scholarly journals Changes in EEG Brain Connectivity Caused by Short-Term BCI Neurofeedback-Rehabilitation Training: A Case Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Youhao Wang ◽  
Jingjing Luo ◽  
Yuzhu Guo ◽  
Qiang Du ◽  
Qiying Cheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Network Analysis ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Rehabilitation Training ◽  
Network Parameters ◽  
Related Potentials ◽  
Line Slope ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

BackgroundIn combined with neurofeedback, Motor Imagery (MI) based Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) has been an effective long-term treatment therapy for motor dysfunction caused by neurological injury in the brain (e.g., post-stroke hemiplegia). However, individual neurological differences have led to variability in the single sessions of rehabilitation training. Research on the impact of short training sessions on brain functioning patterns can help evaluate and standardize the short duration of rehabilitation training. In this paper, we use the electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to explore the brain patterns’ changes after a short-term rehabilitation training.Materials and MethodsUsing an EEG-BCI system, we analyzed the changes in short-term (about 1-h) MI training data with and without visual feedback, respectively. We first examined the EEG signal’s Mu band power’s attenuation caused by Event-Related Desynchronization (ERD). Then we use the EEG’s Event-Related Potentials (ERP) features to construct brain networks and evaluate the training from multiple perspectives: small-scale based on single nodes, medium-scale based on hemispheres, and large-scale based on all-brain.ResultsResults showed no significant difference in the ERD power attenuation estimation in both groups. But the neurofeedback group’s ERP brain network parameters had substantial changes and trend properties compared to the group without feedback. The neurofeedback group’s Mu band power’s attenuation increased but not significantly (fitting line slope = 0.2, t-test value p > 0.05) after the short-term MI training, while the non-feedback group occurred an insignificant decrease (fitting line slope = −0.4, t-test value p > 0.05). In the ERP-based brain network analysis, the neurofeedback group’s network parameters were attenuated in all scales significantly (t-test value: p < 0.01); while the non-feedback group’s most network parameters didn’t change significantly (t-test value: p > 0.05).ConclusionThe MI-BCI training’s short-term effects does not show up in the ERD analysis significantly but can be detected by ERP-based network analysis significantly. Results inspire the efficient evaluation of short-term rehabilitation training and provide a useful reference for subsequent studies.

scholarly journals Effects of agricultural credit on wheat productivity of small farms in Sindh, Pakistan

2018 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 592-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abbas Ali Chandio ◽  
Yuansheng Jiang ◽  
Feng Wei ◽  
Xu Guangshun
Keyword(s):  
Wheat Yield ◽  
Considerable Proportion ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Small Farms ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Agricultural Credit ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of short-term loan (STL) vs long-term loan (LTL) on wheat productivity of small farms in Sindh, Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach The econometric estimation is based on cross-sectional data collected in 2016 from 18 villages in three districts, i.e. Shikarpur, Sukkur and Shaheed Benazirabad, Sindh, Pakistan. The sample data set consist of 180 wheat farmers. The collected data were analyzed through different econometric techniques like Cobb–Douglas production function and Instrumental variables (two-stage least squares) approach. Findings This study reconfirmed that agricultural credit has a positive and highly significant effect on wheat productivity, while the short-term loan has a stronger effect on wheat productivity than the long-term loan. The reasons behind the phenomenon may be the significantly higher usage of agricultural inputs like seeds of improved variety and fertilizers which can be transformed into the wheat yield in the same year. However, the LTL users have significantly higher investments in land preparation, irrigation and plant protection, which may lead to higher wheat production in the coming years. Research limitations/implications In the present study, only those wheat farmers were considered who obtained agricultural loans from formal financial institutions like Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited and Khushhali Bank. However, in the rural areas of Sindh, Pakistan, a considerable proportion of small-scale farmers take credit from informal financial channels. Therefore future researchers should consider the informal credits as well. Originality/value This is the first paper to examine the effects of agricultural credit on wheat productivity of small farms in Sindh, Pakistan. This paper will be an important addition to the emerging literature regarding effects of credit studies.

scholarly journals Prediction of motor recovery using indirect connectivity in a lesion network after ischemic stroke

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 175628642092567
Author(s):  
Jungsoo Lee ◽  
Eunhee Park ◽  
Ahee Lee ◽  
Won Hyuk Chang ◽  
Dae-Shik Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prediction Model ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Reference Network ◽  
Lesion Volume ◽  
Motor Impairments ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Time Courses ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

Background: Recovery prediction can assist in the planning for impairment-focused rehabilitation after a stroke. This study investigated a new prediction model based on a lesion network analysis. To predict the potential for recovery, we focused on the next link-step connectivity of the direct neighbors of a lesion. Methods: We hypothesized that this connectivity would contribute to recovery after stroke onset. Each lesion in a patient who had suffered a stroke was transferred to a healthy subject. First link-step connectivity was identified by observing voxels functionally connected to each lesion. Next (second) link-step connectivity of the first link-step connectivity was extracted by calculating statistical dependencies between time courses of regions not directly connected to a lesion and regions identified as first link-step connectivity. Lesion impact on second link-step connectivity was quantified by comparing the lesion network and reference network. Results: The lower the impact of a lesion was on second link-step connectivity in the brain network, the better the improvement in motor function during recovery. A prediction model containing a proposed predictor, initial motor function, age, and lesion volume was established. A multivariate analysis revealed that this model accurately predicted recovery at 3 months poststroke ( R 2 = 0.788; cross-validation, R 2 = 0.746, RMSE = 13.15). Conclusion: This model can potentially be used in clinical practice to develop individually tailored rehabilitation programs for patients suffering from motor impairments after stroke.

Benzophenone-3 Passes Through the Blood-Brain Barrier, Increases the Level of Extracellular Glutamate, and Induces Apoptotic Processes in the Hippocampus and Frontal Cortex of Rats

2019 ◽  
Vol 171 (2) ◽  
pp. 485-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bartosz Pomierny ◽  
Weronika Krzyżanowska ◽  
Żaneta Broniowska ◽  
Beata Strach ◽  
Beata Bystrowska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Memory ◽  
Blood Brain Barrier ◽  
Brain Structures ◽  
Glutamate Transporters ◽  
Brain Barrier ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Extracellular Glutamate ◽  
Blood Brain ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

Abstract Benzophenone-3 is the most commonly used UV filter. It is well absorbed through the skin and gastrointestinal tract. Its best-known side effect is the impact on the function of sex hormones. Little is known about the influence of BP-3 on the brain. The aim of this study was to show whether BP-3 crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB), to determine whether it induces nerve cell damage in susceptible brain structures, and to identify the mechanism of its action in the central nervous system. BP-3 was administered dermally during the prenatal period and adulthood to rats. BP-3 effect on short-term and spatial memory was determined by novel object and novel location recognition tests. BP-3 concentrations were assayed in the brain and peripheral tissues. In brain structures, selected markers of brain damage were measured. The study showed that BP-3 is absorbed through the rat skin, passes through the BBB. BP-3 raised oxidative stress and induced apoptosis in the brain. BP-3 increased the concentration of extracellular glutamate in examined brain structures and changed the expression of glutamate transporters. BP-3 had no effect on short-term memory but impaired spatial memory. The present study showed that dermal BP-3 exposure may cause damage to neurons what might be associated with the increase in the level of extracellular glutamate, most likely evoked by changes in the expression of GLT-1 and xCT glutamate transporters. Thus, exposure to BP-3 may be one of the causes that increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases.

ACHIEVING SUPERIOR INTERNATIONAL NEW VENTURE (INV) PERFORMANCE: EXPLOITING SHORT-TERM DURATION OF TIES

2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (01) ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARY HAN
Keyword(s):  
Network Analysis ◽  
New Ventures ◽  
Economic Effect ◽  
The Body ◽  
New Venture ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
International New Ventures ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Network Ties ◽  
The Impact

Network ties help international new ventures (INVs) achieve success. However, researchers have paid little attention to the duration of network ties and the impact of duration on performance. I draw on network analysis and the resources-based view to examine this area and propose a conceptual model that depicts the variables and mediating factors for INV performance. The model explains how INVs acquire, manage and exploit ties to achieve superior performance. I argue that resource-constrained INVs can minimize their investment of time and capital, and maximize the economic effect of ties, by using briefer time periods and short-term projects. I also propose that INVs adopt a 'hedging' or portfolio approach to managing ties, by collecting larger number of prospects to reduce uncertainty. The model and propositions contribute to the body of literature in network analysis and INVs. The paper highlights implications for research and practice.

scholarly journals The impact of latent confounders in directed network analysis in neuroscience

2013 ◽  
Vol 371 (1997) ◽  
pp. 20110612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Ramb ◽  
Michael Eichler ◽  
Alex Ing ◽  
Marco Thiel ◽  
Cornelius Weiller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Network Analysis ◽  
Nonlinear System ◽  
Granger Causality ◽  
Directed Network ◽  
Vector Autoregressive Models ◽  
Vector Autoregressive ◽  
Physiological Pathways ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Past Activity

In the analysis of neuroscience data, the identification of task-related causal relationships between various areas of the brain gives insights about the network of physiological pathways that are active during the task. One increasingly used approach to identify causal connectivity uses the concept of Granger causality that exploits predictability of activity in one region by past activity in other regions of the brain. Owing to the complexity of the data, selecting components for the analysis of causality as a preprocessing step has to be performed. This includes predetermined—and often arbitrary—exclusion of information. Therefore, the system is confounded by latent sources. In this paper, the effect of latent confounders is demonstrated, and paths of influence among three components are studied. While methods for analysing Granger causality are commonly based on linear vector autoregressive models, the effects of latent confounders are expected to be present also in nonlinear systems. Therefore, all analyses are also performed for a simulated nonlinear system and discussed with regard to applications in neuroscience.

Familial multiple cavernomatosis and neuropsychiatric symptoms: Is there any relation?

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S146-S147
Author(s):  
V. Espirito Santo ◽  
R. Almendra ◽  
A.R. Figueiredo ◽  
A. Almeida ◽  
I. Rego ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hemorrhagic Stroke ◽  
Past History ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Psychomotor Slowing ◽  
Autosomal Dominant Disorder ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

IntroductionCavernomas are clusters of abnormal blood vessels found in the brain and spinal cord. The familiar form is an autosomal dominant disorder associated with the presence of multiple cavernomas in both locations.Clinical CaseA 84-year-old man was admitted in our neurologic department for a sudden onset of difficulty in walking associated with loss of urinary sphincter control. Past history included a major depressive disorder with psychotic features since youth, epilepsy since 33 years old and, at 77 years old, he had a hemorrhagic stroke resulting from cavernous malformation haemorrhage. Medication consisted of clopidogrel 75 mg id, risperidone 3 mg id, venlafaxine 37.5 mg bid and clobazam 10 mg id. On neurological examination, he showed psychomotor slowing, dysexecutive syndrome, paraparesis and hypoesthesia with sensitive level by D10. Blood test was normal. Dorsolumbar spine-TC showed intradural hyperdensity by D12-L1, probably because of a hemorrhage lesion, that MRI revelled to be a cavernoma. Brain-MRI demonstrated 3 massive cavernomas in cortical-subcortical right occipital lobe, left lenticular nucleus and left pre-central gyrus and countless small infratentorial and supratentorial cavernomas. We inquired his family and we found out that one of his daughters also had multiple brain cavernomas, diagnosed after a hemorrhagic stroke when she was 55 years old.ConclusionFamiliar multiple cavernomatosis is associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. We enhance the impact that such a diffuse form of the disease has on the brain network causing atypical psychocognitive symptoms. In all cases a detailed neuropsychiatric family history should be sought and all should be followed regularly clinically and by MRI.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals A virtual tornadic thunderstorm enabling students to construct knowledge about storm dynamics through data collection and analysis

2006 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 27-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. A. Gallus ◽  
C. Cervato ◽  
C. Cruz-Neira ◽  
G. Faidley
Keyword(s):  
Wind Pressure ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Storm Activity ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Storm Dynamics ◽  
Supercell Thunderstorm ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Scientific Questions ◽  
Better Than

Abstract. A visually realistic tornadic supercell thunderstorm has been constructed in a fully immersive virtual reality environment to allow students to better understand the complex small-scale dynamics present in such a storm through data probing. Less-immersive versions have been created that run on PCs, facilitating broader dissemination. The activity has been tested in introductory meteorology classes over the last four years. An exercise involving the virtual storm was first used by a subset of students from a large introductory meteorology course in spring 2002. Surveys were used at that time to evaluate the impact of this activity as a constructivist learning tool. More recently, data probe capabilities were added to the virtual storm activity enabling students to take measurements of temperature, wind, pressure, relative humidity, and vertical velocity at any point within the 3-D volume of the virtual world, and see the data plotted via a graphical user interface. Similar surveys applied to groups of students in 2003 and 2004 suggest that the addition of data probing improved the understanding of storm-scale features, but the improved understanding may not be statistically significant when evaluated using quizzes reflecting short-term retention. The use of the activity was revised in 2005 to first have students pose scientific questions about these storms and think about a scientific strategy to answer their questions before exploring the storm. Once again, scores on quizzes for students who used the virtual storm activity were slightly better than those of students who were exposed to only a typical lecture, but differences were not statistically significant.

scholarly journals The Impact of Solvent Selection: Strategies to Guide the Manufacturing of Liposomes Using Microfluidics

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cameron Webb ◽  
Swapnil Khadke ◽  
Signe Tandrup Schmidt ◽  
Carla B. Roces ◽  
Neil Forbes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Solvent Polarity ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Lipid Solubility ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Solvent Selection ◽  
Selection Strategies ◽  
Pegylated Lipids ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Influence Of Solvents

The aim of this work was to assess the impact of solvent selection on the microfluidic production of liposomes. To achieve this, liposomes were manufactured using small-scale and bench-scale microfluidics systems using three aqueous miscible solvents (methanol, ethanol or isopropanol, alone or in combination). Liposomes composed of different lipid compositions were manufactured using these different solvents and characterised to investigate the influence of solvents on liposome attributes. Our studies demonstrate that solvent selection is a key consideration during the microfluidics manufacturing process, not only when considering lipid solubility but also with regard to the resultant liposome critical quality attributes. In general, reducing the polarity of the solvent (from methanol to isopropanol) increased the liposome particle size without impacting liposome short-term stability or release characteristics. Furthermore, solvent combinations such as methanol/isopropanol mixtures can be used to modify solvent polarity and the resultant liposome particle size. However, the impact of solvent choice on the liposome product is also influenced by the liposome formulation; liposomes containing charged lipids tended to show more sensitivity to solvent selection and formulations containing increased concentrations of cholesterol or pegylated-lipids were less influenced by the choice of solvent. Indeed, incorporation of 14 wt% or more of pegylated-lipid was shown to negate the impact of solvent selection.

scholarly journals Competing priorities: lessons in engaging students to achieve energy savings in universities

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 1220-1238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Bull ◽  
Joanna Romanowicz ◽  
Neil Jennings ◽  
Marina Laskari ◽  
Graeme Stuart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Saving ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Short Term ◽  
National Union ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Energy Dashboard ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis paper aims to present findings from an EU-funded international student-led energy saving competition (SAVES) on a scale previously unseen. There are multiple accounts of short-term projects and energy saving competitions encouraging pro-environmental behaviour change amongst students in university dormitories, but the purpose of this research is to provide evidence of consistent and sustained energy savings from student-led energy savings competitions, underpinned by practical action.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods approach (pre- and post-intervention surveys, focus groups and analysis of energy meter data) was used to determine the level of energy savings and quantifiable behaviour change delivered by students across participating university dormitories.FindingsThis research has provided further insight into the potential for savings and behaviour change in university dormitories through relatively simple actions. Whilst other interventions have shown greater savings, this project provided consistent savings over two years of 7 per cent across a large number of university dormitories in five countries through simple behaviour changes.Research limitations/implicationsAn energy dashboard displaying near a real-time leaderboard was added to the engagement in the second year of the project. Whilst students were optimistic about the role that energy dashboards could play, the evidence is not here to quantify the impact of dashboards. Further research is required to understand the potential of dashboards to contribute to behavioural change savings and in constructing competitions between people and dormitories that are known to each other.Social implicationsSAVES provided engagement with students, enabling, empowering and motivating them to save energy – focusing specifically on the last stage of the “Awareness, Interest, Desire, Action” framework. Automated meter reading data was used in the majority of participating dormitories to run near real-time energy challenges through an energy dashboard that informed students how much energy they saved compared to a target, and encouraged peer-to-peer learning and international cooperation through a virtual twinning scheme.Originality/valueFindings from energy saving competitions in universities are typically from small-scale and short-term interventions. SAVES was an energy-saving competition in university dormitories facilitated by the UK National Union of Students in five countries reaching over 50,000 students over two academic years (incorporating dormitories at 17 universities). As such it provides clear and important evidence of the real-world long-term potential efficiency savings of such interventions.

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