ORCID Profile
0000-0003-3702-9758
Current Organisations
IT University of Copenhagen
,
Macquarie University
,
University of Glasgow
,
University of Wisconsin Madison
,
CSIRO Marsfield
,
Government of Canada
,
Inter-American Institute For Global Change Research
,
Mitacs - Canada
,
National Research University Higher School of Economics
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Publications
Does the Food Safety Ranking System Act as a Nudge?
Publisher: IGI Global
Date: 10-2021
Abstract: Public health safety is of concern to authorities across the globe, and inspector's food hygiene ranking system has been introduced in many countries. Mandatory disclosure of hygiene ranking information was introduced to empower consumers to make informed decisions regarding foodborne risks. Evaluating available research on public perception and attitude towards such rankings, it seems that the food safety rankings may prompt hygiene compliance by the food business operators and may act as a nudge for consumers to avoid outlets, though with certain caveats. Significant assessment of the scheme remains to be carried out for the ranking system to be an effective nudge for sustainable consumer protection. The public health authorities and organisations need to consider several real-world cognitive and behavioural constraints.
From Attire to Assault: Clothing, Objectification, and De-humanization – A Possible Prelude to Sexual Violence?
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 10-03-2017
Moving by thoughts alone? Amount of finger movement and pendulum length determine success in the Chevreul Pendulum Illusion
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 14-11-2019
DOI: 10.1101/841445
Abstract: Hand-held pendulums can seemingly oscillate on their own, without perceived conscious control. This illusion, named after Chevreul, is likely a result of ideomotor movements. While this phenomenon was originally assumed to have a supernatural basis, it has been accepted for over 150 years that the movements are self-generated. However, until now, recordings of the small movements that create these oscillations has not been performed. In this study, we examined the mechanism that produces these significant involuntary oscillations using a motion capture system. We determined that the Chevreul pendulum illusion is produced when the fingers holding the pendulum generate an oscillating frequency close to the resonant frequency of the pendulum. At an appropriate frequency, very small driving movements of the arm are sufficient to produce relatively large pendulum motion. Further, subjects that tended to move their fingers more were more successful in producing the illusion.
Distinct spatial scale sensitivities for early categorization of faces and places: neuromagnetic and behavioral findings
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 2013
Processing of low spatial frequency faces at periphery in choice reaching tasks
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.NEUROPSYCHOLOGIA.2011.03.003
Abstract: Various aspects of face processing have been associated with distinct ranges of spatial frequencies. Configural processing of faces depends chiefly on low spatial frequency (LSF) information whereas high spatial frequency (HSF) supports feature based processing. However, it has also been argued that face processing has a foveal-bias (HSF channels dominate the fovea). Here we used reach trajectories as a continuous behavioral measure to study perceptual processing of faces. Experimental stimuli were LSF-HSF hybrids of male and female faces superimposed and were presented peripherally and centrally. Subject reached out to touch a specified sex and their movements were recorded. The reaching trajectories reveal that there is less effect of (interference by) LSF faces at fovea as compared to periphery while reaching to HSF targets. These results demonstrate that peripherally presented LSF information, carried chiefly by magnocellular channels, enables efficient processing of faces, possibly via a retinotectal (subcortical) pathway.
Reach trajectories reveal delayed processing of low spatial frequency faces in developmental prosopagnosia
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2012
DOI: 10.1080/17588928.2012.673482
Abstract: Developmental prosopagnosia (DP) is characterized by a selective deficit in face recognition despite normal cognitive and neurological functioning. Previous research has established configural processing deficits in DP subjects. Low spatial frequency (LSF) information subserves configural face processing. Using hybrid stimuli, here we examined the evolution of perceptual dynamics and integration of LSF information by DP subjects while they pointed to high spatial frequency (HSF) face targets. Permutation analysis revealed a 230-ms delay in LSF processing by DP subjects as compared to controls. This delayed processing is likely to contribute to the difficulties associated with face recognition in DP subjects and is reflective of their alleged reliance on local rather than global features in face perception. These results suggest that quick and efficient processing of LSF information is critical for the development of normal face perception.
Faster, stronger, lateralized: Low spatial frequency information supports face processing
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.NEUROPSYCHOLOGIA.2011.08.027
Abstract: Distinct visual pathways are selectively tuned for processing specific spatial frequencies. Recently, Awasthi, Friedman, and Williams (2011) reported fast categorisation of faces at periphery, arguing for primacy of low spatial frequency (LSF) information in face processing. However, previous studies have also documented rapid categorization of places and natural scenes. Here, we tested if the LSF advantage is face specific or also involved in place perception. We used visually guided reaching as a continuous behavioral measure to examine the processing of LSF and high spatial frequency (HSF) hybrids, presented at the periphery. Subjects reached out and touched targets and their movements were recorded. The trajectories revealed that LSF interference was both 95 ms earlier and stronger for faces than places and was lateralized to the left visual field. The early processing of LSF information supports the assumption that faces are prioritised and provides a (neural) framework for such specialised processing.
Closing the Intention-Action Gap: Behaviorally-Aligned Strategies for Effective Plastic Pollution Reduction
Publisher: Journal of Science Policy and Governance, Inc.
Date: 26-06-2023
DOI: 10.38126/JSPG220202
Abstract: This brief provides an overview of existing or proposed policies that aim to mitigate plastic pollution in four countries across the Americas (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Jamaica), as well as how a behavioral framework can be used to analyze and develop effective plastic pollution mitigation policies. At times, policy efforts do not always produce the desired outcomes, resulting in an intention-action gap, which is a disconnect between policy intentions and the everyday behavior of stakeholders. This brief highlights behaviorally-aligned recommendations to reduce the impact of plastic waste and pollution. The ultimate goal of this policy brief is to provide policymakers an insight into behaviorally-aligned policy perspectives to address plastic pollution in their respective countries.
Toward a unifying taxonomy and definition for meditation
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 2013
Non-invasive neurostimulation modulates processing of spatial frequency information in rapid perception of faces
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-10-2021
DOI: 10.3758/S13414-021-02384-0
Abstract: This study used high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) to examine how low and high spatial frequency filtered faces are processed. Response times were measured in a task where healthy young adults categorised spatially filtered hybrid faces, presented at foveal and peripheral blocks, while sham and high-frequency random noise was applied to a lateral occipito-temporal location on their scalp. Both the Frequentist and Bayesian approaches show that in contrast to sham, active stimulation significantly reduced response times to peripherally presented low spatial frequency information. This finding points to a possible plasticity in targeted regions induced by non-invasive neuromodulation of spatial frequency information in rapid perception of faces.
Software-based cognitive therapy intervention targeting core symptoms in Autism: A single case study
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 07-06-2021
Abstract: This study demonstrates the use and effectiveness of an online digital cognitive therapy platform to target core symptoms of Autism. A single case study of a nine-year-old subject is presented who underwent a 15-week cognitive and reading therapy intervention using software-based gameplays. Pre- and Post-intervention assessments show marked improvement in word reading, handwriting, sentence reading fluency and comprehension skills. In addition, the Parent observed positive behavioural changes in social engagement, self-control, improved motor skills, improved tolerance of sensory load, reduction in irritability, hyperactivity and aggressiveness. The study indicates that a short, digital, game-based cognitive therapy and reading training of letter-sound correspondences and word-level reading can boost the reading development of struggling readers in Autism. Such an option is beneficial for effective and meaningful engagement-based remote learning for neuro erse populations. This case study is the first step in developing a community-based program for engaging parents in providing intervention to their children using simple to using online digital cognitive therapy.
Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation Modulates Risky Decision Making in a Frequency-Controlled Experiment
Publisher: Society for Neuroscience
Date: 11-2017
DOI: 10.1523/ENEURO.0136-17.2017
Abstract: In this study, we investigated the effect of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on voluntary risky decision making and executive control in humans. Stimulation was delivered online at 5 Hz (θ), 10 Hz (α), 20 Hz (β), and 40 Hz (γ) on the left and right frontal area while participants performed a modified risky decision-making task. This task allowed participants to voluntarily select between risky and certain decisions associated with potential gains or losses, while simultaneously measuring the cognitive control component (voluntary switching) of decision making. The purpose of this experimental design was to test whether voluntary risky decision making and executive control can be modulated with tACS in a frequency-specific manner. Our results revealed a robust effect of a 20-Hz stimulation over the left prefrontal area that significantly increased voluntary risky decision making, which may suggest a possible link between risky decision making and reward processing, underlined by β-oscillatory activity.
Delineating the low and high spatial frequency inputs to face perception using transcranial random noise stimulation
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 30-05-2020
Abstract: This study used high frequency transcranial Random Noise Stimulation (tRNS) to examine how low and high spatial frequency filtered faces are processed. Response times were measured in a task where healthy young adults categorised spatially-filtered hybrid faces, presented at foveal and peripheral blocks, while sham and high frequency random noise was applied to lateral occipito- temporal location on their scalp. Both the Frequentist and Bayesian approaches show that in contrast to sham, active stimulation significantly reduced response times to peripherally presented low spatial frequency information. This finding points to a possible plasticity in targeted regions induced by non-invasive neuromodulation of spatial frequency information in rapid perception of faces.
Examining the role of red background in magnocellular contribution to face perception
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 04-02-2016
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.1617
Abstract: This study examines the role of the magnocellular system in the early stages of face perception, in particular sex categorization. Utilizing the specific property of magnocellular suppression in red light, we investigated visually guided reaching to low and high spatial frequency hybrid faces against red and grey backgrounds. The arm movement curvature measure shows that reduced response of the magnocellular pathway interferes with the low spatial frequency component of face perception. This finding provides behavioral evidence for magnocellular contribution to non-emotional aspect of face perception.
Moving objects by imagination? Amount of finger movement and pendulum length determine success in the Chevreul pendulum illusion
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2021
The shifting psychology of food safety: from sensory evaluation to a cognitive assessment
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 13-01-2021
Abstract: Understanding the psychological basis of food safety assessment in an era of food-borne infectious diseases becomes paramount. With globalised food supply chains, consumers have little information and oversight regarding the source of their food ingredients and are likely to feel concerned about the loss of control over food hygiene and safety issues. As a result of the modern food consumption patterns and international supply chains, there is a shift from sensory assessment to cognitive assessment of food safety. This short essay assesses the sensory versus cognitive evaluation of food safety. As a result of such a shift, a crucial aspect in food safety perception is the outstanding question of whether the public understands modern food safety systems. Despite an effort to reduce consumer uncertainty when buying routine and exotic food items, there has been a significant shift from a direct safety assessment to an indirect information processing paradigm. Moving away from sensory to cognitive assessment leads to higher information load that may not serve to ensure consumer confidence in food safety. Possible solutions for an effective approach to food safety communication need to account for several real-life cognitive and behavioural constraints.
Issues and Perspectives in Meditation Research: In Search for a Definition
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 2013
Related Organisations
National Research University Higher School Of Economics
Location: No location found
University Of Glasgow
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Inter-American Institute For Global Change Research
Location: Uruguay
National Research University Higher School Of Economics
Location: Russian Federation
Related Funding Activities
No related grants have been discovered for Bhuvanesh Awasthi.