scholarly journals Do chimpanzee pant hoots have semantic content?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petar Gabrić
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Animal Cognition ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Semantic Content ◽  
Field Station ◽  
Pant Hoot ◽  
Important Addition ◽  
Semantic Compositionality ◽  
Budongo Forest ◽  
Existing Data

I read with great interest the exciting study by Leroux et al. [(2021) Anim Behav 179, 49–50] who investigated the nature of pant-hoot–food-call combinations in a community of wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) at the Budongo Conservation Field Station, Budongo Forest, Uganda. The authors propose, among others, that they reveal the first evidence that wild chimpanzees are able “to combine meaning-bearing units into larger structures” (i.e., that they are capable of semantic compositionality and, by extension, syntax). Their analysis represents an important addition to a growing body of research and discussions on communicational combinatoriality in wild primates and specifically apes, and, by extension, extinct hominins. Incidentally, I have recently published a paper in Animal Cognition in which I also suggested, based on a reanalysis of existing data, that wild chimpanzees can display semantic compositionality and syntax in their communication [Gabrić (2021) Anim Cogn, online ahead of print]. In the present commentary, I argue that Leroux et al.’s (2021) interpretation of the data may be ungrounded given that (1) unlike for food calls, there is currently very little if any indication in the scientific literature that pant-hoots have semantic content (i.e., are meaningful) and given that (2) Leroux et al. (2021) did not investigate their a priori assumption that the observed pant-hoots are in fact semantic. Since pant-hoots feature prominently in the chimpanzee vocal repertoire and the debate on their eventual semanticity is still wide open, this represents a fine opportunity to revisit this issue in the context of Leroux et al.’s (2021) study. Their paper further raises several other less significant questions.

scholarly journals Theoretical and empirical study of the phenomenon of emotional deprivation

2021 ◽  
pp. 62-69
Author(s):  
Natalia Tsumarieva
Keyword(s):  
Mental State ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Semantic Content ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Psychosomatic Disorders ◽  
Study Analysis ◽  
Emotional Needs ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Emotional Deprivation ◽  
Negative Feelings

The aim of this article is the implementation of theoretical and empirical analysis of the essence of emotionality. Methods of study: analysis, comparison and systematization of the scientific literature concerning the phenomenon of an emotional deprivation, observation, analysis of the documentation, the method of the peer review, a conversation, a testing, a survey for the identification of the consequences of the emotional deprivation. Results. We figured out that emotional deprivation very closely connected with other kinds of deprivation and is part of the mental deprivation. The semantic content of the notion "emotional deprivation" depends on the conceptual and theoretical approaches of the author, studying of the specific conditions of its origin and also the specific of age group. However most scientists continue determine emotional deprivation as a category of mental state of the personality. Emotional deprivation is an instrument of change and transformation in the psychics, affects somatic health, causes psychosomatic disorders and mental disorders. It is generalized that emotional deprivation through negative feelings and emotions affects other mental spheres of personality – volitional, intellectual, motivational, value-oriented, changing them, deforming, complicating, ie affects the psyche in general. Conclu s ion s . Emotional deprivation can't be equated as a mental state, because it is connected indirectly with the mental state of the deprived personality, but it isn't one. To our mind, emotional deprivation is a process of long lasting stay of the personality in conditions of emotionally impoverished environment, conditioned by displeasure of emotional needs, loss, limitation, insufficiency or absence of abilities for installation of close connections, contacts and interaction with a significant person. It causes dysfunction, breaches and disarrays of the mental sphere of a personality.

scholarly journals An update on magnetic resonance imaging markers in AD

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 175628642094798
Author(s):  
Michela Leocadi ◽  
Elisa Canu ◽  
Davide Calderaro ◽  
Davide Corbetta ◽  
Massimo Filippi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Deep Understanding ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Brain Structure And Function

The purpose of the present review is to provide an update of the available recent scientific literature on the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). MRI is playing an increasingly important role in the characterization of the AD signatures, which can be useful in both the diagnostic process and monitoring of disease progression. Furthermore, this technique is unique in assessing brain structure and function and provides a deep understanding of in vivo evolution of cerebral pathology. In the reviewing process, we established a priori criteria and we thoroughly searched the very recent scientific literature (January 2018–March 2020) for relevant articles on this topic. In summary, we selected 73 articles out of 1654 publications retrieved from PubMed. Based on this selection, this review summarizes the recent application of MRI in clinical trials, defining the predementia stages of AD, the clinical utility of MRI, proposal of novel biomarkers and brain regions of interest, and assessing the relationship between MRI and cognitive features, risk and protective factors of AD. Finally, the value of a multiparametric approach in clinical and preclinical stages of AD is discussed.

scholarly journals Recent updates on the possible reasons for the low incidence and morbidity of COVID-19 cases in Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Kagning Tsinda ◽  
Gideon Sadikiel Mmbando
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Host Factors ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Epidemiological Risk ◽  
Immunological Factors ◽  
Low Incidence ◽  
Published Research ◽  
Existing Data

Abstract Background The COVID-19 respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 has been a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide since the first reported case in Wuhan, China. A year has passed since pandemic began, and the reasons for different COVID-19 burden variation across continents keep puzzling the general public. Main body of the abstract Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, published research articles have addressed the epidemiological risk factors, host factors, susceptibility and immunity. To ascertain possible reasons for the different rates of COVID-19 infections between Africa and other continents, we summarized the up-to-date scientific literature to identify possible arguments in this regard. Available literature suggests that demographic, epidemiological, sociological, genetic and immunological factors contribute in the COVID-19 severity and the susceptibly to SARS-CoV-2. Short conclusion This review summarizes existing data and discusses reasons for differential COVID-19 burden across continents. The arguments mentioned herein will be helpful to guide future experimental studies to test different hypotheses.

scholarly journals Individual differences in encoded neural representations within cortical speech production network

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine L Alfred ◽  
Justin C Hayes ◽  
Rachel Pizzie ◽  
Joshua S. Cetron ◽  
David J. M. Kraemer
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Speech Production ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Stimulus Presentation ◽  
Semantic Content ◽  
Neural Representation ◽  
Production Network ◽  
Neural Representations

Individual differences in patterns of attention and thought can vary so greatly that two individuals presented with the same information may encode distinct representations. When presented with a stimulus to be recalled later, the information an individual encodes is dependent on the features of the stimulus to which one attends. Past studies have shown that, on the group level, verbal and visual information (e.g., words and pictures) are encoded in disparate regions of the brain. However, this account conflates external and internal representational formats, and it also neglects individual differences in attention. In this study, we examined neural and cognitive patterns associated with individual differences in attention to verbal representations—both external and internal. We found that the encoded neural representation of semantic content (meaningful words and pictures) varied as a function of individual differences in verbal attention, independent of the stimulus presentation format. Individuals who demonstrated an attentive bias toward words showed similar multivariate BOLD activity patterns within an a priori speech production network when encoding object names as when encoding pictures of objects. This result indicates that these individuals use a common process to encode meaningful words and pictures. These effects were not found for non-semantic stimuli (pronounceable non-words and nonsense pictures). Importantly, as expected, no individual differences in neural representation were found in a separate network of regions known to process semantic content independent of format. These results highlight inter-individual divergence and convergence in internal representations of encoded semantic content.

scholarly journals Transdisciplinary approach to solving conservation challenges: A case of Budongo Conservation Field Station, Uganda

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Asiimwe ◽  
Geoffrey Muhanguzi ◽  
Eric Okwir ◽  
Paul Okimat ◽  
Andrew W Bugenyi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Anthropogenic Factors ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Gastrointestinal Infections ◽  
Severe Injuries ◽  
Transdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Field Station ◽  
Budongo Forest

The conservation of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) faces complex and dynamic threats, deriving mostly from anthropogenic factors such as high density and poverty in local human populations. One specific threat is poaching, which contributes to both permanent physical disabilities in chimpanzees and cross-species disease transmission. In the Sonso chimpanzee community, Budongo forest, Uganda, over 20% chimpanzees are permanently disabled by indiscriminate poachers’ snare-trap. While severe injuries can sometimes result in death, little is known about the long-term health impacts of poaching to chimpanzees or possible effective mitigation measures. To combat and monitor the complexities of conservation threats, a holistic transdisciplinary approach is required and as a result, the Budongo Conservation Field Station (BCFS) has implemented a comprehensive strategy. Instead of focusing solely on chimpanzee health, our multi-faced tit-for-tat approach also incorporates education and action measures for local communities living adjacent to the forest. To reduce poaching, we provide alternative livelihood sources, veterinary services and education while concurrently employing their local indigenous knowledge of poaching practices to more effectively locate snares/traps in the forest. To mitigate disease transmission across species, beneficiaries in incentive programs must have functional sanitation facilities. To consistently monitor threats and conservation impacts, we routinely collect data on snare recovery and infectious disease prevalence in chimpanzees, humans and livestock. Our preliminary results, since the programs’ inception, show a reduction in respiratory and gastrointestinal infections coupled with an increase in snare recovery from the forest. These findings suggest that our holistic approach is effective in mitigating the threats to chimpanzees in Budongo forest.

How much searching is enough? Comprehensive versus optimal retrieval for technology assessments

2010 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 431-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Booth
Keyword(s):  
A Priori ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Stopping Rules ◽  
Literature Searching ◽  
Formal Evaluation ◽  
Capture Recapture ◽  
Theoretical Saturation ◽  
Existing Data ◽  
Specific Impact ◽  
Optimal Retrieval

Objectives:The aim of this study is to review briefly different methods for determining the optimal retrieval of studies for inclusion in a health technology assessment (HTA) report.Methods:This study reviews the methodology literature related to specific methods for evaluating yield from literature searching strategies and for deciding whether to continue or desist in the searching process.Results:Eight different methods were identified. These include using the Capture–recapture technique; obtaining Feedback from the commissioner of the HTA report; seeking the Disconfirming case; undertaking comparison against a known Gold standard; evaluating retrieval of Known items; recognizing the Law of diminishing returns, specifyinga prioriStopping rules, and identifying a point of Theoretical saturation.Conclusions:While this study identified a variety of possible methods, there has been very little formal evaluation of the specific strengths and weaknesses of the different techniques. The author proposes an evaluation agenda drawing on an examination of existing data together with exploration of the specific impact of missing relevant studies.

scholarly journals Old and New Approaches to Animal Cognition: There Is Not “One Cognition”

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliane Bräuer ◽  
Daniel Hanus ◽  
Simone Pika ◽  
Russell Gray ◽  
Natalie Uomini
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Animal Cognition ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Human Model ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
Animal Minds ◽  
Selection Pressures ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Empirical Perspective

Using the comparative approach, researchers draw inferences about the evolution of cognition. Psychologists have postulated several hypotheses to explain why certain species are cognitively more flexible than others, and these hypotheses assume that certain cognitive skills are linked together to create a generally “smart” species. However, empirical findings suggest that several animal species are highly specialized, showing exceptional skills in single cognitive domains while performing poorly in others. Although some cognitive skills may indeed overlap, we cannot a priori assume that they do across species. We argue that the term “cognition” has often been used by applying an anthropocentric viewpoint rather than a biocentric one. As a result, researchers tend to overrate cognitive skills that are human-like and assume that certain skills cluster together in other animals as they do in our own species. In this paper, we emphasize that specific physical and social environments create selection pressures that lead to the evolution of certain cognitive adaptations. Skills such as following the pointing gesture, tool-use, perspective-taking, or the ability to cooperate evolve independently from each other as a concrete result of specific selection pressures, and thus have appeared in distantly related species. Thus, there is not “one cognition”. Our argument is founded upon traditional Darwinian thinking, which—although always at the forefront of biology—has sometimes been neglected in animal cognition research. In accordance with the biocentric approach, we advocate a broader empirical perspective as we are convinced that to better understand animal minds, comparative researchers should focus much more on questions and experiments that are ecologically valid. We should investigate nonhuman cognition for its own sake, not only in comparison to the human model.

scholarly journals Transdisciplinary approach to solving conservation challenges: A case of Budongo Conservation Field Station, Uganda

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Asiimwe ◽  
Geoffrey Muhanguzi ◽  
Eric Okwir ◽  
Paul Okimat ◽  
Andrew W Bugenyi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Anthropogenic Factors ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Gastrointestinal Infections ◽  
Severe Injuries ◽  
Transdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Field Station ◽  
Budongo Forest

The conservation of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) faces complex and dynamic threats, deriving mostly from anthropogenic factors such as high density and poverty in local human populations. One specific threat is poaching, which contributes to both permanent physical disabilities in chimpanzees and cross-species disease transmission. In the Sonso chimpanzee community, Budongo forest, Uganda, over 20% chimpanzees are permanently disabled by indiscriminate poachers’ snare-trap. While severe injuries can sometimes result in death, little is known about the long-term health impacts of poaching to chimpanzees or possible effective mitigation measures. To combat and monitor the complexities of conservation threats, a holistic transdisciplinary approach is required and as a result, the Budongo Conservation Field Station (BCFS) has implemented a comprehensive strategy. Instead of focusing solely on chimpanzee health, our multi-faced tit-for-tat approach also incorporates education and action measures for local communities living adjacent to the forest. To reduce poaching, we provide alternative livelihood sources, veterinary services and education while concurrently employing their local indigenous knowledge of poaching practices to more effectively locate snares/traps in the forest. To mitigate disease transmission across species, beneficiaries in incentive programs must have functional sanitation facilities. To consistently monitor threats and conservation impacts, we routinely collect data on snare recovery and infectious disease prevalence in chimpanzees, humans and livestock. Our preliminary results, since the programs’ inception, show a reduction in respiratory and gastrointestinal infections coupled with an increase in snare recovery from the forest. These findings suggest that our holistic approach is effective in mitigating the threats to chimpanzees in Budongo forest.

Biochar

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Ecology ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Regulatory Agencies ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Right ◽  
Intended Use ◽  
Existing Data

Interest in biochar among soil and environment researchers has increased dramatically over the past decade. Biochar initially attracted attention for its potential to improve soil fertility and to uncouple the carbon cycle, by storing carbon from the atmosphere in a form that can remain stable for hundreds to thousands of years. Later it was found that biochar had applications in environmental and water science, mining, microbial ecology and other fields. Beneficial effects of biochar and its environmental applications cannot be fully realised unless the chemical, physical, structural and surface properties of biochar are known. Currently many of the analytical procedures used for biochar analysis are not well defined, which makes it difficult to choose the right biochar for an intended use and to compare the existing data for biochars. Also, in some instances the use of inappropriate procedures has led to erroneous or inaccurate values for biochars in the scientific literature. Biochar: A Guide to Analytical Methods fills this gap and provides procedures and guidelines for routine and advanced characterisation of biochars. Written by experts, each chapter provides background to a technique or procedure, a stepwise guide to analyses, and includes data for biochars made from a range of feedstocks common to all presented methods. Discussion about the unique features, advantages and disadvantages of a particular technique is an explicit focus of this handbook for biochar analyses. Biochar is primarily intended for researchers, postgraduate students and practitioners who require knowledge of biochar properties. It will also serve as an important resource for researchers, industry and regulatory agencies dealing with biochar.

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