GenTag: a package to improve animal color tagging protocol

AbstractThe individual identification of animals by means of tagging is a common methodological approach in ornithology. However, several studies suggest that specific colors may affect animal behavior and disrupt sexual selection processes. Thus, methods to choose color tagging combinations should be carefully evaluated. However, reporting of this information is usually neglected. Here, we introduce the GenTag, an R package developed to support biologists in creating color tag sequence combinations using a random process. First, a single-color tag sequence is created from an algorithm selected by the user, followed by verification of the combination. We provide three methods to produce color tag sequences. GenTag provides accessible and simple methods to generate color tag sequences. The use of a random process to define the color tags to be applied to each animal is the best way to deal with the influence of tag color upon behavior and life history parameters.

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Life history parameters in acellular extrinsic fiber cementum microstructure

10.1101/528760 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Marija Edinborough ◽

Sarah Fearn ◽

Matthew Pilgrim ◽

Andrijana Cvetković ◽

Branko Mihailović ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life History ◽

Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry ◽

Methodological Approach ◽

Detection Methods ◽

Accurate Estimation ◽

Life History Parameters ◽

Tof Sims ◽

Elemental Detection ◽

Secondary Ion ◽

Incremental Lines

AbstractLife-history parameters such as pregnancies, skeletal trauma, and renal disease have previously been identified from hypomineralized growth layers (incremental lines) of acellular extrinsic fiber cementum (AEFC). The precise periodicity of these growth layers remains vaguely approximated, so causal life-history explanations using tooth cementum cannot yet be rigorously calculated or tested. On the other hand, we show how life history parameters in AEFC can be identified by two contrasting elemental detection methods. Based on our results we reject the possibility of accurate estimation of pregnancies and other life history parameters from cementum using scanning electron microscopy alone. Here, we propose a new methodological approach for cementum research, Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), to measure degree and distribution of mineralization of cementum growth layers. Our results show that Tof-SIMS can significantly increase our knowledge of cementum composition and is therefore a powerful new tool for life history researchers.

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A simple tool for linking photo-identification with multimedia data to track mammal behaviour

Mammalian Biology ◽

10.1007/s42991-021-00189-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Alexandre M. S. Machado ◽

Mauricio Cantor

Keyword(s):

Bottlenose Dolphins ◽

R Package ◽

Multimedia Data ◽

Raw Material ◽

Individual Identification ◽

Photo Identification ◽

In The Wild ◽

The Individual ◽

Future Work ◽

Free Ranging

AbstractIdentifying individual animals is critical to describe demographic and behavioural patterns, and to investigate the ecological and evolutionary underpinnings of these patterns. The traditional non-invasive method of individual identification in mammals—comparison of photographed natural marks—has been improved by coupling other sampling methods, such as recording overhead video, audio and other multimedia data. However, aligning, linking and syncing these multimedia data streams are persistent challenges. Here, we provide computational tools to streamline the integration of multiple techniques to identify individual free-ranging mammals when tracking their behaviour in the wild. We developed an open-source R package for organizing multimedia data and for simplifying their processing a posteriori—“MAMMals: Managing Animal MultiMedia: Align, Link, Sync”. The package contains functions to (i) align and link the individual data from photographs to videos, audio recordings and other text data sources (e.g. GPS locations) from which metadata can be accessed; and (ii) synchronize and extract the useful multimedia (e.g. videos with audios) containing photo-identified individuals. To illustrate how these tools can facilitate linking photo-identification and video behavioural sampling in situ, we simultaneously collected photos and videos of bottlenose dolphins using off-the-shelf cameras and drones, then merged these data to track the foraging behaviour of individuals and groups. We hope our simple tools encourage future work that extend and generalize the links between multiple sampling platforms of free-ranging mammals, thereby improving the raw material needed for generating new insights in mammalian population and behavioural ecology.

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Bayesian inference of a dynamical model evaluating Deltamethrin effect on Daphnia survival

BIOMATH ◽

10.11145/j.biomath.2018.12.177 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 1812177

Author(s):

Baba Issa Camara ◽

Diene Ngom ◽

Hela Toumi ◽

Vincent Felten ◽

Jean-Francois Masfaraud ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life History ◽

Bayesian Inference ◽

Threshold Model ◽

Population Level ◽

R Package ◽

Life Cycles ◽

Threshold Concentration ◽

Point Of View ◽

The Individual ◽

Survival Effect

The toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic models (TK-TD) are very well-known for their ability, at both the individual and the population level, to accurately describe life cycles such as the growth, reproduction and survival of sentinel organisms under the influence of an ecological biomarker. Being dynamics, the consistent inference of life history and environmental traits parameters that engender them is sometimes very complex numerically, especially as these parameters vary from one individual to another. In this paper, we estimate the parameters of a survival model TK-TD already applied and validated by the implementation of the R package GUTS (the General Unified Threshold Model of Survival) by another coding applied to another very recent implementation of Bayesian inference with the R package deBInfer in order to evaluate the survival effects of our ecotoxicological biomarker called Deltamethrin on our Daphnia sample. The study allowed us to evaluate from a population point of view especially the threshold concentration not to be exceeded to observe a survival effect commonly known NEC (No effect Concentration) and possibly determine the correlations between different variables of life history and the environment traits.

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Synthesizing life history theory with sexual selection: Toward a comprehensive model of alternative reproductive strategies

Behavioral and Brain Sciences ◽

10.1017/s0140525x09000132 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 32 (1) ◽

pp. 31-32 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Jenée James Jackson ◽

Bruce J. Ellis

Keyword(s):

Sexual Selection ◽

Life History ◽

Reproductive Strategies ◽

Life History Theory ◽

Intrasexual Competition ◽

Comprehensive Model ◽

Attachment Patterns ◽

Specific Attachment ◽

The Individual

AbstractDel Giudice's model of sex-specific attachment patterns demonstrates the usefulness of infusing life history theory with principles of sexual selection. We believe a full synthesis between the two theories provides a foundation for a comprehensive model of alternative reproductive strategies. We extend Del Giudice's ideas based on our own program of research, focusing specifically on the importance of intrasexual competition and the individual phenotype during development.

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The Orchard Plot: Cultivating a Forest Plot for Use in Ecology, Evolution and Beyond

10.32942/osf.io/epqa7 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Shinichi Nakagawa ◽

Malgorzata Lagisz ◽

Rose E O'Dea ◽

Joanna Rutkowska ◽

Yefeng Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

R Package ◽

Effect Sizes ◽

Forest Plot ◽

Point Estimates ◽

Aggregate Effect ◽

The Individual ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

Heterogeneous Effect ◽

Intuitive Interpretation

‘Classic’ forest plots show the effect sizes from individual studies and the aggregate effect from a meta-analysis. However, in ecology and evolution meta-analyses routinely contain over 100 effect sizes, making the classic forest plot of limited use. We surveyed 102 meta-analyses in ecology and evolution, finding that only 11% use the classic forest plot. Instead, most used a ‘forest-like plot’, showing point estimates (with 95% confidence intervals; CIs) from a series of subgroups or categories in a meta-regression. We propose a modification of the forest-like plot, which we name the ‘orchard plot’. Orchard plots, in addition to showing overall mean effects and CIs from meta-analyses/regressions, also includes 95% prediction intervals (PIs), and the individual effect sizes scaled by their precision. The PI allows the user and reader to see the range in which an effect size from a future study may be expected to fall. The PI, therefore, provides an intuitive interpretation of any heterogeneity in the data. Supplementing the PI, the inclusion of underlying effect sizes also allows the user to see any influential or outlying effect sizes. We showcase the orchard plot with example datasets from ecology and evolution, using the R package, orchard, including several functions for visualizing meta-analytic data using forest-plot derivatives. We consider the orchard plot as a variant on the classic forest plot, cultivated to the needs of meta-analysts in ecology and evolution. Hopefully, the orchard plot will prove fruitful for visualizing large collections of heterogeneous effect sizes regardless of the field of study.

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Personal Values Required for Ethical Best Practice during Intrapartum Care

Africa Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ◽

10.25159/2520-5293/4398 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Jacobeth Mmabyala Louisa Malesela

Keyword(s):

Nursing Education ◽

Best Practice ◽

Personal Values ◽

Self Control ◽

Intrapartum Care ◽

Performance Reviews ◽

Qualitative Research Design ◽

Selection Processes ◽

The Individual ◽

Recruitment And Selection

Women bring into the birthing unit values which include preferences, concerns and expectations that are involved in decision-making during intrapartum care. When midwives fail to meet the women’s values, they experience such care as being inhumane and degrading, thus affecting the childbirth outcomes. The inhumane and degrading care includes a lack of sympathy and empathy, as well as a lack of attention to privacy and confidentiality. Midwives’ possession of the required personal values and the ability to integrate women’s values are vital to enhance ethical best practice during intrapartum care. The aim of the study was to explore and to describe the midwives’ personal values that are required for ethical best practice during intrapartum care. The birthing unit at a public hospital in the Gauteng province of South Africa formed the context of the study. A qualitative research design that was explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature was used. The following personal values emerged: (1) respect, trust and dignity; (2) justice, equality and fairness; (3) freedom of choice and autonomy; (4) integrity, honesty and consistency; (5) good character and personality; (6) self-control and rapport; and (7) open-mindedness and flexibility. The midwives’ personal values form a strong precursor that is crucial for ethical best practice during intrapartum care. The individual midwives, nursing education institutions and health facilities can use the study findings in areas such as reflective midwifery practice, the midwifery curriculum, recruitment and selection processes, and as part of key performance areas and indicators in performance reviews.

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Queering Gender Identity Work: A Life History of a Black Transgender Woman

Gender Questions ◽

10.25159/2412-8457/3660 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Esethu Monakali

Keyword(s):

Life History ◽

Gender Identity ◽

Public Spaces ◽

Identity Work ◽

Social Identities ◽

Gender And Sexuality ◽

Ongoing Effort ◽

History Of ◽

The Individual

This article offers an analysis of the identity work of a black transgender woman through life history research. Identity work pertains to the ongoing effort of authoring oneself and positions the individual as the agent; not a passive recipient of identity scripts. The findings draw from three life history interviews. Using thematic analysis, the following themes emerge: institutionalisation of gender norms; gender and sexuality unintelligibility; transitioning and passing; and lastly, gender expression and public spaces. The discussion follows from a poststructuralist conception of identity, which frames identity as fluid and as being continually established. The study contends that identity work is a complex and fragmented process, which is shaped by other social identities. To that end, the study also acknowledges the role of collective agency in shaping gender identity.

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THE METHODS OF A RESEARCH OF PROCESSES OF SPONTANEOUS SOCIALIZATION BASED ON NONCLASSICAL APPROACH

“Educational bulletin “Consciousness” ◽

10.26787/nydha-2686-6846-2020-22-12-34-38 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (12) ◽

pp. 34-38

Author(s):

Abashina A.D.

Keyword(s):

Methodological Approach ◽

Social Situation ◽

Subject Domain ◽

Child Research ◽

Research Problems ◽

Internet Environment ◽

Anthropological Approach ◽

Research Complex ◽

Methodological Approaches ◽

The Individual

Relevance and statement of a problem. Now processes of socialization of younger generation undergo profound changes. They are characterized by transformation of space-time characteristics – narrowing of the field purposeful, expansion of processes of spontaneous socialization. At the same time the methodological approaches and methods of a research aimed at the analysis of the static phenomena applied in pedagogics become insufficient for a research of chaotic processes. There is a need for search of methodology and methods of a research within which the analysis of processes of spontaneous socialization of modern children and teenagers is possible. Research search shows that the solution of this task is possible on the basis of nonclassical methodological approach. Research objective: identification of opportunities of nonclassical methodology for a research of processes of spontaneous socialization of the modern child. Research problems: representation of the methods in logic of nonclassical methodology aimed at the analysis of these processes. Object and subject of research: the situation of development of the child which is characterized by experiences concerning the relations and readiness for an exception of social interaction in various spheres of activity and immersion in the Internet environment. Subject domain of a research: complex of the relations which are the cornerstone of purposeful and spontaneous socialization of the teenager. Research methodology - nonclassical (anthropological) approach. Research materials. In the course of work on a problem the research methods based mainly on the individual and communicative practicians aimed at the analysis of experiences and communication of the child were developed. Results of a research. The qualitative methods based nonclassical approach will allow to understand not only experiences of the child, but also as negative trends under what conditions they lead to break in relations and to search of significant network contacts that is under what conditions processes of purposeful socialization are weakened collect in his social situation of development, extend borders of socialization spontaneous.

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