Dual Task Research Articles

Language switching is modulated by emotion priming: evidence from behavioral and event-related potentials study

IntroductionBilinguals often switch between different languages to effectively communicate their ideas. The variation in the increase in reaction times and error rates is termed as the language switch cost. Generally, bilingual language-switching costs demonstrate asymmetry, with a greater cost associated with transitioning from the weaker L2 to the dominant L1 than in the reverse scenario. Recent studies have demonstrated that language switching can be modulated under certain conditions. However, the effect of emotion on language-switching performance is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of emotions on bilingual language switching and how this impact manifests across different time windows.MethodsThis study explored the influence of emotion on language switching between Chinese (L1) and English (L2) using a dual task involving emotion priming and word-picture matching, with concurrent measurement of event-related potentials.ResultsThe behavioral results indicated that a happy mood improved the accuracy and efficiency of L1 switching, while a fearful mood enhanced the efficiency of L2 switching. Electrophysiological data revealed significant interactions among emotion, language, and task in the P1, N2, and N400 stages. Specifically, a happy mood was associated with an increased P1 amplitude during L1 switching, larger N2 amplitudes during L1 repetition, L1 switching, and L2 repetition, as well as greater N400 amplitudes during L1 repetition, L1 switching, and L2 repetition, along with a larger N600 during L2 repetition. Conversely, a fearful mood exhibited a significantly larger N400 during L2 switching and a larger N600 during L2 switching.DiscussionThe study findings suggest that positive emotions were beneficial for L1 switching in the early stages of visual attention allocation, conflict processing, and lexical-semantic processing. In contrast, negative emotions exhibited a more significant advantage for L2 switching in lexical-semantic processing and deeper levels of semantic processing. This study provides the first electrophysiological evidence for the impact of emotion priming on language-switching performance.

The Influence of Fear of Falling on Cognitive-Motor Interference in Walking in Older Adults

Objectives: Fear of falling (FOF) is common among older people and may impact normal walking in this population. This study aimed to determine the effect of FOF on cognitive-motor interference in walking among older adults. Methods: Ninety older adults with the ability to walk 20 meters and without cognitive disorder participated in this study. Three groups of high FOF, low FOF, and no FOF were identified using the fall efficacy scale-international (FES-I). The cognitive-motor interference was determined for the completion time of three functional movements, namely forward walking (FW), timed up and go (TUG), and obstacle crossing (OC), as well as the correct answer rate in verbal fluency (VF) and mental tracking (MT) tasks. The difference in outcomes between the groups was determined using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The Pearson correlation coefficients determined the association between FES-I and cognitive-motor interference in subjects with FOF. Results: Dual-task cognitive performance measures, including MT + TUG, VF + OC, and MT + OC, significantly differed between the high FOF and no FOF groups (P<0.05). MT + TUG, VF + OC, and MT + OC also showed significant differences between the high FOF and low FOF groups (P<0.05). Other cognitive-motor interference measures were not significantly different between the groups. The FES-I showed a positive correlation with MT + TUG (r=0.76, P=0.001), VF + OC (r=0.72, P=0.001), and MT + OC (r=0.65, P=0.001) in individuals with FOF. Discussion: The results indicate that FOF may impair cognitive performance during dual tasks in older adults. Future studies may be needed to investigate whether reduced FOF has the advantage of dual-task improvement in older people.

Predicting executive functioning from walking features in Parkinson’s disease using machine learning

Parkinson’s disease is characterized by motor and cognitive deficits. While previous work suggests a relationship between both, direct empirical evidence is scarce or inconclusive. Therefore, we examined the relationship between walking features and executive functioning in patients with Parkinson’s disease using state-of-the-art machine learning approaches. A dataset of 103 geriatric Parkinson inpatients, who performed four walking conditions with varying difficulty levels depending on single task walking and additional motor and cognitive demands, was analyzed. Walking features were quantified using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) system positioned at the patient’s lower back. The analyses included five imputation methods and four regression approaches to predict executive functioning, as measured using the Trail-Making Test (TMT). Multiple imputation by chained equations (MICE) in combination with support vector regression (SVR) reduce the mean absolute error by about 4.95% compared to baseline. Importantly, predictions solely based on walking features obtained with support vector regression mildly but significantly correlated with Δ−TMT values. Specifically, this effect was primarily driven by step time variability, double limb support time variability, and gait speed in the dual task condition with cognitive demands. Taken together, our data provide direct evidence for a link between executive functioning and specific walking features in Parkinson’s disease.

The Current State of the Literature on Dual-Task Performance Across Multiple Domains in Individuals With Chronic Poststroke Aphasia: A Scoping Review.

Understanding the impact that poststroke aphasia has on dual-task performance across multiple domains of function may inform the development of effective interventions. The purpose of this scoping review is to identify (a) the main theoretical frameworks used to explain dual-task performance deficits in individuals with poststroke aphasia; (b) the domains of function measured and the assessments used; (c) interventions aimed to improve dual-task performance; and, finally, (d) gaps that exist in the current body of literature regarding dual-task in persons with aphasia. A search of Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts, PsycINFO, Communication & Mass Media Complete, PubMed, CINAHL Plus, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library was undertaken to identify publications on the topic. Articles were included in the review if they (a) were written in English, (b) included individuals with chronic poststroke aphasia, (c) included measures of dual-task performance, and/or (d) consisted of a theoretical narrative with a focus on dual task in persons with aphasia. Following the full-text screening, a total of 17 studies were in included for synthesis. Fourteen articles focused on dual-task experimental studies; one study consisted of a dual-task intervention; and two papers proposed a theory, framework, or schema to explain dual-task performance. Gaps were identified in the literature, as well as differences in the methodology employed across studies, highlighting the need for consistency across experimental tasks and further examination across domains.

Review on Multisensor SLAM Datasets for Advanced Perception and Mapping Technologies

Abstract. SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) is a technique in robotics and computer vision used to build a map of an unknown environment while simultaneously tracking the location of a robot or vehicle within that environment. The primary goal is to enable autonomous systems to navigate and understand their surroundings without prior knowledge of the environment. It has evolved significantly with the integration of diverse sensor modalities which initially used either a single LIDAR (light detection and ranging, or laser imaging, detection, and ranging) or visual sensor to perform the dual tasks of mapping an environment and localizing the device within it. These systems had limitations in accuracy and robustness due to their reliance on a single type of data input. Over time, the field has advanced to incorporate multiple sensor modalities, including LIDAR, visual cameras, Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), ultrasonic sensors, and GPS. This multi-sensor fusion approach has dramatically enhanced the precision and reliability of SLAM systems. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art datasets that combine data from infrared cameras, depth cameras, LiDAR, and 4D millimeter-wave radar, focusing on their contributions to advancing SLAM technologies. The study analyzes the advantages and limitations of each sensor type, the challenges associated with data fusion, and the impact on perception and mapping accuracy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these multisensor datasets enhance SLAM systems and highlight areas for future research.

COGNITIVE STIMULATION BY MICROMOVEMENTS IN DYNAMIC MUSCLE REPROGRAMMING DURING POSTURE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Objective: To analyze whether Dynamic Muscle Reprogramming stimulates cognition through micro movements. Materials and Methods: This is a systematic review in which searches were carried out in the PubMed Central (PMC), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Virtual Health Library (VHL), and Cochrane Library, Pedro, Medline databases, considering randomized clinical trials related to cognition, physiotherapeutic rehabilitation and the dynamic muscle reprogramming method, in adult men and women aged 18 and over, with neurological diseases and guidelines published during 2016-2021, and the risk of bias was classified through PEDro. Result: 6,246 articles were found in the different databases, filtered by articles on cognition, physiotherapy and the RDM method, with neurological deficits, reaching 20 articles potentially eligible for abstract and complete review. Three articles were excluded because they addressed healthy individuals and three because they did not have access, resulting in 14 articles selected with randomized clinical trials, found in the Pubmed (13 articles) and BVS (1 article) databases, which were about aerobic exercise, dual task, virtual reality, tai chi and early mobilization. Conclusion: The RDM method improves the reacquisition of sensorimotor perceptions, followed by all information about the body and the environment, followed by the attention domains, promoting movement control through the intensity of the micro movements that are performed during posture, stimulating cognitive function through the reprogramming of executive function, resulting from the focus of attention, concentration and body perception, improving memory, decision making and perfecting activities of daily living.

Realistic dual-task listening-while-balancing in older adults with normal hearing and hearing loss with and without hearing aids

Age-related hearing loss is a risk factor for mobility problems and falls, possibly due to poor access to spatial sounds or the higher allocation of attention required to listen, thereby reducing cognitive resources to support mobility. Introducing stabilizing spatial sounds or reducing cognitive load through hearing aids could possibly improve balance performance; however, evidence is mixed. Few studies have evaluated the effects of hearing aids and spatial sounds on balance during realistic, multisensory, dual-tasking conditions. This study used virtual reality to simulate a listening-while-balancing task in 22 older adults with normal hearing and 22 hearing aid users, tested with their aids on versus off. Participants performed a competing digits listening task (two, four digits) and a standing postural task, alone and in combination (dual task) under different visual, postural, and acoustical loads. Listening accuracy and postural outcomes (centre of pressure mean velocity, anterior–posterior standard deviation, medial–lateral standard deviation) were collected. With respect to listening accuracy, as expected, normal hearing adults had higher listening accuracy than those with hearing loss (aided better than unaided) and both groups performed better with eyes closed (vs. open) and under lower postural loads (firm vs. compliant). With respect to postural performance, hearing aids did not remarkably improve balance overall, with no effects on dual-task costs to posture. Other factors related to the complexity of the conditions (i.e., listening, visual, postural demands) differently influenced dual-task costs to posture in individuals with and without hearing loss. Overall, these results contribute to our understanding of how age-related hearing loss and hearing aids affect balance-related outcomes under realistic, complex, multisensory, multitasking conditions.

The effects of a dual task on gaze behavior examined during a simulated flight in low-time pilots.

Cognitive load can impair an operator's ability to optimally scan and process relevant information that is critical to the safe and successful operation of an aircraft. Since the cognitive demands experienced by pilots fluctuate throughout a given flight due to changes in task demands that range from high to low cognitive load, it has become increasingly important to objectively track and quantify these changes accordingly. The analysis of eye movements has been shown to be a promising method to understand information acquisition, processing efficiency, and how these aspects of cognition impact pilot performance. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to assess the impact of a dual task paradigm on low-time pilot flight performance and gaze behavior during two phases of flight with varying levels of cognitive load. Twenty-two licensed pilots (<350 h) completed simulated flight circuits alongside an auditory oddball task under visual flight rules conditions. Self-reported situation awareness scores and auditory task performance revealed the dual task was more demanding than the single tasks. Flight performance and gaze behavior indicated that primary task performance and information processing remained unaffected. These results suggest that the recruited pilots attained a level of skill proficiency that enabled the efficient deployment of cognitive resources to successfully complete the flying task under states of increased cognitive load. Combined with previous research findings, the results suggest that the effect of secondary tasks depends on the type of tasks used (i.e., simple/choice response tasks, memory recall, etc.). The utility of using a dual task and gaze behavior to probe flight proficiency and information processing efficiency throughout training are discussed.

Gait Speed, Mobility, Balance, and Dual-Tasking Deficits Among People Living With HIV Globally: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

People living with HIV (PLWH) may experience premature physical deficits, including walking, mobility, and balance problems. The purpose was to measure deficits in walking, mobility, balance, and dual tasking in PLWH. The secondary objective was to make recommendations regarding the use of rehabilitation outcome measures. CINAHL, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched. Two independent reviewers screened titles/abstracts and full-text articles, extracted data, and performed a quality assessment. Fifty-six articles with 14,053 PLWH and 8,454 uninfected controls were included. A meta-analysis revealed significantly worse performance among PLWH on the five times sit to stand mobility test versus controls (Cohen d = 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI 0.08-1.29], p = .03). Meta-analyses revealed no differences between PLWH and controls for usual gait speed (Cohen d = -0.47, 95% CI [-1.10 to 0.15], p = .14) and fast gait speed (Cohen d = -0.39, 95% CI [-0.87 to 0.08], p = .10). Ten of 12 studies comparing PLWH with controls found differences in balance outcomes. PLWH have significantly worse mobility than uninfected controls.

A Study to Investigate the Efficacy of Cognitive Exercises on Fear of Falls and Dual Task Performance among Geriatric Population in Jalandhar

BACKGROUND- Elderly population is described as 65 years of age or aged. Young–old population consists of the age group between 65 and 75 years of age. The middle–old population consists of the age group between 75 and 85 years of age. Old – old population consists of age group older than 85 years of age. Cognition is a higher cortical function. It is the process of knowing and includes awareness and judgement. Cognitive decline affects the older population by decrease in some mental functions such as verbal capability, numerical abilities, and general knowledge. Various physiotherapeutic approaches have been incorporated for making quality of life of patient worthier. AIM- The aim of the study is to investigate the efficacy of cognitive exercises on cognitive functions, fear of falls and dual task performance among geriatric population. METHODOLOGY-The total duration of the study was one and a half years. Subjects meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected in the study and were assessed for cognitive functions, fear of falls and dual task performance. A minimum of 30 subjects were taken. They were given dual task intervention and single task performance exercises. The treatment was carried out for 4 days per week for 7 weeks. The data was collected for dependent variables at baseline and at 7th week post treatment. RESULTS-Data analysis was performed by SPSS Software version 18 and the variables were assessed using Paired T-test. The scores of the Falls Efficacy scale were also found to be significant when compared from baseline to 7th week with a p-value of &lt;0.001. It was found that single task at baseline was significant. The results for average score of dual task activity of walking 4 meters with tossing ball was found to be significant at 7th week with p-value of &lt;0.001. Dual task activity of walking 4 meters with cup of water was also found to be significant with p-value of &lt;0.001. The dual task activity of walking 4 meters with dribbling a ball was significant by 7th week with p-value of &lt;0.001. While analyzing the dual task cost for walking with tossing ball it was found that the results were non-significant with a p-value of 0.7157. The results were also non-significant with a p-value of 0.8845 by 7th week for walking with holding a cup of water. However, it was found that the results were significant for dual task cost for walking 4 meters with dribbling a ball at 7th week with a p-value of &lt;0.001. CONCLUSION- The results have significant real -world ramifications for the health and standard of living of the aging population.

The Effects of an 8-Week Cognitive-Motor Training Program on Proprioception and Postural Control Under Single and Dual Task in Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of an 8-week cognitive-motor training program on postural control and knee proprioception under single and dual task conditions. Design: Randomized clinical trial. Methods: The present study was registered with the ID number NCT04786132. A total of 20 healthy and physically active older adults (73.25 ± 5.98 years) volunteered to participate and were randomly assigned into an experimental and a control group (EG and CG). Postural control was measured with the Romberg test, with open (RBOE) and closed eyes (RBCE) and under unipodal dominant side (RUDL) conditions. Proprioception was assessed by measuring participants' ability to reposition their dominant knee at 45°. Finally, performance of the cognitive task was measured through a subscale of the Barcelona Test called "categorical evocation in associations". The EG and the CG completed 8-week training programs with two sessions, 30 min per week, of postural control and proprioception exercises. The EG additionally included music in each session. Results: The analysis using a mixed ANOVA model revealed no significant group × time interaction effects (p < 0.05) for any of the assessments. However, a significant main effect for the time factor was observed, with both the control and experimental groups showing improved outcomes in the post-intervention measurements. Specifically, significant results were found for RBOE (F (4,15) = 11.87, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.76), RBCE (F (4,15) = 11.62, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.75), and proprioception (F (1,18) = 11.53, p < 0.003, η2p = 0.39). Conclusions: The 8-week training program had a positive impact on the post-intervention results for motor control and proprioception, but not on the results of the cognitive task. There were no significant differences between the groups that carried out sessions with or without music.

Collision causal discovery and real-time prediction of freeway tunnels: A novel dual-task approach

Although tunnels are critical traffic nodes in freeway networks, academic research addressing their real-time traffic safety is noticeably lacking. This study proposes a novel dual-task approach to analyze causal precursors and predict real-time collision risks in freeway tunnels. Unlike traditional models, which often trade off between predictive accuracy and causal depth, the proposed approach achieves both high causal interpretability and predictive performance. The approach utilizes a structural agnostic model (SAM) to discover causal precursors of freeway tunnel collisions using observational data. The collision causal graph data is then constructed based on the causal relationships identified by SAM. Additionally, the Causal Directed Graph Convolutional Networks (CDGCN) model is developed to capture causal relationships in the graph for real-time collision prediction. Utilizing freeway tunnel collision analysis data collected from the Caltrans Performance Measurement System, the approach performs dual tasks: identifying causal precursors of collisions and predicting future collisions in real time. The SAM results reveal five critical causal precursors influencing the likelihood of collisions. Comparative analyses with existing interpretable machine learning models show similarities between the causal precursors of tunnel collision risk revealed by SAM and the important correlation precursors identified by the comparative models. However, correlation is not the same as causation. When tested against current state-of-the-art real-time collision predictive models, the proposed CDGCN model demonstrates superior accuracy, especially on datasets containing causally relevant precursors, highlighting the potential of this approach for feature selection and risk prediction. This advancement not only provides a practical framework for mitigating collision risks in freeway tunnels but also makes a significant contribution to traffic safety research.

The Effect of Cognitive and Motor Dual Tasks on the Synergy of Lower Limb Muscles During Walking.

Walking is one of the most complex human movements that can be affected by various sources of attention. Dual tasks reduce attention, increase information processing, and may alter control mechanisms such as synergy. However, the effect of dual tasks on muscle synergy remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive and motor dual tasks on the synergy of lower limb muscles during walking. Twenty-four participants were selected voluntarily. The activity of the eight lower limb muscles was recorded under three different conditions: normal walking without a dual task, walking with a cognitive dual task, and walking with a motor dual task. A nonnegative matrix factorization algorithm and the variance accounted for were used to extract muscle synergy. The repeated-measures analysis of variance test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were performed to analyze the data. In this study, five muscle synergies were extracted from electromyography data using the variance accounted for method under three different conditions. The pattern of muscle synergies showed moderate to strong correlations. Peaks of synergies changed, and a time shift in synergy peaks during walking was observed. However, the number of extracted synergies did not change. The number of recruited muscle synergies remained consistent across different conditions. Dual tasks affect the higher levels of the motor control system, causing interference in information processing that leads to a shift in the tendency of synergy and weight coefficients of the muscles, ultimately resulting in a change in walking mechanics.

On the localization of reward effects in overlapping dual tasks

In dual-task (DT) situations, performance deteriorates compared with single-task situations. Such performance decrements are frequently explained with the serial scheduling of the response selection stages constituting a bottleneck. Proof of this assumption stems from the observation that response times for the second task (task 2; RT 2) increase with decreasing stimulus-onset asynchrony (SOA).In this study, we investigated how the reward prospect for task 1 performance affects task 1 and task 2 processing. For that purpose, we relied on the psychological refractory period paradigm (PRP) as a chronometric tool, to determine the locus of the reward effect in the processing chain of both tasks.We obtained improved task 1 and task 2 performance; as indicated by reduced RTs in the reward compared to the no reward condition of task 1 and task 2. Furthermore, the reward effect propagated at short SOA from task 1 onto task 2, suggesting that the locus of the reward effect can be pinpointed before or at the bottleneck of task 1. Importantly, the mean reward effect on task 1 was increased compared to task 2, thus indicating that parts of the reward effect were not propagated onto task 2, therefore affecting task 1 motor processes.In Experiment 2, we tested for the locus of the effect propagation to task 2. Therefore, we implemented a difficulty manipulation of the response selection of task 2. The results indicate that the reward effect is propagated from task 1 onto the response selection stage of task 2.

Assessment of early attention in an Italian cohort of preschooler preterm children using the Early Childhood Attention Battery.

This cross-sectional monocentric study aims to utilize the Early Childhood Attention Battery to investigate early attention patterns in young preterm children and ascertain the extent to which their attentional abilities diverge from those of term peers. Inclusion criteria encompassed gestational age < 34 weeks, with assessments conducted between 3 and 5 years 11 months. Exclusion criteria included major brain lesions, significant motor or behavioral disorders, and intellectual functioning with IQ < 70. Preterm raw scores converted to scaled scores and percentiles. Frequency analysis compared preterm scores to norms. Non-parametric tests assessed significance between scaled scores and subgroups (age, gestational age, sex, birth weight). One hundred nineteen preterm patients were enrolled in the study between November 2016 and June 2023. Comparisons with published norms showed lower mean scores across all subtests and domains for preterm children. A notable proportion of assessments (13-40%) fell below the 5th percentile, with the dual task item in sustained attention being the highest (40%). Sex did not predict differences, except for auditory sustained and visual search subtests. Gestational age did not correlate with abnormal scores, consistent with previous studies. The prevalence of assessments below the 5th percentile highlights preterm children's vulnerability to attention issues. The test's sensitivity to attention deficits in preterm populations suggests its potential in identifying at-risk children early for tailored interventions. The battery effectively detects attentional deficits in preterm children. Early detection and targeted insights support tailored educational interventions. By focusing on specific attention skills, the battery guides clinicians in choosing individualized or group activities based on areas most affected. • Attention is often impaired in preterm children but it is not systematically investigated before school age. The ECAB is a tool specifically designed for preschool children. • Using the ECAB we evidenced a different level of attention between pre-term and term-born children at preschool age.

Research on Key Technologies of Image Steganography Based on Simultaneous Deception of Vision and Deep Learning Models

As machine learning continues to evolve, traditional image steganography techniques find themselves increasingly unable to meet the dual challenge of deceiving both the human visual system and machine learning models. In response, this paper introduces the Visually Robust Image Steganography (VRIS) model, specifically tailored for this dual deception task. The VRIS model elevates visual security through the use of specialized feature extraction and processing methodologies. It meticulously conducts feature-level fusion between secret images and cover images, ensuring a high level of visual similarity between them. To effectively mislead machine learning models, the VRIS model incorporates a sophisticated strategy utilizing random noise factors and discriminators. This involves adding controlled amounts of random Gaussian noise to the encrypted image, thereby enhancing the difficulty for machine learning frameworks to recognize it. Furthermore, the discriminator is trained to discern between the noise-infused encrypted image and the original cover image. Through adversarial training, the discriminator and VRIS model refine each other, successfully deceiving the machine learning systems. Additionally, the VRIS model presents an innovative method for extracting and reconstructing secret images. This approach safeguards secret information from unauthorized access while enabling legitimate users to non-destructively extract and reconstruct images by leveraging multi-scale features from the encrypted image, combined with advanced feature fusion and reconstruction techniques. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the VRIS model, achieving high PSNR and SSIM scores on the LFW dataset and demonstrating significant deception capabilities against the ResNet50 model on the Mini-ImageNet dataset, with an impressive misclassification rate of 99.24%.

Multitasking practice eliminates modality-based interference by separating task representations in sensory brain regions.

The debate on the neural basis of multitasking costs evolves around neural overlap between concurrently performed tasks. Recent evidence suggests that training-related reductions in representational overlap in fronto-parietal brain regions predict multitasking improvements. Cognitive theories assume that overlap of task representations may lead to unintended information exchange between tasks (i.e., crosstalk). Modality-based crosstalk was suggested as a source for multitasking costs in multisensory settings. Robust findings of increased costs for certain modality mappings may be explained by crosstalk between the stimulus modality in one task and sensory action consequences in the concurrently performed task. Whether modality-based crosstalk emerges from representational overlap in general fronto-parietal multitasking regions or modality-specific regions is not known yet. In this functional neuroimaging study, we investigate neural overlap during multitasking performance in humans, focusing on modality compatibility by employing multivariate pattern analysis and modality-specific practice interventions in three groups (total N = 54, 24 females). We observed significant differences between modality compatible and modality incompatible single-task representations, specifically in the auditory cortex but not in fronto-parietal regions. Notably, improved auditory decoding accuracy related to modality incompatible tasks was predictive of performance gains in the corresponding dual task along with complete elimination of modality-specific dual-task costs. This predictive relationship was evident only in the group practicing modality incompatible mappings, suggesting that specific practice on task sets with modality overlap influenced both neural representations and subsequent multitasking performance. This study contributes to the integration of cognitive theory and neuroscience and the role of task representations in dual-task interference.Significance Statement In a society dominated by multitasking, understanding its neurocognitive basis and plasticity is crucial for key aspects of everyday tasks. We investigate the neural mechanisms behind multitasking limitations, offering insights for targeted cognitive interventions. The study builds upon established theories of cognitive multitasking and imaging research, addressing the concept of modality-based crosstalk - the unintended exchange of modality-based information between tasks. Through functional brain imaging and pattern analysis, we examined how neural task representations contribute to performance costs in dual tasks with varying degrees of modality overlap. Notably, our findings demonstrate a practice-related decrease in neural overlap which is associated with substantial multitasking improvements, specifically in the auditory cortex, emphasizing the contribution of sensory regions to flexible multidimensional task representations.

The impact of fear of pain on the temporal processing of emotional faces: modulation of attentional resources.

Recent research has focused on the spatial attention bias toward pain-related cues in individuals with fear of pain (FOP), but our understanding of its temporal attention features, particularly regarding emotional faces, is limited. To address this gap, 39 individuals with high fear of pain (H-FOP) and 37 with low fear of pain (L-FOP) completed a rapid serial visual presentation dual task. Participants viewed a series of rapidly presented pictures, first identified neutral building images as the first target (T1) and then emotional faces (painful, neutral, and happy) as the second target (T2). T1 and T2 presented at time intervals of 232ms (lag 2) and 696ms (lag 6), respectively. Results indicate that H-FOP group members were less accurate in recognizing faces at lag 2 shortly after correctly identifying T1 compared to those L-FOP group members. Notably, all participants were more accurate in recognizing painful faces at lag 2 than in identifying neutral and happy faces, suggesting a negative bias toward pain stimuli when attentional resources were limited. In contrast, at lag 6, when attentional resources were more abundant, participants showed greater accuracy in recognizing neutral faces than emotional faces. These findings underscore the influence of fear of pain and available cognitive resources on the attentional processing of emotional faces over time, providing insights into how fear of pain affects the temporal dynamics of emotional face recognition and the role of attentional resources.

Transcranial Direct-current Stimulation of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Modulates Voluntary Task-order Coordination in Dual-task Situations.

Dual tasks (DTs) require additional control processes that temporally coordinate the processing of the two component tasks. Previous studies employing imaging as well as noninvasive stimulation techniques have demonstrated that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) is causally involved in these task-order coordination processes. However, in these studies, participants were instructed to match their processing order to an externally provided and mandatory order criterion during DT processing. Hence, it is still unknown whether the dlPFC is also recruited for rather voluntary order control processes, which are required in situations that allow for intentional and internally generated order choices. To address this issue, in two experiments, we applied anodal (Experiment 1) and cathodal (Experiment 2) transcranial direct-current stimulation during a random-order DT in which participants could freely decide about their order of task processing. In our results, we found facilitatory and inhibitory effects on voluntary task-order coordination because of anodal and cathodal transcranial direct-current stimulation, respectively. This was indicated by shorter RTs when participants intentionally switched the task order relative to the preceding trial during anodal as well as a reduced tendency to switch the task order relative to the preceding trial during cathodal stimulation compared with the sham stimulation. Overall, these findings indicate that the dlPFC is also causally involved in voluntary task-order coordination processes. In particular, we argue that the dlPFC is recruited for intentionally updating and implementing task-order information that is necessary for scheduling the processing of two temporally overlapping tasks.

A 20-year tale on closing-in behavior in graphic copying tasks: Revisiting Della Sala's findings in new samples of patients with dementia and stroke

Closing-in behavior (CIB) is characterized by the placement of the graphic copy near (Near CIB) or even on the top of (Overlap CIB) the stimulus to be reproduced. Although CIB has received little attention in the literature, Sergio Della Sala and colleagues made important contributions to the understanding of the phenomenon. They noted that CIB is often observed in Alzheimer's Disease but is also present in other forms of dementia and mild cognitive impairment and stroke; they argued that CIB may reflect a deficit in executive function, rather than working memory, and that the phenomenon occurs more frequently in dual task conditions. Importantly, they demonstrated that CIB may not be specific to copying but may instead reflect a general deficit in decoupling movement location from the focus of attention. In the present study, we explored these observations in a mixed sample of 106 participants (AD n = 37, frontal stroke n = 25, other forms of dementia n = 24, and normal controls n = 20). First, we confirmed that CIB is equally common in AD, other forms of dementia and frontal stroke. Second, we confirmed the association between CIB and executive function deficits. Third, we showed that individuals with CIB are more likely to exhibit the phenomenon in dual task situations, in which line-drawing is associated with an unrelated secondary task (tapping, counting, or counting backward). The present work supports and extends the contributions of Della Sala and colleagues demonstrating that CIB is enhanced when the general attentional load of the task increases.