Behavioral Performance Research Articles

Preventive Effects of Ocimum gratissimum (Lamiaceae) Leaf Decoction on Pilocarpine-induced Seizure and Anxiety in White Mice (Mus musculus Swiss)

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of leaf decoction of Ocimum gratissimum (24.4, 61, 122 and 244 mg/kg) on seizures and anxiety during pilocarpine-induced epileptogenesis in mice Mus musculus Swiss. To evaluate anticonvulsivant and anxiolytic effect of Ocimum gratissimum, a pathological model of pilocarpine-induced temporal epilepsy, behavioral tests and analyses of biochemical parameters (malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, GABA and GABA-transaminase) were used to verify its properties on pilocarpine-induced seizures, oxidative stress and anxiety. Four different doses of the decoction of Ocimum gratissimum were administered to the animals, and their effects were compared with distilled water (10 mL/kg), pilocarpine (360 mg/kg), sodium valproate (300 mg/kg), NaCl 0.9% and diazepam (3 and 0.3 mg/kg). The results showed that administration of Ocimum gratissimum significantly decreases the number and duration of seizures, it increases the latency of status epilepticus and seizures, as well as the seizure score. The decoctate significantly improves the behavioral performance of mice, and inhibits the effects of pilocarpine. This resulted in a decrease in MDA levels, an increase in reduced glutathione levels. A significant increase in GABA levels and a decrease in GABA-transaminase activity were also observed in animals treated with 244 mg/kg. These results suggest that Ocimum gratissimum has anticonvulsant, antioxidant and anxiolytic properties. It could be used as a preventive measure against Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.

Prediction of the axial compression capacity of ECC-CES columns using adaptive sampling and machine learning techniques.

An innovative form of concrete-encased steel (CES) composite columns incorporating engineered cementitious composites (ECC) confinement (ECC-CES) has recently been introduced, displaying superior performance in failure behavior, ductility, and toughness compared to traditional CES columns. This study presents an innovative approach to predicting the axial capacity of ECC-CES columns using adaptive sampling and machine learning (ML) techniques. This study initially introduces a finite element (FE) modeling for ECC-CES columns, integrating material and geometric nonlinearities to accurately capture the inelastic behavior of ECC and steel through appropriate constitutive material laws. The FE model was validated against experimental data and demonstrated strong predictive accuracy. An adaptive sampling process is employed for efficient exploration of the design space to generate a database of 840 FE models. Subsequently, seven ML models are utilized to predict the axial compression capacity based on the FE database. These models were comprehensively evaluated, displaying a superior prediction performance compared to design standards such as EC4 and AISC360. From evolution metrics, the Gaussian process regression, CatBoost (CATB), and LightGBM (LGBM) models emerged as the most accurate and reliable model, with nearly more than 97% of FE samples within the 10% error range. Despite the robust performance of the ML models, their black-box nature limits practical applicability in design contexts. To address this, the study proposes a symbolic regression-derived design that offers interpretable, explicit design equations with competitive performance metrics.

Sustainable management in the hospitality industry: the influence of green human resource management on employees’ pro-environmental behavior and environmental performance

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the impact of green human resource management on cognitive factors, employees' pro-environmental behavior and the environmental performance of hotels in Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachDrawing upon primary data collected from a sample of 393 hotel employees, this study utilizes covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) to test hypotheses and conduct path analysis.FindingsThe study’s findings reveal several key insights. Firstly, GHRM positively influences environmental knowledge (EK), environmental attitude (EA), attitude toward pro-environmental behavior (APB), pro-environmental behavior (PB) of employees and environmental performance (EP) of hotels. Additionally, the results also indicate that EK promotes EA, APB and PB, and both EA and EK can predict PB of employees. Surprisingly, the results from CB-SEM analysis reject the direct impact of APB on PB. Moreover, this study also confirmed the positive influence of PB on EP of hotels. Notably, the research delves into the moderating effect of work overload (WO) on the associations between GHRM and PB, as well as APB and PB.Practical implicationsThe findings offer valuable recommendations for hotel managers and policymakers, aiming for effective GHRM practices and improvement of employees’ PB and EP of hotels.Originality/valueThis study broadens the understanding of sustainable management practices, specifically in human resource management in the hospitality industry. Notably, it identifies significant avenues to address theoretical gaps left by previous studies.

Influencer Marketing: Changing the Game

Influencer marketing has emerged as a transformative strategy in the new digital economy and is changing the ways brands connect with consumers. This paper explores the development, effectiveness, and impact of influencer marketing on consumer behavior and brand performance by focusing on how influencers bridge gaps between brands and their target audiences through authentic and relatable content. This study analyses the mega to nano influencer and show about reach, engagement, and cost-effectiveness. It examines how on such huge platforms, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok tend to be a hotspot for influencer-driven campaigns. Lastly, it analyses how influencer marketing shapes consumer trust, increases purchase decisions, and changes brand perception. The research will focus on the ethical and regulatory landscape, which will highlight the importance of transparency, authenticity, and compliance with guidelines like those from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The paper also includes case studies of successful campaigns, best practices, and challenges in terms of fake followers, misleading content, and evolving audience expectations. Among them is emerging forward research on future trends, for instance, AI-picks influencer; the rise of virtual influencers and incorporation of immersed technologies such as augmented and virtual reality in their campaigns. Providing an all-around view of how to use an influencer campaign effectively, the research will aid marketers, researchers, and industry players to make workable decisions while harnessing the mighty tool.

Time to inhibit: P300 amplitude differences in individuals with high and low temporal efficiency.

Temporal processing and inhibitory control are closely interconnected. This study investigated whether individuals of high and low temporal efficiency display different behavioral and neural patterns while performing an electrophysiological Go/No-Go task. Individuals with lower temporal processing had significantly poorer behavioral performance of the task-slower reaction times to Go stimuli, greater number of omissions, and lower stimulus detectability (lower d-prime value)-than the high temporal efficiency group. Additionally, participants with low temporal efficiency had significantly lower P300 response to correct inhibitions (No-Go stimuli) compared to those with high temporal efficiency. Furthermore, the greater amplitude of the difference wave (No-Go vs Go) in the high temporal efficiency group may suggest superior efficacy of response inhibition and attention control processes in comparison to the low temporal efficiency group. These findings highlight significant differences in inhibitory control at both behavioral and neural levels in young adults differing in temporal processing efficiency.

Mechanical behaviour and low cycle fatigue performance of plasma sprayed ZrO2 coated Al-7075-T6 alloy under subzero temperature condition

Mechanical behaviour and low cycle fatigue performance of plasma sprayed ZrO2 coated Al-7075-T6 alloy under subzero temperature condition

High capacitive energy storage in K0.5Bi0.5TiO3-based quaternary solid solution around morphotropic relaxor boundary

Energy storage capacitors are valued for their high power density and ultrafast discharging rates, positioning them as promising candidates for advanced electronic systems and pulse power technologies. This study developed a KBT-based solid solution composed of K0.5Bi0.5TiO3, Na0.5Bi0.5ZrO3, K0.5Bi0.5ZrO3, and Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3, located near a morphotropic relaxor boundary. This configuration results in a perovskite host with both high structural entropy and enhanced polarization capability. The incorporation of Bi(Zn2/3Nb1/3)O3 not only modifies the dynamic behavior of polar nanoregions but also increases the resistance contribution from the grain boundary, thereby improving the electrical breakdown strength Eb. Optimal polarization behavior and energy storage performance were achieved with 1.0 mol.% Bi(Zn2/3Nb1/3)O3 addition, resulting in a large field-induced polarization ΔP of 55.3 µC/cm2, a high recoverable energy density Wr of 6.52 J/cm3, and a high efficiency η of 80%. Overall, this work proposed a design strategy for developing KBT-based ceramics for energy storage capacitors.

Memory-Enhancing and Anxiolytic Effects of the Rose of Jericho on Sleep Deprivation-Related Cognitive and Behavioral Changes.

Sleep is a crucial physiological phenomenon that enables the body to engage in restoration and rejuvenation. Remarkably, even limited periods of sleep deprivation (SD) can adversely affect cognitive functions such as memory retention, emotional regulation, data processing, and concentration. The Rose of Jericho (RoJ) has been considered more than a plant and has demonstrated potential therapeutic actions in childbirth, respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and cancer.The effect of the RoJ on memory, cognition, and behavior has not yet been well-studied. The present study aimed to investigate the possible therapeutic effects of the RoJ on memory, cognition, behavior, and motor coordination in a rat model of SD. Thirty male Wistar albino rats weighing 120-150 g were used in the present study. The rats were acclimatized and trained and then randomly divided into three groups: control (C), sleep-deprived (SD), and SD treated with RoJ (SD+RoJ). Spatial memory and learning were assessed using the Morris Water Maze (MWM) test, while anxiety-related behaviors were evaluated through the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) test. The rotarod test was used to assess motor coordination. The study revealed significant behavioral and cognitive performance improvements with the SD+RoJ group across all the tests. In the MWM test, the SD group exhibited a marked increase in test duration (29.5 ± 3.57 sec) and a reduction in average speed (1.9 ± 0.3 cm/s) when compared to the C group (13.41 ± 1.57 sec and 5.9 ± 0.34 cm/s, respectively). Interestingly, the SD+RoJ group significantly reduced test duration (19.75 ± 3.36 sec) and improved rats' speed (6.06 ± 0.27 cm/s) compared to the SD group. The EPM test demonstrated that the SD group spent significantly less time in the open arms (16.2 ± 9.44 sec) than the C group (59.8 ± 3.29 sec). Interestingly, the SD+RoJ group significantly improved the time spent in the open arms (45.8 ± 11.64 sec). Moreover, the SD+RoJ group showed notable improvement in open-arm entries (7 ± 2.39) compared to the SD group (1.6 ± 0.81). In the Rotarod test, the SD group demonstrated a significant decline in latency to fall (44.2 ± 9.5 sec) compared to the C group (228.67 ± 35.44 sec). The SD+RoJ group exhibited a significantly longer falling latency (165 ± 28.77 sec) than the SD group. Treatment with the RoJ alleviated SD-dependent cognitive impairment, anxiety, and decline in motor coordination. Supplementation with the RoJ may offer potential therapeutic benefits, including boosting memory, improving cognition, reducing anxiety and depression, andenhancing motor coordination.

Vitamin C and Gallic Acid Ameliorate Motor Dysfunction, Cognitive Deficits, and Brain Oxidative Stress in a Valproic Acid-Induced Model of Autism.

Autism, a developmental-neurodegenerative disorder, often manifests as social communication difficulties and has been correlated to oxidative stress in the brain. Vitamins C and gallic acid (GA) possess potent antioxidant properties, making them potential candidates for addressing autism-related issues. This study examined the influence of vitamin C (Vit C) and GA on behavioral, motor, and cognitive performance, along with the assessment of brain oxidative markers, using an experimental model of autism. Fourteen female rats were divided into saline and valproic acid (VPA) groups, and mating with mature male rats generated offspring. VPA (500mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) on gestational day (GD) 12.5. Male pups remained undisturbed for 29 days. On postnatal day (PND) 30, 48 male pups were randomly selected and administered daily injections of Vit C (30mg/kg, i.p.) or GA (30mg/kg, i.p.) for 4 weeks (PND 38-65). Behavioral assessments were conducted before and after treatment (PND 30-37 and 66-73). Animals were then anesthetized, and their brains were analyzed for oxidative stress markers. The prenatal VPA-induced autism model increased nociceptive threshold, heightened anxiety-like behaviors, impaired balance power, delayed spatial learning, elevated malondialdehyde, and decreased glutathione and catalase levels in the brains of the male offspring. Administration of Vit C and GA effectively mitigated these anomalies. Vit C and GA could potentially alleviate anxiety-like behaviors, motor and cognitive deficits, and brain oxidative stress markers in a prenatal rat autism model. This underscores their viability as potential pharmacological interventions for treating autistic dysfunction.

External trigeminal nerve stimulation (eTNS) Exhibits relaxation effects in fatigue states following napping deprivation.

In the face of inevitable declines in alertness and fatigue resulting from sleep deprivation, effective countermeasures are essential for maintaining performance. External trigeminal nerve stimulation (eTNS) presents a potential avenue for regulating alertness by activating the locus coeruleus and reticular activating system. Here, we conducted a within-subject study with 66 habitual nappers, subjecting them to afternoon nap-deprivation and applying either 20-minute of 120Hz eTNS or sham stimulation. We compared participants' performance in PVT and N-back tasks, subjective fatigue level and alertness ratings, and changes in heart rate variability, cortisol, and salivary alpha-amylase before and after stimulation. The results revealed a significant decline in PVT and N-back tasks performance, along with increased subjective fatigue levels in the sham stimulation group. In contrast, the eTNS stimulation group maintained behavioral performance, with lower post-stimulation fatigue levels than sham group. After stimulation, the eTNS group exhibited decreased mean R-R interval and elevated LF/HF ratios, i.e., a shift in autonomic nervous system activity towards sympathetic dominance, and a significant reduction in cortisol levels, indicating a state of relaxation alleviating drowsiness. These findings suggested that 120Hz eTNS stimulation might induce a relaxing effect, and thereby alleviate fatigue while preserving alertness and cognitive performance.

The association between perceived student gratitude and teacher family role performance: A moderated mediation model.

In recent years, numerous studies have highlighted the positive impact of student gratitude on individual development. However, a significant gap remains in the literature concerning how student gratitude influences teachers' family behavioral performance in their daily lives. This paper introduces Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory to examine the mediating effect of work-family enrichment on the relationship between student gratitude and teachers' family role performance, while also investigating whether intrinsic motivation moderates this relationship. In this study, data were collected from a sample of 1, 068 teachers and their spouses involved in student management and teaching activities across 21 colleges and universities in northwestern and southeastern China, utilizing a two-wave time-lagged method. The assessment of college teachers was conducted using the gratitude scale, family role performance scale, work-family enrichment scale, and intrinsic motivation scale. To investigate the moderated mediation effects, SPSS 26. 0 and Amos 24. 0 statistical software were employed for data analysis and hypothesis testing. Perceived student gratitudesignificantly predicts teacher' s family role performance. Work-family enrichment serves as a mediator in the relationship between perceived student gratitude and teachers' family role performance. Addditionaly, intrinsic motivation moderates both the relationship between perceived student gratitude and work-family enrichment, as well as the indirect effect of perceived student gratitude on teachers' family role performance through the mediation of work-family enrichment. This study enhances our understanding of how perceived student gratitude impacts teachers' family role performance, enriches our knowledge of the role of intrinsic motivation in this context, and broadens the antecedent research related to Conservation of Resources (COR) theory. The findings underscore the importance for administrators of higher education institutions to emphasize and promote the expression of perceived student gratitude. Furthermore, universities and colleges should also consider the family needs of teachers when facilitating the realization of their intrinsic motivation, thereby enabling teachers to achieve a better balance between their professional and family lives.

The Effect of Cue Probe Interval on Internal Attention: Evidence from Event-related Potentials.

Compelling evidence indicated shared cognitive mechanisms underpinning attention in both the external and internal domains. Typically, both external attention and internal attention are vulnerable to biases from intended goals and stimulus features. However, it is still unclear whether the temporal characteristics of the relationship between goal-directed and stimulus-driven external attention could be observed in internal attention. This study aimed to fill this gap by examining whether the lengths of time interval before a recalling probe influenced goal-directed and stimulus-driven internal attention. We manipulated the cue probe interval (CPI) before the probe in a working memory change detection task with a retrospective cue. In addition to behavioral performance, we also traced two electrophysiological signals of the event-related potential (ERP) components of N450 and P300 to represent goal-directed and stimulus-driven internal attention respectively. The results suggested that CPI modulated goal-directed attention with more pronounced N450 amplitudes when CPI was 2000ms than those when CPI was 500ms during the informative condition. Meanwhile, more pronounced P300 amplitudes were observed when CPI was 500ms than those when CPI was 2000ms for both the matching and nonmatching conditions. Such results lead to the conclusion that internal attention was goal-directed when CPI was as long as 2000ms, whereas stimulus-driven when CPI is as short as 500ms. Findings from this study contribute to the common points shared between internal and external attention.

Functional connectivity of the scene processing network at rest does not reliably predict human behaviour on scene processing tasks.

The perception of scenes is associated with processing in a network of scene-selective regions in the human brain. Prior research has identified a posterior-anterior bias within this network. Posterior scene regions exhibit preferential connectivity with early visual and posterior parietal regions, indicating a role in representing egocentric visual features. In contrast, anterior scene regions demonstrate stronger connectivity with frontoparietal control and default mode networks, suggesting a role in mnemonic processing of locations. Despite these findings, evidence linking connectivity in these regions to cognitive scene processing remains limited. In this preregistered study, we obtained cognitive behavioural measures alongside resting-state fMRI data from a large-scale public dataset to investigate interindividual variation in scene processing abilities relative to the functional connectivity of the scene network. Our results revealed substantial individual differences in scene recognition, spatial memory, and navigational abilities. Resting-state functional connectivity reproduced the posterior-anterior bias within the scene network. However, contrary to our preregistered hypothesis, we did not observe any consistent associations between interindividual variation in this connectivity and behavioural performance. These findings highlight the need for further research to clarify the role of these connections in scene processing, potentially through assessments of functional connectivity during scene-relevant tasks or in naturalistic conditions.Significance Statement Our ability to process scenes is crucial for interacting with our environment as it allows us to extract spatial, contextual, and navigational information. However, the mechanisms by which the scene network in the human brain supports these abilities remain poorly understood. To investigate this, we compared behavioural measures of scene processing with resting-state functional connectivity within the scene network. Extensive individual variability was evident in scene recognition, spatial memory, and navigational abilities. However, contrary to our preregistered hypothesis, we did not observe any consistent associations between task performance and the resting-state functional connectivity of the scene network. These results suggest that future research employing task-related or naturalistic designs may be necessary for elucidating the neural basis of scene perception.

Proposed Solutions for Improving Queue Management Efficiency at Bebeke Om Aris

The rapid growth of the food and beverage sector, especially in bustling urban environments, requires ongoing improvements in operational effectiveness to keep up with the rising demand and client standards. This study examines the queue management system at the Hasanudin branch of Bebeke Om Aris, a renowned restaurant in Bandung, Indonesia, that specializes in duck and chicken cuisine. The restaurant's operational performance is significantly impacted by extended waiting times experienced during busy periods. The objective of this research is to to develop and evaluate strategies for diminishing waiting times and enhancing overall efficiency through a quantitative methodology. This study was driven by the observed inefficiencies in the current queue management system, characterized by huge waits and longer waiting periods, especially on weekends. These inefficiencies not only impede the delivery of services but also provide a possible threat to the restaurant's competitive standing in the market. The main goal of this study is to determine and recommend effective strategies for optimizing queue management in order to achieve a maximum waiting time of 5 minutes during the busiest hours, as specified by the restaurant's management. During a four-week period, a structured observation method was used to collect primary data on customer arrivals, queue lengths, and waiting times. The observation notably targeted Saturday evenings, which are known for having the highest client inflow. The gathered data was subsequently employed to generate simulation models using Arena software, which assessed different scenarios, such as the integration of self-service kiosks, the adoption of QR code ordering systems, and the augmentation of cashier counters. The queuing theory was employed to examine these scenarios and assess important performance measures, including average waiting time, queue length, and system utilization rates. The investigation demonstrated that the integration of self-service kiosks and QR code ordering systems can effectively decrease waiting times and enhance operational efficiency. The self-service kiosks enable customers to autonomously place orders, thereby decreasing the burden on cashiers and expediting the ordering procedure. Similarly, the implementation of the QR code system simplifies the procedure by allowing customers to place orders and make payments directly from their smartphones, thereby reducing congestion at the cashier. The simulation results demonstrated a significant reduction in both mean waiting times and queue lengths, thereby successfully attaining the intended performance goals. This study's findings enhance the subject of operational management by showcasing how queuing theory and simulation tools may be practically applied to optimize service delivery in the food service industry. The suggested solutions give a scalable approach that can be customized for other comparable environments, providing a foundation for restaurants seeking to improve their service efficiency and customer satisfaction. Subsequent studies could investigate the enduring impacts of these interventions on customer behavior and business performance, as well as their suitability in various categories of food service enterprises

Decision-making and climbing performance under time constraints in Olympic bouldering

ABSTRACT Kahneman’s dual-process model postulates that two systems are involved in decision-making: slow thinking, defined as analytical processing of information, and fast thinking, where decisions emerge from intuitive, automatic responses. Climbers in Olympic bouldering typically engage in slow thinking to interpret movements and explore climbing strategies. However, time constraints imposed by regulations, combined with ineffective decision-making and failed climbing attempts, may compel them to make more intuitive, fast decisions. This study examined climbers’ decision-making and bouldering performance under varying time constraints. A total of 48 elite climbers were asked to climb three boulders, each within a different timeframe: four, two, and one minute. Data collection included boulder previewing times, appropriateness of decision-making, completed boulders, climbing attempts, and climbing times. Findings revealed that, as time constraints increased, absolute previewing time decreased, while previewing ratio relative to given time increased. Climbers made better decisions, did more attempts, had longer total climbing times, and were more successful when given time was longer, while relative climbing time increased when time was lower. Findings indicate that increased time constraints negatively affected climbers’ strategic behaviour and bouldering performance. This decline in decision-making and performance may be attributed to less time for slow thinking and actual climbing.

Parental Experiences of Administering Pediatric Tuina for Sleep and Appetite in Early School-Aged Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Qualitative Study in Hong Kong.

Previous research suggested that parent-administered pediatric tuina could improve symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as sleep quality and appetite. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of parents administering pediatric tuina to school-aged children with ADHD in Hong Kong. This qualitative study was embedded in a pilot randomized controlled trial on parent-administered pediatric tuina for improving sleep and appetite in school-aged children diagnosed with ADHD. Purposive sampling was used to invite 12 parents who attended a pediatric tuina training program and delivered the intervention to their children at home for at least 8 weeks. Data were collected through semistructured focus group interviews and individual interviews, which were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Two main themes emerged: (1) effects of parent-administered pediatric tuina and (2) parents' experience of administering pediatric tuina. Parents reported significant improvements in children's sleep quality, appetite, behavior, mental state, and academic performance. Facilitators provided professional guidance and applied a user-friendly course design. Challenges included difficulties in mastering techniques, locating acupuncture points, and time management. Participants suggested the need for more traditional Chinese medicine pattern diagnostic sessions, real-time supervision methods, and extended follow-up to better observe long-term effects. Parent-administered pediatric tuina was perceived to improve children's sleep quality and appetite significantly, along with other aspects of well-being. Professional guidance and a structured training program facilitated implementation, and challenges highlighted the need for more frequent diagnostic sessions, real-time supervision, and extended follow-up.

Impact of Green HRM Practices and Employee Green Perception on Sustainable Organizational Performance

Green human resource management (GHRM) methods can assist firms in aligning their business strategy and achieving long-term organizational performance. HRM researchers largely agree that employees' opinions of HR practices substantially impact their efficacy. The study investigates the impact of GHRM practices in green recruitment and selection (GRS), green training and development (GTD), green compensation and benefits (GCB), and employee green perception (EGP) on sustainable organizational performance (SOP) in Ghana, taking into account the mediating role of employee green behavior (EGB). Data was collected from 350 HR specialists and employees working for various Ghanaian manufacturing and service organizations to meet the study's aims. The data is acquired through a self-administered questionnaire. The data is analyzed using the smart PLS 4 structural equation modeling technique. The findings indicate that green recruitment and selection (GRS), green training and development (GTD), and employee green perception (EGP) all influence employee green behavior (GEB). The data also suggest that green training and development (GTD) and green recruitment and selection (GRS) have an impact on sustainable organizational performance (SOP). However, it was discovered that green compensation and benefits (GCB) have no meaningful effect on employee green behavior or sustainable organizational performance. The study has theoretical, methodological, and practical consequences for stakeholders, including academics, practitioners, legislators, and HR specialists.

The role of the intraparietal sulcus in numeracy: a review of parietal lesion cases.

Prominent theories of numeracy link the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) to approximate representations of quantity that undergird basic math abilities. The goal of this review is to better understand the neural basis of mathematical cognition through the lens of acalculia, by identifying numeracy-focused single case studies of patients with parietal lesions and testing for causal relationships between numeracy impairments and the locus of parietal damage. A systematic literature review identified 27 single case studies with left parietal lesions and categorized administered tasks across four numeracy domains: Approximation, Calculation, Ordinality/Cardinality, and Transcoding. We compared published lesion images by drawing a sphere at the inferred center-of-mass and assigning each case to an anatomical group (IPS or Other Parietal damage) based on overlap with left IPS and original anatomical description. We performed Fisher's Exact Test to compare behavioral performance on each numeracy domain between the two groups. As an exploratory follow-up, we used Activation Likelihood Estimation (ALE) to identify sites of damage within parietal cortex preferentially associated with impairments in each domain. We found that Approximation impairments were significantly more frequent in the IPS group (p =.003). The exploratory ALE analysis revealed that only Approximation impairment cases significantly overlapped with the IPS, while impairments in other domains were localized to different regions of the parietal lobe. Based on the pattern of impairments shown across these cases, we conclude that damage to the left IPS is linked to impairments in approximation ability specifically. Our findings support theoretical claims linking IPS to magnitude representation, but do not provide evidence that IPS critically underpins performance across all numeracy tasks. Instead, our findings are more compatible with models of dissociable circuits of numerical processing within the parietal lobe.

Assessing acute effects of methylphenidate and modafinil on inhibitory capacity, time estimation, attentional lapses, and compulsive-like behavior in rats.

Medications known as 'cognitive enhancers' are increasingly being consumed off-label by healthy people, raising concerns about their safety. The aim of our study was to profile behavioral performance upon oral administration of methylphenidate (2.5 mg/kg) and modafinil (64 mg/kg) - two popular cognitive enhancers - and upon their discontinuation. We modeled cognitively demanding challenges in neurotypical individuals using a behavioral task where Wistar-Lewis rats had to withhold responses for a specified time to obtain food rewards. This task allowed us to extract several measures of behavioral performance associated with clinically meaningful indices, such as compulsive-like responding, incapacity to wait (impulsivity), time estimation (precision and accuracy), and attentional lapses. Our study design involved examining these behavioral indices in subjects administered either methylphenidate, modafinil, or vehicle. We found that subjects administered modafinil obtained fewer rewards and were less efficient in reward pursuing than the vehicle group; this result was likely due to a drug-induced inability to wait. Upon modafinil discontinuation, subjects earned more rewards but did not entirely catch up with the vehicle group. As for methylphenidate, neither favorable nor unfavorable effects were found in our main analyses. However, an exploratory analysis of changes in behavioral performance within sessions suggested that methylphenidate fostered favorable, yet short-lived, effects. We discuss our results in terms of the risks and cost-benefits of doses above or below the effective dose of cognitive enhancement drugs.

What behavior is important behavior? A systematic review of how wild and zoo-housed animals differ in their time-activity budgets

Natural behavior performance in captive animals is traditionally utilized as a metric to establish welfare states, with an increase in natural behavior associated with positive welfare. Captive environments, including zoos strive to replicate ecologically relevant environments that promote species-specific, adaptive behavior performance. However, spatial restrictions and complex habitats required by some species create various challenges for zoo staff to implement management and husbandry practices to achieve this. Some species struggle to adapt and cope in captive environments, with increased abnormal behavior performance which may reduce welfare. Other species may adapt to captivity in novel ways, demonstrating flexibility in their behavior patterns without compromising welfare. However, research indicating positive behavioral flexibility in captive animals is sparse. The main aim of this review was to categorize animals as being fully behaviorally flexible, partially behaviorally flexible, or behaviorally inflexible. Effect sizes (Hedges’ g) were calculated to compare behavioral categories of animals in the wild and zoo, grouped by taxonomic Order (Testudines, Primates, Artiodactyla, Psittaciformes and Carnivora) and ecological traits to determine their level of behavioral flexibility. Effect sizes were also analyzed to determine behaviors suggestive of good welfare that were absent in zoo species. Despite variation across all groups, abnormal behavior was consistently highest in zoo animals, with reproductive and foraging behaviors most often compromised. Overall, complete positive behavioral flexibility was suggested in Testudines (potentially a result from temperature variation to maintain homeostasis), completely migratory species who are exposed to heterogenous landscapes when traveling long distances, and for a specific primate, the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) potentially to improve resource access due to their terrestrial nature. All other groups evaluated demonstrated partial behavioral flexibility or behavioral inflexibility. Abnormal behavior prevalence and reduced foraging and reproductive behaviors in these groups suggests an inability to adapt to captivity. This necessitates more focused investigations that identify environmental features or aspects of managed environments that can meet a species’ needs in the zoo.