Individual Cognition Research Articles

Multivariate associations between neuroanatomy and cognition in unmedicated and medicated individuals with schizophrenia

Previous studies that focused on univariate correlations between neuroanatomy and cognition in schizophrenia identified some inconsistent findings. Moreover, antipsychotic medication may impact the brain-behavior profiles in affected individuals. It remains unclear whether unmedicated and medicated individuals with schizophrenia would share common neuroanatomy-cognition associations. Therefore, we aimed to investigate multivariate neuroanatomy-cognition relationships in both groups. A sample of 59 drug-naïve individuals with first-episode schizophrenia (FES) and a sample of 115 antipsychotic-treated individuals with schizophrenia were finally included. Multivariate modeling was conducted in the two patient samples between multiple cognitive domains and neuroanatomic features, such as cortical thickness (CT), cortical surface area (CSA), and subcortical volume (SV). We observed distinct multivariate correlational patterns between the two samples of individuals with schizophrenia. In the FES sample, better performance in token motor, symbol coding, and verbal fluency tests was associated with greater thalamic volumes but lower CT in the prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices. Two significant multivariate correlations were identified in antipsychotic-treated individuals: 1) worse verbal memory performance was related to smaller volumes for the most subcortical structures and smaller CSA mainly in the temporal regions and inferior parietal lobule; 2) a lower symbol coding test score was correlated with smaller CSA in the right parahippocampal gyrus but greater volume in the right caudate. These multivariate patterns were sample-specific and not confounded by imaging quality, illness duration, antipsychotic dose, or psychopathological symptoms. Our findings may help to understand the neurobiological basis of cognitive impairments and the development of cognition-targeted interventions.

The model for the repeated propagation of information from constant spreaders based on individual cognition levels

On social media platforms, high-impact disseminators act as fixed sources of crucial news, consistently affecting information dissemination. Throughout the process of repeated information dissemination, the audience’s cognition gradually evolves, thereby shaping the pattern and effectiveness of information dissemination. In this study, we present a comprehensive analytical framework and a model for repeated information dissemination, to explain the dynamics of information flow from fixed communicators on social media platforms as well as the dynamic evolution of audience cognition. The model incorporates periodic information sources and considers the directionality of propagation. Through quantitative analysis, we assess the evolution of audience cognition during repeated dissemination and investigate the impact of source complexity, dissemination periodicity, audience psychological fatigue, and cognitive disparities on dissemination effectiveness. Theoretical analysis reveals periodic solutions and threshold conditions for persistence in information dissemination. Furthermore, our research finds that moderate propaganda frequency and intensity can enhance dissemination effectiveness; whereas excessive propaganda may induce fatigue and reduce audience cognition efficacy. Empirical validation of the model demonstrates its effectiveness, offering new perspectives and scientific basis for understanding mechanisms of social media information dissemination and optimizing strategies for news dissemination.

How to enhance villagers’ willingness to participate in grassroots governance through political efficacy?

This paper is grounded in social cognitive theory and constructs a research framework of ‘individual cognition- environment-behavioral willingness’ to investigate the influence of political efficacy on villagers’ willingness to participate in grassroots governance, as well as whether satisfaction with the government and social justice play a chain-mediating role between them. Utilizing empirical data from the 2019 Chinese Social Survey (CSS), comprising 7,031 responses, this study rigorously tests the hypotheses. The findings demonstrate that political efficacy significantly and positively predicts villagers’ willingness to engage in grassroots governance. Furthermore, satisfaction with the government and social justice are identified as playing a chain-mediating role in this relationship. These results not only deepen our understanding of villagers’ attitudes toward political participation but also contribute to the democratic process in China.

The Relationship between Power, Sense of Power, and Cognitive Flexibility: An Analysis of Parallel Mediating Effects Based on Reward and Punishment Sensitivity.

This study utilized a sample of 2052 participants from government and enterprise sectors to explore the distinct effects of power and sense of power on cognitive flexibility. It also delves into how the three dimensions of reward sensitivity and the comprehensive measure of punishment sensitivity mediate this relationship. The key findings are as follows: (1) There is no significant direct correlation between power and sense of power. (2) Both power and sense of power are substantial positive predictors of cognitive flexibility, with middle- and upper-level employees demonstrating significantly greater cognitive flexibility than their lower-level counterparts, and sense of power having a more pronounced positive influence than objective power. (3) Drive and fun-seeking mediate the relationship between sense of power and cognitive flexibility, yet only when sense of power is the independent variable. (4) No mediating effects are observed for the dimensions of reward sensitivity or punishment sensitivity when power is the independent variable. Exploring reward and punishment sensitivity in the context of power's influence on cognitive flexibility in real organizational settings is of paramount importance. This enhances our understanding of the intricate ways in which power dynamics shape individual behaviors and cognition across diverse cultural landscapes and provides actionable insights for refining organizational management and leadership strategies.

In what ways does placeness affect people's behavior? Focusing on personal place attachment and public place image as connecting parameter.

Placeness is believed to play a significant role in enhancing the well-being and place-use of individuals, contributing profoundly to how spaces are experienced and interacted with. Despite its perceived importance, there is ongoing debate and insufficient clarity about how exactly placeness influences people's behavior. This study aims to bridge this gap by theorizing and investigating the pathways from placeness to people's behavioral intentions, emphasizing the roles of personal place attachment and public place image as pivotal mediators in this relationship. To explore these dynamics, we conducted a survey in Japan, examining the complex interplay between placeness and behavioral intentions, given their rich cultural heritage and modern urban pressures. We employed the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach for path analysis. The analysis suggests that placeness influences behavioral intention through personal place attachment. While placeness does affect public place image, this public image does not have an impact on behavioral intention. The results demonstrated that an individual's activities, experiences, and cognition of a place are significant factors in creating the intention to engage in word-of-mouth, recommendation, and revisiting behaviors. Policymakers, urban planners, and designers need to understand how to foster people's behavioral intentions when creating a place imbued with placeness.

What is Mind in Philosophy: An Introduction

The exploration of the mind is a fundamental pursuit spanning philosophy and psychology, with implications reaching into diverse practical realms. This paper delves into the intricacies of mental states, examining historical perspectives from ancient philosophers to modern theorists. Philosophical inquiries into intentionality, consciousness, and the nature of mental phenomena are scrutinized, alongside empirical investigations by psychologists. The discourse navigates through contrasting theories such as dualism, materialism, and functionalism, shedding light on the challenges of reconciling subjective experiences with objective obsNervations. The problem of other minds and the tension between internalism and externalism are dissected, revealing the complex interplay between individual cognition and external influences. Ultimately, this analysis underscores the intricate nature of philosophical inquiries into consciousness and the mind. KEY WORDS: Mind, consciousness, philosophy of mind, mental states, dualism, materialism, functionalism, internalism, externalism, intentionality, subjective experience, objectivity, psychology, other minds, Descartes, Hume, Kant, William James, behaviourism, computational theory of mind.

Brain age has limited utility as a biomarker for capturing fluid cognition in older individuals.

One well-known biomarker candidate that supposedly helps capture fluid cognition is Brain Age, or a predicted value based on machine-learning models built to predict chronological age from brain MRI. To formally evaluate the utility of Brain Age for capturing fluid cognition, we built 26 age-prediction models for Brain Age based on different combinations of MRI modalities, using the Human Connectome Project in Aging (n=504, 36-100 years old). First, based on commonality analyses, we found a large overlap between Brain Age and chronological age: Brain Age could uniquely add only around 1.6% in explaining variation in fluid cognition over and above chronological age. Second, the age-prediction models that performed better at predicting chronological age did NOT necessarily create better Brain Age for capturing fluid cognition over and above chronological age. Instead, better-performing age-prediction models created Brain Age that overlapped larger with chronological age, up to around 29% out of 32%, in explaining fluid cognition. Third, Brain Age missed around 11% of the total variation in fluid cognition that could have been explained by the brain variation. That is, directly predicting fluid cognition from brain MRI data (instead of relying on Brain Age and chronological age) could lead to around a 1/3-time improvement of the total variation explained. Accordingly, we demonstrated the limited utility of Brain Age as a biomarker for fluid cognition and made some suggestions to ensure the utility of Brain Age in explaining fluid cognition and other phenotypes of interest.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation to combat cognitive aging in people with spinal cord injury: protocol for a single case experimental design study

IntroductionIndividuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) can experience accelerated cognitive aging. Myokines (factors released from muscle cells during contractions), such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), are thought to have beneficial effects on cognition. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) was shown to elicit a large release of myokines. However, the effects of NMES on cognitive function have not been studied.ObjectiveTo present the study protocol for a clinical trial evaluating the effects of NMES aimed at improving cognition and BDNF.MethodsA replicated randomized three-phases single-case experimental design (SCED) with sequential multiple baseline time series and a single-armed prospective trial will be conducted with 15 adults with chronic SCI (> 12 months after injury) above L1 neurological level undergoing 30-min quadriceps NMES, 3 days per week for 12 weeks.Main study endpointsPrimary endpoint is cognitive performance (assessed by a smartphone test) conducted three times per week during the baseline phase with random duration of 3 to 8 weeks, the intervention phase of 12 weeks, and the follow-up phase of 3 weeks after a no measurement rest period of 12 weeks. Secondary endpoints are changes in BDNF levels and cognitive performance measured before the baseline period, before and after intervention and after a 12 weeks follow-up.ConclusionThis will be the first study investigating the effects of 12 weeks NMES on both cognition and BDNF levels in individuals with SCI. The SCED results provide information on individual treatment effect courses which may direct future research.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05822297, 12/01/2023).

Cognitive Alterations Associated with Remission and Alcohol Dependence Severity in Ethnically Diverse Patients of Siberia.

Impaired cognition in individuals with alcohol dependence may be associated with increased relapse risk. It has been recorded in more than half of patients during six months after treatment. In certain ethnic groups, for example, Tuvinians, the indigenous people of Siberia, relapses occur in extremely short periods of one to three months after treatment. An approach currently used to alcohol dependence treatment may be less effective for these patients. The study aimed to investigate cognitive sequelae in indigenous Tuvinian patients with alcohol dependence. The sample included 166 patients, 74 of indigenous ethnicity (Tuvinians) and 92 non-indigenous white patients. Data on inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, attention, and working memory were collected from all the patients and processed using cluster analysis. The clustering data were then complemented by indicators of disorder dynamics, impulsivity, and emotion regulation. The clustering procedure revealed groups with severe cognitive sequelae. More than four-fold attention decrease was found in 43.5% of non-indigenous patients, and more impaired cognitive flexibility was revealed among 60.8% of indigenous patients. Groups with severe cognitive sequelae had higher impulsivity, maladaptive emotion regulation, more hospitalizations, faster disease progression, and shorter remissions. The latter was significantly reduced to 90 days on average in the severe group of indigenous patients versus 135 days of remission in the non-indigenous severe group. Results obtained may advance tailored intervention in alcohol-dependent patients of the indigenous Tuvinian ethnicity. While little is still known about the alcohol dependence course and consequences in the indigenous Tuvinians of Siberia, this study contributes to the global mental health data on alcohol abuse and dependence in indigenous communities.

Study on the Influencing Factors of Entrepreneurial Intentions among Young Students: A Case Study of Zhanjiang, Guangdong

Since the implementation of the "Mass Innovation and Entrepreneurship" policy, the overall entrepreneurial intentions of the public have increased, and more and more young people are choosing to start their own businesses. In order to explore the influencing factors and accurately grasp the key variables that affect the level of entrepreneurial intentions among the youth, and thereby continuously stimulate the entrepreneurial intentions of contemporary youth in Zhanjiang under the backdrop of the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, this paper will conduct a questionnaire survey on young students in Zhanjiang from four aspects: individual characteristics, personal cognition, entrepreneurial environment, and policy awareness. After collecting and organizing the data, multiple regression analysis is used to test its significance, leading to the following conclusions: factors such as gender, household registration, entrepreneurial spirit, parents' attitude towards entrepreneurship, the social entrepreneurial environment, part-time or internship experience, and the level of understanding of policies all have a significant impact on entrepreneurial intentions.

Resting-State Network Functional Connectivity Analysis: A Multimodal Imaging and Computational Modeling Approach

Functional connectivity is referred to as the temporal interaction between different brain regions that are spatially distant from each other. It is commonly examined during resting states by classifying resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) patterns and their associated synchronized activity to understand the underlying neural mechanisms that support cognitive processes. With the advancement of cutting-edge neuronal systems, multimodal imaging, and computational advances have served as promising tools for rs-FC studies. Despite having reviewed resting-state networks and their influence on a range of health anomalies in the existing literature, there nevertheless remains a lack of reviews that delve into diverse imaging modalities and computational modeling approaches for rs-FC analysis. Therefore, this systematic review aims to provide an understanding of these technologies that analyze the resting-state network functional connectivity and their correlation to cognitive functions. Through a systematic approach to analyzing studies, the most frequently employed modality was functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) due to its high spatial resolution. Key findings demonstrated that higher functional connectivity levels are often linked to greater Exin ratios, which subsequently affect large-scale functional brain synchronization. Across various computational models, a non-parametric classifier has shown promise for rs-FC analysis in various contexts due to its ability to handle multiple EEG features. Moreover, the multivariate model is identified to have superior performance with a predictive area under the curve (AUC) of ~0.77. Overall, the present study underscores the vitality of using imaging and computational tools in elucidating the intricacies of rs-FC and its effects on individual cognition.

The Effects of the AIGC Software on English Majors: Professional Competence, Individual Perceptions, and Career Planning

In recent years, the application of AIGC-type software in the teaching of English majors has become more and more widespread and attracted much attention. This study aims to investigate the application value and use satisfaction of AIGC-type software in teaching English majors, as well as the effects on students' individual ability and cognition. The study adopts a natural experimental method to collect data through questionnaires and interviews with ten English majors as research subjects. The study shows that AIGC-type software can effectively improve students' translation ability and self-confidence, but there are differences in the demand and acceptance of AIGC among students of different academic and ability levels; students' willingness to use AIGC is generally on the rise and their satisfaction is high, but there are still some questions and concerns; AIGC-type software can help students clarify their career planning, but their future roles may not be a replacement for human translators, but an aid for translators.

Examining the effects of cognitive load on information systems security policy compliance

PurposeEnforcing employee compliance with information systems security policies (ISSP) is a herculean task for organizations as security breaches due to non-compliance continue to soar. To improve this situation, researchers have employed fear appeals that are based on protection motivation theory (PMT) to induce compliance behavior. However, extant research on fear appeals has yielded mixed findings. To help explain these mixed findings, the authors contend that efficacy formation is a cognitive process that is impacted by the cognitive load exerted by the design of fear appeal messages.Design/methodology/approachThe study draws on cognitive load theory (CLT) to examine the effects of intrinsic cognitive load, extraneous cognitive load and germane cognitive load on stimulating an individual’s efficacy and coping appraisals. The authors designed a survey to collect data from 359 respondents and tested the model using partial least squares.FindingsThe analysis showed significant relationships between cognitive load (intrinsic, extraneous, and germane) and fear, maladaptive rewards, response costs, self-efficacy and response efficacy.Originality/valueThis provides support for the assertion that fear appeals impact the cognitive processes of individuals that then in turn can potentially affect the efficacy of fear and coping appraisals. These findings demonstrate the need to further investigate how individual cognition is impacted by fear appeal design and the resulting effects on compliance intention and behavior.

Neurobiological Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation over the Inferior Frontal Gyrus: A Systematic Review on Cognitive Enhancement in Healthy and Neurological Adults.

The neurobiological effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have still not been unequivocally clarified. Some studies have suggested that the application of tDCS over the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) enhances different aspects of cognition in healthy and neurological individuals, exerting neural changes over the target area and its neural surroundings. In this systematic review, randomized sham-controlled trials in healthy and neurological adults were selected through a database search to explore whether tDCS over the IFG combined with cognitive training modulates functional connectivity or neural changes. Twenty studies were finally included, among which twelve measured tDCS effects through functional magnetic resonance (fMRI), two through functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and six through electroencephalography (EEG). Due to the high heterogeneity observed across studies, data were qualitatively described and compared to assess reliability. Overall, studies that combined fMRI and tDCS showed widespread changes in functional connectivity at both local and distant brain regions. The findings also suggested that tDCS may also modulate electrophysiological changes underlying the targeted area. However, these outcomes were not always accompanied by corresponding significant behavioral results. This work raises the question concerning the general efficacy of tDCS, the implications of which extend to the steadily increasing tDCS literature.

Fintech platforms and information service quality from the perspective of investor cognition

Fintech platforms serve the financial information market as a new player in corporate finance along with traditional analysts, and individual investors' preferences for these two service providers will affect market efficiency. This paper focuses on the financial information service industry in the context of the COVID-19, and discusses the information service quality of financial information service providers (fintech platforms vs. analysts) from the perspective of individual investors' cognition. Based on the theory of organizational information processing, through survey method, it has been found that investors believe that the information service quality of fintech platforms is higher than that of analysts, and is mediated by information planning comprehensiveness. It was also found that economic environment uncertainty moderates the mediating information service providers and information service quality through information planning comprehensiveness. Specifically, in a low economic environment uncertainty (Non-Lockdown Policy), investors believe that financial technology platforms have higher information planning comprehensiveness and higher quality of information services compared to analyst; In a high economic environment uncertainty (Lockdown Policy), the aforementioned impact is weakened. Robustness results indicate that the above main effects remain when considering the sub-sample and investors' Internet search behaviour. In addition, the heterogeneity results indicate that the more economically developed the region, the higher the investors' evaluation of the quality of financial information services. This study promotes the understanding of fintech substitution effect from the perspective of investor perception and reveals the psychological mechanism of individual investors, which provides micro ideas for the governance of fintech platforms for new participants in startups' financing and regional fintech development.

Neurofilament Light Chain as a Biomarker of Global Cognition in Individuals With Possible Vascular Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL) is a biomarker of axonal injury elevated in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease dementia. Blood NfL also inversely correlates with cognitive performance in those conditions. However, few studies have assessed NfL as a biomarker of global cognition in individuals demonstrating mild cognitive deficits who are at risk for vascular-related cognitive decline. To assess the relationship between blood NfL and global cognition in individuals with possible vascular MCI (vMCI) throughout cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Additionally, NfL levels were compared to age/sex-matched cognitively unimpaired (CU) controls. Participants with coronary artery disease (vMCI or CU) were recruited at entry to a 24-week CR program. Global cognition was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and plasma NfL level (pg/ml) was quantified using a highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Higher plasma NfL was correlated with worse MoCA scores at baseline (β = -.352, P = .029) in 43 individuals with vMCI after adjusting for age, sex, and education. An increase in NfL was associated with worse global cognition (b[SE] = -4.81[2.06], P = .023) over time, however baseline NfL did not predict a decline in global cognition. NfL levels did not differ between the vMCI (n = 39) and CU (n = 39) groups (F(1, 76) = 1.37, P = .245). Plasma NfL correlates with global cognition at baseline in individuals with vMCI, and is associated with decline in global cognition during CR. Our findings increase understanding of NfL and neurobiological mechanisms associated with cognitive decline in vMCI.

The Dissemination and Social Effects of Black and White Illustrations in The Public Domain

This paper extensively investigates the dissemination of black and white illustrations in the public domain and their societal impact. Through an analysis of dissemination forms, social effects, and future development trends, it delves into the applications of black and white illustrations in print media, digital media, exhibitions, and events. It focuses on exploring the effects of black and white illustrations on individual cognition, the transmission of social and cultural values, and the promotion of public policies. Case studies are utilized to showcase the applications of black and white illustrations in healthcare, environmental protection, and education, along with their positive outcomes. The paper proposes evaluation and monitoring mechanisms to assess the quality and effectiveness of the dissemination of black and white illustrations in the public domain. Additionally, it suggests policy recommendations such as government funding support, tax incentives, intellectual property protection, and educational training to facilitate the sustainable development of black and white illustrations in the public domain. These comprehensive research and analyses provide robust guidance and support for enhancing the role of black and white illustrations in the public domain, offering essential theoretical references for related fields of study and practice.

Study of Celie's Portrayal in "The Color Purple" Under the Theory of Androgyny

The classic novel The Color Purple by black American author Alice Walker outlines the journey of Celie, a black woman in the Southern part of America in the early 20th century, as she grows up under the triple oppression of race, gender and class. Celie is abused by her stepfather and then forced to marry Mr. ____, a widower who already has four children, and lives in daily slave-like worry. However, with the help of other women, Celie gradually awakens from her numb and closed state, thinks about her gender and identity, and finally grows up to be an independent woman with individuality, dignity, and self-confidence. Therefore, based on the theory of androgyny, this paper analyzes in depth the development process of Celie's gender consciousness, revealing that her gender consciousness goes from clear boundaries to blurring, and finally achieves integration through self-awakening. In the novel, Celie experiences the questioning and redefinition of her own gender awareness, from the initial limitation of social expectations to the gradual escape from the traditional gender boundaries, and finally realizes the comprehensive awareness of gender. Through an in-depth analysis of the image of Celie and the evolution of her gender cognition in The Color Purple, the author hopes to better help readers understand the plurality of individual gender cognition, and to provide useful literary references for the promotion of gender harmony.

Under pressure: the interplay of hypertension and white matter hyperintensities with cognition in chronic stroke aphasia.

While converging research suggests that increased white matter hyperintensity load is associated with poorer cognition, and the presence of hypertension is associated with increased white matter hyperintensity load, the relationship among hypertension, cognition and white matter hyperintensities is not well understood. We sought to determine the effect of white matter hyperintensity burden on the relationship between hypertension and cognition in individuals with post-stroke aphasia, with the hypothesis that white matter hyperintensity load moderates the relationship between history of hypertension and cognitive function. Health history, Fazekas scores for white matter hyperintensities and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Matrix Reasoning subtest scores for 79 people with aphasia collected as part of the Predicting Outcomes of Language Rehabilitation study at the Center for the Study of Aphasia Recovery at the University of South Carolina and the Medical University of South Carolina were analysed retrospectively. We found that participants with a history of hypertension had increased deep white matter hyperintensity severity (P < 0.001), but not periventricular white matter hyperintensity severity (P = 0.116). Moderation analysis revealed that deep white matter hyperintensity load moderates the relationship between high blood pressure and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale scores when controlling for age, education, aphasia severity and lesion volume. The interaction is significant, showing that a history of high blood pressure and severe deep white matter hyperintensities together are associated with poorer Matrix Reasoning scores. The overall model explains 41.85% of the overall variation in Matrix Reasoning score in this group of participants. These findings underscore the importance of considering cardiovascular risk factors in aphasia treatment, specifically hypertension and its relationship to brain health in post-stroke cognitive function.

Visual social information use in collective foraging.

Collective dynamics emerge from individual-level decisions, yet we still poorly understand the link between individual-level decision-making processes and collective outcomes in realistic physical systems. Using collective foraging to study the key trade-off between personal and social information use, we present a mechanistic, spatially-explicit agent-based model that combines individual-level evidence accumulation of personal and (visual) social cues with particle-based movement. Under idealized conditions without physical constraints, our mechanistic framework reproduces findings from established probabilistic models, but explains how individual-level decision processes generate collective outcomes in a bottom-up way. In clustered environments, groups performed best if agents reacted strongly to social information, while in uniform environments, individualistic search was most beneficial. Incorporating different real-world physical and perceptual constraints profoundly shaped collective performance, and could even buffer maladaptive herding by facilitating self-organized exploration. Our study uncovers the mechanisms linking individual cognition to collective outcomes in human and animal foraging and paves the way for decentralized robotic applications.