scholarly journals Opposite valence social information provided by bio-robotic demonstrators shapes selection processes in the green bottle fly

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (176) ◽  
Author(s):  
Donato Romano ◽  
Giovanni Benelli ◽  
Cesare Stefanini

Social learning represents a high-level complex process to acquire information about the environment, which is increasingly reported in invertebrates. The animal–robot interaction paradigm turned out to be an encouraging strategy to unveil social learning in vertebrates, but it has not been fully exploited in invertebrates. In this study, Lucilia sericata adults were induced to observe bio-robotic conspecific and predator demonstrators to reproduce different flower foraging choices. Can a fly manage two flows of social information with opposite valence? Herein, we attempt a reply. The selection process of L. sericata was affected by social information provided through different bio-robotic demonstrators, by avoiding coloured discs previously visited by a bio-robotic predator and preferring coloured discs previously visited by a bio-robotic conspecific. When both bio-robotic demonstrators visited the same disc, the latency duration increased and the flies significantly tended to avoid this disc. This indicates the complex risk–benefit evaluation process carried out by L. sericata during the acquisition of such social information. Overall, this article provides a unique perspective on the behavioural ecology of social learning in non-social insects; it also highlights the high potential of the animal–robot interaction approach for unveiling the full spectrum of invertebrates' abilities in using social information.

CJEM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 829-835
Author(s):  
Michael K. P. Hale ◽  
Jason R. Frank ◽  
Warren J. Cheung

ABSTRACTObjectiveLittle is known about how the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) residency programs are selecting their residents. This creates uncertainty regarding alignment between current selection processes and known best practices. We seek to describe the current selection processes of Canadian RCEM programs.MethodsAn online survey was distributed to all RCEM program directors and assistant directors. The survey instrument included 22 questions and sought both qualitative and quantitative data from the following six domains: application file, letters of reference, elective selection, interview, rank order, and selection process evaluation.ResultsWe received responses from 13 of 14 programs for an aggregate response rate of 92.9%. A candidate's letters of reference were identified as the most important criterion from the paper application (38.5%). Having a high level of familiarity with the applicant was the most important characteristic of a reference letter author (46.2%). In determining rank order, 53.8% of programs weighed the interview more heavily than the paper application. Once final candidate scores are established following the interview stage, all program respondents indicated that further adjustment is made to the final rank order list. Only 1 of 13 program respondents reported ever having completed a formal evaluation of their selection process.ConclusionWe have identified elements of the selection process that will inform recommendations for programs, students, and referees. We encourage programs to conduct regular reviews of their selection process going forward to be in alignment with best practices.


Genetics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 154 (4) ◽  
pp. 1851-1864 ◽  
Author(s):  
John A Woolliams ◽  
Piter Bijma

AbstractTractable forms of predicting rates of inbreeding (ΔF) in selected populations with general indices, nonrandom mating, and overlapping generations were developed, with the principal results assuming a period of equilibrium in the selection process. An existing theorem concerning the relationship between squared long-term genetic contributions and rates of inbreeding was extended to nonrandom mating and to overlapping generations. ΔF was shown to be ~¼(1 − ω) times the expected sum of squared lifetime contributions, where ω is the deviation from Hardy-Weinberg proportions. This relationship cannot be used for prediction since it is based upon observed quantities. Therefore, the relationship was further developed to express ΔF in terms of expected long-term contributions that are conditional on a set of selective advantages that relate the selection processes in two consecutive generations and are predictable quantities. With random mating, if selected family sizes are assumed to be independent Poisson variables then the expected long-term contribution could be substituted for the observed, providing ¼ (since ω = 0) was increased to ½. Established theory was used to provide a correction term to account for deviations from the Poisson assumptions. The equations were successfully applied, using simple linear models, to the problem of predicting ΔF with sib indices in discrete generations since previously published solutions had proved complex.


1992 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard J. Bruzek ◽  
Debra Dullinger

Drug formularies have migrated from the inpatient hospital environment to the ambulatory outpatient setting. Although formularies in use by managed health care organizations may vary widely in their design, they have quickly become the cornerstone of the managed pharmacy benefit. A carefully designed formulary can direct drug use to the safest and most efficacious products that may ultimately lower total drug costs. Other managed health care drug formulary considerations are presented. A method is described to develop a drug formulary. The drug evaluation matrix (DEM) provides a systematic, reproducible drug selection process based on efficacy, safety, and cost. DEM allows the user to assign different weights to these factors during the drug evaluation process. The product of DEM is a drug formulary that is therapeutically complete, consistent with accepted medical practice and maximizes cost efficiencies achievable from a drug formulary.


Author(s):  
Ardian Ardian

This article describes about the analysis of  the understanding of institutions of broadcasting radios in west sumatera to fulfill the need of social information. This research is based from the phenomenon in the field showing the decrease of social interest in listening to a radio closed by the modernization of mass communication.  To reveal the reality in the field, this research used constructive paradigm, qualitative methods and case study approach. The research data was collected by interviewing 5 key informen and documentation study. Based on the result of analysis in the field in completing the need of social information, the researcher concluded as followed: (1) Radios in West Sumatera comprehend the 3 functions of communication in fulfilling social information needs: (a) information, (b) social learning, and (c) entertainment. That was seen from the constructions of the broadcasting programs produced; (2) In the effort of fulfilling the need of information, radios conduct surveys, observations and researches of the market that need information; and (3) Radio broadcasting board of West Sumatera comprehends that in information dissemination KPID of West Sumatera is the regulator taking roll in supervising the broadcasting programs and any kinds of violations than by the radios. 


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Daniel Donoghue

<p>Social learning and network analyses are theorised to be of great utility in the context of behavioural conservation. For example, harnessing a species’ capacity for social learning may allow researchers to seed useful information into populations, while network analyses could provide a useful tool to monitor community stability, and predict pathways of pathogen transfer. Thus, an understanding of how individuals learn and the nature of the social networks within a population could enable the development of new behavioural based conservation interventions for species facing rapid environmental change, such as human-induced habitat modification. Parrots, the most threatened avian order worldwide, are notably underrepresented in the social learning and social network literature. This thesis addresses this knowledge gap by exploring social learning and networks using two endangered species of parrot; kākā (Nestor meridionalis) and kea (Nestor notabilis). The first study explores social learning of tool use in captive kea, using a trained kea demonstrator. The results from this experiment indicate that both social learning and play behaviour facilitated the uptake of tool use, and suggests that kea are highly sensitive to social information even when presented with complex tasks. The second study assesses whether wild kākā can socially learn novel string-pulling and food aversion behaviours from video playbacks of conspecific demonstrators. Although there was no evidence to indicate that kākā learn socially, these individuals also show no notable reaction to video playback of a familiar predator. Therefore, these results are likely due to difficulties in interpreting information on the screens, and not necessarily a reflection of their ability to perceive social information. In the final study, social network analysis (SNA) was performed to map social connectivity within wellington’s urban kākā population. SNA indicates that kākā form non-random social bonds, selectively associating with some individuals more than others, and also show high levels of dissimilarity in community composition at different feeding sites. Taken together, these results provide rare empirical evidence of social learning in a parrot species and suggest that even complicated seeded behaviours can quickly spread to other individuals. These findings may also be indicative of the difficulties in conducting video playback experiments in wild conditions, which is an area in need of future research. Overall, these findings contribute to the very limited body of research on social learning and networks in parrots, and provide information of potential value in the management of these species.</p>


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serena Triacca ◽  
Livia Petti ◽  
Pier Cesare Rivoltella

Abstract In order to satisfy the several training requests regarding the method of Episodes of Situated Learning by teachers of all levels, in the academic year 2018/2019, CREMIT (Catholic University) has developed an e-learning course. This paper aims to describe the training structure, designed according to the ADDIE instructional system model, focusing on the elements such as micro-learning, e-tivities and e-tutoring. The course was delivered in two editions (November–December 2018 and May–June 2019). The evaluation process highlights some relevant aspects: the high level of participants’ satisfaction, the moderate numbers of dropouts and the completely positive results of the assessment activities. The analysis of the gathered data allowed us to re-design the e-learning course.


2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-132
Author(s):  
Mehmet Canbulat ◽  
Ayşe Nur Kutluca Canbulat

The aim of this study is to analyze the selection process of teacher candidates in Turkey and Austria education systems. In the study, the Upper Austria Higher Education documents on the selection processes were examined and the teacher candidates' selection processes were observed. For the Turkish side, the higher education selection handbooks by Student Selection and Placement Center (OSYM) were examined and 96 teacher candidates were interviewed. According to the findings, in Austria's teacher education system, the students should volunteer to be a teacher and also must fulfill compliance of the profession. In Turkey, on the other hand, the teacher candidates were selected according to the central examination results conducted by ÖSYM. While scores are taken into account in the areas such as mathematics, social sciences, science, geometry, etc., the evaluation related to the individual reasons for seeking this profession, individuals' eligibility of the teaching profession and personal characteristics are not considered in this selection process. The interview results revealed that while some of the candidates were willing to become a teacher, others reported obligation to do so and some stated that they accidently selected to be a teacher.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Donoghue

<p>Social learning and network analyses are theorised to be of great utility in the context of behavioural conservation. For example, harnessing a species’ capacity for social learning may allow researchers to seed useful information into populations, while network analyses could provide a useful tool to monitor community stability, and predict pathways of pathogen transfer. Thus, an understanding of how individuals learn and the nature of the social networks within a population could enable the development of new behavioural based conservation interventions for species facing rapid environmental change, such as human-induced habitat modification. Parrots, the most threatened avian order worldwide, are notably underrepresented in the social learning and social network literature. This thesis addresses this knowledge gap by exploring social learning and networks using two endangered species of parrot; kākā (Nestor meridionalis) and kea (Nestor notabilis). The first study explores social learning of tool use in captive kea, using a trained kea demonstrator. The results from this experiment indicate that both social learning and play behaviour facilitated the uptake of tool use, and suggests that kea are highly sensitive to social information even when presented with complex tasks. The second study assesses whether wild kākā can socially learn novel string-pulling and food aversion behaviours from video playbacks of conspecific demonstrators. Although there was no evidence to indicate that kākā learn socially, these individuals also show no notable reaction to video playback of a familiar predator. Therefore, these results are likely due to difficulties in interpreting information on the screens, and not necessarily a reflection of their ability to perceive social information. In the final study, social network analysis (SNA) was performed to map social connectivity within wellington’s urban kākā population. SNA indicates that kākā form non-random social bonds, selectively associating with some individuals more than others, and also show high levels of dissimilarity in community composition at different feeding sites. Taken together, these results provide rare empirical evidence of social learning in a parrot species and suggest that even complicated seeded behaviours can quickly spread to other individuals. These findings may also be indicative of the difficulties in conducting video playback experiments in wild conditions, which is an area in need of future research. Overall, these findings contribute to the very limited body of research on social learning and networks in parrots, and provide information of potential value in the management of these species.</p>


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