Navigating in Virtual Environments: Does a Map or a Map-Based Description Presented Beforehand Help?

Background. One of the aims of research in spatial cognition is to examine the factors capable of optimizing environment learning from navigation, which can be examined using a virtual environment (VE). Different learning conditions can play an important part. Aim. This study examined the benefits of presenting configured information (layout with elements arranged in it) using a map or verbal description before a learner navigates in a new environment. Method. Ninety participants were assigned to three learning groups of 30 individuals (15 males and 15 females). Before participants navigated in a VE, one group was shown a map of the environment (“map before navigation”), a second group read a map-like description of the environment (“description before navigation”), and a third group started navigating without any prior input (“only navigation”). Participants then learned a path in a VE (presented as if they were driving a car). Their recall was subsequently tested using three types of task: (i) route retracing; (ii) pointing; (iii) path drawing. Several measures were administered to assess participants’ individual visuospatial and verbal factors. Results. There were no differences between the three groups in route retracing. The “map before navigation” group performed better than the “only navigation” group in both the pointing and the path drawing tasks, however, and also outperformed the “description before navigation” group in the path drawing task. Some relations emerged between participants’ individual difference factors and their recall performance. Conclusions. In learning from navigation, seeing a map beforehand benefits learning accuracy. Recall performance is also supported, at least in part, by individual visuospatial and verbal factors.

Realizing the Well-Being of Senior Citizen by Developing Smart Application: A Conceptual Model

Years after years, there is an increased number of senior citizens in Malaysia. As the result, senior citizens become one of the society segments that given a priority focus by the government. Many programmes are planned by the government to help the senior citizen. But, issues on senior citizen still occurred, such as financial/economy, social, emotion/psychology, religious spiritual, education/knowledge, health, environment, family, and others. Today, technology grows rapidly and used in many sectors, including education, health, security, and in daily activities. Harnessing technology makes life easier and productive. Mobile application can be found easily and utilized by everyone. The researcher believes that this technology/smart application can help the senior citizen to be productive and have a good life. Literature Review, Business Model Environment Map (EM), Business Model Canvas (BMC), and Value Preposition Canvas (VPC) used as the method of this paper. Therefore, this research paper proposed a conceptual solution to realize the well-being of Senior citizen through Smart Application.

Spectrum Awareness for Cognitive Radios Supported by Radio Environment Maps: Zonal Approach

In this paper, we present the concept of the Radio Environment Map (REM) designed to ensure electromagnetic situational awareness of cognitive radio networks. The map construction techniques based on spatial statistics are presented. The results of field tests done for Ultra High Frequency (UHF) range with different numbers of sensors are shown. Exemplary maps with selected interpolation techniques are presented. Control points where the signal from licensed users is correctly estimated are identified. Finally, the map quality is assessed, and the most promising interpolation techniques are selected.