The influence of a walk in nature on human resting brain activity: a randomized controlled trial.

Behavioral studies suggest that immersion in nature improves affect and executive attention. However, the neural mechanisms underlying these benefits remain unclear. This randomized controlled trial (N = 92) explored differences in self-reported affect and in frontal midline theta (FMθ), a neural oscillation linked to executive attention, between a 40-min, low-intensity nature walk and an urban walk of comparable time and distance-controlling for ambient temperature, humidity, elevation change, walking pace, heart rate, calories burned, and moving time between the two groups.

Does deep processing protect against mind wandering and other lapses of attention during learning?

Three experiments examined if deep processing would aid in reducing off-task thoughts during learning. In each experiment, participants learned words or pairs of words under deep or shallow conditions. During learning, participants were periodically presented with thought-probes to examine if they were experiencing off-task thoughts (mind wandering, external distraction, mind blanking).

Reliable but multi-dimensional cognitive demand in operating partially automated vehicles: implications for real-world automation research.

The reliability of cognitive demand measures in controlled laboratory settings is well-documented; however, limited research has directly established their stability under real-life and high-stakes conditions, such as operating automated technology on actual highways. Partially automated vehicles have advanced to become an everyday mode of transportation, and research on driving these advanced vehicles requires reliable tools for evaluating the cognitive demand on motorists to sustain optimal engagement in the driving process. This study examined the reliability of five cognitive demand measures, while participants operated partially automated vehicles on real roads across four occasions.

Automated driving experiences, attention, and intentions following extensive on-road usage of a level 2 automation vehicle.

Introduction: An on-road study was conducted to examine the effects of level 2 automation on the stressfulness and enjoyment of driving and driving attention following prolonged usage. The study also examined the changes in the automated driving experience and attention over time as well as important predictors such as pre-driving trust in technology and attitudes toward automated systems.

Method: Motorists who had never used automated systems drove a level 2 automation vehicle for a 6-8 week period.

Bending the curve of global freshwater biodiversity loss: what are the prospects?

Freshwater biodiversity conservation has received substantial attention in the scientific literature and is finally being recognized in policy frameworks such as the Global Biodiversity Framework and its associated targets for 2030. This is important progress. Nonetheless, freshwater species continue to be confronted with high levels of imperilment and widespread ecosystem degradation.