2,191 research outputs found
Trophic interaction modifications: an empirical and theoretical framework
No full textConsumer–resource interactions are often influenced by other species in the community. At present these ‘trophic interaction modifications’ are rarely included in ecological models despite demonstrations that they can drive system dynamics. Here, we advocate and extend an approach that has the potential to unite and represent this key group of non‐trophic interactions by emphasising the change to trophic interactions induced by modifying species. We highlight the opportunities this approach brings in comparison to frameworks that coerce trophic interaction modifications into pairwise relationships. To establish common frames of reference and explore the value of the approach, we set out a range of metrics for the ‘strength’ of an interaction modification which incorporate increasing levels of contextual information about the system. Through demonstrations in three‐species model systems, we establish that these metrics capture complimentary aspects of interaction modifications. We show how the approach can be used in a range of empirical contexts; we identify as specific gaps in current understanding experiments with multiple levels of modifier species and the distributions of modifications in networks. The trophic interaction modification approach we propose can motivate and unite empirical and theoretical studies of system dynamics, providing a route to confront ecological complexity
Identifying important interaction modifications in ecological systems
No full textTrophic interaction modifications, where a consumer‐resource link is affected by additional species, are widespread and significant causes of non‐trophic effects in ecological networks. The sheer number of potential interaction modifications in ecological systems poses a considerable challenge, making prioritisation for empirical study essential. Here, we introduce measures to quantify the topological relationship of individual interaction modifications relative to the underlying network. We use these, together with measures for the strength of trophic interaction modifications, to identify features of modifications that are most likely to exert significant effects on the dynamics of whole systems. Using a set of simulated food webs and randomly distributed interaction modifications, we test whether a subset of interaction modifications important for the local stability and direction of species responses to perturbation of complex networks can be identified. We show that trophic interaction modifications have particular importance for dynamics when they affect interactions with a high biomass flux, connect species otherwise distantly linked, and where high trophic‐level species modify interactions lower in the food web. In contrast, the centrality of modifications in the network provided little information. This work demonstrates that analyses of interaction modifications can be tractable at the network scale and highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between the distributions of trophic and non‐trophic effects
The impact of structured higher order interactions on ecological network stability
No full textThe impact of higher-order interactions, those involving more than two species, is increasingly appreciated as having the potential to strongly influence the dynamics of complex ecological systems. However, although the critical importance of the structure of pairwise interaction networks is well established, studies of higher-order interactions still largely assume random structures. Here, we demonstrate the strong impact of structured higher-order interactions on simulated ecological communities. We focus on effects caused by interaction modifications within food webs, where a consumer resource interaction is modified by a third species, and for which plausible structures can be hypothesised. We show how interaction modifications introduced under a range of non-random distributions may impact the overall network structure. Local stability and the size of the feasibility domain are critically dependent on the inter-relationship between trophic and non-trophic effects. Where interaction modifications are structured into mutual interference motifs (associated with consumers switching between resources) synergistic signs and topological effects have particularly consequential impacts. Furthermore, we show that previous results of the impact of higher-order interactions on diversity-stability relationships can be reversed when higher-order interactions are structured, not random. Empirical data on interaction modifications will be a key part of improving understanding the dynamics of communities, particularly the distribution of interaction modification signs across networks
Interaction modifications lead to greater robustness than pairwise non-trophic effects in food webs
No full text1.Considerable emphasis has been placed recently on the importance of incorporating non-trophic effects in to our understanding of ecological networks. Interaction modifications are well established as generating strong non-trophic impacts by modulating the strength of inter-specific interactions. 2.For simplicity and comparison with direct interactions within a network context, the consequences of interaction modifications have often been described as direct pairwise interactions. The consequences of this assumption have not been examined in non-equilibrium settings where unexpected consequences of interaction modifications are most likely.3.To test the distinct dynamic nature of these ‘higher-order’ effects we directly compare, using dynamic simulations, the robustness to extinctions under perturbation of systems where interaction modifications are either explicitly modelled or represented by corresponding equivalent pairwise non-trophic interactions.4.Full, multi-species representations of interaction modifications resulted in a greater robustness to extinctions compared to equivalent pairwise effects. Explanations for this increased stability despite apparent greater dynamic complexity can be found in additional routes for dynamic feedbacks. Furthermore, interaction modifications changed the relative vulnerability of species to extinction from those trophically connected close to the perturbed species towards those receiving a large number of modifications. 5.Future empirical and theoretical research into non-trophic effects should distinguish interaction modifications from direct pairwise effects in order to maximise information about the system dynamics. Interaction modifications have the potential to shift expectations of species vulnerability based exclusively on trophic networks.<br/
"Disney is the Tiffany’s and I am the Woolworth's of the business": A critical re-analysis of the business philosophies, production values and studio practices of animator-producer Paul Houlton Terry
No full textThis thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.Animator-producer Paul Houlton Terry has been portrayed as having little passion for the animation he produced and being more concerned with making a profit than producing entertaining cartoons with high production values. The purpose of the dissertation is to re-evaluate Terry‘s legacy to animated cartooning by analyzing his business philosophies, production values, and studio practices.
Application of four psychodynamic factors to the early life and career of Terry, 1887-1929, found that his economic decision making was characterized by: an external locus of control, risk-averse financial behaviour, extreme saving behaviour through precaution, and shrewd money management practices. Based on Terry‘s historical responses to twelve major economic, technological, or institutional forces of change for the period 1929-1955, the psychodynamic factors were found to provide accurate explanations for his studio practices and production decisions.
There was no evidence to support the conclusion that three early career disappointments undermined Terry‘s intrinsic motivation to create animated cartoons. Rather, Terry‘s lack of risk taking, external locus of control, tight studio production schedule, desire to compete with neighbour studio Fleischer, difficulty in separating financial rewards from creative processes in animation, and practice of undertaking surveillance measures on staff may have undermined his and his studio‘s creativity. Archival research found Terry to possess strong passions for and to have made significant creative contributions to the field of animation.
Biographical research found that Terry retained a stable nucleus of highly talented artists who dedicated a significant portion of their working careers to the studio. An analysis of the cel aesthetics of a random sample of animated cartoons produced during the years 1930-1955 found that Terry created animated cartoons with above average cel aesthetics when compared to the other studios thereby supporting an inference that Terry was motivated to producing quality crafted animation. Further research is suggested into the role psychodynamic factors and economic decision-making play in the film production process and a clarification of Terry‘s legacy to the field of animated cartoons
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Purified umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cell treatment in a case of systemic lupus erythematosus
No full textThe Editor-in-Chief is retracting this article because the authors have not obtained consent to publish from the patient whose details are described in this case report. The article has been removed to protect the patient’s privacy. Terry Grossman has stated that he was not an author on this article. Christopher Phillips, Pornpatcharin Wongsaisri and Thein Htut did not reply to correspondence about this retraction
Relationship transitions: Proceedings of the Australian Psychology Society’s Psychology of Relationships Interest Group 4th Annual Conference, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne Australia, 13th–14th November 2004
No full textCONTENTS: The Effect of Advocacy and Adaptive Functioning on Student Self-esteem, Self-efficacy, School Life, Academic Performance and Attendance / Terry Bowles & Ailsa Brown 7 The Effect of Selection, Training, and Participation on Student Counsellor Self-description and Coping / Terry Bowles & Carly McKinnis 14 Client Satisfaction with Relationship Counselling / Adele Carmady, Ann Knowles & Andrew Bickerdike 20 Selves in contact: Multiple perspectives on the role of relationships in the life of the individual with Dissociative Identity / Kymbra Clayton 24 The Influence of Interpersonal Relationship on Conflict Resolution Style / John A. Davidson 31 Do Adolescent and Parental Perceptions of Interparental Conflict Differ? Melanie T. Davern, Petra K. Staiger & Ernest S.L. Luk 35 Theoretical Frameworks for Relationship Transitions and the Predictors of Successful Transitions Amanda E. Ferguson ([email protected]) 40 The relationship between love styles and relationship dependent and independent outcome variables: A within couple analysis Barry J. Fallon & Terry Bowles 46 Is The Extent Of My Lying And Deception With The One I Love Related To My Attachment Style? Barry J Fallon & Christopher Holt 52 Adoption, Attachment, and Relationship Experiences Judith A. Feeney, Nola L. Passmore & Candida C. Peterson 58 Favouritism and Rejection in Families: Black sheep and Golden-haired Children Julie Fitness 63 Excessive Internet Use as a Behavioural Addiction Carina J. Henry & Cecelia Winkelman 68 Bullying Relationships in High Schools Dorothy Lenthall 73 The healthy balance among work, family, and personal relationships: fact or fiction? Kathleen A. Moore 79 Melancholic Mothers and their Mourning Infants Clare O’Bree, Lisa N. Eisen, Zita Marks, Jeannette Milgrom & Kate Neilson 85 The disparate olfactory determination of sex and age in humans, reflecting the reproductive and relationship characteristics of the species. Robert N. Paddle & Jacqui Robert 91 Parental Decision-Making surrounding Complicated Births: The Impact on Parent-Infant and Infant-Marital Relationships Sarah J. Phillips & Gregory A. Tooley 96 Attachment Security and Intimate Relationship Satisfaction: The Mediational Role of Maladaptive Attributions Zoë J. Pearce & W.K. Halford 102 The Utility of Work and Family Stressors and Perceived Social Support in the Prediction of Counselling Utilisation Andrea Quah & Terry Bowles 109 Improving family and peer relationships with children who engage in problem sexual behaviour Dr. Petra Staiger, Dr Nicolas Kambouropoulos, Jari Evertsz, Joe Tucci & Janise Mitchell 117 The Role of Interactions Between Parents and Children in Social Skills Development of Prep Children Gill Terrett & Michelle Puttick 124 Attraction for Out-Group Members: Is There a Role for Attitude Importance and Attitude Similarity ? Gill Terrett, Cecelia Winkelman & Barry Fallon 132 Lying in relationships: Protecting ourselves or protecting our partners? Alexandra E.West & Barry J.Fallon 137 Factors Affecting the Acquisition of Skills in PET (Parent Effectiveness Training): Language, Gender and Education Christine D. Wood & John A. Davidson 141 Social Disconnection and Depression Neil Welch 145 Adolescent Psychological Health and School Attitudes: The Impact of Attachment Relationships Ross B. Wilkinson & Monika Kraljevic 15
Raymond Williams and the limits of cultural materialism
No full textCultural materialism has become an influential discipline in recent
years, particularly so in 'Renaissance' studies, but also more generally in
'English', as well as departments defined as practising 'cultural' or
'communications' studies. The phrase is usually linked with the name of
Raymond Williams, but a cursory examination of Williams's own work
quickly establishes that it is a phrase he rarely uses, and only schematically
attempts to define. The thesis therefore takes the form of an investigation into
the way cultural materialism has come to be understood, by examining in
detail the trajectory of Raymond Williams's theoretical development, and how
his own engagement with various theoretical positions has helped to set
'limits' on the meaning of cultural materialism.
Chapters 1 and 2 deal with some of Williams's earliest work,
particularly Reading and Criticism, as a way of investigating how reasonable
it is to tag him as a 'Left-Leavisite', arguing that Leavis's undoubted
influence is resisted (though not entirely rejected) from a very early stage. The
first chapter considers in detail Leavis's work at Cambridge, the influence of
Eliot, and the significance of the 'Organic Community'. Chapter 2, which is
based around a comparative analysis of Williams's and Leavis's readings of
Dickens, argues that Williams rejects the 'organic community' in favour of his
'knowable community'. Chapters 4 and 5 deal with specific 'theoretical'
issues: the first, based around a reading of Terry Eagleton's critique of
Williams's use of the Marxist metaphor of 'base and superstructure', shows
some of the problems which arise from Williams's cultural model, as well as
suggesting refinements; the second deals with the influence of Volosinov's
theories on Williams. Chapter 6 comes out of Williams's readings of the
'Country-House' poems in The Country and the City, showing how his
practice of literary criticism relies on an acceptance of 'ideology' apparently
denied in his more 'theoretical' writings. This analysis is extended as a result
of investigations into the 'De L'Isle' manuscripts relating to the Penshurst
estate. Chapter 7 argues that it is possible to see the work of Fredric Jameson
as developing Williams's cultural materialism into Jameson's debates on
postmodernism.
In the Introduction and Conclusion, I have taken the opportunity to
look briefly at the activity of cultural materialism as it has developed since
Raymond Williams's death in 1988. The Introduction emphasizes what I see
to be important methodological differences between 'cultural materialism'
and 'new historicism'; the Conclusion deals with the continuing debate over
the value of a cultural materialist approach by considering the 'appropriation'
of Shakespeare
Study of the B+c → J/ψD+s and B+c → J/ψD*s+ decays with the ATLAS detector
No full textThe decays B-c(+) -> J/psi D-s(+) and B-c(+) -> J/psi D-s*(+) are studied with the ATLAS detector at the LHC using a dataset corresponding to integrated luminosities of 4.9 and 20.6 fb(-1) of pp collisions collected at centre-of-mass energies root s = 7 TeV and 8 TeV, respectively. Signal candidates are identified through J/psi -> mu(+)mu(-) and D-s(()*()+) -> phi pi(+)(gamma/pi(0)) decays. With a two-dimensional likelihood fit involving the B-c(+) reconstructed invariant mass and an angle between the mu(+) and D-s(+) candidate momenta in the muon pair rest frame, the yields of B-c(+) -> J/psi D-s(+) and B-c(+) -> J/psi D-s*(+), and the transverse polarisation fraction in B-c(+) -> J/psi D-s*(+) decay are measured. The transverse polarisation fraction is determined to be Gamma +/-+/-(B-c(+) -> J/psi D-s*(+))/Gamma(B-c(+) -> J/psi D-s*(+)) = 0.38 +/- 0.23 +/- 0.07, and the derived ratio of the branching fractions of the two modes is B-Bc+ -> J/psi D-s*+/B-Bc+ -> J/psi D-s(+) = 2.8(-0.8)(+1.2) +/- 0.3, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. Finally, a sample of B-c(+) -> J/psi pi(+) decays is used to derive the ratios of branching fractions B-Bc+ -> J/psi D-s*+/B-Bc+ -> J/psi pi(+) = 3.8 +/- 1.1 +/- 0.4 +/- 0.2 and B-Bc+ -> J/psi D-s*+/B-Bc+ -> J/psi pi(+) = 10.4 +/- 3.1 +/- 1.5 +/- 0.6, where the third error corresponds to the uncertainty of the branching fraction of D-s(+) -> phi(K+ K-)pi(+) decay. The available theoretical predictions are generally consistent with the measurement.ATLAS Collaboration, for complete list of authors see http://dx.doi.org/10.1140/epjc/s10052-015-3743-8</p
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