Computer-animated Images Research Articles

Behavioral Teleporting of Individual Ethograms onto Inanimate Robots: Experiments on Social Interactions in Live Zebrafish.

SummarySocial behavior is widespread in the animal kingdom, and it remarkably influences human personal and professional lives. However, a thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying social behavior is elusive. Integrating the seemingly different fields of robotics and preclinical research could bring new insight on social behavior. Toward this aim, we established “behavioral teleporting” as an experimental solution to independently manipulate multiple factors underpinning social interactions. Behavioral teleporting consists of real-time transfer of the complete ethogram of a live zebrafish onto a remotely-located robotic replica. Through parallel and simultaneous behavioral teleporting, we studied the interaction between two live fish swimming in remotely-located tanks: each live fish interacted with an inanimate robot that mirrored the behavior of the other fish, and the morphology of each robot was independently tailored. Our results indicate that behavioral teleporting can preserve natural interaction between two live animals, while allowing fine control over morphological features that modulate social behavior.

Male mate choice for a female ornament in a monogamous cichlid fish, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi.

Male ram cichlid, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, spent significantly more time associating with animated female images compared to static images of the same female, indicating that males of the species reliably respond to computer-animated images of conspecific females. Female M. ramirezi temporarily display a pink-coloured belly, and this study showed that males spent significantly more time associating with animated female images displaying a pink-coloured belly compared to animated female images with pink belly colour removed. This is the first study to report male mate choice in M. ramirezi, a neotropical monogamous dwarf cichlid.

Territorial aggression reduces vigilance but increases aggression towards predators in a cooperatively breeding fish

In many species, aggressive individuals outcompete their less aggressive conspecifics for resources such as food and access to mates. Nevertheless, variation in aggression is maintained in populations, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here we tested the hypothesis that aggressive behaviours compromise the antipredator behaviour of prey, which would link aggressive behaviours to a cost of predation. We presented computer-animated images of predators to the cooperatively breeding cichlid fish Neolamprologus pulcher either during territorial contests with a group of territory intruders or when the test fish were alone. We investigated their response latencies and the behaviour directed towards predator images. We found that test fish responded to the predator images significantly later during territorial contests than when they were alone. Moreover, during territorial contests, response latencies of test fish increased with increasing levels of aggression towards conspecifics. Test fish also responded more aggressively to the predator images during territorial contests than when they were alone. During territorial contests, fish that responded later to the predator images were more aggressive towards these images. Our findings suggest that territorial contests compromised the ability of prey to respond quickly to predators. However, we propose that increased aggression towards predators might increase survival chances of prey during predator encounters in nature, and it may thus compensate for costs incurred by delayed predator responses during territorial contests. To test this hypothesis experiments under natural predation regimes that examine the relationship between predation risk, territorial and antipredator aggression are required.

Live predators, robots, and computer-animated images elicit differential avoidance responses in zebrafish.

Emotional disturbances constitute a major health issue affecting a considerable portion of the population in western countries. In this context, animal models offer a relevant tool to address the underlying biological determinants and to screen novel therapeutic strategies. While rodents have traditionally constituted the species of choice, zebrafish are now becoming a viable alternative. As zebrafish gain momentum in biomedical sciences, considerable efforts are being devoted to developing high-throughput behavioral tests. Here, we present a comparative study of zebrafish behavioral response to fear-evoking stimuli offered via three alternative methodologies. Specifically, in a binary-choice test, we exposed zebrafish to an allopatric predator Astronotus ocellatus, presented in the form of a live subject, a robotic replica, and a computer-animated image. The robot's design and operation were inspired by the morphology and tail-beat motion of its live counterpart, thereby offering a consistent three-dimensional stimulus to focal fish. The computer-animated image was also designed after the live subject to replicate its appearance. We observed that differently from computer-animated images, both the live predator and its robotic replica elicited robust avoidance response in zebrafish. In addition, in response to the robot, zebrafish exhibited increased thrashing behavior, which is considered a valid indicator of fear. Finally, inter-individual response to a robotic stimulus is more consistent than that shown in response to live stimuli and animated images, thereby increasing experimental statistical power. Our study supports the view that robotic stimuli can constitute a promising experimental tool to elicit targeted behavioral responses in zebrafish.

The effect of the number and size of animated conspecific images on shoaling responses of zebrafish

The zebrafish is increasingly utilized in biomedical and psychopharmacological research aimed at modeling human brain disorders. Abnormal social behavior represents the core symptom of several neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. The zebrafish is a highly social species and has been proposed for modeling such disorders. Behavioral paradigms that can induce zebrafish social behavior are of importance. Here, we utilize a paradigm in which zebrafish are presented with computer animated images of conspecifics. We systematically varied the size of these images relative to the body size of the experimental fish and also investigated the potential effect of presenting different number of images in an attempt to optimize the paradigm. We report that images similar in size to the experimental fish induced a strong shoaling response (reduction of distance to the image presentation screen) both when the body size of the experimental fish was varied with the image size being held constant and when the image size was varied with the body size of the experimental fish being held constant. We also report that within the number range studied (from 1 to 8 conspecific stimulus fish), presentation of all animated shoals, but the image of a single conspecific stimulus fish, led to significant reduction of distance to the presentation screen. We conclude that the shoal image presentation paradigm induces robust social responses that are quantifiable in an automated manner, making the paradigm useful for screening of drugs and/or mutations.

Indexicality, Imagination, and Digital Virtuality

This research examines the relationship between material indexicality and cinematic imagination in light of the aesthetics of digital virtuality. In terms of cinematic ontology, the concept of indexicality is closely associated with the complex hybridity of cinematic illusion and fantasy. Although computer simulation increases the virtual manipulation of physical reality, digital techno-aesthetics is situated by the socio-historical context of physical reality. The diffusion of digital technology gives rise to the issues of technological fetishism and dehistoricity. Digital cinema provokes the technological spectacle and imaginary attraction of cinematic images, as it is related to the aesthetics of the spectator’s body and sense. The contradictory nature of digital images expands the possibility of cinematic expression. The virtual nature of computer-animated images suggests the creative aesthetics of cinematic configuration and assemblage. In this context, this study concludes that the aesthetics of digital virtuality transforms and expands the hybridity of indexicality and imagination, and of the real and the unreal. It intensifies the complex contradiction between physical reality and illusionary fantasy. Computer simulation and digital synthesis proceed to the assemblage and configuration aesthetics of digital virtuality.

SISTEM INFORMASI INTERAKTIF PADA TRANSAKSI PULSA DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN SMS GATEWAY

Information systems are generally used to support the viability of a business operation and management processes in an organization. To enhance the ability of information systems can be created an interactive information system, so it can provide rapid response and attractive to users. Interactive information system is more directed to the use of multimedia as a means of informing something. Multimedia is a combination of text, images, animations, sound and video. Various media are combined into a single unit of work will yield some information that has value that interactive communication is very high. The research will make a design of interactive information system on toll transaction using sms gateway. So the system can display the alarm and computer animated images on the screen when the computer is experiencing problems in the transaction pulse. In addition the system can also create video tutorial that shows step-by-step problem solving appropriate to the emergence of problems that occurred in the transaction pulse. With the information system interactive it will help the operator pulses respond quickly to any problems in the credit transaction.

Tuned to the rhythm

Rhesus macaques' responses to computer-animated images of lip-smacking monkey faces suggest that the jaw, tongue and lip oscillations that characterize human speech may have evolved from rhythmic primate facial expressions.

Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) preference and behavioral response to animated images of conspecifics altered in their color, aspect ratio, and swimming depth.

Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) is an example of a freshwater fish species whose remarkable diffusion outside its native range has led to it being placed on the list of the world’s hundred worst invasive alien species (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Here, we investigate mosquitofish shoaling tendency using a dichotomous choice test in which computer-animated images of their conspecifics are altered in color, aspect ratio, and swimming level in the water column. Pairs of virtual stimuli are systematically presented to focal subjects to evaluate their attractiveness and the effect on fish behavior. Mosquitofish respond differentially to some of these stimuli showing preference for conspecifics with enhanced yellow pigmentation while exhibiting highly varying locomotory patterns. Our results suggest that computer-animated images can be used to understand the factors that regulate the social dynamics of shoals of Gambusia affinis. Such knowledge may inform the design of control plans and open new avenues in conservation and protection of endangered animal species.

'Don’t eat me!' – Trade-offs between recognition speed and accuracy in a jumping spider

Event Abstract Back to Event 'Don’t eat me!' – Trade-offs between recognition speed and accuracy in a jumping spider Cynthia Tedore1* and Sönke Johnsen1 1 Duke University, Biology, United States Jumping spiders’ principal eyes, specialized for analysis of shape and pattern, have unusually narrow fields of view subtending a small fraction of the angle subtended by a conspecific at normal viewing distances. This should theoretically retard visual processing time. Encounters with other predaceous arthropods, including other jumping spiders, can be dangerous. Quick and accurate reactions can make the difference between life and death. We therefore hypothesized: 1) Selection should favor precise visual templates for multiple conspecific features so that multiple features need not be evaluated in order for spiders to make quick and accurate identifications, and 2) When pheromones are present, males should allocate less time to visual inspection, and, as a result, make more recognition errors when challenged with unnatural combinations of visual features. We tested our hypotheses by presenting male Lyssomanes viridis with computer-animated images of conspecifics, heterospecifics, and artificial combinations of features, in the presence versus absence of female pheromones. Subjects’ courtship versus threat responses indicated whether an image was perceived as a potential mate or threat. Males demonstrated only coarse visual templates for conspecific features, and were more likely to respond appropriately to images when pheromones were absent. When pheromones were present, males spent less time examining images, and frequently approached heterospecific and composite images with courtship displays. This suggests males reconstruct complete mental representations of objects when visual cues are the only ones available. When chemical cues are also available, males seem to be inspecting a subset of visual features and, as a result, are liable to make potentially fatal recognition errors. Figure 1 Keywords: Chemoreception, jumping spider, multimodal communication, recognition, Vision, Visual Field Conference: Tenth International Congress of Neuroethology, College Park. Maryland USA, United States, 5 Aug - 10 Aug, 2012. Presentation Type: Poster (but consider for Participant Symposium) Topic: Sensory: Vision Citation: Tedore C and Johnsen S (2012). 'Don’t eat me!' – Trade-offs between recognition speed and accuracy in a jumping spider. Conference Abstract: Tenth International Congress of Neuroethology. doi: 10.3389/conf.fnbeh.2012.27.00295 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 30 Apr 2012; Published Online: 07 Jul 2012. * Correspondence: Ms. Cynthia Tedore, Duke University, Biology, Durham, North Carolina, 27708, United States, cynthia.tedore@uni-hamburg.de Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract Supplemental Data The Authors in Frontiers Cynthia Tedore Sönke Johnsen Google Cynthia Tedore Sönke Johnsen Google Scholar Cynthia Tedore Sönke Johnsen PubMed Cynthia Tedore Sönke Johnsen Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

In search of optimal fear inducing stimuli: Differential behavioral responses to computer animated images in zebrafish

Zebrafish has been gaining popularity in behavioral genetics and behavioral neuroscience as this species offers an excellent compromise between system complexity and practical simplicity for mechanistic analyses of brain and behavior function. Recently, a number of studies started to investigate methods with which fear responses may be induced reliably in zebrafish. The ultimate goal of these studies has been to develop zebrafish models of pathological processes and to investigate the mechanisms of fear and to eventually translate the findings to the human clinic. Previously, animated image of a sympatric predator of zebrafish was shown to induce fear responses. Here we expand on this recently gained knowledge and investigate whether other moving images may induce more robust fear responses. The images investigated include the original sympatric predator, the Indian leaf fish, another sympatric predator, the needle fish, a bird silhouette moved on the side or above the tank, an expanding dot mimicking rapid approach of an object shown on the side and from above the tank, as well as non-fear inducing images including a single and a group of zebrafish. Our results indicate that although the sympatric predators do induce some fear responses, the other images, particularly the expanding dot but also the bird silhouette shown from above are more effective. The results also reveal a stimulus dependent motor pattern response repertoire of zebrafish demonstrating that perhaps univariate quantification methods may not be appropriate for uncovering the complexity of fear or anxiety related phenotypical changes in this species.

Acute and chronic alcohol dose: population differences in behavior and neurochemistry of zebrafish

The zebrafish has been in the forefront of developmental genetics for decades and has also been gaining attention in neurobehavioral genetics. It has been proposed to model alcohol-induced changes in human brain function and behavior. Here, adult zebrafish populations, AB and SF (short-fin wild type), were exposed to chronic treatment (several days in 0.00% or 0.50% alcohol v/v) and a subsequent acute treatment (1 h in 0.00%, 0.25%, 0.50% or 1.00% alcohol). Behavioral responses of zebrafish to computer-animated images, including a zebrafish shoal and a predator, were quantified using videotracking. Neurochemical changes in the dopaminergic and serotoninergic systems in the brain of the fish were measured using high-precision liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. The results showed genetic differences in numerous aspects of alcohol-induced changes, including, for the first time, the behavioral effects of withdrawal from alcohol and neurochemical responses to alcohol. For example, withdrawal from alcohol abolished shoaling and increased dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in AB but not in SF fish. The findings show that, first, acute and chronic alcohol induced changes are quantifiable with automated behavioral paradigms; second, robust neurochemical changes are also detectable; and third, genetic factors influence both alcohol-induced behavioral and neurotransmitter level changes. Although the causal relationship underlying the alcohol-induced changes in behavior and neurochemistry is speculative at this point, the results suggest that zebrafish will be a useful tool for the analysis of the biological mechanisms of alcohol-induced functional changes in the adult brain.

Computer-aided paleontology: a new look for dinosaurs

Over the past 150 years, our perception of how dinosaurs looked has changed on the basis of museum displays and artists' renditions. Reproductions of lumbering dinosaurs at London's Crystal Palace during the mid 1800s look little like the creatures in the 40-year-old murals at Yale University's Peabody Museum of Natural History, or the computer-animated images of agile animals depicted in the Jurassic Park movies and recent television documentaries. Now, researchers are combining techniques from computer-aided design, rapid prototyping, and biomechanics to develop more accurate theories of dinosaurs' posture and movements. This information will affect paleontologists' concepts of how the animals lived and what they ate. Perhaps the most notable example of this synergy of paleontology and computing-related fields has been the restoration of the Smithsonian Institution's trademark dinosaur -a triceratops mounted some 90 years ago - as part of a refurbishing of the dinosaur hall in the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC.

Response to Video and Computer-animated Images by the Tiger Barb, Puntius tetrazona

Video playback has become an important tool for testing certain questions about animal visual perception. While a few studies have compared the response of test subjects to live and video stimuli, it is generally assumed a priori that the animals will respond to the video image as if it were ‘real’. Since video devices are tuned to the spectral sensitivities and flicker fusion frequencies of the human eye and brain, it is important to conduct preliminary tests to compare the response of test subjects between live and video images. Here we compare schooling behavior of tiger barbs, Puntius tetrazona, when presented with a school of live fish, an analog video school of fish and a video of a computer-animated school of fish. Test subjects did not show a significantly different schooling behavior response to any of these stimuli. Additionally, when given the choice of schooling with a conspecific versus a heterospecific, tiger barbs schooled significantly more often with the conspecifics for all three stimulus formats. This study provides evidence that tiger barbs do not choose to discriminate between live and video models of fish and that this technique can be used to test future questions concerning visual perception for this species.

Efficient image compression algorithm for computer-animated images

An image compression algorithm is described. The algorithm is an extension of the run-length image compression algorithm and its implementation is relatively easy. This algorithm was implemented and compared with other existing popular compression algorithms and with the Lempel-Ziv (LZ) coding. The Lempel- Ziv algorithm is available as a utiilty in the UNIX operating system and is also referred to as the UNIX uncompress. Sometimes our algorithm is best in terms of saving memory space, and sometimes one of the competing algorithms is best. The algorithm is lossless, and the intent is for the algorithm to be used in computer graphics animated images. Comparisons made with the LZalgorithm indicate that the decompression time using our algorithm is faster than that using the LZ algorithm. Once the data are in memory, a relatively simple and fast transformation is applied to uncompress the file.