Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves deficits in multiple cognitive domains, particularly memory and executive function. This study explored the effectiveness of an individual cognitive stimulation program in older adults with moderate AD. A multicenter, parallel, two-arm, single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 80 older adults. Participants were randomly assigned to either the individual cognitive stimulation group (n = 39, 24 sessions, twice a week for 12 weeks) or the treatment-as-usual group (n = 41). Cognitive outcomes-global cognition, memory, and executive function-were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at 12-week follow-up. Analyses were conducted using linear mixed-effects models under an intention-to-treat framework, complemented by repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results showed a significant Group & times; Time interaction for free recall memory and for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale "recall of test instructions," with a marginal interaction for "comprehension of spoken language." However, no significant between-group differences were observed at any time point. No other significant between-group differences over time were found using linear mixed-effects models or repeated-measures analysis of variance. Although some benefits were identified, the reduced responsiveness in more advanced AD stages highlights the challenges of cognitive intervention at this phase.
Probabilistic earthquake forecasts are central to preparedness, yet public interpretation remains poorly understood. This study examined perceived fear thresholds for seismic intensity, probability, and return-period forecasts using the method of limits in an online survey of 1,113 Japanese homeowners in the Kansai area, and investigated individual differences in judgments and protective intentions. Distinct judgment patterns were observed for return periods at approximately 5, 10-19, and 100 years. Probability forecasts showed inflection points around 45%-54%, and by level 5-upper on the Japanese seismic intensity scale, more than 80% of participants reported fear. Protective behavioral intentions were associated with gender, income, regional vulnerability, perceived probability, and Cognitive Reflection Test scores. Men reported lower perceived probabilities. Perceived fear followed a nonlinear and asymmetric pattern, peaking at mid-range probabilities and declining more sharply at higher than lower levels. Protective behavioral intentions were more closely associated with comprehension and analytical reasoning than with perceived fear, indicating that individuals with higher Cognitive Reflection Test scores were more likely to incorporate probabilistic information when forming intentions. Return-period formats appeared more interpretable than raw probability values by aligning risk with familiar time horizons. These findings highlight the value of forecasts that prioritize interpretability and deliberation over heightened fear.
In this paper, with regard to the process of social interactions between non-disabled managers and non-disabled subordinates at a special-purpose subsidiary: (a) We move our analysis from the managers' side (Ohshima & Takeshita, 2025) to the subordinate side. We discover regularities of events from the subordinate side, including cognitive factors affecting the attitude of the subordinates, which were not obtained in the managerial analysis. (b) By comparing this analysis with the analysis performed on the managers' side and discovering core categories, we aimed to increase the level of abstraction of theory and to obtain more general suggestions. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 general employees (five males, six females) and analyzed the data using a grounded theory approach. The results revealed: (a) regularities that shape the attitudes of non-disabled subordinates, including factors not visible to managers, and the qualitative characteristics of distinct stages (Stage A: Trial-and-error approach; Stage B: Parallel relationship; Stage B: Strengthening the cooperative system); and (b) the core category "Dimensions of Role and Value." These findings suggest that adopting a "non-disabled vs. non-disabled" perspective-re-examining how managers and non-disabled subordinates interact within the framework of workplace inclusion-is essential.
Abstract This systematic review examines the impact of facial attractiveness on empathic responses. By synthesizing findings from behavioral studies, EEG, fMRI, EMG, and fNIRS research, it examines whether and how attractiveness modulates empathy at cognitive and emotional levels. The results indicate that attractive faces often trigger stronger automatic empathic reactions, likely driven by emotional contagion and positive beauty stereotypes. Conversely, in conscious empathic tasks or those requiring cognitive effort, greater empathy tends to be shown towards less attractive individuals. Significant differences related to gender, moral context, and participant experience reveal the relationship between physical attractiveness and empathy. Overall, facial attractiveness has a significant impact on empathy; however, its influence varies depending on the type of empathic process and the experimental conditions. This review offers new insights into distinguishing the affective and cognitive components of empathy and suggests ways to manipulate empathic responses through physical appearance cues.
Abstract The PETTLEP‐Based Imagery Scale (PBIS) measures how frequently athletes engage in imagery practices consistent with the seven PETTLEP components, operationalized as 10 subscales. The present study proposed and empirically tested a content‐mapping model of the relationship between imagery ability (Sport Imagery Ability Questionnaire–Japanese version [SIAQ‐J]) and PETTLEP‐based imagery enactment, predicting a priori which SIAQ‐J dimensions should preferentially co‐occur with which PBIS subscales. In 604 Japanese collegiate athletes, three supporting analyses made this test interpretable: ordinal confirmatory factor analysis (diagonally weighted least squares) with item threshold estimation; item response theory modeling (graded response model) of score‐dependent measurement error; and a discriminant‐validity test using the heterotrait–monotrait ratio and the Fornell–Larcker criterion. Results supported the 10‐factor structure, ordered thresholds, lower measurement error at moderate‐to‐high engagement levels, and clear empirical separability of the two scales. Multivariate analyses supported the content‐mapping predictions. The combined SIAQ‐J and PBIS profile is discussed as a feedback tool for practitioners, within the limits of a cross‐sectional self‐report design.
