Search Results (68)

Ironic remarks are often pronounced with a distinctive intonation. It is not clear whether children rely on acoustic cues to attribute an ironic intent. This question has been only indirectly tackled, with studies that manipulated the intonation with which the final remark is pronounced within an irony comprehension task. We propose a new task that is meant to assess whether children rely on prosody to infer speakers’ sincere or ironic communicative intentions, without requiring meta-linguistic judgments (since pragmatic awareness is challenging for young children). Children listen to evaluative remarks (e.g., “That house is really beautiful”), pronounced with sincere or ironic intonation, and they are asked to identify what the speaker is referring to by selecting one of two pictures depicting an image corresponding to a literal interpretation (a luxury house) and one to its reverse interpretation (a hovel). We tested eighty children aged 3 to 11 years and found a clear developmental trend, with children consistently responding above the chance level from age seven, and there was no correlation with the recognition of emotions transmitted through the vocal channel. Full article

Background/Objectives: Three distinct language comprehension phenotypes have previously been identified in individuals with language deficits: (1) individuals with the Command Phenotype are limited to understanding simple commands; (2) individuals with the Modifier Phenotype demonstrate additional comprehension of combinations of nouns and adjectives; and (3) individuals with the Syntactic Phenotype possess full syntactic comprehension. We hypothesized that typically developing children progress through these same three language comprehension phenotypes and aimed to determine the typical age at which each phenotype emerges. Methods: To assess comprehension in young children, we developed the 15-item Language Phenotype Assessment (LPA). This tool uses toy-animal manipulatives to avoid reliance on picture interpretation and employs brief instructions to reduce auditory memory load. LPA items incorporate elements such as colors, sizes, numbers, spatial prepositions, and other syntactic components, posing novel combinations of words that children had not previously encountered. The LPA was administered to 116 typically-developing children aged 1.5–7 years, recruited by approaching parents in local parks and inviting them to participate. Results: Findings revealed a developmental trajectory consistent with the three previously described phenotypes: 50% of children attained the Command Phenotype by 1.6 years of age, the Modifier Phenotype by 3.0 years of age, and the Syntactic Phenotype by 3.7 years of age. All children acquired the Command Phenotype by 3, the Modifier Phenotype by 4, and the Syntactic Phenotype by 5 years of age. Conclusions: The LPA is an effective tool for assessing comprehension in children aged 1.5–5 years. It allows for the early identification of comprehension difficulties, supporting the timely initiation of appropriate language interventions. Full article

Concealing images has been a concern of artists and scientists, as have the conditions that can reveal them. It is relatively easy to hide images in pictures, but this is of little value if they remain hidden. The skill is in revealing previously concealed images. Three aspects of hiding images are examined, two of which are monocular and the third is binocular. Firstly, high-contrast patterns, like Street figures and Mooney faces, have been used in psychological tests of pattern recognition, and Gestalt grouping principles can result in concealing images. Second, it is possible to hide low spatial frequency content carried by high-spatial-frequency patterns. A wider range of carriers than gratings can be used, like graphics, photographs, and combinations of them (photo-graphics). Pictorial images can be concealed in terms of detection or recognition. In both cases, there is interplay between the global features of the concealed image and the local elements that carry it. Third, randomly textured stereograms reveal to two eyes what is concealed from each one alone—stereoscopic depth. The dimension of stereoscopic depth can be manipulated, as can that of binocular rivalry, to conceal images. Full article

This study examines the relevance of the Fraud Pentagon Theory in detecting fraudulent financial reporting among companies listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange. While financial reporting is essential for informed stakeholder decisions, requiring information to be accurate, reliable, and fairly presented and pressure to meet expectations can lead to manipulation. The Fraud Pentagon Theory identifies five potential drivers of such behavior: pressure, opportunity, rationalization, capability, and arrogance. This research contributes to the literature by empirically testing the theory in the Romanian context, an emerging market with limited prior analysis, using a sample of 62 listed companies over the 2017–2021 period. Regression analysis was applied, using the Dechow F-score, which combines accrual quality and financial performance to assess the likelihood of fraudulent financial reporting. The findings reveal that not all dimensions of the theory significantly affect the likelihood of fraudulent reporting. Specifically, pressure-related factors (financial performance and financial stability) were found to be statistically significant, while external pressure, opportunity (external auditor quality and nature of industry), rationalization (change of auditor), capability (change of director), and arrogance (number of CEO’s pictures) did not show significant influence in the Romanian framework. These results highlight the importance of contextual factors such as market structure, governance practices, and stakeholder expectations, suggesting that fraudulent reporting risk indicators may vary across different economic environments. Full article

Background and Objectives: Depth perception of the human visual system in three-dimensional (3D) space plays an important role in human–computer interaction and artificial intelligence (AI) areas. It mainly employs binocular disparity and motion parallax cues. This study aims to systemically summarize the related studies about depth perception specified by these two cues. Materials and Methods: We conducted a literature investigation on related studies and summarized them from aspects like motivations, research trends, mechanisms, and interaction models of depth perception specified by these two cues. Results: Development trends show that depth perception research has gradually evolved from early studies based on a single cue to quantitative studies based on the interaction between these two cues. Mechanisms of these two cues reveal that depth perception specified by the binocular disparity cue is mainly influenced by factors like spatial variation in disparity, viewing distance, the position of visual field (or retinal image) used, and interaction with other cues; whereas that specified by the motion parallax cue is affected by head movement and retinal image motion, interaction with other cues, and the observer’s age. By integrating these two cues, several types of models for depth perception are summarized: the weak fusion (WF) model, the modified weak fusion (MWF) model, the strong fusion (SF) model, and the intrinsic constraint (IC) model. The merits and limitations of each model are analyzed and compared. Conclusions: Based on this review, a clear picture of the study on depth perception specified by binocular disparity and motion parallax cues can be seen. Open research challenges and future directions are presented. In the future, it is necessary to explore methods for easier manipulating of depth cue signals in stereoscopic images and adopting deep learning-related methods to construct models and predict depths, to meet the increasing demand of human–computer interaction in complex 3D scenarios. Full article

Over the last 40 years, several studies have provided evidence demonstrating that viral vectors can result in effective gene targeting/insertions in a host’s genome. The traditional approaches of gene knock-down, -out, or -in involve an intensive transgenesis process that is plagued by extensive timescales. Plant viruses have the potential to target specific genes and integrate exogenous DNA molecules at the target locus. Their ability to manipulate a host’s genetic material and become a part of it makes them remarkable agents and helpful for molecular and synthetic biology. In this review, we describe how geminivirus-based vectors can be utilized to overcome traditional transgenesis. We highlight the progress that has been made so far and also discuss the hurdles that hinder the employment of geminivirus-based vectors. Furthermore, we conclude with a comparison of geminivirus-based vectors with other plant-derived vectors. Geminivirus-based vectors stand poised to revolutionize plant genome editing by making nucleic acid manipulation cheaper and easier to deploy, thus lessening the major technical constraints, including homology-directed repair (HDR)-mediated genome editing and time-inefficient tissue culture procedures. The insights given in this review illustrate a broader picture of geminiviral vectors, with an emphasis on engineering plant viruses to ease genome editing practices for crop improvements as well as boost experimental timescales from years to months. Full article

Technological developments with the rapid and significant advances related to artificial intelligence (AI) have generated a broad debate on political, social, and ethical impacts, raising important questions that require multidisciplinary analysis and investigation. One of the issues under discussion is whether the integration of AI in the political context represents a promising opportunity to improve the efficiency of democratic participation and policy-making processes, as well as increase institutional accountability. The aim of this article is to propose a theoretical reflection that allows us to fully understand the implications and potential consequences of the application of AI in the political field without neglecting its social and ethical effects: can such uses really be considered democratic, or do they represent a dangerous trend of using algorithms for manipulative purposes? To achieve this, a deductive approach will be adopted based on theories, imaginaries, and expectations concerning AI in the specific context of politics. Through this type of analysis, knowledge will contribute to the understanding of the complex dynamics related to the use of AI in politics by offering a critical perspective and a picture of the different connections. Full article

In the present paper, we discuss the results of the study of magnetic properties and micromagnetic structure of the multilayer [Co(4 × t) Å/Pt(5 × t) Å]₁₀ thin films with varied bilayer thickness (t). The structures were fabricated by alternating electron beam evaporation of Co and Pt targets. The measurements of the element distribution profile, magnetic field dependence of magnetization, and magnetic force microscopy pictures have shown that varying the t coefficient allows for manipulating the degree Co and Pt layers intermixing, which, in turn, changes the magnetic properties of the films over a wide range. In particular, in structures representing a Co_xPt_1-x solid solution with a variable composition, magnetic skyrmions were revealed upon magnetization of the films. Varying the Co vs. Pt composition heterogeneity makes it possible to control the skyrmion density. The results are believed to be promising for the fabrication of skyrmion-based memory elements. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recent theories of the neurocognitive architecture of semantic memory have included a distinction between semantic control in the left inferior frontal gyrus (LIFG) and semantic representation in the left anterior temporal lobe (LATL). Support for this distinction has been found both in tasks in which high semantic selection demands have been instantiated and in tasks in which previous presentations of semantic information that compete with target information have been instantiated. Methods: In the current study, these manipulations were combined in a novel manner into a single task in which brand-name product pictures were used. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to measure hemodynamic activity and tensor decomposition, in addition to grand averaging, was used to analyze the fNIRS output. Results: Both analytic methods converged on the same set of findings. That is, in line with past studies, greater activity in the LIFG was observed in the competitive condition than in a repeated condition. However, unlike past studies, greater activity in the competitive condition was also observed in both the left and right anterior temporal lobes (ATLs). Conclusions: While it was possible that the novel combination of high selection and competition into a single task unlocked a semantic selection mechanism in the bilateral ATL, a number of other post-hoc explanations were offered for this unusual finding, including a re-interpretation of the high-selection task as an ad hoc categorization task. Finally, the convergence of the tensor decomposition and grand averaging approaches on the same set of findings supported tensor decomposition as a viable approach to the analysis of fNIRS data. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral word production (OWP) deficits are prominent in the logopenic variant of primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA); however, their functional origin remains unclear. Some studies suggest a lexical, post-lexical, or even a combined functional origin of these deficits. The aim of the present study was to synthesize and analyze the information on the functional origin of the OWP deficits in patients with lvPPA. Methods: A quantitative systematic literature review was carried out using four databases: CINAHL, PsycINFO, Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts, and PubMed. Fourteen studies, including a total of 243 patients with lvPPA, and reporting results on picture naming and/or word and/or pseudoword repetition, were selected. Results: The overall findings of this review highlighted that two main functional origins appear to explain the OWP deficits in lvPPA: a lexical impairment affecting lexical processing and a post-lexical impairment affecting phonological short-term memory. Interestingly, the possibility of a third functional origin, affecting the semantic processing level, was also suggested by some studies. Conclusions: We concluded that the presence of different functional origins of OWP in this population may be explained, at least partially, by the diversity of assessment tasks used in studies and the varied manipulation and control of psycholinguistic properties of words (e.g., frequency, length), as well as the various interpretations and analyses of the participants’ errors. Further studies are needed to substantiate these findings by examining all the components involved in OWP, carefully manipulating the psycholinguistic properties and qualitatively analyzing the errors made by lvPPA participants. Full article

Agrivoltaics (AV) are expanding worldwide, but knowledge about the perception and acceptance of this approach is far from complete. The aim of the present study was to investigate the visual perception and acceptance of AV systems, focussing on the central research question of whether the type of grassland use influences the visual perception and acceptance of vertical interspace AV. For this purpose, three photo-based pictures of a vertical interspace AV plant were used in a laboratory experiment with 29 participants: the original photo showing the AV plant with grassland only; an edited photo with cattle added and an edited photo with silage bales added. The eye-tracking results showed that additional picture elements (i.e., cattle and silage bales) at least partially attracted visual attention, but did not distract from the technical elements of the depicted AV systems. The analysis of the acceptance ratings indicated relatively stable attitudes towards AV, which could not be easily modulated by depicting different types of grassland use within AV systems. Short-term and limited changes in attitudes towards AV appeared to result from the provision of information and mental engagement with the topic. We recommend carrying out further research based on larger, representative samples and more realistic stimuli of AV systems that would provide a better understanding of visual perception and acceptance than photos alone, such as on-site visits or VR visualisations, to enhance the external validity of the results. We also suggest conducting longitudinal studies to explore possible long-term effects on the public acceptance of AV systems. Full article

Scene Perception and Event Comprehension Theory (SPECT) posits that understanding picture stories depends upon a coordination of two processes: (1) integrating new information into the current event model that is coherent with it (i.e., mapping) and (2) segmenting experiences into distinct event models (i.e., shifting). In two experiments, we investigated competing hypotheses regarding how viewers coordinate the mapping process of bridging inference generation and the shifting process of event segmentation by manipulating the presence/absence of Bridging Action pictures (i.e., creating coherence gaps) in wordless picture stories. The Computational Effort Hypothesis says that experiencing a coherence gap prompts event segmentation and the additional computational effort to generate bridging inferences. Thus, it predicted a positive relationship between event segmentation and explanations when Bridging Actions were absent. Alternatively, the Coherence Gap Resolution Hypothesis says that experiencing a coherence gap prompt generating a bridging inference to close the gap, which obviates segmentation. Thus, it predicted a negative relationship between event segmentation and the production of explanations. Replicating prior work, viewers were more likely to segment and generate explanations when Bridging Action pictures were absent than when they were present. Crucially, the relationship between explanations and segmentation was negative when Bridging Action pictures were absent, consistent with the Coherence Gap Resolution Hypothesis. Unexpectedly, the relationship was positive when Bridging Actions were present. The results are consistent with SPECT’s assumption that mapping and shifting processes are coordinated, but how they are coordinated depends upon the experience of a coherence gap. Full article

Over the past 20 years, there has been a growing interest in the processing of tool objects, and in the spatial S-R correspondence effects obtained with pictures of manipulable objects. Beyond the original affordance activation account, a location coding account has been proposed for such behavioral effects, which states that the location of the visually salient portion of an object speeds up spatially aligned motor responses and slows down misaligned ones. Furthermore, an additional action coding account has been proposed, according to which it is the direction of the action of the perceived object (e.g., “pouring tea leftward” when the spout of a teapot is leftward-oriented) that biases motor performance. We investigated this action coding account of S-R correspondence effects by comparing the reaction time (RT) performance of two groups: younger (6 to 9 years old) and older (10 to 13 years old) children. We assumed that knowledge of tool objects and the activation of action codes from object perception is proportional to age. Therefore, a larger correspondence effect was hypothesized for the older relative to the younger children’s group. Consistently, a 34 ms correspondence effect was observed in the older children relative to the younger ones (18 ms). The results support the view that action direction is a constitutive feature of tool objects, which is subject to experience, and thus, to increasing knowledge over time. Full article

Petrochemical clusters are forms of industrialization that use compounds and polymers derived directly or indirectly from gas or crude oil for chemical applications. They pose a variety of short- and long-term risks to the environment and the people who live nearby. The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a correlation between the degree of perceived technological risk and the emotional value generated by the contemplation of the petrochemical industry landscape in order to try to establish strategic lines of action to mitigate the perception of risk and improve the emotional well-being of the population. This study uses manipulated pictures and a Public Participation Geographic Information System (PPGIS) survey to assess changes in perception and emotional response in residents in Teheran (Iran). Key findings show an insignificant relationship between technological risk and landscape value perception in both original and manipulated pictures. However, taking into account that, in general, in manipulated pictures, there is a more significant relationship, designing the landscape could help to mitigate the technological risk perception. This study contributes to the broader discussion about industrialization and its environmental and social consequences. It emphasizes the importance of considering public perception when planning and developing industrial areas, so as to balance industrial functionality and environmental and aesthetic considerations for long-term urban development. Full article

Understanding how children comprehend text by forming links between sentences has been the focus of research for decades. Such research has consistently shown that children use anaphors and resolve ambiguities in a different manner than adults. The present study examined a less-studied anaphoric reference that arises when two numerically quantified expressions (e.g., “three cats… two cats…”) are used in the text. Focusing on 249 six- to eight-year-old children and 50 adults for comparison, the study employed a picture selection task across six experiments to assess interpretative preferences in ambiguous and unambiguous discourses containing numerically quantified expressions. The findings indicate a pronounced difference in interpretative strategies: unlike adults, who predominantly adopted an anaphoric subset reading, children showed a consistent preference for the non-anaphoric reading, even in contexts explicitly disambiguated towards this interpretation. This preference persisted across various experimental manipulations, highlighting challenges in text integration and comprehension among children. Contributing to the developmental trajectory of language comprehension, this study underscores the complexity of cognitive development and linguistic interpretation, revealing significant developmental differences in processing numerically quantified expressions and anaphoric references within discourse. Full article