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Dynamics characteristics and microstructure evolution of Sc2O3–ZrO2 ceramic powders during microwave drying
No full textAbstract
Sc2O3–ZrO2 ceramic powders has excellent features such as high-temperature resisting, abrasion resisting, and erosion resisting, which makes it rapidly become a new high-performance ceramic material. The appropriate drying method can effectively reduce the agglomeration and coarsening of Sc2O3–ZrO2 ceramic powder, which is beneficial for obtaining finer ceramic powders. Microwave heating was used to dry Sc2O3–ZrO2 ceramic powders, and the influence laws of kinetic parameters of initial water contents, initial masses, and microwave powers on drying process were discussed by using the single factor experimental method. The experiment results demonstrated that average desiccation rate grew with increase of the three variables. Drying efficiency increases with increasing initial masses and initial water contents, while the opposite is true for microwave powers. The experimental data of Sc2O3–ZrO2 ceramic powders drying were fitted and analyzed by Two-term exponential, Page, Quadratic, and Simplified Fick's diffusion models, and it was discovered that the Quadratic model could accurately describe the Sc2O3–ZrO2 ceramic powders desiccation progress. To evaluate the variations of the Sc2O3–ZrO2 ceramic powders before and after desiccation, they were characterized using FT-IR and FE-SEM, and the outcomes showed that microwaves can dry Sc2O3–ZrO2 ceramic powders quickly and efficiently and improve their dispensability. The effective diffusion coefficient was computed by Fick's second law, which increased and then decreased with the growth of the initial masses, initial water contents, and microwave powers of Sc2O3–ZrO2. For instance, the effective diffusion coefficients for different initial masses are 8.3917 × 10−5, 9.4614 × 10−5, 1.2515 × 10−4, 1.2267 × 10−4, and 9.9496 × 10−5 m2/s, correspondingly. The drying activation energy was computed using the Arrhenius index model to be −16.095 g/W (R2 reaching 0.99999). In this article, we combine experimental research with theoretical calculations to explore the effects of initial mass, initial moisture content, and microwave heating power on drying rate and microwave energy efficiency, which provides an important theoretical foundation and referential value for the actual desiccation progress of other ceramic powders.Abstract
Sc2O3–ZrO2 ceramic powders has excellent features such as high-temperature resisting, abrasion resisting, and erosion resisting, which makes it rapidly become a new high-performance ceramic material. The appropriate drying method can effectively reduce the agglomeration and coarsening of Sc2O3–ZrO2 ceramic powder, which is beneficial for obtaining finer ceramic powders. Microwave heating was used to dry Sc2O3–ZrO2 ceramic powders, and the influence laws of kinetic parameters of initial water contents, initial masses, and microwave powers on drying process were discussed by using the single factor experimental method. The experiment results demonstrated that average desiccation rate grew with increase of the three variables. Drying efficiency increases with increasing initial masses and initial water contents, while the opposite is true for microwave powers. The experimental data of Sc2O3–ZrO2 ceramic powders drying were fitted and analyzed by Two-term exponential, Page, Quadratic, and Simplified Fick's diffusion models, and it was discovered that the Quadratic model could accurately describe the Sc2O3–ZrO2 ceramic powders desiccation progress. To evaluate the variations of the Sc2O3–ZrO2 ceramic powders before and after desiccation, they were characterized using FT-IR and FE-SEM, and the outcomes showed that microwaves can dry Sc2O3–ZrO2 ceramic powders quickly and efficiently and improve their dispensability. The effective diffusion coefficient was computed by Fick's second law, which increased and then decreased with the growth of the initial masses, initial water contents, and microwave powers of Sc2O3–ZrO2. For instance, the effective diffusion coefficients for different initial masses are 8.3917 × 10−5, 9.4614 × 10−5, 1.2515 × 10−4, 1.2267 × 10−4, and 9.9496 × 10−5 m2/s, correspondingly. The drying activation energy was computed using the Arrhenius index model to be −16.095 g/W (R2 reaching 0.99999). In this article, we combine experimental research with theoretical calculations to explore the effects of initial mass, initial moisture content, and microwave heating power on drying rate and microwave energy efficiency, which provides an important theoretical foundation and referential value for the actual desiccation progress of other ceramic powders
Microstructure and properties of solution-treated Mg–1.5Zn–0.4Zr–0.5Gd biological magnesium alloys at different extrusion ratios
No full textAbstract
The study investigated the influence of the extrusion ratio on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of a Mg–1.5Zn–0.4Zr–0.5Gd bio-magnesium alloy. The results showed that when the extrusion ratio was between 0 and 7.72, the proportion of dynamically recrystallized grains in the alloy gradually increased with an increase in the extrusion ratio, leading to the enhancement of its mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Beyond an extrusion ratio of 7.72, the alloy underwent complete dynamic recrystallization, and the grain size first increased and finally tended to stabilize with an increase in the extrusion ratio. When the extrusion ratio was between 7.72 and 9.77, with an increase in the extrusion ratio, the continuous increase in the grain size led to a gradual decrease in the mechanical properties of the alloy. At the same time, the reduction in microdefects and improvement of the thermal stability in the alloy gradually enhanced its corrosion resistance. When the extrusion ratio was between 9.77 and 12.76, as the extrusion ratio increased, the dislocation area and density in the alloy gradually rised, leading to an increase in the tensile strength and yield strength, whereas the elongation and corrosion resistance gradually decreased.Abstract
The study investigated the influence of the extrusion ratio on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of a Mg–1.5Zn–0.4Zr–0.5Gd bio-magnesium alloy. The results showed that when the extrusion ratio was between 0 and 7.72, the proportion of dynamically recrystallized grains in the alloy gradually increased with an increase in the extrusion ratio, leading to the enhancement of its mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Beyond an extrusion ratio of 7.72, the alloy underwent complete dynamic recrystallization, and the grain size first increased and finally tended to stabilize with an increase in the extrusion ratio. When the extrusion ratio was between 7.72 and 9.77, with an increase in the extrusion ratio, the continuous increase in the grain size led to a gradual decrease in the mechanical properties of the alloy. At the same time, the reduction in microdefects and improvement of the thermal stability in the alloy gradually enhanced its corrosion resistance. When the extrusion ratio was between 9.77 and 12.76, as the extrusion ratio increased, the dislocation area and density in the alloy gradually rised, leading to an increase in the tensile strength and yield strength, whereas the elongation and corrosion resistance gradually decreased
Gendered Framing of Asylum Reception as “borderwork” at the Finnish-Swedish Borderland
No full textAbstract
This chapter examines gendered practices and imaginings regarding control, protection, and care at national borders with a specific focus on the Finnish-Swedish borderland, which became an important migration route during the 2015 “long summer of migration.” The chapter explores the visual media narratives of women and men in the organization and mundane practices of asylum reception at the borderland. Asylum reception is understood as a “borderwork” and the chapter’s analytical focus is on the many gendered expectations, norms, and duties that emerged regarding asylum reception in the Finnish media and how they can be interpreted against the country’s pervasive, ethnicity-based nation-building process. Finland gained independence from Russia in 1917, and in the identity narratives of the nation, the protection of borders and borderlands has held powerful symbolic meaning, including specific social roles and responsibilities for women and men. The visual images of the everyday activities through which the border institution is practiced and maintained – including both humanitarian and security work in the reception of asylum seekers – are entangled with the gendered and multisided production of the political and cultural identity of the state.Abstract
This chapter examines gendered practices and imaginings regarding control, protection, and care at national borders with a specific focus on the Finnish-Swedish borderland, which became an important migration route during the 2015 “long summer of migration.” The chapter explores the visual media narratives of women and men in the organization and mundane practices of asylum reception at the borderland. Asylum reception is understood as a “borderwork” and the chapter’s analytical focus is on the many gendered expectations, norms, and duties that emerged regarding asylum reception in the Finnish media and how they can be interpreted against the country’s pervasive, ethnicity-based nation-building process. Finland gained independence from Russia in 1917, and in the identity narratives of the nation, the protection of borders and borderlands has held powerful symbolic meaning, including specific social roles and responsibilities for women and men. The visual images of the everyday activities through which the border institution is practiced and maintained – including both humanitarian and security work in the reception of asylum seekers – are entangled with the gendered and multisided production of the political and cultural identity of the state
Drying kinetics and energy efficiency of soot ash of smelting silicon manganese alloys under microwave heating
No full textAbstract
When smelting silicon manganese alloy in an industrial electric furnace, it will produce smoke and dust waste gas, which can be utilized again back to the furnace and improve the utilization rate of raw materials after a particular trapping device and collection treatment. However, at higher moisture levels, they are prone to explode. Effects of various initial masses, initial moisture contents, and microwave output powers on the soot ash of smelting silicon manganese alloy were studies. The findings indicate that the microwave drying rate increases with all three variables. The time for complete microwave drying is directly proportional to the sample's initial moisture content and the sample's initial mass, and the time for complete microwave drying is inversely proportional to the microwave output power. The results demonstrate that the Modified Page model can accurately describe the microwave drying process. The experimental data were fitted experimentally by drying kinetic models. Microscopic characterization of soot ash from refining silico‑manganese alloys before and after drying was carried out using FTIR and SEM. Through FTIR characterization, the peak value of the -OH absorption peak decreases upon drying, and SEM results in no agglomeration caused by microwave drying and better dispersion of the soot ash of the dried smelted silica‑manganese alloys, all of which proved that microwaves could effectively remove water. It was discovered that the diffusion coefficient increased gradually with increasing power when it was computed using Fick's second law. The diffusion coefficient increases and then decreases as the moisture content increases. The diffusion coefficient decreases as the initial mass increases. Activation energy of microwave drying of soot ash from the refining of silicomanganese alloys was calculated to be −1.4467 W/g. Its purpose is to offer a detailed guide for the industrial drying of soot ash from silicomanganese alloy refinement using microwave drying technology.Abstract
When smelting silicon manganese alloy in an industrial electric furnace, it will produce smoke and dust waste gas, which can be utilized again back to the furnace and improve the utilization rate of raw materials after a particular trapping device and collection treatment. However, at higher moisture levels, they are prone to explode. Effects of various initial masses, initial moisture contents, and microwave output powers on the soot ash of smelting silicon manganese alloy were studies. The findings indicate that the microwave drying rate increases with all three variables. The time for complete microwave drying is directly proportional to the sample's initial moisture content and the sample's initial mass, and the time for complete microwave drying is inversely proportional to the microwave output power. The results demonstrate that the Modified Page model can accurately describe the microwave drying process. The experimental data were fitted experimentally by drying kinetic models. Microscopic characterization of soot ash from refining silico‑manganese alloys before and after drying was carried out using FTIR and SEM. Through FTIR characterization, the peak value of the -OH absorption peak decreases upon drying, and SEM results in no agglomeration caused by microwave drying and better dispersion of the soot ash of the dried smelted silica‑manganese alloys, all of which proved that microwaves could effectively remove water. It was discovered that the diffusion coefficient increased gradually with increasing power when it was computed using Fick's second law. The diffusion coefficient increases and then decreases as the moisture content increases. The diffusion coefficient decreases as the initial mass increases. Activation energy of microwave drying of soot ash from the refining of silicomanganese alloys was calculated to be −1.4467 W/g. Its purpose is to offer a detailed guide for the industrial drying of soot ash from silicomanganese alloy refinement using microwave drying technology
A comprehensive survey on spectrum sharing techniques for 5G/B5G intelligent wireless networks: Opportunities, challenges and future research directions
No full textAbstract
The increasing popularity of the Internet of Everything and small-cell devices has enormously accelerated traffic loads. Consequently, increased bandwidth and high data rate requirements stimulate the operation at the millimeter wave and the Tera-Hertz spectrum bands in the fifth generation (5G) and beyond 5G (B5G) wireless networks. Furthermore, efficient spectrum allocation, maximizing the spectrum utilization, achieving efficient spectrum sharing (SS), and managing the spectrum to enhance the system performance remain challenging. To this end, recent studies have implemented artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques, enabling intelligent and efficient spectrum leveraging. However, despite many recent research advances focused on maximizing utilization of the spectrum bands, achieving efficient sharing, allocation, and management of the enormous available spectrum remains challenging. Therefore, the current article acquaints a comprehensive survey on intelligent SS methodologies for 5G and B5G wireless networks, considering the applications of artificial intelligence for efficient SS. Specifically, a thorough overview of SS methodologies is conferred, following which the various spectrum utilization opportunities arising from the existing SS methodologies in intelligent wireless networks are discussed. Subsequently, to highlight critical limitations of the existing methodologies, recent literature on existing SS methodologies is reviewed in detail, classifying them based on the implemented technology, i.e., cognitive radio, machine learning, blockchain, and multiple other techniques. Moreover, the related SS techniques are reviewed to highlight significant challenges in the B5G intelligent wireless network. Finally, to provide an insight into the prospective research avenues, the article is concluded by presenting several potential research directions and proposed solutions.Abstract
The increasing popularity of the Internet of Everything and small-cell devices has enormously accelerated traffic loads. Consequently, increased bandwidth and high data rate requirements stimulate the operation at the millimeter wave and the Tera-Hertz spectrum bands in the fifth generation (5G) and beyond 5G (B5G) wireless networks. Furthermore, efficient spectrum allocation, maximizing the spectrum utilization, achieving efficient spectrum sharing (SS), and managing the spectrum to enhance the system performance remain challenging. To this end, recent studies have implemented artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques, enabling intelligent and efficient spectrum leveraging. However, despite many recent research advances focused on maximizing utilization of the spectrum bands, achieving efficient sharing, allocation, and management of the enormous available spectrum remains challenging. Therefore, the current article acquaints a comprehensive survey on intelligent SS methodologies for 5G and B5G wireless networks, considering the applications of artificial intelligence for efficient SS. Specifically, a thorough overview of SS methodologies is conferred, following which the various spectrum utilization opportunities arising from the existing SS methodologies in intelligent wireless networks are discussed. Subsequently, to highlight critical limitations of the existing methodologies, recent literature on existing SS methodologies is reviewed in detail, classifying them based on the implemented technology, i.e., cognitive radio, machine learning, blockchain, and multiple other techniques. Moreover, the related SS techniques are reviewed to highlight significant challenges in the B5G intelligent wireless network. Finally, to provide an insight into the prospective research avenues, the article is concluded by presenting several potential research directions and proposed solutions
Microplastic Pollution in Aquatic Ecosystem: A Review of Existing Policies and Regulations
No full textAbstract
Environmental pollution due to plastic waste is a global challenge causing adverse impacts on the ecosystem and public health. Microplastic (MP) originates at the upstream processes such as industrial and household activities; however, their existence is affecting the downstream environment. Even though many governments and non-government organizations have taken technological and regulatory steps, these current efforts and strategies are insufficient to prevent the MP release in the environment. Thus, a multidisciplinary global approach is required, which must prioritize the reducing of plastic inputs to the environment. To regulate MP levels in the environment, worldwide reformative and preventive strategies are required because the issue is not limited to a single nation or region. In relation to marine plastic waste, a number of multilateral agreements and measures exist at global level. Several regulatory measures have been examined by regulatory bodies with the intention of safeguarding the environment from excessive MP contamination. However, neither of the frameworks in place is specifically made to stop the increased MP pollution in the environment. Therefore, this review focused on the preventive measures taken by the government and non-government organizations for MP control through legislations. The study also critically discussed MP-related policies aiming to increase the viability and efficiency of implementing future plastic management. This review is expected to provide the basic guidelines for formulating MP standards in the environment.Abstract
Environmental pollution due to plastic waste is a global challenge causing adverse impacts on the ecosystem and public health. Microplastic (MP) originates at the upstream processes such as industrial and household activities; however, their existence is affecting the downstream environment. Even though many governments and non-government organizations have taken technological and regulatory steps, these current efforts and strategies are insufficient to prevent the MP release in the environment. Thus, a multidisciplinary global approach is required, which must prioritize the reducing of plastic inputs to the environment. To regulate MP levels in the environment, worldwide reformative and preventive strategies are required because the issue is not limited to a single nation or region. In relation to marine plastic waste, a number of multilateral agreements and measures exist at global level. Several regulatory measures have been examined by regulatory bodies with the intention of safeguarding the environment from excessive MP contamination. However, neither of the frameworks in place is specifically made to stop the increased MP pollution in the environment. Therefore, this review focused on the preventive measures taken by the government and non-government organizations for MP control through legislations. The study also critically discussed MP-related policies aiming to increase the viability and efficiency of implementing future plastic management. This review is expected to provide the basic guidelines for formulating MP standards in the environment
Space-confined growth of two-dimensional manganese oxide nanosheets in plant-cell structures for efficient tetracycline degradation
No full textAbstract
Manganese oxides (MnxOy) stand out as promising candidates for various redox reaction involved applications due to their diverse valence states. The expansive surface area of two-dimensional (2D) materials offers an abundance of active sites for reactions, thereby gathering significant interest for catalytic applications. Nonetheless, facile synthesis of 2D nano metal oxides remains a challenge. In this study, cabbage leaf cells were employed as bio-scaffolds to fabricate 2D MnxOy nanomaterials, leveraging the confined space within the cells. The resulting 2D MnxOy nanosheets, featured by multiple valence states and composed of Mn2O3 and Mn3O4 nanocrystals, exhibit a planar size of 32 nm and a lamellar thickness of about 3.95 nm. The distinctive 2D structure, coupled with the material’s multivalent manganese, facilitates efficient electron transfer, enhancing its function as a hetero-catalyst. Consequently, 2D MnxOy nanosheets demonstrate remarkable efficiency, achieving an 89 % removal of tetracycline (40 mg·L–1) with the assistance of H2O2. This study paves the way for employing biological templates to meticulously synthesize nanomaterials with precise morphologies, with applications extending across various fields.Abstract
Manganese oxides (MnxOy) stand out as promising candidates for various redox reaction involved applications due to their diverse valence states. The expansive surface area of two-dimensional (2D) materials offers an abundance of active sites for reactions, thereby gathering significant interest for catalytic applications. Nonetheless, facile synthesis of 2D nano metal oxides remains a challenge. In this study, cabbage leaf cells were employed as bio-scaffolds to fabricate 2D MnxOy nanomaterials, leveraging the confined space within the cells. The resulting 2D MnxOy nanosheets, featured by multiple valence states and composed of Mn2O3 and Mn3O4 nanocrystals, exhibit a planar size of 32 nm and a lamellar thickness of about 3.95 nm. The distinctive 2D structure, coupled with the material’s multivalent manganese, facilitates efficient electron transfer, enhancing its function as a hetero-catalyst. Consequently, 2D MnxOy nanosheets demonstrate remarkable efficiency, achieving an 89 % removal of tetracycline (40 mg·L–1) with the assistance of H2O2. This study paves the way for employing biological templates to meticulously synthesize nanomaterials with precise morphologies, with applications extending across various fields
Equivariant neural network for modeling the xenon-water system
No full textVeden simuloinnissa on vielä tänä päivänäkin haasteita. Viime vuosina nopeaa vauhtia kehittynyt koneoppiminen voi kuitenkin tarjota tehokkaan tavan suorittaa tarkkoja molekyylidynamiikkasimulaatioita. Tässä LuK-tutkielmassa tavoitteena onkin muodostaa atomien välinen koneoppimisvuorovaikutuspotentiaali (machine learning interatomic potential, MLIP), jota käyttämällä voidaan simuloida ksenon-vesi-systeemiä eri pH-arvoilla. Tutkielmassa käytetään MACE-koneoppimismallia, joka on osoittautunut tehokkaaksi ja tarkaksi verrattuna muihin malleihin. Tutkielman alussa tarkastellaan yleisesti koneoppimisvuorovaikutuspotentiaalien toimintaperiaatetta ja lisäksi esitellään tarkemmin MACE-koneoppimismalli. Tämän jälkeen esitetään, miten MACE-malli koulutetaan. Mallin muodostamisen jälkeen arvioidaan sen toimivuutta tarkastelemalla mallin lopullisia virheitä sekä suorittamalla molekyylidynamiikkasimulaatio MACE-mallia käyttäen. Lopussa otetaan lyhyt katsaus siihen, miten työssä muodostettua mallia voidaan tulevaisuudessa kehittää
Digital health competence among healthcare professionals: A cross-sectional cluster analysis across 19 countries and regions
No full textAbstract
Background:
The worldwide acceleration of digital transformation in healthcare underscores the need for professionals to continuously adapt and sustain robust digital health competence, shaped not only by individual characteristics and institutional environments but also by broader social, cultural, and geopolitical factors.
Objective:
This study aimed to identify distinct clusters of digital health competence among healthcare professionals across 19 diverse countries and regions, and to examine the factors influencing the development and distribution of these competence clusters.
Methods:
A cross-sectional international survey study was conducted between 2023 and 2024, using a validated survey instrument measuring digital health competence and its influencing factors. Data were collected from healthcare professionals in 19 countries and regions (n = 6440; n = 5945 used for this study), following a harmonised protocol with shared demographic templates and instruments. K-means cluster analysis was employed to derive digital competence profiles, with comparative analyses conducted to investigate associations between the identified clusters and individual characteristics (e.g., age, education, professional experience).
Results:
Five distinct clusters of digital health competence were identified: (1) Beginners, (2) Developing Professionals, (3) Emerging Users, (4) Proficient Practitioners, and (5) Pioneers. Higher competence clusters (4 and 5) were associated with younger age, higher education, hospital-based work, and stronger perceived support from management, organisational structures, and colleagues. In contrast, lower-performing clusters reported limited digital engagement and minimal support. Perceived leadership influence, particularly managerial commitment to digital change, was a key differentiator across clusters.
Conclusions:
The findings demonstrate substantial variation in digital health competence across healthcare professionals internationally. Cluster-specific strategies, such as targeted upskilling, peer mentoring, and leadership engagement, are needed to address competence gaps. The results provide a foundation for policy development and workforce training frameworks aimed at strengthening digital readiness in global healthcare systems. Future research should explore longitudinal competence development and evaluate targeted interventions.Abstract
Background:
The worldwide acceleration of digital transformation in healthcare underscores the need for professionals to continuously adapt and sustain robust digital health competence, shaped not only by individual characteristics and institutional environments but also by broader social, cultural, and geopolitical factors.
Objective:
This study aimed to identify distinct clusters of digital health competence among healthcare professionals across 19 diverse countries and regions, and to examine the factors influencing the development and distribution of these competence clusters.
Methods:
A cross-sectional international survey study was conducted between 2023 and 2024, using a validated survey instrument measuring digital health competence and its influencing factors. Data were collected from healthcare professionals in 19 countries and regions (n = 6440; n = 5945 used for this study), following a harmonised protocol with shared demographic templates and instruments. K-means cluster analysis was employed to derive digital competence profiles, with comparative analyses conducted to investigate associations between the identified clusters and individual characteristics (e.g., age, education, professional experience).
Results:
Five distinct clusters of digital health competence were identified: (1) Beginners, (2) Developing Professionals, (3) Emerging Users, (4) Proficient Practitioners, and (5) Pioneers. Higher competence clusters (4 and 5) were associated with younger age, higher education, hospital-based work, and stronger perceived support from management, organisational structures, and colleagues. In contrast, lower-performing clusters reported limited digital engagement and minimal support. Perceived leadership influence, particularly managerial commitment to digital change, was a key differentiator across clusters.
Conclusions:
The findings demonstrate substantial variation in digital health competence across healthcare professionals internationally. Cluster-specific strategies, such as targeted upskilling, peer mentoring, and leadership engagement, are needed to address competence gaps. The results provide a foundation for policy development and workforce training frameworks aimed at strengthening digital readiness in global healthcare systems. Future research should explore longitudinal competence development and evaluate targeted interventions
Virtual body ownership affects the processing of sensorimotor contingencies and goal-oriented information extraction, but not semantics
No full textAbstract
Previous research has attempted to quantify presence in virtual environments using event-related potentials (ERPs). We contend, however, that previous efforts have fallen short of fully realizing this goal, failing to either (A) independently manipulate presence, (B) validate their measure of presence against traditional techniques, (C) adequately separate the constructs of presence and attention, and/or (D) implement a realistic and immersive environment and task. We address these shortcomings in an ERP experiment in which participants play an engaging target shooting game in virtual reality (VR). ERPs are time-locked to the release of a ball from a sling. We induce breaks in presence (BIPs) by freezing the ball’s release on a minority of trials. Embodiment is manipulated by allowing manual manipulation of the sling with a realistic avatar in one condition (embodied condition) and passive manipulation with only controllers in another (non-embodied condition). We find, in line with our preregistered predictions, that the N2, the P3b, and the N400 are selectively sensitive towards embodied BIPs, information extraction, and BIPs regardless of embodiment, respectively. The pattern of findings carries significant implications for theories of presence, which have been seldom addressed in previous ERP investigations on this topic.Abstract
Previous research has attempted to quantify presence in virtual environments using event-related potentials (ERPs). We contend, however, that previous efforts have fallen short of fully realizing this goal, failing to either (A) independently manipulate presence, (B) validate their measure of presence against traditional techniques, (C) adequately separate the constructs of presence and attention, and/or (D) implement a realistic and immersive environment and task. We address these shortcomings in an ERP experiment in which participants play an engaging target shooting game in virtual reality (VR). ERPs are time-locked to the release of a ball from a sling. We induce breaks in presence (BIPs) by freezing the ball’s release on a minority of trials. Embodiment is manipulated by allowing manual manipulation of the sling with a realistic avatar in one condition (embodied condition) and passive manipulation with only controllers in another (non-embodied condition). We find, in line with our preregistered predictions, that the N2, the P3b, and the N400 are selectively sensitive towards embodied BIPs, information extraction, and BIPs regardless of embodiment, respectively. The pattern of findings carries significant implications for theories of presence, which have been seldom addressed in previous ERP investigations on this topic