In the present study, it was examined whether the spatiotemporal dynamics of transitions towards target dominance in motion-induced blindness (MIB) were wave-like, similar to those in binocular rivalry. The spatiotemporal dynamics of transitions towards dominance in MIB were further compared with those in binocular rivalry to reveal a potential neural locus of MIB. Across a series of experiments, the relationship between target length, stimulus structure, presentation location and the latency for circular arc segment-shaped targets to reappear was examined, respectively. It was found that target reappearance durations increase with target length, as if they reappear in a gradual, wavelike fashion. Target reappearance durations were decreased for collinear compared to radial targets, but they were not influenced by the location of target presentation. The results suggest MIB target reappearances are associated with traveling waves of dominance, and early visual cortex is a likely neural substrate in which these wave-like transitions occur. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

It has been argued that the perception of apparent motion is based on the detection of counterchange (oppositely signed changes in luminance contrast at pairs of spatial locations) rather than motion energy (spatiotemporal changes in luminance). A constraint in furthering this distinction is that both counterchange and motion energy are present for most motion stimuli. Three experiments used illusory-contour and luminance-based stimuli to segregate (experiments 1 and 2) and combine (experiment 3) counterchange and motion energy information. Motion specified by counterchange was perceived for translating illusory squares over a wide range of frame durations, and preferentially for short motion paths. Motion specified by motion energy was diminished by relatively long frame durations, but was not affected by the length of the motion path. Results for the combined stimulus were consistent with counterchange as the basis for apparent motion perception, despite the presence of motion energy. / by Matthew Seifert. / Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2013. / Includes bibliography. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / System requirements: Adobe Reader.

The perception of visual motion is an integral aspect of many organisms' engagement with the world. In this dissertation, a theory for the perception of visual object-motion is developed. Object-motion perception is distinguished from objectless-motion perception both experimentally and theoretically. A continuoustime dynamical neural model is developed in order to generalize the ndings and provide a theoretical framework for continued re nement of a theory for object-motion perception. Theoretical implications as well as testable predictions of the model are discussed. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

by Au-Yeung Lai Hung. / Running title: Chinese reading. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 125-130). / Acknowledgements / Abstract / Table of Contents / List of Tables / List of Figures / List of Appendices / Introduction --- p.1 / The Chinese Language and Some of Its Major Features --- p.4 / The Role of Parafoveal Visual Information in Chinese Reading: Implications on Eye Movement Control and the Characteristics of the Perceptual Span --- p.7 / General Views of Language Comprehension Processes --- p.13 / General theoretical backgrounds --- p.13 / Functional roles of Chinese word categories --- p.18 / Research Problems and Method --- p.20 / Experiment I --- p.23 / Method --- p.27 / Results and Discussion --- p.32 / "Comprehension performance, reading time, and reading efficiency" --- p.32 / Component processes in Chinese reading --- p.40 / Overall mean RT analyses --- p.42 / Separate analyses for each session --- p.47 / Experiment II --- p.51 / Method --- p.58 / Results and Discussion --- p.60 / Comprehension performance and reading time --- p.60 / Component processes in various display conditions --- p.66 / Experiment III --- p.73 / Method --- p.76 / Results --- p.80 / Results for SVO sentence structure --- p.81 / Results for SOV sentence structure --- p.88 / Results for OSV sentence structure --- p.96 / Discussion --- p.103 / Lexical access and sentence comprehension --- p.103 / Verb violation --- p.105 / Noun violation --- p.108 / Clause boundary effect --- p.111 / Differential effects of the types of violation on word types --- p.113 / The interactive nature of Chinese processing --- p.113 / Evaluations of the results from various word orders --- p.114 / General Conclusion --- p.116 / References --- p.125 / Appendices --- p.131

隨著3D電影和遊戲的蓬勃發展，雙目（立體）顯示設備日益流行，也變得更為廉價。 立體顯示設備 引入了一個額外的圖像空間，使得用於顯示的圖像域翻倍(一個圖像域對應左眼，另一個對應右眼)。 目前的雙目(立體)顯示設備主要把這個額外的圖像空間用於顯示三維立體信息。 / 人們的雙目視覺系統不僅可以把雙眼看到的具有深度差異信息的兩個圖像融合起來，而且可以把兩個在亮度，色彩， 對比度，甚至是內容細節上有一定程度不同的圖像融合到一起，形成一個單一的視界。 這個現象叫做雙眼單視界（Binocular Single Vision）。通過一些列複雜的神經生理融合過成，人們可以通過雙眼單視界比只用任意一隻單眼 觀察到更多視覺內容和信息，其獲得的信息量也多於兩個視野的線性組合。 / 在本畢業論文中，雙眼單視界首次被應用到了計算機圖形學領域，基於這一現象，提出了一個新穎的雙目色調映射框架(Binocular Tone Mapping Framework)。對於輸入的高動態範圍(High-Dynamic Range, HDR)圖像，我們的雙目色調映射 構架將生成一組用於雙目觀看的低動態範圍(Low-Dynamic Range, LDR)圖像對，用以從原HDR圖像中保留 更多的人們可感知到的視覺內容和信息。 給定任意一個指定的色調映射方法，我們的雙目計算框架首先通過使用其默認或者 人工選擇的參數生成一張LDR圖像(不失一般性，我們指定為左視野圖)，隨後，圖像對中的另一張LDR圖像 將由系統從同一HDR圖像源使用最優化算法生成。 結果的兩張LDR圖像是不相同的，它們分別保留了不同的視覺信息。通過使用雙目顯示設備，它們可以合計表現出比任一單張LDR圖像更豐富的圖像內容。 / 人們的兩個視野對圖像差異不是無限的，也存在一個容忍度。一旦超過了某個限制閾值，視覺上的不適感覺就會出現。 了避免不適 的產生，我們設計了一個全新的雙目視覺舒適預測預器(Binocular Viewing Comfort predictor)用以預測 雙目視覺的不舒適閾值。 在我們的雙目色調映射構架中，BVCP用於指導LDR圖像對的生成，同時避免觸發 任何視覺不適。 通過一些列的實驗和用戶調查，我們提出的工作框架的有效性以及BVCP預測不適閾值的準確程度都得到了驗證。 / With the booming of 3D movies and video games, binocular (stereo) display devices become more and more popular and affordable. By introducing one additional image space, stereo displays double the image domains for visualization, one for the left eye and the other for the right eye. Existing binocular display systems only utilize this dual image domain for stereopsis. / Our human binocular vision is not only able to fuse two images with disparity, but also two images with difference in luminance, contrast and even detail, into a single percept, up to a certain limit. This phenomenon is known as binocular single vision. By a complicated neurophysiologic fusion process, humans can perceive more visual content via binocular single vision than one arbitrary single view or the linear blending of two views. / In this thesis, for the first time, binocular single vision has been utilized into computer graphics. Based on this phenomenon, a novel binocular tone mapping framework is proposed. From the source high-dynamic range (HDR) image, the proposed framework generates a binoc- ular low-dynamic range (LDR) image pair that preserves more human- perceivable visual content than a single LDR image using the additional image domain. Given a tone mapping method, our framework firstly generates one tone-mapped LDR image (left, without loss of generality) by the default or user selected parameters. Then its counterpart image (right) of the LDR pair is optimally synthesized from the same source HDR image. The two LDR images are not identical, and contain different visual information. Via binocular displays, they can aggregately present more human-perceivable visual richness than a single arbitrary LDR image. / Human binocular vision has a tolerance on the difference between two views. When such limit is exceeded, binocular viewing discomfort appears. To prevent such visual discomfort, a novel binocular view- ing comfort predictor (BVCP) is also proposed to predict the comfort threshold of binocular vision. In our framework, BVCP is used to guide the generation of LDR image pair without triggering visual discomfort. Through several user studies, the effectiveness of the proposed framework in increasing human-perceivable visual richness and the pre- dictability of the proposed BVCP in predicting the binocular discomfort threshold have been demonstrated and validated. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Yang, Xuan. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 108-115). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / Acknowledgement --- p.ix / Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 2 --- Background Study --- p.5 / Chapter 2.1 --- Stereo Display --- p.5 / Chapter 2.2 --- HDR Tone Mapping --- p.9 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- HDR lmage --- p.9 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Tone Mapping --- p.11 / Chapter 3 --- Binocular Vision --- p.16 / Chapter 3.1 --- Binocular Single Vision --- p.16 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Binocular Single Vision --- p.16 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Motor Fusion and Sensory Fusion --- p.19 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Fusion, Suppression and Rivalry --- p.21 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- Rivalry --- p.23 / Chapter 3.1.5 --- Fusional Theory --- p.24 / Chapter 3.1.6 --- Fusion with Stereopsis --- p.27 / Chapter 3.2 --- Binocular discomfort --- p.29 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Fusional area --- p.31 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Contour difference --- p.32 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Failure of rivalry --- p.33 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Contour and regional contrast --- p.34 / Chapter 4 --- Binocular Visual Comfort Predictor (BVCP) --- p.37 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.37 / Chapter 4.2 --- Design of BVCP --- p.40 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Fusional Area --- p.40 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Contour Fusion --- p.42 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Failure of Rivalry --- p.48 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Contour and Regional Contrast --- p.53 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- The Overall Fusion Predictor --- p.54 / Chapter 4.3 --- Experiments and User Study --- p.56 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.60 / Chapter 5 --- Binocular Tone Mapping --- p.62 / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.62 / Chapter 5.2 --- Binocular Tone Mapping Framework --- p.66 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- System Overview --- p.66 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Optimization --- p.68 / Chapter 5.3 --- Experiments and Results --- p.71 / Chapter 5.4 --- Userstudy --- p.77 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Visual Richness --- p.77 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- Binocular Symmetry --- p.81 / Chapter 5.5 --- Discussion --- p.82 / Chapter 5.5.1 --- Incorporating Stereopsis --- p.82 / Chapter 5.5.2 --- Limitation --- p.84 / Chapter 5.5.3 --- Extension --- p.85 / Chapter 6 --- Conclusion --- p.91 / Chapter 6.1 --- Contribution --- p.91 / Chapter 6.2 --- Future Work --- p.92 / Chapter A --- More Results of Binocular Tone Mapping --- p.94 / Chapter B --- Test Sequence for BVCP --- p.103 / Bibliography --- p.108

Magister Educationis - MEd / This study investigated the factors that impacted positively or militated against the implementation of a learning support programme (ISP) in grade R classes at two primary schools located in the same poor socio-economic area within the Cape Metropole of the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Learner Support Teachers used this programme to enhance learning in grade R and was called an Intervention Support Programme (ISP). The purpose of the ISP was to improve the school readiness skills of the Grade R learners in four domains: language development, gross and fine motor skills, auditory perceptual skills and visual perception. The study followed a qualitative research approach and was guided by a case study research design. The sample comprised both designers as well as implementers of the ISP who were school-based as well as education district-based officials to explore their views and/or experiences of the ISP. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews after all ethical protocols were followed. The data was analysed using a thematic approach. The findings highlighted, that despite the learners experiencing barriers to learning, they improved by participating in the ISP. The study identified the following factors that facilitated the successful implementation of the ISP: the grade R teachers and LSTs’ work experience and qualifications, their positive attitudes and commitment towards teaching, the designers, implementers and grade one teachers’ positive views about the ISP, the constant review of the ISP, and adapting the ISP to suit local learning and teaching contexts of the schools. The study also identified the following factors that militated against the successful implementation of the ISP: the non- involvement of the ISP implementers (grade R teachers and LSTs) in the input and design of the ISP, the nonalignment of the school curriculum (CAPS) with the ISP, the manner in which ISP leaners were selected, time constraints regarding the delivery of the curriculum, the non- or under-involvement of parents and the community in their children’s schooling, the non-involvement of principals in the ISP and the unrealistic expectations of the district- based officials with regard to the ISP. The study also makes recommendations about how the ISP could be improved to enhance its effectiveness.

Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Thesis. 1978. M.Arch.A.S.--Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Architecture. / Bibliography: leaves 117-118. / M.Arch.A.S.

Thesis. 1979. M.Arch--Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Architecture. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ROTCH. / Bibliography: p. 255-260. / M.Arch

Spatial attention enhances perception at specific locations in the visual field, measured behaviorally as improved task performance and faster reaction times. In visual cortex, neurons with receptive fields at attended locations display enhanced responses. This neural modulation is presumed to underlie the associated behavioral benefit, although the mechanisms linking sensory cortical modulation to perceptual enhancement remain unclear. In studies of spatial attention, experimentalists persuade animals to attend to particular locations by associating them with a higher probability or magnitude of reward. Notably, these manipulations alter in tandem both the absolute expectation of reward at a particular location, as well as the expectation of reward relative to other locations in the visual field. We reasoned that independently changing absolute and relative reward expectations could provide insight into the mechanisms of attention. We trained monkeys to discriminate the orientation of two stimuli presented simultaneously in different hemifields while independently varying the reward magnitude associated with correct discrimination at each location. Behavioral measures of attention were controlled by the relative value of each location. By contrast, neurons in visual area V4 were consistently modulated by absolute reward value, exhibiting increased firing rates, increased gamma-band power, and decreased trial-to-trial variability whenever receptive field locations were associated with large rewards. Thus, neural modulation in V4 can be robustly dissociated from the perceptual benefits of spatial attention; performance could be enhanced without neural modulation, and neural activity could be modulated without substantial perceptual improvement. These data challenge the notion that the perceptual benefits of spatial attention rely on increased signal-to-noise in V4. Instead, these benefits likely derive from downstream selection mechanisms. In identifying brain areas involved with attention, a distinction is generally made between sensory areas like V4— where the representation of the visual field is modulated by attentional state— and attentional “source" areas, primarily in the oculomotor system, that determine and control the locus of attention. The amygdala, long recognized for its role in mediating emotional responses, may also play a role in the control of attention. The amygdala sends prominent feedback projections to visual cortex, and recent physiological studies demonstrate that amygdala neurons carry spatial signals sufficient to guide attention. To characterize the role of the amygdala in the control of attention, we recorded neural activity in the amygdala and V4 simultaneously during performance of the orientation discrimination task. In preliminary data analysis, we note two sets of findings. First, consistent with prior work, we found that amygdala neurons combine information about space and value. Rewards both contralateral and ipsilateral to amygdala neurons modulated responses, but contralateral rewards had a larger effect. Therefore, notably distinct from known attentional control sources in the oculomotor system, spatial-reward responses in the amygdala do not reflect the relative value of locations. Second, we found signatures of functional connectivity between the amygdala and V4 during task performance. Reward cue presentation was associated with elevated alpha and beta coherence, and attention to locations contralateral to the amygdala and inside the receptive field of V4 neurons was associated with elevated inter-area gamma coherence. These results suggest that the amygdala may serve a unique role in the control of spatial attention. Together, these experiments contribute towards an understanding of the brain-to-behavior mechanisms linking neural activity in V4 and the amygdala to the dramatic perceptual and behavioral improvement associated with attention.