Banerjee, Romi

The present pilot study aims to investigate the cortical circuits involved in context adaptability and gain initial insights into the neurobehavioral mechanisms underlying flexible behavior. To accomplish this, we designed a novel first-person perspective picture-based decision-making task, using stick figures and objects, where eight participants were engaged in imagining themselves as stick figures for each depicted scenario. These scenarios were portrayed through objects and emotional contexts of positivity, negativity, and neutrality. Our results showed a significant link (p = 0.020) between the absolute power values of the alpha frequency band (8–12 Hz) and ratings for positive context stimuli in one group. This suggests that alpha power may affect how people rate positive situations. We also found a significant association between the absolute power values of theta (4–7 Hz) and alpha frequency bands for neutral context stimuli in both group 1 (p = 0.023 and p = 0.022) and group 2 (p = 0.047 and p = 0.020). However, we found no significant associations between absolute power values of frequency bands (theta, alpha, beta1, beta2, beta3 and gamma) and ratings for negative stimuli in both the groups (p = 0.099, p = 0.105). Nonetheless, the linear regression models demonstrated strong fits, capturing variance in the data. Findings provide initial insights into emotional processing and decision-making, warranting further research with larger samples.

In this article, we present a study on the development in the theory and application of the Z-numbers since its inception in 2011. The review covers the formalization of Z-number-based mathematical operators, the role of Z-numbers in computing with words, decision-making, and trust modeling, application of Z-numbers in real-world problems such as multisensor data fusion, dynamic controller design, safety analytics, and natural language understanding, a brief comparison with conceptually similar paradigms, and some potential areas of future investigation. The paradigm currently has at least four extensions to its definition: multidimensional Z-numbers, parametric Z-numbers, hesitant-uncertain linguistic Z-numbers, and Z∗-numbers. The Z-numbers have also been used in conjunction with rough sets and granular computing for enhanced uncertainty handling. While this decade has seen a plethora of theoretical initiatives toward its growth, there remains a major work scope in the direction of practical realization of the paradigm. Some challenges yet unresolved are automated translation of (imprecise, sarcastic, and metaphorical) linguistic expressions to their Z-number forms, discernment of probability-possibility distributions to map real-world situations under consideration, analysis of linguistic equivalents of Z-operator results to intuitive human responses, the endogenous arousal of belief in intelligent agents, and analysis of biases embedded in expert-belief values that are primary inputs to Z-number-based expert systems. After a decade of the Z-numbers, the paradigm has proved to be of use in expert-input-based decision-making systems and initial value problems. Its applicability in high-risk, high-precision areas, such as deep-sea exploration and space science, remains unexplored.

Background: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the constant transformation of the SARS-COV-2 virus form, exposure to substantial psychosocial stress, environmental change, and isolation have led to the inference that the overall population's mental health could be affected, resulting in an increase in cases of psychosis. Objective: We initiated a systematic review to determine the impact of the SARS-COV-2 virus and its long-term effects-in both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases-on people with or without psychosis. We envisioned that this would give us an insight into effective clinical intervention methods for patients with psychosis during and after the pandemic. Methods: We selected fifteen papers that met our inclusion criteria, i.e., those that considered participants with or without psychiatric illness and exposed to SARS-COV-2 infection, for this review and were retrieved via Google, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed, and PsychINFO Database. Key Gap: There is a dearth of research in understanding how COVID-19 affects people with or without a prior personal history of psychosis. Results: The systematic review summary provides insight into the state of knowledge. Insights from the systematic review have also been reviewed from the salutogenesis model's perspec-tive. There is moderate evidence of new-onset psychosis during the COVID-19 pandemic in which some antipsychotics treated the psychotic symptoms of patients while treating for COVID-19. Suggestions and recommendations are made for preventive and promotive public health strategies. Conclusion: The Salutogenesis model and Positive Psychology Interventions (PPI) provide another preventive and promotive public health management approach.