Interactions between cardiac activity and conscious somatosensory perception

Fluctuations in the heart's activity can modulate the access of external stimuli to consciousness. The link between perceptual awareness and cardiac signals has been investigated mainly in the visual and auditory domain. Here, we investigated whether the phase of the cardiac cycle and the prestimulus heart rate influence conscious somatosensory perception. We also tested how conscious detection of somatosensory stimuli affects the heart rate. Electrocardiograms (ECG) of 33 healthy volunteers were recorded while applying near‐threshold electrical pulses at a fixed intensity to the left index finger. Conscious detection was not uniformly distributed across the cardiac cycle but significantly higher in diastole than in systole. We found no evidence that the heart rate before a stimulus influenced its detection, but hits (correctly detected somatosensory stimuli) led to a more pronounced cardiac deceleration than misses. Our findings demonstrate interactions between cardiac activity and conscious somatosensory perception, which highlights the importance of internal bodily states for sensory processing beyond the auditory and visual domain

Evaluating LAB@FUTURE, a collaborative e-learning Laboratory experiments platform

This paper presents Lab@Future, an advanced e-learning platform that uses novel Information and Communication Technologies to support and expand laboratory teaching practices. For this purpose, Lab@Future uses real and computer generated objects that are interfaced using mechatronic systems, augmented reality, mobile technologies and 3D multi user environments. The main aim is to develop and demonstrate technological support for practical experiments in the following focused disciplines namely: Fluid Dynamics - Science subject in Germany, Geometry - Mathematics subject in Austria, History and Environmental Awareness – Arts and Humanities subjects in Greece and Slovenia. In order to pedagogically enhance the design and functional aspects of this e-learning technology, we are investigating the dialogical operationalisation of learning theories so as to leverage our understanding of teaching and learning practices in the targeted context of deployment. To be able to evaluate the lab@future system in its entire complexity an evaluation methodology including several phases has been developed, performing formative as well as summative evaluations

Home Manufacture of Drugs: An Online Investigation and a Toxicological Reality Check of Online Discussions on Drug Chemistry

Emerging trends in market dynamics and the use of new psychoactive substances are both a public health concern and a complex regulatory issue. One novel area of investigation is the availability of homemade opioids, amphetamines and dissociatives, and the potential fueling of interest in clandestine home manufacture of drugs via the Internet. We illustrate here how online communal folk pharmacology of homemade drugs on drug website forums may actually inform home manufacture practices or contribute to the reduction of harms associated with this practice. Discrepancies between online information around purification and making homemade drugs safer, and the synthesis of the same substances in a proper laboratory environment, exist. Moderation and shutdown of synthesis queries and discussions online are grounded in drug websites adhering to harm-reduction principles by facilitating discussions around purification of homemade drugs only. Drug discussion forums should consider reevaluating their policies on chemistry discussions in aiming to reach people who cannot or will not refrain from cooking their own drugs with credible information that may contribute to reductions in the harms associated with this practice. © 2017 Taylor & Francis Group, LL

La comunicazione politica nei manifesti della campagna elettorale 2008

Il presente lavoro si propone di prendere in esame i criteri comunicativi adottati dai principali partiti nei manifesti elettorali prodotti in occasione delle elezioni politiche del 2008. Dopo una breve parte propedeutica sulla comunicazione politica ed un excursus sulla storia del manifesto politico si procede ad analizzare dettagliatamente i manifesti elettorali dei principali partiti: Il Popolo della Libertà, Alleanza Nazionale, Lega Nord, La Destra, Partito Democratico, Italia dei Valori, Unione di Centro, Partito Socialista, La Sinistra, l’Arcobaleno. L’analisi si basa sui manifesti che è stato possibile rintracciare sui siti internet dei partiti e nella Rete in generale. I principali campi di indagine sono: il tipo di immagini scelte dai partiti a suffragio delle loro proposte politiche, la grafica, i colori e il lessico adottato per attirare l’attenzione dell’elettore e convincerlo ad orientare il suo voto in una determinata direzion

Visual and personalized quality of life assessment app for people with severe mental health problems:Qualitative evaluation

Background:  QoL-ME is a digital visual personalized quality of life assessment app for people with severe mental health problems. Research reveals that e-mental health apps frequently suffer from low engagement and fall short of expectations regarding their impact on patients' daily lives. Studies often indicate that e-mental health apps ought to respect the needs and preferences of end users to achieve optimal user engagement. Objective:  The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of users regarding the usability and functionality of QoL-ME and whether the app is actionable and beneficial for patients. Methods:  End users (n=8) of QoL-ME contributed to semistructured interviews. An interview guide was used to direct the interviews. All interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcriptions were analyzed and coded thematically. Results:  Analysis revealed 3 main themes: (1) benefit, (2) actionability, and (3) characteristics of the QoL-ME. The first theme reveals that the QoL-ME app was beneficial for the majority of respondents, primarily by prompting them to reflect on their quality of life. The current version is not yet actionable; the actionability of the QoL-ME app may be improved by enabling users to view their scores over time and by supplying practical advice for quality of life improvements. Overall, participants had positive experiences with the usability, design, and content of the app. Conclusions:  The QoL-ME app can be beneficial to users as it provides them with insight into their quality of life and elicits reflection. Incorporating more functionalities that facilitate self-management, such as advice and strategies for improving areas that are lacking, will likely make the app actionable. Patients positively regarded the usability, design, and contents of the QoL-ME app

The fast and furious

Cocaine and amphetamines (‘stimulants’) are distinct central nervous system stimulants with similar effects (Pleuvry, 2009; Holman, 1994). Cocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid extracted from coca leaves. Amphetamines are a subclass of phenylethylamines with primarily stimulant effects, including amphetamine, methamphetamine, methcathinone and cathinone and referred to as ‘amphetamines’ in this review (Holman, 1994). MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine or ecstasy) is a substituted amphetamine known for its entactogenic, psychedelic, and stimulant effects (Morgan, 2000). Stimulants can produce increased wakefulness, focus and confidence, elevated mood, feelings of power, and decreased fatigue and appetite; stimulants also produce nervousness or anxiety and, in some cases, psychosis and suicidal thoughts (Holman, 1994; EMCDDA, 2007f; Hildrey et al., 2009; Pates and Riley, 2009). Although there is little evidence that stimulants cause physical dependence, tolerance may develop upon repetitive use and withdrawal may cause discomfort and depression (EMCDDA, 2007f; Pates and Riley, 2009). Users may engage in ‘coke or speed binges’ alternated with periods of withdrawal and abstinence (Beek et al., 2001)

Improving the outcomes of carotid endarterectomy: Results of a statewide quality improvement project

AbstractObjective: The purpose of this study was to establish the statewide outcomes for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and to facilitate improvement in outcomes through feedback, peer discussion, and ongoing process and outcome measurement. Methods: The Medicare Part A claims files were used to identify all Medicare patients undergoing CEA in Iowa during two 12-month time periods (January 1994–December 1994 and June 1995–May 1996). Medical record abstraction was used to obtain surgical indications, perioperative care process, and outcome information. Confidential reports were provided to each hospital (N = 30) where the procedure was performed. Surgeons performing the procedure (N = 79) were invited to meetings to discuss care process variation and outcomes. Voluntary participation was solicited in a standardized program of ongoing hospital-based data collection of CEA process and outcome data. Results: The statewide combined stroke or mortality rate decreased from 7.8% in 1994 to 4.0% in the 1995 to 1996 time period (P <.001). Fourteen hospitals, accounting for 74% of the statewide cases, participated in ongoing data collection. The combined stroke or mortality rate in these hospitals decreased significantly (P <.05) over time from 6.5% (1994) to 3.7% (1995-1996) to 1.8% (June 1997–May 1998). The use of intraoperative assessment of the operative site (20% in 1994, 46% in 1997-1998) and patch angioplasty (14% in 1994, 30% in 1997-1998) increased significantly during this time in the participating hospitals. Conclusions: Confidential feedback of outcome and process data for CEA may lead to change in perioperative care processes and improved outcomes. Standardized community-based outcome analysis should become routine for CEA to ensure that optimum results are being achieved. (J Vasc Surg 2000;31:918-26.

Leading-effect vs. Risk-taking in Dynamic Tournaments: Evidence from a Real-life Randomized Experiment

Two 'order effects' may emerge in dynamic tournaments with information feedback. First, participants adjust effort across stages, which could advantage the leading participant who faces a larger 'effective prize' after an initial victory (leading-effect). Second, participants lagging behind may increase risk at the final stage as they have 'nothing to lose' (risk-taking). We use a randomized natural experiment in professional two-game soccer tournaments where the treatment (order of a stage-specific advantage) and team characteristics, e.g. ability, are independent. We develop an identification strategy to test for leading-effects controlling for risk-taking. We find no evidence of leading-effects and negligible risk-taking effects