Search

Most studies of developing visual attention are conducted using screen-based tasks in which infants move their eyes to select where to look. However, real-world visual exploration entails active movements of both eyes and head to bring relevant areas in view. Thus, relatively little is known about how infants coordinate their eyes and heads to structure their visual experiences. Infants were tested every 3 months from 9 to 24 months while they played with their caregiver and three toys while sitting in a highchair at a table. Infants wore a head-mounted eye tracker that measured eye movement toward each of the visual targets (caregiver's face and toys) and how targets were oriented within the head-centered field of view (FOV). With age, infants increasingly aligned novel toys in the center of their head-centered FOV at the expense of their caregiver's face. Both faces and toys were better centered in view during longer looking events, suggesting that infants of all ages aligned their eyes and head to sustain attention. The bias in infants' head-centered FOV could not be accounted for by manual action: Held toys were more poorly centered compared with non-held toys. We discuss developmental factors-attentional, motoric, cognitive, and social-that may explain why infants increasingly adopted biased viewpoints with age.

Sustained attention, a key cognitive skill that improves during childhood and adolescence, tends to be worse in some emotional and behavioural disorders. Sustained attention is typically studied in non-affective task contexts; here, we used a novel task to index performance in affective versus neutral contexts across adolescence (N = 465; ages 11–18). We asked whether: (i) performance would be worse in negative versus neutral task contexts; (ii) performance would improve with age; (iii) affective interference would be greater in younger adolescents; (iv) adolescents at risk for depression and higher in anxiety would show overall worse performance; and (v) would show differential performance in negative contexts. Results indicated that participants performed more poorly in negative contexts and showed age-related performance improvements. Those at risk of depression performed more poorly than those at lower risk. However, there was no difference between groups as a result of affective context. For anxiety there was no difference in performance as a function of severity. However, those with higher anxiety showed less variance in their reaction times to negative stimuli than those with lower anxiety. One interpretation is that moderate levels of emotional arousal associated with anxiety make individuals less susceptible to the distracting effects of negative stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with deficits in cognitive function, thought to be related to underlying decreased hedonic experiences. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of functional brain activity in this relationship. In this study, we investigated the neurofunctional correlate of the interplay between cognitive function and hedonic experiences in medication-free MDD using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Methods: We examine differences of brain activation corresponding to the verbal fluency test (VFT) between MDD patients and healthy controls (HCs). Fifty-six MDD patients and 35 HCs underwent fMRI scanning while performing the VFT. In exploratory analyses, cognitive performance, as assessed by the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), four dimensions of hedonic processing (desire, motivation, effort, and consummatory pleasure) measured by the Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (DARS), and relative changes in oxygenated hemoglobin concentration during the VFT were compared across groups. Results: Patients with MDD demonstrated impairments in sustained attention and working memory, accompanied by lower total and subscale scores on the DARS. Compared to healthy controls, MDD patients exhibited reduced activation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during the VFT task (t = 2.32 to 4.77, p < 0.001 to 0.02, FDR corrected). DARS motivation, desire, and total scores as well as sustained attention, were positively correlated with activation in the dorsolateral PFC and Broca's area (p < 0.05, FDR corrected). Conclusions: These findings indicate that changes in prefrontal lobe oxygenated hemoglobin levels, a region implicated in hedonic motivation and cognitive function, may serve as potential biomarkers for interventions targeting individuals with MDD. Our results corroborate the clinical consensus that the prefrontal cortex is a primary target for non-invasive neuromodulatory treatments for depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (aADHD) represents a heterogeneous entity incorporating different subgroups in terms of symptomatology, course, and neurocognition. Although neurocognitive dysfunction is generally associated with aADHD, its severity, association with self-reported symptoms, and differences between subtypes remain unclear. We investigated 61 outpatients (65.6% male, mean age 31.5 ± 9.5) diagnosed using DSM-5 criteria together with age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy controls (HC) (n = 58, 63.8% male, mean age 32.3 ± 9.6). Neurocognitive alterations were assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and compared between groups using the generalized linear model (GLM) method. Multivariate effects were tested by principal component analysis combined with multivariate pattern analysis. Self-reported symptom severity was tested for correlations with neurocognitive performance. GLM analyses revealed nominally significant differences between the aADHD and HC groups in several domains, however, only the Rapid Visual Information Processing measures survived correction, indicating impaired sustained attention and response inhibition in the aADHD group. Comparison of the predominantly inattentive and the hyperactive-impulsive/combined subtypes yielded nominally significant differences with higher levels of dysfunction in the inattentive group. In the stepwise discriminant analysis aADHD and HC groups were best separated with 2 factors representing sustained attention and reaction time. We found only weak correlations between symptom severity and CANTAB factors. aADHD patients are neuropsychologically heterogeneous and subtypes show different neurocognitive profiles. Differences between the aADHD and HC groups were driven primarily by the inattentive subtype. Sustained attention and its factor derivative showed the most significant alterations in aADHD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies demonstrated the influential role of sustained attention in the reading comprehension of alphabetic writing systems. However, there is limited understanding of how these cognitive functions contribute to reading comprehension in non-alphabetic systems, such as Japanese. This study seeks to explore this gap, focusing on how sustained attention and response inhibition function in a writing system where some of the characters represent meanings rather than sounds, introducing another layer of difficulty in the complex process of reading; Methods: Seventy-five Japanese 9th grade students performed a task to assess sustained attention and response inhibition. The cognitive test was carried out using tablets to enable feasible parallel group administration while maintaining high comparability with ecological classroom settings. Reading comprehension was measured using an exam that the participants took as part of their educational routine; Results: Our results indicate that both sustained attention and response inhibition significantly contributed to the reading comprehension of Japanese 9th grade students; Conclusions: These results replicate and expand previous studies documenting the contribution of sustained attention on the reading comprehension of alphabetic writing systems to a non-alphabetic system. Moreover, our findings unravel another important cognitive factor, namely response inhibition in reading comprehension. We suggest that response inhibition may play a crucial role in reading non-alphabetic writing systems that pose high cognitive demands, such as Japanese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Failures of sustained attention, including lapses and mind-wandering, have serious consequences on cognitive task performance. In recent years, real-time triggering methods have been used to isolate periods of optimal and suboptimal attention based on patterns of response times in monotonous continuous performance tasks. In a closed-loop fashion, these triggering designs reduce the need for retrospective processing to identify periods of poor attention by using simple intrasubject response time boundaries to trigger events based on inferred attentional state. In the current review, we first discuss studies that used principal component analysis to identify response patterns that precede both task errors and phenomenological reports of mind-wandering. Then, we review designs that used real-time triggering conditions to reinforce the relationship between lapsing and memory encoding. Finally, we describe important next steps to generalize the utility of the triggering procedure across populations, validate lapse countermeasures, and shine light on the limited human capacity to maintain vigilance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three experiments (N = 336) examined whether participants can systematically adjust levels of mind wandering on command. Participants performed four blocks of the metronome response task (MRT) in which they pressed a spacebar in sync with a steady audio tone. Levels of spontaneous and deliberate mind wandering were measured using intermittent thought probes. Performance was indexed with MRT response time variability and omission errors. Each block started with instructions to mind wander either 20, 40, 60, or 80% of the time. Analysis was primarily conducted using linear mixed effects models. We found that mind wandering (spontaneous and deliberate), response time variability, and omission errors increased progressively with instructions to mind wander more and that these instruction-related changes were larger for deliberate than spontaneous mind wandering (Experiments 1-3). This pattern held regardless of whether participants' eyes were open or shut (Experiment 2). Relative to a control group receiving no commands to mind wander, instructing people to mind wander 60 or 80% of the time led to more deliberate mind wandering, and strikingly, asking people to mind wander 20% of the time led to less spontaneous mind wandering (Experiment 3). Our results suggest that individuals can titrate mind wandering experiences to roughly match instructed levels indicating that mind wandering can be manipulated through simple instructions. However, other features of the data suggest that such titration is effortful and may come with a cost to performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atypical sustained attention is a symptom in a number of neurological and psychological conditions. Investigations into its neural underpinnings are required for improved management and treatment. Rodents are useful in investigating the neurobiology underlying atypical sustained attention and several rodent tasks have been developed for use in touchscreen testing platforms that mimic methodology used in human clinical attention assessment. This systematic review was conducted to assess how translatable these rodent tasks are to equivalent clinical human tasks. Studies using the rodent Continuous Performance Task (rCPT), Sustained Attention Task (SAT), and 5‐choice CPT (5C‐CPT) were sought and screened. Included in the review were 138 studies, using the rCPT (n = 21), SAT (n = 90), and 5C‐CPT (n = 27). Translatability between rodent and human studies was assessed based on (1) methodological similarity, (2) performance similarity, and (3) replication of results. The 5C‐CPT was found to be the most translatable cross‐species paradigm with good utility, while the rCPT and SAT require adaptation and further development to meet these translatability benchmarks. With greater replication and more consistent results, greater confidence in the translation of sustained attention results between species will be engendered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study uses a detection task to measure changes in driver vigilance when operating four different partially automated systems. Background: Research show temporal declines in detection task performance during manual and fully automated driving, but the accuracy of using this approach for measuring changes in driver vigilance during on-road partially automated driving is yet unproven. Method: Participants drove four different vehicles (Tesla Model 3, Cadillac CT6, Volvo XC90, and Nissan Rogue) equipped with level-2 systems in manual and partially automated modes. Response times to a detection task were recorded over eight consecutive time periods. Results: Bayesian analysis revealed a main effect of time period and an interaction between mode and time period. A main effect of vehicle and a time period x vehicle interaction were also found. Conclusion: Results indicated that the reduction in detection task performance over time was worse during partially automated driving. Vehicle-specific analysis also revealed that detection task performance changed across vehicles, with slowest response time found for the Volvo. Application: The greater decline in detection performance found in automated mode suggests that operating level-2 systems incurred in a greater vigilance decrement, a phenomenon that is of interest for Human Factors practitioners and regulators. We also argue that the observed vehicle-related differences are attributable to the unique design of their in-vehicle interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In two experiments, we investigated the effects of a time-based incentive on sustained attention. In both experiments, participants in an incentive condition were told the experiment duration would depend in part on their performance. Control condition participants were not given such a contingency. While both conditions displayed performance decrements (i.e., lengthening of reaction times across time), the incentivized condition demonstrated a shallower decrement. Participants in the incentive condition also reported more stable motivation and alertness across time. Finally, a combined analysis of Experiments 1 and 2 indicated that the relatively more stable alertness in the incentive conditions mediated the conditional differences in the time-on-task decrement. We concluded that (a) when faced with a difficult mental activity, people engage attention as a utility-based choice, and their motivation to perform the task is sensitive to potential rewards and (b) people will feel less mental strain in completing tasks if provided performance-contingent rewards. General Audience Summary: People perform many attention-demanding tasks like driving, completing homework, and scanning for errors in a budget. Over time, these tasks can become increasingly straining, which can urge the need for breaks and lead to a diversion of attention toward other activities. Why is this the case? Theories for why attention wanes across time differ. One set of theories argues that there is a fundamental limitation of the human cognitive system: We can only pay attention for so long, and breaks are necessary for cognitive restoration. However, other theories argue that the cognitive system can, in fact, perform complex mental activities for extended periods of time, given the desire to do so. That is, sustaining one's attention is a matter of willingness, not capability. In the current experiments, we investigated the effects of incentives on performance on a simple sustained attention task. We proposed that leveraging time (early release from a task based on a piece-rate incentive structure) would help to increase motivation and decrease feelings of fatigue over time, which in turn would stabilize cognitive performance across time. We found that participants in the incentivized group indeed demonstrated higher motivation levels, more alertness (less fatigue), and more stable performance than participants in the control condition (no time reward). Follow-up analyses indicated that self-reports of alertness accounted for the increased performance stability in the incentivized group. That is, subjectively, the incentive offset changes in performance because people felt less strain. The current findings demonstrate that people inherently value their time, and to an extent, cognitive performance can be better maintained when people feel incentivized to do so by external rewards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cognitive functions play a vital role in how tasks are performed; for this, temporary cognitive and mental dysfunctions could lead to grave consequences, especially when an accurate and prompt response is required. Attention and reaction time to noise are among the most effective exogenous factors on the brain processing mechanism. This study aimed to measure the sustained attention of workers in the steel industry exposed to different sound pressure levels. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in 4 general stages, including 1- Selecting predictive orientation variables (age, work history, different sound pressure levels); 2- Conducting the Cognitive Performance Test (CPT); 3 Conducting N-BACK Cognitive Performance Test and 4- Modeling cognitive performance changes using model precision methods. Results: Continuous Performance Test (CPT) results indicated that all three groups’ omission error, commission error, and response time were affected by shift time. All three components increased significantly as the shift ended, decreasing individuals’ cognitive function. Also, the higher noise impact in modeling CPT and N-Back tests indicated reduced workers’ concentration. Conclusion: These study findings suggested that greater noise weight obtained in test modeling in three-time intervals, i.e., in the beginning, middle, and end of the shift, affected the continuous performance components of the CPT and working memory performance of the N-back test, including workers’ response time and reaction time, with workers’ rate of error increasing and their focus decreasing during the shift.

Sustained attention is important for maintaining cognitive function and autonomy during ageing, yet older people often show reductions in this domain. The role of the underlying neurobiology is not yet well understood, with most neuroimaging studies primarily focused on fMRI. Here, we utilise sMRI to investigate the relationships between age, structural brain volumes and sustained attention performance. Eighty-nine healthy older adults (50–84 years, M age 65.5 (SD=8.4) years, 74 f) underwent MRI brain scanning and completed two sustained attention tasks: a rapid visual information processing (RVP) task and sustained attention to response task (SART). Independent hierarchical linear regressions demonstrated that greater volumes of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) were associated with worse RVP_ A' performance, whereas greater grey matter volumes were associated with better RVP_ A' performance. Further, greater cerebral white matter volumes were associated with better SART_ d' performance. Importantly, mediation analyses revealed that both grey and white matter volumes completely mediated the relationship between ageing and sustained attention. These results explain disparate attentional findings in older adults, highlighting the intervening role of brain structure. • White matter hyperintensities are significant predictors of sustained attention. • Cerebral grey matter volumes are significant predictors of sustained attention. • Cerebral white matter volumes are significant predictors of sustained attention. • Structural brain volumes completely mediate age effects on sustained attention. • These sMRI findings explain the attentional variability prevailing in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The first therapeutical goal followed by neurooncological surgeons dealing with prefrontal gliomas is attempting supramarginal tumor resection preserving relevant neurological function. Therefore, advanced knowledge of the frontal aslant tract (FAT) functional neuroanatomy in high-order cognitive domains beyond language and speech processing would help refine neurosurgeries, predicting possible relevant cognitive adverse events and maximizing the surgical efficacy. To this aim we performed the recently developed correlational tractography analyses to evaluate the possible relationship between FAT’s microstructural properties and cognitive functions in 27 healthy subjects having ultra-high-field (7-Tesla) diffusion MRI. We independently assessed FAT segments innervating the dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (dlPFC-FAT) and the supplementary motor area (SMA-FAT). FAT microstructural robustness, measured by the tract’s quantitative anisotropy (QA), was associated with a better performance in episodic memory, visuospatial orientation, cognitive processing speed and fluid intelligence but not sustained selective attention tests. Overall, the percentual tract volume showing an association between QA-index and improved cognitive scores (pQACV) was higher in the SMA-FAT compared to the dlPFC-FAT segment. This effect was right-lateralized for verbal episodic memory and fluid intelligence and bilateralized for visuospatial orientation and cognitive processing speed. Our results provide novel evidence for a functional specialization of the FAT beyond the known in language and speech processing, particularly its involvement in several higher-order cognitive domains. In light of these findings, further research should be encouraged to focus on neurocognitive deficits and their impact on patient outcomes after FAT damage, especially in the context of glioma surgery.

Abstract The Continuous Visual Attention Test (CVAT) is a test that detects visuomotor reaction time (RT, alertness), variability of reaction time (VRT, sustained attention), omission errors (OE, focused attention), and commission errors (CE, response inhibition). The standard test takes 15 min, while the ultrafast version only 90 s. Besides overall task length, the two versions differ by target probability (20% and 80% in the 15-min vs. only 80% in the 90-s test) and stimulus-onset asynchrony (SOA) (1, 2, and 4 s in the 15-min vs. only 1 s in the 90-s test. We aimed to analyze the effect of target probability, SOA, and time length on the CVAT variables across the 15-min task and to verify correlations and agreements between the 15-min and the 90-s CVATs. 205 healthy participants performed the two CVATs on the same day. Considering the 15-min task, RT and CE were strongly affected by target probability. Conversely, VRT was not affected. When the 15-min task was compared to the 90-s task, we found no significant difference in the VRT variable. Additionally, a significant agreement between the two tasks was found for the VRT variable. We concluded that sustained attention can be measured with the 90-s CVAT.

Researchers dispute the cause of errors in high Go, low No Go target detection tasks, like the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART). Some researchers propose errors in the SART are due to perceptual decoupling, where a participant is unaware of stimulus identity. This lack of external awareness causes an erroneous response. Other researchers suggest the majority of the errors in the SART are instead due to response leniency, not perceptual decoupling. Response delays may enable a participant who is initially unaware of stimulus identity, perceptually decoupled, to become aware of stimulus identity, or perceptually recoupled. If, however, the stimulus presentation time is shortened to the minimum necessary for stimulus recognition and the stimulus is disrupted with a structured mask, then there should be no time to enable perception to recouple even with a response delay. From the perceptual decoupling perspective, there should be no impact of a response delay on performance in this case. Alternatively if response bias is critical, then even in this case a response delay may impact performance. In this study, we shortened stimulus presentation time and added a structured mask. We examined whether a response delay impacted performance in the SART and tasks where the SART's response format was reversed. We expected a response delay would only impact signal detection theory bias, c, in the SART, where response leniency is an issue. In the reverse formatted SART, since bias was not expected to be lenient, we expected no impact or minimal impact of a response delay on response bias. These predictions were verified. Response bias is more critical in understanding SART performance, than perceptual decoupling, which is rare if it occurs at all in the SART. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first therapeutical goal followed by neurooncological surgeons dealing with prefrontal gliomas is attempting supramarginal tumor resection preserving relevant neurological function. Therefore, advanced knowledge of the frontal aslant tract (FAT) functional neuroanatomy in high-order cognitive domains beyond language and speech processing would help refine neurosurgeries, predicting possible relevant cognitive adverse events and maximizing the surgical efficacy. To this aim we performed the recently developed correlational tractography analyses to evaluate the possible relationship between FAT's microstructural properties and cognitive functions in 27 healthy subjects having ultra-high-field (7-Tesla) diffusion MRI. We independently assessed FAT segments innervating the dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (dlPFC-FAT) and the supplementary motor area (SMA-FAT). FAT microstructural robustness, measured by the tract's quantitative anisotropy (QA), was associated with a better performance in episodic memory, visuospatial orientation, cognitive processing speed and fluid intelligence but not sustained selective attention tests. Overall, the percentual tract volume showing an association between QA-index and improved cognitive scores (pQACV) was higher in the SMA-FAT compared to the dlPFC-FAT segment. This effect was right-lateralized for verbal episodic memory and fluid intelligence and bilateralized for visuospatial orientation and cognitive processing speed. Our results provide novel evidence for a functional specialization of the FAT beyond the known in language and speech processing, particularly its involvement in several higher-order cognitive domains. In light of these findings, further research should be encouraged to focus on neurocognitive deficits and their impact on patient outcomes after FAT damage, especially in the context of glioma surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Continuous Visual Attention Test (CVAT) is a test that detects visuomotor reaction time (RT, alertness), variability of reaction time (VRT, sustained attention), omission errors (OE, focused attention), and commission errors (CE, response inhibition). The standard test takes 15 min, while the ultrafast version only 90 s. Besides overall task length, the two versions differ by target probability (20% and 80% in the 15-min vs. only 80% in the 90-s test) and stimulus-onset asynchrony (SOA) (1, 2, and 4 s in the 15-min vs. only 1 s in the 90-s test. We aimed to analyze the effect of target probability, SOA, and time length on the CVAT variables across the 15-min task and to verify correlations and agreements between the 15-min and the 90-s CVATs. 205 healthy participants performed the two CVATs on the same day. Considering the 15-min task, RT and CE were strongly affected by target probability. Conversely, VRT was not affected. When the 15-min task was compared to the 90-s task, we found no significant difference in the VRT variable. Additionally, a significant agreement between the two tasks was found for the VRT variable. We concluded that sustained attention can be measured with the 90-s CVAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vigilance decrement, a temporal decline in detection performance, has been observed across multiple sensory modalities. Spatial uncertainty about the location of task-relevant stimuli has been demonstrated to increase the demands of vigilance and increase the severity of the vigilance decrement when attending to visual displays. The current study investigated whether spatial uncertainty also increases the severity of the vigilance decrement and task demands when an auditory display is used. Individuals monitored an auditory display to detect critical signals that were shorter in duration than non-target stimuli. These auditory stimuli were presented in either a consistent, predictable pattern that alternated sound presentation from left to right (spatial certainty) or an inconsistent, unpredictable pattern that randomly presented sounds from the left or right (spatial uncertainty). Cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) was measured to assess the neurophysiological demands of the task. A decline in performance and CBFV was observed in both the spatially certain and spatially uncertain conditions, suggesting that spatial auditory vigilance tasks are demanding and can result in a vigilance decrement. Spatial uncertainty resulted in a more severe vigilance decrement in correct detections compared to spatial certainty. Reduced right-hemispheric CBFV was also observed during spatial uncertainty compared to spatial certainty. Together, these results suggest that auditory spatial uncertainty hindered performance and required greater attentional demands compared to spatial certainty. These results concur with previous research showing the negative impact of spatial uncertainty in visual vigilance tasks, but the current results contrast recent research showing no effect of spatial uncertainty on tactile vigilance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustained attention (SA) is an endogenous form of attention that emerges in infancy and reflects cognitive engagement and processing. SA is critical for learning and has been measured using different methods during screen‐based and interactive contexts involving social and nonsocial stimuli. How SA differs by measurement method, context, and stimuli across development in infancy is not fully understood. This 2‐year longitudinal study examines attention using one measure of overall looking behavior and three measures of SA—mean look duration, percent time in heart rate‐defined SA, and heart rate change during SA—in N = 53 infants from 1 to 24 months across four unique task conditions: social videos, nonsocial videos, social interactions (face‐to‐face play), and nonsocial interactions (toy engagement). Results suggest that developmental changes in attention differ by measurement method, task context (screen or interaction), and task stimulus (social or nonsocial). During social interactions, overall looking and look durations declined after age 3–4 months, whereas heart rate‐defined attention measures remained stable. All SA measures were greater for videos than for live interaction conditions throughout the first 6 months, but SA to social and nonsocial stimuli within each task context were equivalent. In the second year of life, SA measured with look durations was greater for social videos compared to other conditions, heart rate‐defined SA was greater for social videos compared to nonsocial interactions, and heart rate change during SA was similar across conditions. Together, these results suggest that different measures of attention to social and nonsocial stimuli may reflect unique developmental processes and are important to compare and consider together, particularly when using infant attention as a marker of typical or atypical development. Research Highlights: Attention measure, context, and social content uniquely differentiate developmental trajectories of attention in the first 2 years of life.Overall looking to caregivers during dyadic social interactions declines significantly from 4 to 6 months of age while sustained attention (SA) to caregivers remains stable.Heart rate‐defined SA generally differentiates stimulus context where infants show greater SA while watching videos than while engaging with toys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children whose families experience socioeconomic disadvantage are at risk for poor sustained attention, a foundational skill related to goal‐oriented behaviour, self‐regulation and kindergarten readiness. Maternal parenting behaviours and parenting stress are theorised developmental pathways linking socioeconomic status (SES) to children's sustained attention. However, research has yet to empirically test for these indirect pathways, thus limiting the relevance of extant findings to inform targets of parent‐mediated programmes addressing attentional disparities at school entry for low‐income children. Using a sample of mostly low‐income children from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 2214) and the process of parenting model, this study tested whether maternal parenting stress, harsh parenting and cognitive stimulation uniquely explained associations between SES and child sustained attention at age 5 years. Results from structural equation modelling revealed that SES was positively and directly associated with child sustained attention. Some of these effects were indirectly transmitted through the pathway of maternal cognitive stimulation; however, neither harsh parenting nor parenting stress helped to explain the relationship between SES and child sustained attention. Implications of the findings are explored in the context of early childhood prevention and promotion programmes serving low‐income families. Highlights: This study explores the direct and indirect paths of family SES on child sustained attention through the pathways of maternal cognitive stimulation, harsh parenting and parenting stress amongst socioeconomically disadvantaged children.Results from SEM revealed that SES was positively and directly associated with child‐sustained attention and some of these effects were indirectly transmitted through the pathway of maternal cognitive stimulation.Cognitive stimulation is a crucial pathway through which SES may promote or impede the development of children's sustained attention skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to learn new skills as an adult, cognitive stimulation in the ageing process, and a cognitively active lifestyle are of interest to experts in education, public health, and social studies. The game Scrabble, with its enjoyable nature, has gained recognition as an educational resource that facilitates the acquisition and preservation of vocabulary, thereby augmenting both practical and cognitive abilities. In this study, a descriptive quantitative research design was implemented to assess attentional capacity using the Bourdon Attention Test, specifically utilizing the BoPr (Prague Square Modification of the CSAT), within the cohort of Scrabble League e-players and the broader general population. With a focus on promoting cognitive brain health, this study presents a comparison of sustained attention levels between these groups. A sample of N = 60 participants (divided into Scrabble e-players who participate in a league [N = 30], and a comparison group of the general population [N = 30]) underwent a study comparing their levels of attention achieved in the Bourdon test. A significant difference (p = 0.050) was found in their attention span, favoring the league e-players. The results suggest that Scrabble e-games can potentially improve the cognitive well-being and attention of adults and older individuals. However, further investigation is necessary to understand their capabilities fully. Utilizing Scrabble in the realms of adult education, gerontology, and medical practice could be beneficial for enhancing cognitive brain health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has been shown to be critical to many aspects of executive function including filtering irrelevant information, updating response contingencies when reinforcement contingencies change and stabilizing task sets. Nonspecific lesions to this region in rats produce a vulnerability to distractors that have gained salience through prior associations with reinforcement. These lesions also exacerbate cognitive fatigue in tests of sustained attention but do not produce global attentional impairments nor do they produce distractibility to novel distractors that do not have a prior association with reinforcement. To determine the neurochemical basis of these cognitive impairments, dopaminergically selective lesions of the ACC were made in both male and female Long‐Evans, hooded rats prior to assessment in two attentional tasks. Dopaminergic lesions of the ACC increase the vulnerability of subjects to previously reinforced distractors and impede formation of an attentional set. Lesioned rats were not more susceptible to the effects of novel, irrelevant stimuli in a test of sustained attention as has been previously shown. Additionally, the effects of dopaminergic lesions were found to differ based on sex. Lesioned female, but not male, rats were more vulnerable than sham‐lesioned females to the effects of prolonged testing and the removal of reinforcement during a test of sustained attention. Together, these data support the hypothesis that dopamine in the ACC is critical to filtering distractors whose salience has been gained through reinforcement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross‐sectional study aimed to investigate developmental changes in the efficiency of sustained, selective, and divided attention in a group of children aged 6−12 years by means of a computerized test battery. Participants included 199 children (51% female, majority White) who had normal or corrected‐to‐normal vision and no history of either neurological or attention deficit disorders. The study was conducted in three different schools. We used a convenience sampling strategy; each age group was sampled from one of the schools and was represented by students selected from different (parallel) classes of the same grade level. The three aspects of attention showed different developmental trajectories from 6 to 12 years. In terms of accuracy, selective attention was found to improve gradually, while the efficiency of divided attention increased dramatically across the school‐age years. In terms of reaction time, all attentional components showed a slow developmental time course. The results indicate that situations in which children have to divide attention among several sources of visual information while looking for two target stimuli considerably hamper their task performance. This is especially true for children of senior preschool and primary school age. Practitioners Points: The manuscript reports the application of a new test battery designed for the assessment of different attentional components in preschool‐ and school‐age children.The study is focused on the exploration of age‐related changes in different aspects of attention—including divided attention—in children aged 6−12 years.The results indicate that the ability to divide attention among several stimuli improves dramatically from the age of 6 to the age of 12. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We investigated secondary–task–based countermeasures to the vigilance decrement during a simulated partially automated driving (PAD) task, with the goal of understanding the underlying mechanism of the vigilance decrement and maintaining driver vigilance in PAD. Background: Partial driving automation requires a human driver to monitor the roadway, but humans are notoriously bad at monitoring tasks over long periods of time, demonstrating the vigilance decrement in such tasks. The overload explanations of the vigilance decrement predict the decrement to be worse with added secondary tasks due to increased task demands and depleted attentional resources, whereas the underload explanations predict the vigilance decrement to be alleviated with secondary tasks due to increased task engagement. Method: Participants watched a driving video simulating PAD and were required to identify hazardous vehicles throughout the 45-min drive. A total of 117 participants were assigned to three different vigilance-intervention conditions including a driving-related secondary task (DR) condition, a non-driving-related secondary task (NDR) condition, and a control condition with no secondary tasks. Results: Overall, the vigilance decrement was shown over time, reflected in increased response times, reduced hazard detection rates, reduced response sensitivity, shifted response criterion, and subjective reports on task-induced stress. Compared to the DR and the control conditions, the NDR displayed a mitigated vigilance decrement. Conclusion: This study provided convergent evidence for both resource depletion and disengagement as sources of the vigilance decrement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Event boundaries and temporal context shape the organization of episodic memories. We hypothesized that attentional fluctuations during encoding serve as "events" that affect temporal context representations and recall organization. Individuals encoded trial-unique objects during a modified sustained attention task. Memory was tested with free recall. Response time variability during the encoding tasks was used to characterize "in the zone" and "out of the zone" attentional states. We predicted that: 1) "in the zone", vs. "out of the zone", attentional states should be more conducive to maintaining temporal context representations that can cue temporally organized recall; and 2) temporally distant "in the zone" states may enable more recall "leaps" across intervening items. We replicated several important findings in the sustained attention and memory fields, including more online errors during "out of the zone" vs. "in the zone" attentional states and recall that was temporally structured. Yet, across four studies, we found no evidence for either of our main hypotheses. Recall was robustly temporally organized, and there was no difference in recall organization for items encoded "in the zone" vs. "out of the zone". We conclude that temporal context serves as a strong scaffold for episodic memory, one that can support organized recall even for items encoded during relatively poor attentional states. We also highlight the numerous challenges in striking a balance between sustained attention tasks (long blocks of a repetitive task) and memory recall tasks (short lists of unique items) and describe strategies for researchers interested in uniting these two fields.

IntroductionEmotion and attention regulation significantly influence various aspects of human functioning and behavior. However, the interaction between emotion and attention in affecting performance remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate how individual differences in sustained attention, influenced by varying emotional states.MethodsA total of 12 participants underwent emotion induction through Virtual Reality (VR) videos; completed an AX-CPT (continuous performance test) task to measure sustained attention, for which task performance is evaluated from two aspects, task accuracy and task reaction times; and reported their flow states. EEG and PPG data were collected throughout the sessions, as supporting evidence for sustained attention.ResultsOur findings suggest that emotional valence and arousal significantly influence task reaction times and sustained attention, when gender differences are accounted for, but do not significantly impact task accuracy. Specifically, males responded faster under high-arousal negative emotions, while females responded faster under high-arousal positive emotions. Additionally, we find that flow experience is not significantly impacted by emotions states or sustained attention.DiscussionThe study underscores the nuanced interplay between emotion, sustained attention, and task performance, suggesting that emotional states can differentially impact cognitive processes. Also, it support the use of VR, EEG, and PPG technologies in future research on related topics. Future research could expand upon this study by including larger sample sizes and a wider range of emotional inductions to generalize the findings.

Three experiments (N = 336) examined whether participants can systematically adjust levels of mind wandering on command. Participants performed four blocks of the metronome response task (MRT) in which they pressed a spacebar in sync with a steady audio tone. Levels of spontaneous and deliberate mind wandering were measured using intermittent thought probes. Performance was indexed with MRT response time variability and omission errors. Each block started with instructions to mind wander either 20, 40, 60, or 80% of the time. Analysis was primarily conducted using linear mixed effects models. We found that mind wandering (spontaneous and deliberate), response time variability, and omission errors increased progressively with instructions to mind wander more and that these instruction-related changes were larger for deliberate than spontaneous mind wandering (Experiments 1–3). This pattern held regardless of whether participants’ eyes were open or shut (Experiment 2). Relative to a control group receiving no commands to mind wander, instructing people to mind wander 60 or 80% of the time led to more deliberate mind wandering, and strikingly, asking people to mind wander 20% of the time led to less spontaneous mind wandering (Experiment 3). Our results suggest that individuals can titrate mind wandering experiences to roughly match instructed levels indicating that mind wandering can be manipulated through simple instructions. However, other features of the data suggest that such titration is effortful and may come with a cost to performance.

Failures of sustained attention, including lapses and mind-wandering, have serious consequences on cognitive task performance. In recent years, real-time triggering methods have been used to isolate periods of optimal and suboptimal attention based on patterns of response times in monotonous continuous performance tasks. In a closed-loop fashion, these triggering designs reduce the need for retrospective processing to identify periods of poor attention by using simple intrasubject response time boundaries to trigger events based on inferred attentional state. In the current review, we first discuss studies that used principal component analysis to identify response patterns that precede both task errors and phenomenological reports of mind-wandering. Then, we review designs that used real-time triggering conditions to reinforce the relationship between lapsing and memory encoding. Finally, we describe important next steps to generalize the utility of the triggering procedure across populations, validate lapse countermeasures, and shine light on the limited human capacity to maintain vigilance.

Abstract Background/Aims Older age and cognitive inactivity have been associated with cognitive impairment, which in turn is linked to economic and societal burdens due to the high costs of care, especially for care homes and informal care. Emerging non-pharmacological interventions using new technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) delivered on a head-mounted display (HMD), might offer an alternative to maintain or improve cognition. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a VR-based Digital Therapeutics application for improving cognitive functions among healthy older adults. Methods Seventy-two healthy seniors (experimental group N = 35, control group N = 37), aged 65–85 years, were recruited by the Medical University of Lodz (Poland). Participants were randomly allocated to the experimental group (a VR-based cognitive training which consists of a warm-up module and three tasks, including one-back and dual-N-back) or to the control group (a regular VR headset app only showing nature videos). The exercises are performed in different 360-degree natural environments while listening to a preferred music genre and delivered on a head-mounted display (HMD). The 12-week intervention of 12 min was delivered at least three times per week (36 sessions). Compliance and performance were followed through a web-based application. Primary outcomes included attention and working memory (CNS-Vital Signs computerized cognitive battery). Secondary outcomes comprised other cognitive domains. Mixed linear models were constructed to elucidate the difference in pre- and post-intervention measures between the experimental and control groups. Results The users performed, on average, 39.8 sessions (range 1–100), and 60% performed more than 36 sessions. The experimental group achieved higher scores in the visual memory module (B = 7.767, p = 0.011) and in the one-back continuous performance test (in terms of correct responses: B = 2.057, p = 0.003 and omission errors: B = -1.950, p = 0.007) than the control group in the post-test assessment. The results were independent of participants’ sex, age, and years of education. The differences in CNS Vital Signs’ global score, working memory, executive function, reaction time, processing speed, simple and complex attention, verbal memory, cognitive flexibility, motor speed, and psychomotor speed were not statistically significant. Conclusions VR-based cognitive training may prove to be a valuable, efficacious, and well-received tool in terms of improving visual memory and some aspect of sustainability of attention among healthy older adults. This is a preliminary analysis based on part of the obtained results to that point. Final conclusions will be drawn after the analysis of the target sample size. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT05369897.

Abstract We examined sex‐specific changes to neuromuscular function in response to mental fatigue. Twenty‐five young, healthy adults (13 F, 12 M) performed a mentally fatiguing task and control condition for 30 min on two separate days. Neuromuscular function was assessed in the first dorsal interosseous before and after each condition. Reaction time decreased after the mentally fatiguing task (P

Diguo Zhai,1,2 Qingwei Chen,1,2 Ying Yao,3 Taotao Ru,1,2 Guofu Zhou1,2 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology, Institute of Electronic Paper Displays, South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China; 2National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China; 3Anhui Provincial Library, Hefei, 230000, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Taotao Ru; Qingwei Chen, Lab of Light and Physio-Psychological Health-National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics-South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics-South China Normal University, No. 55, West Zhongshan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510631, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 15603063417 ; +86 15521094813, Email taotao.ru@m.scnu.edu.cn; qingwei.chen@m.scnu.edu.cnPurpose: To explore whether sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) microarousals of different standard durations predict daytime mood and attention performance in healthy individuals after mild sleep restriction.Participants and Methods: Sixteen (nine female) healthy college students were recruited to examine the correlations between nocturnal EEG microarousals of different standard durations (≥ 3 s, ≥ 5 s, ≥ 7 s, ≥ 9 s) under mild sleep restriction (1.5 h) and the following morning’s subjective alertness, mood, sustained attention, and selective attention task performance.Results: Results revealed that mild sleep restriction significantly reduced subjective alertness and positive mood, while having no significant effect on negative mood, sustained attention and selective attention performance. The number of microarousals (≥ 5 s) was negatively associated with positive mood at 6:30. The number of microarousals was significantly and positively correlated with the response time difference value of disengagement component of the selective attention task at around 7:30 (≥ 5 s and ≥ 7 s) and 9:00 (≥ 5 s). The number of microarousals (≥ 7 s) was significantly and positively correlated with the inaccuracy difference value of orientation component of the selective attention task at around 9:00.Conclusion: The number of EEG microarousals during sleep in healthy adults with mild sleep restriction was significantly and negatively related to their daytime positive affect while positively associated with the deterioration of disengagement and orientation of selective attention performance, but this link is dependent on the standard duration of microarousals, test time and the type of task.Keywords: microarousal, alertness, sustained attention, selective attention, sleep restriction

AbstractPhysical activity is known to have several cognitive benefits. As a result, many teachers introduce short bouts of physical activity (active breaks) during their lessons. However, active breaks are less common in the university context, where students tend to remain passive during lessons. Therefore, there is a paucity of literature on active breaks and their benefits for undergraduate students. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 10-min active break at moderate intensity on vigilance in undergraduate students by using a psychomotor vigilance task. Twenty-six undergraduate students (Mage = 23.36, SD = 1.98; 53.8% females) participated in this study and performed two conditions: control condition (passive condition) and experimental condition (active break). Results revealed that after receiving 10 min of moderate-intensity physical activity, the students improved their attention, as they responded faster to the psychomotor vigilance task than in the control condition. Considering these results, it seems that students can benefit from physical activity breaks by improving their vigilance. However, as this conclusion is based on a pilot study, we should be cautious in interpreting these results. Further research into this finding is needed.

Genetic studies on attention have mainly focused on children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), so little systematic research has been conducted on genetic correlates of attention performance and their potential brain mechanisms among healthy individuals. The current study included a genome-wide association study (GWAS, N = 1145 healthy young adults) aimed to identify genes associated with sustained attention and an imaging genetics study (an independent sample of 483 healthy young adults) to examine any identified genes' influences on brain function. The GWAS found that TTLL11 showed genome-wide significant associations with sustained attention, with rs13298112 as the most significant SNP and the GG homozygotes showing more impulsive but also more focused responses than the A allele carriers. A retrospective examination of previously published ADHD GWAS results confirmed an un-reported, small but statistically significant effect of TTLL11 on ADHD. The imaging genetics study replicated this association and showed that the TTLL11 gene was associated with resting state activity and connectivity of the somatomoter network, and can be predicted by dorsal attention network connectivity. Specifically, the GG homozygotes showed lower brain activity, weaker brain network connectivity, and non-significant brain-attention association compared to the A allele carriers. Expression database showed that expression of this gene is enriched in the brain and that the G allele is associated with lower expression level than the A allele. These results suggest that TTLL11 may play a major role in healthy individuals' attention performance and may also contribute to the etiology of ADHD.

INTRODUCTION: Studies examining sustained attention abilities typically utilize metrics that quantify performance on vigilance tasks, such as response time and response time variability. However, approaches that assess the duration that an individual can maintain their attention over time are lacking. METHODS: Here we developed an objective attention span metric that quantified the maximum amount of time that a participant continuously maintained an optimal in the zone sustained attention state while performing a continuous performance task. RESULTS: In a population of 262 individuals aged 7-85, we showed that attention span was longer in young adults than in children and older adults. Furthermore, declines in attention span over time during task engagement were related to clinical symptoms of inattention in children. DISCUSSION: These results suggest that quantifying attention span is a unique and meaningful method of assessing sustained attention across the lifespan and in populations with inattention symptoms.

Background/Aims: Older age and cognitive inactivity have been associated with cognitive impairment, which in turn is linked to economic and societal burdens due to the high costs of care, especially for care homes and informal care. Emerging non-pharmacological interventions using new technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) delivered on a head-mounted display (HMD), might offer an alternative to maintain or improve cognition. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a VR-based Digital Therapeutics application for improving cognitive functions among healthy older adults. Methods: Seventy-two healthy seniors (experimental group N = 35, control group N = 37), aged 65–85 years, were recruited by the Medical University of Lodz (Poland). Participants were randomly allocated to the experimental group (a VR-based cognitive training which consists of a warm-up module and three tasks, including one-back and dual-N-back) or to the control group (a regular VR headset app only showing nature videos). The exercises are performed in different 360-degree natural environments while listening to a preferred music genre and delivered on a head-mounted display (HMD). The 12-week intervention of 12 min was delivered at least three times per week (36 sessions). Compliance and performance were followed through a web-based application. Primary outcomes included attention and working memory (CNS-Vital Signs computerized cognitive battery). Secondary outcomes comprised other cognitive domains. Mixed linear models were constructed to elucidate the difference in pre- and post-intervention measures between the experimental and control groups. Results: The users performed, on average, 39.8 sessions (range 1–100), and 60% performed more than 36 sessions. The experimental group achieved higher scores in the visual memory module (B = 7.767, p = 0.011) and in the one-back continuous performance test (in terms of correct responses: B = 2.057, p = 0.003 and omission errors: B = -1.950, p = 0.007) than the control group in the post-test assessment. The results were independent of participants' sex, age, and years of education. The differences in CNS Vital Signs' global score, working memory, executive function, reaction time, processing speed, simple and complex attention, verbal memory, cognitive flexibility, motor speed, and psychomotor speed were not statistically significant. Conclusions: VR-based cognitive training may prove to be a valuable, efficacious, and well-received tool in terms of improving visual memory and some aspect of sustainability of attention among healthy older adults. This is a preliminary analysis based on part of the obtained results to that point. Final conclusions will be drawn after the analysis of the target sample size. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT05369897. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attention fluctuates between optimal and suboptimal states. However, whether these fluctuations affect how we learn visual regularities remains untested. Using web-based real-time triggering, we investigated the impact of sustained attentional state on statistical learning using online and offline measures of learning. In three experiments (N = 450), participants performed a continuous performance task (CPT) with shape stimuli. Unbeknownst to participants, we measured response times (RTs) preceding each trial in real time and inserted distinct shape triplets in the trial stream when RTs indicated that a participant was attentive or inattentive. We measured online statistical learning using changes in RTs to regular triplets relative to random triplets encountered in the same attentional states. We measured offline statistical learning with a target detection task in which participants responded to target shapes selected from the regular triplets and with tasks in which participants explicitly re-created the regular triplets or selected regular shapes from foils. Online learning evidence was greater in high vs. low attentional states when combining data from all three experiments, although this was not evident in any experiment alone. On the other hand, we saw no evidence of impacts of attention fluctuations on measures of statistical learning collected offline, after initial exposure in the CPT. These results suggest that attention fluctuations may impact statistical learning while regularities are being extracted online, but that these effects do not persist to subsequent tests of learning about regularities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustained attention is pivotal for tasks like studying and working for which focus and low distractions are necessary for peak productivity. This study explores the effectiveness of adaptive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in either the frontal or parietal region to enhance sustained attention. The research involved ten healthy university students performing the Continuous Performance Task-AX (AX-CPT) while receiving either frontal or parietal tDCS. The study comprised three phases. First, we acquired the electroencephalography (EEG) signal to identify the most suitable metrics related to attention states. Among different spectral and complexity metrics computed on 3 s epochs of EEG, the Fuzzy Entropy and Multiscale Sample Entropy Index of frontal channels were selected. Secondly, we assessed how tDCS at a fixed 1.0 mA current affects attentional performance. Finally, a real-time experiment involving continuous metric monitoring allowed personalized dynamic optimization of the current amplitude and stimulation site (frontal or parietal). The findings reveal statistically significant improvements in mean accuracy (94.04 vs. 90.82%) and reaction times (262.93 vs. 302.03 ms) with the adaptive tDCS compared to a non-stimulation condition. Average reaction times were statistically shorter during adaptive stimulation compared to a fixed current amplitude condition (262.93 vs. 283.56 ms), while mean accuracy stayed similar (94.04 vs. 93.36%, improvement not statistically significant). Despite the limited number of subjects, this work points out the promising potential of adaptive tDCS as a tailored treatment for enhancing sustained attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term neurodevelopment of children born with oesophageal atresia (OA) is unclear. Therefore, we assessed the neurocognitive domains and their predictors. Patients born with OA between February 2006 and December 2014, who were routinely seen at eight years as part of a structured prospective longitudinal follow-up program, were included. Main outcome measures were need for school support, performance in various neurocognitive domains and potential predictors of neurocognitive problems. We analysed data of 65 children with a mean (SD) age of 8.1 (0.2) years, of whom 89% with OA type C. Thirty-five (54%) surgical corrections were minimally invasive; the median (interquartile range) duration of exposure to anaesthetics in the first 24 months was 398 (296 – 710) minutes. Forty-four (68%) attended regular education without extra support and intelligence was within normal range (99–108). More than 50% had z-scores ≤ -2 on one or more neurocognitive domains, of which attention was the most frequently affected domain. The speed on the sustained attention task was significantly below normal (z-score -1.48 (2.12), p <.001), as was fluctuation of sustained attention (z-score -3.19 (3.80), p <.001). The minimally invasive approach and a lower socio-economic status (both p = 0.006) proved significant predictors for sustained attention problems in multivariable analyses. Conclusion: Children who undergo minimally invasive surgery for OA correction are at risk for sustained attention problems at school age. Future studies unravelling the effects of perioperative events on neurodevelopment should lead to optimal surgical, anaesthesiological, and intensive care management in the neonatal period. What is Known: • School-aged children born with oesophageal atresia have normal intelligence but problems with sustained attention at eight years. What is New: • Oesophageal atresia patients, who undergo minimally invasive surgery or who have a background of lower socioeconomic status are at serious risk for sustained attention problems at school age. • Moreover, those who have been intubated for a longer period are at risk for stronger fluctuations in sustained attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current investigation, we modified the high Go, low No-Go Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART). Some researchers argue a commission error, an inappropriate response to a No-Go stimulus, in the SART is due to the participant being inattentive, or perceptually decoupled, during stimulus onset. Response delays in the SART reduce commission errors. A response delay may therefore enable a participant who is initially inattentive to recouple their attention in time to appropriately perceive the stimulus and withhold a response to a No-Go stimulus. However, shortening stimulus display duration in the SART should limit the possibility of the participant identifying the stimulus later, if they are initially not attending the stimulus. A response delay should not reduce commission errors if stimulus duration is kept to the minimum duration enabling stimulus recognition. In two experiments, we shortened stimulus onset to offset duration and added response delays of varying lengths. In both experiments, even when stimulus duration was shortened, response delays notably reduced commission errors if the delay was greater than 250 ms. In addition, using the Signal Detection Theory perspective in which errors of commission in the SART are due to a lenient response bias–trigger happiness, we predicted that response delays would result in a shift to a more conservative response bias in both experiments. These predictions were verified. The errors of commission in the SART may not be a measures of conscious awareness per se, but instead indicative of the level of participant trigger happiness—a lenient response bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study examines the impact of visual and auditory distractors on attention and inhibition in children with and without ADHD. Method: The study used the MOXO d-CPT child version. The sample consisted of 208 children aged 8 to 12 years, including 64 with ADHD and 144 controls. Results: Children with ADHD and controls differed in their reaction to distracting stimuli; visual distractors cause a higher decrease in sustained attention and inhibitory control in the ADHD group. Moreover, auditory distractors generate improved performance in the control group but not in the ADHD group. In addition, age-related effects were found in both sustained attention and inhibitory control in all children, regardless of whether the ADHD condition was present. Conclusions: The findings indicate that children with ADHD performed poorer compared to controls, and that distractors differently affected the performance of the two groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: With our rapidly expanding population of older adults, identifying effective intervention strategies to improve cognitive functioning is an increasing priority. This study sought to examine whether 4 weeks of thrice-weekly meditation training can improve attention in older adults, as well as whether such benefits may extend to other domains of cognition as well as mobility. Methods: Forty-three participants (mean age 68 years) were randomized into either the focused attention meditation group or the music listening control group (Clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT03417635). Participants completed three 20- minute guided group sessions per week for four consecutive weeks. Our primary outcome measure was behavioural performance on the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART). Secondary and tertiary outcome measures included event-related potentials (ERPs) during the SART task, measures of executive functioning, and measures of mobility. Results: We found that meditation training significantly improved attention, as demonstrated by improved SART accuracy and changes in N2 ERP amplitude and latency. Discussion: These findings suggest that meditation may lead to changes in attention and underlying cognitive processing in older adults, although a fullscale definitive trial is needed. Future research on the long-term benefits with real world applications is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Shifts and long working hours decrease the psychomotor vigilance of healthcare workers especially when working night shifts. Working night shifts adversely affects nurses' health and impacts patient safety. Aim: The purpose of this study is to identify factors affecting the psychomotor vigilance of nurses working night shift. Methods: This descriptive cross‐sectional study was carried out with 83 nurses who were working in a private hospital in Istanbul and voluntarily participated in this study between April 25 and May 30, 2022. Data were collected using "Descriptive Characteristics Form," "Psychomotor Vigilance Task," "Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index," and "Epworth Sleepiness Scale." The "STROBE checklist" for cross‐sectional studies was utilized in order to report the findings of the study. Results: When time‐dependent variation of the nurses' psychomotor vigilance task performances on the night shift was examined, it was observed that the nurses' mean reaction time and number of lapses increased at the end of the night shift. Age, smoking, physical activity, daily water consumption, daytime sleepiness, and sleep quality were found as the factors affecting nurses' psychomotor vigilance. Conclusion: The psychomotor vigilance task performances of nurses working night shift are affected by age and a variety of behavioral factors. Implications for nursing and health policy: Suggestions for nursing policy include the implementation of workplace health promotion programs in order to increase the attention level of nurses in order to ensure employee and patient health and safety and create a healthy working environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, the exogenous control of gaze by external saliencies and the endogenous control of gaze by knowledge and context have been viewed as competing systems, with late infancy seen as a period of strengthening top‐down control over the vagaries of the input. Here we found that one‐year‐old infants control sustained attention through head movements that increase the visibility of the attended object. Freely moving one‐year‐old infants (n = 45) wore head‐mounted eye trackers and head motion sensors while exploring sets of toys of the same physical size. The visual size of the objects, a well‐documented salience, varied naturally with the infant's moment‐to‐moment posture and head movements. Sustained attention to an object was characterized by the tight control of head movements that created and then stabilized a visual size advantage for the attended object for sustained attention. The findings show collaboration between exogenous and endogenous attentional systems and suggest new hypotheses about the development of sustained visual attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined sex‐specific changes to neuromuscular function in response to mental fatigue. Twenty‐five young, healthy adults (13 F, 12 M) performed a mentally fatiguing task and control condition for 30 min on two separate days. Neuromuscular function was assessed in the first dorsal interosseous before and after each condition. Reaction time decreased after the mentally fatiguing task (P < 0.001, η2 = 0.47). Males and females reported higher levels of subjective fatigue after the mentally fatiguing task (P < 0.02, η2 = 0.07). Motor unit firing rate increased over time at 10% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC; P < 0.04, η2 = 0.16), and decreased over time at 50% MVC (P < 0.01, η2 = 0.14); however, this was not unique to either sex. During a variable force contraction, error decreased in females over time and increased in males (P < 0.05, η2 = 0.13), although changes were not unique to mental fatigue. Physiological function of the neuromuscular system was not specifically affected by mental fatigue in males or females. What is the central question of this study?What is the effect of mental fatigue on neuromuscular behaviour in the first dorsal interosseus?What is the main finding and its importance?Mental fatigue does not have a significant effect on neuromuscular function in the first dorsal interosseus. This evidence supports previous evidence observed in the tibialis anterior that there is no significant influence on, nor sex‐specific changes to, neuromuscular function after a mentally fatiguing condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The current study devised a mindfulness intervention program, integrating face-to-face and group training with individualized technology-accessible practices. It aimed at investigating the role of Blended Mindfulness Intervention (BMI), which combines mainstream mindfulness practices with digital tools, in university students' sustained attention, working memory, academic achievement, and electroencephalogram (EEG) asymmetry. Method: Sixty junior university students, selected from a pool of 72 candidates, were randomly assigned into two groups. Mindfulness training (MT) was incorporated into class activities of experimental group in a course of eight sessions. The participants of experimental group were also assigned to do some weekly follow-up activities offered via a smartphone-based mindfulness meditation application (Smiling Mind). The homogeneity of the two groups was ascertained prior the study on mindfulness, working memory (determined via Automated Operation Span [AOSPAN] task), and sustained attention. The tripartite mindfulness instruction encompassed these activities: (1) in-class general MT practices, (2) in-class educational-inspired practices, and (3) at-home practices via Smiling Mind. Results: The results of statistical analysis via independent samples t-tests verified the efficiency of BMI in enhancing university students' sustained attention, working memory, and academic achievement. The analysis of EEG measurements via a 19-channel device demonstrated reduction in the theta/beta ratio (TBR) values in all brain regions, including frontal, parietal, occipital, and central in posttest. The ratio is a measure often used in EEG studies to assess brain activity. Conclusions: This study substantiated that promoting state mindfulness in MT programs develops trait mindfulness, which brings about a host of cognitive, emotional, social, and metacognitive benefits. It also demonstrated that supplementing face-to-face and group interventions with individualized and easily accessible and affordable ones seem to cater for all styles and preferences and ultimately augment the efficiency of these programs. Preregistration: This study is not preregistered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Examining patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) provides opportunities to better understand the mechanism underlying these illnesses. By incorporating quantitative measures in FEP patients, we aimed to (1) determine the baseline distribution of clinical features; (2) examine the impairment magnitude of the quantitative measures by comparing with external controls and then the counterparts of schizophrenia patients of different familial loadings; and (3) evaluate whether these quantitative measures were associated with the baseline clinical features. Methods Patients with FEP were recruited from one medical center, two regional psychiatric centers, and two private clinics in northern Taiwan with clinical features rated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scale. Quantitative measurements included the Continuous Performance Test (CPT), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), niacin response abnormality (NRA), and minor physical anomalies and craniofacial features (MPAs). To evaluate the relative performance of the quantitative measures in our FEP patients, four external comparison groups from previous studies were used, including three independent healthy controls for the CPT, WCST, and NRA, respectively, and one group of treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients for the MPAs. Additionally, patients from simplex families and patients from multiplex families were used to assess the magnitude of FEP patients’ impairment on the CPT, WCST, and NRA. Results Among the 80 patients with FEP recruited in this study (58% female, mean age = 25.6 years, mean duration of untreated psychosis = 132 days), the clinical severity was mild to moderate (mean PANSS score = 67.3; mean PSP score = 61.8). Patients exhibited both neurocognitive and niacin response impairments (mean Z-scores: −1.24 for NRA, − 1.06 for undegraded d', − 0.70 for degraded d', − 0.32 for categories achieved, and 0.44 for perseverative errors) but did not show MPAs indicative of treatment resistance. Among these quantitative measures, three of the four neurocognitive indices were correlated with the baseline clinical features, whereas NRA did not show such correlation. Conclusions This FEP study of Taiwanese patients revealed the presence of neurocognitive performance and niacin response and their different relationships with clinical features, rendering this sample useful for future follow-up and incorporation of multiomics investigation.