scholarly journals Distinct Profiles of 50 kHz Vocalizations Differentiate Between Social Versus Non-social Reward Approach and Consumption

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Seidisarouei ◽  
Sander van Gurp ◽  
Nicole Melisa Pranic ◽  
Irina Noguer Calabus ◽  
Marijn van Wingerden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vocal Communication ◽  
Preference Test ◽  
Acoustic Properties ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Social Reward ◽  
Vocal Responses ◽  
The Social ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Social Rewards

Social animals tend to possess an elaborate vocal communication repertoire, and rats are no exception. Rats utilize ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) to communicate information about a wide range of socially relevant cues, as well as information regarding the valence of the behavior and/or surrounding environment. Both quantitative and qualitative acoustic properties of these USVs are thought to communicate context-specific information to conspecifics. Rat USVs have been broadly categorized into 22 and 50 kHz call categories, which can be further classified into subtypes based on their sonographic features. Recent research indicates that the 50 kHz calls and their various subtype profiles may be related to the processing of social and non-social rewards. However, only a handful of studies have investigated USV elicitation in the context of both social and non-social rewards. Here, we employ a novel behavioral paradigm, the social-sucrose preference test, that allowed us to measure rats’ vocal responses to both non-social (i.e., 2, 5, and 10% sucrose) and social reward (interact with a Juvenile rat), presented concurrently. We analyzed adult male Long-Evans rats’ vocal responses toward social and non-social rewards, with a specific focus on 50 kHz calls and their 14 subtypes. We demonstrate that rats’ preference and their vocal responses toward a social reward were both influenced by the concentration of the non-social reward in the maze. In other words, rats showed a trade-off between time spent with non-social or social stimuli along with increasing concentrations of sucrose, and also, we found a clear difference in the emission of flat and frequency-modulated calls in the social and non-social reward zones. Furthermore, we report that the proportion of individual subtypes of 50 kHz calls, as well as the total USV counts, showed variation across different types of rewards as well. Our findings provide a thorough overview of rat vocal responses toward non-social and social rewards and are a clear depiction of the variability in the rat vocalization repertoire, establishing the role of call subtypes as key players driving context-specific vocal responses of rats.

scholarly journals Social context influences the acoustic properties of laughter

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrienne Wood
Keyword(s):  
Social Context ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Acoustic Properties ◽  
Social Reward ◽  
Functional Flexibility ◽  
Social Tension ◽  
The Social ◽  
Acoustic Variability ◽  
Social Tasks ◽  
Good For

Laughter serves different functions depending on the social context. Sometimes laughter feels good for producers and listeners, serving as a social reward. Sometimes laughter smooths over social tension, promoting affiliation. And sometimes laughter reprimands or teases the target, establishing dominance. The present study examines whether the acoustic properties of spontaneous laughter reflect the context in which it occurs. Pairs of participants (complete recordings N = 141) watched and discussed humorous videos associated with the social tasks of reward, affiliation, and dominance. The acoustic profiles of the 3,370 laughs extracted from their conversations depended on the social context. Affiliation laughter was shorter, quieter, and muffled, while dominance laughter was more unpleasant (e.g., brighter, less voiced, noisier). The combined acoustic variables discriminated at greater than chance accuracy between the social contexts. This research accounts for some of the acoustic variability of laughter and highlights the functional flexibility of nonverbal signals.

Science in the Social Media Age: Profiles of Science Blog Readers

2017 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 142-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paige Brown Jarreau ◽  
Lance Porter
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
The Social ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Science News ◽  
Science Media ◽  
Science Blogs ◽  
Super Users

Science blogs have become an increasingly important component of the ecosystem of science news on the Internet. Through a survey of 2,955 readers of 40 randomly selected science blogs, we created profiles of science blog users. Super users indicated reading science blogs for a wide range of reasons, including for community-seeking purposes. One-way entertainment users indicated reading blogs more for entertainment and ambiance. Unique information-seeking users indicated reading blogs more for specific information not found elsewhere. But regardless of science blog users’ motivations to read, they are sophisticated consumers of science media possessing high levels of scientific knowledge.

scholarly journals Dwarf mongoose alarm calls: investigating a complex non-human animal call

2020 ◽  
Vol 287 (1935) ◽  
pp. 20192514
Author(s):  
Katie Collier ◽  
Andrew N. Radford ◽  
Sabine Stoll ◽  
Stuart K. Watson ◽  
Marta B. Manser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Communication Systems ◽  
Vocal Communication ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Alarm Calls ◽  
Human Communication ◽  
Social Lives ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
The Social ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Individual

Communication plays a vital role in the social lives of many species and varies greatly in complexity. One possible way to increase communicative complexity is by combining signals into longer sequences, which has been proposed as a mechanism allowing species with a limited repertoire to increase their communicative output. In mammals, most studies on combinatoriality have focused on vocal communication in non-human primates. Here, we investigated a potential combination of alarm calls in the dwarf mongoose ( Helogale parvula ), a non-primate mammal. Acoustic analyses and playback experiments with a wild population suggest: (i) that dwarf mongooses produce a complex call type (T 3 ) which, at least at the surface level, seems to comprise units that are not functionally different to two meaningful alarm calls (aerial and terrestrial); and (ii) that this T 3 call functions as a general alarm, produced in response to a wide range of threats. Using a novel approach, we further explored multiple interpretations of the T 3 call based on the information content of the apparent comprising calls and how they are combined. We also considered an alternative, non-combinatorial interpretation that frames T 3 as the origin, rather than the product, of the individual alarm calls. This study complements previous knowledge of vocal combinatoriality in non-primate mammals and introduces an approach that could facilitate comparisons between different animal and human communication systems.

scholarly journals The Social versus Food Preference Test: A behavioral paradigm for studying competing motivated behaviors in rodents

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Reppucci ◽  
Alexa H Veenema
Keyword(s):  
Food Preference ◽  
Preference Test ◽  
Motivational State ◽  
Appropriate Behavior ◽  
The Social ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Behavioral Paradigm ◽  
Natural Settings ◽  
Motivated Behaviors ◽  
Rats And Mice

Abstract Behavior is influenced by a combination of factors, with the expression of the appropriate behavior dependent on an individual’s current motivational state and the presence of stimuli in their surrounding environment. Thus far, most laboratory studies have focused on uncovering the peripheral and central systems that regulate the expression of a single behavior or the expression of a suite of behaviors associated with a single motivational state. In natural settings, however, an individual can be simultaneously experiencing multiple motivational states with multiple choices of how to act. Yet, the direct assessment of the roles of peripheral and central systems in coordinating motivated behavioral choice is largely understudied. This may be due to a lack of behavioral tests that are suitable for such investigations. Here, we describe a recently developed behavioral paradigm, hereafter called the Social versus Food Preference Test. This behavioral paradigm was validated in both rats and mice and is highly flexible, which will allow addressing of a wide range of research questions concerning the peripheral and central systems that coordinate the choice to seek social interaction versus the choice to seek food.

A Color Coded STEM/SEM Image Storage System

1981 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 272-273
Author(s):  
Y. Kokubo ◽  
W. H. Hardy ◽  
J. Dance ◽  
K. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Image Processing ◽  
Electron Beam ◽  
Storage System ◽  
Particle Analysis ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Sem Image ◽  
Backscattered Electrons ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Scanning Electron

A color coded digital image processing is accomplished by using JEM100CX TEM SCAN and ORTEC’s LSI-11 computer based multi-channel analyzer (EEDS-II-System III) for image analysis and display. Color coding of the recorded image enables enhanced visualization of the image using mathematical techniques such as compression, gray scale expansion, gamma-processing, filtering, etc., without subjecting the sample to further electron beam irradiation once images have been stored in the memory.The powerful combination between a scanning electron microscope and computer is starting to be widely used 1) - 4) for the purpose of image processing and particle analysis. Especially, in scanning electron microscopy it is possible to get all information resulting from the interactions between the electron beam and specimen materials, by using different detectors for signals such as secondary electron, backscattered electrons, elastic scattered electrons, inelastic scattered electrons, un-scattered electrons, X-rays, etc., each of which contains specific information arising from their physical origin, study of a wide range of effects becomes possible.

Satu Kahkonen and Anthony Lanyi. Institutions, Incentives, and Economic Reforms in India. New Delhi: Sage Publications, 2000. 516 pages. Hardback. Price Indian Rs 595.00.

2001 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-74
Author(s):  
Attiya Y. Javed
Keyword(s):  
Reform Process ◽  
New Delhi ◽  
Social Rules ◽  
Reform Agenda ◽  
The Social ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Rural Governance ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
Economic Landscape ◽  
Number Of Authors

The economic reform process began in India in 1991. However, the reform agenda is still far from its goals as is evident from low per capita income. Thus, this reform effort has not produced the desired outcome of a faster rate of economic and social development in a meaningful way. It is the premise of this volume that to transform the social and economic landscape, the proposed reforms should be broadbased and multi-pronged which take into account incentives for the stockholders in both the private and public sectors. The institutions are the rules that govern economy and include the fundamental legal, political, and social rules that establish the basis for production, exchange, and distribution. The two editors of this volume have received contributions from a number of authors and the wide range of papers are grouped under five main headings: political economy of reforms, reforming public goods delivery, reform issues in agriculture and rural governance, and reforming the district and financial sector.

Qualitative Analysis of Underlying Factors Affecting Vaccine Hesitancy in Iran- A Study Protocol (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salime Goharinezhad
Keyword(s):  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Deep Understanding ◽  
World Health ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Slight Reduction ◽  
Cultural Variation ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Context Specific

BACKGROUND World Health Organization declared the vaccine hesitancy as a global public health threat in 2019. Since even a slight reduction in vaccine coverage rates can lead to a decrease in herd immunity, it is imperative to explore the underlying factors affecting vaccine hesitancy. in specific contexts, considering socioeconomic and cultural variation, to ensure interventions targeting hesitancy are well formulated and intervened. OBJECTIVE The main objective of this study is to identify underlying factors affecting vaccine hesitancy in Iran. METHODS A framework qualitative study will be conducted in the west of Tehran province in 2020. Participants in the study will be recruited hesitance-parents who extracted from the SIB system (an electronic health record in Iran) to maximize diversity. Interviews will be analyzed based on ''Determinants of Vaccine Hesitancy Matrix'' which developed by the WHO-SAGE Working Group. RESULTS deep understanding from the context-specific reasons for vaccine hesitancy cause to formulate better strategies to address them. The ultimate goal of this study is to inform future policies to increase the uptake of the vaccine in Iran. CONCLUSIONS This result of study will show variety opinions about vaccination among different types of socioeconomic and demographic households. The wide range of reasons related to vaccine hesitancy imply to more comprehensive, context-specific interventions. Today, the most important intervention issues focus on improving information about effectiveness and safety of vaccines, while other interventions for promoting vaccination is need to addressed.

Jumbos and Jumping Devils

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nisha P R
Keyword(s):  
Popular Culture ◽  
Cultural Studies ◽  
South Asia ◽  
Social History ◽  
Post Colonial ◽  
The Social ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
History Of

Jumbos and Jumping Devils is an original and pioneering exploration of not only the social history of the subcontinent but also of performance and popular culture. The domain of analysis is entirely novel and opens up a bolder approach of laying a new field of historical enquiry of South Asia. Trawling through an extraordinary set of sources such as colonial and post-colonial records, newspaper reports, unpublished autobiographies, private papers, photographs, and oral interviews, the author brings out a fascinating account of the transnational landscape of physical cultures, human and animal performers, and the circus industry. This book should be of interest to a wide range of readers from history, sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies to analysts of history of performance and sports in the subcontinent.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Acoustic Properties of Natural-Fiber-Based Materials and Composites: A Review

Textiles ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-85
Author(s):  
Tufail Hassan ◽  
Hafsa Jamshaid ◽  
Rajesh Mishra ◽  
Muhammad Qamar Khan ◽  
Michal Petru ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sound Absorption ◽  
Natural Fiber ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Fiber Type ◽  
Alkali Treatment ◽  
Acoustic Properties ◽  
Synthetic Fiber ◽  
Sound Insulation ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Wide Range

Recently, very rapid growth has been observed in the innovations and use of natural-fiber-based materials and composites for acoustic applications due to their environmentally friendly nature, low cost, and good acoustic absorption capability. However, there are still challenges for researchers to improve the mechanical and acoustic properties of natural fiber composites. In contrast, synthetic fiber-based composites have good mechanical properties and can be used in a wide range of structural and automotive applications. This review aims to provide a short overview of the different factors that affect the acoustic properties of natural-fiber-based materials and composites. The various factors that influence acoustic performance are fiber type, fineness, length, orientation, density, volume fraction in the composite, thickness, level of compression, and design. The details of various factors affecting the acoustic behavior of the fiber-based composites are described. Natural-fiber-based composites exhibit relatively good sound absorption capability due to their porous structure. Surface modification by alkali treatment can enhance the sound absorption performance. These materials can be used in buildings and interiors for efficient sound insulation.

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