Categorization Deficit in Old Age: Reality or Artefact?

International audienceWhen categorization behaviour is compared between young and elderly adults, results usually show a decrease in taxonomic choices along with an increase in thematic choices. This can be interpreted in two ways: a decline in the ability to perceive and use taxonomic relations, or a modification of conceptual preferences with aging related to a bias stemming from material which favours young adults. We evaluated the second hypothesis by studying whether the salience of categorical associations could explain the differences generally observed between young and elderly adults. This hypothesis was tested on 25 young subjects (M = 45.3 years, SD =5.6 years) and 30 elderly subjects (M = 71.5 years, SD = 7.1 years) using a matching task: individual judgments were used to build triads in which a target was presented along with a strong and a weak associate. In line with our hypothesis, both age groups were influenced by associative strength and type of relation in the same way. Results are interpreted with Baltes's [1987, Developmental Psychology, 23, 611–626] model

Réussir son mémoire en psycho: Elaboration et rédaction du travail d'étude et de recherche

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A Summary of the Developmental Trajectory of Executive Functions from Birth to Adulthood

Executive functions (EFs) refer to cognitive control abilities that can sustain goal-directed behavior within complex contexts or changing contingencies. This cognitive functioning domain involves abilities such as inhibitory control, working memory, cognitive flexibility, attention, and planning and is particularly important for cognitive and socio-emotional advance. Longitudinal design studies have highlighted the relevance of adequate EF development during childhood as a predictor of improved health, higher academic achievements, a better employment status, and a lower incidence of disruptive social conduct, addictions, behavior problems, and psychopathology in adulthood. Hence, understanding EF development and its mediating predictors is a topic of interest for neuroscience. Research work over the past 20 years has produced highly relevant knowledge about specific EF developmental trajectories; however, few studies have compiled these results. This paper will re-examine EF development from early childhood until adulthood to include research reports published in peer-reviewed scientific journals from 2000 to 2019. We will delve into the existence of sensitive periods, growth and decline peaks, common patterns, and gender differences, highlighting unexplored topics and new challenges for future research. Understanding these cognitive development milestones will be a foundational step forward for the design of prevention and EF promotion programs throughout an individual’s vital cycle.Fil: Korzeniowski, Celina Graciela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Ciencias Humanas, Sociales y Ambientales; ArgentinaFil: Ison, Mirta Susana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Ciencias Humanas, Sociales y Ambientales; ArgentinaFil: Difabio, Hilda Emilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Spatial and temporal variations of volatile organic compounds using passive air samplers in the multi-industrial city of Ulsan, Korea

The source-receptor relationship of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is an important environmental concern, particularly in large industrial cities; however, only a few studies have identified VOC sources using high spatial resolution data. In this study, 28 VOCs were monitored in Ulsan, the biggest multi-industrial city in Korea. Passive air samplers were seasonally deployed at eight urban and six industrial sites. The target compounds were detected at all sites. No significant seasonal variations of VOCs were observed probably due to the continuous emissions from major industrial facilities. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, and styrene accounted for 66-86% of the concentration of ??28 VOCs. The spatial distribution of the individual VOCs clearly indicated that petrochemical, automobile, non-ferrous, and shipbuilding industries were major VOC sources. Seasonal wind patterns were found to play a role in the spatial distribution of VOCs. Diagnostic ratios also confirmed that the industrial complexes were the dominant VOC sources. The results of principal component analysis and correlation analyses identified the influence of specific compounds from each industrial complex on individual sites. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report on the seasonal distribution of VOCs with high spatial resolution in a metropolitan industrial city in Korea