• Korean Journal of Cognitive Science
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.159-219
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• 2016

Mathematical ability is important for academic achievement and technological renovations in the STEM disciplines. This study concentrated on the relationship between neural basis of mathematical cognition and its mechanisms. These cognitive functions include domain specific abilities such as numerical skills and visuospatial abilities, as well as domain general abilities which include language, long term memory, and working memory capacity. Individuals can perform higher cognitive functions such as abstract thinking and reasoning based on these basic cognitive functions. The next topic covered in this study is about individual differences in mathematical abilities. Neural efficiency theory was incorporated in this study to view mathematical talent. According to the theory, a person with mathematical talent uses his or her brain more efficiently than the effortful endeavour of the average human being. Mathematically gifted students show different brain activities when compared to average students. Interhemispheric and intrahemispheric connectivities are enhanced in those students, particularly in the right brain along fronto-parietal longitudinal fasciculus. The third topic deals with growth and development in mathematical capacity. As individuals mature, practice mathematical skills, and gain knowledge, such changes are reflected in cortical activation, which include changes in the activation level, redistribution, and reorganization in the supporting cortex. Among these, reorganization can be related to neural plasticity. Neural plasticity was observed in professional mathematicians and children with mathematical learning disabilities. Last topic is about mathematical creativity viewed from Neural Darwinism. When the brain is faced with a novel problem, it needs to collect all of the necessary concepts(knowledge) from long term memory, make multitudes of connections, and test which ones have the highest probability in helping solve the unusual problem. Having followed the above brain modifying steps, once the brain finally finds the correct response to the novel problem, the final response comes as a form of inspiration. For a novice, the first step of acquisition of knowledge structure is the most important. However, as expertise increases, the latter two stages of making connections and selection become more important.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.128-148
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• 2023

Dementia is an umbrella term that describes the loss of thinking, memory, attention, logical reasoning, and other mental abilities to the extent that it interferes with the activities of daily living. More than 50 million individuals worldwide live with dementia, which is expected to increase to 131 million by 2050. Recent research has shown that poor oral health increases the risk of dementia, while oral health declines with cognitive decline. In this narrative review, the literature was based on the "hypothesis" that dementia and oral health have a close relationship, and appropriate oral health and occlusal rehabilitation treatment can improve the quality of life of patients with dementia and prevent progression. We conducted a literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar databases, using the search terms "dementia," "major neurocognitive disorder," "dentition," "occlusion," "tooth loss," "dental prosthesis," "dental implant," and "occlusal rehabilitation" in the title field over the past 30 years. A total of 131 studies that scientifically addressed dementia, oral health, and/or oral rehabilitation were included. In a meta-analysis, the random effect model demonstrated significant tooth loss increasing the dementia risk 3.64-fold (pooled odds ratio=3.64, 95% confidence interval [2.50~5.32], P-value=0.0348). Tooth loss can be an important indicator of cognitive function decline. As the number of missing teeth increases, the risk of dementia increases. Loss of teeth can lead to a decrease in the ascending information to the brain and reduced masticatory ability, cerebral blood flow, and psychological atrophy. Oral microbiome dysbiosis and migration of key bacterial species to the brain can also cause dementia. Additionally, inflammation in the oral cavity affects the inflammatory response of the brain and the complete body. Conversely, proper oral hygiene management, the placement of dental implants or prostheses to replace lost teeth, and the restoration of masticatory function can inhibit symptom progression in patients with dementia. Therefore, improving oral health can prevent dementia progression and improve the quality of life of patients.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.371-390
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• 2021

The purpose of this study is to develop a neuropsychological model for the spatial ability factor and to divide the brain active area involved in the light & shadow problem solving process into the domain-general ability and the domain-specific ability based on the neuropsychological model. Twenty-four male college students participated in the study to measure the synchronized eye movement and electroencephalograms (EEG) while they performed the spatial ability test and the light & shadow tasks. Neuropsychological model for the spatial ability factor and light & shadow problem solving process was developed by integrating the measurements of the participants' eye movements, brain activity areas, and the interview findings regarding their thoughts and strategies. The results of this study are as follows; first, the spatial visualization and mental rotation factors mainly required activation of the parietal lobe, and the spatial orientation factor required activation of the frontal lobe. Second, in the light & shadow problem solving process, participants use both their spatial ability as a domain-general thought, and the application of scientific principles as a domain-specific thought. The brain activity patterns resulting from a participants' inferring the shadow by parallel light source and inferring the shadow when the direction of the light changed were similar to the neuropsychological model for the spatial visualization factor. The brain activity pattern from inferring an object from its shadow by light from multiple directions was similar to the neuropsychological model for the spatial orientation factor. The brain activity pattern from inferring a shadow with a point source of light was similar to the neuropsychological model for the spatial visualization factor. In addition, when solving the light & shadow tasks, the brain's middle temporal gyrus, precentral gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus were additionally activated, which are responsible for deductive reasoning, working memory, and planning for action.