8,767 research outputs found
How to Measure Group Selection in Real-world Populations
No full textMultilevel selection and the evolution of cooperation are fundamental to the formation of higher-level organisation and the evolution of biocomplexity, but such notions are controversial and poorly understood in natural populations. The theoretic principles of group selection are well developed in idealised models where a population is neatly divided into multiple semi-isolated sub-populations. But since such models can be explained by individual selection given the localised frequency-dependent effects involved, some argue that the group selection concepts offered are, even in the idealised case, redundant and that in natural conditions where groups are not well-defined that a group selection framework is entirely inapplicable. This does not necessarily mean, however, that a natural population is not subject to some interesting localised frequency-dependent effects – but how could we formally quantify this under realistic conditions? Here we focus on the presence of a Simpson’s Paradox where, although the local proportion of cooperators decreases at all locations, the global proportion of cooperators increases. We illustrate this principle in a simple individual-based model of bacterial biofilm growth and discuss various complicating factors in moving from theory to practice of measuring group selection
The historical imagination of Christopher Dawson
No full textChristopher Dawson (1889-1970) was one of his generation's most
important historians and religious thinkers, and was a significant
influence on many contemporaries including T.S. Eliot, C.S. Lewis,
and Russell Kirk. This dissertation is a study of his most
fundamental ideas concerning history and culture.
Chapter one examines Dawson’s sociological view of history.
Convinced that history was more than a scientific enterprise, he
believed that the true historian is one who reaches beyond the
material world to understand the essence of history’s dynamics. In
this way, the world can be conceptualized as a united whole,
separated by regional differences as a result of environment, race,
material, psychological, and religious factors. Dawson believed
that the political histories of the past several centuries failed to
grasp the undercurrents of historical change, and that the best way
to understand the past is to appreciate culture as an expression of
primeval religious traditions.
Chapter two treats Dawson’s understanding of progress. Dawson
was convinced that progress had become the “working-religion” of our
age. This secular faith, founded on scientific rationalism, first
pledged to fix the material failures of Western culture, but
unwittingly eroded its faith in God, and eventually, its moral
fiber. Dawson believed that true progress was progress of the soul
in its ordering toward the Creator.
Chapter three is a study of Dawson’s Christian, and more
specifically, his Catholic beliefs. Informed by religion, his
historical and cultural visions are not dogmatic, nor are they
polemical. He conceived of history as the unfolding of a divine
economy in the temporal world. Although Dawson is a proponent of
Roman Catholicism, his scholarship is an objective treatment of
history shaped by an undisguised, Christian worldview.
Additionally, the appendix is an introduction to Dawson’s life
and the circumstances surrounding his conversion to Roman
Catholicism. Particular attention is paid to the development of his
moral and historical imagination — both of which became intertwined to
form the basis of all of his scholarship
Surgical antisepsis and the risk of operating theatre fires
No full textMatthias Maiwald, Chris J. M. Farmer, David G. Lance, Vincent B. Nieuwenhuijs, Christopher H. Heath, David I. Watson, David L. Gordo
Book Review: Grimwood, M and McHanwell, S. (2024) Evidencing Teaching Achievements in Higher Education. Critical Publishing.
No full textBook Review: Grimwood, M and McHanwell, S. (2024) Evidencing Teaching Achievements in Higher Education. Critical Publishing.
Christopher Little
Manchester Metropolitan University
Corresponding author: [email protected]
Emergent associative memory as a local organising principle for global adaptation in adaptive networks
No full textComplex adaptive systems composed of self-interested agents can in some circumstances self-organise into structures that enhance global adaptation or efficiency. However, the general conditions for such an outcome are poorly understood. In contrast, sufficient conditions for artificial neural networks to form structures that perform collective computational processes such as associative memory/recall, generalisation and optimisation, are well-understood. While such global functions within a single agent or organism may arise from mechanisms (e.g., Hebbian learning) that were selected for this purpose, agents in a multi-agent system have no obvious reason to produce such global behaviours when acting from individual interest. However, Hebbian learning is actually a very simple and fully-distributed habituation or positive feedback principle. Here we use an adaptive network model in which agents can modify their behaviours (states) but also their interactions with other agents (network topology). We show that when self-interested agents can modify how they are affected by other agents then, in adapting these inter- agent relationships to maximise their own utility, they will necessarily alter them in a manner homologous with Hebbian learning. When the agents adapt their behaviours relatively quickly, and their relationships with other agents relatively slowly, we find that the overall network dynamics are modified to find better adapted states more reliably. This separation in timescales causes the state dynamics to spend most of their time at attractors. Thus, the network develops an associative memory that amplifies a subset of its own attractor states. This self-organised modification to the network dynamics enhances its ability to resolve conflicts between agents. Moreover, we show that the system is not merely ‘recalling’ high quality states that have been previously visited, but ‘predicting’ their location by generalising over local attractor states that have already been visited. Thus, globally adaptive behaviours can emerge from self-organising adaptive networks that follow organisational principles familiar in connectionist models of organismic learning
Paleaequor psamathe Watson Russell 1986
No full textPaleaequor psamathe Watson Russell, 1986 Figs 13, 26 Paleaequor psamathe Watson Russell, 1986: 168–170, Figs 22–24. Type locality: Punta Pelícano, Sonora, Gulf of California, at 13 m (Watson Russell 1986). Material examined. Seventy-one specimens. Baja California: ECOSUR- 2982, 3 spec. Bahía de Los Ángeles, May 25, 1986, coll. SSV. Baja California Sur: ECOSUR-2113, 2 spec. Bahía Concepción, June 17, 1980, coll. RR; ECOSUR-2114, 3 spec. Bahía Concepción, May 6, 1981, coll. HL; ECOSUR-2112, 3 spec. El Coyote, Bahía Concepción, April 8, 1982, on coral, coll. EGV; UANL 003670, Bahía Concepción, July 18, 1985, coll. ALG; UANL 0047, Bahía Concepción, July 20, 1985, coll. ALG; UANL 0048, 3 spec. Bahía Concepción, July 20, 1985, coll. SSV; ECOSUR-2976, El Presidente Beach, La Paz Bay, October 10, 1987, coll. SSV; UMAR-Poly 955, El Presidente Beach, April 20, 1988, col. RBZ; UMAR-Poly 956, 4 spec. El Caimancito Beach, April 20, 1988, coll. RBZ; UMAR-Poly 957, Armenta, Bahía Concepción, on Sargassum sp., coll. RBZ; ECOSUR-3005, El Caimancito Beach,, La Paz Bay, February 29, 2004; ECOSUR-2977, 10 spec. La Paz Bay, 0.7 m, March 1, 2004; ECOSUR- 2989, 2 spec. La Paz Bay, 1 m, March 2, 2004; ECOSUR-3068, La Marina, 24º09.319´N, 110º19.630´W, La Paz Bay, on pier piles, 0.5 m, 1 spec. in 250 cm 2, August 14, 2011, coll. MAC & IRS; ECOSUR-3071, 3 spec. La Marina, 24º09.319´N, 110º19.630´W, La Paz Bay, on pier piles, 0.5 m, 3 spec. in 250 cm 2, August 14, 2011, coll. TVG & ADL. Nayarit: ECOSUR-2995, 5 spec. Punta Borrego, on bivalve, 1 m, November 23, 2004; ECOSUR-P3002, 3 spec. Punta Borrego, on bivalve, 2 m, November 24, 2004; ECOSUR-3212, La Cruz, on rocks, 0.3 m, November 26, 2004, coll. BY & PSS; ECOSUR-2938, 7 spec. La Manzanilla, on rock with sponge, 2 m, November 29, 2004, coll. BY & PSS. Jalisco: ECOSUR-2979, 2 spec. Melaque, on rocks with sand, 1 m, December 1, 2004, coll. BY & PSS; ECOSUR-2978, 2 spec. andador, Melaque, on rocks, 3 m, December 2, 2004, coll. BY & PSS; ECOSUR-2980, 2 spec. San Pedro Channel, rock with coral, 5 m, June 26, 2013, coll. BY. Michoacán: UMAR-Poly 958 Caleta de Campos, December 17, 1994, coll. RBZ; UMAR-Poly 959, 6 spec. Caleta de Campos, December 20, 1998, coll. RBZ. Perú: One spec. UMAR-Poly 960, Albacora, Tumbes, 3°64´78”S, 80°74´34”O, on mud, 8 m, 2012; UMAR- Poly 961, Corvina, Tumbes, 3°62´76”S, 80°70´76”O, on mud, 15 m, 2012. Description. Based on the best-preserved specimen (ECOSUR-3068): complete with 104 segments. TL= 7.1 mm, TW= 1.3 mm. Body long, slender, tapered posteriorly (Fig. 13A). Body pale orange to bright orange. Paleae fan translucent, imbricated dorsally. Prostomium visible among the first four segments. Lateral antennae short, inserted on the antero-ventral prostomial margin, median antenna slightly short than lateral ones, inserted in front of the first pair of eyes. Eyes redviolet, two pairs. Nuchal organ, small, partially covering the prostomium (Fig. 13B). Palps long, cylindrical, visible in ventral view. Mouth fold small, placed between segment 2 and 3. Pharynx eversible, not exposed, stylets thick. Parapodium from segment 15, notochaetae in three main groups (13E). Notochaetae: lateral group inserted below notaciculum, 3–5 paleae, slender and symmetrical, with 4–7 ribs (Fig. 13F); subunit 1, two kinds of paleae: subunit 1a, broad and symmetrical, with 8 internal ribs and serrated margins; subunit 1b, larger, broad and symmetrical, with 14 internal ribs (Fig. 13G). Main group, 15–17 paleae, broad and symmetrical, with 17–22 internal ribs and (3) 4–6 raised ribs (Fig. 13H). Median group, 3 paleae, shorter, broad and symmetrical, with 14–22 internal ribs and (0) 3–5 raised ribs (Fig. 13I). Neuropodium conical, slightly shorter than notopodium. Neurochaetae: unit 1, 1–2 superior spinigers, blades curved and long, 20 times longer than wide (Fig. 13J). Unit 2, 3–4 falcigers, blades curved and medium-sized, 5–6 times longer than wide (Fig. 13K). Unit 3, 4–6 falcigers, blades curved and medium-sized, 2–4 times longer than wide (Fig.13L–M). Unit 4, 2–3 falcigers, blades curved and short, 2–3 times longer than wide (Fig. 13N). Pygidium rounded with two anal cirri, and a large ventral cone (Fig. 13C). Oocyte size: 15–25 µm (n=6) (Fig. 13D). Habitat. Intertidal to subtidal (0.5– 20 m). Specimens of P. psamathe were collected on rock, sand, mud, as epibiont of bivalves, coral, and among the fouling communities. This species has been also recorded as epibiont of algae, sponges, and in tubes of terebellids and chaetopterids (Watson Russell 1986; Cruz-Gómez & Bastida-Zavala 2018). Distribution. From Bahía de los Ángeles, Baja California to Albacora, Perú (Fig. 26). Remarks. Specimens from México and Perú shared the same features and agree with the description and illustrations by Watson Russell (1986).Published as part of Cruz-Gómez, Christopher, 2021, A new genus and seven new species of chrysopetalids (Annelida, Chrysopetalidae) from the Tropical Eastern Pacific, pp. 1-59 in Zootaxa 5068 (1) on page 27, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5068.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/570200
A Mixed-Method Approach for Quantifying Illegal Fishing and Its Impact on an Endangered Fish Species
No full textIllegal harvest is recognized as a widespread problem in natural resource management. The use of multiple methods for quantifying illegal harvest has been widely recommended yet infrequently applied. We used a mixed-method approach to evaluate the extent, charac- ter, and motivations of illegal gillnet fishing in Lake Hovsgol National Park, Mongolia and its impact on the lake’s fish populations, especially that of the endangered endemic Hovsgol grayling (Thymallus nigrescens). Surveys for derelict fishing gear indicate that gillnet fishing is widespread and increasing and that fishers generally use 3–4 cm mesh gillnet. Interviews with resident herders and park rangers suggest that many residents fish for subsistence during the spring grayling spawning migration and that some residents fish commercially year-round. Interviewed herders and rangers generally agree that fish population sizes are decreasing but are divided on the causes and solutions. Biological monitoring indicates that the gillnet mesh sizes used by fishers efficiently target Hovsgol grayling. Of the five species sampled in the monitoring program, only burbot (Lota lota) showed a significant decrease in population abundance from 2009–2013. However, grayling, burbot, and roach (Rutilus ruti- lus) all showed significant declines in average body size, suggesting a negative fishing impact. Data-poor stock assessment methods suggest that the fishing effort equivalent to each resident family fishing 50-m of gillnet 11–15 nights per year would be sufficient to over- exploit the grayling population. Results from the derelict fishing gear survey and interviews suggest that this level of effort is not implausible. Overall, we demonstrate the ability for a mixed-method approach to effectively describe an illegal fishery and suggest that these methods be used to assess illegal fishing and its impacts in other protected areas.Peer reviewe
Teacher formative assessment: the missing link in response to intervention
No full textResponse to Intervention (RtI) focuses on the assessment, intervention, and progress monitoring of student academic performance and social behavior. Despite requiring highly-qualified personnel for successful implementation, the implementation of Rtl has not focused on applying its foundational principles towards promoting teacher effectiveness through assessment, intervention, and progress monitoring of teacher classroom practice. Compounding this problem is the lack of availability of reliable and valid teacher assessments to apply in an Rtl model for teacher professional development. This chapter provides a rationale for applying RtI principles to teacher professional development and how teacher formative assessment can improve educator effectiveness, student learning, and social behaviors. The Classroom Strategies Scale (CSS, Reddy & Dudek, 2014), a new multidimensional assessment of instructional and behavioral management practices is discussed as an example of one promising tool for promoting teachers professional development within an Rtl model. We offer a synthesis of the theory, research, and evidence of reliability and validity of the CSS. The application of teacher formative assessment in job-embedded professional development/coaching models for schools is discussed. Finally, implications for practice and research are outlined.Peer reviewe
sj-docx-1-asm-10.1177_10731911211070623 – Supplemental material for The Placement of Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms Within a Five-Factor Model of Maladaptive Personality
No full textSupplemental material, sj-docx-1-asm-10.1177_10731911211070623 for The Placement of Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms Within a Five-Factor Model of Maladaptive Personality by Samuel E. Cooper, Christopher Hunt, Sara M. Stasik-O’Brien, Hannah Berg, Shmuel Lissek, David Watson and Robert F. Krueger in Assessment</p
Paleaequor nicoyensis Watson Russell 1986
No full text<i>Paleaequor nicoyensis</i> Watson Russell, 1986 <p>Figs 11, 12</p> <p> <i>Paleaequor nicoyensis</i> Watson Russell, 1986: 170–172, Figs 25 –28.</p> <p> <b>Type locality:</b> Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica, on sand at 44 m (Watson Russell 1986).</p> <p> <b>Material examined.</b> Seven specimens. <b>Costa Rica:</b> Two spec. <b>Puntarenas:</b> UMAR-Poly-OH-018, cruise pier, on pier piles, 1.5 m, November 22, 2012, coll. TVG. <b>Guanacaste:</b> UMAR-Poly-OH-027, Cabuyal beach, on dead coral, 0.5 m, November 3, 2012, coll. TVG. <b>Perú:</b> Five spec. <b>Piura:</b> UMAR-Poly 953, 3 spec. Vichayo, 5°47´56”S, 80°56´48”W, on shells, 0.5 m, 2014, coll. IC. <b>Tumbes:</b> UMAR-Poly 954, 2 spec. Corvina, 3°62´76”S, 80°70´76”W, in mud, 15 m, 2012.</p> <p> <b>Description.</b> Based on the best-preserved specimens (UMAR-Poly 954): complete with 57 segments. TL= 6.3 mm, TW= 0.8 mm. Body long, slender, tapered posteriorly (Fig. 11A). Body pale orange. Paleae fan translucent, imbricated dorsally.</p> <p>Prostomium visible among the first four segments. Lateral antennae short, inserted on the antero-ventral prostomial margin, median antenna about the same length of lateral ones, inserted in front of the first pair of eyes. Eyes red-violet, two pairs. Nuchal organ, small, partially covering the prostomium (Fig. 11B). Palps long, cylindrical, visible in ventral view. Mouth fold small, placed between segment 2 and 3. Pharynx eversible, not exposed, stylets thick.</p> <p>Parapodium from segment 20, notochaetae in three main groups (Fig. 7E). Notochaetae: lateral group inserted below notaciculum, 2–6 paleae, slender and symmetrical, with 5–8 internal ribs (Fig. 11E); subunit 1, 1 palea, slender and symmetrical, with 9–15 internal ribs, and margins finely serrated (Fig. 11F). Main group, 20–26 paleae, broad and symmetrical, with (14) 16–19 internal ribs, and 4–5 raised ribs (Fig. 11G). Median group, 3–4 paleae shorter, broad, symmetrical, with (12) 13–20 internal ribs and 2–4 raised ribs (Fig. 11H).</p> <p>Neuropodium conical, slightly longer than notopodium. Neurochaetae: unit 1, 2–4 superior spinigers, blades straight and long, 12–14 times longer than wide (Fig. 11I). Unit 2, 2–4 falcigers, blades straight and medium-sized, 6–7 times longer than wide (Fig. 11J). Unit 3, 4–5 falcigers, blades straight and medium-size, 4–5 times longer than wide (Fig. 11K–L). Unit 4, 2–3 falcigers, blades straight and short, 3 times longer than wide (Fig.11M). Pygidium rounded with two anal cirri, and a reduced ventral cone (Fig. 11C). Oocytes not seen.</p> <p> <b>Habitat.</b> Intertidal to subtidal (0.5– 15 m). Specimens of <i>P. nicoyensis</i> were collected in mud, shells, dead coral, among the fouling communities; also, previously recorded on coarse sand (Watson Russell 1986).</p> <p> <b>Distribution.</b> From Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica to Corvina, Perú (Fig. 12).</p> <p> <b>Remarks.</b> Examined specimens of <i>P. nicoyensis</i> agree with the original description by Watson Russell (1986); however, intraspecific differences were detected. Specimens from Perú have a lower number of paleae on every group of paleae, possibly associated with the size, since these specimens were smaller than those collected from Costa Rica.</p>Published as part of <i>Cruz-Gómez, Christopher, 2021, A new genus and seven new species of chrysopetalids (Annelida, Chrysopetalidae) from the Tropical Eastern Pacific, pp. 1-59 in Zootaxa 5068 (1)</i> on pages 24-26, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5068.1.1, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/5702007">http://zenodo.org/record/5702007</a>
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