scholarly journals Synchronized practice helps bearded capuchin monkeys learn to extend attention while learning a tradition

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (30) ◽  
pp. 7798-7805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorothy M. Fragaszy ◽  
Yonat Eshchar ◽  
Elisabetta Visalberghi ◽  
Briseida Resende ◽  
Kellie Laity ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Sustained Attention ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Capuchin Monkeys ◽  
Psychological Processes ◽  
Social Partners ◽  
Nut Cracking ◽  
Nonhuman Species ◽  
Over Time

Culture extends biology in that the setting of development shapes the traditions that individuals learn, and over time, traditions evolve as occasional variations are learned by others. In humans, interactions with others impact the development of cognitive processes, such as sustained attention, that shape how individuals learn as well as what they learn. Thus, learning itself is impacted by culture. Here, we explore how social partners might shape the development of psychological processes impacting learning a tradition. We studied bearded capuchin monkeys learning a traditional tool-using skill, cracking nuts using stone hammers. Young monkeys practice components of cracking nuts with stones for years before achieving proficiency. We examined the time course of young monkeys’ activity with nuts before, during, and following others’ cracking nuts. Results demonstrate that the onset of others’ cracking nuts immediately prompts young monkeys to start handling and percussing nuts, and they continue these activities while others are cracking. When others stop cracking nuts, young monkeys sustain the uncommon actions of percussing and striking nuts for shorter periods than the more common actions of handling nuts. We conclude that nut-cracking by adults can promote the development of sustained attention for the critical but less common actions that young monkeys must practice to learn this traditional skill. This work suggests that in nonhuman species, as in humans, socially specified settings of development impact learning processes as well as learning outcomes. Nonhumans, like humans, may be culturally variable learners.

The time course of within and between-language interference in bilinguals

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Incera ◽  
Conor T McLennan
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Mouse Tracking ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Computer Mouse ◽  
Language Activation ◽  
Control Trajectory ◽  
Over Time

Purpose: Recent research has provided support for linguistic coactivation, the view that the two languages of a bilingual are simultaneously active. Importantly, even if the system is fundamentally nonselective, the two languages of a bilingual can be activated to different degrees. The main contribution of the present paper is to empirically test what “different degrees of activation” really means. Differences could emerge in the timing or the magnitude of language activation. Methodology: Most of the research to date has been based on experiments using reaction times. In the present experiment participants responded to a bilingual Stroop task using a computer mouse. We argue that mouse tracking can provide new insights into the temporal dynamics of cognitive processes. Data and analysis: We used a series of t-tests to analyze participants’ mouse trajectories ( n = 20). We compared the x-coordinates over time for each of the four experimental conditions (Congruent-Within, Congruent-Between, Incongruent-Within, Incongruent-Between) with the x-coordinates over time for the control trajectory. Findings: Differences in the timing, but not the magnitude, of interference are at the root of the differential effects within and between languages. Within-language interference emerged 80 ms earlier than between-language interference. Originality: To our knowledge, the current experiment is the first to use the dynamic mouse-tracking paradigm to compare the time course of the two languages of a bilingual participant. Implications: The mouse-tracking paradigm can help to distinguish between the timing and the magnitude of interference, informing current theories of the bilingual mind.

Process Accountability as a De-Escalation Technique

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-74
Author(s):  
Klaus Moser ◽  
Hans-Georg Wolff ◽  
Roman Soucek
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Employment Relationship ◽  
Escalation Of Commitment ◽  
Tunnel Vision ◽  
Course Of Action ◽  
Performance Problems ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Biased Information

Abstract. Escalation of commitment occurs when a course of action is continued despite repeated drawbacks (e.g., maintaining an employment relationship despite severe performance problems). We analyze process accountability (PA) as a de-escalation technique that helps to discontinue a failing course of action and show how time moderates both the behavioral and cognitive processes involved: (1) Because sound decisions should be based on (hopefully unbiased) information search, which requires time to gather, the effect of PA on de-escalation increases over time. (2) Because continuing information search creates behavioral commitment, the debiasing effect of PA on information search diminishes over time. (3) Consistent with the tunnel vision notion, the effects of less biased information search on de-escalation decrease over time.

scholarly journals Jonckheere–Terpstra–Kendall-based non-parametric analysis of temporal differential gene expression

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hitoshi Iuchi ◽  
Michiaki Hamada
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Time Series ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Time Series Data ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Series Data ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Non Parametric

Abstract Time-course experiments using parallel sequencers have the potential to uncover gradual changes in cells over time that cannot be observed in a two-point comparison. An essential step in time-series data analysis is the identification of temporal differentially expressed genes (TEGs) under two conditions (e.g. control versus case). Model-based approaches, which are typical TEG detection methods, often set one parameter (e.g. degree or degree of freedom) for one dataset. This approach risks modeling of linearly increasing genes with higher-order functions, or fitting of cyclic gene expression with linear functions, thereby leading to false positives/negatives. Here, we present a Jonckheere–Terpstra–Kendall (JTK)-based non-parametric algorithm for TEG detection. Benchmarks, using simulation data, show that the JTK-based approach outperforms existing methods, especially in long time-series experiments. Additionally, application of JTK in the analysis of time-series RNA-seq data from seven tissue types, across developmental stages in mouse and rat, suggested that the wave pattern contributes to the TEG identification of JTK, not the difference in expression levels. This result suggests that JTK is a suitable algorithm when focusing on expression patterns over time rather than expression levels, such as comparisons between different species. These results show that JTK is an excellent candidate for TEG detection.

EŞİTMƏ QÜSURLU UŞAQLARDA SƏS TƏLƏFFÜZÜ POZULMALARINI ARADAN QALDIRMAQ ÜÇÜN MUSİQİLİ RİTMİK VASİTƏLƏRDƏN İSTİFADƏ

2020 ◽  
Vol 61 (12) ◽  
pp. 136-138
Author(s):  
Bahar Aliosat Mustafayeva ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Skills ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Role Playing ◽  
Auditory Attention ◽  
Auditory Analyzer ◽  
Role Playing Games ◽  
Large Motor ◽  
Impaired Children ◽  
Speech Motor ◽  
Over Time

One of the most relevant methods used in the rehabilitation of hearing-impaired children and for the development of speech is music-rhythm. In any games based on music-rhythm, it is possible to stimulate several areas, such as speech, motor, cognitive processes. Composing tasks in the form of role-playing games appropriate to the age characteristics of children increases its effectiveness. Music primarily affects the auditory analyzer in children, helps to increase auditory attention in children with dementia. Thus, the child perceives sounds better over time and develops the ability to differentiate them. Improved hearing allows children to understand the speech of adults better. Over time, it accelerates the process of sound imitation, allows the child to pronounce the initial sounds and syllables. Musical-rhythmic is based on the combination of sounds with movements, which leads to the improvement of children's motor skills. It helps to develop small and large motor skills, rhythm and coordination abilities during tasks. Key words: hearing, speech, game, music, exercise, child

Decomposition of Growth Curves into Growth Rate and Acceleration: a Novel Procedure to Monitor Bacterial Growth and the Time-Dependent Effect of Antimicrobials

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Luisa Navarro-Pérez ◽  
M. Coronada Fernández-Calderón ◽  
Virginia Vadillo-Rodríguez
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Mathematical Models ◽  
Bacterial Growth ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Numerical Procedure ◽  
Growth Curves ◽  
Predictive Microbiology ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Over Time

In this paper, a simple numerical procedure is presented to monitor the growth of Streptococcus sanguinis over time in the absence and presence of propolis, a natural antimicrobial. In particular, it is shown that the real-time decomposition of growth curves obtained through optical density measurements into growth rate and acceleration can be a powerful tool to precisely assess a large range of key parameters [ i.e. lag time ( t 0 ), starting growth rate ( γ 0 ), initial acceleration of the growth ( a 0 ), maximum growth rate ( γ max ), maximum acceleration ( a max ) and deceleration ( a min ) of the growth and the total number of cells at the beginning of the saturation phase ( N s )] that can be readily used to fully describe growth over time. Consequently, the procedure presented provides precise data of the time course of the different growth phases and features, which is expected to be relevant, for instance, to thoroughly evaluate the effect of new antimicrobial agents. It further provides insight into predictive microbiology, likely having important implications to assumptions adopted in mathematical models to predict the progress of bacterial growth. Importance: The new and simple numerical procedure presented in this paper to analyze bacterial growth will possibly allow identifying true differences in efficacy among antimicrobial drugs for their applications in human health, food security, and environment, among others. It further provides insight into predictive microbiology, likely helping in the development of proper mathematical models to predict the course of bacterial growth under diverse circumstances.

Sleep Disorder Over Time: Psychiatric Correlates Among Males

1980 ◽  
Vol 136 (5) ◽  
pp. 456-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hervey Sweetwood ◽  
Igor Grant ◽  
Daniel F. Kripke ◽  
Marvin S. Gerst ◽  
Joel Yager
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Study ◽  
Sleep Disorder ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Psychiatric Symptomatology ◽  
Over Time

SummaryThis 18 month prospective study assessed the time course of sleep disturbances in 85 male psychiatric out-patients and 103 male non-patients. Over one-third of the patients and 5 per cent of the non-patients reported frequent symptoms of insomnia during at least 14 of the 18 months. Frequency and chronicity of insomnia were strongly associated with intensity of psychiatric symptomatology, but not with diagnosis. Minor tranquillizers and hypnotics were used frequently by patients and occasionally by non-patients, but there was little indication that they altered the course of insomnia.

Nostalgia, the Fleeting, and the Rare in Chilean Relationships to Nature and Nonhuman Species

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 560-579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meredith Root-Bernstein
Keyword(s):  
Participant Observation ◽  
Social Value ◽  
Public Realm ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Central Chile ◽  
The Public ◽  
Dominant Discourse ◽  
Mediterranean Habitat ◽  
Nonhuman Species ◽  
Over Time

Semi-structured interviews and participant observation were used to understand how urban Chileans form relationships with nature and nonhuman species in central Chile. Most informants expressed dislike of the typical mediterranean-habitat landscape, characterizing it as dry, poor, and empty. Yet many people expressed nostalgic attachment to specific places, species, and activities that they had experienced, often as children. Most of the reminisced-about interactions were fleeting or had been lost over time. In the dominant discourse, nature in the mediterranean zone of Chile is closely associated with poverty, and it is considered to lack beauty, biodiversity, culture, and history. Appeals to personal nostalgia may break through this discourse to form private assemblages of value. Chileans also attributed social value to interactions with species who are rare or who are found “exclusively” in Chile. Appeals to nostalgia, rarity, and exclusivity help to draw these private discourses into the public realm.

scholarly journals Fascinatin’ Rhythm – and Pauses in Translators’ Cognitive Processes

2018 ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Ricardo Muñoz Martín ◽  
Celia Martín de Leon
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Sustained Attention ◽  
Initial Phase ◽  
Lower Threshold ◽  
Log Files ◽  
Information Searches ◽  
Log File

The Monitor Model fosters a view of translating where two mind modes stand out and alternate when trying to render originals word-by-word by default: shallow, uneventful processing vs problem solving. Research may have been biased towards problem solving, often operationalized with a pause of, or above, 3 seconds. This project analyzed 16 translation log files by four informants from four originals. A baseline minimal pause of 200 ms was instrumental to calculate two individual thresholds for each log file: (a) A low one – 1.5 times the median pause within words – and (b) a high one – 3 times the median pause between words. Pauses were then characterized as short (between 200 ms and the lower threshold), mid, and long (above the higher threshold, chunking the recorded activities in the translation task into task segments), and assumed to respond to different causes. Weak correlations between short, mid and long pauses were found, hinting at possible different cognitive processes. Inferred processes did not fall neatly into categories depending on the length of possibly associated pauses. Mid pauses occurred more often than long pauses between sentences and paragraphs, and they also more often flanked information searches and even problem-solving instances. Chains of proximal mid pauses marked cases of potential hesitations. Task segments tended to happen within 4–8 minute cycles, nested in a possible initial phase for contextualization, followed by long periods of sustained attention. We found no evidence for problem-solving thresholds, and no trace of behavior supporting the Monitor Model. 

scholarly journals No Sustained Attention Differences in a Longitudinal Randomized Trial Comparing Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction versus Active Control

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donal G. MacCoon ◽  
Katherine A. MacLean ◽  
Richard J Davidson ◽  
Clifford Saron ◽  
Antoine Lutz
Keyword(s):  
Active Control ◽  
Sustained Attention ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Visual Discrimination ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Clinical Population ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ◽  
Over Time

Background: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a secular form of meditation training. The vast majority of the extant literature investigating the health effects of mindfulness interventions relies on wait-list control comparisons. Previous studies have found that meditation training over several months is associated with improvements in cognitive control and attention.Methodology/Principal Findings: We used a visual continuous performance task (CPT) to test the effects of eight weeks of mindfulness training on sustained attention by comparing MBSR to the Health Enhancement Program (HEP), a structurally equivalent, active control condition in a randomized, longitudinal design (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01301105) focusing on a non-clinical population typical of MBSR participants. Researchers were blind to group assignment. 63 community participants were randomized to either MBSR (n = 31) or HEP (n = 32). CPT analyses were conducted on 29 MBSR participants and 25 HEP participants. We predicted that MBSR would improve visual discrimination ability and sustained attention over time on the CPT compared to HEP, with more home practice associated with greater improvements. Our hypotheses were not confirmed but we did find some evidence for improved visual discrimination similar to effects in partial replication of other research. Our study had sufficient power to demonstrate that intervention groups do not differ in their improvement over time in sustained attention performance. One of our primary predictions concerning the effects of intervention on attentional fatigue was significant but not interpretable.Conclusions: Attentional sensitivity is not affected by mindfulness practice as taught in MBSR, but it is unclear whether mindfulness might positively affect another aspect of attention, vigilance. These results also highlight the relevant procedural modifications required by future research to correctly investigate the role of sustained attention in similar samples.

scholarly journals Mind wandering and attention during focused meditation: A fine-grained temporal analysis of fluctuating cognitive states

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Hasenkamp ◽  
Christine Wilson-Mendenhall ◽  
Erica Duncan ◽  
Lawrence Barsalou
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Sustained Attention ◽  
Temporal Analysis ◽  
Mind Wandering ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Attentional Processing ◽  
Default Mode ◽  
Cognitive Correlates ◽  
Cognitive States ◽  
Task Positive Network

Studies have suggested that the default mode network is active during mind wandering, which is often experienced intermittently during sustained attention tasks. Conversely, an anticorrelated task-positive network is thought to subserve various forms of attentional processing. Understanding how these two systems work together is central for understanding many forms of optimal and sub-optimal task performance. Here we present a basic model of naturalistic cognitive fluctuations between mind wandering and attentional states derived from the practice of focused attention meditation. This model proposes four intervals in a cognitive cycle: mind wandering, awareness of mind wandering, shifting of attention, and sustained attention. People who train in this style of meditation cultivate their abilities to monitor cognitive processes related to attention and distraction, making them well suited to report on these mental events. Fourteen meditation practitioners performed breath-focused meditation while undergoing fMRI scanning. When participants realized their mind had wandered, they pressed a button and returned their focus to the breath. The four intervals above were then constructed around these button presses. We hypothesized that periods of mind wandering would be associated with default mode activity, whereas cognitive processes engaged during awareness of mind wandering, shifting of attention and sustained attention would engage attentional subnetworks. Analyses revealed activity in brain regions associated with the default mode during mind wandering, and in salience network regions during awareness of mind wandering. Elements of the executive network were active during shifting and sustained attention. Furthermore, activations during these cognitive phases were modulated by lifetime meditation experience. These findings support and extend theories about cognitive correlates of distributed brain networks.

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