The role of visuo‐spatial abilities in environment learning from maps and navigation over the adult lifespan

2019 ◽  
Vol 111 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronica Muffato ◽  
Chiara Meneghetti ◽  
Rossana De Beni
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Abilities ◽  
Adult Lifespan

scholarly journals Learning by Doing: The Use of Distance, Corners and Length in Rewarded Geometric Tasks by Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 2001
Author(s):  
Greta Baratti ◽  
Angelo Rizzo ◽  
Maria Elena Miletto Petrazzini ◽  
Valeria Anna Sovrano
Keyword(s):  
Danio Rerio ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Reference Memory ◽  
Spatial Abilities ◽  
Learning By Doing ◽  
Surface Distance ◽  
Extended Surfaces ◽  
Unequal Length ◽  
Over Time

Zebrafish spontaneously use distance and directional relationships among three-dimensional extended surfaces to reorient within a rectangular arena. However, they fail to take advantage of either an array of freestanding corners or an array of unequal-length surfaces to search for a no-longer-present goal under a spontaneous cued memory procedure, being unable to use the information supplied by corners and length without some kind of rewarded training. The present study aimed to tease apart the geometric components characterizing a rectangular enclosure under a procedure recruiting the reference memory, thus training zebrafish in fragmented layouts that provided differences in surface distance, corners, and length. Results showed that fish, besides the distance, easily learned to use both corners and length if subjected to a rewarded exit task over time, suggesting that they can represent all the geometrically informative parts of a rectangular arena when consistently exposed to them. Altogether, these findings highlight crucially important issues apropos the employment of different behavioral protocols (spontaneous choice versus training over time) to assess spatial abilities of zebrafish, further paving the way to deepen the role of visual and nonvisual encodings of isolated geometric components in relation to macrostructural boundaries.

scholarly journals Investigations into modifications of neuromuscular physiology by axonal transport disruptions in Drosophila SOD1 mutants

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tristan C. D. G. O’Harrow ◽  
Atsushi Ueda ◽  
Xiaomin Xing ◽  
Chun-Fang Wu
Keyword(s):  
Axonal Transport ◽  
Vital Staining ◽  
Neuronal Membrane ◽  
Adult Lifespan ◽  
Conserved Sequence ◽  
Excitatory Junction Potentials ◽  
Synaptic Boutons ◽  
And Function ◽  
Als Patients

AbstractCu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) is a cytoplasmic antioxidant enzyme, which, when mutant in humans, is linked to familial cases of the motor neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The Drosophila SOD1 gene (Sod) shares a highly conserved sequence with the human homolog, and this study includes examinations of the established hypomorphic n108 allele (Sodn108), alongside a knock-in construct of the G85R allele found in human ALS patients (SodG85R). In addition to previously documented decreased adult lifespan and attenuated motor function, we show that Sod mutant Drosophila can display significant mortality during larval and pupal development. Immunostaining of neuronal membrane at neuromuscular synapses in Sod mutant larvae revealed presynaptic terminals of abnormal morphology, with incompletely segregated and enlarged synaptic boutons along the motor terminal branches, in which vital staining indicated mitochondrial aggregation. We demonstrate strong genetic interactions between SodG85R and the axon transport-linked Pk mutants PkPk and PkSple in larval NMJ morphology and neuromuscular transmission. Intracellular recordings of larval excitatory junction potentials (EJPs) demonstrate enhanced EJP size in the double-mutant of PkPk and SodG85R. To examine synaptic terminal excitability, maintained by Ca2+ channel action and independent of Na+ channel function, we used the NaV blocker TTX, along with the KV1 blocker 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and the commonly used broad-spectrum K+ channel blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA). We were able to induce prolonged “plateau-like” EJPs, which were further extended in Pk mutants and Pk;Sod double-mutants. These observations were corroborated with focal EJP recording from individual boutons. Altogether, this study highlights alterations in synaptic morphology and function at a developmental stage prior to neurodegeneration and death of Sod mutant organisms, along with a potential role of axonal transport in the maintenance of neuronal health.

The role of visuo-spatial abilities in recall of spatial descriptions: A mediation model

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 719-723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Meneghetti ◽  
Rossana De Beni ◽  
Francesca Pazzaglia ◽  
Valerie Gyselinck
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Abilities ◽  
Mediation Model

User’s Experience with a 3D Educational Mobile Game to Support Spatial Instruction

2013 ◽  
pp. 261-273
Author(s):  
Norena Martin-Dorta ◽  
Isabel Sanchez-Berriel ◽  
Jose Luis Saorin ◽  
Manuel Contero
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Ability ◽  
Computer Games ◽  
Spatial Abilities ◽  
User Evaluation ◽  
Spatial Skills ◽  
Mobile Game ◽  
3D Environment ◽  
Critical Skills

Spatial abilities are critical skills in scientific and technical fields. In recent studies, the role of computer games, particularly those with 3-D simulations, have been examined for their impact on the development of spatial skills. The work presented in this chapter describes the design and user evaluation of a 3D construction mobile game called iCube. A trial version was brought out and evaluated by twenty-two students. Users pointed out that the game is useful for improvement of spatial ability and is fun. However, some difficulties arose with use of the tactile screen, as fingerprints caused problems while interacting with the game’s 3D environment. The results revealed that it is necessary to have this item in mind during the game’s design, where screen action is continuous.

scholarly journals Predicting success in the performing arts: Ballet and music

2020 ◽  
pp. 030573562091198
Author(s):  
Marija Jankovic ◽  
Stefan Bogaerts
Keyword(s):  
Personality Traits ◽  
School Performance ◽  
Big Five ◽  
Performing Arts ◽  
Spatial Abilities ◽  
Spatial Skills ◽  
Hierarchical Multiple Regression ◽  
Predicting Success ◽  
Perceptual Abilities

Besides innate dancing or musical predispositions, other factors contributing to success in these highly competitive domains are important to investigate. The present study examined the role of personality and intelligence in ballet and musical school performance. Data were obtained from 155 high school ballet ( n = 75) and music ( n = 80) students in Serbia (75% females, mean age = 16.12, SD = 1.14). Personality traits were assessed with the Big Five Inventory, and intelligence was assessed with the Cybernetic Intelligence Tests Battery, which measures perceptual, verbal, and spatial abilities. A hierarchical multiple regression was computed to investigate if ballet or musical success could be predicted by personality traits and intelligence. Personality traits and intelligence explained 26% of the variance in ballet success and 35% of the variance in musical success. Conscientiousness and general intelligence predicted both ballet and musical success. Low neuroticism and perceptual abilities contributed significantly to the prediction of a successful musical performance, whereas spatial skills had an important role in successful ballet achievement. This study adds to the understanding of the role of personality and intelligence in performing arts efficacy.

Comparison of Static Perspective Views and 2D Maps – the Role of Age, Spatial Abilities, and Task Nature

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukáš Hermann ◽  
Martina Faltejsková ◽  
Zdeněk Stachoň
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Ability ◽  
Perspective Taking ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Spatial Abilities ◽  
Thematic Maps ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Two Age Groups ◽  
And Task

In this study, we focus on the usability of pseudo-3D thematic maps (static perspective views) compared with their conventional 2D equivalents. A total of 105 study participants were divided into two groups (12–19 years old and 20–27 years old). A Perspective Taking Test measured their spatial abilities and each participant solved 15 tasks using four thematic maps. We compared map variants to determine which is more suitable for individual tasks. We then examined the differences between the two age groups and tried to find any relationship between the user’s spatial abilities and the number of correct answers. We observed a significant difference regarding the map’s visualization dimension only in one particular task and significant differences between the age groups when they worked with 2D maps. We found a positive correlation between the participant’s level of spatial ability and the number of correct answers.

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