ABSTRACT
Auditory distraction is a failure to maintain focus on a stream of sounds. We investigated the neural correlates of distraction in a selective-listening pitch-discrimination task with high (competing speech) or low (white noise) distraction. High-distraction impaired performance and reduced the N1 peak of the auditory Event-Related Potential evoked by probe tones. In a series of simulations, we explored two theories to account for this effect: disruption of sensory gain or a disruption of inter-trial phase consistency. When compared to these simulations, our data were consistent with both effects of distraction. Distraction reduced the gain of the auditory evoked potential and disrupted the inter-trial phase consistency with which the brain responds to stimulus events. Tones at a non-target, unattended frequency were more susceptible to the effects of distraction than tones within an attended frequency band.
Subject(s)
Attention/physiology , Auditory Perception/physiology , Electroencephalography , Adult , Evoked Potentials, Auditory/physiology , Female , Humans , Noise , Pitch Discrimination/physiology , Reaction Time/physiology , Speech Perception/physiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Over the last five years many middle-income Latin American countries have seen a steep increase in the number of cases litigating access to curative services. The purpose of this paper is to explore this complex phenomenon and outline some of its roots and impacts. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The authors use an interdisciplinary approach based on a literature review and workshops convened to discuss the issue. FINDINGS: A range of reasons can explain this increased legal activity. These include: a renewed judicial approach to the enforcement of the right to health; a more demanding public interest; an increased prevalence of non communicable diseases; and limited capacity for fair benefit package. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The findings in this paper argue for the need to incorporate a rights-based approach to health policy as a foundation of societal efforts to achieve universal health coverage in Latin America.
