Rhythmic inhibition allows neural networks to search for maximally consistent states

Gamma-band rhythmic inhibition is a ubiquitous phenomenon in neural circuits yet its computational role still remains elusive. We show that a model of Gamma-band rhythmic inhibition allows networks of coupled cortical circuit motifs to search for network configurations that best reconcile external inputs with an internal consistency model encoded in the network connectivity. We show that Hebbian plasticity allows the networks to learn the consistency model by example. The search dynamics driven by rhythmic inhibition enable the described networks to solve difficult constraint satisfaction problems without making assumptions about the form of stochastic fluctuations in the network. We show that the search dynamics are well approximated by a stochastic sampling process. We use the described networks to reproduce perceptual multi-stability phenomena with switching times that are a good match to experimental data and show that they provide a general neural framework which can be used to model other 'perceptual inference' phenomena

Convergence of discrete duality finite volume schemes for the cardiac bidomain model

We prove convergence of discrete duality finite volume (DDFV) schemes on distorted meshes for a class of simplified macroscopic bidomain models of the electrical activity in the heart. Both time-implicit and linearised time-implicit schemes are treated. A short description is given of the 3D DDFV meshes and of some of the associated discrete calculus tools. Several numerical tests are presented

Credibility of Financial Reporting Communication Between Investors and Management: An Exploratory Study

the purpose of the paper is to examine the role ofcredibility in achieving successful communication processes infinancial reporting and to suggest a theoretical framework basedon source credibility theory that can be used to design researchexploring credibility as a dimension of communication infinancial reporting. The research approach adopted here is acomprehensive, interdisciplinary review drawing on sourcesfrom academic and professional communication, financialreporting, and credibility studies. The framework proposeddrives researchers towards considering the financial reportingprocess holistically, examining senders, receivers, channels andnoise, and not simply factors but levels of persuasion and changesin attitude. If financial reporting is the product, and users are theaudience, source credibility theory potentially offers anothermeans of understanding why audiences might be more persuadedby one means of financial reporting than another. This paper isthe first attempt to call the attention of financial reportingscholars to the area of communication through studying thecredibility of communication and its effects on the successfulnessof communication process. Also, the paper contributes to thedebate relating to the understanding of the factors anddimensions of comprehensive credibility that includes all partiesinvolved in the financial reporting communication process

STRESS AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Having a child with autism is a major event that negatively affects families, and force families to re-evaluate its plans, goals, and relationships in light of restrictions and limitations associated with child's disability, and resultant stresses in parents and their efficiency in coping with these stresses. This study aimed to assess stress and coping strategies among parents of children with autistic disorder. A purposive sample of thirty Parents of Autistic Children was recruited from the Center for Social and Preventive Medicine (child psychiatry out-patient clinic) in Abou-El-Rish University Hospital. Three tools were used to conduct the current study, demographic and medical data sheet, parent stress scale and coping strategies scale. The results indicated that, sixty percent of the studied parents had moderate level of stress. The results also showed that, more than fifty percent were using seeking information, avoidance and denial coping strategies. And finally, the results indicated high positive and significant correlation and acceptable predictable relation between levels of stress and coping strategies. In conclusion, children with autism require lifelong provision, management and service coordination.&nbsp