Whereas common Vickers indentation segmentation algorithms are precise with high quality images, low quality images often cannot be segmented appropriately. We investigate an approach, where unfocused images are segmented. On the one hand, the segmentation accuracy of low quality images can be improved. On the other hand we aim in reducing the overall runtime of the hardness testing method. We ...

The current study compared thought suppression, focused attention (mindfulness) and unfocused attention as strategies for managing spider fear. Spider fearful participants were exposed to a strategy induction before completing a Behavioural Approach Test (BAT). The BAT is a 10 step measurement of how close participants are willing to move towards a spider. Participants were instructed to use wh...

When participating in either an engaging or unengaging task, individuals appear to adopt consistent postures that may reflect a focused or unfocused attentional state. Posture is known to communicate certain affective states; however, it is of interest whether posture may elicit an attentional state that can influence performance on a task. To address this question, participants were first inst...

Ruminative habits of thought about one's problems and the resulting consequences are correlated with symptoms of depression and cognitive biases (Nolen-Hoeksema, Wisco, & Lyubomirsky, 2008). In our orienting task, brooders and non-brooders concentrated on self-focusing phrases while they were also exposed to neutral target words. On each trial in the unfocused condition, participants saw and th...