Rethinking Representation and Recoding in Human and Machine Learning (Prof Kenneth Kurtz, Binghamton University (SUNY))
Rethinking Representation and Recoding in Human and Machine Learning (Prof Kenneth Kurtz, Binghamton University (SUNY))
March 6, 2024 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm FG05and zoom
Rethinking Representation and Recoding in Human and Machine Learning
Speaker: Prof Kenneth Kurtz, Binghamton University (SUNY)
Room FG06. We will also stream the talk at
https://city-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/93568812451?pwd=Qk5RSlBNcDRMUUpxSnpHRFRqN0VsQT09.
Abstract:
This talk will address the role of recoding of input representations as a mediating mechanism for tasks like classification in intelligent systems (human and machine). This viewpoint is pursued through: 1) psychological studies of human classification learning and generalization; 2) computational modeling of human behavioral data; and 3) advances in machine learning driven by an explicit recoding stage. The talk will follow a 'computational cognition' framework bridging between cognitive psychology and artificial intelligence to promote advances in both fields.
Parenting, parent-child relationships and child adjustment in families formed through surrogacy and gamete donation (Dr Vasanti Jadva (City, University of London))
Parenting, parent-child relationships and child adjustment in families formed through surrogacy and gamete donation (Dr Vasanti Jadva (City, University of London))
March 13, 2024 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm C313 and zoom
Parenting, parent-child relationships and child adjustment in families formed through surrogacy and gamete donation
Speaker: Dr Vasanti Jadva (City, University of London)
Room: C313. We will also stream the video at
https://city-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/93568812451?pwd=Qk5RSlBNcDRMUUpxSnpHRFRqN0VsQT09 upon request.
Abstract:
This talk will present findings from the UK Longitudinal Study of Assisted Reproduction Families which has been following up families with a child conceived using surrogacy, egg donation and sperm donation for 20 years. The talk will present data on parenting quality, parent-child relationships and child adjustment as well as how the resultant children feel about the method of their conception.
Crossmodal plasticity in hearing loss (Prof Andrej Kral (Hannover Medical School))
Crossmodal plasticity in hearing loss (Prof Andrej Kral (Hannover Medical School))
March 27, 2024 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Online and zoom
Crossmodal plasticity in hearing loss
Speaker: Prof Andrej Kral (Hannover Medical School)
Room: Online. We will also stream the video at
https://city-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/93568812451?pwd=Qk5RSlBNcDRMUUpxSnpHRFRqN0VsQT09 upon request.
Abstract:
Crossmodal plasticity is a textbook example of the ability of the brain to reorganize based on use. The congenitally deaf cat is a unique model that recapitulates many reorganization of the brain related to deafness, including critical periods, changes in brain connectivity and cross-modal reorganizations. Using this model it has been possible to study the neuronal mechanisms behind cross-modal plasticity in this extreme deprivation condition (complete and congenital). The data demonstrate a high areal specificity of the reorganization, a moderate anatomic substrate and correspondingly a moderate electrophysiological substrate of cross-modal rewiring. The data are compatible with a mechanism exploiting pre-existing circuitry and top-down interactions, in case of congenital deafness including exuberant connections between sensory systems that were not pruned during early postnatal development (review in Kral and Sharma, 2023, Trends Neurosci). The data disprove that crossmodal reorganization is closing critical periods in deafness. In consequence crossmodal plasticity does not affect the neuronal preconditions for successful hearing restoration and given its dynamic and versatile nature. Crossmodal plasticity can be effectively exploited for improving clinical outcomes after neurosensory restoration.