Cognitive Adaptation Research Articles

Core knowledge and its role in explaining uniquely human cognition: Some questions.

Questions can be raised about the central status that evolutionarily ancient core knowledge systems are given in Spelke's otherwise very compelling theory. So, the existence of domain-general learning capacities has to be admitted, too, and no clear reason is provided to doubt the existence of uniquely human cognitive adaptations. All of these factors should be acknowledged when explaining human thought.

Brain functional training: a perspective article.

Introduction: Physical exercise (PE) positively affects the nervous system, impacting morphology and physiology. It increases brain gray and white matter, improves cerebral blood flow, and stimulates neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and angiogenesis, promoting brain function. Although exercise already affects cognition, some training modalities place greater demands on the cognitive aspects of physical exercise, such as perceptual-motor and visual-motor training. This type of approach aims to emphasize the cognitive adaptations that occur chronically. Specifically for older people, functional training, a multi-component approach, is a promising exercise modality that stimulates functionality using multi-joint, multi-planar exercises mirroring daily activities. However, applying a greater focus on cognitive adaptations in line with the functional training proposal for maximal benefits remains underexplored. Aim: Thus, this perspective article initially explores different exercise approaches emphasizing cognitive adaptations and proposes Brain Functional Training to improve older adult's functionality. Methods: Furthermore, we explain how brain functional training can be explored to emphasize cognitive aspects based on increasing complexity to stimulate the executive function and its subdomains. Conclusion: This proposal is one alternative to combining motor and cognitive stimuli to promote autonomy and health in older people.

Free Will as Defined by the Constrained Disorder Principle: a Restricted, Mandatory, Personalized, Regulated Process for Decision-Making.

The concept of free will has challenged physicists, biologists, philosophers, and other professionals for decades. The constrained disorder principle (CDP) is a fundamental law that defines systems according to their inherent variability. It provides mechanisms for adapting to dynamic environments. This work examines the CDP's perspective of free will concerning various free will theories. Per the CDP, systems lack intentions, and the "freedom" to select and act is built into their design. The "freedom" is embedded within the response range determined by the boundaries of the systems' variability. This built-in and self-generating mechanism enables systems to cope with perturbations. According to the CDP, neither dualism nor an unknown metaphysical apparatus dictates choices. Brain variability facilitates cognitive adaptation to complex, unpredictable situations across various environments. Human behaviors and decisions reflect an underlying physical variability in the brain and other organs for dealing with unpredictable noises. Choices are not predetermined but reflect the ongoing adaptation processes to dynamic prssu½res. Malfunctions and disease states are characterized by inappropriate variability, reflecting an inability to respond adequately to perturbations. Incorporating CDP-based interventions can overcome malfunctions and disease states and improve decision processes. CDP-based second-generation artificial intelligence platforms improve interventions and are being evaluated to augment personal development, wellness, and health.

SYNERGY OF PHYSIOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY AND TACTICS: KEY TO SUCCESS IN HANDBALL

This article highlights the unique experience of the development of handball in Australia. The study focuses on the participation of the Sydney Uni Handball Club team in the “Europe Tour 2024”, which is an important step towards international recognition and exchange of experience with leading European clubs. The purpose of the study is to assess the relationship between physiological training, psychological stability, tactical flexibility and their contribution to the sports performance of the team. The object of study is the process of training in handball at the professional level. The subject of the study is the physiological aspects of training in the context of the specifics of the training process in handball. Research methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological sources on the topic of the research, pedagogical observations. Research results. The authors analyze key aspects that influence team performance, including adaptation to new conditions, tactical flexibility, fatigue and recovery management, and the effectiveness of finishing attacks. Particular attention is paid to the impact of jet lag on the physical and cognitive functionality of the athletes, emphasizing the need to develop strategies to adapt to flights and time zone changes. The proposed measures are aimed at minimizing the negative impact of jet lag and increasing the competitiveness of the athletes at international competitions. The study highlights the role of tactical flexibility and cognitive adaptation in dynamic gaming environments. Attention is focused on how important it is for the athletes and the coaching staffs not only to develop a variety of tactical plans, but also the ability to reassess quickly the game situation and adapt to the strategies of the opponents in real time. This requires players not only to have a high level of physical fitness, but also to developed cognitive abilities such as attention, concentration under stress, pressure and uncertainty. Conclusions. Success in international competitions requires not only a high level of technical, tactical and physical preparation, but also the development of effective recovery strategies, adaptation to various competition conditions and psychophysiological stress management. The study contributes to the understanding of how little-known sports can develop and achieve significant success on the international stage, highlighting the importance of intercultural and sporting exchange in the globalized world. Thus, to achieve optimal results, teams need to implement training programs that stimulate the development of both physical and mental qualities of the athletes, preparing them for the high demands of competitive activity. The results of the study are of interest not only to specialists in the field of sports science, but also to coaches, sports psychologists and managers involved in the development of handball and other sports in conditions of limited popularity and resources.

Nurturing Sustainable Development: The Interplay of Parenting Styles and SDGs in Children's Development.

This study delves into the dynamics of parenting styles and their impact on the cognitive and social-affective development of children within diverse family populations, contextualized within the framework of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Drawing from a sample population comprising families from various socio-economic backgrounds and cultural contexts, the research explores the nuanced interactions between parenting approaches-ranging from authoritarian/permissive to democratic-and children's developmental trajectories. By examining families with different numbers of children, this study elucidates the differential effects of parenting styles on cognitive adaptability and social-emotional skills across varying family structures. Democratic parenting emerges as a critical factor in promoting children's well-being, equitable access to education, and the fostering of peaceful societies, aligning with SDGs 3, 4, and 16. Furthermore, the research addresses disparities in child development outcomes, shedding light on issues of gender equality (SDG 5) and reduced inequalities (SDG 10) within the context of family dynamics. Through a comprehensive analysis of diverse family populations, this study underscores the significance of inclusive and nurturing parenting practices in advancing sustainable development objectives, advocating for collaborative efforts (SDG 17) to support families in fostering optimal child development outcomes for all.

Thinking Madame Raquin: Consciousness and Cognition in Émile Zola's Thérèse Raquin (1867)

Abstract: An immersive reading of the elderly matriarch figure in Émile Zola's Thérèse Raquin (1867) demonstrates how representations of old age in nineteenth-century French fiction can benefit from cognitive literary-critical approaches. Putting to work key concepts from this fast-developing field (affordances, propinquity, cognitive adaptability, and embedded thinking) allows us to reveal the complex trajectory of consciousness and the inverse correlation of Madame Raquin's physical incapacity and her mental and imaginative adaptation. Literary cognitive approaches can thus enable a fuller problematization of Naturalism, while Zola's fiction offers a situational understanding of consciousness in old age that challenges clichés of cognitive rigidity and depreciation.

Artificial Intelligence and its Use in the Field of Education

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on education. Premised on a narrative and framework for assessing AI identified from a preliminary analysis, the scope of the study was limited to the application and effects of AI in administration, instruction, and learning. A qualitative research approach, leveraging the use of literature review as a research design and approach was used and effectively facilitated the realization of the study purpose. Artificial intelligence is a field of study and the resulting innovations and developments that have culminated in computers, machines, and other artifacts having human-like intelligence characterized by cognitive abilities, learning, adaptability, and decision-making capabilities. The study ascertained that AI has extensively been adopted and used in education, particularly by education institutions, in different forms. AI initially took the form of computer and computer related technologies, transitioning to webbased and online intelligent education systems, and ultimately with the use of embedded computer systems, together with other technologies, the use of humanoid robots and web-based chatbots to perform instructors' duties and functions independently or with instructors. Using these platforms, instructors have been able to perform different administrative functions, such as reviewing and grading students' assignments more effectively and efficiently, and achieve higher quality in their teaching activities. On the other hand, because the systems leverage machine learning and adaptability, curriculum and content has been customized and personalized in line with students' needs, which has fostered uptake and retention, thereby improving learners experience and overall quality of learning.

The potential roles of multilingualism and language structural distance in neurocognitive adaptation to language experience

A growing body of research shows that individual differences in bilingual language experience variably contribute to neurocognitive adaptations. The trends in this work are beginning to show a specificity of adaptations to the nature and degree of bilingual experiences – for example, duration of use, language switching, context and intensity of engagement. However, several other factors likely further influence these bilingualism-induced neural and cognitive adaptations. Two such factors may play a modulatory role but are currently under-researched in this field. The first is how such adaptations are affected by the addition of a third or more language and the second is the role of language structural distance in shaping neurocognitive adaptation trajectories. Regarding the role of multilingualism, previous research suggests differences in neurocognitive adaptation to multiple languages over two, although results are mixed. It is possible that, like bilingualism, individual differences in engagement with a third (or more) language might also variably condition neurocognitive adaptation, but this remains an unanswered empirical question. Regarding the role of language structural distance, there are plausible reasons to predict that the relative distance in language pairings would condition the nature or trajectory of bilingualism-induced adaptations, but this is also an understudied topic. I review the existing literature covering these factors, discuss the potential mechanisms of adaptation to each and propose some potential ways of incorporating these factors into future research.

The case for Contextual Linguistic Diversity in bilingualism research

The language sciences have made concerted efforts to emphasize the impact of sociolinguistic context on shaping a person’s language repertoire and associated (neuro)cognitive adaptations, largely propelled by WEIRD-centric research and perspectives. Active engagement with known languages is necessary for acquisition, but input from the ambient environment is typically not addressed, or is considered noise. While irregular and transient linguistic information may indeed be noise, there is a missing middle-ground pertaining to language knowledge that falls between explicit input and linguistic noise, primarily observed in highly linguistically diverse contexts. I consider this missing form of input by making a case for Contextual Linguistic Diversity, the view that one’s linguistic repertoire is not solely constituted by the active use of, or intentional engagement with, languages but also by passive and regular exposure to ambient linguistic input. I offer a theoretical foundation and appeal to existing evidence supporting the view that passive exposure to multiple languages may systematically affect linguistic and (neuro)cognitive abilities, even in the absence of proficiency in or awareness of ambient languages. Adopting a holistic view of contextually influenced linguistic experiences is essential to fairly representing all individuals in their respective sociolinguistic contexts and consequently advancing the field.

Cross-Layer Framework for Energy Harvesting- LPWAN Resource Management Based on Fuzzy Cognitive Maps and Adaptive Glowworm Swarm Optimization for Smart Forest

Cross-Layer Framework for Energy Harvesting- LPWAN Resource Management Based on Fuzzy Cognitive Maps and Adaptive Glowworm Swarm Optimization for Smart Forest

Living with diabetes in Northeast India: An exploration of psychosocial factors in management

PurposeIndia is the ‘Diabetes Capital of the World’ and accounts for one in seven adults living with diabetes worldwide. Psychosocial, economic, and cultural correlates of disease have important implications for disease management but are rarely explored in India. The purpose of this study is to address psychosocial and cultural factors in diabetes management in the northeastern region of India which has a high disease burden. MethodsThis study attempts to explore the psychosocial and lived experience of diabetes in the northeastern state of Meghalaya. The sample was selected from individuals attending an outpatient facility of a multi-speciality clinic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 individuals (13 women and 12 men), above the age of 40 years, who had been diagnosed with diabetes for at least 6 months. The narratives were analysed using thematic analysis. ResultsUsing the social cognitive framework, themes were organized in terms of a thematic map linking knowledge of diabetes to the perception of diabetes as ‘a silent killer’, to coping, leading to self-efficacy. However high self-efficacy, over time, may lead to complacency, disrupting health behaviours and requiring re-establishment of those behaviours. Adequate knowledge along with cognitive adaptation and self-efficacy were important constructs that contributed to behaviour change and maintenance. Elements of the cultural context were observed in the spiritual aspects of adaptation, the socially isolating consequences of diabetes, as well as gender differences in social support and management. ConclusionUnderstanding the lived experiences of patients contributes to planning more effective interventions keeping the social and cultural context in mind for more effective management of diabetes. Additionally, acknowledging and supporting women's needs in diabetes management is called for.

Short-term memory, attentional control and brain size in primates.

Brain size variability in primates has been attributed to various domain-specific socio-ecological factors. A recently published large-scale study of short-term memory abilities in 41 primate species (ManyPrimates 2022 Anim. Behav. Cogn. 9, 428-516. (doi:10.26451/abc.09.04.06.2022)) did not find any correlations with 11 different proxies of external cognitive demands. Here, we found that the interspecific variation in test performance shows correlated evolution with total brain size, with the relationship becoming tighter as species with small sample sizes were successively removed, whereas it was not predicted by the often-used encephalization quotient. In a subsample, we also found that the sizes of brain regions thought to be involved in short-term memory did not predict performance better than overall brain size. The dependence on brain size suggests that domain-general cognitive processes underlie short-term memory as tested by ManyPrimates. These results support the emerging notion that comparative studies of brain size do not generally identify domain-specific cognitive adaptations but rather reveal varying selections on domain-general cognitive abilities. Finally, because attentional processes beyond short-term memory also affect test performance, we suggest that the delayed response test can be refined.

Nurturing Tomorrow's Minds: The Impact of Family Education on Holistic Child Development

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of family education on child development, focusing on parenting styles, educational activities at home, the role of technology, and the emotional climate within the family. Through an exploration of authoritative, permissive, and authoritarian parenting styles, this paper examines their distinct effects on cognitive development, emotional growth, and social adaptation. Additionally, this paper delves into the significance of literacy development activities, mathematical reasoning games, and nature exploration in fostering children's cognitive and socio-emotional skills. Furthermore, this paper discusses the implications of digital technology and social media on children's cognitive and emotional development, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy and safe internet use. Moreover, this paper investigates how family harmony, stress management, and parental support contribute to children's emotional security and self-esteem. This paper concludes with insights into the critical role of family education in shaping children's holistic development and underscores the need for informed, intentional parenting practices to nurture resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy individuals.

Your Prompt Is My Command: On Assessing the Human-Centred Generality of Multimodal Models (Abstract Reprint)

Even with obvious deficiencies, large prompt-commanded multimodal models are proving to be flexible cognitive tools representing an unprecedented generality. But the directness, diversity, and degree of user interaction create a distinctive “human-centred generality” (HCG), rather than a fully autonomous one. HCG implies that —for a specific user— a system is only as general as it is effective for the user’s relevant tasks and their prevalent ways of prompting. A human-centred evaluation of general-purpose AI systems therefore needs to reflect the personal nature of interaction, tasks and cognition. We argue that the best way to understand these systems is as highly-coupled cognitive extenders, and to analyse the bidirectional cognitive adaptations between them and humans. In this paper, we give a formulation of HCG, as well as a high-level overview of the elements and trade-offs involved in the prompting process. We end the paper by outlining some essential research questions and suggestions for improving evaluation practices, which we envision as characteristic for the evaluation of general artificial intelligence in the future.

Prospective comparative study on enhancing geometrical mental representation and anatomical learning in medical students through modeling clay as an assessment tool.

While traditional anatomy education often emphasizes passive learning and rote memorization, it seldom employs constructivist theories that focus on active, hands-on experiences for effective learning. This study tests the hypothesis that tactile experiences with modeling clay enhance geometric mental representation more effectively than verbal descriptions. We examine the potential of clay modeling to reflect and evaluate students' mental representation of anatomical structures. Utilizing a prospective randomized, open, blind endpoint (PROBE) design, we engaged 36 participants divided into three groups: blind, visually impaired, and a control group. The primary outcome measure was the difference between post-touch score and pre-touch score, which gauged the efficacy of tactile intervention in enhancing the participants' capacity to mentally reconstruct a well-designed anatomical fiction structure. Scoring was executed using a double-blind double-evaluation methodology, positioning clay model reconstruction as both an objective reliable assessment and a pedagogical tool. The analysis demonstrated a pronounced improvement in mental representation of anatomical structures, particularly in spatial comprehension and detailed textural discernment, with the mean score soaring from 47.81 pre-touch to 85.09 post-touch. Distinct cognitive processing adaptations were evident across groups, with the blind group excelling in tactile acuity and the visually impaired group showing the most significant gains in spatial understanding post-intervention (Cohen's d = 2.74). The application of modeling clay as a tactile intervention tool can significantly improve the learning of anatomy among medical students. The study underscores the value of active, multisensory engagement and customized teaching strategies for effective anatomy education among this demographic.

Opportunities for risk-taking during play alters cognitive performance and prefrontal inhibitory signalling in rats of both sexes.

Social play behaviour is a rewarding activity that can entail risks, thus allowing young individuals to test the limits of their capacities and to train their cognitive and emotional adaptability to challenges. Here, we tested in rats how opportunities for risk-taking during play affect the development of cognitive and emotional capacities and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) function, a brain structure important for risk-based decision making. Male and female rats were housed socially or social play-deprived (SPD) between postnatal day (P)21 and P42. During this period, half of both groups were daily exposed to a high-risk play environment. Around P85, all rats were tested for cognitive performance and emotional behaviour after which inhibitory currents were recorded in layer 5 pyramidal neurons in mPFC slices. We show that playing in a high-risk environment altered cognitive flexibility in both sexes and improved behavioural inhibition in males. High-risk play altered anxiety-like behaviour in the elevated plus maze in males and in the open field in females, respectively. SPD affected cognitive flexibility in both sexes and decreased anxiety-like behaviour in the elevated plus maze in females. We found that synaptic inhibitory currents in the mPFC were increased in male, but not female, rats after high-risk play, while SPD lowered prefrontal cortex (PFC) synaptic inhibition in both sexes. Together, our data show that exposure to risks during play affects the development of cognition, emotional behaviour and inhibition in the mPFC. Furthermore, our study suggests that the opportunity to take risks during play cannot substitute for social play behaviour.

THE ROLE AND CORRECTION OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION AS A COMPONENT OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS OPERATED ON FOR CEREBRAL ANEURYSM RUPTURE

Introduction. Hemorrhagic stroke due to the rupture of the intracranial aneurysm (IA) is a typical clinical manifestation of the disease and one of the main causes of disability, affecting the quality of life in operated patients.
 The aim. To determine the feasibility and safety of implementing protocols for diabetes mellitus (DM) treatment as part of rehabilitation interventions in patients who have undergone surgery for the rupture of intracranial aneurysm (IA) in the brain.
 Materials and methods. To determine the effectiveness and safety of implementing diabetes mellitus (DM) treatment protocols in individually developed rehabilitation interventions following surgery for the rupture of intracranial aneurysm (IA) in the brain, a retrospective cohort study was conducted in parallel groups.
 Results. Sexual dysfunctions (SD) resulting from the rupture of IA are multifactorial. The causes of SD can be categorized as primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary causes include damage to brain structures by hemorrhagic stroke or vascular ischemic events affecting sexual functioning, pre-existing medical conditions, and side effects related to medication therapy during treatment. Secondary causes encompass persistent sensorimotor disturbances due to a prior stroke. Issues related to cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial adaptation constitute tertiary causes of SD. The effective and prompt correction of sexual dysfunction in patients following the rupture of cerebral blood vessel aneurysms largely depended on the proper administration of anesthesia during surgical interventions and intensive therapy in the perioperative period. This includes preoperative preparation and patient analgesia, the administration of anesthesia, and adequate postoperative care.
 Conclusions. The application of SD correction in men as part of rehabilitation measures from the 6th to the 24th month after surgical treatment of intracranial aneurysm (IA) has a positive impact, reducing SD regression from 88.9% (n=56/63) to 34.9% (n=22/63).

Effects of Cross-Cultural Negotiation Strategies on International Joint Venture Success

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the effects of cross-cultural negotiation strategies on international joint venture success. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Cross-cultural negotiation strategies play a pivotal role in the success of international joint ventures (IJVs). Research suggests that effective negotiation tactics tailored to the cultural context of the parties involved significantly enhance the likelihood of achieving mutually beneficial outcomes and sustaining long-term partnerships. Studies have shown that cultural differences in communication styles, decision-making processes, and conflict resolution approaches can either facilitate or hinder negotiation effectiveness. Utilizing strategies such as cultural adaptation, empathy, active listening, and flexibility can bridge cultural gaps, foster trust, and facilitate collaboration among partners from diverse cultural backgrounds. Conversely, neglecting cultural nuances or employing ethnocentric negotiation tactics may lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and ultimately, the failure of the joint venture. Therefore, understanding and integrating cross-cultural negotiation strategies are imperative for maximizing the success of international joint ventures in today's globalized business environment. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Hofstede's cultural dimensions' theory, intercultural communication theory and cognitive adaptation theory may be use to anchor future studies on assessing the effects of cross-cultural negotiation strategies on international joint venture success. Develop tailored training programs and resources to enhance negotiators' cultural intelligence and competency in cross-cultural negotiation strategies. Advocate for the integration of cross-cultural negotiation competency standards into international business education curricula at academic institutions.

Meaning-making while staying connected matters in psychological adaptation during pandemic: a longitudinal moderated mediation study.

Adversity may bring about both negative and positive changes in psychological adaptation. Although there is mounting evidence regarding the psychological distress during the pandemic, the other side of posttraumatic change, posttraumatic growth (PTG) and its predictors are relatively underexamined. Moreover, there is a paucity of longitudinal investigations that examined intra- and interpersonal predictors responsible for both sides of psychological adaptation. Therefore, this study comprehensively examined the longitudinal relationship among cognitive processing, social support, and adaptation during the pandemic using a moderated mediation model. Specifically, it was tested whether two types of event-related rumination mediated the link between perceived stress and ambilateral adaptational outcomes, and whether social support moderated the mediating pathways of ruminations on adaptation. After informed consent, a representative sample of adults was followed up for over a year, and answered a package of online questionnaires. The results showed that intrusive rumination prospectively predicted greater psychological distress and less PTG in response to stress, whereas deliberate rumination led to less psychological distress and more PTG over time. As predicted, the indirect protective effect of deliberate rumination was stronger when perceived social support was higher. This longitudinal study highlighted the core factors responsible for continued suffering and personal growth during the pandemic. These results have both practical and clinical implications for mental healthcare in the post-COVID era, when the heterogeneity of psychological adaptation increases and preparation for the next pandemic is warranted.

Cognitive versatility and adaptation to fluid participation in hospital emergency department teams.

Role-based frameworks have long been the cornerstone of organizational coordination, providing clarity in role expectations among team members. However, the rise of "fluid participation"-a constant shift in team composition and skill sets-poses new challenges to traditional coordination mechanisms. In particular, with fluid participation, a team's roles can oscillate between disconnected and intersecting, or between lacking and having overlap in the capabilities and expectations of different roles. This study investigates the possibility that a disconnected set of roles creates a structural constraint on the flexible coordination needed to perform in volatile contexts, as well as the mitigating role of cognitive versatility in a team's strategically-central member. Utilizing a sample of 342 teams from a hospital Emergency Department, we find that teams with a disconnected role set are less effective than teams with an intersecting role set as demonstrated by longer patient stays and increased handoffs during shift changes. Importantly, the presence of a cognitively versatile attending physician mitigates these negative outcomes, enhancing overall team effectiveness. Our findings remain robust even after accounting for other variables like team expertise and familiarity. This research extends the Carnegie School's seminal work on fluid participation by integrating insights from psychology and organizational behavior, thereby identifying key individual attributes that can bolster team coordination in dynamic settings.