Touching the unseen: Exploring affective responses to haptic stimuli with and without visual input.

Introduction. An assessment of the currently known data on intergroup variability of papillary patterns of fingers' middle phalanges suggests the possibility of using these characteristics to differentiate Eurasian populations. Material and methods. The study conducted on the prints of fingers' middle phalanges of 1178 men from 12 ethno-territorial groups of Russia and Kyrgyzstan. These are mainly archival materials represented by impressions of the entire palmar surface of the hand. Therefore, we applied а classification that unites morphologically similar variants to eliminate possible errors in determining the types of skin patterns. Results. Statistically significant differences revealed when comparing the proportions of dermatoglyphic features in Caucasian populations, on the one hand, and mixed Caucasian-Mongoloid or Mongoloid populations, on the other. The occurrence frequencies of straight and hook patterns increase, and the frequencies of distal arc and complex double patterns decrease in the presence of a Mongoloid (or Uralic) component. The results of cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling confirmed the division of populations depending on the presence of a Mongoloid, including Ural, component in their racial composition. Within the main clusters, groups were differentiated according to anthropological similarity and territorial proximity. The skin patterns’ complex of digital middle phalanges is very sensitive to the presence of a Mongoloid (or Uralic) component in Caucasian populations, as well as the main dermatoglyphic features of the hand. The differentiation of samples according to the patterns of the middle phalanges largely corresponds to the division based on classical racial and key dermatoglyphic characteristics. However, as a result of multidimensional scaling, the Volga-Kama populations were located further from the Caucasoid than both Mongoloid samples. Therefore, shares’ distribution of united dermatoglyphic signs in Mongoloid populations requires clarification using additional data. Conclusion. The results of various statistical analyzes allow us to conclude that it is possible to use dermatoglyphic characteristics of digital middle phalanges to differentiate Caucasoid samples and groups with a Mongoloid (or Ural) component. The presence of the Mongoloid component in the groups is accompanied by a decrease in the complexity of the papillary patterns on the middle phalanges. @ 2023. This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 license

Simple SummaryWhen people try to make sense of the world they often use categorisations, which are seen as a basic function of human cognition. People use specific attributes to categorise animals with young children using mostly visual cues like number of legs, whereas adults use more comprehensive attributes such as the habitat that the animal lives in. The aim of the present study was to investigate how adolescents categorise different types of animals. A card sorting exercise in combination with a survey questionnaire was implemented. Adolescents were asked to group images of a variety of common British farm, pet, and wild animals that were printed on cards. Furthermore, adolescents were asked to rate a number of animals regarding their utility, likability, and fear, which served as affective responses. Results show that adolescents primarily use an animal’s perceived utility as a means for their categorisation along with their affective feelings towards those animals. In other words, adolescents group animals into farm, pet, and wild animals with one exception, birds. Birds, regardless of their role in society (pet, farm, or wild animal), were mostly grouped together. The results are important to understand adolescents’ perception of animals, which may explain the different attitudes and behaviours towards animals.Categorisations are a means of investigating cognitive maps. The present study, for the first time, investigates adolescents’ spontaneous categorisation of 34 animal species. Furthermore, explicit evaluations of 16 selected animals in terms of their perceived utility and likeability were analysed. 105 British adolescents, 54% female, mean age 14.5 (SD = 1.6) participated in the study. Results of multidimensional scaling (MDS) techniques indicate 3-dimensional data representation regardless of gender or age. Property fittings show that affect and perceived utility of animals explain two of the MDS dimensions, and hence partly explain adolescents’ categorisation. Additionally, hierarchical cluster analyses show a differentiation between farm animals, birds, pet animals, and wild animals possibly explaining MDS dimension 3. The results suggest that utility perceptions predominantly underlie adolescents’ categorisations and become even more dominant in older adolescents, which potentially has an influence on attitudes to animals with implications for animal welfare, conservation, and education.

The Magallanes-Austral retroarc foreland basin of southernmost South America presents an excellent setting in which to examine interpretive methods for large detrital zircon data sets. The source regions for retroarc foreland basins generally, and the Magallanes-Austral Basin specifically, can be broadly divided into (1) the magmatic arc, (2) the fold-and-thrust belt, and (3) sources around the periphery of foreland flexural subsidence. In this study, we used an extensive detrital zircon data set (30 new, 87 previously published samples) that is complemented by a large modal provenance data set of 183 sandstone petrography samples (32 new, 151 previously published) and rare earth element geochemical analyses (130 previously published samples) to compare the results of empirical (multidimensional scaling) and interpretive (age binning based on source regions) treatments of detrital zircon data, ultimately to interpret the detailed evolution of sediment dispersal patterns and their tectonic controls in the Magallanes-Austral Basin. Detrital zircon sample groupings based on both a priori age binning and multidimensional scaling are required to maximize the potential of the Magallanes-Austral Basin data set. Multidimensional scaling results are sensitive to differences in major unimodal arc-related U-Pb detrital zircon ages and less sensitive to differences in multimodal, thrust belt–related age peaks. These sensitivities complicate basin-scale interpretations when data from poorly understood, less densely sampled sectors are compared to data from better-understood, more densely sampled sectors. Source region age binning alleviates these biases and compares well with multidimensional scaling results when samples from the less well-understood southern basin sector are excluded. Sample groupings generated by both multidimensional scaling and interpretive methods are also compatible with compositional provenance data. Together, this integration of provenance data and methods facilitates a detailed interpretation of sediment dispersal patterns and their tectonic controls for the Late Cretaceous to Eocene fill of the Magallanes-Austral retroarc foreland basin. We interpret that provenance signatures and dispersal patterns during the retroarc foreland phase were fundamentally controlled by conditions set by a predecessor extensional basin phase, including (1) variable magnitude of extension with latitude, (2) the composition of lithologies emplaced on the antecedent western flank, and (3) long-lasting structural discontinuities associated with early rifting that may have partitioned dispersal systems or controlled the location of long-lived drainage networks.

We deal with graphical representations of results of functional clustering and functional multidimensional scaling (MDS). Ramsay and Silverman(1997, 2005) proposed functional data analysis. Functional data analysis enlarges the range of statistical data analysis. But, it is not easy to represent results of functional data analysis techniques. We focus on two methods of functional data analysis: functional clustering and functional MDS. We show graphical representations for functional hierarchical clustering and functional k-means method in the first part of this paper. Then, in the second part, graphical representation of results of functional MDS. functional configuration is presented.

In this study an attempt was made to segment milk production in the state of Tamil Nadu into homogenous milk zones based on the resource endowments favourable for the development of dairy industry. Based on the results of multi dimensional scaling, four distinct groups of districts were carved out based on their proximity and the districts were identified in different zones. In the first zone, there were seven districts as Kanchipuram, Vellore, Thiruvannamalai, Villuppuram, Pudukkottai, Namakkal and Salem districts. In the second zone there were five districts namely Erode, Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Didigul and Thiruchirappalli districts. The third zone comprises four districts viz., Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar and Nilagiri districts. The districts in the Zone IV included Nagappattinam, Thanjavur, Cuddalore, Madurai, Sivagangai, Ramanathapuram and Kanniyakumari districts. The multiple discriminant function analysis was used to check whether the groups of districts (Zones) are homogenous or not. The results of the Eigen values and percentage variance explained by the three discriminant functions showed that the first function has the highest percentage of variance (77.92 per cent), followed by the second function (21.47 per cent) and the third function has the least percentage of variance (0.607 per cent). These three functions together could explain 100 per cent of the variation and the estimated discriminant functions have effectively discriminated the districts in four zones and the districts in each of the four zones were of homogenous nature.

Aim: The aim of the article was to review the methodological solutions proposed as part of the hybrid method, which combines linear ordering with multidimensional scaling for various types of data. In the first step, after applying multidimensional scaling, it was possible to visualise objects of interest in a two-dimensional space. In the second step, the objects were linearly ordered according to an aggregate measure based on the Euclidean distance. Methodology: The general procedure of the hybrid method, which can be used to visualise results of linear ordering for metric, ordinal and interval-valued data, was presented. Results: The authors highlight the problems associated with the use of multidimensional scaling in linear ordering and how they can be solved. These problems with the application of multidimensional scaling in linear ordering are illustrated by an attempt to rank 27 EU countries in 2021 according to their progress towards reaching the sustainable development goal (SDG7). The article also contains an overview of studies involving the hybrid method. Implications and recommendations: If the distribution of errors related to the arrangement of individual objects in the scaling space (stress-per-point values – spp) deviates significantly from the uniform distribution, the ranking of objects based on the results of multidimensional scaling is distorted. To solve this, the paper proposes to select the optimal multidimensional scaling procedure considering two criteria: Kruskal’s goodness-of-fit statistic and the Herfindahl-Hirschman index, calculated using spp values. The use of the hybrid method is facilitated by the mdsOpt package in R environment. Originality/value: The hybrid method makes use of the concept of isoquants and the path of development (the shortest line connecting the pattern and anti-pattern of development) proposed by Hellwig (1981). By applying multidimensional scaling one can visualise the results of linear ordering for more than two variables, whereas other linear ordering methods cannot be used to visualise these results.

Research background: So far, many methods of direct measurement of similarity in multidimensional scaling have been developed (e.g. ranking, sorting, pairwise comparison and others). The method selection affects the subjective feelings of the respondents, i.e. fatigue, weariness resulting from making numerous assessments, or difficulties in expressing similarity assessments. Purpose: In the proposed method, for all four-element sets (tetrads) of objects a respondent is asked to pick out the most similar and the least similar pair. Because the number of tetrads increases very rapidly with the number of objects, the aim of the study is to indicate the possibility of measuring similarities based on the reduced number of tetrads. Research methodology: In order to make scaling results independent from respondents’ subjective effects the analysis was made on the basis of the given distance matrix. To construct perceptual maps based on tetrads, multidimensional scaling with the use of the MINISSA program was performed. The quality of matching the resulting points configuration to the configuration determined based on the distance matrix was tested by a Procrustes statistic. Results: It was demonstrated that the choice of the incomplete set of tetrads has no significant effect on the results of multidimensional scaling, even when all pairs of objects in tetrads cannot be presented equally frequently. Novelty: An original method for calculating similarities in nonmetric multidimensional scaling.

Abstract.— Multidimensional scaling is compared with the semantic differential technique (SDT) as methods for dimensional analysis of the perception of environmental settings. In one experiment employing as stimuli SDT scales used in previous experiments a General Evaluation, a Social Status, a Potency, a Closedness, and an Affection factor were found for both methods. A Unity and a Complexity factor merged into a single factor, an Originality factor was only found for multidimensional scaling. In a second experiment employing as stimuli perspective drawings of urban and suburban settings, the results differed in that the General Evaluation, the Social Status, the Closedness, and the Unity/Complexity factors were found for the SDT, and only the first two for multidimensional scaling. Further experiments with other stimuli and methods of representation are needed in order to draw firm conclusions regarding the correspondence between SDT and multidimensional scaling results within the area under consideration.

Odors are inherently ambiguous and therefore susceptible to redundant sensory as well as context information. The identification of an odor object relies largely on visual input. Thus far, it is unclear whether visual and olfactory stimuli are indeed integrated at an early perceptual stage and which role the congruence between the visual and olfactory inputs plays. Previous studies on visual-olfactory interaction used either congruent or incongruent information, leaving it open whether nuances of visual-olfactory congruence shape perception differently. We aimed to answer 1) whether visual-olfactory information is integrated at early stages of processing, 2) whether visual-olfactory congruence is a gradual or dichotomous phenomenon, and 3) whether visual information influences bimodal stimulus evaluation and odor identity. We found a bimodal response time speedup that is consistent with parallel processing according to race models. Subjectively, pleasantness of bimodal stimuli increased with increasing congruence, and orange images biased odor composition toward orange. Visual-olfactory congruence was perceived in gradual and distinct categories, consistent with the notion that congruence is a gradual phenomenon. Together, the data provide evidence for bimodal facilitation consistent with parallel processing of the visual and olfactory stimuli, and that visual-olfactory interactions influence various levels of the subjective experience.

Broiler chickens are the highest source to fulfill animal protein consumption of the Indonesian people. The population of this type of chicken is very high because it does not require a large area in maintenance, has fast growth and good feed efficiency compared to other types of broiler poultry. Broiler farms generally use antibiotics as feed additives to trigger growth, increase body weight and improve the efficiency of food converted into meat. Antibiotics are also used for disease prevention and treatment, especially by commercial chicken farmers. Antibiotics used in livestock production account for about two-thirds of global antibiotic sales and consumption. The unwise use of antibiotics also increases the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance, especially in bacteria. This research goals to analyze the sustainability of using IgY affixes as a substitute for antibiotics in chicken feed. The results of the analysis are grouped based on the value of the sustainability level. The results of Multi Dimensional Scaling (MDS) analysis using the RAPFISH (Rapid Appraisal for Fisheries) analysis tool showed that the level of sustainability of IgY use was 66.49% with a quite sustainable category.

The physical activity-related health competence (PAHCO) model assumes that individuals require movement competence, control competence, and self-regulation competence to lead a healthy, physically active lifestyle. Although previous research has already established some measurement factors (n = 8) of the three dimensions, no attempts have so far been made to statistically aggregate them on the sub-competence level. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to test two additional factors for PAHCO and subsequently model the second-order structure with two samples from the fields of rehabilitation and prevention. We conducted two questionnaire surveys with persons with multiple sclerosis (n = 475) and teaching students undergoing a basic qualification course in physical education (n = 502). After performing exploratory items analysis, we used second-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multidimensional scaling to investigate whether the scales could be bundled in accordance with the PAHCO model. The CFAs with 10 factors (42 items) demonstrated a good model fit. In contrast, the second-order analysis with a simple loading structure on the three sub-competencies revealed an unacceptable model fit. Instead, a second-order model variant was preferred [comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.926, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.048, standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.065] in which body awareness and self-efficacy had theory-conform cross-loadings. The results of multidimensional scaling (two-dimensional solution) were in line with the extracted second-order structure. The present results suggested that the extension of the measurement instrument to 10 first-order factors was psychometrically justified for the two populations. The results from the second-order analyses provided the basis for the creation of sum scores, representing manifest indicators of movement competence, control competence, and self-regulation competence. Future studies are needed that cross-validate the extended measurement model with other populations and that relate the sub-competencies of PAHCO to indicators of health-enhancing physical activity.

While engaging in sports is widely recognized for enhancing wellbeing, limited research has examined the effects of watching sports events on individuals' subjective wellbeing. The mechanisms and pathways underlying this relationship remain unclear. This study explores the correlation between watching sports events and the wellbeing of Chinese individuals, based on the theoretical framework of "spectator behavior → social interaction → emotional experience → happiness." The aim is to investigate the mediating effects of social interaction and emotional experience, providing insights for promoting greater participation in sports events and supporting the healthy development of the sports industry. The study involved 885 participants from five representative provinces and cities in China. Assessment tools included the Physical Activity Rating Scale, Social Interaction Questionnaire, Emotional Experience Questionnaire, and Subjective Wellbeing Scale. Data were analyzed using Stata and the PROCESS plug-in of SPSS for comprehensive multivariate statistical analysis. Watching sports events significantly and positively affects subjective wellbeing, social interaction, and emotional experience (p < 0.001). Three mediating pathways were identified: (1) watching sports events → social interaction → subjective wellbeing (effect size: 0.024), (2) watching sports events → emotional experience → subjective wellbeing (effect size: 0.011), and (3) watching sports events → social interaction → emotional experience → subjective wellbeing (effect size: 0.003). The direct impact of watching sports events on subjective wellbeing was positive. Indirect effects were facilitated by the mediating roles of social interaction and emotional experience, with the effect of social interaction being more substantial than that of emotional experience. These findings suggest that watching sports events can serve as a catalyst for enhancing wellbeing, primarily through fostering social connections and enriching emotional experiences. Practically, this indicates the potential value of encouraging viewership of sports events as a means of promoting community engagement and mental health, thus contributing to the holistic growth of the sports sector and public health initiatives.

The design of usable haptic icons (brief informational signals delivered through the sense of touch) requires a tool for measuring perceptual distances between icons that will be used together as a set. Our experiences with one potentially powerful approach, Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) analysis of perceptual data acquired using an efficient cluster sorting technique, raised questions relating to the methodology for data collection. In this paper, we review key issues relating to perceptual data collection method, describe an example data set and present its initial MDS analysis, and then examine the impact of collection method on MDS outcome through a secondary analysis of the data and the inherent structure of the algorithm components. Our analysis suggests that an understanding of these issues is important for the method’s effective use, but has not exposed any major flaws with the process.

Marketing classic theater in a competitive market of entertainments

When people respond to questionnaires, they may construct preferences using various sources of information available, even questions within the questionnaire. An experimental approach with a representative sample of the Swiss population was applied to investigate how stable attitudes towards biotechnology are and which criteria people use spontaneously to evaluate and categorise biotechnology applications providing as little information as possible. A free card-sorting task using risk as a criterion versus not imposing a criterion was applied. Data were analysed using multidimensional scaling (MDS) and were represented in a cognitive map. Results of our experimental manipulation suggest that people's preferences for biotechnology applications are relatively stable. Different sorting instructions did not result in different cognitive maps. Results suggest, therefore, that participants' evaluations are not strongly influenced by criteria used in a questionnaire. The descriptions of the applications seem to be more crucial.