scholarly journals Reducing publication delay to improve the efficiency and impact of conservation science

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alec Philip Christie ◽  
Thomas B White ◽  
Philip A Martin ◽  
Silviu O Petrovan ◽  
Andrew J Bladon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Delay Time ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Conservation Science ◽  
Journal Literature ◽  
Publication Delay ◽  
Rapid Dissemination ◽  
Evidence Database ◽  
Conservation Interventions

Evidence-based decision making is most effective with comprehensive access to scientific studies. If studies face delays or barriers to being published, the useful information they contain may not reach decision-makers in a timely manner. This represents a potential problem for mission-oriented disciplines where access to the latest data is paramount to ensure effective actions are deployed. We sought to analyse the severity of publication delay in conservation science — a field that requires urgent action to prevent the loss of biodiversity. We used the Conservation Evidence database to assess the length of publication delay (time from finishing data collection to publication) in the literature that tests the effectiveness of conservation interventions. From 7,415 peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed studies of conservation interventions published over eleven decades, we find that the mean publication delay (time from completing data collection to publication) was 3.6 years and varied by conservation subject — a smaller delay was observed for studies focussed on the management of captive animals. Publication delay was significantly smaller for studies in the non-journal literature (typically non-peer-reviewed) compared to studies published in scientific journals. Although we found publication delay has marginally increased over time (1912-2020), this change was weak post-1980s. Publication delay also varied inconsistently between studies on species with different IUCN Red List statuses and there was little evidence that studies on more threatened species were subject to a smaller delay. We discuss the possible drivers of publication delay and present suggestions for scientists, funders, publishers, and practitioners to reduce the time taken to publish studies. Although our recommendations are aimed at conservation science, they are highly relevant to other mission-driven disciplines where the rapid dissemination of scientific findings is important.

scholarly journals Reducing publication delay to improve the efficiency and impact of conservation science

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e12245
Author(s):  
Alec P. Christie ◽  
Thomas B. White ◽  
Philip A. Martin ◽  
Silviu O. Petrovan ◽  
Andrew J. Bladon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Makers ◽  
Amphibian Conservation ◽  
Conservation Science ◽  
Publication Delay ◽  
Mean Delay ◽  
Bee Conservation ◽  
Aquaculture Management ◽  
Evidence Database ◽  
And Control ◽  
Conservation Interventions

Evidence-based decision-making is most effective with comprehensive access to scientific studies. If studies face significant publication delays or barriers, the useful information they contain may not reach decision-makers in a timely manner. This represents a potential problem for mission-oriented disciplines where access to the latest data is required to ensure effective actions are undertaken. We sought to analyse the severity of publication delay in conservation science—a field that requires urgent action to prevent the loss of biodiversity. We used the Conservation Evidence database to assess the length of publication delay (time from finishing data collection to publication) in the literature that tests the effectiveness of conservation interventions. From 7,447 peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed studies of conservation interventions published over eleven decades, we find that the raw mean publication delay was 3.2 years (±2SD = 0.1) and varied by conservation subject. A significantly shorter delay was observed for studies focused on Bee Conservation, Sustainable Aquaculture, Management of Captive Animals, Amphibian Conservation, and Control of Freshwater Invasive Species (Estimated Marginal Mean range from 1.4–1.9 years). Publication delay was significantly shorter for the non-peer-reviewed literature (Estimated Marginal Mean delay of 1.9 years ± 0.2) compared to the peer-reviewed literature (i.e., scientific journals; Estimated Marginal Mean delay of 3.0 years ± 0.1). We found publication delay has significantly increased over time (an increase of ~1.2 years from 1912 (1.4 years ± 0.2) to 2020 (2.6 years ± 0.1)), but this change was much weaker and non-significant post-2000s; we found no evidence for any decline. There was also no evidence that studies on more threatened species were subject to a shorter delay—indeed, the contrary was true for mammals, and to a lesser extent for birds. We suggest a range of possible ways in which scientists, funders, publishers, and practitioners can work together to reduce delays at each stage of the publication process.

INTEGRATING SCAT DATA AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS TO SUPPORT SHORELINE CLEANUP OPERATIONS

1997 ◽  
Vol 1997 (1) ◽  
pp. 499-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alain Lamarche ◽  
Edward H. Owens
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Information System ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Software Package ◽  
Geographical Information Systems ◽  
Data Entry ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Gis Technology

ABSTRACT An analysis of the work performed by the various teams involved in shoreline cleanup operations has been applied to the design of an approach for the integration of data collected by the SCAT process with electronic maps produced by geographical information system (GIS) technology. This has led to the implementation of a PC-based system that incorporates a database of SCAT information, a knowledge base on oil behavior and shoreline cleanup, and a GIS. The system provides support to data collection using the SCAT approach for field teams and to map-based data analysis for planners and managers. In the course of this work, a set of the maps that are considered the most useful for summarizing information about shoreline conditions was designed and evaluated. This evaluation initially involved consultation with individuals experienced in shoreline cleanup. The applicability of the map representation for decision making was further tested during spill drills. SCAT surveys generate a large volume of data that need to be captured and integrated. There is a risk that this large amount of information might overwhelm decision makers involved in the management of shoreline cleanup operations. The paper describes the various modifications that were made to the SHORECLEAN software package to provide some solutions to these problems. These include providing specialized SCAT data entry forms, automating the links between a SCAT database and a GIS, and producing map representations that provide clear, useful, and nonmisleading information for decision makers.

scholarly journals Organizational cloud security and control: a proactive approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 516-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantina Spanaki ◽  
Zeynep Gürgüç ◽  
Catherine Mulligan ◽  
Emil Lupu
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Ethical Behavior ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Influencing Factor ◽  
Cloud Security ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Cloud Infrastructure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cloud Environments ◽  
Sharing Responsibility

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to unfold the perceptions around additional security in cloud environments by highlighting the importance of controlling mechanisms as an approach to the ethical use of the systems. The study focuses on the effects of the controlling mechanisms in maintaining an overall secure position for the cloud and the mediating role of the ethical behavior in this relationship. Design/methodology/approach A case study was conducted, examining the adoption of managed cloud security services as a means of control, as well as a large-scale survey with the views of IT decision makers about the effects of such adoption to the overall cloud security. Findings The findings indicate that there is indeed a positive relationship between the adoption of controlling mechanisms and the maintenance of overall cloud security, which increases when the users follow an ethical behavior in the use of the cloud. A framework based on the findings is built suggesting a research agenda for the future and a conceptualization of the field. Research limitations/implications One of the major limitations of the study is the fact that the data collection was based on the perceptions of IT decision makers from a cross-section of industries; however the proposed framework should also be examined in industry-specific context. Although the firm size was indicated as a high influencing factor, it was not considered for this study, as the data collection targeted a range of organizations from various sizes. Originality/value This study extends the research of IS security behavior based on the notion that individuals (clients and providers of cloud infrastructure) are protecting something separate from themselves, in a cloud-based environment, sharing responsibility and trust with their peers. The organization in this context is focusing on managed security solutions as a proactive measurement to preserve cloud security in cloud environments.

scholarly journals Controlling Methods for SMEs’ Risk Reduction

Economica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 23-30
Author(s):  
Vilmos Lakatos ◽  
Vanda Vivien Ipolyi ◽  
Tímea Tímár
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Correlation Analysis ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Research Topic ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Substantial Proportion ◽  
Business Decision ◽  
Process Characteristics ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Financial Process

A substantial proportion of entrepreneurs strive to reduce the risk of their activity, which means they refer to a number of methods known, but rarely applied by them. Risk reduction activities can be totally interconnected with the ‘controlling’ approach and methods that are still not well known to a lot of company executives, but the introduction and application of those methods provide tangible results for business decision-makers within a relatively short period of time. The paper presents the size, activity, financial process characteristics, planning features, suppliers and buyers' evaluation practices of the investigated SMEs using correlation analysis methods. The study is a continuation of a research topic that has been going on for many years and is based on data collection from the years 2015 and 2016. We have evaluated the planning and management features of a total of 53 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises by questionnaire processing.

scholarly journals Lessons from COVID-19 Pandemic: A Preliminary Analysis of Bangladesh’s Responses

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-177
Author(s):  
Rifat Mahmud
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Crisis Management ◽  
Preliminary Analysis ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The World ◽  
The Government ◽  
Crisis Responses ◽  
Second Wave

The first wave of the COVID- 19 disease has caused a daunting and unprecedented challenge for governments of the world. Decision-makers worldwide, including that of Bangladesh, had to initiate responses that were beyond the conventional measures. This paper offers the decision-makers in Bangladesh on the possible learning in the field of crisis management during this pandemic. The paper aims in focusing on the first phase of responses to COVID-19 (March-May) from the initial lockdown to the reopening of offices by the government of Bangladesh. Methodologically, the paper is a content analysis involving netnography approach of data collection from websites. The paper presents a finding of possible lessons of crisis responses in Bangladesh. The paper aims to create an agenda for learning lessons from the situation of the largest crisis to hit the world in centuries. The paper induces substantial value for policy-makers to be prepared for the second wave of the COVID- 19 crisis, to meet the challenges of the pandemic.

scholarly journals X-Band Radar for Cetacean Detection (Focus on Tursiops truncatus) and Preliminary Analysis of Their Behavior

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 388
Author(s):  
Matteo Mingozzi ◽  
Francesca Salvioli ◽  
Francesco Serafino
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Marine Mammals ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Electromagnetic Signal ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Radar Images ◽  
X Band ◽  
First Results ◽  
Data Deficient

Cetaceans are protected species all over the world, most of them are vulnerable, endangered, or data deficient (according to International Union for Conservation of Nature - IUCN red list). X-band radars detect the echo of the electromagnetic signal reflected by an obstacle or a ship (target). The application of X-band radar to the detection of cetaceans is a new and innovative field of research that could improve the automation of marine mammal data collection, and this is the first time in the Mediterranean Sea. The aim of this work was to test the capability of X-band radar installed along the coast (ground-based) to detect and track cetaceans in a range of approximately 2.5 nautical miles from the radar antenna. Data collection included a part of field work, implemented through the acquisition of photographic images and target’s radar detection (by the panoramic terrace Santa Maria in Corniglia), and a part, performed in the laboratory, of data analysis. The work was undertaken between May and November 2018. During this period, 30 days of monitoring were carried out (about 300 h) and about 10,000 radar images were recorded. The first results showed that we were able to recognize the target “cetacean” from the other common targets (boats, buoys, etc.) detected by the radar. In particular 70 dolphins were sighted by visual census; 12 of them were recognized on radar images. Radar images allowed extraction of dolphin dive time (between 2 and 15 s). The next step will be to allow the radar to identify the presence of marine mammals itself since it also works at night and with low visibility. This technique could complement the protection measures of cetaceans, highlighting their presence at sea even if it is impossible with waves higher than 0.8 m and over distances greater than 2.5 km.

scholarly journals Assumptions in ecosystem service assessments: Increasing transparency for conservation

AMBIO ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 289-300
Author(s):  
Matthias Schröter ◽  
Emilie Crouzat ◽  
Lisanne Hölting ◽  
Julian Massenberg ◽  
Julian Rode ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Science Policy ◽  
Ecosystem Service ◽  
Economic Valuation ◽  
Service Science ◽  
Conservation Science ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Service Concept ◽  
Assessment Results

AbstractConservation efforts are increasingly supported by ecosystem service assessments. These assessments depend on complex multi-disciplinary methods, and rely on a number of assumptions which reduce complexity. If assumptions are ambiguous or inadequate, misconceptions and misinterpretations may arise when interpreting results of assessments. An interdisciplinary understanding of assumptions in ecosystem service science is needed to provide consistent conservation recommendations. Here, we synthesise and elaborate on 12 prevalent types of assumptions in ecosystem service assessments. These comprise conceptual and ethical foundations of the ecosystem service concept, assumptions on data collection, indication, mapping, and modelling, on socio-economic valuation and value aggregation, as well as about using assessment results for decision-making. We recommend future assessments to increase transparency about assumptions, and to test and validate them and their potential consequences on assessment reliability. This will support the taking up of assessment results in conservation science, policy and practice.

Therapeutic Decision-Making Process

2021 ◽  
pp. 85-100
Author(s):  
Md. Musfikur Rahman ◽  
Md. Nasir Uddin
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Therapeutic Decision ◽  
Illness Episode ◽  
Aged People ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Household Livelihood ◽  
Therapeutic Decision Making

Therapeutic decision making is crucial to address any health problems. Household livelihood assets had significant impact on therapeutic decision making in the study village. The researchers administered participant observation, in-depth interview, and FGD for data collection by using purposive sampling during November 2010 to June 2011. Among 250 households, the number of ill persons were 316, of which 297 received treatments from popular, folk, and professional sectors while the rest did not seek any options. The decision makers were varied for newborn, children, adolescent, adult, and aged people, and it depended on the cyclical issues of an illness episode.

Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Dalam Menentukan Penerima Bantuan Langsung Tunai Dengan Metode Profile Matching Pada Kantor Kepala Desa Narigunung 1

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-280
Author(s):  
Adi Ebenezer Silitonga ◽  
Agustina Simangunsong
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Characteristic Function ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Community Research ◽  
Matching Method ◽  
Cash Assistance ◽  
Profile Matching ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Village

The government provides direct cash assistance for the community, which originates from the Village Fund or called BLT-Dana Desa. The criteria for BLT recipients were very clear in writing. From the data collected, the aspects and criteria for BLT recipients were determined. The Profile Matching method or profile matching is applied to the calculation of the assessment gap in decision makers. Weighting in the Profile Matching method is a definite value that is firm on certain values because the values are members of a crisp set. In a strict set, the membership of an element in the set is expressly stated whether the object is a member of the set or not by using the characteristic function. Identification of problems in community research wants transparency and equality of BLT recipients for residents who do not earn. Different criteria emerged from the opinions of villagers in determining BLT recipients. Implementation of data collection and distribution of BLT-Village Funds that are effective, efficient, and right on target. The determination of recipients of BLT funds was supported by an assessment of Aspects and Criteria. The application design uses the PHP programming language and Xampp database management by applying the profile matching method.

scholarly journals The Level of Satisfaction of Female Learning Disabilities’ Parents with Their Kids’ Integration in Regular Schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 196
Author(s):  
Wedad A. Abahusain
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Satisfaction Level ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Female Learning

<p class="apa">This study aims at finding out the parents’ level of satisfaction with the integration of their daughters with learning disabilities in regular schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study sample consisted of 283 parents of female students. The instrument of data collection was a questionnaire consisting of 59 items for 10 domains. The study results indicated that the services provided by the resources rooms in regular schools gained the highest parents’ satisfaction, followed by the services related to the means and methods used by the resources room’s teacher. However, the extracurricular services gained the lowest level of parents’ satisfaction. In light of the results of the current study, a number of pedagogical implications can be presented to decision makers to improve the resources room which leads to an increase of the satisfaction level of female learning disabilities’ parents with their kids’ integration in regular schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.</p>

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