Virtual reality crowd simulation: effects of agent density on user experience and behaviour

Agent-based crowd simulations are used for modelling building and space usage, allowing designers to explore hypothetical real-world scenarios, including extraordinary events such as evacuations. Existing work which engages virtual reality (VR) as a platform for crowd simulations has been primarily focussed on the validation of simulation models through observation; the use of interactions such as gaze to enhance a sense of immersion; or studies of proxemics. In this work, we extend previous studies of proxemics and examine the effects of varying crowd density on user experience and behaviour. We have created a simulation in which participants walk freely and perform a routine manual task, whilst interacting with agents controlled by a typical social force simulation model. We examine and report the effects of crowd density on both affective state and behaviour. Our results show a significant increase in negative affect with density, measured using a self-report scale. We further show significant differences in some aspects of user behaviours, using video analysis, and discuss how our results relate to VR simulation design for mixed human–agent scenarios

Climate-sensitive health priorities in Nunatsiavut, Canada

Background: This exploratory study used participatory methods to identify, characterize, and rank climate-sensitive health priorities in Nunatsiavut, Labrador, Canada. Methods: A mixed method study design was used and involved collecting both qualitative and quantitative data at regional, community, and individual levels. In-depth interviews with regional health representatives were conducted throughout Nunatsiavut (n = 11). In addition, three PhotoVoice workshops were held with Rigolet community members (n = 11), where participants took photos of areas, items, or concepts that expressed how climate change is impacting their health. The workshop groups shared their photographs, discussed the stories and messages behind them, and then grouped photos into re-occurring themes. Two community surveys were administered in Rigolet to capture data on observed climatic and environmental changes in the area, and perceived impacts on health, wellbeing, and lifestyles (n = 187). Results: Climate-sensitive health pathways were described in terms of inter-relationships between environmental and social determinants of Inuit health. The climate-sensitive health priorities for the region included food security, water security, mental health and wellbeing, new hazards and safety concerns, and health services and delivery. Conclusions: The results highlight several climate-sensitive health priorities that are specific to the Nunatsiavut region, and suggest approaching health research and adaptation planning from an EcoHealth perspective

Effective leadership in BMP implementations: A case study of BPM in a developing country, public sector context

Public sector organizations across the globe have shown a keen interest in adopting BPM, yet research studies have identified many obstacles impeding successful BPM outcomes. While leadership has been emphasized as critical for BPM to succeed, it is still an under-researched area in BPM. The limited discourse on BPM leadership is a-theoretical and provides few guidelines on what effective BPM leadership is. This paper views BPM leadership from a Complexity Leadership Theory (CLT) perspective and applies the Actor-Network Theory (ANT) to assist in understanding the complex social networks in leading continuous process improvement. Employing an in-depth single case, this study explores a successful BPM initiative in a Sri Lankan public-sector organization. The study results provide a rich understanding of leadership actions that support BPM success, which can be applied by practitioners to support BPM-leadership practice, and for future research investigating the role of leadership within BPM contexts