EXPRESS: Distinct abilities associated with matching same identity faces vs. discriminating different faces: Evidence from individual differences in prosopagnosics and controls

Previous face matching studies provide evidence that matching same identity faces (match trials) and discriminating different face identities (non-match trials) rely on distinct processes. For example, instructional studies geared towards improving face matching in applied settings have often found selective improvements in match or non-match trials only. Additionally, a small study found that developmental prosopagnosics (DPs) have specific deficits in making match but not non-match judgments. In the current study, we sought to replicate this finding in DPs and examine how individual differences across DPs and controls in match vs. non-match performance relate to featural vs. holistic processing abilities. 43 DPs and 27 controls matched face images shown from similar front views or with varied lighting or viewpoint. Participants also performed tasks measuring featural (eyes/mouth) and holistic processing (part-whole task). We found that DPs showed worse overall matching performance than controls and that their relative match vs. non-match deficit depended on image variation condition, indicating that DPs do not consistently show match- or non-match-specific deficits. When examining the association between holistic and featural processing abilities and match vs. non-match trials in the entire group of DPs and controls, we found a very clear dissociation: Match trials significantly correlated with eye processing ability (r=.48) but not holistic processing (r=.11), whereas non-match trials significantly correlated with holistic processing (r=.32) but not eye processing (r=.03). This suggests that matching same identity faces relies more on eye processing while discriminating different faces relies more on holistic processing.

Individual Optimal Attentional Strategy in Motor Learning Tasks Characterized by Steady-State Somatosensory and Visual Evoked Potentials

Focus of attention is one of the most influential factors facilitating motor performance. Previous evidence supports that the external focus (EF) strategy, which directs attention to movement outcomes, is associated with better motor performance than the internal focus (IF) strategy, which directs attention to body movements. However, recent studies have reported that the EF strategy is not effective for some individuals. Furthermore, neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that the frontal and parietal areas characterize individual optimal attentional strategies for motor tasks. However, whether the sensory cortices are also functionally related to individual optimal attentional strategy remains unclear. Therefore, the present study examined whether an individual’s sensory processing ability would reflect the optimal attentional strategy. To address this point, we explored the relationship between responses in the early sensory cortex and individuals’ optimal attentional strategy by recording steady-state somatosensory evoked potentials (SSSEP) and steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP). Twenty-six healthy young participants first performed a motor learning task with reaching movements under IF and EF conditions. Of the total sample, 12 individuals showed higher after-effects under the IF condition than the EF condition (IF-dominant group), whereas the remaining individuals showed the opposite trend (EF-dominant group). Subsequently, we measured SSSEP from bilateral primary somatosensory cortices while presenting vibrotactile stimuli and measured SSVEP from bilateral primary visual cortices while presenting checkerboard visual stimuli. The degree of increasing SSSEP response when the individuals in the IF-dominant group directed attention to vibrotactile stimuli was significantly more potent than those in the EF-dominant individuals. By contrast, the individuals in the EF-dominant group showed a significantly larger SSVEP increase while they directed attention to visual stimuli compared with the IF-dominant individuals. Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed such that individuals with more robust IF dominance showed more pronounced SSSEP attention modulation. These results suggest that the early sensory areas have crucial brain dynamics to characterize an individual’s optimal attentional strategy during motor tasks. The response characteristics may reflect the individual sensory processing ability, such as control of priority to the sensory inputs. Considering individual cognitive traits based on the suitable attentional strategy could enhance adaptability in motor tasks.

Perception of Deep Band Modulated Speech in the Presence of Noise by Elderly Individuals with Hearing Impairment

Background: Deep band modulation (DBM) is an envelope enhancement strategy that enhances temporal modulation and may provide a cue for speech understanding among individuals who suffer from temporal processing deficits. Objective: To investigate the effect of deep band modulation on phrase recognition scores at different signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) among older adults having hearing loss classified as good and poor performers based on temporal resolution ability. Method: Phrase recognition score was obtained for unprocessed and DBM phrases at three SNRs (4, 5, and - 4 dB signal to noise ratio) in 25 (age range 60 to 82 years, mean age 71.48 years) older adults having bilateral mild to moderately severe sloping sensorineural hearing loss. In addition, the gap detection test was also administered to the study participants. Results: A significant better recognition score was obtained in DBM than the unprocessed phrase. The magnitude of improvement from DBM was not the same in all the participants. Thus, the participants were classified into good and poor performers based on their temporal processing ability. The mean unprocessed and DBM phrase recognition scores in each SNR were higher for good performers than the poor performers. The benefit of deep band modulation was evident for the good performers, especially at high SNR, which was moderately correlated with age and temporal processing ability. Conclusion: The benefit from DBM on recognition score for the good performers is predicted from the temporal resolution abilities and age. However, the benefit is minuscule for the poor performers in noise.

Data Processing System Based on Computer

With the popularization of computer and Internet, software technology, signal processing technology and real-time processing technology have been applied to all aspects of life, which has caused a surge of data. Therefore, big data (hereinafter referred to as BD) has become the focus of attention all over the world, which requires improving data application and processing technology. Through BD, countries can obtain corresponding knowledge, which will improve the software and comprehensive application of BD. With the in-depth study of deep learning algorithm, we can continuously improve the application of BD, which is a Data Processing (hereinafter referred to as DP) method with high precision, fast speed, flexible use and strong scalability. Through the DP system, we can realize the post demodulation and processing of signals in various equipment, which can achieve the state of data availability. In many ways, we can obtain the required knowledge through the DP system, which will improve the processing ability of the computer. Firstly, this paper puts forward the challenges faced by BD. Then, this paper analyzes the algorithms in DP. Finally, this paper designs a DP system.

Revisiting and refining relations between nonsymbolic ratio processing and symbolic math achievement

In their 2016 Psych Science article, Matthews, Lewis and Hubbard (2016, https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797615617799) leveled a challenge against the prevailing theory that fractions—as opposed to whole numbers—are incompatible with humans’ primitive nonsymbolic number sense. Their ratio processing system (RPS) account holds that humans possess a primitive system that confers the ability to process nonysmbolic ratio magnitudes. Perhaps the most striking finding from Matthews et al. was that ratio processing ability predicted symbolic fractions knowledge and algebraic competence. The purpose of the current study was to replicate Matthews et al.’s novel results and to extend the study by including a control measure of fluid intelligence and an additional nonsymbolic magnitude format as predictors of multiple symbolic math outcomes. Ninety-nine college students completed three comparison tasks deciding which of two nonsymbolic ratios was numerically larger along with three simple magnitude comparison tasks in corresponding formats that served as controls. The formats included were lines, circles, and dots. We found that RPS acuity predicted fractions knowledge for three university math placement exam subtests when controlling for simple magnitude acuities and inhibitory control. However, this predictive power of the RPS measure appeared to stem primarily from acuity of the line-ratio format, and that predictive power was attenuated with the inclusion of fluid intelligence. These findings may help refine theories positing the RPS as a domain-specific foundation for building fractional knowledge and related higher mathematics.

Information gaps between irrigation establishment and farmer set-up

The level of a person’s cognitive processing ability is different, which influences how to understand and utilize the knowledge and information obtained from the media. Organizations can assess their knowledge resources and capabilities by conceptually designing strategies to minimize the knowledge gaps, improve performance, and produce various innovations by identifying the knowledge possessed, targets to be achieved, training and collaboration, research, and surveys for knowledge development, etc. The widening of knowledge gaps related to information development, individual attitudes, and behavior that knowledge transfer is needed to minimize the gap. This study aims to identify knowledge gaps between farmer institutions and irrigation bureaucracies. The method used is knowledge gap (K-Gap) analysis by measuring the level of importance of knowledge required against the available resources by scaling the questionnaire Likert Scale. The K-Gap analysis of the knowledge needed and currently available can evaluate performance in the planning and evaluation stages and become one of the decision-making systems in the management of an organization’s internal management, to increase motivation and represent the expectations of all users. The K-Gap value is obtained to indicate the direction of improvement that must be carried out.

Sensory Based Feeding Intervention for Toddlers With Food Refusal: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective To investigate the effect of sensory-based feeding treatment for toddlers with food refusal compared with only providing nutrition education.Methods Thirty-two toddlers with food refusal were randomly assigned to an intervention group or the control group. Toddlers in the intervention group received the sensory-based feeding intervention and the duration was for 1 hour for 5 days per week for 4 weeks, and then 1 hour, once a week for 8 weeks. Subjects in both the intervention and control groups received nutritional education once every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. The participants were evaluated at their entry into the study and 12 weeks later based on height, weight, behavior at mealtime using the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS), and sensory processing ability using the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile.Results Sixteen toddlers were included in each group. Two subjects in the intervention group and four toddlers in the control group were excluded from the final analysis. Significant improvements in child or parent subscales of the BPFAS were observed in the intervention group. In contrast, there were no significant improvements in any BPFAS scores in the control group.Conclusion Sensory-based feeding intervention was effective for improving mealtime behavior in toddlers with food refusal. Therefore, a sensory-based feeding intervention could be considered as an intervention approach to address feeding disorders in toddlers.

MARCO: A High-performance Task M apping a nd R outing Co -optimization Framework for Point-to-Point NoC-based Heterogeneous Computing Systems

Heterogeneous computing systems (HCSs), which consist of various processing elements (PEs) that vary in their processing ability, are usually facilitated by the network-on-chip (NoC) to interconnect its components. The emerging point-to-point NoCs which support single-cycle-multi-hop transmission, reduce or eliminate the latency dependence on distance, addressing the scalability concern raised by high latency for long-distance transmission and enlarging the design space of the routing algorithm to search the non-shortest paths. For such point-to-point NoC-based HCSs, resource management strategies which are managed by compilers, scheduler, or controllers, e.g., mapping and routing, are complicated for the following reasons: (i) Due to the heterogeneity, mapping and routing need to optimize computation and communication concurrently (for homogeneous computing systems, only communication). (ii) Conducting mapping and routing consecutively cannot minimize the schedule length in most cases since the PEs with high processing ability may locate in the crowded area and suffer from high resource contention overhead. (iii) Since changing the mapping selection of one task will reconstruct the whole routing design space, the exploration of mapping and routing design space is challenging. Therefore, in this work, we propose MARCO, the m apping a nd r outing co -optimization framework, to decrease the schedule length of applications on point-to-point NoC-based HCSs. Specifically, we revise the tabu search to explore the design space and evaluate the quality of mapping and routing. The advanced reinforcement learning (RL)algorithm, i.e., advantage actor-critic, is adopted to efficiently compute paths. We perform extensive experiments on various real applications, which demonstrates that the MARCO achieves a remarkable performance improvement in terms of schedule length (+44.94% ∼ +50.18%) when compared with the state-of-the-art mapping and routing co-optimization algorithm for homogeneous computing systems. We also compare MARCO with different combinations of state-of-the-art mapping and routing approaches.

EXPRESS: Music-reading expertise associates with face but not Chinese character processing ability

A growing number of behavioral and neuroimaging studies have investigated the cognitive mechanisms and neural substrates underlying various forms of visual expertise such as face and word processing. However, it remains poorly understood whether and to what extent the acquisition of one form of expertise would be associated with that of another. The current study examined the relationship between music-reading expertise and face and Chinese character processing abilities. In a series of experiments, music experts and novices performed discrimination and recognition tasks of musical notations, faces, and words. Results consistently showed that musical experts responded more accurately to musical notations and faces, but not to words, than did musical novices. More intriguingly, the music expert’s age of training onset could well predict their face but not word processing performance: the earlier musical experts began musical notation reading, the better their face-processing performance. Taken together, our findings provide preliminary and converging evidence that music-reading expertise links with face, but not word, processing, and lend support to the notion that the development of different types of visual expertise may not be independent, but rather interact with each other during their acquisition.

The Application of Schema Theory in the Teaching of English Reading in Senior High Schools

In English learning, good reading ability is very important. In recent years, the scores of students' reading ability in the college entrance examination have also increased. However, in many cases, even though students can understand the vocabulary and syntax of the text, they still cannot correctly grasp the main point of the text. They are easily immersed in the details of the text and cannot grasp the key content. There is a certain relationship between English reading and schema theory. The more complete a student's schema, the more targeted and efficient the processing of text materials. Therefore, high school English teachers should make full use of schema theory to improve teaching strategies, and focus on the development of students' schemata, so as to enhance students' English reading ability and information processing ability.