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An Equitable Experience? How HCI Research Conceptualizes Accessibility of Virtual Reality in the Context of Disability
Get PDFCreating accessible Virtual Reality (VR) is an ongoing concern in the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) research community. However, there is little reflection on how accessibility should be conceptualized in the context of an experiential technology. We address this gap in our work: We first explore how accessibility is currently defined, highlighting a growing recognition of the importance of equitable and enriching experiences. We then carry out a literature study (N = 28) to examine how accessibility and its relationship with experience is currently conceptualized in VR research. Our results show that existing work seldom defines accessibility in the context of VR and that barrier-centric research is prevalent. Likewise, we show that experience—e.g., that of presence or immersion—is rarely designed for or evaluated, while participant feedback suggests that it is relevant for disabled users of VR. On this basis, we contribute a working definition of VR accessibility that considers experience a necessary condition for equitable access, and discuss the need for future work to focus on experience in the same way as VR research addressing non-disabled persons does
Beyond the cross‐section: Rethinking the intention–behaviour gap through a conceptual and methodological lens
Get PDFObjectives
The intention–behaviour gap (IBG) remains a persistent challenge in health psychology. While intentions are widely recognized as proximal determinants of behaviour, they frequently fail to translate into action. This conceptual review aims to critically evaluate dominant models of the IBG and propose a dynamic, multidimensional reconceptualization of intention–behaviour processes.
Methods
This conceptual review critically evaluates dominant models of the IBG–the Explained Variance Approach and the Action Control Framework. Special emphasis is placed on methodological constraints associated with between-person research designs, which inadequately capture the temporal and contextual variability of behavioural enactment.
Results
Theoretical and empirical limitations are identified in existing IBG models, including their failure to address intra-individual fluctuations, situational contingencies and the time-indexed nature of behavioural regulation. In response, we propose a framework emphasizing intensive longitudinal designs, within-person assessment, ecological momentary methods and person-specific modelling techniques to better capture intention–behaviour dynamics.
Conclusions
To close the IBG, future research should integrate dynamic methodologies and real-time interventions that align with situational and motivational states. We advocate for context-sensitive strategies, such as just-in-time adaptive interventions and implementation intentions, to enhance behavioural enactment. This reconceptualization offers a pathway towards more precise theory and effective intervention in health behaviour change
A Consistent Approach to One Coordinate Pnictide Moieties M≡Pn − Using PnH 2 − Salts (M = Zr, Ti; Pn = P, As, Sb)
Get PDFEstablishing a congruent approach to delivering a pnictide atom (Pn = P, As, and Sb) to transition metal ions is a challenge, especially for the heavier congeners As and Sb, and when varying the transition metal. We showcase here a convenient route to molecular forms of one coordinate stibide ligands bound to Zr and Ti ions, represented by the discrete salts [K(L)][(PN)M≡Sb] (M = Zr (2), Ti (10); PN− = (N-(2-PPr-4-methylphenyl)-2,4,6-MeCH; L = 2,2,2-Kryptofix or 18-C-6 crown-ether/2THF), which were prepared via H extrusion from [K(18-C-6)(THF)SbH] added to the Zr cyclometallated-hydride, [(PN)(PN’)Zr(H)] (1), and the Ti precursor [K(18-C-6)][(PN)TiCl] (8) respectively. This strategy was extended to the lighter congeners Pn = As, P using [K(18-C-6)(THF)AsH] (M = Zr (3)), and NaPH (M = Ti (6)). Structural and computational studies were applied to understand the bonding trends in the pnictide series, and the role of the metal ion
Mesoscopic fluctuations and multifractality at and across measurement-induced phase transitions
Get PDFWe explore statistical fluctuations over the ensemble of quantum trajectories in a model of two-dimensional free fermions subject to projective monitoring of local charge across the measurement-induced phase transition. Our observables are the particle-number covariance between spatially separated regions,
, and the two-point density correlation function, ()
. Our results exhibit a remarkable analogy to Anderson localization, with
corresponding to two-terminal conductance and ()
to two-point conductance, albeit with different replica limits and unconventional symmetry class, geometry, and boundary conditions. In the delocalized phase,
exhibits “universal,” nearly Gaussian, fluctuations with variance of order unity. In the localized phase, we find a broad distribution of
with ∼ (where is the system size) and the variance var(ln)∼^, and similarly for (), with ≈0.5. At the transition point, the distribution function of becomes scale invariant and () exhibits multifractal statistics, ∼^{−(+1)−Δ_}
. We characterize the spectrum of multifractal dimensions Δ_. Our findings lay the groundwork for mesoscopic theory of monitored systems, paving the way for various extensions
Lean Construction in Germany - Study on the Status Quo of Diffusion and Application
Get PDFThis report provides the first broad, multi-method assessment of the current status quo of Lean Construction (LC) diffusion and application in Germany. Addressing persistent ambiguity about “who” applies LC, “how” it is applied, and “how far” implementation has progressed, the study employs a three-phase sequential research design. Phase 1 conducts a systematic industry scan based on four complementary search strategies (GLCI member and congress records; structured Google keyword searches of company websites; screening of online job advertisements; and LinkedIn profile searches). The resulting database comprises 578 organisations connected to LC, including 451 companies with explicit indications of LC application in projects, alongside training providers, universities, and software vendors. Phase 2 adds qualitative depth through 15 semi-structured interviews with experienced practitioners sampled from the identified LC companies. Phase 3 validates and quantifies patterns via a standardised nationwide company survey addressed to all identified LC companies (n = 97 complete responses; 22% response rate).
Findings indicate that LC is visible across the German construction value chain but remains quantitatively marginal relative to the overall sector. Application is predominantly concentrated in the execution phase and is strongly method-driven, with the Last Planner System and takt planning/controlling being the most widespread practices, while principle-based dimensions such as user orientation and employee empowerment are less systematically addressed. Most companies report selective rather than organisation-wide use of LC and cite capability constraints, time requirements for scaling, limited resources, and insufficient project owner demand as key barriers. Despite heterogeneous maturity levels, active adopters report largely positive perceived effects - particularly on schedule adherence and collaboration - while highlighting risks associated with late, partial, or superficial implementation. The report synthesises these insights in the 4E4D model and derives implications for project owners, companies, industry institutions, and research
High resolution physically based modelling reveals malaria incidence reduction by vector control measures
Get PDFMalaria continues to cause over 600,000 deaths annually in sub-Saharan Africa, disproportionately affecting children under five. Despite sustained control efforts, transmission remains highly sensitive to local environmental and climatic variability, underscoring the need for physically grounded models capable of capturing these dynamics. To address this challenge, we developed a high-resolution hybrid modeling framework linking WRF/WRF-Hydro and VECTRI. The framework integrates atmospheric, hydrological, ecological, and intervention processes at 1 km and 50 m resolutions and includes a new compartment for insecticide-treated net (ITN) coverage. Using data from 2007–2022 in western Kenya, a period of large-scale ITN deployment, the model reproduced observed malaria trends with a mean monthly deviation of ±100–150 cases. Simulations showed that ITN coverage reduced the
entomological inoculation rate and malaria incidence by 58% and 41%, respectively, with the highest efficacy under warm (≈ 29° C) and moderately wet (150–250 mm) conditions. The findings suggest that integrating environmental process modeling with optimized, targeted control strategies provides a cost-effective and operationally relevant framework for sustainable malaria management under changing climatic conditions
Development of real-time digital twin for particle accelerator
Get PDFPoster presented at 7th ESSRI Workshop - Energy for Sustainable Science at Research Infrastructures - 2024
This Poster presents the development of a real-time, energy system-informed digital twin of the KARA accelerator at KIT. It enables testing and validation of energy-efficient operation strategies in a simulated environment without disrupting actual accelerator experiments
The importance of the temperature gradient for the processes occurring during high-temperature oxidation of the cladding, its mechanical deformation and oxidation of the melt
Get PDFUnlike isothermal conditions in some single effect tests, prototypical reactor conditions and the bundle tests simulating them always exhibit both axial and radial temperature gradients. Such gradients are crucial for a number of effects observed in accident conditions at high temperatures. This presentation describes three such effects: (1) Redistribution of oxygen in cladding under steam starvation conditions; (2) Growth of ceramic precipitates in a metal melt during its oxidation; (3) Dependence of cladding deformation on radial temperature gradient.
In the first case, the heat flow from the pellet to the outer surface of the cladding creates a temperature gradient across the outer cladding oxide layer. In areas of steam starvation, this leads to the formation of metal precipitates in the oxide layer already at temperature (at T≳1200 °C), and not only during the cooling stage.
The second case involves the release of molten cladding metal (through the degrading oxide cladding layer) into the interrod space and its oxidation in the steam. Due to the pronounced exothermic oxidation reaction, the temperature at the surface of the resulting molten pool is higher than in its bulk. This drives the formation of ceramic precipitates within the melt already at temperature, leading to its complete transition to the ceramic phase.
The third case concerns the formation of asymmetric cladding ballooning during a design basis accident. Fuel pellets can maintain their geometric shape up to burnups of 30 MWd/kgU, and a gap remains between the pellet and the cladding. Several pellets are displaced from their axisymmetrical arrangement and touch the cladding at a specific point, forming a hot spot there. As a result, the cladding begins to plastically deform at T>600 °C, primarily near this hot spot. As a result, the circumferential strain of the cladding can remain below 40%, significantly lower than in single rod tests with direct current heating of the cladding
