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Publications

Publications by Miguel Correia Melo

2023

The impact of virtual reality and biological sex on the promotion of tourist destinations: effects on destination image, place attachment, and behavioural intention

Authors
Melo, M; Gonçalves, G; Jorge, F; Losada, N; Barbosa, L; Teixeira, MS; Bessa, M;

Publication
JOURNAL OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM TECHNOLOGY

Abstract
Purpose - This paper aims to generate knowledge of the impact of different virtual reality (VR) set-ups in tourism promotion regarding destination image, place attachment and behavioural intention.Design/methodology/approach - The paper presents a comparative study of the impact of different visualisation technologies (video, immersive VR and multisensory immersive VR) to promote tourism destinations. The study's dependent variables are destination image, place attachment and behaviour intention.Findings - Results show that VR content impacts these variables. Multisensory immersive VR is the preferred content type for destination promotion. It is also evidenced that female participants scored each variable higher than male participants. Males reported higher scores on the video set-up for destination image and place attachment. Behavioural intention reported higher values in the video when compared to immersive VR in both sexes.Practical implications - This paper concludes that there is a preference towards multisensory set-ups, which suggests that incorporating audiovisual and sensory elements can significantly enhance the effectiveness of VR experiences in attracting and engaging potential tourists.Originality/value - The paper contributes to the scarce body of knowledge regarding the impact of different VR factors on tourism promotion, including the multisensory VR component.

2024

Assessing the perceptual equivalence of a firefighting training exercise across virtual and real environments

Authors
Narciso, D; Melo, M; Rodrigues, S; Dias, D; Cunha, J; Vasconcelos-Raposo, J; Bessa, M;

Publication
VIRTUAL REALITY

Abstract
The advantages of Virtual Reality (VR) over traditional training, together with the development of VR technology, have contributed to an increase in the body of literature on training professionals with VR. However, there is a gap in the literature concerning the comparison of training in a Virtual Environment (VE) with the same training in a Real Environment (RE), which would contribute to a better understanding of the capabilities of VR in training. This paper presents a study with firefighters (N = 12) where the effect of a firefighter training exercise in a VE was evaluated and compared to that of the same exercise in a RE. The effect of environments was evaluated using psychophysiological measures by evaluating the perception of stress and fatigue, transfer of knowledge, sense of presence, cybersickness, and the actual stress measured through participants' Heart Rate Variability (HRV). The results showed a similar perception of stress and fatigue between the two environments; a positive, although not significant, effect of the VE on the transfer of knowledge; the display of moderately high presence values in the VE; the ability of the VE not to cause symptoms of cybersickness; and finally, obtaining signs of stress in participants' HRV in the RE and, to a lesser extent, signs of stress in the VE. Although the effect of the VE was shown to be non-comparable to that of the RE, the authors consider the results encouraging and discuss some key factors that should be addressed in the future to improve the results of the training VE.

2023

Enhancing Training Methods: Evaluation of a VR Approach for Antenna Construction

Authors
Gonçalves, G; Gonçalves, C; Rodrigues, P; Barbosa, L; Filipe, V; Melo, M; Bessa, M;

Publication
International Conference on Graphics and Interaction, ICGI 2023, Tomar, Portugal, November 2-3, 2023

Abstract

2023

Enhancing Training Methods: Evaluation of a VR Approach for Antenna Construction

Authors
Goncalves G.; Goncalves C.; Rodrigues P.; Barbosa L.; Filipe V.; Melo M.; Bessa M.;

Publication
ICGI 2023 - 5th International Conference on Graphics and Interaction, Proceedings

Abstract
The modern manufacturing environment has adjusted to technological improvements. With Virtual Reality applications geared for factory training are becoming increasingly common. The industry is seeking ways to lower downtimes, resource component waste, risk of possible work accidents and decrease expenses, which can be achieved by engaging in new techniques of training professionals. This article evaluates a VR training application developed within the scope of the R&D project, aimed at training personnel in vehicle antenna production lines. We included the following variables: previous experience with VR technology, cybersickness, immersive tendencies, presence, system usability and satisfaction. Both the system usability scores and satisfaction were considered acceptable. We also found positive correlations between several variables, highlighting the possible influence of attention and familiarity with VR technology on the user experience. In contrast, a negative correlation raised questions about participants' expectations regarding VR technology and their resulting experience.

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