Prosthetic devices that replace a lost limb have become increasingly performant in recent years. Recent advances in both software and hardware allow for the decoding of electroencephalogram signals to improve the control of active prostheses with brain-computer interfaces. Most BCI research is focused on the upper body. Although BCI research for the lower extremities has increased in recent years, there are still gaps in our knowledge of the neural patterns associated with lower limb movement. Therefore, the main objective of this (...) study is to show the feasibility of decoding lower limb movements from EEG data recordings. The second aim is to investigate whether well-known neuroplastic adaptations in individuals with an amputation have an influence on decoding performance. To address this, we collected data from multiple individuals with lower limb amputation and a matched able-bodied control group. Using these data, we trained and evaluated common BCI methods that have already been proven effective for upper limb BCI. With an average test decoding accuracy of 84% for both groups, our results show that it is possible to discriminate different lower extremity movements using EEG data with good accuracy. There are no significant differences in the decoding performance of these movements between healthy subjects and subjects with lower extremity amputation. These results show the feasibility of using BCI for lower limb prosthesis control and indicate that decoding performance is not influenced by neuroplasticity-induced differences between the two groups. (shrink)

Prosthetic devices that replace a lost limb have become increasingly performant in recent years. Recent advances in both software and hardware allow for the decoding of electroencephalogram signals to improve the control of active prostheses with brain-computer interfaces. Most BCI research is focused on the upper body. Although BCI research for the lower extremities has increased in recent years, there are still gaps in our knowledge of the neural patterns associated with lower limb movement. Therefore, the main objective of this (...) study is to show the feasibility of decoding lower limb movements from EEG data recordings. The second aim is to investigate whether well-known neuroplastic adaptations in individuals with an amputation have an influence on decoding performance. To address this, we collected data from multiple individuals with lower limb amputation and a matched able-bodied control group. Using these data, we trained and evaluated common BCI methods that have already been proven effective for upper limb BCI. With an average test decoding accuracy of 84% for both groups, our results show that it is possible to discriminate different lower extremity movements using EEG data with good accuracy. There are no significant differences in the decoding performance of these movements between healthy subjects and subjects with lower extremity amputation. These results show the feasibility of using BCI for lower limb prosthesis control and indicate that decoding performance is not influenced by neuroplasticity-induced differences between the two groups. (shrink)

Depuis près d'un demi-siècle, Madame Hélène ACKERMANS a coopéré très activement à l'organisation de l'École des sciences philosophiques et religieuses des F.U.S.L. Avec Monseigneur Henri van Camp, elle a donné à la tribune des leçons publiques sa renommée internationale ; auprès de l'actuel comité de direction, elle n'a cessé de prodiguer ses multiples compétences et ses conseils avisés. En hommage à son travail, il a été demandé à quelques-uns des penseurs avec lesquels Madame Hélène ACKERMANS a noué des liens d'amitié, (...) de réfléchir au rôle de la philosophie dans la Cité. (shrink)

A reléguer les valeurs dans la sphère exclusive du privé, le risque est grand de les enfermer dans leur particularité, de leur permettre d’occuper ou prétendre occuper la place de l’universel sans aucune forme de confrontation et de gommer leur pluralité. A les relativiser purement et simplement, le risque n’est pas moins grand de voir la place de l’universel envahie, non par une quelconque valeur particulière, mais par ce qui se veut la mesure publique de toute qualité et appréciation aujourd’hui (...) : les items de compétence. (shrink)

(2009). How automatic is “automatic vigilance”? The role of working memory in attentional interference of negative information. Cognition & Emotion: Vol. 23, No. 6, pp. 1106-1117.

In the past decades, affective science has overwhelmingly demonstrated the unique properties of affective information to bias our attention, memory, and decisions. At the same time, accumulating evidence suggests that neutral and affective representations rely on the same working memory substrates for the selection and computation of information and that they are therefore restricted by the same capacity limitations that these substrates impose. Here, we integrate these insights into a working memory model of affective processing (WMAP). Drawing on competitive access (...) models of working memory, we discuss its role in the various stages of affective processing, from attentional selection to maintenance and memory storage, and resulting feelings and actions. We end our overview with some open questions and future directions. (shrink)

Introducción -- La verdad lejana : Lévi-Strauss -- Pensamiento en la trinchera : Wittgenstein -- La fuerza del destino : Nietzsche -- El despliegue del Espíritu : Hegel -- El instante frente al despliegue : Kierkegaard -- La imaginación mineral : Novalis -- Filosofía de la sospecha : Kant -- Esencia y formas de la simpatía : Hume -- El primado de la percepción : Berkeley -- La emoción geométrica : Spinoza -- Genio en continuidad : Leibniz -- Ensayo de (...) una vida : Montaigne -- El hombre tranquilo : Tomás de Aquino -- La vida apasionada : Agustín de Hipona -- Emanaciones : Plotino -- Filosofía del caminante : Aristóteles -- La espalda del mundo : Platón --El chamán y el filósofo : Empédocles y Parménides -- En busca del fuego : Heráclito. (shrink)

While the extended cognition (EC) thesis has gained more followers in cognitive science and in the philosophy of mind and knowledge, our main goal is to discuss a different area of significance of the EC thesis: its relation to philosophy of science. In this introduction, we outline two major areas: (I) The role of the thesis for issues in the philosophy of cognitive science, such as: How do notions of EC figure in theories or research programs in cognitive science? Which (...) versions of the EC thesis appear, and with which arguments to support them? (II) The potentials and limits of the EC thesis for topics in general philosophy of science, such as: Can naturalism perhaps be further advanced by means of the more recent EC thesis? Can we understand “big science” or laboratory research better by invoking some version of EC? And can the EC thesis help in overcoming the notorious cognitive/social divide in science studies? (shrink)

When proponents of cognitive externalism (CE) turn to empirical studies in cognitive science to put the framework to use and to assess its explanatory success, they typically refer to perception, memory, or motor coordination. In contrast, not much has been said about reasoning. One promising avenue to explore in this respect is the theory of bounded rationality (BR). To clarify the relationship between CE and BR, we criticize Andy Clark's understanding of BR, as well as his claim that BR does (...) not fit his version of CE. We then propose and defend a version of CE—“scaffolded cognition”—that is not committed to constitutive claims about the mind, but still differs from mainstream internalism. Finally, we analyze BR from our own CE perspective, thereby clarifying its vague appeals to the environment, and argue that cognitive internalism cannot explain important aspects of the BR program. (shrink)

RESUMENEl artículo analiza las concepciones del espacio y del tiempo en el periodo védico tardío, utilizando como fuentes primarias el antiguo corpus de textos sánscritos conocido como upaniṣad. Para ello se estudian las diversas cosmogonías y las diferentes formas de legitimación de una gradual transformación del sacrificio público (dominante en la época védica temprana, caracterizada por las colecciones de himnos y una literatura de comentarios de carácter litúrgico) a la experiencia privada de la meditación y la especulación filosófica (característica de (...) tradiciones ascéticas).PALABRAS CLAVECOSMOGONÍA, UPANIṣAD, ESPACIO, TIEMPOABSTRACTIn this article we analyse the conceptions of space and time in the later Vedic period, using as primary sources the old corpus of Sanskrit texts known as Upaniṣad. For this purpose we study the various cosmogonies and different forms of legitimation of a gradual transformation of the public sacrifice (dominant in early Vedic times, characterized by collections of hymns and a literature of comments of a liturgical nature) to the private meditation experience and philosophical speculation (characteristic of ascetic traditions).KEYWORDSCOSMOGONY, UPANIṣAD, SPACE, TIME. (shrink)

Para las tradiciones escolásticas budistas, el universo es inseparable de la vida mental de los seres que lo habitan, siendo las acciones de los seres, con sus estados mentales asociados, las que trazan el mapa y calendario cósmico. Algunos investigadores han visto en estas asociaciones entre mente y universo la «contraparte imaginativa, mítica y poética de los estados meditativos». Este artículo intenta mostrar cómo la propia escolástica mantiene cierta ambigüedad sobre si el cosmos debe entenderse como una metáfora de la (...) mente o debe identificarse literalmente con ella. Algunos pasajes establecen una complementariedad que parece afirmar la existencia independiente de ambos. Sea como fuere, contrastar las descripciones de estados mentales con relatos cosmogónicos nos permitirá comprender mejor la idea del cosmos en el budismo antiguo. (shrink)

The experience of grace is currently attracting increased empirical interest. Validated instruments to assess aspects of the experience of grace in a secularized context are scarce which limits current psychological research on grace in other than highly religious populations. We present a bottom-up construction of the Experiencing Grace Scale (EGS) and evidence supporting its reliability and validity. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit for the four subscales: Appraising Grace, Giving Grace, Receiving Grace, and Divine Grace. Reliability analysis showed overall (...) good internal consistency and test–retest stability. Convergent validity was demonstrated by means of expected associations between subscales of the EGS and other relevant measures. Predictive validity was confirmed by associations between subscales of the EGS at measurement Wave 1 with mental well-being scales at Wave 2. The EGS contributes to further research on the experience of grace and its relationship to other psychosocial variables in the field of positive psychology. (shrink)

This contribution explains the value of self-giving and critically questions the discourse on self-sacrifice in relation to ministerial spirituality. In practice, what others may describe as self-sacrifice may be experienced by a care-giver as an adequate form of self-giving inspired by the Christian vocation, without any praise for one's own deeds, without any overestimation of the heroic character of one's own giving. An inherent danger in the concept of self-sacrifice is a closedness to critically assessing the balance of power in (...) one's own relationships. In this sense, theologians are asked to use the concept self-sacrifice with caution, as the theological language may inspire people, ideas and the general discourse further than intended. (shrink)

Gamma radioactivity produced by human technology is the most dangerous industrial product to life. Two recent global catastrophic events in which nuclear plants were involved, separated only by 25 years, have confirmed that, independently of the usage of nuclear weapons, achieving the 100% of security in the nuclear energy management was and still is a complete unrealistic idea. Although the guarantee of offering information of food and drink products quality concerning the date of expiry or the ingredients content is nowadays (...) stipulated in laws around many countries, this is not the case of the radiation safety. An important investment to offer information concerning gamma radiation safety conditions in food and drink products offered by markets, which also could help to localize quickly, possible radioactive slight incidents, is here discussed. The implementation of a previous consumer-behaviour experiment in markets is also suggested. (shrink)

Aprincipios de nuestra era se inicia en el budismo indio un nuevo género literario dentro de la propia comunidad monástica. Esta nueva literatura, que se reivindica como buddhavacana («palabra de Buda»), se produce en minorías desperdigadas a lo largo de la geografía india y en un contexto monástico y se denomina a sí misma mahāyāna. En ella se resalta la figura del bodhisattva como ideal supremo. En el siglo II o III, Nāgārjuna equipara saṁsāra y nirvana, elevando esta literatura, mayoritariamente (...) devocional, a rango filosófico. El nirvana deja de ser el lugar central para dar paso a una determinada actitud filosófica: el discernimiento de la vacuidad, y a una determinada actitud altruista: la identificación afectiva y solidaria con aquellos que sufren. Los dos ejes de la vida del bodhisattva. (shrink)

This book deals with themes concerning religious education and the spirituality of children. Throughout the seventeen chapters, the book stimulates a scholarly discussion about children and theology. The book makes clear that classical Christian theology can benefit from taking seriously children's voices and reflections about children. The volume demonstrates how nuanced and interdisciplinary reflections can be relevant for Christian and social practices of adults with children and how these practices can influence theology. This volume asks the following questions: - Why (...) is it important that we hear the 'voices of children' and what does this mean for how we treat children and relate to them? - What do the 'voices of children' express? How do children experience society and, in particular, religion, and what do they have to say about it? - What do the 'voices of children' mean for theology, ethics and religious education? In what way can our theology change when we see reality from the perspective of children? This book consists of five parts. In the first part the reader receives an overview of the current challenges concerning children and spirituality. The two chapters of this part offer an introduction to contemporary thinking about children, theology and spirituality and the place of 'children's voices' within this scope. The second part refers to biblical sources for contemporary theological reflection on children. The third part contains pedagogical and ethical reflections on children, as well as a view from practical theology about children in the world and the responsibility of churches. This third part looks mainly at children in relation to society, both in the past and in the present. The fourth part focuses on children living in the family, which is seen as a domestic church. The fifth part takes up the theme of children's spirituality again, showing children's own spiritual reflection and ways of theologizing with children in church and family contexts, by communication, literature and all forms of religious education and/or catechesis. (shrink)

The present article investigates what empirical research can add to family ethics. The author discusses the approach of theologian Don Browning’s family ethics, referring to empirical research about values and norms and about factual data. The author warns against oversimplifying the relationship between what ‘is’ and what ‘ought’ to be. In the next step, the author critically examines her previous research in light of the meta-question of the relevance of empirical research for ethics. Four aspects are discussed: empirical research as (...) a possible bridge between ideals and reality, empirical results on the gender related division of domestic tasks, experiences of family in relation to ethical ideas and the relationship between ethical views on family life and religious attitudes.Empirical research is considered relevant for theological family ethics because it makes researchers aware of the distance or similarities between ideals and reality, because it helps them to reflect on the relevance of their theological ethics in practice and because it demonstrates the influence of social, religious and family identity on ethical thinking. (shrink)

In this article, I explain why it is important for theologians to involve children in empirical research, and why children themselves can and should be considered as ‘theologians’. Therefore, I refer to theories in childhood studies and child theology (children as active participants and subjects), and also to contemporary trends in empirical research and practical theology (views on theology and ethnography, lived religion etc.). Counter-arguments for involving children in empirical research are discussed as well. In the second step, I deal (...) with ethical issues and discuss which aspects have to be taken into account when doing research with children. (shrink)

The endocannabinoid system is the target of the main psychoactive component of the plant Cannabis sativa, the Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This system is composed by the cannabinoid receptors, the endogenous ligands, and the enzymes involved in their metabolic processes, which works both centrally and peripherally to regulate a plethora of physiological functions. This review aims at explaining how the site‐specific actions of the endocannabinoid system impact on memory and feeding behavior through the cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1R). Centrally, CB1R is widely distributed (...) in many brain regions, different cell types (e.g. neuronal or glial cells) and intracellular compartments (e.g. mitochondria). Interestingly, cellular and molecular effects are differentially mediated by CB1R according to their cell‐type localization (e.g. glutamatergic or GABAergic neurons). Thus, understanding the cellular and subcellular function of CB1R will provide new insights and aid the design of new compounds in cannabinoid‐based medicine.Also watch the Video Abstract. (shrink)

The eugenic abortion becomes an important threat for people with functional diversity since their human realities finds again in special vulnerability. The practice of abortion represents one of the prominent claims of women. They need to preserve their sexual and reproductive rights, to take free decisions about their bodies and their reproductive processes. The culture of peace should also consider these realities: to respect the freedom of women, to respect the existence of men and women with functional diversity too. So (...) abortion, eugenic abortion, infanticide, … are important questions to deal with, in order to clarify they hidden sides and to support a culture of peace for everyone, with and without functional diversity. (shrink)

This article covers the time from 1652 onwards when employees of the Dutch East India Company - most of whom were members of the Reformed Church in the Netherlands - arrived at the Cape of Good Hope in present South Africa. With time, a new church, the Dutch Reformed Church, was established in the Cape. In 1836, a number of pioneers moved from the Cape to the east of South Africa and some of them eventually made Swaziland their new home. (...) Although most members of the white Dutch Reformed Church opposed any integration with Christians from other races, there was nevertheless a desire that they should join a Reformed Church. In 1922, the first Dutch Reformed congregation in Swaziland was established in Goedgegun in the southern region of the country, intended for the exclusive use of white, Afrikaans-speaking church members. In 1944, the first Reformed congregation for Swazi members was formed, which later became known as the Swaziland Reformed Church. This article documents the history of this church and concludes with a description of the Swaziland Reformed Church in 1985, with four missionaries from South Africa ministering in the four regions of Swaziland. (shrink)

La introducción de videotutoriales interactivos (VTI) en las clases prácticas de laboratorio de grados en ciencias e ingenierías como complemento a los tradicionales protocolos experimentales escritos ha sido analizada mediante encuestas de satisfacción al alumnado. Los resultados muestran un alto grado de aceptación en el uso de los vídeos y la mejora del aprendizaje autónomo, pero también reflejan una percepción del aumento de la carga de trabajo debido a la inclusión de preguntas en los vídeos, que es valorado de forma (...) muy negativa por parte del alumnado. (shrink)

Much attention has been drawn to the cognitive basis of innovation. While interesting in many ways, this poses the threat of falling back to traditional internalist assumptions with regard to cognition. We oppose the ensuing contrast between internal cognitive processing and external public practices and technologies that such internal cognitive systems might produce and utilize. We argue that innovation is best understood from the gibsonian notion of affordance, and that many innovative practices emerge from the external scaffolding of cognitive processes. (...) The public engageability that allows the disclosure of hidden affordances is not only –not even primarily– a property of cognitive products, but of cognitive processes. We elaborate on this claims by drawing on Dutilh Novaes’ account of formal languages as cognitive technologies and Hutto’s Narrative Practice Hypothesis. This paves the way to sketch some general principles on how to strategically seek for innovation by targeting hidden affordances. (shrink)

El artículo analiza la figura del filósofo indio Vasubandhu , uno de los representantes más influyentes de la escuela vijñānavāda del budismo mahāyāna. Tras una breve reseña sobre su legendaria biografía y de otros miembros de su escuela filosófica, el artículo se centra en el análisis de dos de sus trabajos más importantes: Trimśikā y Trisvabhāvakārikā , mediante los conceptos de vijñāna , ālayavijñāna , vāsanā , parikalpa y trisvabāva : parikalpita , paratantra y parinispanna . Finalmente se establecen las (...) relaciones entre la filosofía de la conciencia de Vasubandhu y la doctrina de la vacuidad de nāgārjuna, así como sus conexiones con prácticas religiosas habituales en el mahāyāna como la dedicación de mérito y el pensamiento del despertar , mostrando, de un modo coherente, las consecuencias para la práctica budista de esta filosofía de la mente. (shrink)

La encrucijada moderna -- El juego de los sentidos -- Ese eres tú -- Lo más íntimo y distante -- Mundo sensible -- Mundo inteligible -- Tercera parte: mundo imaginal -- Epílogo: Cultura mental.