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Human ability to process visual information of outside world is yet far ahead of man-made systems in accuracy and speed. In particular, human beings can perceive 3-D object from various cues, such as binocular disparity and monocular shading cues. Understanding of the mechanism of human visual processing will lead to a breakthrough in creating artificial visual systems. Here, we study the human 3-D volumetric object perception that is induced by a visual phenomenon named as the pantomime effect and by the monocular shading cues. We measured human brain activities using fMRI when the subjects were observing the visual stimuli. A coordinated system of brain areas, including those in the prefrontal and parietal cortex, in addition to the occipital visual areas was found to be involved in the volumetric object perception.

Eye–hand coordination (EHC) is of great importance in the research areas of human visual perception, computer vision and robotic vision. A computer-using robot (CUBot) is designed for investigating the EHC mechanism and its implementation is presented in this paper. The CUBot possesses the ability of operating a computer with a mouse like a human being. Based on the three phases of people using computer with a mouse, i.e. watching the screen, recognizing the graphical objects on the screen as well as controlling the mouse to let the cursor approach to the target, our CUBot can also perceive information merely through its vision and control the mouse by its robotic hand without any physical data communication connected to the operated computer. The CUBot is mainly composed of “Mouse-Hand” for operating the mouse, “mind” for realizing the object perception, cursor tracking, and EHC. Two experiments used for testing the ability of our EHC algorithm and the perception of CUBot confirm the feasibility of the proposed approach.

The aim of this tutorial is to document a novel approach to brain function, in which the key to understanding is the capacity of brains for self-organization. The property that distinguishes animals from plants is the capacity for directed movement through the environment, which requires an organ capable of organizing information about the environment and predicting the consequences of self-initiated actions. The operations of predicting, planning acting, detecting, and learning comprise the process of intentionality by which brains construct meaning. The currency of brains is primarily meaning and only secondarily information. The information processing metaphor has dominated neurocognitive research for half a century. Brains certainly process information for input and output. They pre-process sensory stimuli before constructing meaning, and they post-process cognitive read-out to control appropriate action and express meaning. Neurobiologists have thoroughly documented sensory information processing bottom-up, and neuropsychologists have analyzed the later stages of cognition top-down, as they are expressed in behavior. However, a grasp of the intervening process of perception, in which meaning forms, requires detailed analysis and modeling of neural activity that is observed in brains during meaningful behavior of humans and other animals. Unlike computers, brains function hierarchically. Sensory and motor information is inferred from pulses of microscopic axons. Meaning is inferred from local mean fields of dendrites in mesoscopic and macroscopic populations. This tutorial is aimed to introduce engineers to an experimental basis for a theory of meaning, in terms of the nonlinear dynamics of the mass actions of large neural populations that construct meaning. The focus is on the higher frequency ranges of cortical oscillations. Part I introduces background on information, meaning and oscillatory activity (EEG). Part II details the properties of wave packets. Part III describes the covariance structure of the oscillations. Part IV addresses the amplitude modulations, and Part V deals with the phase modulations. The significance of a theory of meaning lies in applications using population neurodynamics, to open new approaches for treatment of clinical brain disorders, and to devise new machines with capacities for autonomy and intelligence that might approach those of simpler free-living animals.

The present report describes the dynamic foundations of long-standing experimental work in the field of oscillatory dynamics in the human and animal brain. It aims to show the role of multiple oscillations in the integrative brain function, memory, and complex perception by a recently introduced conceptional framework: the super-synergy in the whole brain. Results of recent experiments related to the percept of the grandmother-face support our concept of super-synergy in the whole brain in order to explain manifestation of Gestalts and Memory-Stages. This report may also provide new research avenues in macrodynamics of the brain.

The general problem of brain mechanisms involved in perception can now be studied directly by means of new analysis–methods for the activity of large population of neurons. These methods range from indirect means of measuring changes in cerebral blood flow in local regions of the human cortex (functional magnetic resonance imaging, fMRI), or changes in the electrical activity of the human brain with EEG-recording with topological distributed macroelectrodes, to the use of chronically implanted multiple microelectrodes in primates. fMRI has the disadvantage of low temporal resolution and with multiple microelectrodes long distance measurements cannot yet be properly performed. Accordingly, recording of macro-activity (EEG/ERP or MEG) with a time resolution of millisecond-range is the most possibly adequate method to measure the dynamic properties of memory and the integrative brain function.

Since neuroscientists have come to the general conclusion that large numbers of different brain regions have to cooperate for any brain function, the analysis of relationships between different regions of the brain is becoming more and more important.

Before new progresses and importance of EEG studies research became clear, scientists working with macrodynamics of the brain had a long way to go, in order to elucidate brain functioning. In this tutorial report we explain in a narrative way the developments leading to the concept of Macrodynamics in search of an integrative brain function. Moreover, elements of a brain theory, which we call neurons-brain theory describing the dynamics of electrical activity in the whole brain, are introduced. The concept of superbinding in integrative brain function, which emerged from experimental data, is a consequence of this theory.

Behavior-based robotics considers perception as a holistic process, strongly connected to behavioral needs of the robot. We present a bio-inspired framework for sensing-perception-action, applied to a roving robot in a random foraging task. Perception is here considered as a complex and emergent phenomenon where a huge amount of information coming from sensors is used to form an abstract and concise representation of the environment, useful to take a suitable action or sequence of actions. In this work a model for perceptual representation is formalized by means of RD-CNNs showing Turing patterns. They are used as attractive states for particular set of environmental conditions in order to associate, via a reinforcement learning, a proper action. Learning is also introduced at the afferent stage to shape the environment information according to the particular emerging pattern. The basins of attraction for the Turing patterns are so dynamically tuned by an unsupervised learning in order to form an internal, abstract and plastic representation of the environment, as recorded by the sensors.

The Lotka–Volterra–Haken equations have been frequently used in ecology and pattern formation. Recently, the equations have been proposed by several research groups as amplitude equations for task-related patterns of brain activity. In this theoretical study, the focus is on the circular causality aspect of pattern formation systems as formulated within the framework of synergetics. Accordingly, the stable modes of a pattern formation system inhibit the unstable modes, whereas the unstable modes excite the stable modes. Using this circular causality principle it is shown that under certain conditions the Lotka–Volterra–Haken amplitude equations can be derived from a general model of brain activity akin to the Wilson–Cowan model. The model captures the amplitude dynamics for brain activity patterns in experiments involving several consecutively performed multiple-choice tasks. This is explicitly demonstrated for two-choice tasks involving grasping and walking. A comment on the relevance of the theoretical framework for clinical psychology and schizophrenia is given as well.

Intelligent virtual agent behaviour is a crucial element of any virtual environment application as it essentially brings the environment to life, introduces believability and realism and enables complex interactions and evolution over time. However, the development of mechanisms for virtual agent perception and action is neither a trivial nor a straight-forward task. In this paper we present a model of perception and action for intelligent virtual agents that meets specific requirements and can as such be systematically implemented, can seamlessly and transparently integrate with knowledge representation and intelligent reasoning mechanisms, is highly independent of virtual world implementation specifics, and enables virtual agent portability and reuse.

A set of perceived random events is given by a fuzzy random variable, and an estimation of real random variables is represented by a functional on real random variables. The perception-based extension of estimation regarding random events is introduced, extending the functional to a functional of fuzzy random variables. This paper discusses some conditions and various properties of the extended estimations, for example, monotonicity, continuity, linearity, sub-additivity/super-additivity, convexity/concavity. Several examples of the perception-based extended estimations are investigated. This paper analyzes the general cases, where the estimations do not have monotone properties, from the viewpoint of convexity/concavity. The results can be applicable to other estimations in engineering, economics and so on.

We find a fifth approximation of the Just Intonation which generalizes Equal Temperament. The intervals causing a dilemma are the second and the minor seventh and the tritone because they are unambiguous in Just Intonation (the relative frequencies 10/9, 9/8, 8/7 and 7/4, 16/9, 18/10 and 45/32, 64/45, respectively). If we do not consider the second and seventh with the relative frequencies 8/7 and 7/4, respectively, all the music intervals in this approximation either coincide with he Just Intonation interval values (the octave, fifth, fourth, second (9/8) and the minor seventh (16/9)) or are exactly the one comma distant from the corresponding Just Intonation intervals. This comma is 32 805/32 768 ≈ 1.00112915, which is less than the ratio of frequencies of the perfect and the equal tempered fifths (≈ 1.00112989).

This paper serves as an overview of a decade of the authors' theoretical reviews, participant observations, empirical studies, quasi-experimental research, qualitative interviews, personal consulting, firm incubation, and action research with firms, clusters, and regional groups in both the information technology and biotechnology sectors in Finland. Interpretations of our findings are told using a narrative format, based on Nordic mythology. This story-telling approach is used to express the perceptions of entrepreneurship by various players in society. It discusses what happens when public policies are based on perceptions very different from, and in potential conflict, with those of the would-be entrepreneur. The paper addresses the current and very real problem in many Nordic countries where enormous efforts are invested in pushing technology creation assuming at the simultaneous creation of entrepreneurial high growth firms. Results show extremely low entrepreneurial activity and declining interest towards entrepreneurship as a career alternative. For those firms that do emerge growth does not seem to be the primary goal. The conclusions are discussed in terms of the long term prognosis for developing an entrepreneurial society in economically advanced nations to take advantage of the technological developments supported by governmental research funding.

An application of shape recognition in Anthropology is described. It represents a new opportunity to employ a relatively sophisticated and accurate model to represent and characterise bone surface in digital form.

The paper moves from a "subjectivity" derived by a human spatial process and reasoning to the "objectivity" derived by an automated methodology: it is asked whether computer technologies give the opportunity to overcome traditional measurement methods used in Anthropology and also to investigate biomechanical and morphofunctional aspects. The aim is that these new perspectives of research contribute to solve some problems in shape analysis.

In particular a technique of geometric reasoning is proposed to automatically recognise and extract morphological characteristics from bone surfaces represented by contours. The technique starts from a geometric model with the aim to define a new model able to provide a higher level of information, based on the main morphological properties. The morphological characterisation is obtained through a well known technique in image analysis, namely Medial Axis Transformation: the medial axes are derived and classified into groups forming the morphological elements.

Chinese researchers use bacteria to remove toxic chemicals from water.

China to lift nationality restrictions on top science awards.

Why sunshine improves mood and makes us smarter.

Science fund to support innovation.

Human embryonic stem cell-derived neurons for treating Parkinson’s disease.

DNA analysis reveals distinct lineage of ancient panda in South China.

Cryo-EM reveals interaction between major drug targets.

Fetal imaging equipment improved.

Chinese, French scientists develop one-two punch for cancer treatment.

Tech giants tap into AI healthcare market.

Chinese ‘nurse sharing’ app to offer at-home care.

Esco invests RMB100 million into Innovation Center in China.

Nutrition Society of China and Russia jointly promote dairy industry development.

Merck’s collaborations in China: Alibaba Health and Tongji University.

The online practicum teaching is necessary to provide practical experience for college students and to cultivate their employability. Students’ career decision-making self-efficacy makes students more likely to engage in the online practicum to acquire more practical skills in consideration of career selection, and predicts students’ satisfaction with the online practicum teaching. This study aims to find out influencing mechanism of college students’ career decision-making self-efficacy on their satisfaction with the online practicum teaching. The sample of 291 engineering undergraduates filled in the self-reporting questionnaires of career decision-making self-efficacy and the perception and satisfaction of the online practicum teaching quality. Correlation analysis revealed that there were significant positive correlations among students’ career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE), students’ perception of the online practicum teaching quality (SPOPTQ), and students’ satisfaction with the online practicum teaching (SSOPT). Mediation model analysis showed that CDMSE directly had a significant positive prediction effect on SPOPTQ and SSOPT respectively, and SPOPTQ presents partly mediating effect between CDMSE and SSOPT. College students have a higher degree of confidence in completing job-related tasks in the future career decision-making process. Such confidence can be positively transferred to the online practicum learning, stimulate the emotion and grit of students, and positively affect their perception quality and their satisfaction in the practical experience of the online practicum activities.

Owing to the slenderness and lightness of most modern footbridges, vibration serviceability assessment becomes a crucial issue in the design process. As one of the key factors, the vibration comfort criterion has an important influence on the assessment of the final result. However, there is an obvious lack of experimental studies in this field, especially regarding the pedestrians' perception of the induced vibrations. In this study, an experiment was conducted to investigate the pedestrians' perception of human-induced vibrations of footbridges. During the experiment, the subjects walked on a pathway that was mounted on top of a shaking table. By imposing sinusoidal excitations with different amplitudes and frequencies, the experiment aimed to determine the influence of the two factors on the walking people's perception. Based on the data collected, perception scales were proposed for both the vertical and lateral vibrations of the footbridge. The established scales comprise five levels that depend on the acceleration amplitude and the frequency. Finally, a comparison between the proposed scales, existing comfort criteria in the literature and international codes was carried out.

Proprioception while standing is important for the balance control, but the proprioception has not been investigated in the unconstrained standing conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of age and gender on the thresholds of perception and muscle response in response to the support surface rotation. The experiment was designed so that the thresholds depend mainly on the proprioception, i.e., quasistatic condition (0.2^∘/s rotation of the platform) with eyes closed. Fifty-two healthy subjects (half young and half elderly) participated in this study. A platform was developed which can be rotated in four directions. Perception threshold angle was registered from subjects’ pressing a button. Muscle response threshold angle was determined as the earlier onset of EMG in lower limb muscles. Two standing conditions (feet together and natural stance) were tested. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed that both thresholds increased with age. Post hoc tests revealed (1) that the perception threshold was greater for women than men in the elderly and (2) both thresholds of the elderly were greater for the feet-together stance than natural stance. Inferior perception sensitivity of platform rotation in elderly women may be associated with inferior performance in cortical postural control and greater fall ratio compared to elderly men, which suggests the need of proprioception trainings.

The formal theory of the development of early perception and motor control presented here deals with cognitive development as a mapping from a finite set of given experiences to a set of perceptual and motor-control functions. The theory involves seven constraints that uniquely define the mapping. The compatibility with observational phenomena and sufficiency of these constraints shows the validity of the theory. The principle underlying these constraints is a coding by the most efficient representation of information. The efficiency of representation is evaluated by the coding redundancy of given experiences defined as the number of real numbers that characterize experiences plus the size of the minimum continuous decoding function. The coding redundancy of experiences by the most efficient representation corresponds to the Kolmogorov complexity of the experiences. The mapping accounts for the dependence on neonatal experience of the development of perceptual and motor-control functions. This theory of development can also be seen as a metatheory of cognition that presents us a unified view of the diversity of perceptual and motor-control modules.

Animals and humans engage in an enormous variety of behaviors which are orchestrated through a complex interaction of physical and informational processes: The physical interaction of the bodies with the environment is intimately coupled with informational processes in the animal's brain. A crucial step toward the mastery of all these behaviors seems to be to understand the flows of information in the sensorimotor networks. In this study, we have performed a quantitative analysis in an artificial agent — a running quadruped robot with multiple sensory modalities — using tools from information theory (transfer entropy). Starting from very little prior knowledge, through systematic variation of control signals and environment, we show how the agent can discover the structure of its sensorimotor space, identify proprioceptive and exteroceptive sensory modalities, and acquire a primitive body schema. In summary, we show how the analysis of directed information flows in an agent's sensorimotor networks can be used to bootstrap its perception and development.

In this article, we show that, in high-tech industries, there are significant differences in the Habitual Domains (HD) of technologists/researchers (T/R) and managers/leaders (M/L). The differences are measured specifically in the following: characteristics, attitudes toward career and life, perception of business problems, business competences and resources. We then describe how a T/R can effectively transform himself/herself into a successful M/L, by transforming his/her HD closer to that of a successful M/L.

In today's rapidly changing competitive environment, Information Technology (IT) within an organization is continuously improved, driven by the external push of technological advances and internal pull of increasing organizational needs. In order to achieve the greatest return on IT investment, the diffusion process of IT within the organization should be examined carefully. This study aims to explore the effects of organizational, social, individual, and technological characteristics on the diffusion of different information technologies within organizations, and to discover the relationship between the diffusion of these technologies and the effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of managerial decision-making processes. Based on a thorough review of theoretical background and prior empirical studies in the area, an integrated research framework concerning the IT diffusion context has been developed and tested via a survey applied on individuals from different organizations. Findings suggest that the antecedents of the diffusion and infusion patterns vary for two major categories of information technologies.