Augmented reality (AR) technology has undergone enormous advancement and now AR applications can be seamlessly executed using modern-day smartphones. This study aims to develop a mobile AR application which consists of 3D AR models of historical monuments located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Melaka. The application allows tourists to obtain information of the monuments from the AR models, which provide an alternative way of visiting the actual monuments to prevent overcrowding effect and promote heritage preservation. Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEU), Facilitating Conditions (FC), and Perceived Playfulness (PP) are proposed as the determinants of user’s Behavioural Intention to Use (BI) the application. Using 50 tourists in Melaka as respondents, a pilot study has been conducted to determine user’s acceptance of the AR mobile application based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Cronbach’s Alpha test validated the internal consistency of the measures. Multiple Linear Regression analysis suggested that the proposed determinants explained 51.2% in user’s BI the application. PU was the strongest determinant followed by FC while PEU and PP were found to be insignificant.

Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO) is a popular technique in the field of Swarm Intelligence (SI) that focuses on optimisation. Researchers have explored multiple algorithms and applications of PSO, including exciting new technologies, such as Emotion Recognition Systems (ERS), which enable computers or machines to understand human emotions. This paper aims to review previous studies related to PSO findings for ERS and identify modalities that can be used to achieve better results through PSO. To achieve a comprehensive understanding of previous studies, this paper will adopt a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) process to filter related studies and examine papers that contribute to the field of PSO in ERS. The paper’s primary objective is to provide better insights into previous studies on PSO algorithms and techniques, which can help future researchers develop more accurate and sustainable ERS technologies. By analysing previous studies over the past decade, the paper aims to identify gaps and limitations in the current research and suggest potential areas for future research. Overall, this paper’s contribution is twofold: first, it provides an overview of the use of PSO in ERS and its potential applications. Second, it offers insights into the contributions and limitations of previous studies and suggests avenues for future research. This can lead to the development of more effective and sustainable ERS technologies, with potential applications in a wide range of fields, including healthcare, gaming, and customer service.

Emotion recognition systems (ERS) are an emerging technology with immense potential, exemplifying the innovative utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) within the context of the fourth industrial revolution (IR 4.0). Given that personalization is a key feature of the fifth industrial revolution (IR 5.0), ERS has the potential to serve as an enabler for IR 5.0. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the relevance of this technology as work processes were adapted for social distancing and the use of face masks. Even in the post-pandemic era, many individuals continue to wear face masks. Therefore, ERS offers a technological solution to address communication challenges in a masked world. The existing body of knowledge on ERS primarily focuses on exploring modalities or modes for emotion recognition, system development, and the creation of applications utilizing emotion recognition functions. However, to enhance the development of impactful ERS, it is essential for researchers and innovators to understand the factors that influence its usage and adoption among the intended users. Therefore, this study presents a framework that combines technology adoption theories to identify the determinants of ERS adoption among Malaysian youth. Data for this study were collected through a survey involving 386 respondents. The findings revealed attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and awareness as significant determinants of ERS adoption. Additionally, the study found that technology aptitude plays a moderating role. These insights can inform the formulation of effective policies and programs to encourage and facilitate the development of innovative ERS solutions.

Cultural heritage tourism is a vital part of Malaysia’s tourism sector, attracting visitors to iconic UNESCO sites like George Town and Melaka. However, these heritage sites face growing challenges from overcrowding and environmental degradation, which accelerate the deterioration of historic architecture and cultural artifacts. Preservation efforts often require site closures, which negatively impact tourist experiences and satisfaction. Thus, augmented reality (AR) offers a solution by supporting heritage management and preservation, allowing visitors to engage with virtual representations via mobile AR apps, thereby enhancing visitor engagement and travel experience. Despite global adoption, mobile AR apps often suffer from low user retention, with many users abandoning them shortly after downloading them. Understanding what drives continued usage is crucial for successful AR implementation. This study integrates the expectation confirmation model (ECM) and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 (UTAUT2) to examine the determinants affecting user’s experiential satisfaction and continued usage intention of mobile AR apps. An online survey of 450 domestic tourists in George Town and Melaka was conducted. Data analysis using structural equation modeling with SmartPLS 4.0 revealed that the integrated model offers a stronger predictive power and significantly outperforms ECM and UTAUT2 individually. The findings contribute valuable insights for researchers, app developers, tourism stakeholders, and policymakers.