Reproductive Autonomy and Evolutionary Biology: A Regulatory Framework for Trait-Selection Technologies

The Constitution protects, in some measure, each person's autonomy in making basic decisions about family, parenthood, and procreation. This Article examines the extent to which courts should protect from government intrusions a parent's access to technologies that influence specific characteristics of offspring. Beginning with Supreme Court opinions that articulate constitutional and social values regarding reproductive autonomy, the Article explores how important new insights from evolutionary biology may supplement an understanding of Human procreation. Specifically, the Article explains how trait selection can constitute an important part of larger “reproductive strategies” that powerfully affect an individual's “inclusive fitness” (itself a measure of reproductive success). It concludes that access to trait-selection technologies should receive the same federal protection from government intrusions as that afforded access to abortion. It proposes the first limit to that protection, however, when a parent seeks to select for a trait, or to use a technique, that would be clearly and significantly damaging to the future child. The Article subsequently divides the use of trait-selection technologies (TSTs) into eight contexts and proposes a preliminary framework by which a regulatory system could legitimately distinguish among them.

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How can regulatory systems be assessed? The case of earthquake preparedness in Israel

Evaluation ◽

10.1177/1356389018803235 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 80-98 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Deborah F. Shmueli ◽

Michal Ben Gal ◽

Ehud Segal ◽

Amnon Reichman ◽

Eran Feitelson

Keyword(s):

Regulatory System ◽

Regulatory Framework ◽

Assessment Methodology ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Earthquake Preparedness ◽

Regulatory Systems ◽

Widespread Agreement

The aim of evaluating a regulatory system is to enable governments to improve the ways in which they function, regulate, and prioritize attention and resources to the system as a whole. Academic and professional literatures provide useful principles with which to proceed. However, off-the-shelf methods for assessing regulatory systems with generic characteristics are scarce. The Regulatory System Scan and Assessment methodology was designed for this purpose and applied to the current regulatory framework that governs Israel’s actions to plan—mitigate, prepare, respond, and recover—from the damage which may be caused by a severe earthquake. Although there is oftentimes widespread agreement concerning the existence of problems in a regulatory system, there is rarely consensus or a thorough understanding of what those problems are. Only when problems are identified can policy makers create viable and effective solutions. Development of the Regulatory System Scan and Assessment is a step toward addressing this challenge.

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Feminist and Evolutionary Perspectives of Female-Female Competition, Status Seeking, and Social Network Formation

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199376377.013.8 ◽

2015 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Laurette T. Liesen

Keyword(s):

Social Networks ◽

Social Network ◽

Reproductive Success ◽

Reproductive Strategies ◽

Network Formation ◽

Female Competition ◽

Status Seeking ◽

Social Network Formation ◽

Evolutionary Perspectives

During the 1980s and 1990s, feminist evolutionists were instrumental in demonstrating that primate females, including girls and women, can be aggressive and seek status within their groups. Building on their insights, researchers from across disciplines have found that females use a variety of direct and indirect tactics as they pursue their reproductive success. To better understand women’s aggression and status seeking, one also must examine their social networks. Women must not only deal with the dynamics within their groups, they also must deal with pressures from other groups. Success in maintaining connections in one’s social network is vital for access to the various resources women need for their own reproductive success and to keep competitors in check. Overall, women’s social networks, while serving both supportive and competitive functions, profoundly impact on the reproductive future of women and especially the survival and future reproductive strategies of their children.

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Reproductive strategies and chromosomal aberrations affect survival in the Rivuliid fish Hypsolebias sertanejo

Zygote ◽

10.1017/s0967199420000362 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Mariana Machado Evangelista ◽

Elizabeth Romagosa ◽

Diógenes Henrique Siqueira-Silva ◽

George Shigueki Yasui ◽

Takafumi Fujimoto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Flow Cytometry ◽

Reproductive Success ◽

Reproductive Strategies ◽

Chromosomal Abnormalities ◽

Reproductive Behaviour ◽

Conservation Strategies ◽

Hatching Rate ◽

Natural Conditions ◽

And Performance ◽

Ploidy Status

Summary Rivulidae comprises a family of fish largely distributed in Brazil that includes 201 species, of which 125 are considered endangered. This fact emphasizes the need for development of conservation strategies including studies on genetics and reproduction. In this paper, we describe aspects of biology and reproduction of the rivuliid species Hypsolebias sertanejo. We outline the reproductive behaviour of this species under laboratory conditions, analyze ploidy status by flow cytometry, describe reproductive behaviour and performance and test dry and wet incubation of eggs. Although H. sertanejo showed well known patterns of reproductive behaviour, we verified many peculiarities inherent to its reproductive biology. As expected, most individuals were diploid (87.71%), however 14.29% were considered mosaics. Although no sterility was observed within mosaics, infertility of these fish was not fully evaluated. Hatching rate of the eggs collected was very low following both dry and wet incubation (5.04 and 3.79%, respectively). These results provide interesting information regarding the reproductive success of this species, and suggest that chromosomal abnormalities described may reduce the survival of H. sertanejo under natural conditions, limiting the perpetuation of this species, and emphasizing the need for more preservation efforts, including artificial propagation and gene banking.

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Lek fidelity of male Arctic charr

Canadian Journal of Zoology ◽

10.1139/z04-106 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 82 (8) ◽

pp. 1278-1284 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

L Figenschou ◽

I Folstad ◽

S Liljedal

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Success ◽

Inclusive Fitness ◽

Salvelinus Alpinus ◽

Arctic Charr ◽

Genetic Differences ◽

Fish Length

For males, the reproductive advantage of joining a lek varies among leks; consequently, males should join the lek yielding the highest fitness. When males experience low reproductive opportunities at one lek, it may pay to move to another. By observing tagged male Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus L., 1758) at three different lek sites within one lake, we examined whether males moved between leks. Some movement was observed, especially between closely located leks, but fish length and spermatocrit, traits indicative of reproductive success, were unrelated to whether or not individuals moved between leks. Little to no movement was observed between more distantly separated leks, even though the costs associated with movements across the relatively short distances between these leks should be low. This suggests that individuals, rather than moving from leks where they have low reproductive success, are relatively stationary. The lek fidelity documented in the present study may be important for production of local genetic differences between Arctic charr leks. Our results suggest that males with low reproductive success may enhance their fitness by means other than dispersal, e.g., by associating with relatives to increase inclusive fitness.

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The validity and value of inclusive fitness theory

Proceedings of The Royal Society B Biological Sciences ◽

10.1098/rspb.2011.1465 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 278 (1723) ◽

pp. 3313-3320 ◽

Cited By ~ 87

Author(s):

Andrew F. G. Bourke

Keyword(s):

Kin Selection ◽

Evolutionary Biology ◽

Social Evolution ◽

Inclusive Fitness ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Alternative Theory ◽

Selection Theory ◽

Inclusive Fitness Theory ◽

Evolution Of Eusociality ◽

Natural Selection Theory

Social evolution is a central topic in evolutionary biology, with the evolution of eusociality (societies with altruistic, non-reproductive helpers) representing a long-standing evolutionary conundrum. Recent critiques have questioned the validity of the leading theory for explaining social evolution and eusociality, namely inclusive fitness (kin selection) theory. I review recent and past literature to argue that these critiques do not succeed. Inclusive fitness theory has added fundamental insights to natural selection theory. These are the realization that selection on a gene for social behaviour depends on its effects on co-bearers, the explanation of social behaviours as unalike as altruism and selfishness using the same underlying parameters, and the explanation of within-group conflict in terms of non-coinciding inclusive fitness optima. A proposed alternative theory for eusocial evolution assumes mistakenly that workers' interests are subordinate to the queen's, contains no new elements and fails to make novel predictions. The haplodiploidy hypothesis has yet to be rigorously tested and positive relatedness within diploid eusocial societies supports inclusive fitness theory. The theory has made unique, falsifiable predictions that have been confirmed, and its evidence base is extensive and robust. Hence, inclusive fitness theory deserves to keep its position as the leading theory for social evolution.

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A Mathematical Modeling Approach to the Cort-Fitness Hypothesis

Integrative Organismal Biology ◽

10.1093/iob/obz019 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

Author(s):

F El Moustaid ◽

S J Lane ◽

I T Moore ◽

L R Johnson

Keyword(s):

Mathematical Modeling ◽

Mathematical Model ◽

Reproductive Strategies ◽

Evolutionary Biology ◽

Positive Relationship ◽

Negative Relationship ◽

Environmental Challenges ◽

Field Endocrinology ◽

Empirical Tests ◽

The Relationship

Abstract The Cort-Fitness Hypothesis has generated much interest from investigators integrating field endocrinology with evolutionary biology, ecology, and conservation. The hypothesis was developed to test the assumption that if glucocorticoid levels increase with environmental challenges and fitness decreases with environmental challenges, then there should be a negative relationship between baseline glucocorticoid levels and fitness. Indeed, studies across diverse taxa have found that the relationship between baseline glucocorticoid levels and fitness are not consistent: some studies show a positive relationship, others negative, and some show no correlation. Hence, a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying the relationship between baseline glucocorticoid levels, environmental challenges, and fitness is needed. We propose a mathematical model representing the links between baseline glucocorticoid levels, environmental challenges, and fitness. Our model describes how variation in the predictability and intensity of environmental challenges, reproductive strategies, and fitness metrics can all contribute to the variability observed in empirical tests of the Cort-Fitness Hypothesis. We provide qualitative results showing that much of the inconsistency in previous studies can be explained and we discuss how the model can be used to inform future Cort-Fitness studies.

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Psychological and Biological Perspectives on Altruism

International Journal of Behavioral Development ◽

10.1177/016502547800100403 ◽

1978 ◽

Vol 1 (4) ◽

pp. 323-339 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Martin L. Hoffman

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Control ◽

Evolutionary Biology ◽

Inclusive Fitness ◽

Physiological Basis ◽

The Social ◽

Early Humans ◽

Human Tendency ◽

Psychological Evidence ◽

The Individual ◽

Inherent Part

This paper presents the case for viewing altruism as an inherent part of human nature. The argument is first made that 'inclusive fitness', the key concept in modern evolutionary biology, dictates that (a) humans are programmed not only to be egoistic but also, under certain conditions, to help another at cost to themselves; and (b) what was selected was not altruistic action but mediators of action, because this provided the necessary flexibility. Psychological evidence is then presented that complements this view. Thus (a) there appears to a general human tendency to help others in distress, which has properties analagous to egoistic motivation and yet comes into play independently of egoistic motivation; and (b) the evolutionary requirements for a mediating mechanism appear to be met by empathy, e.g., it is reliably aroused in humans in response to misfortune in others, it predisposes the individual toward helping action and yet is amenable to perceptual and cognitive control, and its physiological basis may have been present in early humans. The social implications of a biological basis for human altruism are discussed.

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Towards an integrated regulatory framework for water and energy security with digital maps: a case study of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, China

10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-3180 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Pingyu Fan ◽

Kwok Pan Chun ◽

Ana Mijic ◽

Daphne Ngar-Yin Mah

Keyword(s):

Big Data ◽

Information Retrieval ◽

Data Analysis ◽

Real Time ◽

Energy Security ◽

Regulatory System ◽

Big Data Analysis ◽

Regulatory Framework ◽

Digital Maps ◽

Bay Area

Digital water and energy maps allow fast information retrieval, big data analysis and resources demand prediction for real time responses in 5-G networks. A regulatory systems framework is needed to enable and promote integrated actions grounded on map-based feedback information, to facilitate resources movements and knowledge transfer for water and energy security. At the same time, the proposed regulatory system needs to safeguard national security and personal privacy when general public and the private sectors have access to big databases.The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) in China is an initiative on regional economic development involving nine mainland cities and two Special Administrative Regions (SARs). As central policies cannot be efficiently executed in the whole regions, institutional fragmentation could be a prominent barrier to achieve regional water and energy optimum rather than individual city maxima for the water and energy nexus.In this study, we propose a systems regulatory framework that integrates natural, urban and social systems across multiple scales in which the relevant laws, policies, decisions and actions are supported by digital maps. On a planning scale, our new regulatory system based on spatial map information promotes optimum uses of natural capitals and ecosystem services (ES). For linking different urban spatial processes on different scales, satellite images and Local Climate Zone (LCZ) maps are used to describe natural environment and urban characteristics from 200km to 10km resolutions for supporting land-use planning laws and estimating regional development carrying capacity to mitigate water and energy insecurity.On an operational scale, smart meters and remote sensor systems provide real time water and energy information from a fast developing 5-G network for the proposed digital maps. Forecasted energy and water demands from the digital maps can be used for regional or local environment regulation reinforcement. Proposed spatial maps also improve transboundary collaboration by providing visualisation of legal targets and emission limits. Through digital maps, key agencies and sectors will have a capacity to share transboundary knowledge, information and responsibility, to foster smooth system flows in terms of culture, economy, policy and technology, by active participations and decentralized actions.On an evaluation scale, open map information increases the transparency of legal targets and pollution limits. By rapid information retrieval and big data analysis from digital maps, regulators can assess the performance of water and energy security practices.In summary, the proposed framework based on LCZ maps for the GBA can be applied to other rapidly developing regions with emerging 5-G networks. The integrated regulatory framework also guides water and energy security practices and transfer central policies to local actions by rapid information retrieval, big data analysis and prediction of demand for real time responses based on digital water and energy maps.

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Reproductive strategies in hermaphroditic gastropods: conceptual and empirical approaches

Canadian Journal of Zoology ◽

10.1139/cjz-2012-0272 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 91 (6) ◽

pp. 367-381 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

Yumi Nakadera ◽

Joris M. Koene

Keyword(s):

Sexual Selection ◽

Reproductive Success ◽

Experimental Research ◽

Reproductive System ◽

Reproductive Strategy ◽

Reproductive Strategies ◽

Sex Allocation ◽

Fitness Consequences ◽

The Individual ◽

Empirical Approaches

An individual optimizes its reproductive success by adopting a particular reproductive strategy. Studying the details of a reproductive strategy leads to an understanding of how sexual selection acts, as the former is the process via which the individual reproduces successfully. Hermaphroditic gastropods display a bewildering diversity of reproductive strategies, which may be due to their mode of gender expression, when compared with well-studied separate-sexed species. Extensive theoretical, observational, and experimental research has been conducted on this topic. However, despite our knowledge about the reproductive system of hermaphroditic gastropods, we still need to fill the gap between pre- and post-copulatory processes and reproductive success. Here, we review and propose conceptual and empirical approaches aimed at understanding reproductive strategies of hermaphroditic gastropods. In sum, our suggestions are (i) to focus on sex-biased traits, (ii) to take biologically reliable measurements at both the pre- and post-copulatory level that relate to reproductive success, and (iii) to examine the fitness consequences of biased sex allocation.

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KEDUDUKAN KOMISI YUDISIAL DALAM SISTEM PENYELENGGARAAN PENGAWASAN KODE ETIK HAKIM PASCA PUTUSAN MK NO 43/PUU-XIII/2015

Hukum dan Masyarakat Madani ◽

10.26623/humani.v6i2.948 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 15

Author(s):

Heru Nuswanto ◽

Amri P. Sihotang,

Keyword(s):

Supreme Court ◽

Code Of Conduct ◽

Regulatory System ◽

Constitutional Court ◽

Court Ruling ◽

Basic Principles ◽

The Supreme Court ◽

The Republic ◽

Constitutional System ◽

Sense Of Justice

Kedudukan komisi yudisial sebagai pengawas system peradilan di Indonesia di rasa sangat penting untuk menjadikan system peradilan di Indonesia professional dan berintegritas. Persoalan kemudian hadir pasca putusan <a href="http://kepaniteraan.mahkamahagung.go.id/kegiatan/1181-putusan-mk-no-43-puu-xiii-2015-proses-seleksi-hakim-tingkat-pertama-tidak-perlu-melibatkan-ky">MK No 43/PUU-XIII/2015</a> dimana dalam putusan menjadikan Komisi Yudisial tidak lagi sebagai pihak yang ikut serta mengawasi perekrutan hakim tingkat pertama. Padahal dalam system ketatanegaraan jika lembaga komisi yudisial peran dan fungsinya dibatasi akan menjadikan mahkamah agung sebagai lembaga absolute dalam kekuasaan yudikatif..Pasca putusan Mahkamah Konstitusi <a href="http://kepaniteraan.mahkamahagung.go.id/kegiatan/1181-putusan-mk-no-43-puu-xiii-2015-proses-seleksi-hakim-tingkat-pertama-tidak-perlu-melibatkan-ky"> No 43/PUU-XIII/2015</a> tidaklah menjadi penghambat Komisi Yudisial dalam melakukan penegakan kode etik. Bahkan pada sisi lain Komisi Yudisial harus mampu melakukan penerobosan penafsiran bahwa putusan tersebut semata-mata memberikan ruang dan kedudukan Komisi Yudisial untuk merespon upaya kemerdekaan kekuasaan kehakiman yang secara mandiri dan merdeka akan tetapi harus sesuai real nilai-nilai pancasila dan Undang-Undang Dasar Negara Republik Indonesia dengan menempatkan Komisi Yudisial yang nantinya akan menguji idependensi hakim-hakim yang merupakan hasil seleksi dari Mahkamah Agung secara ketat dalam menjalankan tugas dan fungsinya sesuai dengan prinsip-prinsip dasar kode etik yang telah telah dicanangkan sesuai dengan peraturan perundang-undangan yang berlaku.Status of the Judicial Commission as the regulatory system in the sense of justice in Indonesia Sangat system makes for a review of integrity and professional judiciary in Indonesia. Present Problems then after the Constitutional Court ruling No. 43/PUU-XIII/2015 Where hearts Judicial Commission Decision making is NOT Again as parties Yang Participate oversee the recruitment of judges of first instance. Whereas hearts constitutional system if Institution Role and functions of the Judicial Commission shall be limited to make the Supreme Court as the Institute for Judicial power absolute hearts.Post a Constitutional Court decision No. 43/PUU-XIII/2015 does not become an obstacle to the Judicial Commission in enforcing the code of conduct. Even on the other side of the Judicial Commission should be able to make a breakthrough interpretation that the decision merely provides the space and the position of the Judicial Commission to respond to the efforts of the independence of judiciary is independent and free but must be corresponding real values of Pancasila and the Constitution of the Republic Indonesia by placing the Judicial Commission which will examine idependensi judges were selected from the Supreme Court strictly in performing their duties and functions in accordance with the basic principles of the code of conduct that has been implemented in accordance with the legislation in force.

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