PRESENCE: Virtual and Augmented Reality

Lerner, France; Tahar, Guillaume; Santos, Paulo Cezar Rocha

doi: 10.1162/pres.a.428pmid: N/A

This pilot study introduces an innovative approach to researching time perception in virtual reality (VR) by utilizing the Neos Metaverse Engine to design an experimental setup. Participants engaged in trials to assess how Euclidean and non-Euclidean (equi-affine) geometries affect time perception by observing a dot moving along an elliptical trajectory with varying velocity profiles. The study highlights the potential of VR technology, emphasizing the benefits of developing and running the experimental setup within the Neos Metaverse environment, including its built-in tools that facilitate rapid prototyping, iterative design processes, instant feedback, avatar customization options, a comprehensive inventory system, and versatile export capabilities. The findings demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of using a VR-based system for time perception research, paving the way for more immersive and ecologically valid studies. This method offers a robust framework for future investigations into the influence of geometric properties on retrospective time perception in virtual environments.

Acar, Sinem; Doğan, Uğur; Sarıcaoğlu, Halim; Üzmez, Halil; Dağılgan, Elif Betül

doi: 10.1162/pres.a.429pmid: N/A

This study investigates students’ lived experiences of 360° exam videos designed to simulate test anxiety in high school students preparing for university entrance exams. Adopting a phenomenological design, individual interviews were conducted with nine students to explore their subjective experiences of immersion, realism, and emotional intensity. Data were analyzed through content analysis. The findings indicate that exposure to 360° videos was associated with students’ reports of a strong sense of realism and “being in an exam” in the mediated environment. Participants reported that the videos triggered anxiety symptoms similar to real exams and increased emotional engagement, particularly in students with higher baseline anxiety. Key limitations include the small sample size and the lack of interactivity in the video format. Reproducing high-stakes exam conditions for in vivo exposure is challenging. Our findings highlight 360° exam videos as an accessible alternative to elicit exam-related experiential responses under controlled conditions. Importantly, this qualitative phenomenological study does not test clinical efficacy or anxiety reduction; rather, it informs design considerations and motivates future quantitative efficacy research.

Oh, Jihyeon; Kang, Jiyoung; Kim, Yungwook

doi: 10.1162/pres.a.430pmid: N/A

This study investigates how spatial proximity and particulate matter (PM) concentration in virtual reality (VR) influence individuals’ preventive and mitigation intentions toward fine dust exposure. In a 2 × 2 between-subjects experiment (N = 82), spatial proximity increased behavioral intention, while PM concentration had no significant effect. Psychological distance mediated the effect of spatial proximity, but not PM concentration. Furthermore, the analysis revealed significant moderated mediation effects, indicating that the mediating role of psychological distance between spatial proximity and mitigation behavioral intention was evident only among individuals with lower levels of self-efficacy and response efficacy. These findings suggest that VR-based risk messages should emphasize spatial cues that reduce psychological distance, as such cues can enhance users’ behavioral intentions by making threats feel more immediate and personally relevant. Notably, the indirect effect of spatial proximity on mitigation behavioral intention via psychological distance emerged only among individuals with lower levels of self-efficacy and response efficacy, highlighting the importance of tailoring risk communication strategies to individuals with diminished efficacy beliefs.

Rahmat, Rahmita Wirza O.K.; Wai, Phang Kok; Ali, Siti Khadijah binti; Abdul Kahar, Zainal bin

doi: 10.1162/pres.a.431pmid: N/A

This systematic review analyzes the synergistic integration of Digital Twin (DT), Augmented Reality (AR), and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies within aquaponics systems. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we identified and analyzed studies from IEEE Xplore and Scopus (2019–2024). The review reveals that while IoT is widely adopted, the integration of DT and AR remains fragmented, failing to function as a coordinated presence medium. The analysis identifies a critical theoretical gap: the lack of unified frameworks that align sensing, simulation, and experience. By failing to connect real-time IoT data directly into DT simulations for AR visualization, current systems increase the cognitive distance between raw data and physical action. Most existing solutions operate in isolation, resulting in systems that are computationally advanced yet experientially shallow. This paper synthesizes current architectural patterns, identifies interoperability and latency as primary technical barriers, and proposes a future research agenda focused on modular, open-standard architectures to enhance the efficiency and user-accessibility of smart aquaponics.