scholarly journals Experimental evidence for convergent evolution of maternal care heuristics in industrialized and small-scale populations

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 140518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoff Kushnick ◽  
Ben Hanowell ◽  
Jun-Hong Kim ◽  
Banrida Langstieh ◽  
Vittorio Magnano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Care ◽  
Convergent Evolution ◽  
National Level ◽  
Decision Rules ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Maternal Behaviour ◽  
Scale Population ◽  
Vignette Experiment

Maternal care decision rules should evolve responsiveness to factors impinging on the fitness pay-offs of care. Because the caretaking environments common in industrialized and small-scale societies vary in predictable ways, we hypothesize that heuristics guiding maternal behaviour will also differ between these two types of populations. We used a factorial vignette experiment to elicit third-party judgements about likely caretaking decisions of a hypothetical mother and her child when various fitness-relevant factors (maternal age and access to resources, and offspring age, sex and quality) were varied systematically in seven populations—three industrialized and four small-scale. Despite considerable variation in responses, we found that three of five main effects, and the two severity effects, exhibited statistically significant industrialized/ small-scale population differences. All differences could be explained as adaptive solutions to industrialized versus small-scale caretaking environments. Further, we found gradients in the relationship between the population-specific estimates and national-level socio-economic indicators, further implicating important aspects of the variation in industrialized and small-scale caretaking environments in shaping heuristics. Although there is mounting evidence for a genetic component to human maternal behaviour, there is no current evidence for interpopulation variation in candidate genes. We nonetheless suggest that heuristics guiding maternal behaviour in diverse societies emerge via convergent evolution in response to similar selective pressures.

The Ontogeny of Ultrasonic Vocalization in Microtus Montanus

Behaviour ◽  
1977 ◽  
Vol 60 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 115-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
V.J. De Ghett
Keyword(s):  
Short Duration ◽  
Maternal Care ◽  
Ultrasonic Vocalization ◽  
Ultrasonic Vocalizations ◽  
Developmental Changes ◽  
Maternal Behaviour ◽  
Postnatal Ontogeny ◽  
Microtus Montanus ◽  
Early Peak ◽  
The Mean

AbstractDevelopmental changes in parameters of ultrasound production were investigated in M. montanus young. The rate of ultrasonic vocalization reached a peak on Day 2 of postnatal ontogeny and declined to zero on Day 15. A similar developmental pattern has been found in several other rodent species. However, the comparatively early peak rate is indicative of a degree of ontogenic precociousness. Other developmental changes, both behavioural and morphological, tend to confirm that M. montanus young are relatively precocious. The duration of ultrasonic vocalizations did not show a significant change across early development. The mean duration for each vocalization sampled was 22.92 msec. The distribution of these vocalizations showed that a considerable number of vocalizations were of very short duration (<30 msec). The developmental changes in the percentage of young emitting ultrasounds began to decline following Day 8 and reached zero percent on Day 15. This decline in the percentage of young vocalizing corresponded to changes in maternal behaviour. Both the rate of ultrasonic vocalization and the percentage of young vocalizing were significantly correlated with the age of the young. Being correlated with age, these parameters of ultrasound production have the possibility of having great communicative value for the purposes of maternal care.

End-User-Driven Approach for Regulatory Compliance in the Public Cloud

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Jitendra Singh ◽  
Vikas Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Present State ◽  
Business Groups ◽  
Regulatory Compliance ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Expert Advice ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Public Cloud ◽  
End User ◽  
The Public ◽  
Limited Budget

Regulatory compliance is equally binding on small and medium business groups. Owing to the small scale and limited budget, such SMBs are unable to seek expert advice. To adequately guard the SMBs in regulatory compliance, the present work proposed a third-party managed-end user-driven approach that renders the list of regulatory acts applicable in one's case according to the country of one's residence, services subscribed, and type of the operations to be carried out in subscribed cloud paradigm. The list of applicable regulatory acts are rendered at the subscriber's end only. In addition, the proposed method notifies the present state of compliance of under-considered cloud providers. Based on the recommendation received, the subscriber can proceed with his decision to subscribe or not to subscribe in the event if desired compliances do not exist. This technological assistance will eliminate the need to possess the required knowledge in regulatory acts or seeking advice from the regulatory expert.

Large- and small-scale vortical motions in a shear layer perturbed by tabs

1999 ◽  
Vol 382 ◽  
pp. 307-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
JUDITH K. FOSS ◽  
K. B. M. Q. ZAMAN
Keyword(s):  
Shear Layer ◽  
Pitch Angle ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Dimensional Space ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Streamwise Vortices ◽  
Streamwise Vorticity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Scale Population

The large- and small-scale vortical motions produced by ‘delta tabs’ in a two-stream shear layer have been studied experimentally. An increase in mixing was observed when the base of the triangular shaped tab was affixed to the trailing edge of the splitter plate and the apex was pitched at some angle with respect to the flow axis. Such an arrangement produced a pair of counter-rotating streamwise vortices. Hot-wire measurements detailed the velocity, time-averaged vorticity (Ωx) and small-scale turbulence features in the three-dimensional space downstream of the tabs. The small-scale structures, whose scale corresponds to that of the peak in the dissipation spectrum, were identified and counted using the peak-valley-counting technique. The optimal pitch angle, θ, for a single tab and the optimal spanwise spacing, S, for a multiple tab array were identified. Since the goal was to increase mixing, the optimal tab configuration was determined from two properties of the flow field: (i) the large-scale motions with the maximum Ωx, and (ii) the largest number of small-scale motions in a given time period. The peak streamwise vorticity magnitude [mid ]Ωx−max[mid ] was found to have a unique relationship with the tab pitch angle. Furthermore, for all cases examined, the overall small-scale population was found to correlate directly with [mid ]Ωx−max[mid ]. Both quantities peaked at θ≈±45°. It is interesting to note that the peak magnitude of the corresponding circulation in the cross-sectional plane occurred for θ≈±90°. For an array of tabs, the two quantities also depended on the tab spacing. An array of contiguous tabs acted as a solid deflector producing the weakest streamwise vortices and the least small-scale population. For the measurement range covered, the optimal spacing was found to be S≈1.5 tab widths.

scholarly journals Estimation of environmental effects and genetic parameters of carcass traits on Chikso (Korean brindle cattle)

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 525-530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Byoungho Park ◽  
Tae Jeong Choi ◽  
Mi Na Park ◽  
Sang-Hyon Oh
Keyword(s):  
Linear Model ◽  
Environmental Effects ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Coat Color ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
National Level ◽  
Pedigree Information ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Eye Muscle

Objective: The purpose of this study was i) to identify the characteristics of carcass traits in Chikso by gender, region, age at slaughter, and coat color using the carcass data collected from the nationwide pedigree information and coat color investigation, and ii) to estimate genetic parameters for breed improvement.Methods: A linear model was used to analyze the environmental effects on the carcass traits and to estimate genetic parameters. Analysis of variance was performed using TYPE III sum of squares for the unbalanced data provided by the general linear model procedure. Variance components for genetic parameters was estimated using REMLF90 of the BLUPF90 family programs.Results: Phenotypic performance of carcass weight (CW), eye muscle area (EMA), and backfat thickness (BF) in Chikso were lower than those of Hanwoo. This is a natural outcome because Hanwoo have undergone significant efforts for improvement at the national level, a phenomenon not observed in Chikso. Another factor influencing the above outcome was the smaller population size of Chikso compared to that of Hanwoo’s. The heritabilities of CW, EMA, BF, and marbling score in Chikso were estimated as 0.50, 0.37, 0.35, and 0.53, respectively, which were was higher than those of Hanwoo.Conclusion: Based on the genetic parameters that were estimated in this study, it is expected that the carcass traits will improve when the livestock research institutes at each province conduct small-scale performance tests and the semen is provided to farmers after selecting proven bulls using the state-of-art selection technique such as genomic selection.

scholarly journals Drivers of Change in National Disaster Governance under the Hyogo Framework for Action

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 256-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximilian S. T. Wanner
Keyword(s):  
Natural Hazard ◽  
National Level ◽  
Development Aid ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Substantial Variation ◽  
Drivers Of Change ◽  
Governance Capacity ◽  
Systematic Assessment ◽  
First Results ◽  
National Disaster

Many suggestions have been made on what motivates countries to expand their measures for disaster risk reduction (DRR), including the frequency and severity of natural hazards, accountability mechanisms, and governance capacity. Despite the fact that theoretical arguments have been developed and evidence collected from small-scale case studies, few studies have attempted to explain the substantial variation in the adoption of DRR measures across countries. This study combines available data on DRR measures, natural hazard events, governance, and socioeconomic characteristics to provide a systematic assessment of the changes that have occurred in the state of DRR at the national level. In line with theoretical explanations, there are indeed associations between several measures of frequency and severity and the development of DRR status. Additionally, voice and accountability mechanisms, as well as development aid, might facilitate positive change. Although these first results of a global comparative study on change in DRR have to be taken cautiously, it is a step forward to understanding the drivers of change at the national level.

scholarly journals seNorge2 daily precipitation, an observational gridded dataset over Norway from 1957 to the present day

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 235-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristian Lussana ◽  
Tuomo Saloranta ◽  
Thomas Skaugen ◽  
Jan Magnusson ◽  
Ole Einar Tveito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Daily Precipitation ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
National Level ◽  
Calibration Procedure ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Optimal Interpolation ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Meteorological Forcing ◽  
Atmospheric Sciences

Abstract. The conventional climate gridded datasets based on observations only are widely used in atmospheric sciences; our focus in this paper is on climate and hydrology. On the Norwegian mainland, seNorge2 provides high-resolution fields of daily total precipitation for applications requiring long-term datasets at regional or national level, where the challenge is to simulate small-scale processes often taking place in complex terrain. The dataset constitutes a valuable meteorological input for snow and hydrological simulations; it is updated daily and presented on a high-resolution grid (1 km of grid spacing). The climate archive goes back to 1957. The spatial interpolation scheme builds upon classical methods, such as optimal interpolation and successive-correction schemes. An original approach based on (spatial) scale-separation concepts has been implemented which uses geographical coordinates and elevation as complementary information in the interpolation. seNorge2 daily precipitation fields represent local precipitation features at spatial scales of a few kilometers, depending on the station network density. In the surroundings of a station or in dense station areas, the predictions are quite accurate even for intense precipitation. For most of the grid points, the performances are comparable to or better than a state-of-the-art pan-European dataset (E-OBS), because of the higher effective resolution of seNorge2. However, in very data-sparse areas, such as in the mountainous region of southern Norway, seNorge2 underestimates precipitation because it does not make use of enough geographical information to compensate for the lack of observations. The evaluation of seNorge2 as the meteorological forcing for the seNorge snow model and the DDD (Distance Distribution Dynamics) rainfall–runoff model shows that both models have been able to make profitable use of seNorge2, partly because of the automatic calibration procedure they incorporate for precipitation. The seNorge2 dataset 1957–2015 is available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.845733. Daily updates from 2015 onwards are available at http://thredds.met.no/thredds/catalog/metusers/senorge2/seNorge2/provisional_archive/PREC1d/gridded_dataset/catalog.html.

scholarly journals Peculiarities of Civil Law Status of Customs Intermediary under the Legislation of Ukraine and the EU

2020 ◽  
pp. 226-233
Author(s):  
Dmytro SHUTIAK
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Economic Activity ◽  
National Level ◽  
Civil Law ◽  
Legal Regulation ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Legal Relationship ◽  
Provision Of Services ◽  
The Eu

The article explores the features of civil law regulation of customs mediation under the legislation of Ukraine and the EU. The author identifies the characteristics that distinguish customs mediation from similar institutions in other areas of management. The author substantiates the position that the legal relationship established between customs authorities and participants of foreign economic activity with the participation of a third party is a type of economic binding legal relationship, i.e. the legal relationship for the provision of intermediary services. Within the framework of customs legal relations, contracts of a civil law nature are considered as a specific way of the state's influence on this sphere of public relations. With the participation of customs intermediaries, certain economic and legal relations are established between customs authorities and participants in foreign economic activity. The content of customs intermediary activities should be determined through the provision of services mediated by civil law agreements, representing the interests of foreign economic activity in relations with customs authorities, the provision of customs and related services, the implementation of legally significant actions aimed at customs procedures. The analysis of EU legislation in the study area led the author to conclude that at the EU level not only general qualification requirements for customs intermediaries are set, but also principles, values and rules of conduct that encourage customs intermediaries to achieve high standards of professional ethics and proper implementation their responsibilities. Given the specifics of customs mediation in the EU, the author concludes that at EU level it is impossible to unify the standards of customs services, so to date access to the profession of customs agent in each entity, the Member State is subject to national jurisdiction with its requirements for candidates to the level of their skills and knowledge. The author emphasizes that at the national level it is advisable to integrate certain elements of the legal regulation of customs brokerage to ensure competitiveness, provide quality services and overcome gaps in legislation.

The Influences of Industry Development on the Urban Environment in Beijing, China

2012 ◽  
Vol 260-261 ◽  
pp. 731-737
Author(s):  
Kai Yong Wang ◽  
Yu Deng
Keyword(s):  
Central Government ◽  
National Level ◽  
Urban Pollution ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Beijing City ◽  
Sectoral Shifts ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Industry Type ◽  
Small Scale Industries ◽  
Beijing China

Based on the statistical analysis and on-site interviews, this paper combines to assess the effects of industrial location, industry mix, industry ownership, and environmental policies on urban pollution levels in Beijing, China. A regression model relates these variables to an index of overall environmental quality for Beijing city. Shift-share analysis is used to determine the direction of recent sectoral shifts, and interviews and anecdotal evidence provide a broader context for our conclusions. We found that industry type, ownership and size significantly affect urban pollution levels. We conclude that although local enforcement of environmental regulations in Beijing has been effective, at the national level it is still inadequate. Finally, we recommend that policies calling for a reduction in the role state-owned and certain small-scale industries be incorporated into the larger economic goals of the central government.

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