Altruism and Genetics

1984 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.P. Rushton ◽  
D.W. Fulker ◽  
M.C. Neale ◽  
R.A. Blizard ◽  
H.J. Eysenck
Keyword(s):  
Maximum Likelihood ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Model Fitting ◽  
Genetic Effects ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Common Environment ◽  
Likelihood Model ◽  
Empathy Scale ◽  
The University

AbstractThree questionnaires measuring altruistic tendencies were completed by 573 adult twin pairs from the University of London Institute of Psychiatry Volunteer Twin Register. The questionnaires consisted of a 20-item Self-Report Altruism Scale, a 33-item Empathy Scale, and a 16-item Nurturance Scale, all of which had previously been shown to have construct validity. For the three scales, the intra-class correlations for the 296 MZ pairs were 0.53, 0.54, and 0.49, and for the 179 same-sex DZ pairs were 0.25,020, and 0.14, giving rough estimates of broad heritability of 56%, 68%, and 72%, respectively. Maximum-likelihood model-fitting revealed about 50% of the variance on each scale to be associated with genetic effects, virtually 0% to be due to the twins' common environment, and the remaining 50% to be due to each twins' specific environment and/or error associated with the test.

scholarly journals Maximum-likelihood model fitting for quantitative analysis of SMLM data

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Le Wu ◽  
Philipp Hoess ◽  
Aline Tschanz ◽  
Ulf Matti ◽  
Markus Mund ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Analysis ◽  
Maximum Likelihood ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Model Fitting ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Likelihood Estimation ◽  
Nuclear Pore ◽  
Analysis Workflow ◽  
Likelihood Model ◽  
Protein Density

Quantitative analysis is an important part of any single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) data analysis workflow to extract biological insights from the coordinates of the single fluorophores, but current approaches are restricted to simple geometries or do not work on heterogenous structures. Here, we present LocMoFit (Localization Model Fit), an open-source framework to fit an arbitrary model directly to the localization coordinates in SMLM data. Using maximum likelihood estimation, this tool extracts the most likely parameters for a given model that best describe the data, and can select the most likely model from alternative models. We demonstrate the versatility of LocMoFit by measuring precise dimensions of the nuclear pore complex and microtubules. We also use LocMoFit to assemble static and dynamic multi-color protein density maps from thousands of snapshots. In case an underlying geometry cannot be postulated, LocMoFit can perform single-particle averaging of super-resolution structures without any assumption about geometry or symmetry. We provide extensive simulation and visualization routines to validate the robustness of LocMoFit and tutorials based on example data to enable any user to increase the information content they can extract from their SMLM data.

Sleep and Dream Characteristics in Twins

1979 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Gedda ◽  
G. Brenci
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Genetic Effects ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Common Environment ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
The Common ◽  
Two Age Groups

A study of sleep and dream characteristics has been carried out by questionnaire on a sample of 77 MZ and 76 DZ same-sex twin pairs of two age groups, 6–8 and 16–18 years. Genetic effects could not be detected in the younger age group and appeared to be rather limited in the older one, possibly as a result of the limited variability of the considered variables and of the levelling influence of the common environment.

scholarly journals Repeated evolution of a morphological novelty: a phylogenetic analysis of the inflated fruiting calyx in the Physalideae tribe (Solanaceae)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rocío Deanna ◽  
Maximilien D. Larter ◽  
Gloria E. Barboza ◽  
Stacey D. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Maximum Likelihood ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Phylogenetic Signal ◽  
Model Fitting ◽  
Trait Evolution ◽  
Parsimony Score ◽  
Likelihood Model ◽  
Best Fitting ◽  
Stochastic Mapping ◽  
Gains And Losses

PREMISE OF THE STUDYThe evolution of novel fruit morphologies has been integral to the success of angiosperms. The inflated fruiting calyx, in which the balloon-like calyx swells to completely surround the fruit, has evolved repeatedly across angiosperms and is postulated to aid in protection and dispersal. Here we investigate the evolution of this trait in the tomatillos and their allies (Physalideae, Solanaceae), using a newly estimated phylogeny and a suite of comparative methods to infer evolutionary gains and losses.METHODSThe Physalideae phylogeny was estimated using DNA sequences from four regions (ITS, LEAFY, trnL-F, waxy) using maximum likelihood and Bayesian Inference. Maximum likelihood model selection was used to determine the best fitting model of trait evolution. Using this model, we estimated ancestral states along with the numbers of gains and losses of fruiting calyx accrescence and inflation with Bayesian stochastic mapping. Also, phylogenetic signal in calyx morphology was examined with two metrics (parsimony score and Fritz and Purvis’ D).KEY RESULTSThe well resolved phylogeny points to multiple taxa in need of revision, including the eight genera that are non-monophyletic as presently circumscribed. Model fitting indicated that calyx evolution has proceeded in stepwise fashion, from non-accrescent, to accrescent, to inflated. Moreover, these transitions appear to be largely irreversible. Among the 215 sampled Physalideae, we inferred 24 gains of fruiting calyx accrescence, 24 subsequent transitions to a fully inflated calyx and only two reversals. A median of 50 shifts were estimated in total across the clade from the ancestral non-accrescent calyx. Nonetheless, fruiting calyx accrescence and inflation show strong phylogenetic signal.CONCLUSIONSOur phylogeny greatly improves the resolution of Physalideae and highlights the need for taxonomic work. The analyses of trait evolution reveal that the inflated fruiting calyx has evolved many times and that the trajectory towards this phenotype is generally stepwise and directional. These results provide a strong foundation for studying the genetic and developmental mechanisms responsible for the repeated origins of this charismatic fruit trait.

Assessing Self-Efficacy in Presentation and Moderation Skills

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 564-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Ringeisen ◽  
Sonja Rohrmann ◽  
Anika Bürgermeister ◽  
Ana N. Tibubos
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Constructed Self ◽  
University Course ◽  
Correlated Factors ◽  
Report Measure

Abstract. By means of two studies, a self-report measure to assess self-efficacy in presentation and moderation skills, the SEPM scales, was validated. In study 1, factorial and construct validity were examined. A sample of 744 university students (41% females; more than 50% between 20 and 25 years) completed newly constructed self-efficacy items. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) substantiated two positively correlated factors, presentation (SEPM-P) and moderation self-efficacy (SEPM-M). Each factor consists of eight items. The correlation patterns between the two SEPM subscales and related constructs such as extraversion, the preference for cooperative learning, and conflict management indicated adequate construct validity. In study 2, criterion validity was determined by means of latent change modeling. One hundred sixty students ( Mage = 24.40, SD = 4.04; 61% females) took part in a university course to foster key competences and completed the SEPM scales at the beginning and the end of the semester. Presentation and moderation self-efficacy increased significantly over time of which the latter was positively associated with the performance in a practical moderation exam. Across both studies, reliability of the scales was high, ranging from McDonald’s ω .80 to .88.

Self-report of Social Modulation of Emotional Expression: The Domain Emotion Expression Profile

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Hill ◽  
Sarah Jones ◽  
Lisa Williams ◽  
Jayne Morriss
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Expression Profile ◽  
Emotional Expression ◽  
Anger Expression ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Family Interactions ◽  
Social Situations ◽  
Personality Functioning ◽  
The Status

Cross-situational emotionality is a well-established dimension of personality, however the ability to modulate emotional expression by social domain is also a key aspect of personality functioning. We describe a self-report measure, the Domain Emotional Expression Profile (DEEP), designed to assess 5 emotions and behaviours in relation to 5 social domains, and report 2 studies. Study 1 (N = 166 students) assessed construct validity based on predictions from attachment theory regarding distress expression, and explored other emotions and domains. Study 2 (N = 279 students) tested hypotheses based on findings from Study 1 and explored the status of friendship interactions. In Study 1, mean distress-expression comfort-seeking scores in family and partner interactions were substantially higher than in work and in a social (e.g. party) situation consistent with the attachment based prediction (p < .001). In exploratory analyses mean anger expression scores were similarly higher in family and partner relationships than in work and social situations. However distress expression was higher in partner than family interactions (p = .008) which was not the case for anger expression. Study 2 replicated these findings from Study 1, and indicated an intermediate position for friendships between family and partner, and work and social interactions. We report support for the construct validity of the DEEP and replicated evidence regarding the partitioning of anger expression across domains, together with new indications of friendship processes. This method of profiling emotional expression and behaviours across social contexts offers a way of characterising individual differences, including those associated with psychopathology.

scholarly journals LAW, RELIGION, AND SAME-SEX RELATIONS IN AFRICA

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-71
Author(s):  
M. Christian Green
Keyword(s):  
Moral Issue ◽  
African Continent ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Biblical Law ◽  
Moral Issues ◽  
International Conference ◽  
The Bible ◽  
Political Act ◽  
The University ◽  
University Of Ghana

Some years back, around 2013, I was asked to write an article on the uses of the Bible in African law. Researching references to the Bible and biblical law across the African continent, I soon learned that, besides support for arguments by a few states in favor of declaring themselves “Christian nations,” the main use was in emerging debates over homosexuality and same-sex relationships—almost exclusively to condemn those relationships. In January 2013, the newly formed African Consortium for Law and Religion Studies (ACLARS) held its first international conference at the University of Ghana Legon. There, African sexuality debates emerged forcefully in consideration of a paper by Sylvia Tamale, then dean of the Makarere University School of Law in Uganda, who argued pointedly, “[P]olitical Christianity and Islam, especially, have constructed a discourse that suggests that sexuality is the key moral issue on the continent today, diverting attention from the real critical moral issues for the majority of Africans . . . . Employing religion, culture and the law to flag sexuality as the biggest moral issue of our times and dislocating the real issue is a political act and must be recognised as such.”

scholarly journals Measuring Subjective Sleep Quality: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 1082
Author(s):  
Marco Fabbri ◽  
Alessia Beracci ◽  
Monica Martoni ◽  
Debora Meneo ◽  
Lorenzo Tonetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Measurement Properties ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Factorial Structure ◽  
Poor Sleep Quality

Sleep quality is an important clinical construct since it is increasingly common for people to complain about poor sleep quality and its impact on daytime functioning. Moreover, poor sleep quality can be an important symptom of many sleep and medical disorders. However, objective measures of sleep quality, such as polysomnography, are not readily available to most clinicians in their daily routine, and are expensive, time-consuming, and impractical for epidemiological and research studies., Several self-report questionnaires have, however, been developed. The present review aims to address their psychometric properties, construct validity, and factorial structure while presenting, comparing, and discussing the measurement properties of these sleep quality questionnaires. A systematic literature search, from 2008 to 2020, was performed using the electronic databases PubMed and Scopus, with predefined search terms. In total, 49 articles were analyzed from the 5734 articles found. The psychometric properties and factor structure of the following are reported: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Mini-Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ), Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS), Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ), SLEEP-50 Questionnaire, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). As the most frequently used subjective measurement of sleep quality, the PSQI reported good internal reliability and validity; however, different factorial structures were found in a variety of samples, casting doubt on the usefulness of total score in detecting poor and good sleepers. The sleep disorder scales (AIS, ISI, MSQ, JSS, LSEQ and SLEEP-50) reported good psychometric properties; nevertheless, AIS and ISI reported a variety of factorial models whereas LSEQ and SLEEP-50 appeared to be less useful for epidemiological and research settings due to the length of the questionnaires and their scoring. The MSQ and JSS seemed to be inexpensive and easy to administer, complete, and score, but further validation studies are needed. Finally, the ESS had good internal consistency and construct validity, while the main challenges were in its factorial structure, known-group difference and estimation of reliable cut-offs. Overall, the self-report questionnaires assessing sleep quality from different perspectives have good psychometric properties, with high internal consistency and test-retest reliability, as well as convergent/divergent validity with sleep, psychological, and socio-demographic variables. However, a clear definition of the factor model underlying the tools is recommended and reliable cut-off values should be indicated in order for clinicians to discriminate poor and good sleepers.

scholarly journals Moral Disengagement, Empathy, and Cybervictim’s Representation as Predictive Factors of Cyberbullying among Italian Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 1266
Author(s):  
Maria Lidia Mascia ◽  
Mirian Agus ◽  
Maria Assunta Zanetti ◽  
Maria Luisa Pedditzi ◽  
Dolores Rollo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Experience ◽  
Moral Disengagement ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Cognitive Empathy ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Bivariate Correlation ◽  
Victim Group ◽  
Empathy Scale ◽  
Italian Adolescents ◽  
Diffusion Of Responsibility

This study aimed to evaluate which aspects of moral disengagement (MD), empathy, and representations of the victim’s experience (VER) could be predictors of cyberbullying (CB). One hundred and eight-nine students (11–17 years old) completed 3 self-report questionnaires: An MD scale, an empathy scale, and a CB questionnaire. In relation to the personal experience of CB, four groups were identified: Victim, bully, bully/victim, and no experience with CB. The linear bivariate correlation analysis shows correlations between empathy and VER, between empathy and MD, and between MD and VER. A multinomial logistic regression identified which predictors could increase a subject’s probability of belonging to one of the four groups regarding the personal experience of CB (victim, bully, bully/victim, no experience). Findings highlighted that low cognitive empathy might increase the probability for a student to belong to the bullies’ group, rather than the victims’ group. Furthermore, low perception of the consequences of CB on the victim might increase the probability of belonging to the bully, bully/victim, and no experience groups. Then, a high score in the diffusion of responsibility was a significant predictor of belonging to the victim group rather than the no experience group. Results from this study confirm the need for preventive measures against CB, including the empowerment of cognitive empathy, decreasing the diffusion of responsibility, and increasing the awareness of the consequences of CB on the victim.

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