scholarly journals Explanatory profiles of models of consciousness- towards a systematic classification

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilo Miguel Signorelli ◽  
Joanna Szczotka ◽  
Robert Prentner
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Conscious Experience ◽  
Current Model ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Satisfactory Explanation ◽  
Systematic Classification ◽  
Experimental Protocols

Models of consciousness aim to inspire new experimental protocols and aid interpretations of empirical evidence to reveal the structure of conscious experience. Nevertheless, no current model is univocally accepted on either theoretical or empirical grounds. Moreover, a straightforward comparison is difficult for conceptual reasons. In particular, we argue that different models explicitly or implicitly subscribe to different notions of what constitutes a satisfactory explanation, use different tools in their explanatory endeavours, and even aim to explain very different phenomena. We thus present a framework to compare existing models in the field with respect to what we call their "explanatory profiles". We focus on the following minimal dimensions: mode of explanation, mechanisms of explanation, and target of explanation. We also discuss the empirical consequences of the discussed discrepancies among models. This approach may eventually lead to identifying driving assumptions, theoretical commitments, experimental predictions, and a better design of future testing experiments. Finally, our conclusion points to more integrative theoretical research, where axiomatic models may play a critical role in solving current theoretical and experimental contradictions.

scholarly journals Explanatory profiles of models of consciousness - towards a systematic classification

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilo Miguel Signorelli ◽  
Joanna Szczotka ◽  
Robert Prentner
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Conscious Experience ◽  
Current Model ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Satisfactory Explanation ◽  
Systematic Classification ◽  
Experimental Protocols

Abstract Models of consciousness aim to inspire new experimental protocols and aid interpretation of empirical evidence to reveal the structure of conscious experience. Nevertheless, no current model is univocally accepted on either theoretical or empirical grounds. Moreover, a straightforward comparison is difficult for conceptual reasons. In particular, we argue that different models explicitly or implicitly subscribe to different notions of what constitutes a satisfactory explanation, use different tools in their explanatory endeavours and even aim to explain very different phenomena. We thus present a framework to compare existing models in the field with respect to what we call their ‘explanatory profiles’. We focus on the following minimal dimensions: mode of explanation, mechanisms of explanation and target of explanation. We also discuss the empirical consequences of the discussed discrepancies among models. This approach may eventually lead to identifying driving assumptions, theoretical commitments, experimental predictions and a better design of future testing experiments. Finally, our conclusion points to more integrative theoretical research, where axiomatic models may play a critical role in solving current theoretical and experimental contradictions.

scholarly journals The Critical Role of Instructional Response for Identifying Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 53 (5) ◽  
pp. 343-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy Miciak ◽  
Jack M. Fletcher
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Fidelity Of Implementation ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Inadequate Response ◽  
Identification Process ◽  
Based Instruction

This article addresses the nature of dyslexia and best practices for identification and treatment within the context of multitier systems of support (MTSS). We initially review proposed definitions of dyslexia to identify key commonalities and differences in proposed attributes. We then review empirical evidence for proposed definitional attributes, focusing on key sources of controversy, including the role of IQ, instructional response, as well as issues of etiology and immutability. We argue that current empirical evidence supports a dyslexia classification marked by specific deficits in reading and spelling words combined with inadequate response to evidence-based instruction. We then propose a “hybrid” dyslexia identification process built to gather data relevant to these markers of dyslexia. We argue that this assessment process is best implemented within school-wide MTSS because it leverages data routinely collected in well-implemented MTSS, including documentation of student progress and fidelity of implementation. In contrast with other proposed methods for learning disability (LD) identification, the proposed “hybrid” method demonstrates strong evidence for valid decision-making and directly informs intervention.

Does usage of enterprise social media affect employee turnover? Empirical evidence from Chinese companies

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 970-992 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lu Yingjie ◽  
Shasha Deng ◽  
Taotao Pan
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Employee Turnover ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Enterprise Social Media ◽  
Job Levels ◽  
Social Use

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how the usage of enterprise social media (ESM) affects eventual employee turnover. Design/methodology/approach This study developed a theoretical model based on the proposition that different ESM usage behaviors (utilitarian use, hedonic use and social use) have different effects on employee turnover, and job type and job level can moderate the effect of ESM usage on turnover. The model was examined empirically using 1,791 employee samples from a large high-tech manufacturing enterprise deploying ESM. Findings The results indicate that the utilitarian and social use of ESM has negative effects on turnover, but the hedonic use of ESM has positive effects on turnover. Furthermore, for employees working in different job types and job levels, there are significant differences concerning the effect of ESM usage on their turnover. Practical implications ESM managers should encourage employees to use ESM for utilitarian needs and social support but restrict excessive use of ESM for leisure. In addition, different ESM use policies depending upon job types and job levels could be adopted to retain valuable employees. Originality/value Few studies have focused on how usage of ESM affects eventual employee turnover. Given the lack of theoretical research and empirical evidence, the authors developed a theoretical model and conducted an empirical study to fill the research gap.

Consciousness, awareness of insight and neural mechanisms of schizophrenia

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tereza Touskova ◽  
Petr Bob
Keyword(s):  
Information Integration ◽  
Conscious Experience ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Neural Mechanisms ◽  
The Other ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Synchronous Activity ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Mental Integration ◽  
The Brain

AbstractAccording to recent research, disturbances of self-awareness and conscious experience have a critical role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, and in this context, schizophrenia is currently understood as a disorder characterized by distortions of acts of awareness, self-consciousness, and self-monitoring. Together, these studies suggest that the processes of disrupted awareness and conscious disintegration in schizophrenia might be related and represented by similar disruptions on the brain level, which, in principle, could be explained by various levels of disturbed connectivity and information disintegration that may negatively affect usual patterns of synchronous activity constituting adaptive integrative functions of consciousness. On the other hand, mental integration based on self-awareness and insight may significantly increase information integration and directly influence neural mechanisms underlying basic pathophysiological processes in schizophrenia.

scholarly journals Characteristics of the mitochondrial and cellular uptake of MPP+, as probed by the fluorescent mimic, 4′I-MPP+

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mapa S.T. Mapa ◽  
Viet Q. Le ◽  
Kandatege Wimalasena
Keyword(s):  
Dopaminergic Neurons ◽  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Current Model ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Atp Depletion ◽  
Live Cells ◽  
Sodium Calcium Exchanger ◽  
Pharmacological Agents ◽  
Dopaminergic Cells ◽  
Environmental Hypothesis

AbstractThe discovery that 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) selectively destroys dopaminergic neurons and causes Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms in mammals has strengthened the environmental hypothesis of PD. The current model for the dopaminergic toxicity of MPP+ is centered on the uptake into dopaminergic neurons, accumulation into the mitochondria, inhibition of the complex-I leading to ATP depletion, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and apoptotic cell death. However, some aspects of this mechanism and the details of the cellular and mitochondrial accumulation of MPP+ are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to characterize a structural and functional MPP+ mimic which is suitable to study the cellular distribution and mitochondrial uptake of MPP+ in live cells and use it to identify the molecular details of these processes to advance the understanding of the mechanism of the selective dopaminergic toxicity of MPP+. Here we report the characterization of the fluorescent MPP+ derivative, 1-methyl-4-(4’-iodophenyl)pyridinium (4’I-MPP+), as a suitable candidate for this purpose. Using this novel probe, we show that cytosolic/mitochondrial Ca2+ play a critical role through sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX) in the mitochondrial and cellular accumulation of MPP+ suggesting for the first time that MPP+ and related mitochondrial toxins may also exert their toxic effects through the perturbation of Ca2+ homeostasis in dopaminergic cells. We also found that the specific mitochondrial NCX (mNCX) inhibitors protect dopaminergic cells from the MPP+ and 4’I-MPP+ toxicity, most likely through the inhibition of the mitochondrial uptake, which could potentially be exploited for the development of pharmacological agents to protect the central nervous system (CNS) dopaminergic neurons from PD-causing environmental toxins.

scholarly journals A pathway for wisdom-focused education

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Huynh ◽  
Igor Grossmann
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Cognitive Strategies ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Teaching Materials ◽  
Intellectual Humility ◽  
Flux Change ◽  
Situational Demands

Interest in the topic of wisdom-focused education has so far not resulted in empirically validated programs for teaching wisdom. To start filling this void, we explore the emerging empirical evidence concerning the fundamental elements required for understanding how one can foster wisdom, with a particular focus on wise reasoning. We define wise reasoning through a combination of intellectual humility, recognition of world in flux/change, open-mindedness to diverse viewpoints, and search for compromise/integration of diverse perspectives. In this paper, we review evidence concerning how wise reasoning can be facilitated through experiences, teaching materials, environments and cognitive strategies. We also focus on educators, reviewing emerging evidence on how the process of explaining and guiding others impacts one’s wisdom. We conclude by discussing the development of wisdom-focused education, proposing that greater attention to the situational demands and the variability in wisdom-related characteristics across social contexts should play a critical role in its development.

scholarly journals Critical Role for Cd8 in T Cell Receptor Binding and Activation by Peptide/Major Histocompatibility Complex Multimers

2000 ◽  
Vol 191 (2) ◽  
pp. 335-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Daniels ◽  
Stephen C. Jameson
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Receptor ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Current Model ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Peptide Ligands ◽  
Direct Role ◽  
Class I Mhc

Recent data using MHC/peptide tetramers and dimers suggests that the T cell coreceptors, CD4 and CD8, although important for T cell activation, do not play a direct role in facilitating T cell receptor (TCR) binding to multivalent MHC/peptide ligands. Instead, a current model proposes that coreceptors are recruited only after a stable TCR–MHC/peptide complex has already formed and signaled. In contrast, we show using multimeric class I MHC/peptide ligands that CD8 plays a critical (in some cases obligatory) role in antigen-specific TCR binding. T cell activation, measured by calcium mobilization, was induced by multimeric but not monomeric ligands and also showed CD8 dependency. Our analysis using anti-CD8 antibodies revealed that binding to different epitopes of CD8 can either block or augment TCR–MHC/peptide interaction. These effects on TCR binding to high-affinity agonist ligands were even more pronounced when binding to multimeric low-affinity ligands, including TCR antagonists, was studied. Our data have important implications for the role of CD8 in TCR binding to MHC/peptide ligands and in T cell activation. In addition, our results argue against the view that multimeric MHC/peptide ligands bind directly and solely to the TCR; rather, our data highlight a pivotal contribution of CD8 for this association.

Taking Care of Preschool Children Who Experience Traumatic Brain Injury

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-87
Author(s):  
Juliet Haarbauer-Krupa ◽  
Michael Brink
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Day Care ◽  
Current Model ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Emergency Department Visits ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Formal School

Background Children ages 5 years and younger have the highest incidence of emergency department visits for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and are most at risk for the effects of a TBI. Because they are not yet enrolled in formal school, there is not a direct pathway from health care to school that can offer a pathway for monitoring and care. The purpose of this article is to describe existing literature on preschool children with TBI and illustrate a model of care in the community for this population. Method Literature review and model program description were performed in this study. Findings Preschool children are typically seen annually for well visits by their pediatricians who can inquire about a TBI history and make appropriate referrals. Children in this age group are likely to be enrolled in day care and preschool settings where screenings and evaluations are conducted for parent and teacher concerns. A current model operating in Pennsylvania and Colorado is promising for identifying and serving children. Additional resources in existing systems can also help children obtain school supports. Discussion Children who experience a TBI prior to formal school entry are most likely to be in existing systems of health care and preschool/day care that can ask about a child's TBI history and screen for the impact of the TBI. Speech-language pathologists, who serve many existing systems where preschool children attend school and day care, can play a critical role in assessment and needs identification for preschool children.

scholarly journals On the lack of evidence that non-human animals possess anything remotely resembling a ‘theory of mind’

2007 ◽  
Vol 362 (1480) ◽  
pp. 731-744 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek C Penn ◽  
Daniel J Povinelli
Keyword(s):  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Mental State ◽  
Mental States ◽  
Compelling Evidence ◽  
Cognitive Agent ◽  
Experimental Protocols

After decades of effort by some of our brightest human and non-human minds, there is still little consensus on whether or not non-human animals understand anything about the unobservable mental states of other animals or even what it would mean for a non-verbal animal to understand the concept of a ‘mental state’. In the present paper, we confront four related and contentious questions head-on: (i) What exactly would it mean for a non-verbal organism to have an ‘understanding’ or a ‘representation’ of another animal's mental state? (ii) What should (and should not) count as compelling empirical evidence that a non-verbal cognitive agent has a system for understanding or forming representations about mental states in a functionally adaptive manner? (iii) Why have the kind of experimental protocols that are currently in vogue failed to produce compelling evidence that non-human animals possess anything even remotely resembling a theory of mind? (iv) What kind of experiments could, at least in principle, provide compelling evidence for such a system in a non-verbal organism?

An Aristotelian Critique of Situationism

Philosophy ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristján Kristjánsson
Keyword(s):  
Character Education ◽  
Virtue Ethics ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Folk Psychology ◽  
Moral Dilemma ◽  
Systematic Classification ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
The Stability

AbstractAristotle says that no human achievement has the stability of activities that express virtue. Ethical situationists consider this claim to be refutable by empirical evidence. If that is true, not only Aristotelianism, but folk psychology, contemporary virtue ethics and character education have all been seriously infirmed. The aim of this paper is threefold: (1) to offer a systematic classification of the existing objections against situationism under four main headings: ‘the methodological objection’, ‘the moral dilemma objection’, ‘the bullet-biting objection’ and ‘the anti-behaviouristic objection’; (2) to resuscitate a more powerful Aristotelian version of the ‘anti-behaviouristic objection’ than advanced by previous critics; and (3) to explore some of the implications of such resuscitation for our understanding of the salience of character and for future studies of its nature.

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