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Background Coupling transcranial magnetic stimulation with electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) allows recording the EEG response to a direct, non-invasive cortical perturbation. However, obtaining a genuine TMS-evoked EEG potential requires controlling for several confounds, among which a main source is represented by the auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) associated to the TMS discharge noise (TMS click). This contaminating factor can be in principle prevented by playing a masking noise through earphones. New method Here we release TMS Adaptable Auditory Control (TAAC), a highly flexible, open-source, Matlab-based interface that generates in real-time customized masking noises. TAAC creates noises starting from the stimulator-specific TMS click and tailors them to fit the individual, subject-specific click perception by mixing and manipulating the standard noises in both time and frequency domains. Results We showed that TAAC allows us to provide standard as well as customized noises able to effectively and safely mask the TMS click. Comparison with existing methods Here, we showcased two customized noises by comparing them to two standard noises previously used in the TMS literature (i.e., a white noise and a noise generated from the stimulator-specific TMS click only). For each, we quantified the Sound Pressure Level (SPL; measured by a Head and Torso Simulator - HATS) required to mask the TMS click in a population of 20 healthy subjects. Both customized noises were effective at safe (according to OSHA and NIOSH safety guidelines), lower SPLs with respect to standard noises. Conclusions At odds with previous methods, TAAC allows creating effective and safe masking noises specifically tailored on each TMS device and subject. The combination of TAAC with tools for the real-time visualization of TEPs can help control the influence of auditory confounds also in non-compliant patients. Finally, TAAC is a highly flexible and open-source tool, so it can be further extended to meet different experimental requirements.

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Abstract:The paper deals with a didactics and research experience, in which actors from cultural (international no-profit Association enhancing food value), academic (University), commercial (packaging production Firm) and social fields (Foundation recovering and re-distributing food excess) converged on the exploration of postconsumption food waste in public spaces. The aim was to develop products for leftovers pack and transport, the so-called "doggy-bags", increasing meaningfulness and value perception of food resources, raising public awareness on the food waste reduction importance in an environmental, ethical, social, cultural and economical context. The activity involved about 200 students, generated around 50 projects and proceeded with the realization and commercialization of one selected product. A campaign promoting this action and raising awareness about the global urgent phenomenon of post-consumption food waste was launched: the new food bags represent a smart and friendly tool enabling everyone to play their part in assuring food waste minimization and leftovers recover.