A Case Study of Educational Games in Virtual Reality as a Teaching Method of Lean Management

Visualization Method of Key Knowledge Points of Nursing Teaching Management System Based on SOM Algorithm and Biomedical Diagnosis

The traditional nursing teaching knowledge point recommendation algorithm based on collaborative filtering is difficult to deal with the problem of data sparsity, while the traditional recommendation algorithm based on matrix decomposition has poor scalability in dealing with high-dimensional data, and their recommendation results are only determined according to the prediction score, resulting in low recommendation accuracy. In view of this, a nursing teaching knowledge point recommendation method based on a SOM neural network and ranking factor decomposition machine is proposed. Firstly, the SOM neural network is used to cluster users based on users' academic background information, then the partial order relationship of nursing teaching knowledge points is constructed by using users' explicit and implicit web access behavior, and finally, the factor decomposition machine is used as the ranking function to classify users' academic background web access behavior, borrowing nursing teaching introduction text, and other characteristic information were modeled, and the peer-to-peer ranking learning algorithm was used to accurately recommend nursing teaching knowledge points. Experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively alleviate the problem of data sparsity and improve the accuracy and efficiency of recommendations.

Virtual Reality as an Immersive Teaching Aid to Enhance the Connection between Education and Practice

Maximizing knowledge transfer is one of the main factors of modern education. It is important to raise the probability that students can successfully apply acquired knowledge into practice. This article deals with virtual reality (VR) as an alternative method to provide students with a more immersive approach to semester assignments and their completion. In addition to information on paper, they are provided with an immersive virtual environment that interactively visualizes problems. To test this approach, a case study took place at the Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Žilina. Students were given a standard assignment for workplace analysis and optimization. However, in addition to papers containing all the necessary information about the workplace and its processes (a drilling workplace), the students could also put on a VR headset and walk through a virtual copy of the assigned workplace. Instead of relying on a 2D layout and a few photos, the students observed every detail of the workplace from any angle. Moreover, the immersive virtual workplace was interactive, and the students could interact with machine tools and replicate the real manufacturing process. With this new addition, the students completed the assignment and then filled out a short questionnaire questioning their satisfaction with the chosen approach. With positive feedback, the implementation of VR into the teaching process could further motivate students and make the transfer of knowledge into their future jobs easier.

Design of a System for Verification of Automatic Guided Vehicle Routes Using Computer Emulation

A frequent change in the manufacturing program caused by a change in customer requirements requires a logistics system in the company that can respond flexibly to these changes. In order for business logistics to respond flexibly and optimally to the tasks created, a tool is needed to verify the functionality of the entire process. This article, at its core, deals with the use of emulation in a mixed environment of the real and virtual worlds as a tool for optimising automatic guided vehicle (AGV) routes. The main objective of the article is the design of a system that allows verification of AGV routes using computer emulation. The solution was created and programmed in the Tecnomatix Plant Simulation program, in cooperation with AGV logistics supply tractors, and tested on a logistic test circuit. The results show that the main area of application of such a solution is mainly in the area of the capacity utilisation of the AGVs that are used in internal logistics processes. This solution helps to cut down on the time it takes to design and optimise logistics operations as well as on the time it takes to test logistics systems at full capacity before commencing production.

Development and Application of a Virtual Reality Biphasic Separator as a Learning System for Industrial Process Control

In this study, we propose a virtual reality biphasic separator methodology in an immersive industrial environment. It allows the training of students or engineers in process and automatic control. On the other hand, the operating performance of a biphasic separator requires advanced automatic control strategies because this industrial process has multivariable and nonlinear characteristics. In this context, the virtual biphasic separator allows the testing of several control techniques. The methodology, involving the immersive virtualization of the biphasic separator, includes three stages. First, a multivariable mathematical model of the industrial process is obtained. The second stage corresponds to virtualization, in which the 3D modelling of the industrial process is undertaken. Then, the process dynamic is captured by the plant model implemented, in the software Unity. In the third stage, the control strategies are designed. The interaction between the virtual biphasic separator and the control system is implemented using shared variables. Three control strategies are implemented and compared to validate the applicability: a classic control algorithm, namely, the proportional integral derivative (PID) control method, as well as two advanced controllers—a numerical controller and model predictive control (MPC). The results demonstrate the virtual separator’s usability regarding the operating performance of the virtual biphasic separator, considering the control techniques implemented.

VoRtex Metaverse Platform for Gamified Collaborative Learning

Metaverse platforms are becoming an increasingly popular form of collaboration within virtual worlds. Such platforms provide users with the ability to build virtual worlds that can simulate real-life experiences through different social activities. In the paper, we introduce a novel platform that provides assistive tools for building an educational experience in virtual worlds and overcoming the boundaries caused by pandemic situations. Therefore, the authors developed a high-level software architecture and design for a metaverse platform named VoRtex. VoRtex is primarily designed to support collaborative learning activities with the virtual environment. It is designed to support educational standards and it represents an open-source accessible solution developed using modern technology stack and metaverse concepts. For this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of the implemented VoRtex prototype and some popular virtual world platforms using Mannien’s matrix. Afterwards, based on the comparison, we evaluated the potential of the chosen virtual world platform and the VoRtex platform for online education. After an interactive demonstration of the VoRtex platform, participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire form. The aim was to enable participants to identify the main advantages of online teaching using the VoRtex platform. Finally, the authors analyzed benefits and disadvantages of collaborative learning between the metaverse platform and real-world classroom sessions.

3D Interactive Learning Environment as a Tool for Knowledge Transfer and Retention

The article deals with the design of virtual reality (VR) interactive training as a teaching method and its effect on knowledge transfer and retention of students. The first part presents the methodology of the VR interactive training design. The second part utilizes the created interactive training for a case study to evaluate its effect on the teaching process and to examine the potential of VR interactive training as a sustainable teaching method. The study took place at the Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Žilina. Volunteers were divided into two groups. The first group used VR interactive training as a teaching method, while the second group used the conventional method. Both groups then underwent tests. The main goal was to evaluate the effect of the VR interactive training on the teaching process in comparison to the conventional method while trying to identify the key elements of the VR interactive training design and its influence on knowledge transfer and retention in a sustainable learning environment. At the start of the case study, four hypotheses were formed, questioning the effect of interactive training on knowledge transfer and retention in the long and short term, and its overall influence on the teaching process. Obtained data were then used to evaluate these hypotheses.