Evidence Of We-Representation In Monkeys When Acting Together

A hallmark of successful evolution resides in the ability to adapt our actions to those of others, optimizing collective behaviour, so as to achieve goals otherwise unattainable by individuals acting alone. We have previously shown that macaques constitute a good model to analyse joint behavior, since they are able to coordinate their actions in a dyadic context. In the present work, we investigated whether monkeys can improve their joint-action performance, under special visuomotor conditions. The behavior of 5 monkeys was analyzed in isometric center-out tasks, requiring hand force application in different directions, either individually or together with a partner. Manipulating the presence or absence of a pre-instruction about the future action condition (SOLO or TOGETHER), allowed us to investigate on the existence of a "we-representation" in macaque monkeys. We found that pre-cueing the future action context increased the chances of dyadic success, also thanks to the emergence of an optimal kinematic setting, that ultimately facilitates inter-individual motor coordination. Our results offer empirical evidence in macaques of a "We-representation" during collective behavior, that once is cued in advance has an overall beneficial effect on joint performance.

A Review on the Plastic Hinge Characteristics of Beam-Column Joints in RC Moment Resisting Frames

The behavior of beam-column joints plays a crucial role in the performance of Reinforced Concrete (RC) moment-resisting frames in earthquake-prone areas. In beam-column joints with high strength concrete and shear reinforcement in joints, the plastic hinge is formed at the beam-column joint interface, which is an undesirable failure mode. Predicting the behavior of plastic hinges subjected to large inelastic deformations caused by extreme loads such as earthquake plays an important role in assessing maximum stable deformation capacities of framed concrete structures. The present paper reviews the plastic hinge characteristics of beam-column joints of RC moment-resisting frames. A careful study and understanding of joint behavior are essential to arrive at a proper judgment of the design of joints. Various types of joints and the influence of bond strength characteristics, forces acting on joints, reinforcement detailing, and the concept and formation of plastic hinges in the joints are thoroughly reviewed.

Study on Precast Coconut Shell Concrete Beam-Column Junction Using M-Sand under Static Load

Coconut shell (CS) is one of the sustainable alternative aggregates and coconut shell concrete (CSC) was developed a decade earlier. Prefabricated conventional concrete (CC) and CSC using M-sand, and their research are very limited. Capacity and behavior of the joints are important in precast. Hence in this study, precast column-beam behavior of CSC elements was studied. Two different sizes 12 and 16 mm bolts and nuts connection were chosen and used to connect the precast elements. Also, the same sectional details were used and specimens produced for combination with CC using M-sand (CCM). Specimen failure of both monolithic and prefabricated CSC using M-sand (CSCM) elements was typical structural failure and is comparable to that of CCM. Compared to CCM, high deflection was observed on CSCM element. No crack was developed on both CCM and CSCM prefabricated specimen. All elements were able to sustain their maximum potential for strain. Column-beam joint behavior of CSCM monolithic and prefabricated specimen behavior are comparable to that of CCM.

The foundation for accessority in the Russian construction of complicity

The normative and doctrinal construction of complicity under Russian criminal law is based on the advantages that the accessory theory gives, limited to certain provisions of the doctrine of the independent responsibility of accomplices. At the same time, the starting point for the legal assessment of the joint behavior of several persons as complicity in a crime is the fact that the criminal commits actions that contain corpus delicti.Without this fact, the construction of complicity cannot be created. “Committing a crime” should be interpreted as the beginning of the direct commitment by the perpetrator of the objective side of the crime. The very presence of the perpetrator of the crime as a procedural figure, the fact of bringing him to criminal responsibility and the form of its implementation does not affect the assessment of what other persons have done as complicity in thecrime. The unity of the crime committed by the ccomplices does not exclude the fact that the behavior of each of them contains its own, independent corpus delicti, which serves as the basis for their criminal responsibility.

Nonclassical roles for IFN-γ and IL-10 in a murine model of immunoedition

Aim: To characterize, by means of univariate and multivariate approaches, the T helper (Th)-1 and Th-2 responses during the different phases of tumor immunoediting. Materials & methods: We used a multivariate principal component analysis applied to analyze the joint behavior of serum concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-10 and IL-4, during the different phases of tumor immunoediting, in CBi/L mice challenged with M-406 mammary adenocarcinoma. Results & conclusion: Animals in equilibrium phase showed the widest variations in values of the four cytokines. In this experimental model, the role of IFN-γ would be related to tumor growth and progression, while IL-10 would participate in the antitumor immune response.