicated patterns in the data compared to the ARIMA model. The findings imply that LSTM models, by incorporating many variables, have the ability to provide predictions that are more accurate, particularly in situations where respiratory rate values vary significantly. © 2024 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V.

Abstract

Abstract
The increase in renewable generation of a distributed nature has brought significant new challenges to power and energy system management and operation. Self-consumption in buildings is widespread, and with it rises the need for novel, adaptive and intelligent building energy management systems. Although there is already extensive research and development work regarding building energy management solutions, the capabilities for adaptation and contextualization of decisions are still limited. Consequently, this paper proposes a novel contextual rule-based system for energy management in buildings, which incorporates a contextual dimension that enables the adaptability of the system according to diverse contextual situations and the presence of multiple users with different preferences. Results of a case study based on real data show that the contextualization of the energy management process can maintain energy costs as low as possible, while respecting user preferences and guaranteeing their comfort.

Abstract
Local electricity markets are emerging as a viable solution to overcome the challenges brought by the large penetration of distributed renewable generation and the need to put consumers as central players in the system, with an active and dynamic role. Although there is significant literature addressing the topic of local electricity markets, this is still a rather new and emerging topic. Hence, this study provides an overall view of this domain and a perspective on future needs and challenges that must be addressed. This review introduces the most important concepts in the local electricity market domain, provides an analysis on the different policy and regulatory framework, exposes the most relevant worldwide initiatives related to the field implementation, and scrutinizes the alternative local market models proposed in the literature. The discussion puts forth the main benefits and barriers of the currently proposed local market models, and the expected impact of their widespread implementation. The review is concluded with the wrap-up and discussion on the most relevant paths for future research and development in this field of study.