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Details

  • Name

    Maximino Bessa
  • Role

    Senior Researcher
  • Since

    01st March 2009
008
Publications

2024

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

Authors
Narciso, D; Melo, M; Rodrigues, S; Dias, D; Silva Cunha, JP; Raposo, JV; Bessa, M;

Publication
Virtual Real.

Abstract

2023

How Much Presence is Enough? Qualitative Scales for Interpreting the Igroup Presence Questionnaire Score

Authors
Melo, M; Gontalves, G; Vasconcelos-Raposo, J; Bessa, M;

Publication
IEEE ACCESS

Abstract
Presence is often used to evaluate Virtual Reality (VR) applications. However, the raw scores are hard to interpret and need to be compared to other data to be meaningful. This paper leverages a database of 1909 responses to the Igroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ) in different contexts to put forward a scale that qualitatively interprets raw Presence scores for VR experiences. The qualitative grading encompasses the acceptability dimension and analogous academic grading scales ranging from A to F and the adjective of such scores in a scale from Excellent to Unacceptable. Furthermore, the qualitative grading system encompasses Presence and its subscales Spatial Presence, Involvement, and Experienced Realism as defined by the IPQ. Adopting this grading system, supported by a robust dataset of Presence scores, enables practitioners to evaluate and interpret individual IPQ scores, allowing them to gain insights regarding the evaluated applications' effectiveness.

2023

Studying the Influence of Multisensory Stimuli on a Firefighting Training Virtual Environment

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

Publication
IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics

Abstract

2023

Systematic Review of Comparative Studies of the Impact of Realism in Immersive Virtual Experiences

Authors
Goncalves, G; Coelho, H; Monteiro, P; Melo, M; Bessa, M;

Publication
ACM COMPUTING SURVEYS

Abstract
The adoption of immersive virtual experiences (IVEs) opened new research lines where the impact of realism is being studied, allowing developers to focus resources on realism factors proven to improve the user experience the most. We analyzed papers that compared different levels of realism and evaluated their impact on user experience. Exploratorily, we also synthesized the realism terms used by authors. From 1,300 initial documents, 79 met the eligibility criteria. Overall, most of the studies reported that higher realism has a positive impact on user experience. These data allow a better understanding of realism in IVEs, guiding future R&D.

2023

Teaching EFL With Immersive Virtual Reality Technologies: A Comparison With the Conventional Listening Method

Authors
Peixoto, B; Bessa, LCP; Goncalves, G; Bessa, M; Melo, M;

Publication
IEEE ACCESS

Abstract
This paper investigates the impact of different immersive Virtual Reality (iVR) technological approaches in teaching and learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Specifically, this paper explores the passive iVR and interactive iVR in a real authentic learning context as didactic possibilities compared to the conventional method of listening, consisting of audio-only listening exercises. The study was conducted using university students of B1 level EFL classes. The dependent variables considered in the study were Knowledge Retention, Presence, User Satisfaction, Cybersickness, and Preferred Technology. Results indicated that users showed significant satisfaction and preference for using this technology for learning, revealing enjoyment and motivation which are vital factors when learning a foreign language. However, no significant differences were found between learning via traditional listening exercises or the virtual system. Correlation tests were conducted between the questionnaire subscales to understand better which elements can influence learning. The study concludes that using iVR-based learning tools to learn a foreign language as an alternative to audio listening can only produce a broader positive impact and greater motivation. The results also suggest that iVR can be a valuable tool in the education field for knowledge transfer and motivation when learning foreign languages.

Supervised
thesis

2022

Simulador da realidade virtual multissensorial realista para treino de bombeiros: comparando a resposta fisiológica de formadores em ambientes reais e virtuais

Author
David Gonçalves Narciso

Institution
UTAD

2021

Automated creation of authentic virtual experiences

Author
Guilherme Santos Gonçalves

Institution
UTAD

2021

Desenvolvimento e avaliação de interfaces de seleção em ambientes imersivos

Author
Samuel Octávio Varandas Pereira

Institution
UTAD

2021

Authoring framework for interactive and immersive virtual reality training

Author
Hugo Rafael Mendes Coelho

Institution
UTAD

2021

Hand-free interaction framework for virtual reality applications

Author
Pedro Miguel Ermida Monteiro

Institution
UTAD