Effects of indoor VOCs from paint on human brain activities during working memory tasks: An electroencephalogram study

Effect of the VR-guided grasping task on the brain functional network

Virtual reality (VR) technology has been demonstrated to be effective in rehabilitation training with the assistance of VR games, but its impact on brain functional networks remains unclear. In this study, we used functional near-infrared spectroscopy imaging to examine the brain hemodynamic signals from 18 healthy participants during rest and grasping tasks with and without VR game intervention. We calculated and compared the graph theory-based topological properties of the brain networks using phase locking values (PLV). The results revealed significant differences in the brain network properties when VR games were introduced compared to the resting state. Specifically, for the VR-guided grasping task, the modularity of the brain network was significantly higher than the resting state, and the average clustering coefficient of the motor cortex was significantly lower compared to that of the resting state and the simple grasping task. Correlation analyses showed that a higher clustering coefficient, local efficiency, and modularity were associated with better game performance during VR game participation. This study demonstrates that a VR game task intervention can better modulate the brain functional network compared to simple grasping movements and may be more beneficial for the recovery of grasping abilities in post-stroke patients with hand paralysis.

Assessment of indoor environmental quality and seasonal well-being of students in a combined historic technical school building in Slovakia

One of the major present challenges in the building sector is to construct sustainable and low-energy buildings with a healthy, safe, and comfortable environment. This study is designed to explore long-term impacts of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) parameters in a historic technical school building on the health and comfort of students. The main objective is to identify environmental problems in schools and to direct public policy towards the enhancement of in-service historic buildings. The collected data on five consecutive days in various seasons from five different classrooms indicate allergy in 45% and asthma in 10% of students. Environmental factors, such as temperature, draught, noise, or light, affected 51% of students' attention. Low temperature, unpleasant air, noise, and draught were found to be the most frequent concerns for students. The lowest temperature was measured during spring at 17.6 °C, the lowest humidity of 21.1% in winter, the largest CO2 amount in the air in autumn at 2041 ppm level, and the greatest total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) as 514 µg/m3. The experimental and statistical analysis results suggest the necessity of a comprehensive restoration of the building with a focus on enhancement of IEQ as well as replacement of old non-standard materials. An effective ventilation system is also necessary. The building requires major renovations to preserve its historic features while safeguarding the well-being and comfort of students and staff. Further research is needed on acoustics, lighting, and energy factors as well as the health effects of old building materials.

Investigating the Impact of Guided Imagery on Stress, Brain Functions, and Attention: A Randomized Trial

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential impact of guided imagery (GI) on attentional control and cognitive performance and to explore the relationship between guided imagery, stress reduction, alpha brainwave activity, and attentional control using common cognitive performance tests. Executive function was assessed through the use of attentional control tests, including the anti-saccade, Stroop, and Go/No-go tasks. Participants underwent a guided imagery session while their brainwave activity was measured, followed by attentional control tests. The study's outcomes provide fresh insights into the influence of guided imagery on brain wave activity, particularly in terms of attentional control. The findings suggest that guided imagery has the potential to enhance attentional control by augmenting the alpha power and reducing stress levels. Given the limited existing research on the specific impact of guided imagery on attention control, the study's findings carry notable significance.

Associations of Indoor Environmental Quality Parameters with Students' Perceptions in Undergraduate Dormitories: A Field Study in Beijing during a Transition Season

A healthy and comfortable dormitory environment is crucial to the quality of students' daily lives. In this field study, the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) parameters of undergraduate dormitories in Beijing were measured, while questionnaire surveys were conducted to evaluate the corresponding subjective perceptions of students. Integrated environmental monitoring kits were used to collect temperature, relative humidity, CO₂, PM_2.5, PM₁₀, TVOC, formaldehyde, and noise data in the investigated dormitories, during the transition season from winter to spring. Questionnaires and scales were distributed to obtain the students' subjective perceptions of and satisfaction with the IEQ, and their health and well-being status. The measured IEQ data showed that the thermal environment tended to be warm and dry during the heating period. The CO₂ concentrations seriously exceeded standard levels due to insufficient indoor natural ventilation. Noise exposure could sometimes interfere with students' rest. The students' overall satisfaction with the dormitory environment was low, especially in terms of air quality and acoustic environment. The unsatisfactory IEQ factors have led to several health symptoms, poor sleep quality, and slightly lower well-being. Correlations were found between the IEQ parameters and the corresponding subjective perceptions and satisfaction levels. It was speculated that students' satisfaction and well-being could be effectively improved by appropriately adjusting the corresponding IEQ parameters.