Convergence of Action, Reaction, and Perception via Neural Oscillations in Dynamic Interaction with External Surroundings

There has been a considerable interest in the role of time-dimension in functions of the brain, which has been limited to time perception and timing of behavior. However, during past few years it has become increasingly clear that the role of the time-dimension includes other complex cognitive functions, such as motor control of a vehicle, sensory perception and processing imageries to name a few. Role of the accurate representation of time-dimension is important for several neural mechanisms, which include temporal coupling, coincidence detection, and processing of Shannon information. These mechanisms play key roles in processing information during the interaction of the brain with the physical surroundings

The Time-Budget Perspective of the Role of Time Dimension in Modular Network Dynamics during Functions of the Brain

Information processing plays a key role in the daily activities of human and nonhuman primates. Information processing in the brain, underlying behavior, is constrained by the four-dimensional nature of external physical surroundings. In contrast to three geometric dimensions, there are no known peripheral sensory organs for the perception of time dimension. However, the representation of time dimension in modular neural networks is critical for the brain functions that require interval timing or the temporal coupling of action with perception. Recent experimental and theoretical studies are shedding light on how the representation of time dimension in neural circuits plays a key role in the diverse functions of the brain, which also includes motor interactions with environment as well as social interactions, such as verbal and nonverbal communication. Although different lines of evidence strongly suggest that rhythmic neural activities represent time dimension in the brain, how the information represented by rhythmic activities is processed to time behavioral responses by the brain remains unclear. Theoretical considerations suggest that the rhythmic activities represent a physical aspect of the time dimension rather than the source of simple additive temporal units for coding time intervals in neural circuits

O geoprocessamento aplicado na identificação de áreas com susceptibilidade a movimento de massas no Parque das Mangabeiras em Belo Horizonte – MG

Este trabalho realizou uma análise dos elementos do meio natural no Parque Municipal das Mangabeiras, uma unidade de conservação localizada no Município de Belo Horizonte - MG. Neste contexto, teve como objetivo aplicar e avaliar a tecnologia do geoprocessamento na identificação de áreas com susceptibilidade a movimento de massas, servindo de apoio para tomada de decisão no planejamento ambiental. Após a digitalização das bases, foram atribuídas notas aos parâmetros que condicionam o movimento de massas por meio de uma árvore de decisão, com reclassificação dos mapas por notas, foi adotado um algoritmo de média ponderada para geração de um mapa síntese com a identificação de susceptibilidade a movimento de massas

Avaliação do Google Sala de Aula como Ferramenta de Apoio ao Processo de Ensino-aprendizagem em um Curso de Licenciatura em Ciências Biológicas Presencial

Este artigo apresenta uma investigação sobre a usabilidade do Ambiente Virtual de Aprendizagem (AVA) Google Sala de Aula, visando identificar quais contribuições e melhorias a sua utilização pode trazer para o processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Foi aplicado um questionário, com a participação de 28 alunos em um curso de Licenciatura em Ciências Biológicas. Os resultados demonstram uma maior flexibilidade de acesso pelos alunos às atividades realizadas por meio do AVA e também com o uso de dispositivos móveis, tanto dentro quanto fora da sala de aula. Dessa forma, os resultados sugerem que a ferramenta é de fácil utilização, proporcionando maior interatividade e colaboração através da mediação docente

Objetos Digitais de Aprendizagem no Ensino de Física Básica: Um estudo de caso com simuladores virtuais em uma escola de ensino público estadual

Este trabalho discute as dificuldades que os estudantes enfrentam no estudo da Física e investiga a influência do uso de Objetos Digitais de Aprendizagem (ODAs), especificamente os simuladores virtuais, partindo da hipótese que contribuem para o aumento da motivação e interesse dos estudantes. Para isso, realizou-se em uma escola pública a aplicação de um questionário que forneceu informações sobre o contexto escolar e as aspirações deles quanto às metodologias de ensino. Após a aplicação do questionário, foi analisado como os simuladores virtuais disponíveis no portal PhET influenciam os estudantes, em que ficou evidente que os ODAs do tipo simuladores virtuais podem contribuir para a aprendizagem dos alunos e não devem ser usados como uma solução única e definitiva para os problemas de aprendizagem em Física

TARSAL TUNNEL SYNDROME: A STILL CHALLENGE CONDITION

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a rare, under diagnosed and often confused neuropathy with other clinical entities. There is a lack of population studies on this disease. Herein, we performed a non-systematic review of articles between January 1992 and February 2018. Although with a less complex anatomy comparing to the carpal tunnel, the tarsal tunnel is source of pain and some other conditions. Treatmentinvolves conservative measures such as analgesics and physical  therapy rehabilitation or surgical procedures in case of conservative treatment failure. Randomized control studies are lack and mandatory for uncover the best modality of treatment for this condition

TUBERCULOUS MENINGITIS IN CHILDHOOD: NEW ASPECTS OF NEUROLOGIC COMPLICATIONS

Tuberculous Meningitis (TBM) is a severe manifestation of tuberculosis that represents 1% of the cases of infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Children are among the other age groups the most affected and when present, HIV-1 is responsible for poorer prognosis. It was carried out a search on the databases of Pubmed, Lilacs and Scielo, looking for articles that approach the principals news aspects of neurologic complications caused by TBM. The literature cite asmajor neurologic fndings the hydrocephalus in approximately 80% patients, meningeal irritation, coma, seizures, intracranial pressure signs, cranial nerve palsy, hemiparesis and disorders in the movement. Neurologic sequelae occur in up to 50% of survivors and early diagnosis is crucial to reduce the occurrence of major functional losses. In this way, discussions presenting more specifc methods for TBM as well as better assessment of the signs and symptoms of thedisease is necessary for a better prognosis and lower mortality rate of these patient

Functional coupling of sensorimotor and associative areas during a catching ball task: a qEEG coherence study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Catching an object is a complex movement that involves not only programming but also effective motor coordination. Such behavior is related to the activation and recruitment of cortical regions that participates in the sensorimotor integration process. This study aimed to elucidate the cortical mechanisms involved in anticipatory actions when performing a task of catching an object in free fall.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) was recorded using a 20-channel EEG system in 20 healthy right-handed participants performed the catching ball task. We used the EEG coherence analysis to investigate subdivisions of alpha (8-12 Hz) and beta (12-30 Hz) bands, which are related to cognitive processing and sensory-motor integration.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Notwithstanding, we found the main effects for the factor block; for alpha-1, coherence decreased from the first to sixth block, and the opposite effect occurred for alpha-2 and beta-2, with coherence increasing along the blocks.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>It was concluded that to perform successfully our task, which involved anticipatory processes (i.e. feedback mechanisms), subjects exhibited a great involvement of sensory-motor and associative areas, possibly due to organization of information to process visuospatial parameters and further catch the falling object.</p

Hand immobilization causes changes in cortical areas: qEEG alpha band absolute power study

Hand immobilization has been associated with changes in neural networks of primary somatosensory cortex and primary motor areas. Electrophysiologically, alpha band absolute power may indicate how cerebral cortex processes information. This study aimed to analyze changes in alpha band absolute power on frontal, central, parietal and occipital derivations when hand-movement of subjects was restricted for 48 hours. Fifteen healthy volunteers (20 to 30 years old), were recorded using electroencephalography (qEEG), while exposition to visual stimulus linked to a motor task before and after hand immobilization. Statistical analysis revealed that hand immobilization caused changes in frontal, central and parietal areas of cerebral cortex. In summary, after hand immobilization alpha band absolute power increased in these areas, revealing a lower activation. Contrarily, at C4 there was a decreased alpha band absolute power correlated to more activation. These findings can be due adaptive plasticity to supply less activation at C3, considering the inactivity of right hand due to the immobilization. Further studies are needed to better understand the complex processes involved in this type of task

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and rehabilitation: a perfect match

Reabilitação e doença de Charcot-Marie-Tooth: um casamento perfeit