The influence of finger-counting strategies (pointing, keep track, montring) on number representations is supported by several empirical facts. However, even the above mentioned strategies have been object of studies during childhood, little is known about how finger-counting could interact with the semantic representation of numbers in adulthood. To address this issue, we conducted a first experiment in which participants had to identify Arabic digits by pressing the keyboard with one between their ten fingers. Results showed that responses were faster and more accurate when the finger assigned to each digit was congruent with the finger-counting habits of the participants (Di Luca, Granà, Semenza, Seron and Pesenti, 2006). Subsequently, in a numerosity detection task, we showed that the numerosities expressed by canonical configurations are named faster than those expressed by non-canonical ones, even when no motors responses were needed (Di Luca and Pesenti, in press). Moreover, when used as unconsciously presented primes, both types of configurations speeded up comparative judgments of Arabic digits, but only the priming effect induced by canonical configurations generalized to new, never consciously seen, numerosities, which implies an automatic semantic access for these one only. Finally, we showed that these differences cannot be ascribed to simple visual features, but they stem from two distinct semantic processes. Specifically, canonical configurations are processed as a symbolic system and activate a place coding semantic representation of magnitude, whereas non-canonical configurations activate a summation coding semantic representation.

This dissertation sought to explore dimensions of preschooler conceptual awareness of the principles of counting. The study derived its focus from the research of Rochel Gelman and, in particular, the principles of counting she purports are implicitly understood by young children. Their frequent inability to manifest this awareness in their counting performances is explained as resulting from their susceptibility to task demands. This study explores this position by seeking to facilitate performance in order that conceptual understanding might be more apparent. The sample for this study consisted of 40 children (20 aged 3 years 3 months-3 years 9 months; 20 aged 4 years 3 months-4 years 9 months) selected randomly from a cross section of preschool and day-care centers in Adelaide, South Australia. Phase 1 of the study explored the impact of a procedure which allowed for children to receive both visual and tactile feedback on their counting behavior on array sizes ranging from 2 to 19. The results show conclusively that this self-monitoring technique significantly improved counting performances for both age groups. In doing so it lends support to the Gelman hypothesis that conceptual awareness of the 'how-to' count principles can be masked by task demands. Phase 2 of the study looked at the complex 'order-irrelevance' principle. The results suggest that preschoolers understand that items can be counted in any order before they appreciate that this has no impact on cardinal value. The extreme susceptibility of preschoolers to variations in task demands necessitates further exploration of design and analysis parameters.

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Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

The influence of finger-counting strategies (pointing, keep track, montring) on number representations is supported by several empirical facts. However, even the above mentioned strategies have been object of studies during childhood, little is known about how finger-counting could interact with the semantic representation of numbers in adulthood. To address this issue, we conducted a first experiment in which participants had to identify Arabic digits by pressing the keyboard with one between their ten fingers. Results showed that responses were faster and more accurate when the finger assigned to each digit was congruent with the finger-counting habits of the participants (Di Luca, Granà, Semenza, Seron and Pesenti, 2006). Subsequently, in a numerosity detection task, we showed that the numerosities expressed by canonical configurations are named faster than those expressed by non-canonical ones, even when no motors responses were needed (Di Luca and Pesenti, in press). Moreover, when used as unconsciously presented primes, both types of configurations speeded up comparative judgments of Arabic digits, but only the priming effect induced by canonical configurations generalized to new, never consciously seen, numerosities, which implies an automatic semantic access for these one only. Finally, we showed that these differences cannot be ascribed to simple visual features, but they stem from two distinct semantic processes. Specifically, canonical configurations are processed as a symbolic system and activate a place coding semantic representation of magnitude, whereas non-canonical configurations activate a summation coding semantic representation.

A simple design of automatic counting system for fish larvae Chien-hua Huang Advisor: Dr. Sun-chio Fong Institute of Marine Biology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804,Taiwan, R.O.C. The purpose of this study is to develop a portable-computer system for automatic counting of fish larvae. It was intended as an economical, fast and accurate tool for the general fish farmers. The basic principle of the system is to use gray level value of the three prime colors (red, green and blue) as an indicator to separate and estimate fish larvae within the CCTV image. The hardware part includes a CCTV camera which hooks up to an IBM compatible laptop computer. Images of fish in a tank were captured and stored for future counting process. Program was written in True Basic language for taking the average number of pixel for individual fish, and system optimization for estimating the total number of fishes within tank. Regression analytical methods were also employed for estimating and correction of bias and errors. In an experiment using the present system to estimate known numbers (100, 300, 500, 700 and 900) of larval Paracheirodon innesi in a 60-liter tank as the testing material, the estimated fish numbers were 132, 259, 495, 799 and 1054 respectively. The group of 500 fishes (standard deviation equals to 88) gave the best result. The total percentage of error ranged between 0.9% and 32%. Application of this system on other species of fishes is yet to be tested. It was safe to suggest that the current version of the system works only onto the same species of fishes under similar conditions (less than 1000 fishes of similar sizes, water depth of 25 cm etc.). For different target fishes under different type of container, a new set of error-correcting formula would be needed. However, the present results when compared with published reports of other system, are no less accurate. This system however is more economical and works more conveniently than do most others.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references.

Accountants and auditors are increasingly confronted with the problem of auditing wildlife populations on game ranches as their clients' asset base expands into this industry. This paper aims to provide guidelines on these actions based on case study data and research in the field of wildlife monitoring. Parties entering into dispute on numbers of animals on a property often resort to their auditors for advice. This paper tracks a method of deciding on whether or not to audit the population based on wildlife value and an initial sample count. This will act as a guideline for the accounting profession when confronted by this problem.