scholarly journals On a Search for a Neurogenomics of Cognitive Processes Supporting Avian Migration and Navigation

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 967-975 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verner P Bingman ◽  
Emily M Ewry
Keyword(s):  
Allelic Variation ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Avian Migration ◽  
Homing Pigeons ◽  
Behavioral Profile ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Support Mechanisms ◽  
Migratory Phenotype

Synopsis The migratory behavioral profile of birds is characterized by considerable variation in migratory phenotype, and a number of distinct orientation and navigational mechanisms supports avian migration and homing. As such, bird navigation potentially offers a unique opportunity to investigate the neurogenomics of an often spectacular, naturally occurring spatial cognition. However, a number of factors may impede realization of this potential. First, aspects of the migratory behavior displayed by birds, including some navigational-support mechanisms, are under innate/genetic influence as, for example, young birds on their first migration display appropriate migratory orientation and timing without any prior experience and even when held in captivity from the time of birth. Second, many of the genes with an allelic variation that co-varies with migratory phenotype are genes that regulate processes unrelated to cognition. Where cognition and navigation clearly converge is in the familiar landmark/landscape navigation best studied in homing pigeons and known to be dependent on the hippocampus. Encouraging here are differences in the hippocampal organization among different breeds of domestic pigeons and a different allelic profile in the LRP8 gene of homing pigeons. A focus on the hippocampus also suggests that differences in developmentally active genes that promote hippocampal differentiation might also be genes where allelic or epigenetic variation could explain the control of or comparison-group differences in a cognition of navigation. Sobering, however, is just how little has been learned about the neurogenomics of cognition (“intelligence”) in humans despite the vast resources and research activity invested; resources that would be unimaginable for any avian study investigating bird navigation.

scholarly journals New Test to Study the Behavior of the Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca (Pallas, 1764)

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 ◽  
pp. 45-50
Author(s):  
A. A. Maslov ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Study ◽  
Central Compartment ◽  
Ficedula Hypoleuca ◽  
Pied Flycatcher ◽  
Behavioral Variability ◽  
Behavioral Syndrome ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Plus Maze

An original test to study the behavior of the pied flycatcher has been developed. The experimental arena can be used in field and laboratory study. It looks like a plus maze with a darkened central compartment, simulating an empty nesting box, and four entrances to the illuminated peripheral compartments of the arena. Birds demonstrate individual behavioral variability. They stay in the central compartment or leave it; make a different number of transitions between compartments and try to escape from the peripheral compartments through the transparent cover. Bird activity may depend on a number of factors, including the level of research activity and anxiety of individuals. This allows you to use this test to study the behavioral syndrome of the pied flycatcher.

Ethical Infrastructure for a Modern Judiciary

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 335-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabrielle Appleby ◽  
Suzanne Le Mire
Keyword(s):  
Ethical Decision ◽  
Ethical Decision Making ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Institutional Support ◽  
Ethical Culture ◽  
Ethical Values ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Ethical Guidance ◽  
Support Mechanisms

The ethical conduct of judicial officers has been traditionally seen as a matter for individual judges to determine for themselves. Today, judges are still frequently left to consider ethical dilemmas with little formal institutional support. They must rely on their own resources or informal advice and counsel from colleagues and the head of jurisdiction. This article will explore whether this arrangement continues to be appropriate. We consider a hypothesis that a number of factors, including the growing numbers and diversity of the judiciary mean that it is less likely that there will be common understandings of the ethical values to be employed in resolving difficult dilemmas. Thus, we further hypothesise, the traditional arrangements are likely to prove insufficient. Drawing on the findings of a survey of judicial officers across Australian jurisdictions conducted in 2016, we test these hypotheses by reference to the perceptions of Australian judicial officers as to the adequacy of the ethical support available to them. Finally, we consider the variety of supports that are available in comparable jurisdictions and also in the legal profession, before turning to possible solutions to the question our hypotheses raise, including the introduction of ‘ethical infrastructures’ in the form of more formal arrangements that provide ethical guidance to judges. We argue that these ethical support mechanisms have the potential to enhance the quality of ethical decision-making and foster an ethical culture within the judiciary.

scholarly journals Exploring the Dimensionality of Ethnic Minority Adaptation in Britain: An Analysis across Ethnic and Generational Lines

Sociology ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 626-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence Lessard-Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Minority ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Ethnic Minority Groups ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Different Dimensions

In this article I explore the dimensionality of the long-term experiences of the main ethnic minority groups (their adaptation) in Britain. Using recent British data, I apply factor analysis to uncover the underlying number of factors behind variables deemed to be representative of the adaptation experience within the literature. I then attempt to assess the groupings of adaptation present in the data, to see whether a typology of adaptation exists (i.e. whether adaptation in different dimensions can be concomitant with others). The analyses provide an empirical evidence base to reflect on: (1) the extent of group differences in the adaptation process, which may cut across ethnic and generational lines; and (2) whether the uncovered dimensions of adaptation match existing theoretical views and empirical evidence. Results suggest that adaptation should be regarded as a multi-dimensional phenomenon where clear typologies of adaptation based on specific trade-offs (mostly cultural) appear to exist.

Examination of nocturnal activity and behaviour in resident white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys nuttalli)

Behaviour ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 148 (8) ◽  
pp. 859-876 ◽  
Author(s):  
John C. Wingfield ◽  
Alexander J. Coverdill ◽  
Aaron D. Clark ◽  
Marilyn Ramenofsky
Keyword(s):  
Migratory Restlessness ◽  
Dark Phase ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Nocturnal Activity ◽  
Zonotrichia Leucophrys ◽  
Fat Deposits ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Zonotrichia Leucophrys Gambelii ◽  
Reproductive Activities ◽  
Migratory Phenotype

AbstractObservations of nocturnal activity in resident species held in captivity are often attributed to migratory restlessness (MR). Previous publications investigating migratory white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii) provided a distinct set of traits characteristic of MR, which we used to test the expression of activity and behaviour in the resident subspecies (Z. l. nuttalli). Under a winter photocycle, the 24-h activity profile of Z. l. nuttalli closely resembled that of migrant relatives. Following photostimulation, most birds expressed some activity during the dark phase; however, the diel pattern differed greatly from that of migrants. Unlike Z. l. gambelii, peak activity levels during the light phase remained greater than those expressed during the dark phase. Furthermore, birds did not express a quiescent phase prior to the initiation of the dark phase, nor did photostimulation result in increases in body mass or fat deposits. However, two birds did exhibit migration-specific behaviours (beak-up and beak-up flight) coupled with intense dark phase locomotor activity, which is consistent with MR expression. The suite of contrasts between conspecifics however, may suggest a different context of nocturnal behaviour, perhaps representing an underlying ancestral migratory phenotype that may now be associated with territorial or reproductive activities.

scholarly journals Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) behavior: A multi-year analysis of individuals at Georgia Aquarium

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael P Black ◽  
Matthew Grober ◽  
Christian Schreiber ◽  
Chris Coco ◽  
Alistair Dove
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Time ◽  
Whale Shark ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Behavioral Profile ◽  
Behavioral Traits ◽  
Rhincodon Typus ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Whale Sharks ◽  
Daily Changes

Background. From the coastal seas near Taiwan to the 6.3 million gallon Ocean Voyager habitat at Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, whale sharks, Rhincodon typus, were brought in stages: two females arrived in June 2006 and two males in June 2007. The behavioral observations described in this study began in 2008 as the first reported observations in captivity to assist in husbandry and better understand whale shark behavior variation between individuals and across time. Methods. Two types of observations were made of the four sharks currently in the Georgia Aquarium Ocean Voyager habitat: 1) 15-minute focal observations throughout the day of individual sharks from a high gantry vantage point using Stopwatch+ software to time stamp all recorded behavior and 2) observations of swim speed, depth, and swimming direction for all sharks passing by a section of wall over longer periods of time (15 min-hours). Z-tests were used for inter-observer reliability. Results. For most traits, whale sharks demonstrated unique behavioral profiles that were consistent over many years, but, over the course of years, some of these behavioral traits changed for individual sharks. There were also daily changes in behavior that were consistent across days. For instance, whale sharks showed a clear anticipation of feeding time marked by increases in swimming speed prior to obvious cues of the feed (i.e. 1 hour prior). During observations recorded during the day, whale sharks spent the majority of their time swimming at or near the surface. Most spent relatively equal times swimming clockwise as they did counterclockwise. Swim speeds observed in the habitat were similar to the range of those estimated from work in the field. Conclusion. Each shark in the habitat demonstrated a behavioral profile unique to that individual, and we have observed short-term and long-term consistent patterns as well as changes in some behavior. These observations increase our knowledge of whale shark behavior, assisting in the husbandry of these animals and giving a better understanding of individual differences, temporal changes, and interactions between sharks.

scholarly journals Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) behavior: A multi-year analysis of individuals at Georgia Aquarium

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael P Black ◽  
Matthew Grober ◽  
Christian Schreiber ◽  
Chris Coco ◽  
Alistair Dove
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Time ◽  
Whale Shark ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Behavioral Profile ◽  
Behavioral Traits ◽  
Rhincodon Typus ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Whale Sharks ◽  
Daily Changes

Background. From the coastal seas near Taiwan to the 6.3 million gallon Ocean Voyager habitat at Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, whale sharks, Rhincodon typus, were brought in stages: two females arrived in June 2006 and two males in June 2007. The behavioral observations described in this study began in 2008 as the first reported observations in captivity to assist in husbandry and better understand whale shark behavior variation between individuals and across time. Methods. Two types of observations were made of the four sharks currently in the Georgia Aquarium Ocean Voyager habitat: 1) 15-minute focal observations throughout the day of individual sharks from a high gantry vantage point using Stopwatch+ software to time stamp all recorded behavior and 2) observations of swim speed, depth, and swimming direction for all sharks passing by a section of wall over longer periods of time (15 min-hours). Z-tests were used for inter-observer reliability. Results. For most traits, whale sharks demonstrated unique behavioral profiles that were consistent over many years, but, over the course of years, some of these behavioral traits changed for individual sharks. There were also daily changes in behavior that were consistent across days. For instance, whale sharks showed a clear anticipation of feeding time marked by increases in swimming speed prior to obvious cues of the feed (i.e. 1 hour prior). During observations recorded during the day, whale sharks spent the majority of their time swimming at or near the surface. Most spent relatively equal times swimming clockwise as they did counterclockwise. Swim speeds observed in the habitat were similar to the range of those estimated from work in the field. Conclusion. Each shark in the habitat demonstrated a behavioral profile unique to that individual, and we have observed short-term and long-term consistent patterns as well as changes in some behavior. These observations increase our knowledge of whale shark behavior, assisting in the husbandry of these animals and giving a better understanding of individual differences, temporal changes, and interactions between sharks.

Concordance of study objectives with efficacy findings in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) treatment trials

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6600-6600
Author(s):  
D. Frame ◽  
S. D. Ross
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Metastatic Breast Cancer ◽  
Primary Endpoint ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Metastatic Breast ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
English Studies ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Antineoplastic Treatment

6600 Background: Despite ongoing development of new agents, overall survival in MBC remains discouraging. We reviewed large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published since 2000 to compare stated objectives with efficacy endpoints. Methods: Systematic review of RCTs of systemic antineoplastic treatment in advanced / metastatic breast cancer, published 2000–2006 in English. Studies enrolling fewer than 100 patients or performed only at sites outside North America and Europe were excluded. Study success was characterized with regard to the primary endpoint as described in prospective power calculations. Results: 68 RCTs, enrolling 24,956 patients, met inclusion criteria. The 68 RCTs comprised 83 efficacy comparisons due to multiple arms and/or more than one primary endpoint. Frequency of success was similar by geographic location and presence of industry sponsorship, but higher for noninferiority comparisons ( Table 1 ). 5 of 13 non-inferiority studies reported unplanned superiority findings for the experimental arm, while 11 of 39 studies failing to meet planned superiority endpoints made statements regarding equivalence or superiority to control treatments. For 10 of 20 successful superiority studies, reported results did not match/exceed planned between-group differences, though the comparisons reached statistical significance: 4 such studies substantially exceeded planned enrollment (2 of which recalculated sample size after reviewing interim data), while reasons for attaining superiority in 6 cases were unclear. Of the remaining 10 superiority comparisons, 4 reached significance due to underperforming control arms (enabling PFS/TTP differences of <2 months to establish superiority), 2 exceeded point estimates, and 4 exceeded estimated between- group ratios. Conclusions: Slippage from prospective study goals, even in large randomized trials, may contribute to a disconnect between the profusion of research activity and disappointing efficacy gains in MBC. No significant financial relationships to disclose. [Table: see text]

scholarly journals FORMATION OF A PERSONALITY OF A MODERN FORENSIC EXPERT

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 165-171
Author(s):  
I. A. Petrova ◽  
O. P. Snigerov
Keyword(s):  
Ethical Standards ◽  
Professional Skill ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Important Place ◽  
Application Of Law ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Self Development ◽  
Forensic Expert ◽  
Ethical Component ◽  
Difficult Situations

Founders of a forensic examination science positioned theirforensic expert work not otherwise than research activity which is primarily directed at the development and accumulation of scientific knowledge and theirfurther introduction in the application of law. The paper considers a number of factors which influence upon formation of the personality of the modern forensic expert. Also it presents the characteristic and defines the features of separate components of this process, from which the scientific and ethical ones are considered. The scientific component is presented by interaction of a science and practice which gives to the gathered knowledge with the possibility of their realization in the practical activities of the forensic expert, forms his professional thinking. Development of the scientific thinking of the forensic expert is one of the most importantfactors of his becoming whereas formation of the creative person cannot occur without maximum use of informative activity. In formation of the professional forensic expert the important place occupies reception ofnew knowledge by scientific cognition which overruns the limits of the existing system of knowledge, and the use of new rules. It’s expediently to refer the profession of the expert by modern criteria of evaluation to a top of professional skill, which can only be reached by means of full self-development and maximal self-realization of the personality. The ethical component forms an ethical culture and arranges the basе points of the behavior ofa professionalforensic expert. Correct perception of the ethics principles helps the expert in resolving difficult situations and allows to effectively carry out an expert activity. In its turn the observance of ethical standards in the course of a forensic expert activity is not only the guarantee of a reliable result and a positive microclimate in the collective, but and a precautionary measure concerning expert errors.

The IBM-PC in electron microscopy

1996 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 612-613
Author(s):  
James F. Mancuso
Keyword(s):  
Head Start ◽  
Image Acquisition ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Financial Applications ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Instrument Control ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Training And Support ◽  
Control Image ◽  
Ibm Pc

IBM PC compatible computers are widely used in microscopy for applications ranging from control to image acquisition and analysis. The choice of IBM-PC based systems over competing computer platforms can be based on technical merit alone or on a number of factors relating to economics, availability of peripherals, management dictum, or simple personal preference.IBM-PC got a strong “head start” by first dominating clerical, document processing and financial applications. The use of these computers spilled into the laboratory where the DOS based IBM-PC replaced mini-computers. Compared to minicomputer, the PC provided a more for cost-effective platform for applications in numerical analysis, engineering and design, instrument control, image acquisition and image processing. In addition, the sitewide use of a common PC platform could reduce the cost of training and support services relative to cases where many different computer platforms were used. This could be especially true for the microscopists who must use computers in both the laboratory and the office.

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