Antonia Plerou

Molecular basis of Huntington's disease and brain imaging evidence

Huntingtons disease as a neurodegenerative disease is characterized by motor and cognitive impairment. The disease is caused by the mutation of the gene that produces the huntingtin protein causing the repetition of trinucleotide CAG. The mutant protein reacts with other proteins inside and out of the cell causing problems to its normal function and cell death. Recent advances in the signal analysis have engendered EEG with the status of a true brain mapping and brain imaging method able of providing spatio-temporal information regarding brain (dys)function. Authors aim to review objectively and quantitatively the neurophysiological basis of the disease in HD patients as compared to normal controls, with the use of brain imaging in general and EEG brain imaging methods.

Algorithmic Thinking and Mathematical Learning Difficulties Classification

Learning difficulties research within the frame of dyscalculia has proceeded so far, nevertheless, they seem to fail in providing an overall conceptual map of the deficit. This paper objective is to propose a new classification in reference to dyscalculia features noticed at various ages. Although, there are several approaches on dyscalculia features, algorithmic thinking ability deficits are not taken into consideration. Authors focus on problem solving and algorithmic thinking difficulties within the frame of dyscalculia.

Assessing attention in visual and textual programming using neuroeducation approaches

This poster will present results from an EEG study comparing visual and textual programming, carried out on informatics students. We observe brain rhythms as the subjects complete programming tasks using Python and Scratch. The present study belongs in the domain of Neuroeducation/Educational Neuroscience, which is an attempt to join cognitive science and education in order to create a sound grounding of education. Our goal is to gain a better understanding of different types of programming as one of the parameters that can impact professional involvement in software development, so as to help us formulate educational methodologies in software engineering education.

Cognitive Enhancement for Elderly Facing Dementia with the Use of Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy Techniques and Psychological Treatment. A Case Study

Psychological therapies in order to provide cognitive enhancement have gained some momentum the last decades. The goal of this case study was to evaluate the effects of a cognitive enhancement training program on daily living activities, cognition, and depression in a demented elderly participant. A 6-month training program was proposed for the participant, whose overall evaluation results suggest significant deficits impairment but whose response rate to the proposed tasks of the treatment was interestingly high. However, additional research is needed to overall evaluate the efficacy of the proposed method to elderly adults.

EEG Analysis of the Neurofeedback Training Effect in Algorithmic Thinking

Although significant advances have been made in understanding several cognitive states, the algorithmic thinking ability is yet to be analyzed in terms of neuroscience and brain imaging techniques. Studies on the effects of neurofeedback on learning disabilities especially mathematics disorders are limited. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the brain activity and activation differences between neurofeedback trained participants and controls, during the overall EEG analysis during continuous algorithmic tasks performance. A study of 182 children of upper education is proposed to assess the efficacy of two protocols of neurofeedback training as means of algorithmic thinking ability evaluation. Results suggest statistical significant variation in the mean SD values in terms of several brain waves ratios during algorithmic task solving epochs.

The Effectiveness of Neurofeedback Training in Algorithmic Thinking Skills Enhancement.

Although research on learning difficulties are overall in an advanced stage, studies related to algorithmic thinking difficulties are limited, since interest in this field has been recently raised. In this paper, an interactive evaluation screener enhanced with neurofeedback elements, referring to algorithmic tasks solving evaluation, is proposed. The effect of HCI, color, narration and neurofeedback elements effect was evaluated in the case of algorithmic tasks assessment. Results suggest the enhanced performance in the case of neurofeedback trained group in terms of total correct and optimal algorithmic tasks solution. Furthermore, findings suggest that skills, concerning the way that an algorithm is conceived, designed, applied and evaluated are essentially improved.