This study examined the factors affecting learners’ adoption of an educational metaverse platform using an extended UTAUT (unified theory of acceptance and use of technology) model and incorporating perceived risk. Data were derived from a survey of 495 respondents from China and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results revealed that (i) performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions had significantly positive effects on learners’ satisfaction with the Eduverse; (ii) learners’ satisfaction had a positive effect on their continued usage intention; (iii) learners’ intention to use the Eduverse was reduced after they perceived risks. Our study provided empirical evidence of the validity of the UTAUT model in explaining learners’ adoption of the Eduverse. Our findings have significant practical implications for enterprises, educational institutions, and governments.

Sustainable development (SD) is one of the objectives of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and in order to achieve SD, the precautionary principle (PP) is one of the most appropriate means that can be used. This study aims to explore whether the WTO promotes SD through its legal interpretation of the PP and to provide suggestions for realizing the balance between trade liberalization and sustainable development in the WTO. To this end, this study conducts a case analysis on the Korea-Import Bans, and Testing and Certification Requirements for Radionuclides (DS495) dispute from legal and political-economic perspectives, and finds that the WTO’s rigorous examinations of the four requirements presented in Article 5.7 of the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (the SPS Agreement) remain a significant impediment for the incorporation of the PP into WTO jurisprudence, and can also cause systemic problems. This study suggests that efforts from three dimensions—the WTO adjudicating parties, the government, and the lobbying groups of importing countries—are required to promote SD in the WTO.

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Photogrammetric calibration methods for digital CCD cameras are usually capable of acquiring explicit distortion parameters. However, it would cause the correcting results to be less accurate due to irregular array with explicit image correction method. In order to produce images with less distortion, an implicit model was proposed in this paper. Moreover, the model was applied to correct images from a non-metric camera. The real tests with images indicate the improvement is more obvious in eliminating distortion on images.