Quick Reaction Time Research Articles

Assessment of Visual Information Processing Ability in Elite Racket Sport Players

The present study aimed to investigate the abilities of visual information processing in racket sport players, and to compare the differences with their peers. Fifty-four male college-aged athletes were recruited and divided into two racket sport groups, including table tennis (TT, n = 22) and badminton (BT, n = 32) groups. Additionally, 22 healthy college students without regular physical activities were randomly selected and served as control subjects. The covert orienting of visuo-spatial attention tasks was used to evaluate the abilities of visual information processing. The data including the reaction time (RT) and response error rate (RER) were recorded and analyzed. Results showed that the athletes in TT and BT groups performed significantly better than the control subjects in the reaction time. In addition, RT of upper limbs, lower limbs, dominant side and non-dominant side was significantly different between the groups, and RT of upper limbs was quicker than that of lower limbs in both groups. Except control group, the RT of dominant side was quicker than that of non-dominant side. In conclusion, elite racket sport players had quicker RT than their peers, but those players seemed not to perform better in RER. It is recommended to recruit more athletes participating in different sports to acquire further information on sport-specific characteristics of visual information processing. Furthermore, it is undisputable for the selection of efficient talent athletes to establish the database of visual information processing abilities in different kinds of sports.

Caffeine can decrease subjective energy depending on the vehicle with which it is consumed and when it is measured

Energy drinks contain glucose and caffeine, although in the longer term both adversely influence blood glucose homeostasis, with the unconsidered potential to have adverse consequences for cognition and mood. The objective of this study was to consider the influence on interstitial glucose levels, mood and cognition of drinks differing in their caffeine content and glycaemic load. Ninety minutes after a standard breakfast, a yoghurt-, glucose- or water-based drink, with or without 80 mg of caffeine, was consumed. The consumption of caffeine negatively influenced glucose homeostasis: that is, irrespective of the vehicle, caffeine consumption resulted in elevated levels of blood glucose throughout the study. Thirty minutes after consuming caffeine and water, rather than water alone, greater subjective energy was reported. However, after 90 and 150 min, caffeine administered in water increased tiredness, hostility and confusion. In contrast, combining caffeine with a yoghurt-based drink increased energy, agreeableness and clearheadedness later in the morning. There were no effects of caffeine on ratings of mood when it was taken with glucose. Caffeine, irrespective of vehicle, resulted in better memory, quicker reaction times in the choice reaction time test and the working memory task, and better and quicker responses with the vigilance task. Further research should consider how caffeine interacts with macronutrients and the timescale over which such effects occur.

A scanning retina with a narrow field of view: Do jumping spiders examine entire objects or only parts?

Event Abstract Back to Event A scanning retina with a narrow field of view: Do jumping spiders examine entire objects or only parts? Cynthia Tedore1* and Sönke Johnsen2 1 Lund University, Biology, Sweden 2 Duke University, Biology, United States Jumping spiders (Salticidae) are famous for their principal eyes’ high visual acuity and bizarre retinal morphology. The field of view subtended by the retinae of the principal eyes is roughly 0.6 degrees horizontally by 21 degrees vertically. The retinae are capable of significant movement, presumably allowing an individual to scan and mentally piece together features of entire objects. In high-stakes situations requiring rapid reaction times, it is unclear whether salticids’ unusual retinal morphology might affect visual processing speed and/or the amount of information gathered. Because various salticid species (which prey upon each other) live in close proximity, we hypothesized that, when a male encounters another salticid and endeavors to identify it, he should minimize the time spent visually scanning over it, and in turn, his risk of being predated upon, by searching for species-specific features on the first body part he spots (i.e. either the face or the legs), and making a recognition decision based on that body part, or a small group of body parts, alone. In the presence of conspecific pheromones, which provide an additional clue as to the identity of a spider, we would expect males to be even more likely to use this visual shortcut. To test our hypotheses, we showed male Lyssomanes viridis jumping spiders animated images of conspecifics and composite images which combined the facial coloration and morphology of one sex or species with the leg coloration of another. Males’ courtship versus threat displays indicated whether a stimulus was perceived as a potential mate or threat. By comparing males’ display types and visual inspection times (as an index of confusion) in response to the various images in the presence versus absence of female pheromones, we were able to deduce whether males tend to inspect both the face and legs, or just one or the other, and whether this changes in the presence of pheromones. Counter to our predictions, we discovered that males examine features on both the face and legs before coming to a decision as to the identity of a spider, and that they continue to do so in the presence of pheromones. This suggests that salticids do take the time to visually scan over entire objects to identify them, despite the fact that quick reaction times in high-stakes encounters with other salticids would seem to be adaptive. Keywords: Vision, Chemoreception, jumping spider, Retina, field of view Conference: International Conference on Invertebrate Vision, Fjälkinge, Sweden, 1 Aug - 8 Aug, 2013. Presentation Type: Oral presentation preferred Topic: Eye design, optics and spatial vision Citation: Tedore C and Johnsen S (2019). A scanning retina with a narrow field of view: Do jumping spiders examine entire objects or only parts?. Front. Physiol. Conference Abstract: International Conference on Invertebrate Vision. doi: 10.3389/conf.fphys.2013.25.00115 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 28 Feb 2013; Published Online: 09 Dec 2019. * Correspondence: Dr. Cynthia Tedore, Lund University, Biology, Lund, SE-221 00, Sweden, cynthia.tedore@uni-hamburg.de Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Cynthia Tedore Sönke Johnsen Google Cynthia Tedore Sönke Johnsen Google Scholar Cynthia Tedore Sönke Johnsen PubMed Cynthia Tedore Sönke Johnsen Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Catalyst-Free, One-Pot, Expeditious Synthesis of Aminoalkylnaphthols at Room Temperature

Aminoalkylnaphthols possess several biological and catalytic activities. A methodology has been developed for the multicomponent one-pot synthesis of aminoalkylnaphthols in dichloromethane under catalyst-free conditions at room temperature. The present approach possesses several advantages such as excellent yields, quick reaction time, mild reaction conditions, and very easy purification processes. Thirteen new compounds in addition to six known compounds have been synthesized by this methodology.

Can cooperation improve energy efficiency in ad hoc wireless networks?

To make an ad hoc network work properly, wireless nodes are usually requested to cooperate in routing operations. However, there is currently a lack of behavior-tracking mechanisms, so certain nodes can freely play a selfish role at the detriment of altruistic ones. In this paper we try to answer the question in the title, by showing how cooperation can definitely help reduce the overall energy consumed in an ad hoc network. By exploiting a behavior-tracking algorithm mutuated from game theory, we allow traffic to be forwarded only towards cooperative nodes. We hence prove that we can reduce power wastage at the same time maximizing the delivery rate. With the mentioned approach, selfish nodes are isolated from the network unless they decide to start cooperating. Our experimental tests aim at verifying the quick reaction time in response to variable nodes’ behaviors as well as presenting a comparative analysis of the actual energy spent to successfully send traffic towards destinations.

Evaluating the coordination of motor abilities in Greco-Roman wrestlers by computer testing

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate, by using a number of selected criteria, the accuracy of Vienna Test System (VST) computer tests used in wrestling to evaluate motor skill development.MethodsFifteen 16–17-year-old students from the SMS Sports School in Radom, Poland, who had been practising Greco-Roman wrestling for a period of 3 to 6 years took part in a VTS-based examination that measured coordination of motor abilities (CMA). Test reliability and validity were evaluated on the basis of thirty test scores characterising six abilities that define motor coordination. Reliability was defined by performing the tests twice (test/retest) over a period of three-to-five days. The validity of the selected scores was established with the help of three different criteria.ResultsThirteen out of the thirty CMA scores under investigation demonstrated sufficient coefficients of reliability. The CMA tests assessing quick reaction time, frequency of movements, partial spatial orientation, movement adaptability and movement coupling fulfilled the assumed criterion. In most cases, the coefficients of validity were not lower than 0.3. The highest validity level was demonstrated by scores measuring movement coupling, complex reaction time, spatial orientation and movement adaptability, while the lowest one was found in simple reactions and frequency of movements.ConclusionsThe obtained reliability and validity coefficients of the scores based on complex reaction, partial spatial orientation, movement adaptability and movement coupling confirm the usefulness of these specific tests in diagnosing CMA in wrestlers, as they meet the demands of sports metrology.

Implication of Cognitive Style in Designing Computer‐Based Procedure Interface

AbstractDifferent people have different models of mental perception, which form the bases of human reactions. The design of human‐computer interfaces should consider these differences in the cognitive models of users to achieve maximum benefits. The Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is an accepted tool for measuring four dimensions of an individual's cognitive model. This research investigated the effects of two interface designs based on the characteristics of the Sensing/iNtuitive (S/N) and Thinking/Feeling (T/F) categories. These interfaces were designed for the visual information displays of computer‐based procedures at a nuclear power plant. Because of the nature of this industry, quicker reaction times are required and fewer mistakes are tolerated. A group of subjects were selected, and the subjects were assigned to either the ST or NT group before the experiment. The results, when compared with earlier statistics for a single design for all users, indicate that reaction times were reduced in some critical situations and the number of mistakes was reduced. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Cloning and characterization of purine nucleoside phosphorylase in Escherichia coli and subsequent ribavirin biosynthesis using immobilized recombinant cells

With improved enzymatic activity and easy accessibility, the recombinant purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNPase) could be a very promising alternative for nucleoside biosynthesis. In our work, the deoD gene encoding PNPase was successfully cloned from Escherichia coli MG1665 and overexpressed in E. coli BL 21(DE3). After optimization of expression conditions including temperature, induction timing and isopropyl-thio-β- d-galactoside (IPTG) concentration, over 70% of expressed total protein was His-tagged PNPase, in the soluble and functional form. Followed assays indicated that the recombinant enzyme exhibited similar substrate specificity and pH preference as the wild type PNPase. Furthermore, the immobilization technology was applied to develop the possible application of recombinant enzyme. Agar from four different polymer carriers was selected as a suitable matrix for whole recombinant cell entrapment. Subsequent enzyme assays, kinetic analysis and stability evaluation of free and immobilized recombinant cells were compared. The results indicated that although the immobilization process reduced the substrate affinity and catalytic efficiency of recombinant cells, it could significantly enhance the stability and reusability of these cells. Finally, the immobilized whole cell biocatalyst was applied to produce ribavirin, as a model nucleoside synthesis reaction. The obtained relative high productivity of rabavirin and quick reaction time suggested the great potential and feasibility of immobilized PNPase in efficient and valuable industrial utilizations.

Speed Intensity and the Rise of the Chinese Economies

Producers of speed‐intensive goods, e.g. clothing or electronics, face markets that are in constant flux due to changing fashion or technology. Throughout the twentieth century, Chinese business networks have had a comparative advantage in producing speed‐intensive goods due to their quick reaction time. This comparative advantage was of relatively little value prior to the Second World War, but since the war, international telephone and air services have made international trade in speed‐intensive goods practical. This has caused the demand for speed‐intensive goods on the international market to grow at an extremely rapid pace. This growth in demand can explain the post‐Second World War economic booms experienced by Hong Kong, Taiwan and finally China.

The Effects Of Sleep On Implicit And Explicit Motor Skill Sequence Learning And Task Integration: A Literature Review And Pilot Study

Various studies have been conducted on implicit (unconscious) and explicit (conscious) motor skill sequence learning by means of serial reaction time tasks in order to understand the two learning systems in the human brain (Schimidtke & Heuer, 1996; Stickgold, 2003; Ivry, 2003). Although the effects of implicit learning, bimodal integration of tasks (task integration) and sleep on implicit motor skill learning have been explored in various combination, all three have yet to be studied in one research design. We conducted a pilot study in an attempt to investigate how these three mechanisms contribute to the implicit learning phenomenon. Results revealed that explicit sequence learners have overall quicker reaction times and more accurate responses. We also found a lower percentage of implicit learning during the less complex sequence tasks. Subsequent tests found that sleep had a significant effect on explicit sequence learning, but no significant effect on implicit sequence learning.

Convenient synthesis and NMR spectral studies of variously substituted N-methylpiperidin-4-one-O-benzyloximes

A series of variously substituted N-methylpiperidin-4-one-O-benzyloximes were synthesized by three different methods. Among them, the direct conversion of 2,6-diarylpiperidin-4-ones into the corresponding oxime ethers (method A) was proved to be better than the other two methods in the sense of good yield, convenience, easy work-up and quick reaction time. All the synthesized compounds are characterized by IR, Mass and NMR (1H NMR, 13C NMR, 1H-1H COSY, 1H-13C COSY and HMBC) spectral studies. The conformational preference of the synthesized oxime ethers with/without alkyl and aryl substituents at C-3/C-5 and C-2/C-6 is discussed using the spectral data. The observed chemical shifts and coupling constants suggest that the synthesized oxime ethers adopt chair conformation with equatorial orientation of all the substituents, whereas 1-methyl-3-isopropyl-2,6-diphenylpiperidin-4-one-O-benzyloxime also exists in boat conformation. Based on the NMR data, the effects of oximination on ring carbons and their associated protons and alkyl substituents are discussed. In addition, the effect of NMe group on the 2,6-diarylpiperidin-4-one-O-benzyloximes was also studied.

Integration of Bimodal Looming Signals through Neuronal Coherence in the Temporal Lobe

The ability to integrate information across multiple sensory systems offers several behavioral advantages, from quicker reaction times and more accurate responses to better detection and more robust learning. At the neural level, multisensory integration requires large-scale interactions between different brain regions--the convergence of information from separate sensory modalities, represented by distinct neuronal populations. The interactions between these neuronal populations must be fast and flexible, so that behaviorally relevant signals belonging to the same object or event can be immediately integrated and integration of unrelated signals can be prevented. Looming signals are a particular class of signals that are behaviorally relevant for animals and that occur in both the auditory and visual domain. These signals indicate the rapid approach of objects and provide highly salient warning cues about impending impact. We show here that multisensory integration of auditory and visual looming signals may be mediated by functional interactions between auditory cortex and the superior temporal sulcus, two areas involved in integrating behaviorally relevant auditory-visual signals. Audiovisual looming signals elicited increased gamma-band coherence between these areas, relative to unimodal or receding-motion signals. This suggests that the neocortex uses fast, flexible intercortical interactions to mediate multisensory integration.

Single Crystal Manganese Oxide Multipods by Oriented Attachment.

AbstractFor Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.

Single Crystal Manganese Oxide Multipods by Oriented Attachment

Nonhydrolytic sol-gel processes in organic solvents have become very popular for the synthesis of metal oxide NCs. We report an affordable, high-yield, shape-control synthesis of MnO multipod nanocrystals with a quick reaction time. The reaction yields exclusively multipods; two to six pod nanocrystals are synthesized. The mechanism leading to this hierarchical nanostructure is studied in relation with an oriented attachment mechanism; all nanocrystals are found to be single crystals. The study is completed by high-resolution TEM, X-ray powder diffraction, and magnetic measurements.

The Quick Step: A New Test for Measuring Reaction Time and Lateral Stepping Velocity

The Quick Step measures reaction time and lateral stepping velocity. Upon a visual cue, participants step to the side as quickly as possible. Instrumentation includes floor pads with pressure-sensitive switches and two timers. In all, 109 older adults who had experienced a recent fall, 46 older adult nonfallers, and 24 young adults volunteered for testing. Reliability for reaction time and stepping velocity was good to excellent (intraclass correlation = 0.69–0.85). Multivariate analysis of variance revealed a significant difference between groups, p < 0.01, but not between stepping directions, p = 0.62–0.72, for both reaction time and stepping velocity. Reaction times were different among the three groups, p < 0.01, with the young adults having the fastest times and the older adult fallers having the slowest times. Lateral stepping velocity was faster among the young adults than for the two older groups, p < 0.01, but did not differ between the older adults, p = 0.29. It is concluded that the Quick Step is a simple and reliable tool for determining reaction time and lateral stepping velocity, and that this test can be used to detect a significant difference in reaction time between older adult fallers and nonfallers.

Glucose tolerance predicts performance on tests of memory and cognition

The hypothesis that the ability to control blood glucose levels influence memory and other aspects of cognition was considered. Individual differences in the ability to control blood glucose were measured by giving a glucose tolerance test (GTT) to 46 young adult females. A factor analysis of a series of measures of glucose tolerance produced four dimensions. A week later, having eaten their normal breakfast, they took tests of memory, reaction times and vigilance. The speed with which blood glucose increased, having its lowest point in the GTT, was associated with memory measured a week later. While performing the tests those with higher levels of blood glucose on arrival in the laboratory had quicker reaction times when monitoring eight but not four, two or one lamps. The finding was interpreted as demonstrating that higher levels of blood glucose specially influence tasks placing higher demands on the brain.

Refinement of graphite target production at ORAU

The simple method of graphite target development, first presented at AMS-7 has been further developed and refined. Experiments have been performed to study the range of possible reaction conditions and the effect of these on the nature of the graphite generated. The results from these experiments have been used to make the method as robust as possible with a high success rate, a quick reaction time and very simple apparatus requirements. This paper covers the details of the experiments, the conclusions drawn from them, and the technique now employed for routine graphite sample preparation at ORAU.

Comparing Materials-Based Occupation, Imagery-Based Occupation, and Rote Movement through Kinematic Analysis of Reach

This replication research of Wu, Trombly, and Lin (1994) compared the kinematics of reach in materials-based occupationally embedded movement (OEM), imagery-based OEM, and rote movement. Three-dimensional motion analysis equipment was used to test one of the basic premises of occupational therapy: OEM is qualitatively different from movements performed under artificial circumstances. The sample consisted of 60 healthy college women with a mean age of 21.6 years (SD = 1.63). A randomized counterbalanced design was used so that each subject participated in 3 trials of each of the following conditions: reaching for a pencil in a pencil holder, imagining reaching for a pencil in a pencil holder, and rote reaching. Materials-based OEM resulted in quicker reaction time (P = .009), more rapid movement time (P < .001), smoother movement (with fewer movement units) (P < .001), more direct movement (less displacement) (P < .001), and lower peak velocity (P = .001) than the other two conditions. In some ways the imagery-based OEM resembled rote movement; in other ways it resembled materials-based OEM. The findings support the main results reported by Wu et al. (1994) and enhance occupational therapy's research base by demonstrating the distinctiveness of materials-based OEM.

Advanced flight management system human interface

Abstract Alternative Flight Management System (FMS) human interface concepts are becoming increasingly important to investigate as the complexities of understanding and operating this equipment continue to burden and confuse an already inundated pilot. Rockwell Collins, Inc. has designed an advanced FMS display/interface that will significantly reduce and/or eliminate human interface problems between users and the FMS. Results from human factors investigations for a limited set of FMS functions reveal statistically significant findings at the 95th level of confidence favoring the Advanced FMS Interface display format. The Advanced FMS Interface display format produced quicker reaction times and lower levels of mental workload than the a conventional Control Display Unit (CDU) type FMS. Furthermore, statistically significant findings at the 98th level of confidence for three subjective measures, Usability, Learnability, and Overall Attitude lean in favor of this type of FMS display format. These statistically significant findings lead us to believe that this Advanced FMS Interface display format has great potential for significantly reducing and/or eliminating human interface problems between users and the FMS while at the same time reducing pilot mental workload.

Interior Plants May Improve Worker Productivity and Reduce Stress in a Windowless Environment

Abstract This study documents some of the benefits of adding plants to a windowless work place—a college computer lab. Participants' blood pressure and emotions were monitored while completing a simple, timed computer task in the presence or absence of plants. When plants were added to this interior space, the participants were more productive (12% quicker reaction time on the computer task) and less stressed (systolic blood pressure readings lowered by one to four units). Immediately after completing the task, participants in the room with plants present reported feeling more attentive (an increase of 0.5 on a self-reported scale from one to five) than people in the room with no plants.