Musical training generalises across modalities and reveals efficient and adaptive mechanisms for judging temporal intervals

2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (0) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
David Aagten-Murphy ◽  
Giulia Cappagli ◽  
David Burr
Keyword(s):  
Musical Training ◽  
Estimation Errors ◽  
Temporal Precision ◽  
Total Length ◽  
Temporal Reproduction ◽  
Temporal Intervals ◽  
Temporal Estimation ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Regression Towards The Mean ◽  
Task Conditions

Expert musicians are able to accurately and consistently time their actions during a musical performance. We investigated how musical expertise influences the ability to reproduce auditory intervals and how this generalises to vision in a ‘ready-set-go’ paradigm. Subjects reproduced time intervals drawn from distributions varying in total length (176, 352 or 704 ms) or in the number of discrete intervals within the total length (3, 5, 11 or 21 discrete intervals). Overall musicians performed more veridically than non-musicians, and all subjects reproduced auditory-defined intervals more accurately than visually-defined intervals. However non-musicians, particularly with visual intervals, consistently exhibited a substantial and systematic regression towards the mean of the interval. When subjects judged intervals from distributions of longer total length they tended to exhibit more regression towards the mean, while the ability to discriminate between discrete intervals within the distribution had little influence on subject error. These results are consistent with a Bayesian model which minimizes reproduction errors by incorporating a central tendency prior weighted by the subject’s own temporal precision relative to the current intervals distribution (Cicchini et al., 2012; Jazayeri and Shadlen, 2010). Finally a strong correlation was observed between all durations of formal musical training and total reproduction errors in both modalities (accounting for 30% of the variance). Taken together these results demonstrate that formal musical training improves temporal reproduction, and that this improvement transfers from audition to vision. They further demonstrate the flexibility of sensorimotor mechanisms in adapting to different task conditions to minimise temporal estimation errors.

scholarly journals Different Brain Circuits Underlie Motor and Perceptual Representations of Temporal Intervals

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Domenica Bueti ◽  
Vincent Walsh ◽  
Chris Frith ◽  
Geraint Rees
Keyword(s):  
Parietal Cortex ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Premotor Cortex ◽  
Temporal Information ◽  
Extrastriate Cortex ◽  
Reproduction Task ◽  
Temporal Reproduction ◽  
Temporal Intervals ◽  
Temporal Estimation ◽  
The Right

In everyday life, temporal information is used for both perception and action, but whether these two functions reflect the operation of similar or different neural circuits is unclear. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the neural correlates of processing temporal information when either a motor or a perceptual representation is used. Participants viewed two identical sequences of visual stimuli and used the information differently to perform either a temporal reproduction or a temporal estimation task. By comparing brain activity evoked by these tasks and control conditions, we explored commonalities and differences in brain areas involved in reproduction and estimation of temporal intervals. The basal ganglia and the cerebellum were commonly active in both temporal tasks, consistent with suggestions that perception and production of time are subserved by the same mechanisms. However, only in the reproduction task was activity observed in a wider cortical network including the right pre-SMA, left middle frontal gyrus, left premotor cortex, with a more reliable activity in the right inferior parietal cortex, left fusiform gyrus, and the right extrastriate visual area V5/MT. Our findings point to a role for the parietal cortex as an interface between sensory and motor processes and suggest that it may be a key node in translation of temporal information into action. Furthermore, we discuss the potential importance of the extrastriate cortex in processing visual time in the context of recent findings.

scholarly journals Cost of coils for intracranial aneurysms: clinical decision analysis for implementation of a capitation model

2018 ◽  
Vol 128 (6) ◽  
pp. 1792-1798 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gurpreet S. Gandhoke ◽  
Yash K. Pandya ◽  
Ashutosh P. Jadhav ◽  
Tudor Jovin ◽  
Robert M. Friedlander ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Probabilistic Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
List Price ◽  
Maximum Dimension ◽  
Total Length ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Cost

OBJECTIVEThe price of coils used for intracranial aneurysm embolization has continued to rise despite an increase in competition in the marketplace. Coils on the US market range in list price from $500 to $3000. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential cost savings with the use of a price capitation model.METHODSThe authors built a clinical decision analytical tree and compared their institution’s current expenditure on endovascular coils to the costs if a capped-price model were implemented. They retrospectively reviewed coil and cost data for 148 patients who underwent coil embolization from January 2015 through September 2016. Data on the length and number of coils used in all patients were collected and analyzed. The probabilities of a treated aneurysm being ≤/> 10 mm in maximum dimension, the total number of coils used for a case being ≤/> 5, and the total length of coils used for a case being ≤/> 50 cm were calculated, as was the mean cost of the currently used coils for all possible combinations of events with these probabilities. Using the same probabilities, the authors calculated the expected value of the capped-price strategy in comparison with the current one. They also conducted multiple 1-way sensitivity analyses by applying plausible ranges to the probabilities and cost variables. The robustness of the results was confirmed by applying individual distributions to all studied variables and conducting probabilistic sensitivity analysis.RESULTSNinety-five (64%) of 148 patients presented with a rupture, and 53 (36%) were treated on an elective basis. The mean aneurysm size was 6.7 mm. A total of 1061 coils were used from a total of 4 different providers. Companies A (72%) and B (16%) accounted for the major share of coil consumption. The mean number of coils per case was 7.3. The mean cost per case (for all coils) was $10,434. The median total length of coils used, for all coils, was 42 cm. The calculated probability of treating an aneurysm less than 10 mm in maximum dimension was 0.83, for using 5 coils or fewer per case it was 0.42, and for coil length of 50 cm or less it was 0.89. The expected cost per case with the capped policy was calculated to be $4000, a cost savings of $6564 in comparison with using the price of Company A. Multiple 1-way sensitivity analyses revealed that the capped policy was cost saving if its cost was less than $10,500. In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, the lowest cost difference between current and capped policies was $2750.CONCLUSIONSIn comparison with the cost of coils from the authors’ current provider, their decision model and probabilistic sensitivity analysis predicted a minimum $407,000 to a maximum $1,799,976 cost savings in 148 cases by adapting the capped-price policy for coils.

scholarly journals Effect of musical training on auditory memory

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cátia Costa ◽  
Cristina Nazaré
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Pattern Recognition ◽  
Cognitive Development ◽  
Recognition Test ◽  
Musical Training ◽  
Auditory Memory ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Musical Practice ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Memory Pattern

Abstract Background Musical practice leads to cognitive development, requiring the activation of several processing mechanisms that are based on encoding and storing sounds through memory. The objective was to evaluate the auditory memory (ability to recognize tonal patterns) in musicians and non-musicians, comparing their performance. Methods Two groups with normal hearing and aged between 17 and 18 years old were compared, one of musicians (N = 14, with average of 8 years of musical training) and a control group (N = 14). Pure tone audiogram and an auditory working memory/pattern recognition test of non-verbal sounds (tonal) were performed. The participant heard 2 consecutive sequences of 6 tonal sounds each and had to say whether they were the same or different from each other. In total 30 pairs of sequences are presented (binaurally). Results The mean of percentage of correct responses in the memory/pattern recognition test was higher in musician’s group than in control group with statistically significant differences between groups (P = 0.002). The difference between the mean of percentage of correct responses in each group was 11.44%. Conclusions The musicians present better auditory memory/recognition of non-verbal (tonal) sounds in relation to the non-musicians, which points to the effectiveness of musical practice in the cognitive development of working memory and recognition of sound patterns. This study, according to others in the field, shows that musical training improves memory and auditory skills, which are known to be fundamental to the academic success of young people in this age group.

scholarly journals Early development and allometric growth in Nannacara anomala Regan, 1905 (Perciformes: Cichlidae) under laboratory conditions

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 659-665 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Kupren ◽  
Maja Prusińska ◽  
Daniel Żarski ◽  
Sławomir Krejszeff ◽  
Dariusz Kucharczyk
Keyword(s):  
Early Development ◽  
Morphological Development ◽  
Allometric Growth ◽  
Laboratory Conditions ◽  
Total Length ◽  
Larvae And Juveniles ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Accelerated Growth

Morphological development and allometric growth of laboratory reared Nannacara anomala were studied from hatching to the loss of larval characters and beginning of squamation (18 days post-hatching) at 26°C. The mean total length (TL) of larvae and juveniles increased from 3.74 mm at hatching to 9.60 mm at metamorphosis. Morphogenesis and differentiation were most intense during the first week of development. During this period (TL interval = 3.74 - 4.84 mm) there was an evident priority to enhance the feeding and swimming capabilities by promoting accelerated growth in the head and tail regions. Following this period, there was a major decrease in growth coefficients, indicating a change in growth priorities. Observations on the early development of Nannacara anomala confirmed the basic uniformity development of a substrate brooding cichlid.

scholarly journals Length-Weight Relationships and Condition Factors of Three Tilapine Species in an Abandoned Gold Mine Reservoir, Igun, Southwestern Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-209
Author(s):  
Oluwadamilare E. OBAYEMI ◽  
Olusola O. KOMOLAFE ◽  
Oluwakemi V. OKUNOLA ◽  
Sakirat T. ASAFA ◽  
Mary A. AYOADE
Keyword(s):  
Fish Species ◽  
Oreochromis Niloticus ◽  
Condition Factor ◽  
Gold Mine ◽  
Southwestern Nigeria ◽  
Monthly Basis ◽  
B Values ◽  
Total Length ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Sarotherodon Galilaeus

This study investigated the length-weight relationships and condition factors of three fish species in an abandoned gold mine reservoir. The fishes were caught on monthly basis between August 2015 and July 2016 using gill nets and traps. The results showed that Coptodon zillii, Oreochromis niloticus and Sarotherodon galilaeus had a mean total length and mean weight of 15.52±4.64 cm and 95.80±66.27 g; 15.27±4.18 cm and 89.54±63.20 g; 15.57±4.80 cm and 102.0±85.81 g respectively. Also, the mean condition factor obtained for the fish species are 2.24±0.52 in C. zillii; 2.26±0.62 in O. niloticus and 2.27±0.46 in S. galilaeus. Similarly, the slope (b) values and correlation coefficient for the three fish species are 2.018 and 0.969 for C. zillii; 1.977 and 0.926 for O. niloticus and 2.436 and 0.965 for S. galilaeus. Furthermore, the total length, weight and condition factor between C. zillii, O. niloticus and S. galilaeus differ significantly (p>0.05). The study concluded that despite being an abandoned gold mine reservoir, the environment is well suitable for the fishes.

Toward a General Theory of Diary Panels

2009 ◽  
Vol 105 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1131-1153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rex S. Toh ◽  
Michael Y. Hu
Keyword(s):  
General Theory ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Item Nonresponse ◽  
Estimation Errors ◽  
Level Of Involvement ◽  
Record Keeping ◽  
Participation Level ◽  
Conditioning Effect ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Regression Toward The Mean

This article represents an integration of findings reported in seven articles on diary panels that the authors have published, based on the AT&T database. There are four major issues involved with diary panels, to wit: respondent noncooperation involving item nonresponse and attrition, bias leading to estimation errors, mathematical artifacts involving regression toward the mean, and the conditioning effect of being observed. An integrated conceptual framework for diaries is advanced, consisting of five independent variables (questionnaire design, length of participation, level of aggregation, duration of usage, and defining usage rate with length used), four mediating variables (degree of difficulty, participation fatigue, natural mortality, and level of involvement), and six dependent variables (item nonresponse, attrition, accuracy, regression toward the mean, the conditioning effect, and estimation regression). This attempt at a general theory of diary panels is admittedly incomplete, but is meant to serve as a useful conceptual framework for further research on longitudinal studies involving record keeping and reporting.

scholarly journals Validation of a Mexican food photograph album as a tool to visually estimate food amounts in adolescents

2012 ◽  
Vol 109 (5) ◽  
pp. 944-952 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Fernanda Bernal-Orozco ◽  
Barbara Vizmanos-Lamotte ◽  
Norma P. Rodríguez-Rocha ◽  
Gabriela Macedo-Ojeda ◽  
María Orozco-Valerio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Schools ◽  
Error Estimation ◽  
Error Rate ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Percentage Error ◽  
Public High Schools ◽  
Estimation Errors ◽  
Portion Sizes ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Almost All

The aim of the present study was to validate a food photograph album (FPA) as a tool to visually estimate food amounts, and to compare this estimation with that attained through the use of measuring cups (MC) and food models (FM). We tested 163 foods over fifteen sessions (thirty subjects/session; 10–12 foods presented in two portion sizes, 20–24 plates/session). In each session, subjects estimated food amounts with the assistance of FPA, MC and FM. We compared (by portion and method) the mean estimated weight and the mean real weight. We also compared the percentage error estimation for each portion, and the mean food percentage error estimation between methods. In addition, we determined the percentage error estimation of each method. We included 463 adolescents from three public high schools (mean age 17·1 (sd1·2) years, 61·8 % females). All foods were assessed using FPA, 53·4 % of foods were assessed using MC, and FM was used for 18·4 % of foods. The mean estimated weight with all methods was statistically different compared with the mean real weight for almost all foods. However, a lower percentage error estimation was observed using FPA (2·3v. 56·9 % for MC and 325 % for FM,P< 0·001). Also, when analysing error rate ranges between methods, there were more observations (P< 0·001) with estimation errors higher than 40 % with the MC (56·1 %), than with the FPA (27·5 %) and FM (44·9 %). In conclusion, although differences between estimated and real weight were statistically significant for almost all foods, comparisons between methods showed FPA to be the most accurate tool for estimating food amounts.

scholarly journals Ganglionic and non-ganglionic neurons in frog heart: do they differ?

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Darius Batulevičius ◽  
Gertrūda Skripkienė ◽  
Greta Graužinytė ◽  
Augustina Grigaitė ◽  
Valdas Skripka
Keyword(s):  
Rana Temporaria ◽  
Lucifer Yellow ◽  
Frog Heart ◽  
Total Length ◽  
Fluorescent Markers ◽  
Lucifer Yellow Ch ◽  
Frog Rana Temporaria ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Morphological Differences ◽  
Intracardiac Neurons

This study was designed to compare the morphology of neurons in relation to their distance from the major nerve trunks in the heart of the frog Rana temporaria. Seventy-nine intracardiac neurons were labelled intracellularly with fluorescent markers Lucifer Yellow CH and Alexa Fluor 568. The neurons located on the extensions of the vagus nerve were considered as ganglionic, while neurons spread loosely at further distance from these extensions were considered as non-ganglionic. The mean area of the soma in ganglionic neurons was about 25% larger than in non-ganglionic neurons. Ganglionic neurons had a higher soma area/nucleus area ratio than non-ganglionic neurons. Although both the total number and the total length of dendrite-like processes was similar between the two groups, ganglionic neurons had significantly fewer dendrite-like processes from the soma (1.5±0.3 vs. 3.9±1.0; P<0.05) and shorter total length of these processes from the soma (63±18 μm vs. 178±51 μm; P<0.05). In conclusion, ganglionic and non-ganglionic frog intracardiac neurons exhibit substantial morphological differences. We hypothesize that these differences may indicate different projections or variations in the number of their preganglionic inputs.

Application of the Mean-Variance Theory and Resampling Technique for the Italian Energy Portfolio Settlement

2013 ◽  
Vol 869-870 ◽  
pp. 581-592
Author(s):  
Mauro Arnesano ◽  
Antonio Paolo Carlucci ◽  
Giovanni D'Oria ◽  
Alessio Guadalupi ◽  
Domenico Laforgia
Keyword(s):  
Monte Carlo Simulation ◽  
Monte Carlo ◽  
Estimation Error ◽  
Efficient Frontier ◽  
Energy Generation ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Estimation Errors ◽  
Energy Mix ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Variance

The energy planning based on Mean - Variance theory, guides the investors in investment decisions, trying to maximize the return and minimize the risk of investment. However, this theory is based on strong hypotheses and, in addition, input data are often affected by estimation errors. Moreover, this theory determines poor diversification increasing return and risk of the portfolio, and strong variability of the outputs when inputs are varied.In the first part of the paper, the Mean - Variance theory was applied to the energy generation in Italy; in particular, the analysis was on the actual energy mix, but also assuming the use of nuclear technology and taking into account verisimilar improvement, of technologies in the future.On the other hand, in the second part of the paper, a methodology has been applied in order to limit the problems of Mean-Variance theory applied to the energy mix settlement. In particular, the input variables have been calculated using Monte Carlo simulation, in order to reduce the estimation error, and the Resampled EfficiencyTMtechnique has been applied in order to calculate the resulting new “average” efficient frontier. This methodology has been applied either not limiting or limiting the minimum and maximum percentage for every energy generation technology, in order to simulate constraints due, for example, to the technological characteristics of the plant, the availability of the sources and eventually to norms, to the territorial characteristics and to the socio-political choices. The application of Mean - Variance theory allowed to obtain energy portfolio, alternative to the actual, characterized by higher values of expected returns an lower values of risk.It was also shown that the application of the Resampled EfficiencyTMtechnique with data originated with the Monte Carlo simulation effectively tackles the problems of Mean - Variance theory; in this way, the decision maker is helped in making decisions in the energy system policy and development.Thanks to this approach, applied in particular to the Italian energy contest, it was also possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the introduced modifications to the Italian actual energy mix to achieve the 2020 European Energy Directive targets in particular concerning the reduction of CO2levels.

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