The Recurrent Model of Bodily Spatial Phenomenology

In this paper, we introduce and defend the recurrent model for understanding bodily spatial phenomenology. While Longo, Azañón and Haggard (2010) propose a bottom-up model, Bermúdez (2017) emphasizes the top-down aspect of the information processing loop. We argue that both are only half of the story. Section 1 intro- duces what the issues are. Section 2 starts by explaining why the top- down, descending direction is necessary with the illustration from the ‘body-based tactile rescaling’ paradigm (de Vignemont, Ehrsson and Haggard, 2005). It then argues that the bottom-up, ascending direction is also necessary, and substantiates this view with recent research on skin space and tactile field (Haggard et al., 2017). Section 3 discusses the model’s application to body ownership and bodily self-representation. Implications also extend to topics such as sense modality individuation (Macpherson, 2011), the constancy- based view of perception (Burge, 2010), and the perception/cognition divide (Firestone and Scholl, 2016)

Tactile information improves visual object discrimination in kea, Nestor notabilis, and capuchin monkeys, Sapajus spp.

In comparative visual cognition research, the influence of information acquired by nonvisual senses has received little attention. Systematic studies focusing on how the integration of information from sight and touch can affect animal perception are sparse. Here, we investigated whether tactile input improves visual discrimination ability of a bird, the kea, and capuchin monkeys, two species with acute vision, and known for their tendency to handle objects. To this end, we assessed whether, at the attainment of a criterion, accuracy and/or learning speed in the visual modality were enhanced by haptic (i.e. active tactile) exploration of an object. Subjects were trained to select the positive stimulus between two cylinders of the same shape and size, but with different surface structures. In the Sight condition, one pair of cylinders was inserted into transparent Plexiglas tubes. This prevented animals from haptically perceiving the objects' surfaces. In the Sight and Touch condition, one pair of cylinders was not inserted into transparent Plexiglas tubes. This allowed the subjects to perceive the objects' surfaces both visually and haptically. We found that both kea and capuchins (1) showed comparable levels of accuracy at the attainment of the learning criterion in both conditions, but (2) required fewer trials to achieve the criterion in the Sight and Touch condition. Moreover, this study showed that both kea and capuchins can integrate information acquired by the visual and tactile modalities. To our knowledge, this represents the first evidence of visuotactile integration in a bird species. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the acquisition of tactile information while manipulating objects facilitates visual discrimination of objects in two phylogenetically distant species

Bodily awareness and novel multisensory features

According to the decomposition thesis, perceptual experiences resolve without remainder into their different modality-specific components. Contrary to this view, I argue that certain cases of multisensory integration give rise to experiences representing features of a novel type. Through the coordinated use of bodily awareness—understood here as encompassing both proprioception and kinaesthesis—and the exteroceptive sensory modalities, one becomes perceptually responsive to spatial features whose instances couldn’t be represented by any of the contributing modalities functioning in isolation. I develop an argument for this conclusion focusing on two cases: 3D shape perception in haptic touch and experiencing an object’s egocentric location in crossmodally accessible, environmental space

Design Cognition in 3D Modeling Wearable Product: Exploring Challenges and Transitions for Apparel Designers

With recent expansion and advancement of 3D printing (3DP) technology, the textile and apparel industry is taking notice of its vast potential in developing an efficient and sustainable manufacturing process for customized products. Currently, many traditional apparel designers are facing challenges in digital 3D modeling wearable product. The obstacles lie in understanding the human-computer interaction (HCI) and the cognitive process for an apparel designer in 3D CAD product development. Based on research through design methodology, this case study explores ways the traditional apparel designer transfers tacit knowledge gained in the physical world to the virtual environment in 3D modeling a wearable product. Findings suggest that the designer\u27s haptic and visual memory from traditional practice in a physical studio impact how spatial visualization skills are applied and how CAD tools are utilized in the 3D modeling process

Municipal E-News: Issue 94: Quarter 4, December 2019

The Municipal E-News was created by MTAS in 2009 as part of our continuing efforts to meet our mission of providing timely, valuable information and assistance to Tennessee cities

Facilitating transformative science education through futures thinking

Purpose The aims and pedagogies in the field of science education are evolving because of global sustainability crises. School science is increasingly concerned with responsible agency and value-based transformation. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to argue that perspectives and methods from the field of futures studies are needed to meet the new transformative aims of science education for sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach This paper analyses some contemporary challenges in science education and gives reasons for introducing a futures perspective into science classrooms. The suggestion is illustrated by reviewing some results, published elsewhere, on future-oriented activities trialled within the European Union project “I SEE” and students’ experiences on them. Findings Recent research has shown that future-oriented science learning activities, involving systems thinking, scenario development and backcasting, can let students broaden their futures perceptions, imagine alternatives and navigate uncertainty. Practising futures thinking in the context of contemporary science offers synergies through shared perspectives on uncertainty, probabilities and creative thinking. Originality/value This paper highlights the relevance of the futures field for science education. Future-oriented activities appear as promising tools in science education for fostering sustainability, agency and change. Yet, further work is needed to integrate futures aspects into science curricula. To that end, the paper calls for collaboration between the fields of futures studies and science education.Peer reviewe

The Prospective Researches as Approach in Planning for Development in New Urban Communities

The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between Prospective Researches and planning for social, economic, environmental and health development in new urban communities. The study used a comprehensive social survey for the employees of the new city of Assiut Governorate, which has 300 employees. The researcher used 100 members of the study community to verify the validity and consistency of the tool used in the study. The study was conducted in the hope of studying the relationship between uses of prospective researches and planning for the development of new urban communities in Assiut Governorate. The study included the employees of the new city of Assiut, which has 300 employees. The selection of participants was based on comprehensive Social survey techniques. The data were collected in 2018. The researcher created a model with an introduction letter. He then asked all participants to fill out this letter with the title of study, nature, purpose and name of the participant. The data collection period lasted about 25 days. The results of the study indicate that a strong positive relationship expected between Prospective Researches and planning for social, economic, environmental and health