Time Paradigm Research Articles

Neuroergonomic Attention Assessment in Safety-Critical Tasks: EEG Indices and Subjective Metrics Validation in a Novel Task-Embedded Reaction Time Paradigm.

Background/Objectives: This study addresses the gap in methodological guidelines for neuroergonomic attention assessment in safety-critical tasks, focusing on validating EEG indices, including the engagement index (EI) and beta/alpha ratio, alongside subjective ratings. Methods: A novel task-embedded reaction time paradigm was developed to evaluate the sensitivity of these metrics to dynamic attentional demands in a more naturalistic multitasking context. By manipulating attention levels through varying secondary tasks in the NASA MATB-II task while maintaining a consistent primary reaction-time task, this study successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of the paradigm. Results: Results indicate that both the beta/alpha ratio and EI are sensitive to changes in attentional demands, with beta/alpha being more responsive to dynamic variations in attention, and EI reflecting more the overall effort required to sustain performance, especially in conditions where maintaining attention is challenging. Conclusions: The potential for predicting the attention lapses through integration of performance metrics, EEG measures, and subjective assessments was demonstrated, providing a more nuanced understanding of dynamic fluctuations of attention in multitasking scenarios, mimicking those in real-world safety-critical tasks. These findings provide a foundation for advancing methods to monitor attention fluctuations accurately and mitigate risks in critical scenarios, such as train-driving or automated vehicle operation, where maintaining a high attention level is crucial.

Sequential Effects on Reaction Time Distributions: Commonalities and Differences Across Paradigms.

A common finding across numerous response time (RT) paradigms is that the mean RT in one trial depends strongly on the characteristics of the immediately preceding trial. Although such sequential effects have usually only been considered within each single paradigm in isolation from the others, there are important similarities across paradigms between the theoretical accounts of these effects. However, so far there has been no systematic comparison of sequential effects across paradigms. To investigate the possible relationships between sequential effects in different paradigms, we conducted an experiment examining sequential effects in visual search, two-choice RT, interference, and task-switching paradigms, using methods designed to maximize the similarity of stimuli and responses across paradigms. Detailed analyses of the observed RT distributions were carried out using both descriptive (e.g., ex-Gaussian) and process-oriented (e.g., diffusion models) methods. The results reveal significant empirical similarities and differences between the sequential effects observed across different paradigms, and in some cases even across different conditions within a single paradigm. Furthermore, the sequential effects are more similar to one another for some pairs of paradigms than for others. These results imply that some cognitive processes eliciting sequential effects are shared across paradigms while others seem to be paradigm-specific.

Deterministic Coordination across Multiple Timelines

We discuss a novel approach for constructing deterministic reactive systems that revolves around a temporal model that incorporates a multiplicity of timelines. This model is central to Lingua Franca ( LF ), a polyglot coordination language and compiler toolchain we are developing for the definition and composition of concurrent components called reactors, which are objects that react to and emit discrete events. Our temporal model differs from existing models like the logical execution time (LET) paradigm and synchronous languages in that it reflects that there are always at least two distinct timelines involved in a reactive system; a logical one and a physical one—and possibly multiple of each kind. This article explains how the relationship between events across timelines facilitates reasoning about consistency and availability across components in cyber-physical systems (CPSs).

Itihasam of/as Legend: Time, Space, and Narrative Consciousness in The Legends of Khasak

Truth is light splintered through a prism and that gave me the idea of the astrophysicist who turns away from the outer universe to the space within. V. Vijayan, ‘Afterword’, The Legends of Khasak The Legends of Khasak (1969) by O.V. Vijayan has enjoyed a cult readership in the Indian subcontinent. The dominant critical or scholarly strain has been to read it as a literary symptom of the postcolonial imaginary. However, this has restricted the thematic potentialities of the text. While it employs the conventional postcolonial contestation between modernity and tradition as its framework, it far exceeds the binary in the forging of a novel consciousness and form. Using this as the theoretical springboard, the paper will attempt an exploration of Vijayan’s revisioning of the postmodern novel through the reconfiguration of the coordinates of time and space. This reconfiguration occurs through the lens of magic realism in so far as the experience of space – or Khasak as a site of the legendary – is conditioned by the experience of time. The aim of the paper is to look at the protagonist Ravi and his experience of the liminal boundary between history and myth, and the concomitant form of the novel through its reconceptualization of the Eurocentric theoretical paradigms of novelistic and epic time. This anticipates the emergence of a new spatio-temporal and narrative consciousness symptomatic of the fragmentary postcolonial condition.

Switching between task control modes incurs greater reprogramming costs than programming the response de novo

When performing synchronous hand and foot movements, the way the limbs are synchronized differs depending on the mode of control. When performed in a reaction time (RT) paradigm (reactive control), EMG onsets become synchronized resulting in asynchronous displacement onset. However, when the same movement is performed as an anticipation-timing task (predictive control), displacement onset is synchronized by unconsciously introducing a small delay between EMG onsets. The present experiment investigated the reprogramming costs associated with switching between predictive and reaction control modes. Participants (N = 12, 6F) were asked to simultaneously lift their right heel and right hand in an anticipation-timing task when a rotating clock hand reached a specified target. On some trials, an auditory stimulus was presented either 250 ms or 500 ms before the target and participants were instructed to execute the synchronous movement as quickly as possible after the signal (i.e., switch to reactive mode). Results showed that when the auditory stimulus was delivered 250 ms before the target, participants were unable to switch to a reactive control mode but did switch when the auditory stimulus was presented 500 ms before the target. As expected, the RT on switch trials was substantially longer (∼230 ms) than a simple RT control condition but was also significantly longer (∼130 ms) than a choice RT control condition. These results indicate that switching between control modes for a task involving the same musculature incurs reprogramming costs that are even greater than the time required to program the response de novo.

The radiated breast and autologous reconstruction: benefits and alternatives

Despite advancements in research and technology, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality affecting women worldwide. Radiation therapy is a widely recommended adjunct to surgery due to its significant role in reducing loco-regional recurrence. Its use, however, is not without consequences. Radiation triggers a series of pathophysiologic events leading to tissue injury; reactive oxygen species incites (1) vascular damage and chronic hypoxia; (2) an inflammatory response; and (3) activation of myofibroblasts to induce fibrosis. As a result, radiotherapy interferes with wound healing and negatively impacts the quality of the skin. These pathophysiologic consequences complicate the sequence of breast reconstruction and require surgeons to consider timing and the type of reconstruction (autologous vs. implant), with respect to radiotherapy to improve patient outcomes. In this article, we briefly review radiation-induced tissue effects and their impact on breast reconstruction. More specifically, we comment on the traditional use of autologous tissue, microsurgical technical pearls for irradiated fields, reconstructive timing paradigms, and lymphedema prevention. With continued progress, derivation, and innovation, plastic and reconstructive surgery has consistently advanced and revolutionized both medicine and surgery. This review considers the future implications of breast reconstruction and how it will impact patients, healthcare, and the field. While not an exhaustive review, we aim to provide a comprehensive discussion and insights. In summary, the authors discuss the possibilities of a paradigm shift in breast reconstruction, emphasizing the need for surgeons to have an armamentarium capable of all breast reconstruction options for the best possible patient outcomes.

Modulation of response times in early-stage Parkinson’s disease during emotional processing of embodied and non-embodied stimuli

Valence (positive and negative) and content (embodied vs non-embodied) characteristics of visual stimuli have been shown to influence motor readiness, as tested with response time paradigms. Both embodiment and emotional processing are affected in Parkinson’s disease (PD) due to basal ganglia dysfunction. Here we aimed to investigate, using a two-choice response time paradigm, motor readiness when processing embodied (emotional body language [EBL] and emotional facial expressions [FACS]) vs non-embodied (emotional scenes [IAPS]) stimuli with neutral, happy, and fearful content. We enrolled twenty-five patients with early-stage PD and twenty-five age matched healthy participants. Motor response during emotional processing was assessed by measuring response times (RTs) in a home-based, forced two-choice discrimination task where participants were asked to discriminate the emotional stimulus from the neutral one. Rating of valence and arousal was also performed. A clinical and neuropsychological evaluation was performed on PD patients. Results showed that RTs for PD patients were longer for all conditions compared to HC and that RTs were generally longer in both groups for EBL compared to FACS and IAPS, with the sole exception retrieved for PD, where in discriminating fearful stimuli, RTs for EBL were longer compared to FACS but not to IAPS. Furthermore, in PD only, when discriminating fearful respect to neutral stimuli, RTs were shorter when discriminating FACS compared to IAPS. This study shows that PD patients were faster in discriminating fearful embodied stimuli, allowing us to speculate on mechanisms involving an alternative, compensatory, emotional motor pathway for PD patients undergoing fear processing.

Filsafat Kristen dan Paradigma Inklusif di Era Modern: Kritik Terhadap Pengaruh Tren Budaya

Presents a critique of the influence of cultural trends on Christian philosophy and the inclusive paradigm in the modern era. This article seeks to criticize the influence of cultural trends on Christian philosophy and the inclusive paradigm in modern times. By identifying and analyzing the implications of cultural trends in these two concepts, the author aims to gain a deeper understanding of how values ​​and beliefs in contemporary society are influenced and change in line with the development of cultural trends. The method used in this research is qualitative research methods. with a literature study approach. First of all, the study will begin with a comprehensive literature review, aiming to gather the latest information regarding the development of Christian philosophy, inclusive paradigms, and cultural trends in the context of modern times. The next step is to conduct an in-depth conceptual analysis, taking into account relevant theological, philosophical and socio-cultural perspectives. Modern cultural trends have brought about significant changes in the way humans interact, think and communicate. In the context of the inclusive paradigm, this change has several implications. Advances in information technology and digital culture have made individual needs more diverse and complex. An inclusive paradigm must be able to capture and meet these needs contextually. Inclusive education, for example, should focus on developing individuals' abilities to adapt to change and interact with various cultures. the influence of cultural trends on Christian philosophy and inclusive paradigms in the modern era, with a focus on their impact in the context of morality, biblical authority, and inclusivity. Through conceptual analysis and critique of the implications of cultural trends, this article highlights challenges and opportunities for Christian philosophy and inclusive paradigms.

Premenstrual syndrome is associated with differences in heart rate variability and attentional control throughout the menstrual cycle: A pilot study

IntroductionMost persons with an active menstrual cycle suffer from a range of aversive symptoms (e.g. reduced ability to concentrate) in the days before their menstruation – the premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Biological and cognitive mechanisms of PMS are poorly understood. It has been shown that vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV), a physiological marker of self-regulation, decreases during the PMS-affected cycle phase (luteal phase) only in individuals with high PMS symptomology. This study investigates the specific associations between vmHRV, PMS symptomology and cognitive self-regulation (attentional control). MethodsIn this between-subject study, participants completed an vmHRV baseline measurement through electrocardiography, a reaction time paradigm to measure attentional control (modified attention network test revised, ANT-R) and filled out a questionnaire regarding impact of PMS as well as current menstrual phase. ResultsMixed Model analysis showed interactions effects in the hypothesized direction. VmHRV was decreased during the luteal phase only in individuals with higher PMS. Analogously, performance in the Executive Functioning of the ANT-R task was reduced in the luteal compared to the follicular phase only in individuals with increased PMS symptoms. No effects were found in the Orienting Network Score. DiscussionThe results point in the direction of associations between vmHRV, PMS and self-regulation. This could hint at common underlying mechanisms. Further research, however, must be conducted to examine causal pathways to confirm these associations.

IBUPROFEN INJECTABLE MICROEMULSION PREPARATION COATED BY CHITOSAN: FORMULATION, CHARACTERIZATION, IN VITRO PERFORMANCE, ANTI-INFLAMMATION ACTIVITY, AND HEMATOLOGY ASSESSMENT

Objective: This study aimed to develop, characterize, and conduct stability evaluations to ensure compliance with intravenous administration for microemulsion ibuprofen injection. In addition, hematology assessment and profile of drug release kinetics were analyzed. Methods: The formulation process commenced by introducing various chitosan concentrations into microemulsion ibuprofen injection, following a method established in a previous study. Formulation parameters studied include particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, kinetic of drug release, anti-inflammation activity using the 1% carrageenin induction method, and hematology assessment. Results: The results showed that the addition of 1% chitosan solution allowed for the development of the ideal microemulsion formula, with droplet size, zeta potential, and PDI of 19.37±0.32 nm,-1.53±0.12 mV, and 0.38±0.02, respectively. Kinetics of chitosan-coated ibuprofen microemulsion (MK) were governed by the squared root of time paradigm, suggesting that drug release proceeded by diffusion and was influenced by the carrier. Compared to the other groups, the paw injected with MK indicated a strong anti-inflammatory effect and did not differ significantly from the control group (p>0.05). However, Hematology analysis showed no statistically significant variations in leukocyte and erythrocyte profiles between the treatment and control groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: MK met the criteria as an intravenous preparation based on the characteristics and safety.

Dynamic imaging of micro-vibrations with an ultra-wide bandwidth and a femtometer noise using switchable pulsed laser interferometry

Imaging the complex dynamics of micro-vibrations plays a fundamental role in the investigation of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). However, it remains a challenge for achieving both a wide bandwidth and a low noise due to the high photodetector noise and electromagnetic interference at GHz frequencies. Here, we propose a pulsed laser interferometry system with an adaptable switch to image GHz vibrations based on stroboscopic mixing, while measuring lower-frequency vibrations based on the homodyne scheme. The noise power spectral density is shown in both regions from DC to 10 GHz with an average noise down to 30.8 fm/√Hz at GHz frequencies, which holds the highest resolution to the best of our knowledge. Vibrational amplitude and phase mappings of a kHz comb-drive resonator, a GHz piezoelectric transducer, and a GHz film bulk acoustic resonator are presented with animated visualizations and k-space analysis, paving a new paradigm for the first time to image and analyze various MEMS devices of a bandwidth spanning 10 orders of magnitude.

Visual Preference for Socially Relevant Spatial Relations in Humans and Monkeys.

As a powerful social signal, a body, face, or gaze facing toward oneself holds an individual's attention. We asked whether, going beyond an egocentric stance, facingness between others has a similar effect and why. In a preferential-looking time paradigm, human adults showed spontaneous preference to look at two bodies facing toward (vs. away from) each other (Experiment 1a, N = 24). Moreover, facing dyads were rated higher on social semantic dimensions, showing that facingness adds social value to stimuli (Experiment 1b, N = 138). The same visual preference was found in juvenile macaque monkeys (Experiment 2, N = 21). Finally, on the human development timescale, this preference emerged by 5 years, although young infants by 7 months of age already discriminate visual scenes on the basis of body positioning (Experiment 3, N = 120). We discuss how the preference for facing dyads-shared by human adults, young children, and macaques-can signal a new milestone in social cognition development, supporting processing and learning from third-party social interactions.

Benchmarking Large Language Models on Controllable Generation under Diversified Instructions

While large language models (LLMs) have exhibited impressive instruction-following capabilities, it is still unclear whether and to what extent they can respond to explicit constraints that might be entailed in various instructions. As a significant aspect of LLM alignment, it is thus important to formulate such a specialized set of instructions as well as investigate the resulting behavior of LLMs. To address this vacancy, we propose a new benchmark CoDI-Eval to systematically and comprehensively evaluate LLMs' responses to instructions with various constraints. We construct a large collection of constraints-attributed instructions as a test suite focused on both generalization and coverage. Specifically, we advocate an instruction diversification process to synthesize diverse forms of constraint expression and also deliberate the candidate task taxonomy with even finer-grained sub-categories. Finally, we automate the entire evaluation process to facilitate further developments. Different from existing studies on controllable text generation, CoDI-Eval extends the scope to the prevalent instruction-following paradigm for the first time. We provide extensive evaluations of representative LLMs (e.g., ChatGPT, Vicuna) on CoDI-Eval, revealing their limitations in following instructions with specific constraints and there is still a significant gap between open-source and commercial closed-source LLMs. We believe this benchmark will facilitate research into improving the controllability of LLMs' responses to instructions. Our data and code are available at https://github.com/Xt-cyh/CoDI-Eval.

On the nonlinearity of the foreperiod effect

One of the frequently employed tasks within the implicit timing paradigm is the foreperiod task. The foreperiod is the time interval spanning from the presentation of a warning signal to the appearance of a target stimulus, during which reaction time trajectory follows time uncertainty. While the typical approach in analyzing foreperiod effects is based on linear approximations, the uncertainty in the estimation of time, expressed by the Weber fraction, implies a nonlinear trend. In the present study, we analyzed the variable foreperiod reaction times from a relatively large sample (n = 109). We found that the linear regression on reaction times and log-transformed reaction times poorly fitted the foreperiod data. However, a nonlinear regression based on an exponential decay function with three distinctive parameters provided the best fit. We discussed the inferential hazards of a simplistic linear approach and demonstrated how a nonlinear formulation can create new opportunities for studies in implicit timing research, which were previously impossible.

Political Dynamics of the Era of Ali Bin Abi Thalib (Contribution of the Political System in Islamic Civilization)

<em>The study of political studies during the time of Caliph Ali bin Abi Thalib is very important to study in more depth. Because this study greatly contributes to political problems in Indonesia such as corruption and social injustice which are often debated. The aim of this article is to understand 3 things: First, the political paradigm of Ali bin Abi Talib's time. Second, internal and external factors that influenced the politics of Ali bin Abi Talib's time. Third, the positive and negative implications of politics for Muslims at that time. The method used is qualitative research with a literature review approach. The results found were 3 things: First, the political paradigm of Ali bin Abi Talib's time had 3 forms: (1) war politics (2) peace (3) justice. Second, internally there were 3 factors that influenced it: (1) differences of opinion (2) Caliph Ali's policies (3) Caliph Ali's characteristics. Externally, there are 5 factors that influence it: (1) the death of Muslims (2) support from the Kuffah community (3) the Governor's negligence (4) community problems (5) selfishness. Third, there are 3 positive implications for Muslims: (1) making it easier for Caliph Ali (2) the emergence of different forms of Islamic law (3) an orderly government system. Meanwhile, the negative implications for Muslims are 3 things: (1) changes in the Islamic government system (2) the emergence of new groups (3) division of Muslims. The conclusion of this article shows that it provides new views and insights into the study of Islamic Civilization during the era of Caliph Ali bin Abi Talib in the current political sector.</em>

A novel time series classification for multivariate data using improved deep belief-recurrent neural network with optimal dynamic time warping

In the past ten years, data from time series extraction has attracted a lot of attention. Several methods have concentrated on classification problems, where the objective is to identify the labelling of a test period, given labelled training data. Feature-based and Instance-based methods are the two fundamental groups into which time series categorization methodologies may be divided. To categorize time series data, instance-based techniques use similarity data in a nearest-neighbor context. While methods in this category deliver reliable findings, their efficacy suffers when dealing with lengthy and noisy time series. Feature-based approaches, on the other together, extract characteristics to address the shortcomings of instance-based methods; nevertheless, these approaches use predetermined features and might not be effective in all classification issues. This paper seeks to introduce a novel deep learning-based Optimal Dynamic Time Warping (ODTW) paradigm for multimodal time’s series data categorization. This model covers several phases. At initial stage, the standard data is gathered from standard public source. Secondly, ODTW is proposed, where the parameters are optimized by Random Opposition Billiards-Inspired Optimization (RO-BIO) for extracting the most essential information. Finally, the classification is carried out through “Deep Belief Network (DBN) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN) termed as Deep Belief-RNN (DB-RNN)”. Finally, the extracted deep features are given to the optimized RNN for attaining the final classified results. The simulation results have resulted in superior classification performance in terms of standard performance measures.

Mutual penetration of stylistic elements of magic realism, Slavic folklore, fiction in the context of the grammatical representation of time coordinates in V. Stevanović’s novel The Wretched

The article examines the relationship, interaction and grammatical repertoire of different tense forms of the Serbian verb in the context of verbal representation of time coordinates in the novel The Wretched by the famous Serbian writer V. Stevanović. The linguistic aspect, the mechanism of layering in the time paradigm of a perfect sample of magical realism, is analyzed. In this research, data from related scientific fields were involved and an attempt was made to determine which features inherent in the poetics of the mentioned work in terms of time plan unite it with examples of postmodernism, and which methods are related to the peculiarities of the temporal characteristics of the Serbian folk-song epic tradition, Serbian lyric poetry, with time formulas in bugaršticas, with poetic techniques of artistic fiction. The stylistic role of synthetic preterite forms of the Serbian verb, various shifts in the semantics of the present etc. are characterized.

Moving in response to an unseen visual stimulus

ObjectiveWhether consciousness has a causal role in voluntary movements is not clear. Backward masking blocks a stimulus from becoming conscious, but it can trigger movement in a reaction time paradigm. We hypothesize that if backward masking is used in a choice reaction time paradigm, when the visible stimulus (S2) differs from the masked stimulus (S1), the movement will often differ from conscious intent. We did such a study employing electroencephalography (EEG) to explore the brain activity associated with this effect. MethodsTwenty healthy adults participated in a choice reaction time task with a backwardly masked stimulus and EEG. They moved right or left hand in response to the direction of an arrow. S2 was congruent or incongruent with S1. When incongruent, responses were frequently concordant with S1, with faster reaction time than when responding to S2 and thought to be a mistake. ResultsWe show that it is possible to trigger movements from the unperceived stimuli indicating consciousness is not causal since the movement was not in accord with intent. EEG showed information flow from occipital cortex to motor cortex. ConclusionsOccipital activity was the same despite response, but the parietal and frontal EEG differed. When responding to S1, the motor cortex responded as soon as information arrived, and when responding to S2, the motor cortex responded with a delay allowing for other brain processing prior to movement initiation. While the exact time of conscious recognition of S2 is not clear, when there is a response to S1, the frontal cortex signals an “error”, but this is apparently too late to veto the movement. SignificanceWhile consciousness does not initiate the movement, it monitors the concordance of intent and result.

Asian elephants distinguish sexual status and identity of unfamiliar elephants using urinary odours.

Despite the ubiquity of odours in mammals, few studies have documented the natural olfactory abilities of many 'non-model' species such as the Asian elephant. As Asian elephants are endangered, we may apply odours to more effectively manage threatened populations. We implemented a habituation-discrimination paradigm for the first time in Asian elephants to test the ability of elephants to discriminate between unfamiliar male elephant urine, hypothesizing that elephants would successfully distinguish non-musth from musth urine and also distinguish identity between two closely related individuals. We conducted two bioassay series, exposing three female and three male zoo-housed elephants to the same urine sample (non-musth urine in the first series, and urine from an unfamiliar individual in the second) over 5 days. On the sixth day, we simultaneously presented each elephant with a novel sample (either musth urine or urine from a second unfamiliar individual) alongside the habituated urine sample, comparing rates of chemosensory response to each sample to indicate discrimination. All elephants successfully discriminated non-musth from musth urine, and also urine from two unfamiliar half-brothers. Our results further demonstrate the remarkable olfactory abilities of elephants with promising implications for conservation and management.

An active semi-supervised transfer learning method for robot pose error prediction and compensation

Robots are widely employed in industrial settings owing to their efficiency, flexibility, and extensive operational ranges. However, their application in high-precision scenarios is limited owing to their low absolute accuracies. Existing methods suffer from high measurement costs, and limited applicability and accuracy. To address these issues, an active semi supervised transfer learning method (ASTL) is introduced. The pose error prediction problem was modelled as a transfer learning paradigm for the first time. It leverages the proposed multi-stage greedy sampling (MGS) for informed sample labelling combined with coarse calibration and semi supervised transfer learning (STL) to embed theoretical knowledge for globally accurate predictions. The proposed method is compared with other prediction and compensation approaches for four robotic motion tasks. It significantly reduces the time consumption by approximately 89.3% compared with direct measurements and achieves a maximum reduction of approximately 90% in robot pose errors. This substantial enhancement in pose accuracy promotes high-quality applications of robots in the industrial sector.