In written and spoken communications, figures of speech (e.g., metaphors and synecdoche) are often used as an aid to help convey abstract or less tangible concepts. However, the benefits of using rhetorical illustrations or embellishments in visualization have so far been inconclusive. In this work, we report an empirical study to evaluate hypotheses that visual embellishments may aid memorization, visual search and concept comprehension. One major departure from related experiments in the literature is that we make use of a dual-task methodology in our experiment. This design offers an abstraction of typical situations where viewers do not have their full attention focused on visualization (e.g., in meetings and lectures). The secondary task introduces "divided attention", and makes the effects of visual embellishments more observable. In addition, it also serves as additional masking in memory-based trials. The results of this study show that visual embellishments can help participants better remember the information depicted in visualization. On the other hand, visual embellishments can have a negative impact on the speed of visual search. The results show a complex pattern as to the benefits of visual embellishments in helping participants grasp key concepts from visualization.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) continue to play an important role in vocational training in the current pandemic and Industrial Revolution 4.0 era. Welding is one of the highly demanded vocational skills for various manufacturing and construction industries. Students need to undergo many practical sessions to become skilful welders. However, conventional training is very costly in terms of material, time, and infrastructure. Hence, we explore the intervention of VR and AR in welding training, which includes the research purposes, VR and AR technologies, and welding concepts and activities. We performed a comprehensive search of articles from the year 2000 to 2021. After filtering through inclusion criteria and full-text assessment, a total of 42 articles were coded and evaluated. While there has been growth in VR and AR welding training research, there is little discussion in their effectiveness for supporting distance learning, and most studies targeted entry-level students. Our main contributions are classifying primary functions in the virtual welding workshops and their adaptation to the psychomotor domain. We hope these results can empower the research community to develop and improve the VR and AR system and evaluation instruments to support vocational training, especially during this pandemic.

This book chapter aims to discuss the 3D ultrasound reconstruction and visualization. First, the various types of 3D ultrasound system are reviewed, such as mechanical, 2D array, position tracking-based freehand, and untrackedbased freehand. Second, the 3D ultrasound reconstruction technique or pipeline used by the current existing system, which includes the data acquisition, data preprocessing, reconstruction method and 3D visualization, is discussed. The reconstruction method and 3D visualization will be emphasized. The reconstruction method includes the pixel-based method, volume-based method, and function-based method, accompanied with their benefits and drawbacks. In the 3D visualization, methods such as multiplanar reformatting, volume rendering, and surface rendering are presented. Lastly, its application in the medical field is reviewed as well.

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