Electrophysiological Signatures of Numerosity Encoding in a Delayed Match-to-Sample Task

The number of elements in a small set of items is appraised in a fast and exact manner, a phenomenon called subitizing. In contrast, humans provide imprecise responses when comparing larger numerosities, with decreasing precision as the number of elements increases. Estimation is thought to rely on a dedicated system for the approximate representation of numerosity. While previous behavioral and neuroimaging studies associate subitizing to a domain-general system related to object tracking and identification, the nature of small numerosity processing is still debated. We investigated the neural processing of numerosity across subitizing and estimation ranges by examining electrophysiological activity during the memory retention period in a delayed numerical match-to-sample task. We also assessed potential differences in the neural signature of numerical magnitude in a fully non-symbolic or cross-format comparison. In line with behavioral performance, we observed modulation of parietal-occipital neural activity as a function of numerosity that differed in two ranges, with distinctive neural signatures of small numerosities showing clear similarities with those observed in visuospatial working memory tasks. We also found differences in neural activity related to numerical information in anticipation of single vs. cross-format comparison, suggesting a top-down modulation of numerical processing. Finally, behavioral results revealed enhanced performance in the mixed-format conditions and a significant correlation between task performance and symbolic mathematical skills. Overall, we provide evidence for distinct mechanisms related to small and large numerosity and differences in numerical encoding based on task demands.

Scholars of the World on Vietnam and Eastern Asia

The survey discusses the greatest world forum of Vietnamists in 2021 the 6th International Conference on Vietnamese Studies held 28-29 October (direct and distant format) in Hanoi, the capital of the SRV, and the 2nd International Scientific Conference on Culture and Education held on November 26 (the mixed format) in Hue, the former capital of Emperors Vietnam. The themes of papers enveloped regional and international problems, ideology and politics, ethnography and religions, education and human capital, economics, technologies and environmental protection, language, culture and literature, problems of state and law, history and archeology, sociology, as well as achievements and difficulties of Vietnamese studies in different countries of the world.

Extended Multivariate Generalizability Theory With Complex Design Structures

This article extends multivariate generalizability theory (MGT) to tests with different random-effects designs for each level of a fixed facet. There are numerous situations in which the design of a test and the resulting data structure are not definable by a single design. One example is mixed-format tests that are composed of multiple-choice and free-response items, with the latter involving variability attributable to both items and raters. In this case, two distinct designs are needed to fully characterize the design and capture potential sources of error associated with each item format. Another example involves tests containing both testlets and one or more stand-alone sets of items. Testlet effects need to be taken into account for the testlet-based items, but not the stand-alone sets of items. This article presents an extension of MGT that faithfully models such complex test designs, along with two real-data examples. Among other things, these examples illustrate that estimates of error variance, error–tolerance ratios, and reliability-like coefficients can be biased if there is a mismatch between the user-specified universe of generalization and the complex nature of the test.

University Philosophy Course: Reboot is Required

The philosophical training of tertiary-level students is designed to perform a number of functions assigned to it by society and the state. However, in recent years, it is no longer in demand by the majority of the educational process participants, since the university philosophy does not respond well to modern challenges from education, primarily to the need of digitalization and competence approach implementation. To preserve the disciplinary status of philosophy, the lecturers have to modernize the content, methods and forms of implementation of the discipline in order to increase its attractiveness in students’ minds, as well as the demand by society and the state. One of the possible ways to update the training course of philosophy is seen in its reorientation towards the development of students’ universal competencies prescribed in the state educational standards. In this case, the philosophical content becomes a tool to achieve this goal, and the philosophical heritage is used as a theoretical basis for mastering the technologies of mental action. The article presents the experience of Kazan University, where the philosophy course has recently become a tool for “system and critical thinking” competence training. Although a digital format of philosophical training has a number of cognitive advantages, nevertheless it is fraught with the risk that the philosophical value potential will not be fully realized. This risk can be minimized through a mixed format of teaching philosophy. Тo increase the demand for philosophy in higher education, the author offers a number of ways to enhance the role and importance of philosophy in students’ minds.

Application of the social service Wiki in the educational process of University

Examined is the application of social service with aim of education at university. At present, education in the university often takes place in a mixed format, with the active use of distance technologies. This context increasingly raises the question of using new methods and techniques that could make the educational process more effective and interesting for students. Under these conditions, teachers have increasingly begun to turn their attention to the Web 2.0 technologies, which represent a qualitatively new approach to the construction of the educational process. This article deals with the social service Wiki, which is more often used in the educational process of the university. From the teaching point of view, the Wiki service allows creating conditions for students when they have to analyze large amounts of information, select the most important, summarize and draw conclusions. It also allows students to critically review articles and collaboratively correct or improve them. The use of the Wiki service in the educational process is of great importance for students as well because its interactivity transforms them from pure information consumers into active users. This article presents examples of using the social service Wiki in the educational process of Penza State Technological University within the framework of the disciplines “Foreign language (German)” and “Methods of teaching and education”.

On the Outcomes of the Scientific and Practical Conference “Ensuring Access to Justice in Criminal Proceedings in the Context of Digital Technologies Development”

The paper provides an overview of the scientific and practical conference “Ensuring Access to Justice in Criminal Proceedings in the Context of Digital Technologies Development” held on June 22, 2021 in a mixed format. It was organized by the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation and the Scientific and Educational Center for Human Rights of Kutafin Moscow State Law University (MSAL). The conference was devoted to topical issues of ensuring access to justice, the possibilities of digitalization to overcome restrictions in the work of law enforcement agencies and the judicial system, generalizing the experience of foreign states and the Russian Federation in ensuring the rights of participants in criminal proceedings. The conference was organized within the framework of the project of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research No. 18-29-16018 “The concept of building criminal proceedings that provide access to justice in the context of the development of digital technologies.”

Resolution on the results of the work of the international scientific and practical conference «XXII Cyril and Methodius Readings»

В представленной резолюции по научно-практической конференции актуализируется проблема важности проведения подобных форумов даже в онлайн-формате, подводятся итоги работы научных секций, рассматривается перспектива дальнейшей цифровой транформации научного полилога. Решение проблемы видится в переходе на смешанный формат проведения научных мероприятий. The submitted resolution on the scientific-practical conference actualizes the problem of the importance of holding such forums even in an online format, summarizes the work of scientific sections, considers the prospect of further digital transformation of the scientific polylogue. The solution to the problem is seen in the transition to a mixed format of scientific events.