scholarly journals Adaptive Non-Immersive VR Environment for Eliciting Fear of Cockroaches: A Physiology-Driven Approach Combined with 3D-TV Exposure

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-108
Author(s):  
Pedro J. Rosa ◽  
Filipe Luz ◽  
Roberto Júnior ◽  
Jorge Oliveira ◽  
Diogo Morais ◽  
...  

Non-immersive VR environments are related to the least interactive application of VR techniques, such that interaction with the VR environment can occur commonly by 3D-TV without full immersion into the environment. This study presents how 3D-TV exposure combined with physiology recording can elicit fear of cockroaches among individuals with different levels of fear. Thirty-six participants, set apart into three fear groups (low vs. moderate vs. high), were exposed to VR environment with cockroaches for 4 minutes while recording and using cardiac activity as input to the VR environment. Results revealed significant effects on self-report measures and heart rate between different fear groups. Moreover, participants with higher levels of fear were more likely to trigger cockroaches into the scenario due to their cardiac acceleration. Overall results suggest that our physiology-driven VR environment is valid for fear elicitation while having potential use in therapeutic domain.

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joris H. Janssen ◽  
Wijnand A. Ijsselsteijn ◽  
Joyce H.D.M. Westerink ◽  
Paul Tacken ◽  
Gert-Jan de Vries

Heartbeats are strongly related to emotions, and people are known to interpret their own heartbeat as emotional information. To explore how people interpret other’s cardiac activity, the authors conducted four experiments. In the first experiment, they aurally presented ten different levels of heart rate to participants and compare emotional intensity ratings. In the second experiment, the authors compare the effects of nine levels of heart rate variability around 0.10 Hz and 0.30 Hz on emotional intensity ratings. In the third experiment, they combined manipulations of heart rate and heart rate variability to compare their effects. Finally, in the fourth experiment, they compare effects of heart rate to effects of angry versus neutral facial expressions, again on emotional intensity ratings. Overall, results show that people relate increases in heart rate to increases in emotional intensity. These effects were similar to effects of the facial expressions. This shows possibilities for using human interpretations of heart rate in communication applications.


2017 ◽  
Vol 225 (3) ◽  
pp. 268-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. White ◽  
Dieter Kleinböhl ◽  
Thomas Lang ◽  
Alfons O. Hamm ◽  
Alexander L. Gerlach ◽  
...  

Abstract. Ambulatory assessment methods are well suited to examine how patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia (PD/A) undertake situational exposure. But under complex field conditions of a complex treatment protocol, the variability of data can be so high that conventional analytic approaches based on group averages inadequately describe individual variability. To understand how fear responses change throughout exposure, we aimed to demonstrate the incremental value of sorting HR responses (an index of fear) prior to applying averaging procedures. As part of their panic treatment, 85 patients with PD/A completed a total of 233 bus exposure exercises. Heart rate (HR), global positioning system (GPS) location, and self-report data were collected. Patients were randomized to one of two active treatment conditions (standard exposure or fear-augmented exposure) and completed multiple exposures in four consecutive exposure sessions. We used latent class cluster analysis (CA) to cluster heart rate (HR) responses collected at the start of bus exposure exercises (5 min long, centered on bus boarding). Intra-individual patterns of assignment across exposure repetitions were examined to explore the relative influence of individual and situational factors on HR responses. The association between response types and panic disorder symptoms was determined by examining how clusters were related to self-reported anxiety, concordance between HR and self-report measures, and bodily symptom tolerance. These analyses were contrasted with a conventional analysis based on averages across experimental conditions. HR responses were sorted according to form and level criteria and yielded nine clusters, seven of which were interpretable. Cluster assignment was not stable across sessions or treatment condition. Clusters characterized by a low absolute HR level that slowly decayed corresponded with low self-reported anxiety and greater self-rated tolerance of bodily symptoms. Inconsistent individual factors influenced HR responses less than situational factors. Applying clustering can help to extend the conventional analysis of highly variable data collected in the field. We discuss the merits of this approach and reasons for the non-stereotypical pattern of cluster assignment across exposures.


Author(s):  
Kevin Wise ◽  
Hyo Jung Kim ◽  
Jeesum Kim

A mixed-design experiment was conducted to explore differences between searching and surfing on cognitive and emotional responses to online news. Ninety-two participants read three unpleasant news stories from a website. Half of the participants acquired their stories by searching, meaning they had a previous information need in mind. The other half of the participants acquired their stories by surfing, with no previous information need in mind. Heart rate, skin conductance, and corrugator activation were collected as measures of resource allocation, motivational activation, and unpleasantness, respectively, while participants read each story. Self-report valence and recognition accuracy were also measured. Stories acquired by searching elicited greater heart rate acceleration, skin conductance level, and corrugator activation during reading. These stories were rated as more unpleasant, and their details were recognized more accurately than similar stories that were acquired by surfing. Implications of these results for understanding how people process online media are discussed.


Author(s):  
Алексей Дмитриевич Акишин ◽  
Иван Павлович Семчук ◽  
Александр Петрович Николаев

Постоянно растущий интерес к разработке новых неинвазивных и безманжетных методов измерения параметров сердечной деятельности, использование которых давало бы возможность непрерывного и удаленного контроля сердечно-сосудистой системы, обуславливает актуальность данной работы. В многочисленных публикациях продолжаются обсуждения преимуществ и недостатков различных методов ранней диагностики сердечно-сосудистых заболеваний. Однако артефакты движения являются сильной помехой, мешающей точной оценке показателей функционирования сердечно-сосудистой системы. Одним из перспективных методов контроля является метод оценки физиологических параметров с использованием фотоплетизмографии. Данная статья посвящена разработке устройства для фотоплетизмографических исследований и алгоритмических методов обработки регистрируемых сигналов для обеспечения мониторинга сердечного ритма с заданной точностью. В работе используются технологии цифровой адаптивной фильтрации полученных сигналов для мониторинга сердечного ритма в условиях внешних механических и электрических помеховых воздействий, ухудшающих точностные характеристики системы, а также разработана архитектура системы и изготовлен макет устройства, который позволил провести измерения для определения оптимального алгоритма цифровой обработки сигналов. При использовании устройства применялись методы адаптивной фильтрации на основе фильтров Винера, фильтров на основе метода наименьших квадратов и Калмановской фильтрации. Разработанное устройство для фотоплетизмографических исследований обеспечило возможность мониторинга сердечного ритма с заданной точностью, контроля текущего состояния организма и может быть использовано в качестве средства диагностики заболеваний сердца The constantly growing interest in the development of new non-invasive and cuff-free methods for measuring the parameters of cardiac activity, the use of which would give the possibility of continuous and remote monitoring of the cardiovascular system, determines the relevance of this work. Numerous publications continue to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various methods of early diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. However, motion artifacts are a strong hindrance to the accurate assessment of the performance of the cardiovascular system. One of the promising control methods is the method for assessing physiological parameters using photoplethysmography. This article is devoted to the development of a device for photoplethysmographic studies and algorithmic methods for processing recorded signals to ensure monitoring of the heart rate with a given accuracy. The work uses technologies of digital adaptive filtering of the received signals to monitor the heart rate in conditions of external mechanical and electrical interference, which worsen the accuracy characteristics of the system, as well as the architecture of the system and a prototype of the device, which made it possible to carry out measurements to determine the optimal algorithm for digital signal processing. When using the device, the methods of adaptive filtering based on Wiener filters, filters based on the least squares method and Kalman filtering were used. The developed device for photoplethysmographic studies provided the ability to monitor the heart rate with a given accuracy, control the current state of the body and can be used as a means of diagnosing heart diseases


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 46-60
Author(s):  
Igor Bakhmet ◽  
Natalia Fokina ◽  
Tatiana Ruokolainen

Blue mussels, Mytilus edulis, inhabiting tidal zones, are naturally exposed to fluctuating environmental conditions (e.g., fluctuations in temperature and salinities), while horse mussels, Modiolus modiolus, live under relatively invariable shelf water conditions. The present investigation tested the hypothesis: blue mussels, in comparison to horse mussels, have an increased ability to tolerate the stress of pollution combined with low salinity. To assess the response of blue mussels and horse mussels to oil pollution at seawater salinities of 25 psu (normal) and 15 psu (low), we used a combination of heart rate and lipid composition as physiological and biochemical indicators, respectively. A sharp decrease in heart rate as well as important fluctuations in cardiac activity was observed under all oil concentrations. Modifications in the concentrations of the main membrane lipid classes (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and cholesterol) and storage lipids (primarily triacylglycerols) in response to different crude oil concentrations were time- and dose-dependent. Both chosen indicators showed a high sensitivity to crude oil contamination. Furthermore, both bivalve species showed similar responses to oil pollution, suggesting a universal mechanism for biochemical adaptation to crude oil pollution.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 959
Author(s):  
Konstantin G. Heimrich ◽  
Thomas Lehmann ◽  
Peter Schlattmann ◽  
Tino Prell

Recent evidence suggests that the vagus nerve and autonomic dysfunction play an important role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. Using heart rate variability analysis, the autonomic modulation of cardiac activity can be investigated. This meta-analysis aims to assess if analysis of heart rate variability may indicate decreased parasympathetic tone in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central databases were searched on 31 December 2020. Studies were included if they: (1) were published in English, (2) analyzed idiopathic Parkinson’s disease and healthy adult controls, and (3) reported at least one frequency- or time-domain heart rate variability analysis parameter, which represents parasympathetic regulation. We included 47 studies with 2772 subjects. Random-effects meta-analyses revealed significantly decreased effect sizes in Parkinson patients for the high-frequency spectral component (HFms2) and the short-term measurement of the root mean square of successive normal-to-normal interval differences (RMSSD). However, heterogeneity was high, and there was evidence for publication bias regarding HFms2. There is some evidence that a more advanced disease leads to an impaired parasympathetic regulation. In conclusion, short-term measurement of RMSSD is a reliable parameter to assess parasympathetically impaired cardiac modulation in Parkinson patients. The measurement should be performed with a predefined respiratory rate.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Barmenkova ◽  
E Dushina ◽  
N Burko ◽  
V Oleinikov

Abstract Purpose To assess the importance of highly effective lipid-lowering therapy with atorvastatin in the normalization of the autonomic regulation of cardiac activity in patients with myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation (STEMI). Methods The study included 130 patients with STEMI aged 51.3±8.9 years, the majority of males (91%). Inclusion criteria: age from 35 to 70 years, STEMI confirmed by ECG and the level of biomarkers (troponin I, CK-MB), the presence of hemodynamically significant stenosis of a culprit artery according to coronary angiography provided that other coronary arteries are occluded no more than 50%, left main coronary artery - not more than 30%. Exclusion criteria: a history of myocardial infarction, CHF III-IV NYHA, bundle branch block, atrial fibrillation, artificial pacemaker. All patients took atorvastatin at a dose of 40–80 mg/day for 48 weeks after STEMI. As part of a further study at the 7th-9th day and 48 weeks after STEMI, 24-hour ECG monitoring was performed with the Astrocard system. The spectral parameters of heart rate variability (HRV) were evaluated: TotP (ms2), ULF (ms2), VLF (ms2), LF (ms2), HF (ms2), LF / HF. By the 48th week of treatment, patients were divided into groups depending on the achievement of the target level of low density lipoproteins (LDL) of less than 1.4 mmol / l or less than 50% of the initial values: 64 people who reached target values of LDL and formed the group of high-effective lipid-lowering therapy “H”, the group of low effective treatment “L” included 66 patients whose LDL did not meet the recommended level. The groups were matched by gender, age, and anthropometric data. Results In the “H” group, by the 48th week, a pronounced power amplification of all spectral components was obtained. The TotP parameter increased from 13021 (95% CI 10967; 15076) ms2 to 20988 (95% CI 17617; 24358) ms2 (p=0.0001); HF - from 164 (95% CI 105; 222) ms2 to 249 (95% CI 178; 321) ms2 (p=0.003). An increase in the low-frequency components of HRV was observed: an increase in ULF from 10695 (95% CI 8985; 12406) ms2 to 20401 (95% CI 15099; 25703) ms2 (p=0.0001), VLF - from 1473 (95% CI 1212; 1734) ms2 to 1734 (95% CI 1478; 1990) ms2 (p=0.01), LF - from 761 (95% CI 573; 949) ms2 to 909 (95% CI 736; 1082) ms2 (p=0.02). Against the background of an increase in all parameters of the frequency spectrum, the sympathovagal balance coefficient LF / HF decreased from 6.6 (95% CI 5.7; 7.6) to 5.2 (95% CI 4.3; 6.1) ( p=0.004). An analysis of the HRV indicators dynamics in the L group revealed an increase in only the total spectrum power - TotP from 12740 (95% CI 10947; 14533) ms2 to 20195 (95% CI 16619; 23770) ms2. Conclusions Highly effective therapy with atorvastatin in STEMI patients helps to normalize the parameters of the autonomic regulation of heart rate in the post-infarction period due to the increased effects of parasympathetic activity. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.E. Bebinov ◽  
O.N. Krivoshchekova ◽  
A.V. Nechaev

The research was carried out on two independent experimental groups of boys and girls. The first was observed in traffic conditions, the second during the period of auto-simulator training. The HRV indices were determined: HR - heart rate, IN - index of tension of regulatory systems, AMo - amplitude of the mode, LF/HF - index of vagosympathetic interaction. A pronounced sympathetic reaction of more prepared cadets to the training load with the subsequent restoration of the studied characteristics was revealed. Key words: heart rate variability, autonomic regulation, vagosympathetic interaction, driver training, level of preparedness.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 216495612092328
Author(s):  
Catherine L Tegeler ◽  
Hossam A Shaltout ◽  
Sung W Lee ◽  
Sean L Simpson ◽  
Lee Gerdes ◽  
...  

Background Law enforcement officers have decreased life expectancy, attributed to work-related exposure to traumatic stress and circadian disruption. Autonomic dysregulation is reported with traumatic stress and chronic insomnia. Objective We explore potential benefits for reduced symptoms related to stress and insomnia and improved autonomic function associated with open label use of high-resolution, relational, resonance-based, electroencephalic mirroring (HIRREM®), in a cohort of sworn law enforcement personnel. Methods Closed-loop noninvasive therapies utilizing real-time monitoring offer a patient-centric approach for brain-based intervention. HIRREM® is a noninvasive, closed-loop, allostatic, neurotechnology that echoes specific brain frequencies in real time as audible tones to support self-optimization of brain rhythms. Self-report symptom inventories done before and after HIRREM included insomnia (ISI), depression (CES-D), traumatic stress (PCL-C), anxiety (GAD-7), perceived stress (PSS), and quality of life (EQ-5D). Ten-minute recordings of heart rate and blood pressure allowed analysis of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and heart rate variability (HRV). Results Fifteen participants (1 female), mean (SD) age 45.7 (5.6), received 12.2 (2.7) HIRREM sessions, over 7.9 in-office days. Data were collected at baseline, and at 22.8 (9.2), and 67.2 (14.1) days after intervention. All symptom inventories improved significantly ( P < .01), with durability for 2 months after completion of the intervention. The use of HIRREM was also associated with significant increases ( P < .001) in HRV measured as rMSSD and BRS measured by high-frequency alpha index. There were no serious adverse events or drop outs. Conclusion These pilot data provide the first report of significant symptom reductions, and associated improvement in measures of autonomic cardiovascular regulation, with the use of HIRREM in a cohort of law enforcement personnel. Randomized clinical trials are warranted.


1993 ◽  
Vol 265 (6) ◽  
pp. R1410-R1415 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Dieguez ◽  
J. L. Garcia ◽  
N. Fernandez ◽  
A. L. Garcia-Villalon ◽  
L. Monge ◽  
...  

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in the cerebral circulation under basal conditions and after vasodilatation to hypercapnia or reactive hyperemias was studied in 17 anesthetized goats. The intravenous administration of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 3-4 or 8-10 mg/kg), an inhibitor of nitric oxide production, reduced middle cerebral artery (MCA) flow (electromagnetically measured) by 19 and 30% and increased systemic arterial pressure by 21 and 26%, respectively, whereas heart rate did not significantly change; MCA resistance increased by 48 and 86%, respectively. These hemodynamic effects were reversed by L-arginine (200-300 mg/kg iv; 5 goats). Different levels of hypercapnia (PCO2 of 30-35, 40-45, and 55-65 mmHg) (12 goats) produced arterial PCO2-dependent increases in MCA flow that were similar under control and L-NAME treatment. Graded cerebral hyperemia occurred after 5, 10, and 20 s of MCA occlusion in 5 goats, but its magnitude was decreased during L-NAME treatment. It suggests that, in the cerebral circulation, nitric oxide 1) produces a basal vasodilator tone and 2) is probably not involved in the vasodilatation to hypercapnia but may mediate hyperemic responses after short brain ischemias.


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