scholarly journals Bigfin reef squid demonstrate capacity for conditional discrimination and projected future carbon dioxide levels have no effect on learning capabilities

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e9865
Author(s):  
Blake L. Spady ◽  
Sue-Ann Watson
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Ocean Acidification ◽  
Conditional Discrimination ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Physiological Mechanism ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Task Completion ◽  
Learning Abilities ◽  
Learning Capabilities

Anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are being absorbed by the oceans, a process known as ocean acidification, and risks adversely affecting a variety of behaviours in a range of marine species, including inhibited learning in some fishes. However, the effects of elevated CO2 on learning in advanced invertebrates such as cephalopods are unknown. Any impacts to the learning abilities of cephalopods could have far-reaching consequences for their populations and the communities they inhabit. Cephalopods have some of the most advanced cognitive abilities among invertebrates and are one of the few invertebrate taxa in which conditional discrimination has been demonstrated, though the trait has not been demonstrated in any species of squid. Here, we tested for the first time the capacity for conditional discrimination in a squid species (Sepioteuthis lessoniana). Furthermore, we investigated the effects of projected future CO2 levels (1,084 µatm) on conditional discrimination and learning more generally. A three-task experiment within a two-choice arena was used to test learning and conditional discrimination. Learning was measured by improvements in task completion in repeated trials over time and the number of trials required to pass each task. Squid exhibited significant learning capabilities, with an increase in correct choices over successive trials and a decrease in the number of trials needed to complete the successive tasks. Six of the 12 squid tested successfully passed all three tasks indicating a capacity for conditional discrimination in the species. Elevated CO2 had no effect on learning or on the capacity for conditional discrimination in squid. This study highlights the remarkable cognitive abilities of S. lessoniana, demonstrated by their capacity for conditional discrimination, and suggests that ocean acidification will not compromise learning abilities. However, other behavioural traits in the species have been shown to be altered at comparable elevated CO2 conditions. It is not clear why some ecologically important behaviours are altered by elevated CO2 whereas others are unaffected. Future research should focus on the physiological mechanism responsible for altered behaviours in squid at elevated CO2.

scholarly journals The Bioactive Potential of Trawl Discard: Case Study from a Crinoid Bed Off Blanes (North-Western Mediterranean)

Marine Drugs ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 83
Author(s):  
Alfredo García-de-Vinuesa ◽  
Montserrat Demestre ◽  
Arnau Carreño ◽  
Josep Lloret
Keyword(s):  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Fish Habitat ◽  
Antibacterial Properties ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Trawl Survey ◽  
Bioactive Potential

Although knowledge of the bioactive compounds produced by species inhabiting coastal waters is increasing, little is known about the bioactive potential produced by marine species occupying deeper habitats with high biodiversity and productivity. Here, we investigate about the bioactive potential of molecules produced by species that inhabit the crinoid beds, a poorly known essential fish habitat affected by trawling, wherein large amounts of commercial and noncommercial species are discarded. Based on a trawl survey conducted in 2019, 14% of the 64 species discarded on crinoid beds produce molecules with some type of bioactive potential, including; soft corals (Alcyonium palmatum); tunicates (Ascidia mentula); bony fish, such as horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus); European hake (Merluccius merluccius); and chondrichthyans, such as small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula). In addition, 16% of the discarded species had congeneric species that produce compounds with bioactive potential, indicating that such species might also possess similar types of bioactive molecules. Molecules with antioxidant, antitumour, antihypertensive, and antibacterial properties were the most frequent, which could provide the basis for future research aiming to discover new marine-based drugs and compounds for other human uses. Among all species or genera that produce compounds with bioactive potential, 68% presented medium or high vulnerability to trawling. Results show that the discarded catch contains many species, which produce different bioactive compounds that represent an added-value resource. These results highlight the importance of manage properly crinoid beds, to ensure that species that produce molecules with bioactive potential inhabiting these habitats are protected.

Vision-based Autonomous Vehicle Recognition

2021 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-37
Author(s):  
Azzedine Boukerche ◽  
Xiren Ma
Keyword(s):  
Deep Learning ◽  
Intelligent Transportation Systems ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Autonomous Vehicle ◽  
Transportation Systems ◽  
Regional Security ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Learning Abilities ◽  
Vehicle Recognition ◽  
Model Recognition

Vision-based Automated Vehicle Recognition (VAVR) has attracted considerable attention recently. Particularly given the reliance on emerging deep learning methods, which have powerful feature extraction and pattern learning abilities, vehicle recognition has made significant progress. VAVR is an essential part of Intelligent Transportation Systems. The VAVR system can fast and accurately locate a target vehicle, which significantly helps improve regional security. A comprehensive VAVR system contains three components: Vehicle Detection (VD), Vehicle Make and Model Recognition (VMMR), and Vehicle Re-identification (VRe-ID). These components perform coarse-to-fine recognition tasks in three steps. In this article, we conduct a thorough review and comparison of the state-of-the-art deep learning--based models proposed for VAVR. We present a detailed introduction to different vehicle recognition datasets used for a comprehensive evaluation of the proposed models. We also critically discuss the major challenges and future research trends involved in each task. Finally, we summarize the characteristics of the methods for each task. Our comprehensive model analysis will help researchers that are interested in VD, VMMR, and VRe-ID and provide them with possible directions to solve current challenges and further improve the performance and robustness of models.

The Impact of Informative Tutoring Feedback and Self-Efficacy on Motivation and Achievement in Concept Learning

2004 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 214-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Narciss
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Task Engagement ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Task Completion ◽  
Multiple Response ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Outcome Feedback ◽  
Task Motivation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Motivation And Achievement

Abstract. Informative tutoring feedback (ITF) provides assisted multiple response tries by offering strategically useful information for task completion as opposed to simply offering the solution. Previous studies on ITF focused on its effects on achievement. The present studies examine the assumption that ITF affects not only achievement, but also motivational variables such as task engagement, effort, persistence, and satisfaction with performance. In two experiments, students differing in self efficacy (SE) for identifying concepts worked on concept identification tasks. In cases of incorrect hypothesis about the concept, they received either outcome feedback or ITF. Results reveal that motivation and achievement depend on both SE and type of feedback. Future research should examine in more detail how ITF affects the self-enhancing processes between on-task motivation, achievement, and self-evaluation.

scholarly journals Surface ocean carbon dioxide during the Atlantic Meridional Transect (1995–2013); evidence of ocean acidification

2017 ◽  
Vol 158 ◽  
pp. 65-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vassilis Kitidis ◽  
Ian Brown ◽  
Nicholas Hardman-Mountford ◽  
Nathalie Lefèvre
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Ocean Acidification ◽  
Surface Ocean ◽  
Ocean Carbon

scholarly journals Numerical assessment in the wild: insights from social carnivores

2018 ◽  
Vol 373 (1740) ◽  
pp. 20160508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Benson-Amram ◽  
Geoff Gilfillan ◽  
Karen McComb
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Playback Experiments ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Numerical Assessment ◽  
Individual Discrimination ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Assessment Skills ◽  
In The Wild

Playback experiments have proved to be a useful tool to investigate the extent to which wild animals understand numerical concepts and the factors that play into their decisions to respond to different numbers of vocalizing conspecifics. In particular, playback experiments have broadened our understanding of the cognitive abilities of historically understudied species that are challenging to test in the traditional laboratory, such as members of the Order Carnivora. Additionally, playback experiments allow us to assess the importance of numerical information versus other ecologically important variables when animals are making adaptive decisions in their natural habitats. Here, we begin by reviewing what we know about quantity discrimination in carnivores from studies conducted in captivity. We then review a series of playback experiments conducted with wild social carnivores, including African lions, spotted hyenas and wolves, which demonstrate that these animals can assess the number of conspecifics calling and respond based on numerical advantage. We discuss how the wild studies complement those conducted in captivity and allow us to gain insights into why wild animals may not always respond based solely on differences in quantity. We then consider the key roles that individual discrimination and cross-modal recognition play in the ability of animals to assess the number of conspecifics vocalizing nearby. Finally, we explore new directions for future research in this area, highlighting in particular the need for further work on the cognitive basis of numerical assessment skills and experimental paradigms that can be effective in both captive and wild settings. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘The origins of numerical abilities’.

scholarly journals Fish Feed Intake, Feeding Behavior, and the Physiological Response of Apelin to Fasting and Refeeding

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Assan ◽  
Yanlin Huang ◽  
Umar Farouk Mustapha ◽  
Mercy Nabila Addah ◽  
Guangli Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Great Influence ◽  
Physiological Mechanism ◽  
Fish Farming ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Fish Feed ◽  
Extrinsic Factors

Feed is one of the most important external signals in fish that stimulates its feeding behavior and growth. The intake of feed is the main factor determining efficiency and cost, maximizing production efficiency in a fish farming firm. The physiological mechanism regulating food intake lies between an intricate connection linking central and peripheral signals that are unified in the hypothalamus consequently responding to the release of appetite-regulating genes that eventually induce or hinder appetite, such as apelin; a recently discovered peptide produced by several tissues with diverse physiological actions mediated by its receptor, such as feed regulation. Extrinsic factors have a great influence on food intake and feeding behavior in fish. Under these factors, feeding in fish is decontrolled and the appetite indicators in the brain do not function appropriately thus, in controlling conditions which result in the fluctuations in the expression of these appetite-relating genes, which in turn decrease food consumption. Here, we examine the research advancements in fish feeding behavior regarding dietary selection and preference and identify some key external influences on feed intake and feeding behavior. Also, we present summaries of the results of research findings on apelin as an appetite-regulating hormone in fish. We also identified gaps in knowledge and directions for future research to fully ascertain the functional importance of apelin in fish.

scholarly journals Computer Programming E-Learners’ Personality Traits, Self-Reported Cognitive Abilities, and Learning Motivating Factors

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1205
Author(s):  
Aiste Dirzyte ◽  
Aivaras Vijaikis ◽  
Aidas Perminas ◽  
Romualda Rimasiute-Knabikiene ◽  
Lukas Kaminskis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personality Traits ◽  
Visual Processing ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Computer Programming ◽  
Social Pressure ◽  
Negative Emotionality ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Motivating Factors ◽  
Individual Attitude ◽  
The Impact

Educational systems around the world encourage students to engage in programming activities, but programming learning is one of the most challenging learning tasks. Thus, it was significant to explore the factors related to programming learning. This study aimed to identify computer programming e-learners’ personality traits, self-reported cognitive abilities and learning motivating factors in comparison with other e-learners. We applied a learning motivating factors questionnaire, the Big Five Inventory—2, and the SRMCA instruments. The sample consisted of 444 e-learners, including 189 computer programming e-learners, the mean age was 25.19 years. It was found that computer programming e-learners demonstrated significantly lower scores of extraversion, and significantly lower scores of motivating factors of individual attitude and expectation, reward and recognition, and punishment. No significant differences were found in the scores of self-reported cognitive abilities between the groups. In the group of computer programming e-learners, extraversion was a significant predictor of individual attitude and expectation; conscientiousness and extraversion were significant predictors of challenging goals; extraversion and agreeableness were significant predictors of clear direction; open-mindedness was a significant predictor of a diminished motivating factor of punishment; negative emotionality was a significant predictor of social pressure and competition; comprehension-knowledge was a significant predictor of individual attitude and expectation; fluid reasoning and comprehension-knowledge were significant predictors of challenging goals; comprehension-knowledge was a significant predictor of clear direction; and visual processing was a significant predictor of social pressure and competition. The SEM analysis demonstrated that personality traits (namely, extraversion, conscientiousness, and reverted negative emotionality) statistically significantly predict learning motivating factors (namely, individual attitude and expectation, and clear direction), but the impact of self-reported cognitive abilities in the model was negligible in both groups of participants and non-participants of e-learning based computer programming courses; χ² (34) = 51.992, p = 0.025; CFI = 0.982; TLI = 0.970; NFI = 0.950; RMSEA = 0.051 [0.019–0.078]; SRMR = 0.038. However, as this study applied self-reported measures, we strongly suggest applying neurocognitive methods in future research.

scholarly journals Energy Consumption of Rail Baltica Project: Regional Aspects of Environmental Impact

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 148-160
Author(s):  
Olga Piterina ◽  
Alexander Masharsky
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
High Speed ◽  
International Energy Agency ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Energy Agency ◽  
Load Rate ◽  
Emissions Intensity

Abstract Research purpose. The high-speed railway (HSR) construction project in the Baltic States is the largest joint infrastructure project since the restoration of independence of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Rail Baltica (RB) is considered as the most energy-efficient project having the lowest environmental impact. However, the issue of energy consumption of the project was not sufficiently addressed either in the investment justification of the RB construction or in the relevant research works regarding the project. The aim of the current research is to determine the indicators of energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions intensity of the Latvian section of RB, since they are the key factors of the quantitative assessment of sustainability. Design/Methodology/Approach. Critical analysis of the academic research works and reports of the official international organizations dedicated to the topic of energy consumption and CO2 emissions of HSR was conducted prior to the calculation of the above-mentioned indicators. The method of calculation based on International Union of Railways (UIC) was used in order to conduct the cluster analysis within the framework of current work. The main points considered are electricity consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, and level of passenger and freight demand. Statistical databases of UIC and International Energy Agency were used. Findings. The calculations carried out by the authors of the given article demonstrate substantial figures of CO2 emissions intensity for Latvian section of the project related to the train load rate and traffic intensity which is evened out only by the CO2 emissions factor in Latvia. Originality/Value/Practical implications. On this basis the authors present the directions for future research required for the development of the effective strategy for the Latvian Republic with the aim of achieving the increase in the RB project’s ecological efficiency.

scholarly journals Investigating the effect of carbon dioxide on the acidity of the Ocean

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 212-214
Author(s):  
AA El-Meligi
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Ocean Acidification ◽  
Data Center ◽  
Carbonic Acid ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Concentration ◽  
Research Institutions ◽  
Animal Life ◽  
Mauna Loa ◽  
Carbonate Ions ◽  
Snow And Ice

There is a significant effect of carbon dioxide on the acidification of the ocean. This research focuses on the acidification of the ocean and its effect on the animal life in the ocean. Also, it focuses on the effect of carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere on the ocean acidification. The data are collected from the research institutions and laboratories, such as National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), Japan, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), USA, Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii, and other sources of research about acidification of ocean. The results show that the acidity increases with increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This is because ocean absorbs nearly 50% of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Carbonate ions (CO32-) will be used in forming carbonic acid, which will increase the acidity of the water. Increasing the acidity of water will affect building of the animal Skeleton. It is recommended to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere; therefore the acidity will be decreased in the ocean.

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