Search Results (36)

Background: Caffeine has become the psychostimulant with the highest use worldwide by different segments of the population. This is mainly due to the wide variety of benefits it offers in different contexts of use. It is available in various forms, with caffeine chewing gum recently generating great interest due to its characteristics and absorption time. Methods: A placebo-controlled study was conducted in which 20 healthy university students were exposed to three different conditions (single dose, partial dose, and placebo). The intervention consisted of a dual task in which heart rate, perceived exertion, and reaction time were monitored using the Stroop test and choice reaction time test while participants performed two blocks of cycloergometer exercise. Results: A t-test comparison between blocks showed differences in the Stroop test under all conditions, with the single dose having the best performance (Gr.A p < 0.001; Gr.B p < 0.029; Gr.C p < 0.009). The single dose group also showed favorable results for the HR/RPE ratio (p < 0.044) and an increase in the rate of perceived exertion (p < 0.006). No changes in reaction time were observed under any condition of the choice reaction time test. Conclusions: These results suggest that caffeine supplementation has positive effects on variables related to psychophysiological performance during a dual task. A single dose showed the best results in this study; however, longer intervention designs could be considered in the future to see the effect of partial doses of caffeine over time. Full article

In this paper, we duct a psychophysiological and methodological analysis of the calculation of tonality correction during bench tests of aircraft gas turbine engines for compliance with environmental noise requirements. It is proven that the noise characteristics of a signal are influenced by the modulation law of its tonal components. It is shown that the application of the spectral analysis method for gas turbine engine acoustic signals, for which the stationarity parameters are not determined, leads to an uncertain systematic error. The calculation of the tonality parameter value, which determines the correction of deterioration of the environmental impact assessment of the engine, is not substantiated and has a random character. This paper presents a methodology for the psychophysiological ranking of gas turbine engine noise signals, which offers an intelligent algorithm for signal processing that corresponds with that corresponds with the speech zones of the human central nervous system. Full article

An important development task for the suburbs of smart cities is the transition from rigid and economically inefficient public transport to the flexible order-based service with autonomous vehicles. The article proposes a compact model with a minimal input data set to estimate the effective daily travel time (EDTT) of an average resident of a suburban area considering the availability of the first-mile autonomous vehicles (AVs). Our example case is the Järveküla residential area beyond the Tallinn city border. In the model, the transport times of the whole day are estimated on the basis of the forenoon outbound trips. The one-dimensional distance-based spatial model with 5 residential origin zones and 6 destination districts in the city is applied. A crucial simplification is the 3-parameter sub-model of the distribution of distances on the basis of the real mobility statistics. Effective travel times, optionally completed with psycho-physiological stress factors and psychologically perceived financial costs, are calculated for all distances and transportation modes using the characteristic speeds of each mode of transport. A sub-model of switching from 5 traditional transport modes to two AV-assisted modes is defined by an aggregated AV acceptance parameter ‘a’ based on resident surveys. The main output of the model is the EDTT, dependent on the value of the parameter a. Thanks to the compact and easily adjustable set of input data, the main values of the presented model are its generalizability, predictive ability, and transferability to other similar suburban use cases. Full article

This study describes the features, manifestations and interrelationships of job stress, working capacity, professional performance and safety in loggers with a shift work organization in the North. This study involved 402 loggers. The research methods include questionnaires and psychophysiological diagnostics of stress and working capacity as well as questionnaires on the professional performance and safety of workers. The following statistical methods were used: correlation, multivariate dispersion and multi-regression stepwise analysis. It was found that the severity of stress, speed, accuracy and operator working capacity, as well as well-being, activity and mood in logging equipment operators, timber truck drivers and maintenance specialists statistically differ significantly. Higher professional stress and a more frequent decrease in professional performance are characteristic of truck drivers. Psychological and psychophysiological job stress and working capacity parameters are associated with the professional performance parameters of loggers. According to the results of a number of multi-regression analyses, the reduced professional performance markers of loggers include the index of stress, satiety, monotony and fatigue, vegetative balance and stress (method of M. Luscher and coefficients from G.A. Aminev), operator working capacity and reaction speed (CVMR). Full article

Urban forests, crucial to urban ecosystems, are increasingly threatened by the challenges of urbanization, such as deteriorating thermal environments and declining air quality. Despite their recognized benefits to city dwellers’ quality of life, a systematic understanding of the impact of these environmental factors on public psychophysiological well-being in recreational sites is a notable gap in the literature. The objective of this research was to bridge this gap by examining the effects of the thermal environment and air quality in urban forests on the public’s perception, offering scientific evidence to inform environmental optimization and health management strategies for urban parks, essential for sustainable urban development and public health. Three urban parks in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, namely Fuzhou National Forest Park, Xihu Park, and Jinniushan Sports Park, were selected as research sites. Environmental monitoring and questionnaire surveys were conducted at 24 recreation places from October to December 2020, collecting temperature, humidity, and wind speed; the atmospheric composition includes PM2.5, PM10, negative oxygen ion, and psychophysiological data from the public. Multivariate statistical methods were employed to assess the environmental characteristics of different recreation places types and their impact on public health. The findings reveal that environmental factors explained 1.9% to 11.8% of the variation in physiological and psychological responses, mainly influenced by temperature, wind speed, and negative oxygen ions. Forests and waterfront recreation places significantly outperform canopy and open recreation places in promoting mental invigoration, stress relief, emotional tranquility, and attention restoration. Environmental monitoring results indicate that favorable meteorological conditions and good air quality are crucial for enhancing the service functions of recreation places. Notably, the positive correlation between a negative air ion concentration and psychological well-being provides a novel perspective on understanding the health benefits of urban forests. The thermal environment and air quality of urban recreation places exert a significant influence on the psychophysiological status of the public. Increasing green coverage, improving water body environments, and rationally planning recreation places layout are of great theoretical and practical significance for enhancing the environmental quality and service functions of urban forests. Full article

The testosterone to cortisol ratio (T:C ratio) is a measure of whether elite athletes are recovering from their training. This study described this hormone balance stress in elite women’s basketball. (1) Objectives: to analyse the fluctuation of T:C ratio over a 16-week period and explore itis relation to their athletic performance. The participants characteristics were: (height: 177.6 ± 6.4 cm; body mass: 77.808 ± 12.396 kg age: 26.0 ± 5.9 years; and a playing experience of 14.7 ± 2.9 years with 5.0 ± 1.2 years at the elite level. The T:C ratio at Time 1 is: 4.0 ± 2.4 (n = 12); and at Time 2 is: 5.1 ± 4.3 (n = 12). (2) Methods: during 16 weeks of competition, participants underwent analysis of blood samples to assess various biochemical parameters including hormone levels. In addition, their athletic performance was assessed with the following tests: jumping (SJ, CMJ, ABK, DJ); throwing test with a medicine ball (3 kg); Illinois COD agility test; sprint repeatability with change of direction; 20-m speed test without change of direction; and Yo-yo intermittent endurance test IET (II). (3) Results: The main alterations observed were an increase in T levels (1.687%) and a decrease in C levels (−7.634%) between moments, with an improvement (26.366%) in the T:C ratio. Improvements were also observed in some of the tests developed, such as jumping (SJ: 11.5%, p = 0.029; CMJ: 10.5%, p = 0.03; DJ: 13.0%, p = 0.01), upper body strength (MBT: 5.4%, p = 0.03), translation ability (20 m: −1.7%), repeated sprint ability (RSA: −2.2%), as well as intermittent endurance test (Yy (IET): 63.5%, p = 0.01), with significant changes in some of the performance tests. (4) Conclusions: T:C ratio may differ in a manner unrelated to training volume, showing some variation. These results may be attributed to the accumulation of psychophysiological stress during the season. Full article

Palliative care is dedicated to terminally ill patients with advanced disease, regardless of diagnosis, under the overarching premise of optimizing quality of life. This narrative review examines the extent to which principles of cybernetics and psychophysiology underlie this approach. Psychophysiology researches the physiological equivalents of psychological states and traits such as activation and individual reactivity, the interoception and the personal characteristics. Cybernetics specifies these principles, which are possible by understanding terms such as “psychophysiology” or “cybernetics” or “self-organization/autopoiesis”. The meaning of these terms for palliative care can also be elucidated in relation to the terms “biofeedback”, “consciousness”, “pain”, and “anxiety”. The common themes of cybernetics and psychophysiology are environment, subjectivity, personality characteristics, the difference between time scale separation in cybernetic systems, and real-time procedures in environment and rhythm. These lead to special therapies based on psychophysiology, such as consciousness training. The concepts of quality of life, causality, the biopsychosocial model, therapy, and autonomy are examined as palliative care concepts. The equivalents can be described from the perspective of cybernetics. For some palliative care-related terms, cybernetic thinking is already present (quality of life, autonomy, symptom control), while for others, it is not (biopsychosocial). Cybernetic terms (complexity, stability, identity, rhythm) are still used to a lesser extent in palliative care. Terms like genetic basis are common in cybernetics and psychophysiology to explain the identity of the subject in transition. Identity, on the other hand, is the basis of the concept of dignity in palliative care. Psychophysiology investigates disturbances like pain and psychological illnesses, which are also present in palliative care. Psychophysiology, cybernetics, and palliative care have subjectivity and resources in common. Therapies based on cybernetic principles of psychophysiology can also be used for symptom control in palliative care in the oncology setting. Full article

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not there are notable differences between male and female vocational training students in terms of academic, behavioral, and psychophysiological characteristics. Methods: A total of 411 vocational training students, 210 of whom were male and 201 of whom were female, participated in an online survey that assessed academic, behavioral, and psychophysiological patterns. Results: In terms of extraversion and openness to experience, our research revealed that no statistically significant differences were noticed. When it came to agreeableness, however, significant differences were seen, with female students getting higher marks than male students. Furthermore, we found that there were significant gender differences in terms of neuroticism and conscientiousness, with female students achieving higher scores than male students. When compared to their male counterparts, females displayed higher performance in terms of academic success. They also demonstrated superior values in terms of reported stress, anxiety, and cognitive inflexibility. Conclusions: The findings of this study provide a more in-depth understanding of the numerous factors that have an impact on students engaging in vocational training. This will serve as a foundation for the development of individualized instructional and support programs. Full article

This study aimed to compare the effects of playing tennis using low-compression balls (Lc-Balls) and standard balls (St-Balls) on psychophysiological responses and match characteristics among recreational adult tennis players. Participants (N = 24; age: 20.5 ± 1.3 years) were randomly matched to play two singles matches over three sets: one match was played with a Lc-Ball and one match was played with a St-Ball, resulting in twenty-four matches. Heart-rate responses and match characteristics were assessed during each match. Post-match measures included retrospective assessments of perceived exertion, ratings of enjoyment towards physical activity, and ratings of mental effort and mood. Results showed higher psychophysiological responses and more intensive play during the game when playing with the Lc-Ball (p ≤ 0.05, d values ranging from 0.24 to 1.93 [small to very large effect]). Further, playing with a Lc-Ball related to reporting a lower rating of perceived exertion (p = 0.00, d = 0.90 [moderate effect]) and greater physical enjoyment (p = 0.00, d = 1.73 [large effect]). Playing with the St-Ball was associated with higher unpleasant mood responses including depression, tension, anger, and fatigue. In conclusion, the results suggest that using the Lc-Ball may lead to better match performance with higher enjoyment in the tennis match-play in recreational adult tennis players. Full article

STEM education has been a topic of interest in many countries around the world. Many STEM research studies have been conducted; however, most of them focus on middle-school students and high-school students. At the primary level, STEAM education is known as an advanced mode of STEM education, which is highly integrated between science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. This study proposes a procedure of organizing primary-school students’ learning activities in STEAM education as an approach to help students experience positive emotions and stimulate passion, thereby developing the capacity of problem solving and creativity for students—one of the common competencies emphasized in the General Education Program 2018 in Vietnam. The procedure of organizing STEAM education activities in this study is close to the 5E procedure, but it is flexibly applied to suit the psycho-physiological characteristics of primary-school students in Vietnam. This research was conducted under the project title “Developing STEM education in a number of schools in Lang Son province to meet the new general school program” according to the cooperation document between the University of Education—Thai Nguyen University with the Department of Education and Training of Lang Son Province, No. 77/HT-SGD and DTLS-ĐHSPTN, dated 10 January 2020. The trial of this study was conducted at eight primary schools in Lang Son, Vietnam, with the theme “My green garden” in teaching nature and society in grade 1. Through observing the students’ participation in learning activities, evaluating the learning products made by those students, and collecting comments and feedback from teachers about the procedure of organizing the learning activities, it can be initially seen that the students actively participated in learning activities with joyful feelings, ready to cooperate with each other to complete assigned tasks, and that the students’ creativity was clearly expressed through many unique ideas. Full article

Prolonged sedentary behavior is considered a risk factor for health throughout the human lifespan. Although outdoor activities, such as walking and hiking, can be effective in reducing sedentary behavior, there is a lack of data harmonization on the psychophysiological characteristics of hiking trails. Therefore, this research protocol aims to provide an innovative and uniform methodology to provide a psychophysiological characterization of hiking. Enrolled subjects will be allocated in groups equally distributed for age, physical activity level (physically active vs. sedentary), and sex (male vs. female). Subjects will perform two treadmill tests in laboratory sessions and two hiking tests in field sessions. The Ruffier test will be performed before each session to assess subjects’ exercise capacity. During each session, body mass measurement, cardiometabolic evaluation, heart rate and heart rate variability monitoring, rating of perceived exertion, and physical activity enjoyment rate will be assessed. To measure breath-by-breath ventilation, oxygen consumption, and energy expenditure, subjects will be equipped with a portable gas analyzer during one laboratory session and one field session. Findings from the present study protocol have the potential to fill a gap in assessing hiking-related fitness, promoting physical and mental health, and offering a practical way to evaluate fitness for hiking, encouraging outdoor activity. These findings will have the potential to impact tourism, health, and well-being through outdoor experiences. Full article

Fatigue and sleepiness are complex bodily states associated with monotony as well as physical and cognitive impairment, accidents, injury, and illness. Moreover, these states are often characteristic of professional driving. However, most existing work has focused on motor vehicle drivers, and research examining train drivers remains limited. As such, the present study psychophysiologically examined monotonous driving, fatigue, and sleepiness in a group of passenger train drivers and a group of non-professional drivers. Sixty-three train drivers and thirty non-professional drivers participated in the present study, which captured 32-lead electroencephalogram (EEG) data during a monotonous driving task. Fatigue and sleepiness were self-evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Karolinksa Sleepiness Scale, and the Checklist of Individual Strength. Unexpectedly, fatigue and sleepiness scores did not significantly differ between the groups; however, train drivers generally scored lower than non-professional drivers, which may be indicative of individual and/or industry attempts to reduce fatigue. Across both groups, fatigue and sleepiness scores were negatively correlated with theta, alpha, and beta EEG variables clustered towards the fronto-central and temporal regions. Broadly, these associations may reflect a monotony-associated blunting of neural activity that is associated with a self-reported fatigue state. Full article

Background: Each brain hemisphere plays a specialized role in cognitive and behavioral processes, known as hemispheric lateralization. In chronic skin diseases, such as plaque psoriasis (Pso) and atopic dermatitis (AD), the degree of lateralization between the frontal hemispheres may provide insight into specific connections between skin diseases and the psyche. This study aims to analyze the hemispherical lateralization, neurovegetative responses, and psychometric characteristics of patients with Pso and AD. Methods: The study included 46 patients with Pso, 56 patients with AD, and 29 healthy control (Ctrl) subjects. The participants underwent frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) measurement, heart rate variability (HRV) assessment, and psychological tests. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA, with Bonferroni correction applied for multiple comparisons. Results: This study shows a significant right-lateralized prefrontal activity in both AD patients (p < 0.001) and Pso patients (p = 0.045) compared with Ctrl, with no significant difference between the AD and Pso groups (p = 0.633). AD patients with right-hemispheric dominant prefrontal activation exhibited increased inhibition and avoidance markers, while Pso patients showed elevated sympathetic nervous system activity. Conclusion: Psychophysiological and psychometric data suggest a shared prevalence of right-hemispheric dominance in both AD and Pso patient groups. However, the findings indicate distinct psychodermatological mechanisms in AD and Pso. Full article

(1) Background: The vitamin D level in blood is one of the markers of the functional reserves of the human body and can contribute to more successful adaptation in the Arctic. (2) Methods: The study involved 38 participants in the project “Arctic Floating University—2021”. The determination of vitamin D content was carried out at the beginning of the expedition. A dynamic study was carried out for 20 days in the morning and in the evening. The functional state parameters of the participants were assessed using psychophysiological and questionnaire methods. Statistical methods: Mann–Whitney U-test and correlation analysis. (3) Results: It was found that at the beginning of the expedition, the functional state of participants with more severe vitamin D deficiency is characterized by a shorter average duration of RR intervals (p = 0.050) and reduced SDNN values (p = 0.015). The higher the content of vitamin D, the greater increase in speed (r = 0.510), the higher the increase in projective performance (r = 0.485), and the smaller the increase in projective stress (r = −0.334). Significant relationships between the subjective characteristics of functional states and the vitamin D of participants have not been established. (4) Conclusion: With an increase in the severity of vitamin D deficiency in the blood, the adaptive capabilities of participants decrease during an expedition to the Arctic. Full article

This study analyzes the color combinations composed by the Russian avant-garde artist Mikhail Matyushin and his disciples for the Reference Book of Color (1932), summarizing their experimental research on the psychophysiology of color perception. Having extracted 90 colors from the 34 hand-painted charts of the book’s first edition, we mapped these colors into CIELAB and CIELCh color space to identify their chromatic characteristics (hue, lightness, and chroma) and their combination criteria. We demonstrate graphically that each of Matyushin’s color triads has a similar “geometry” in CIELAB color space and on the color circle, with the “intermediary” color much closer to the environment background color than to the main color. We conclude that the revealed patterns of these relationships are identical in all four sections of the Reference Book and reflect underlying principles of Mathyshin’s theory of color as well as fundamental aspects of human perception. The analysis presented in this paper will facilitate opportunities for artists, architects, designers, and other color professionals to use Matyushin’s original color charts and incorporate Matyushin’s style in creating their own triads. Full article