Localization of cortical potentials evoked by balance disturbances

The ability to correct balance disturbances is essential for maintaining upright stability. Recent literature highlights a potentially important role for the cerebral cortex in controlling compensatory balance reactions. The objective of this research was to provide a more detailed understanding of the specific neurophysiologic events occurring at the cortex following balance disturbances. More specifically, the focus was to determine whether the N1, a cortical potential evoked during balance control, and the error-related negativity (ERN), a cortical potential measured in response to errors during cognitive tasks, have similar cortical representation, revealing a similar link to an error detection mechanism. It was hypothesized that the N1 and ERN would have the same generator located in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Fourteen healthy young adults participated in a balance task (evoked N1) and a flanker task (evoked ERN). Temporally unpredictable perturbations to standing balance were achieved using a lean and release cable system. Electromyography and centre of pressure were measured during the balance task. Reaction times and error rates were measured during the flanker task. Electroencephalography was recorded during both tasks. Source localization was performed in CURRY 6 using a single fixed coherent dipole model to determine the neural generator of the N1 and ERN. The results revealed that the locations of the N1 and ERN dipoles were different. The mean (n=9) distance between N1 and ERN dipoles was 25.46 ± 8.88 mm. The mean Talairach coordinates for the ERN dipole were (6.47 ± 3.08, -4.41 ± 13.15, 41.17 ± 11.63) mm, corresponding to the cingulate gyrus (Brodmann area 24). This represents the ACC, supporting results from previous literature. The mean Talairach coordinates for the N1 dipole were (5.74 ± 3.77, -11.81 ± 10.84, 53.73 ± 7.30) mm, corresponding to the medial frontal gyrus (Brodmann area 6). This is the first work to localize the source of the N1. It is speculated that the generator of the N1 is the supplementary motor area and that it represents the generation of a contingency motor plan to shape the later phases of the compensatory balance response based on sensory feedback from the perturbation

Leading Financial Literacy in Australia

In Australia financial literacy work nationally is guided by the principles of the NationalFinancial Literacy Strategy, a collaborative multi-agency strategy coordinated by theAustralian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). This provides a framework for manyagencies and organisations to work in partnership to develop and deliver initiatives to improvethe financial literacy of all Australians. This article highlights the thinking behind the strategy,presents examples of the strategy in action, and foreshadows next steps. Above all, it arguesthat the challenges of improving financial literacy are best shared – i.e. that a collaborativeapproach between sectors and countries remains the most effective way forwar

Sustainable Community-Based Solutions: Source to Tap and Back Again

This article reflects the thoughts and conclusions of a session sponsored by the Women in Water Programme Steering Committee of the International Water Association (IWA) at the Second IWA Development Congress and Exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in November 2011. The session, held on 24 November, examined the role women can play in community-based water and sanitation solutions in urbanizing areas. Such solutions range from watershed protection and integrated water resources management (IWRM), to capacity development and stakeholder mobilization. The cases presented reflect the experience and results of projects undertaken by the authors in Asia. The experience of each author brings a broad range of approaches to tackling the challenges faced by water managers in densely populated urban areas. These provide the basis for innovative solutions to expand coverage, strengthen service provision and create new businesses. The article explores ways for communities to work together more effectively to increase knowledge and understanding of the wide variety of interests that exist in a water basin. In particular, community-based solutions can promote protection of the sources of water, and sustainable water and sanitation management. Source to tap and back again speaks to the imperative that all people understand the relationship between upstream and downstream users, and that both women and men be involved in resource management. This article addresses the following issues: Watershed management and urbanization; Community-based approaches for sustainable sanitation in urban areas; The leadership and participation of women in IWRM research and development; and Targeting capacity building programs to empower women water professionals in Asia

Art from the streets : a case study

textThis case study examines the history and structure of Art from the Streets (AFTS) a community-based art (CBA) program in Austin, Texas that for the past twenty years has offered art classes twice a week to the local homeless community. The purpose of this study is to determine if and how well AFTS integrates essential CBA components that define best practices of CBA programs that serve the homeless into their program. This study combines researcher observations with the firsthand perspective of the AFTS program, volunteers, and participants secured through class observations and interviews conducted to gain knowledge about the inner workings of the AFTS program.Art Educatio

Literature Review on Factors Affecting the Transition of Aboriginal Youth from School to Work

Comprend des références bibliographique

Analyse documentaire des facteurs affectant la transition des études au marché du travail pour les jeunes autochtones

Comprend des références bibliographique

Data Paper. Data Paper

<h2>File List</h2><blockquote> <p><a href="Species_Information.txt">Species_Information.txt</a> – Species data for all studies, including study details, limited life history characteristics, and species descriptions. ASCII text, tab delimited, 20 lines (not including header row), 5 KB.<br> (md5: 3aaff18b97d15ab45fe2bba8f721d20c)</p> <p><a href="Population_data.txt">Population_data.txt</a> – Details on population locations, habitats, and observed population status at study end and revisit. ASCII text, tab delimited, 82 lines (not including header row), 8 KB.<br> (md5: 73d9b38e52661829d3aea635498922a3)</p> <a href="Transition_Matrices.txt">Transition_Matrices.txt</a> – Annual transition matrices and observed stage structures for each population and year of study. ASCII text, tab delimited, 461 lines (not including header row), 249 KB.<br> (md5: f0a49ea65b58c92c5675f629f3589517)</blockquote><h2>Description</h2><blockquote> <p>Demographic transition matrices are one of the most commonly applied population models for both basic and applied ecological research. The relatively simple framework of these models and simple, easily interpretable summary statistics they produce have prompted the wide use of these models across an exceptionally broad range of taxa. Here, we provide annual transition matrices and observed stage structures/population sizes for 20 perennial plant species which have been the focal species for long-term demographic monitoring. These data were assembled as part of the ‘Testing Matrix Models’ working group through the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS). In sum, these data represent 82 populations with > 460 total population-years of data. It is our hope that making these data available will help promote and improve our ability to monitor and understand plant population dynamics.</p> <p><i>Key words: conservation; Demographic matrix models; ecological forecasting; extinction risk; matrix population models; plant population dynamics; population growth rate</i>.</p> </blockquote