Virtual Reality Video Research Articles

Implementing Affordable Virtual Reality Interventions for Older Adults in Latin America: A Feasibility Study

Introduction:Virtual Reality (VR)-based meditation has shown to help reduce, stress, anxiety, sadness, and anger in younger adults. However, this has not been extensively studied in older adults. Furthermore, there are no standard guidelines on how VR mindfulness interventions should be implemented to ensure successful outcomes in different cultures and languages. The availability of affordable hardware raises the possibility of VR being used in low-income countries. The goal of this study is to describe and highlight some key considerations and challenges when implementing low-cost VR mindfulness interventions with older adults in Quito, Ecuador.Methods:We created a guided mindfulness intervention using low-cost VR (smartphones and Destek V5 headsets) for older adults with anxiety in Quito, Ecuador. This project is a collaboration between the Technology and Aging Lab at McLean Hospital and the Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador. Our goal was to recruit 20 older adults with anxiety from various outpatient settings in Quito. We used the free “Sites in VR” app and selected different nature scenes for each intervention. The intervention consists of a total of 10 sessions each lasting 30 minutes. We assessed depression using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and anxiety with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7). In addition, we also administered the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and the Behavior Activation for Depression scale (BADS).Results:At the time of writing, we have reached 100% of our recruitment goal and anticipate completing data analysis by January 2023. Qualitatively, our intervention revealed barriers to designing scalable VR Spanish language interventions in Latin America. Some of the main difficulties we encountered are described below: (i) There are very few virtual reality videos (360° videos) that are available for use with the DesTeK VS VR Headset in Spanish. We therefore, used a standardized Spanish narration to guide the mindfulness practice based on a script used in the United States. (ii) We found that majority of the available content is not suitable for mindfulness. Using the application Sites in VR remedied this concern, as it provides static 360° images, suitable for mindfulness. (iii) Not all technology necessary for VR interventions is readily available in Latin America: smartphones sold in Latin America do not always have a gyroscope sensor.Conclusion:Mindfulness interventions using virtual reality may be an effective way to address stress and mood symptoms in older adults across cultures. However, there are many culture-specific aspects that must be addressed before applying these interventions in different cultures. This study, conducted in Latin America, is an initial step toward the establishment of best practices and standardized low-cost VR mindfulness intervention in older adults, and many aspects addressed here may be generalizable to other cultures, settings, and countries.

P51: Correlation between skin conductance and anxiety in virtual reality

Introduction:Despite the advantages of Virtual Reality (VR), the increase in anxiety caused by motion sickness makes it difficult to apply to patients with depression and anxiety. We studied correlation between skin conductance and anxiety in VR.Methods:We conducted a clinical study of 81 healthy volunteers with high stress, which was defined as a score of 20 or more on the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). We used STAI-X-1 to measure anxiety, and Galvanic Skin Response to measure skin conductance. This study used an open, randomized, crossover design. The videos consisted of two types, less dizzying video (G1) and more dizzying video (G3). We divided into two groups with exposure order, G1 after watching G3 (Order 1), and G3 after watching G1 (Order 2).Results:Anxiety significantly decreased in the Order 2 group (p < 0.035), whereas there was no significant change in anxiety in the Order 1 group. In both groups, skin conductance significantly increased after exposure to dizzying video. The skin conductance of the Order 1 group mean (SD) was 1.61 (1.07) (p < 0.0001), and the Order 2 group was 0.92 (0.90) (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference between two groups (p = 0.077).Conclusion:It is possible to reduce skin conductance and anxiety by viewing less dizzying VR video first and then viewing more dizzying video later.

Treatment Responsivity in Adolescents With Disruptive Behavior Problems: Co-Creation of a Virtual Reality-Based Add-On Intervention.

We developed Street Temptations (ST) as an add-on intervention to increase the treatment responsivity of adolescents with disruptive behavior problems. ST's primary aim is to improve adolescents' mentalizing abilities in order to help them engage in and benefit from psychotherapy. Additionally, virtual reality (VR) is used to work in a more visual, less verbal, fashion. By recapping the lessons learned while developing ST so far, we aim to design the following study on ST. Furthermore, we aim to enhance the development and study of new health care interventions in clinical practice, together with adolescents as their end users. We followed an iterative co-creation process to develop a prototype of ST, in collaboration with adolescents and professionals from a secured residential facility in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The prototype was tested during a pilot phase, involving 2 test runs, in which 4 adolescents and 4 professionals participated. Qualitative data were collected through interviews with the adolescents and by conducting a group interview with the professionals, in order to gain first insights into ST's usability, feasibility, and its added value to clinical practice. In between the first and second test runs, the prototype was enhanced. On the basis of the complete pilot phase, we reflected on the future development and implementation of ST to design a subsequent study. Over the course of 6 months, ST's first prototype was developed during multiple creative sessions. Included was the development of a short 360° VR video, to serve as a base for the mentalization exercises. The final version of ST consisted of 7 individual therapy sessions, incorporating both the VR video and a VR StreetView app. On the basis of the qualitative data collected during the pilot phase, we found preliminary signs of ST's potential to support adolescents' perspective-taking abilities specifically. Additionally, using VR to focus on real-life situations that adolescents encounter in their daily lives possibly helps to facilitate communication. However, several challenges and requests concerning the VR hardware and software and the implementation of ST emerged, pointing toward further development of ST as an add-on intervention. These challenges currently limit large-scale implementation, resulting in specific requirements regarding a subsequent study. In order to gather more extensive information to shape further development and study treatment effects, a small-scale and individually oriented research design seems currently more suitable than a more standard between-subjects design. Using the reflection on the lessons learned described in this report, a research protocol for a forthcoming study on ST has been developed. By presenting our co-creation journey thus far, we hope to be of inspiration for a more co-creative mindset and in that way contribute to the mutual reinforcement of science and clinical practice.

Comparative study of 360° virtual reality and traditional two-dimensional video in nonface-to-face dental radiology classes: focusing on learning satisfaction and self-efficacy

BackgroundAcquiring adequate theoretical knowledge in the field of dental radiography (DR) is essential for establishing a good foundation at the prepractical stage. Currently, nonface-to-face DR education predominantly relies on two-dimensional (2D) videos, highlighting the need for developing educational resources that address the inherent limitations of this method. We developed a virtual reality (VR) learning medium using 360° video with a prefabricated head-mounted display (pHMD) for nonface-to-face DR learning and compared it with a 2D video medium.MethodsForty-four participants were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 23; 2D video) and an experimental group (n = 21; 360° VR). DR was re-enacted by the operator and recorded using 360° video. A survey was performed to assess learning satisfaction and self-efficacy. The nonparametric statistical tests comparing the groups were conducted using SPSS statistical analysis software.ResultsLearners in the experimental group could experience VR for DR by attaching their smartphones to the pHMD. The 360° VR video with pHMD provided a step-by-step guide for DR learning from the point of view of an operator as VR. Learning satisfaction and self-efficacy were statistically significantly higher in the experimental group than the control group (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe 360° VR videos were associated with greater learning satisfaction and self-efficacy than conventional 2D videos. However, these findings do not necessarily substantiate the educational effects of this medium, but instead suggest that it may be considered a suitable alternative for DR education in a nonface-to-face environment. However, further examination of the extent of DR knowledge gained in a nonface-to-face setting is warranted. Future research should aim to develop simulation tools based on 3D objects and also explore additional uses of 360° VR videos as prepractical learning mediums.

A novel quantitative assessment of engagement in virtual reality: Task-unrelated thought is reduced compared to 2D videos.

Recent meta-analytic evidence suggests that students’ minds are likely to wander off-task frequently, regardless of the learning modality; yet virtual reality (VR) has been notably unexplored in this space. VR may present an opportunity to mitigate task-unrelated thought (TUT; the most common operationalization of mind wandering) because it minimizes audio-visual distractions and increases feelings of immersion. The current study tested this possibility by analyzing TUT frequency reports from 118 participants as they learned about climate change in one of two conditions: a 360° video in VR versus a traditional video on a 2D monitor. Participants answered momentary thought probes at pseudo-random intervals throughout the video and eye-gaze was recorded in both modalities. Results indicated that participants were less likely to experience TUT in the VR condition compared to non-VR (B = 0.49; p = 0.02). Consistent with prior research, TUT was also negatively related to posttest performance (B = −0.05; p = 0.01). Finally, TUT mediated the effect between learning modality on posttest performance, such that participants in VR experienced lower TUT and subsequently scored higher on the posttest (B = 0.19; p = 0.03). We also present exploratory analyses on how gaze patterns differed across modalities as well as how gaze was related to instances of TUT.

My virtual home: needs of patients in palliative cancer care and content effects of individualized virtual reality – a mixed methods study protocol

BackgroundThe desire to be at home is one of the most important needs of patients with advanced, incurable cancers. However, palliative cancer patients may require inpatient hospital care for medical reasons. Virtual reality (VR) could provide an approximation to the individuals’ home environment.MethodsThe project consists of 3 parts. All parts are supported by the patient advisory board. In the 1st part of the project, we interview patients, relatives, and the patient advisory board about their wishes and concerns regarding the project. In the 2nd part of the project, patients are offered to view 360° VR videos of their choice (their home, relatives, others if applicable). Effects and side-effects of the intervention are assessed with validated instruments (MIDOS, MDBF, SSQ, SPES). Diagnosis, treatment adherence, medication, and vegetative functionality is determined from the medical records of the patients. In the 3rd part of the project, the results of the study will be discussed with patients, relatives, health care professionals and the patient advisory board regarding implementation.DiscussionThis study is the first to investigate whether individualized VR videos have additional benefits over generic VR nature videos on symptom relief, well-being, treatment satisfaction, and adherence in patients with palliative cancer care. A strength of the study is that we can incorporate the results of each part of the project into the subsequent project parts. However, the generalizability might be limited as this is a single-centred study.Trial registrationRegistered at German Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien; DRKS); registration number: DRKS00032172; registration date: 11/07/2023 https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00032172.

Virtual Reality–Based Intervention to Reduce Preoperative Anxiety in Adults Undergoing Elective Surgery

Preoperative anxiety is common among adult patients undergoing elective surgery and is associated with negative outcomes. Virtual reality (VR)-based interventions have been considered simpler, safer, and more effective for reducing anxiety in patients undergoing surgery than conventional care. To examine the effectiveness of a VR-based intervention with preoperative education in reducing preoperative anxiety among adult patients undergoing elective surgery. An assessor-blinded prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted to recruit adult patients aged 18 years or older who were scheduled for their first elective surgery procedure under general anesthesia within the next 2 to 4 weeks at a preanesthesia assessment clinic in Hong Kong from July to December 2022. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (an 8-minute immersive 360° VR video tour in the operating theater via a head-mounted display console) or a control group (standard care). The primary outcome of preoperative anxiety was measured using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (range, 6-30; higher scores indicate greater anxiety), and the secondary outcomes (ie, stress, preparedness, and pain) were assessed by Visual Analog Scale at 3 time points: baseline at beginning of clinical session (T0), at the end of the clinical session immediately after the intervention (T1), and before the surgery (T2). Pain, satisfaction levels, and postoperative length of stay were evaluated after the surgery (T3). Simulation sickness was assessed after the intervention by use of the Simulation Sickness Questionnaire. A generalized estimating equations model was applied to compare changes in outcomes over time. A total of 74 participants (mean [SD] age, 46.34 [14.52] years; 38 men [51.4%] and 36 women [48.6%]) were recruited and randomized to the control group (37 participants) and intervention group (37 participants). Compared with the control group, the VR-based intervention group showed significantly decreased preoperative anxiety at T1 (β, -5.46; 95% CI, -7.60 to -3.32; P < .001) and T2 (β, -5.57; 95% CI, -7.73 to -3.41; P < .001), lower stress at T1 (β, -10.68; 95% CI, -16.00 to -5.36; P < .001) and T2 (β, -5.16; 95% CI, -9.87 to -0.45; P = .03), and higher preparedness at T1 (β, 6.60; 95% CI, 0.97 to 12.19; P = .02). Satisfaction levels were significantly increased in the intervention group vs the control group (mean [SD] score, 81.35 [9.24] vs 65.28 [8.16]; difference, 16.07; 95% CI, 12.00 to 20.15; P < .001). No significant differences in pain and postoperative length of stay were found. The findings of this study suggest that a VR-based intervention is a feasible and effective way to reduce preoperative anxiety in adult patients undergoing elective surgery. Given the promising results of this study, further study in the form of large-scale, multicenter, randomized clinical trials with broader implementation is warranted. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2100051690.

Designing and developing a nature-based virtual reality with heart rate variability biofeedback for surgical anxiety and pain management: evidence from total knee arthroplasty patients

Objectives Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most common joint surgeries, with over a million procedures performed annually in the US. Over 70% of patients report moderate to high pain and anxiety surrounding TKA surgery, and 96% are discharged with an opioid prescription. This population requires special attention as approximately 90% of TKA patients are older adults and one of the riskiest groups prone to misusing opioids. This study aimed to develop and compare the efficacy of nature-based virtual reality (VR) with heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVBF) to mitigate surgical pain and anxiety. Methods This randomized control trial recruited 30 patients (mean age = 66.3 ± 8.2 years, 23 F, 7 M) undergoing TKA surgery and randomly assigned to a control, 2D video with HRVBF, or VR with HRVBF group. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure pain levels before and after the intervention. In addition, a second VAS and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to measure anxiety before and after the intervention. Electrocardiogram (ECG) was used to continuously measure HRV and respiration rate in preoperative and postoperative settings. Results VR and 2D-video with HRVBF decreased pain and anxiety post-intervention compared with the control group, p’s <.01. On analyzing physiological signals, both treatment groups showed greater parasympathetic activity levels, and VR with HRVBF reduced pain more than the 2D video, p < .01. Conclusions Nature-based VR and 2D video with HRVBF can mitigate surgical pain and anxiety. However, VR may be more efficacious than 2D video in reducing pain.

The Impact of Virtual Reality (VR) Tour Experience on Tourists’ Intention to Visit

Drawing on media richness theory, this study investigates the effect of rich media, such as virtual reality (VR), on visit intentions for a specific destination. Specifically, this research employs a mixed-method approach, using abductive theorization to explore and confirm the dimensions of the VR visit experience, notably those related to telepresence, a key concept in tourism through VR. Furthermore, the study aims to elucidate how telepresence influences mental imagery, attitudes towards tourist destinations, and actual visit intentions. To do this, qualitative data were gathered between February and June 2022 from 34 semi-structured interviews with respondents who viewed a VR video of the destination. A second study collected quantitative data from 400 participants through face-to-face questionnaires after a VR video view between June and August 2022. The findings reveal that telepresence comprises three dimensions: realism of the virtual environment, immersion, and the sense of presence in the virtual environment. Telepresence, in turn, both directly and indirectly affects actual visit intentions, with mental imagery and attitude toward tourist destinations partially mediating those relationships. This study provides methodological, theoretical, and tourism management implications to enhance our comprehension of telepresence’s facets, its measurement, and the process by which VR influences real visit intentions.

Association between anxiety and skin conductance according to the intensity of shaking of virtual reality images.

Despite the advantages of virtual reality (VR), cyber sickness makes it difficult to apply VR to those who are already anxious and in distress. Skin conductance (SC) is widely used as a bio-signal reflecting anxiety. It is positively correlated with anxiety. The objective of this study was to determine the association between SC and anxiety in VR. Healthy volunteers with moderate-to-high stress defined as a Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) score ≥20 were enrolled. STAI-X-1 was used to measure anxiety, and galvanic skin response was used to measure SC. This study used an open, randomized, crossover design. In this study, 360° videos consisted of two types, namely, less dizzying video (G1) and more dizzying video (G2). We randomized subjects into two groups according to video exposure order: G1 after watching G2 (Order 1) and G2 after watching G1 (Order 2). Of 81 subjects, the average age (±SD) was 39.98 ± 10.94 years for the Order 1 group and 36.54 ± 12.44 years for the Order 2 group. Anxiety was significantly decreased in the Order 2 group (p < 0.035) after watching videos, whereas there was no significant change in anxiety in the Order 1 group. In both groups, SC was significantly increased after exposure to a dizzying video. Mean difference (SD) between the second VR video and baseline SC was 1.61 (1.07) (p < 0.0001) in the Order 1 group and 0.92 (0.90) (p < 0.0001) in the Order 2 group, showing a significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.003). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.077) after baseline correction. Anxiety was decreased significantly in the Order 2 group. The Order 1 group showed a high rate of change in skin conductivity. It is possible to reduce SC and anxiety by viewing a less dizzying VR video first and then viewing a more dizzying video later.

Use of Virtual Reality and auralization as a training tool for acoustic practitioners

Room acoustic qualities for performance spaces are described, including in ISO 3382-1:2009, in objective metrics such as reverberance, clarity (C80), early lateral energy fraction (JLF) or late lateral sound level (LJ). For acoustic practitioners, an understanding of these parameters and their subjective perception in venues is necessary to describe existing acoustic conditions and carry out acoustic designs of venues. Gaining practical experience of venues to understand the changes in acoustic qualities can be difficult for various reasons. Virtual Reality (VR) technology, combined with auralization from 3-D room impulse responses, generated by computer acoustic modeling of virtual spaces, makes it possible to generate virtual listening experiences to demonstrate room acoustic qualities. This presentation describes the development of a VR training video demonstrating various room acoustic qualities in a virtual concert hall. The video was intended for training of acoustic consultants to recognize and differentiate changes in room acoustic parameters for performance spaces. The VR video presented a number of scenarios where each showed a primary change in one of the qualities, through targeted manipulation of the virtual space. Following deployment of the training video, feedback was taken from users to assess the usefulness of the format for training purposes.

Virtual reality video project design to improve vocational teachers' skills in implementing Kurikulum Merdeka

This project aims to improve the skills of vocational teachers in implementing the Merdeka Curriculum, with the design of the Merdeka Curriculum virtual reality video project to encourage the use of a learner-centered approach and prioritize skills-based learning relevant to the world of work. VR video content is designed to improve vocational teachers' understanding and skills in implementing the Merdeka Kurikulum. The purpose of this research is to facilitate teachers to have pedagogical skills in preparing teaching materials to evaluate learning. The method in this research is Action research with the VR video content development process involving determining clear learning objectives, designing a VR curriculum, preparing VR materials and content, and making VR videos using relevant technology and software. Furthermore, VR video content is implemented in vocational teacher learning by providing access to VR devices and clear usage guidelines. Evaluation is conducted to measure the effectiveness of VR videos in achieving learning objectives and obtain feedback from vocational teachers. The results of this project show that using VR videos in vocational teachers' learning can improve their engagement, understanding, and skills in the context of the Merdeka Curriculum. Vocational teachers experience a more interactive and immersive learning experience through a realistic virtual environment. Students also benefit from using VR videos, with an increased understanding of vocational concepts and their readiness for the world of work. The project also faced some challenges, such as the accessibility of VR devices and technical constraints. In discussing the project results, it is recommended to collaborate with related parties and share experiences with the education community so that the use of VR videos in vocational learning can expand and continue to grow.

A protocol for the development and validation of a virtual reality-based clinical test of social cognition

BackgroundImpairments in social cognition are common after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and may have severe negative consequences for patients and their families. Most tests of social cognition have limited ecological validity due to simplistic and contrived social stimuli with limited relevance to everyday social functioning. There is a need for measures of social cognition that reflect the dynamic, multimodal and contextualized nature of social situations and that predict real-world functioning. Three hundred sixty–degree (360°) Virtual Reality (VR) video can increase ecological validity through enhanced social presence, or a sense of “being there”. This paper describes the development and protocol design for validation of a Norwegian VR-version of The Awareness of Social Inference Test (TASIT), which is a widely used video-based test of social cognition.MethodsDevelopment of VR TASIT included filming 61 short videos depicting social interactions in both VR and desktop format, using a 360° camera. Software for standardized test administration and collection of performance data was developed in Unity, for administration on both VR and desktop interface. The validation study will test the reliability and validity of VR TASIT in participants with TBI (n = 100) and healthy controls (n = 100). Half of the participants will perform the desktop version, and the other half the VR version. Analyses will include known groups validity, convergent and divergent validity, as well as test–retest reliability of VR TASIT. A comparison of the ability of TASIT VR and desktop versions to predict real-world functioning (ecological validity) will be explored using the Social Skills Questionnaire for TBI and La Trobe Communication Questionnaire. Finally, the levels of perceived social presence of the stimulus materials and prevalence of cybersickness after exposure to the virtual environment will be documented.DiscussionIt is expected that VR TASIT will have comparable or better psychometric properties than the desktop version, and that the hypothesized increased level of social presence experienced in a virtual environment will result in improved ecological validity. More broadly, benefits and limitations of using VR video as stimulus material in assessment of social cognition and considerations for future development and clinical validation are discussed.Trial registrationThe study protocol was pre-registered in ClinicalTrials (April 4th 2022, NCT05309005). The study was retrospectively registered in Open Science Framework (December 15th 2022, osf.io/2vem8).

User Dynamics-Aware Edge Caching and Computing for Mobile Virtual Reality

In this paper, we present a novel content caching and delivery approach for mobile virtual reality (VR) video streaming. The proposed approach aims to maximize VR video streaming performance, i.e., minimizing video frame missing rate, by proactively caching popular VR video chunks and adaptively scheduling computing resources at an edge server based on user and network dynamics. First, we design a scalable content placement scheme for deciding which video chunks to cache at the edge server based on tradeoffs between computing and caching resource consumption. Second, we propose a machine learning-assisted VR video delivery scheme, which allocates computing resources at the edge server to satisfy video delivery requests from multiple VR headsets. A Whittle index-based method is adopted to reduce the video frame missing rate by identifying network and user dynamics with low signaling overhead. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach can significantly improve VR video streaming performance over conventional caching and computing resource scheduling strategies.

Trusted Collaboration for MEC-Enabled VR Video Streaming: A Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning Approach

Collaboration among mobile edge computing (MEC) has been envisioned as a promising paradigm to meet the requirements of wireless virtual reality (VR) applications. However, trust risks create tremendous challenges in MEC collaboration due to the distributed, complex, and unreliable nature of resource providers. In this paper, we present a trusted collaboration framework for VR video streaming to manage the video buffer in VR devices (VDs) under a more realistic distributed environment. In the framework, the rendering tasks can be processed collaboratively among edge servers (ESs) by exploring their behaviors (e.g., selfish behavior, malicious behavior, and cooperative behavior). Considering the collaborator may not be fully trustworthy, we present a novel trust evaluation method by combining direct and indirect values, aiming to ensure reliable collaborator selection. Then, we formulate an optimization problem to maintain an effective buffer state in VR devices (VDs) through jointly optimizing collaborator selection, spectrum allocation, and rendering resource allocation. Due to the fluctuating wireless fading channel and the dynamic video rate, the optimization problem is intractable by adopting traditional methods. Then, we adopt the multi-agent deep deterministic policy gradient (MADDPG) to tackle this dynamic and distributed problem. Simulation results indicate that the proposed approach can achieve a good performance.

Can virtual reality nudge toward green investing? An experiment with small business entrepreneurs

PurposeStorytelling through virtual reality (VR) combines the strengths of cutting-edge technology with traditional informational campaigns. As a tool for climate change mitigation, VR has been shown to educate individuals and stimulate both emotional and cognitive responses that promote pro-environmental behavior. This paper aims to investigate whether these benefits extend to the field of green investing through an experiment conducted with a sample of small business entrepreneurs.Design/methodology/approachThe experimental design involved making choices between bonds varying in maturity dates, annual interest and environmental classification (regular versus green). To identify potential impacts of the immersive experience on investment decisions, these choices were made both before and after exposure to VR videos illustrating the devastating effects of climate change. A multiple price list was employed to elicit subjects' risk preferences, enabling the joint estimation of the treatment effect and the risk and time preference parameters. FindingsThe findings indicate that, when risk and time preference parameters are controlled for, a VR experience can nudge toward green investment choices. This effect is more profound among those who already exhibit a greater propensity to opt for green investments.Originality/valuePrevious research shows that negative emotions, such as guilt, affect pro-environmental intentions, as well as actions, while message vividness through immersive experiences is effective in nudging greener behavior. Since analogous results in the framework of financial investments are not currently available, this paper seeks to test whether VR videos depicting the adverse effects of climate change can generate negative emotions associated with experiencing these effects and make them salient in subsequent investment decisions made by small business entrepreneurs.

Effect of roadside trees on pedestrians' psychological evaluation of traffic noise.

This study aims to investigate the interplay between roadside trees and pedestrians' assessment of traffic noise and comfort. The study examines the potential effects of visual and design elements of roadside trees on the overall soundscape comfort. The study design involves a systematic exploration of different conditions, encompassing traffic volume, distance from sound source, and tree density. For each combination, two experimental scenarios are created: (1) participants experience a binaural sound recording exclusively, and (2) participants experience the same binaural recording while concurrently immersed in a virtual reality (VR) video. Analysis of participants' noise perception, measured using a quiet-noisy scale, reveals no significant disparity between conditions. This suggests that the mere presence of roadside trees does not necessarily lead to a perceived reduction in noise loudness. However, evaluation of sound intensity exposes a notable discrepancy between low and medium tree density levels. Furthermore, the study confirms the impact of roadside tree visibility, with scenes containing trees yielding more positive evaluations compared to sound-only scenarios. Remarkably, the absence of trees in the roadside scene garners consistent evaluations across both experimental conditions. Significantly, higher roadside tree density in conjunction with the combined sound and VR video condition prompts a more favorable assessment than the sound-only scenario. While the study indicates that roadside trees might not substantially mitigate perceived physical noise levels, their influence on the psychological well-being of urban inhabitants is considerable. The findings highlight that even though these trees may not overtly diminish noise, they hold substantial potential to enhance the overall comfort and well-being of city residents. This underscores the multifaceted benefits of integrating green spaces into urban design for improving the quality of urban soundscapes and residents' experiences.

Using Virtual Reality Video Development as Educational and Tourist Promotional Media

Maintaining tourism during a pandemic is a very tough challenge. Policy restrictions limit access and mobility by the government area until state regulations are lifted. The impact on sector tourist experiences are significant, because there is no activity in many destination tours. Indonesia and Thailand have similar destination tour cultures and heritage character histories , i.e. artifacts detailing the legacy and glory of Buddha. The Jago temple and the Grand Palace in Thailand are interestinng educational tours to learn about past civilizations . The appreciation activity for common artifacts that is conducted with a method visit to the location must be replaced with another way. Excellent and sophisticated metaverse technology can be utilized to present ambience and a natural feel of the location. The purpose of this study is to produce helpful virtual reality video products to educate the public about the artifacts in temple Jago in Malang and the Grand Palace artifacts in Thailand as an alternative educational media tour. The method was developed by implementing the ADDIE model. The purpose of this study is as following : (1) produce access in visual forms and shape the atmosphere of destination tours, (2) create access information especially on the culture of products and artifacts, (3) design educational media in website/video/multimedia format or in any other possible format to replace the atmosphere of visit travel, (4) produce deep media video forms or photographs to become products that can raise audience interaction, (5) produce the validity of related data with product artifacts in Jago temple culture and the Grand Palace of Thailand.&#x0D; Keywords: artifact Grand Palace, Candi Jago artifact, VR temple

Mapping EEG Alpha Activity: Assessing Concentration Levels during Player Experience in Virtual Reality Video Games

This work presents a study in which the cognitive concentration levels of participants were evaluated using electroencephalogram (EEG) measures while they were playing three different categories of virtual reality (VR) video games: Challenging Puzzlers, Casual Games, and Exergames. Thirty-one voluntary participants between the ages of 17 and 35 were recruited. EEG data were processed to analyze the brain’s electrical activity in the alpha band. The values of power spectral density (PSD) and individual alpha frequency (IAF) of each participant were compared to detect changes that could indicate a state of concentration. Additionally, frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) between the left and right hemispheres of the brain was compared. The results showed that the Exergame category of video games elicited higher average cognitive concentration in players, as indicated by the IAF and FAA values. These findings contribute to understanding the cognitive effects of VR video games and their implications for designing and developing VR experiences to enhance cognitive abilities.

Development of Animated Videos Using Diary’s Virtual Reality as a Medium Of Distraction on The Anxiety

Background: Dental anxiety refers to anxiety about dental treatment procedures. Dental anxiety is common among pediatric patients because dental treatment procedures are usually a new experience. Therapy and desperate nonpharmacological techniques, which have already become widely used, can alleviate dental anxiety. Virtual reality is one of the various media considered to distract children during dental and oral treatment. Produce a viable Diary's Virtual Reality (VR) media model and its application effectively lowers the anxiety level of child patients upon deciduous tooth extraction action.&#x0D; Method: Experimental design pretest-posttest method with control group design. There were 64 respondents which were divided into; an intervention group given the treatment of watching Diary’s Virtual Reality video and a control group given the treatment of watching video using mobile phones. To assess the child’s level of anxiety when the deciduous tooth is extracted, an MDAS query was used. The test results data of the model were tested using wilcoxon paired test and a Mann-Whitney paired test.&#x0D; Result: The Expert Validation Test of Dary’s VR media earned an average feasibility score of 97,5% with excellent categories with p-value=0,000. The paired data effectiveness test results showed an intervention group p-value=0,000 and a control group=0,010. The test results of the effectiveness of unpaired variable data show that the p-value between the intervention group and the control group is p=0,000. The Diary’s VR model effectively lowers the anxiety level of child patients.&#x0D; Conclusion: Giving Intervention Diary’s VR lowers the anxiety level of child patients significantly compared to the control group.