scholarly journals Socio-spatial cognition in cats: Mentally mapping owner’s location from voice

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0257611
Author(s):  
Saho Takagi ◽  
Hitomi Chijiiwa ◽  
Minori Arahori ◽  
Atsuko Saito ◽  
Kazuo Fujita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Spatial Cognition ◽  
Mental Representations ◽  
Test Phase ◽  
Spatial Position ◽  
Auditory Stimuli ◽  
Habituation Phase ◽  
The Subject

Many animals probably hold mental representations about the whereabouts of others; this is a form of socio-spatial cognition. We tested whether cats mentally map the spatial position of their owner or a familiar cat to the source of the owner’s or familiar cat’s vocalization. In Experiment 1, we placed one speaker outside a familiar room (speaker 1) and another (speaker 2) inside the room, as far as possible from speaker 1, then we left the subject alone in the room. In the habituation phase, the cat heard its owner’s voice calling its name five times from speaker 1. In the test phase, shortly after the 5th habituation phase vocalization, one of the two speakers played either the owner’s voice or a stranger’s voice calling the cat’s name once. There were four test combinations of speaker location and sound: SamesoundSamelocation, SamesoundDifflocation, DiffsoundSamelocation, DiffsoundDifflocation. In line with our prediction, cats showed most surprise in the SamesoundDifflocation condition, where the owner suddenly seemed to be in a new place. This reaction disappeared when we used cat vocalizations (Experiment 2) or non-vocal sounds (Experiment 3) as the auditory stimuli. Our results suggest that cats have mental representations about their out-of-sight owner linked to hearing the owner’s voice, indicating a previously unidentified socio-spatial cognitive ability.

Visualisation of different harmonisations varying in mode, consonance & dissonance

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Giannos ◽  
George Athanasopoulos ◽  
Emilios Cambouropoulos
Keyword(s):  
Past Research ◽  
Auditory Stimuli ◽  
Modal Interaction ◽  
Variable Roughness ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
Listening Task ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Tonal Stimuli ◽  
Musical Elements

Visual associations with auditory stimuli have been the subject of numerous studies. Colour, shape, size, and several other parameters have been linked to musical elements like timbre and pitch. In this paper we aim to examine the relationship between harmonisations with varying degrees of dissonance and visual roughness. Based on past research in which high sensory dissonance was associated with angular shapes, we argued that non-tonal and highly dissonant harmonisations will be associated with angular and rough images, while more consonant stimuli will be associated with images of low visual roughness. A fixed melody was harmonised in 7 different styles, including highly tonal, non-tonal, and random variations. Through a listening task, musically trained participants rated the stimuli in terms of enjoyment, familiarity, and matched them to images of variable roughness. The overall consonance of the stimuli was calculated using two distinct models (Wang et al., 2013; Harrison & Pearce, 2020) and a variant of the aggregate dyadic consonance index (Huron, 1994). Our results demonstrate that dissonance, as calculated by all models, was highly correlated with visual roughness, and enjoyment and familiarity followed expected patterns compared to tonal and non-tonal stimuli. In addition to sensory dissonance, however, it appears that other factors, such as the typicality of chord progressions and the sense of tonality may also influence this cross-modal interaction.

TRANSCENDENTAL MATERIALISM OF METHOD

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (6/1) ◽  
pp. 127-134
Author(s):  
Valery G. KODOLA
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
Classical Concept ◽  
Living Thing ◽  
Abstract Knowledge ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Complex Knowledge ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Relationship

The classical concept of method is based on the cognitive ability of the “object of the living” and serves as a rationale for the relationship between the phenomena of sensation and thinking in the processes of interaction of the thinking being with an indefinitely large number of objects in a given area of existence. At the same time, knowledge of the signs of the existence of any object of concrete existence, which has a complex structure of regular signs of changes in the states and properties of its existence, is difficult in knowledge. In this regard, the subject of “pure abstraction” should be considered as the simplest in knowledge, knowledge of the signs of changing states and properties of which cannot be represented in the experience of sensations and thinking of the “object of the living”. In addition, in the worldview of a specific existence in a given area, the concept of a method is defined as a path from ignorance to knowledge, from simple knowledge to complex knowledge. And as a way to overcome this path is the “ascent” from the “abstract knowledge” to the “knowledge of the concrete”. However, the accepted terminology in the definition of the method shows a sign of contradiction due to the fact that in the concept of “abstract knowledge” there can be no signs of changes in the states and properties of the object, which could be felt and conceivable in the experience of the “living thing”. Because “abstract knowledge” by its definition can only be an attribute of the subject of “pure abstraction”, knowledge of the signs of changing states and properties of which are impossible in the experience of sensations and thinking of the thinking being. Moreover, the term “abstract”, which determines the knowledge of the “object of the simple” in the experience of thinking beings, can only be a term that defines the ratio of the ability of the representations of the being thinking about the object of “simple knowledge”, showing signs of concrete existence in a given area. Therefore, in the representation of transcendental materialism in the concept of the method is the possibility of “mental reincarnation” of complex knowledge about the signs of changes in the states and properties of the object of concrete existence, by “descending” to its “sources” in the signs of changes in the states and properties of the object “pure abstraction”. From the “knowledge of the complex” to the “knowledge of the simple”.

Do Rotation Coordinates Provide the Substrate for a Mental Protractor?

Perception ◽  
10.1068/p5338 ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 34 (11) ◽  
pp. 1339-1352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernest Greene ◽  
William Frawley
Keyword(s):  
Visual Cortex ◽  
Primary Visual Cortex ◽  
Angular Position ◽  
Spatial Position ◽  
Angular Measure ◽  
Relative Angle ◽  
Brain Maps ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Brain

In previous studies, we have found that the accuracy in judging collinearity of lines or dots varies considerably from one subject to another as a function of the relative angle of the stimulus elements. A model of errors generally shows large excursions across several subranges of angular position. These do not appear to be motor errors, at least not ones that are well separated from perceptual mechanisms. The errors are most likely generated at primary visual cortex, or beyond. We examined and modeled accuracy in judging collinearity of dot pairs, varying the angular position of the dots through 360°, the distance between the dots (stimulus span), and the distance at which the subject was required to respond (response span). Subjects manifested idiosyncratic profiles of error across angular positions, as reported previously. But across the tested range of spans, from 4 to 8 deg, the errors tended to be the same, irrespective of stimulus or response span. This suggests that the judgments are based on a radial (angular) measure of spatial position. We discuss these results in the context of proposals that the brain maps spatial position using rotation coordinates. These new data are consistent with the hypothesis that subjects use the z-axis coordinates as a mental protractor for judging angular position and collinearity.

scholarly journals What would happen if we strew sugar in water or oil? Predictions and drawings of pre-schoolers

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 579-585
Author(s):  
Maria-Antonia Panagiotaki ◽  
Konstantinos Ravanis
Keyword(s):  
Mental Representations ◽  
Solid Substance ◽  
Main Subject ◽  
Significant Percentage ◽  
The Subject

In this article, we will present a research on the tracing of pre-school students’ mental representations on the phenomenon of dissolution of solids in a liquid. Thirty-one children drawn out of four different kindergarten classes participate in this research. The main subject of this research was the listing and ranking of 5-6 year old children’s representations, when called to predict problems concerning the dissolution of a solid substance in two different liquids (water or oil). The approach was qualitative and the research was carried out based on personal interviews and children’s drawings. The results showed that a significant percentage of the subject sample does not detect differences between the dissolution of sugar in water or oil, that there are major differences when children draw or predict and that while in their drawings children seem to comprehend the preservation of sugar in the solution, in their predictions many of them view that sugar is not preserved.

scholarly journals MODELING OF THE SEMANTIC RELATIONS IN COMPARATIVE STRUCTURES

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (9(77)) ◽  
pp. 269-272
Author(s):  
Tetiana Koropatnitska
Keyword(s):  
Mental Representations ◽  
Semantic Relations ◽  
Semantic Interpretation ◽  
German Language ◽  
Semantic Model ◽  
Formal Expression ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Quantitative Correlation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Subject

Two universal semantic formulas are approved and confirmed for comparison-assimilation and for contrastive comparison. They are relevant for different distributive comparison models, regardless of its formal expression. Our research is the part of the analysis of the comparative structures with wie/als Markers in Contemporary German Language and aims at revealing qualitative and quantitative correlation between components of the comparative frame models with the help of symbols. We try to model universal semantic formulae for comparison-assimilation and for contrastive comparison that are suitable for various distributive models of comparison and help to enable semantic interpretation of comparison irrespectively of the variety of their formal expression. To define the components of the semantics model of comparison we have selected such terms as referent, module and correlate that, in our opinion, explicitly illustrate the vast system of comparison verbalization in the contemporary German language. Category of comparison has a wide range of means of linguistic representation – morphological, word forming, lexical, syntax. However, three first ones do not exist beyond the framework of syntagmatics and their compatibility with other language units transfers them into the components of the syntax structures with comparative semantics. Comparison as cognitive mechanism and means of controlling mental representations implies the subject of the comparison. We have singled out the means for the subject of the comparison and stated that the element “subject of the comparison” unites two possible variants: “mentioned subject of the comparison” and “addresser”. These variants are the basis for the two ways of implementation of the semantic model of comparison: comparative structures with wie/als markers with subject of the comparison and structures with wie/als markers without subject of the comparison.

Profile clusters in the WAIS–R standardization sample

1997 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOHN A. SCHINKA ◽  
RODNEY D. VANDERPLOEG
Keyword(s):  
Marital Status ◽  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Clustering Algorithm ◽  
Cluster Solution ◽  
Clustering Methods ◽  
Standardization Sample ◽  
Subject Selection ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Hierarchical Clustering Algorithm ◽  
The Average Range

In this study we applied clustering procedures to a subgroup of 341 participants from the WAIS–R standardization sample. These individuals were selected by virtue of their having full-scale profiles characterized by scatter of greater than 8 scaled scores. Using a hierarchical clustering algorithm, a multistage procedure was used to establish and evaluate a cluster solution. The subject selection and clustering methods were successful in revealing a set of 9 profile types characterized by unique profile shapes. All profiles were associated with FSIQs that were at least in the average range. Seven of the profiles were characterized by specific subtest strengths, only 1 with subtest weaknesses. Examination of the external correlates of profile membership revealed differences among profile groups for age, marital status, education, and occupation. Our findings suggest that variability in and across the 9 profile types in this sample reflects increased contributions of unique abilities in comparison to the influence of the underlying primary and secondary WAIS–R dimensions of cognitive ability. (JINS, 1997, 3, 120–127.)

scholarly journals A Basic Framework of View Systems Allowing Teleoperators to Pre-Acquire Spatial Knowledge from Survey and Route Perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 309-332
Author(s):  
Ryuya Sato ◽  
Mitsuhiro Kamezaki ◽  
Shigeki Sugano ◽  
Hiroyasu Iwata
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Cognition ◽  
Mental Representations ◽  
Cognitive Maps ◽  
Environmental Information ◽  
Spatial Knowledge ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Work Efficiency ◽  
External View ◽  
Heavy Machinery ◽  
Task Time

One of the most important problems in teleoperation of heavy machinery is that the work efficiency of teleoperation is lower than half that of a typical boarding operation. This difference is primarily caused by operators' difficulty in creating mental representations (i.e., cognitive maps) of work sites. Operators have two opportunities to acquire information, namely before work and during work, because the introduction of teleoperation requires about one week. Therefore, we have developed a view system to be used before work to provide environmental information concerning work sites on the basis of human spatial cognition. Cognitive maps can be built by acquiring knowledge from two perspectives—the survey perspective and the route perspective. We display an external view from any viewpoint to acquire knowledge from a survey perspective and a view from an operator's viewpoint, which can be modified by the operator's intention to acquire knowledge from the route perspective. Experimental results using a simulator suggested that a proposed view system could help operators acquire cognitive maps, which may lead to a decrease in task time, the number of stops, and the moving distance and an increase in speed during grasping.

Assessment of patient decision-making capacity in the context of voluntary euthanasia for psychic suffering caused by psychiatric disorders: a qualitative study of approaches among Belgian physicians

2020 ◽  
pp. medethics-2019-105690
Author(s):  
Frank Schweitser ◽  
Johan Stuy ◽  
Wim Distelmans ◽  
Adelheid Rigo
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Psychiatric Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Voluntary Euthanasia ◽  
Patient Decision Making ◽  
Patient Decision ◽  
Decision Making Capacity ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Values And Beliefs ◽  
The Subject

ObjectiveIn Belgium, people with an incurable psychiatric disorder can file a request for euthanasia claiming unbearable psychic suffering. For the request to be accepted, it has to meet stringent legal criteria. One of the requirements is that the patient possesses decision-making capacity. The patient’s decision-making capacity is assessed by physicians.The objective of our study is to provide insight in the assessment of decision-making capacity in the context of euthanasia for patients with psychic suffering caused by a psychiatric disorder.MethodTwenty-two semistructured interviews with psychiatrists and neurologists were analysed with NVivo, a qualitative analysis software to code and organise transcribed data.ResultsDifferent views and approaches regarding decision-making capacity in the context of euthanasia emerged from the data.Most of the physicians have some knowledge of the cognitive ability approach on decision-making capacity. According to this approach, four abilities constitute decision-making capacity: communication, understanding, appreciation and reasoning. We observed differences in the way these abilities are valued in relation to competence. Some physicians take additional elements into consideration when assessing decision-making capacity.Physicians acquired their knowledge on the subject in many different ways. Most of the physicians reported that decision-making capacity was not part of their training.ConclusionWe conclude that physicians assess decision-making capacity in different ways and that personal values and beliefs influence their approach. As such, a common approach in assessing the decision-making capacity of a patient among the interviewed physicians is lacking. Less arbitrariness could be obtained by consistently implementing the cognitive ability approach.

INFORMATION STRUCTURE AND SENTENCE FORM: TOPIC, FOCUS, AND THE MENTAL REPRESENTATIONS OF DISCOURSE REFERENTS.Knud Lambrecht. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994. Pp. xvi + 388. $54.95 cloth.

1997 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 403-405
Author(s):  
William Frawley
Keyword(s):  
Information Structure ◽  
Mental Representations ◽  
Cambridge University ◽  
Sentence Form ◽  
Discourse Grammar ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Comprehensive Study

When I saw that this book was a comprehensive study of the relationships across discourse, grammar, and prosody, my spirits sagged. “Oh, no,” I thought. “Not this story again.” But 20 pages into the book I realized that Lambrecht had taken a new and sobering approach to the subject, tackling a very hard subject and giving convincing answers with clear data.

The Averaged Evoked Response to Auditory Stimulation

1966 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 361-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lloyd L. Price ◽  
Benjamin Rosenblüt ◽  
Robert Goldstein ◽  
David C. Shepherd
Keyword(s):  
Contralateral Side ◽  
Auditory Stimulation ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Evoked Response ◽  
Auditory Stimuli ◽  
Frequency Of Occurrence ◽  
Ipsilateral Side ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Positive Peak ◽  
Older Subjects

Evoked responses of 160 normal-hearing subjects to auditory stimuli (clicks) were recorded, and data related to the latency, amplitude, and frequency of occurrence of various late components were studied. Negative peaks (vertex referred to earlobe) at 85 and 260 msec and a positive peak at 160 msec occurred often enough and with sufficient amplitude to be useful as indicators of response to auditory stimulation. Frequency of occurrence and latency did not appear related to the race, sex, or age of the subject nor to the side of the head from which the recording was taken. The amplitudes are related to these variables. White subjects gave larger responses than colored subjects, females gave larger responses than males, younger and older subjects gave larger responses than those in between, and the responses from the contralateral side of the head (re stimulated ear) tended to be larger than those from the ipsilateral side. Thresholds for the evoked response to clicks are very near voluntary thresholds for the same stimuli in normal-hearing young adults.

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