Ancient visual channels have a causal role in arithmetic calculations

Humans exhibit complex arithmetic skills, often attributed to our exceptionally large neocortex. However, the past decade has provided ample evidence that the functional domain of the subcortex extends well beyond basic functions. Using a sensitive behavioral method, for the first time, we explored the contributions of lower-order visual monocular channels to symbolic arithmetic operations, addition and subtraction. The pattern of results from 4 different experiments provides converging evidence for a causal relation between mental arithmetic and primitive subcortical regions. The results have major implications for our understanding of the neuroevolutionary development of general numerical abilities–subcortical regions, which are shared across different species, are essential to complex numerical operations. In a bigger conceptual framework, these findings and others call for a shift from the modal view of the exclusive role of the neocortex in high-level cognition to a view that emphasizes the interplay between subcortical and cortical brain networks.

Enhancing sleep after training improves memory in Down syndrome model mice

Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. DS is associated with cognitive disabilities, for which there are no drug therapies. In spite of significant behavioral and pharmacological efforts to treat cognitive disabilities, new and continued efforts are still necessary. Over sixty percent of children with DS are reported to have sleep apnea that disrupt normal sleep. Normal and adequate sleep is necessary to maintain optimal cognitive functions. Therefore, we asked whether improved quality and/or quantity of sleep could improve cognitive capacities of people with DS. To investigate this possibility, we used the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS and applied two methods for enhancing their sleep following training on mouse memory tasks. A behavioral method was to impose sleep deprivation prior to training resulting in sleep rebound following the training. A pharmacologic method, hypocretin receptor 2 antagonist, was used immediately after the training to enhance subsequent sleep knowing that hypocretin is involved in the maintenance of wake. Our behavioral method resulted in a sleep reorganization that decreased wake and increased REM sleep following the training associated with an improvement of recognition memory and spatial memory in the DS model mice. Our pharmacologic approach decreased wake and increased NREM sleep and was associated with improvement only in the spatial memory task. These results show that enhancing sleep after the training in a memory task improves memory consolidation in a mouse model of DS.

Hybrid Rule-Based Solution for Phishing URL Detection Using Convolutional Neural Network

The phenomenon of phishing has now been a common threat, since many individuals and webpages have been observed to be attacked by phishers. The common purpose of phishing activities is to obtain user’s personal information for illegitimate usage. Considering the growing intensity of the issue, this study is aimed at developing a new hybrid rule-based solution by incorporating six different algorithm models that may efficiently detect and control the phishing issue. The study incorporates 37 features extracted from six different methods including the black listed method, lexical and host method, content method, identity method, identity similarity method, visual similarity method, and behavioral method. Furthermore, comparative analysis was undertaken between different machine learning and deep learning models which includes CART (decision trees), SVM (support vector machines), or KNN ( K -nearest neighbors) and deep learning models such as MLP (multilayer perceptron) and CNN (convolutional neural networks). Findings of the study indicated that the method was effective in analysing the URL stress through different viewpoints, leading towards the validity of the model. However, the highest accuracy level was obtained for deep learning with the given values of 97.945 for the CNN model and 93.216 for the MLP model, respectively. The study therefore concludes that the new hybrid solution must be implemented at a practical level to reduce phishing activities, due to its high efficiency and accuracy.

MARKETING TECHNOLOGIES OF CONSUMERS SEGMENTATION OF RESORT AND RECREATIONAL SERVICE

Background. Using marketing technologies to segment consumers is a key resource for actively and quickly responding to consumer needs. Segmentation allows to identify differences in the response of consumers to services, implement the targeted marketing principles, develop a range of services in accordance with the consumers needs. The aim of the paper is to studydevelopment of methodological foundations of mar­keting technologies for consumers segmentation, taking into account the key features of resort and recreational services, which ensure scientific approaches development to consu­mer segments assessment and allows proactively adjusting the offer of resort and recrea­tion­nal services, especially during periods of seasonal fluctuations. Materials and methods. The theoretical and methodological basis of the article are the results of theoretical and applied research of Ukrainian and foreign scientists on consumer segmentation. The behavioral method was used to analyze consumer behavior and needs. Special methods for ratings, sample observations, comparative analysis, grou­ping based on the use of general and special Google Analytic software, CoSchedule were used. Results. The problem of effective segmentation of consumers of resort and recrea­tional services is very important in a situation of aggravated competition for the consumer, since the definition of target segments is the basis for the formation of effective and targeted marketing activities. The expediency of using the VALS model has been proven. The VALS model is proposed to be improved by adding a stage that allows to determine the level of customer satisfaction with resort services based on the CSAT Composite Customer Satisfaction Score method. This method allows to determine the compliance of the received services with the expectations of consumers and to identify the level of service processes. The driver of the effective impact of marketing communications on consumer segments is digitalization. This is manifested in the creation of an immersive environment for a resort and recreation enterprise. This is due to the fact that immersive environment simulators offer a personalized and efficient mechanism for introducing consumers to the spa and recreational service through visualization. Conclusion. The use of marketing technologies for consumers segmentation of resort and recreational services is influenced by the digitalization of marketing activities and leads to new methods of collecting and analyzing data for segmentation. These methods allow to accumulate quickly information about consumers in the digital space for segmentation and proactive interaction with target audiences, as well as reduce time it takes for a new service to enter the market. In the context of digitalization, further research to conduct marketing technologies for segmentation of consumers of resort and recreational services should deve­lop the priority of using digital sources of dynamic information about consumer character­ristics in a virtual environment; determine the features of the combination of static (offline consumer features) and dynamic (online consumer features) segmentation features. Keywords: segmentation, marketing technologies, digitalization, immersive envi­ron­ment, consumer, resort and recreational service

The Origins of Human Complex Arithmetic Abilities: Involvement of Evolutionarily Ancient Brain Circuits

Humans exhibit complex arithmetic skills, often attributed to the exceptional enlargement of neocortical regions during evolution. However, the past decade has provided ample evidence that the functional domain of the subcortex extend well beyond basic functions. Using a sensitive behavioral method, for the first time, we explored the contributions of lower-order visual monocular channels to symbolic arithmetic operations, addition and subtraction. The pattern of results from 4 different experiments provides converging evidence for a causal relation between mental arithmetic and primitive subcortical regions. The results have major implications for our understanding of the neuroevolutionary development of general numerical abilities–subcortical regions, which are shared across different species, are essential to complex numerical operations. In a bigger conceptual framework, these findings and others call for a shift from the modal view of the exclusive role of the neocortex in high-level cognition to a view that emphasizes the interplay between subcortical and cortical brain networks.

EXPRESS: Adaptive Assessment of the Capacity of Cognitive Control

Cognitive control, although it has limited capacity, serves an essential role in supporting a broad range of cognitive functions. The backward masking majority function task (MFT-M) is a commonly used and validated behavioral method for measuring the capacity of cognitive control (CCC), but the administration is lengthy. We tested the relative efficiency of administering the MFT-M using an adaptive method based on the principles of computerized adaptive testing (CAT). Participants were 40 healthy young adults aged 18-26. Scores on the adaptive version were highly correlated with scores based on the original approach to administration and showed high test-retest reliability. In addition, the original 864 trials were reduced to 216, and administration time was reduced from 86 minutes to less than 20 minutes. The results suggest that computerized adaptive testing is a valid and more efficient method for assessing CCC than the MFT-M. This study provides an example of adaptive trial selection in task administration, an approach that can advance the methodology of behavioral science.

FAMILY PLANNING KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS CONTRACEPTION

Background: This paper presents the findings of a qualitative assessment aimed at exploring knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding family planning and factors that influence the need for and use of modern contraceptives. Educational interventions can help increase knowledge of available contraceptive methods, enabling individuals to make informed decisions and use contraception more effectively .This systematic review evaluated contraceptive education interventions to guide national recommendations on quality family planning services. Material and method: This descriptive study using Cross-sectional survey was carried among reproductive age group women of 15-45 year in sir t hospital bhavnagar. Results: This study shows most common contraceptive method used by patients is cupper –t (33.33%) followed by oc pills (19.16%), barrier method (15.83%), behavioral method (14.16%), and sterilization method (13.33) Least method used by patients is injectable DMPA (4.16%)

Behavioral Induction of a High Beta State in Sensorimotor Cortex Leads to Movement Slowing

The sensorimotor beta rhythm (∼13–30 Hz) is commonly seen in relation to movement. It is important to understand its functional/behavioral significance in both health and disease. Sorting out competing theories of sensorimotor beta is hampered by a paucity of experimental protocols in humans that manipulate/induce beta oscillations and test their putative effects on concurrent behavior. Here, we developed a novel behavioral paradigm to generate beta and then test its functional relevance. In two human experiments with scalp EEG (n = 11 and 15), we show that a movement instruction generates a high beta state (postmovement beta rebound), which then slows down subsequent movements required during that state. We also show that this high initial beta rebound related to reduced mu–beta desynchronization for the subsequent movement and further that the temporal features of the beta state, that is, the beta bursts related to the degree of slowing. These results suggest that increased sensorimotor beta in the postmovement period corresponds to an inhibitory state—insofar as it retards subsequent movement. By demonstrating a behavioral method by which people can proactively create a high beta state, our paradigm provides opportunities to test the effect of this state on sensations and affordances. It also suggests related experiments using motor imagery rather than actual movement, and this could later be clinically relevant, for example, in tic disorder.

A Need for Consistency in Behavioral Phenotyping for ASD: Analysis of the Valproic Acid Model

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly prevalent and impairing neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 1 : 54 persons. Over the last several decades, the reported incidence of ASD in the US has increased potentially due to increased awareness and improved diagnostic measurement. Although ASD prevalence is increasing, the etiology of ASD remains relatively unknown. To better understand the neurological basis of ASD, rodent models of ASD have been developed for research. Currently, there is not a standardized set of behavioral tests to quantify ASD-like behavior in rodents. The goal of this review is to present an overview of the methodologies used to analyze ASD-like behaviors in rodents, focusing on the valproic acid (VPA) model, and illustrate inconsistencies between different approaches. Despite that the in utero VPA rodent model for ASD is widely used and extensively characterized, behaviors vary substantially between different researchers. Moving forward, consistency in behavioral method analytics would benefit progress in evaluating interventions for all models of ASD and help to uncover unique qualities underlying mechanisms causing ASD signs and symptoms.

Effect of age on the gap-prepulse inhibition of the cortical N1-P2 complex in humans as a step towards an objective measure of tinnitus

The gap-prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex has been widely used as a behavioral method for tinnitus screening in animal studies. The cortical-evoked potential gap-induced inhibition has also been investigated in animals as well as in human subjects. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of age on the cortical N1-P2 complex in the gap-prepulse inhibition paradigm. Fifty-seven subjects, aged 20 to 68 years, without continuous tinnitus, were tested with two effective gap conditions (embedded gap of 50- or 20-ms duration). Retest sessions were performed within one month. A significant gap-induced inhibition of the N1-P2 complex was found in both gap durations. Age differently affected the inhibition, depending on gap duration. With a 50-ms gap, the inhibition decreased significantly with the increase in age. This age-inhibition relationship was not found when using a 20-ms gap. The results were reproducible in the retest session. Our findings suggest that the interaction between age and gap duration should be considered when applying the gap-induced inhibition of the cortical-evoked potential as an objective measure of tinnitus in human subjects. Further studies with tinnitus patients are warranted to identify gap duration that would minimize the effects of age and maximize the difference in the inhibition between those with and without tinnitus.