Using a behaviour discovery curve to predict optimal observation time

Behaviour ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 146 (11) ◽  
pp. 1531-1542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Lea ◽  
Lisa Leaver ◽  
Kristen Jule
Keyword(s):  
Observation Time ◽  
Costs And Benefits ◽  
Total Size ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Optimal Amount ◽  
Optimal Observation ◽  
Ailurus Fulgens ◽  
Behavioural Repertoire ◽  
Observation Period ◽  
Species Ecology

AbstractBehavioural observations are vital to furthering our knowledge of species' ecology. Determining a method for formalising the length of behavioural observation time (coined Behaviour Discovery Curve) is practical for both reducing disturbance to the animals observed and limiting costs to the researcher. This paper suggests a method of calculating behaviour discovery curves, which allows researchers to estimate the optimal amount of data to collect when establishing an ethogram. The curve is fitted to a logarithmic model that predicts the rate of new behaviours that will be observed in any given length of observation time. To illustrate the methods, 31 captive red pandas (Ailurus fulgens fulgens) were observed for 30 h each and a behaviour discovery curve was estimated for each animal based on the rate at which new behaviours were observed. We demonstrate how to use the curve in the evaluation of an ethogram, whilst also providing an indication of how many more behaviours would be observed in a specified longer observation period. This is an important consideration in the creation of any ethogram, since there are currently no standard methodologies for establishing ethograms, and no guidelines on how much data is 'sufficient' for determining a species' behavioural repertoire. The curve does not allow an estimate of the total size of the behavioural repertoire, but does allow a systematic analysis of the likely costs and benefits of further observation. We also suggest a method for quantifying the degree of idiosyncrasy of a population.

scholarly journals Optimal observation time window for forecasting the next earthquake

2011 ◽  
Vol 83 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takahiro Omi ◽  
Ido Kanter ◽  
Shigeru Shinomoto
Keyword(s):  
Time Window ◽  
Observation Time ◽  
Optimal Observation

An Optimal Irrigation Model: Theory, Experimental Results, and Implications for Future Research

2019 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 252-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon A. Boomgarden ◽  
Duncan Metcalfe ◽  
Ellyse T. Simons
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Model Theory ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Specific Area ◽  
Operating Costs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Costs And Benefits ◽  
Optimal Amount ◽  
Optimal Harvest ◽  
Farming Efficiency

A series of farming experiments was conducted between 2013 and 2017 in Range Creek Canyon, Utah, to better understand the opportunities and constraints faced by prehistoric farmers in the Southwest. The experiments were designed to collect data on the optimal amount of supplemental water that should be applied to maize fields given the costs in labor and benefits in greater yield. We investigate expected variation in water management strategies using an optimal irrigation model (OIM). The model makes clear that the payoff for farming is best understood as a continuum of relative success and that irrigation is one activity (probably of many) that may improve farming efficiency as well as increase harvest yields. The optimal harvest will always be less than the maximum harvest when there are significant operating costs associated with irrigation. Estimating the costs and benefits of irrigation in a specific area allows for an assessment of whether irrigation is expected, and if so, how much effort should be devoted to water management. A local dendroclimatological study is used to provide the prehistoric context for the Fremont who occupied Range Creek Canyon, and irrigation is expected even in periods of greater precipitation.

scholarly journals A Techno-Efficiency Analysis of Zakat Institutions in Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 30-43
Author(s):  
Nikmatul Atiya ◽  
Tika Widiastuti ◽  
Eko Fajar Cahyono ◽  
Siti Zulaikha ◽  
Imron Mawardi
Keyword(s):  
Efficiency Analysis ◽  
The Other ◽  
Optimal Amount ◽  
Super Efficiency ◽  
Personnel Costs ◽  
Operational Costs ◽  
Input And Output ◽  
Input Variables ◽  
Sensitive Variable ◽  
Observation Period

Zakat institutions play an important role in managing zakat effectively and efficiently as described in Law no. 23 of year 2011. This study aims to analyze the efficiency of zakat institutions in Indonesia and determine the best ranking of the units observed. This study uses a descriptive quantitative approach with the Super Efficiency Analysis. The study objects are BAZNAS, Rumah Zakat, Dompet Dhuafa, and YBM PLN with the 2016-2018 observation period. Personnel costs, operational costs, and socialization costs are input variables. While the output variables used are the amount of zakat collected and the amount of zakat distributed. The results of super-efficiency measurement show that the 3 best DMU rankings were achieved by YBM PLN 2016, BAZNAS 2018 and BAZNAS 2017. While the other 9 DMUs were inefficient. Inefficiency is due to the not optimal amount of zakat collected and zakat distributed and the high use of socialization costs. The variable of the amount of zakat collected is the most sensitive variable to the value of efficiency. To achieve performance efficiency, technology can be utilized to improve input and output. This research can be used as an evaluation material for zakat institutions to optimize efficiency. Keywords: Super Efficiency; Zakat Institution; Technology

scholarly journals Observing Brief and Irregular Behaviour of Animals⁠ —The Validity of Short Observation Periods

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (20) ◽  
pp. 9770
Author(s):  
Thore Wilder ◽  
Joachim Krieter ◽  
Nicole Kemper ◽  
Kathrin Büttner
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Method ◽  
Sampling Methods ◽  
Observation Time ◽  
Weaned Piglets ◽  
Activity Time ◽  
Continuous Sampling ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Efficient Sampling ◽  
Biting Behaviour ◽  
Observation Period

There are efficient sampling methods to accurately estimate behaviour with a moderate or long duration. For short behaviour, observing animals continuously is recommended although there is no recommended minimum observation time. In most studies, sampling method and observation time per day is determined by practical considerations. Thus, this study analysed the validity of behavioural observations in different observation periods using continuous sampling (CS) or time sampling (TS) based on biting behaviour. Tail-biting and ear-biting of weaned piglets in six pens were continuously observed for 12 h per day for 4 days to form a reference. Shorter observation periods of CS and TS were simulated by taking subsets of this reference. The amount of behaviour per hour of each observation period was compared to the reference and to other observation period of the same kind and length. Four different measurements were defined to calculate accuracy scores (AS; 0–1; higher values are better). Comparison to the reference shows better AS for observation periods with longer observation time in total (0.5 h of CS: 0.2; 6 h of CS: 0.6). Additionally, TS covers longer time periods without decreasing AS. However, focus on activity time results in an overestimation of irregular behaviour. Comparing AS among observation periods of the same kind and length show overall low agreement. This study indicated problems of different observation periods of CS and TS to accurately estimate behaviour. Therefore, validity of behavioural observations should be analysed in greater detail to determine optimal sampling methods.

Effect on healing rates of wounds treated with direct cold atmospheric plasma: a case series

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 904-914
Author(s):  
Jennifer Ernst ◽  
Murat Tanyeli ◽  
Thomas Borchardt ◽  
Moses Ojugo ◽  
Andreas Helmke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wound Care ◽  
Trauma Surgery ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Observation Time ◽  
Atmospheric Plasma ◽  
Wound Age ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
Cold Atmospheric Plasma ◽  
Consulting Services ◽  
Observation Period

Objective: The response of different critical acute and hard-to-heal wounds to an innovative wound care modality—direct application of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP)—was investigated in this clinical case series. Method: Over an observation period of two years, acute wounds with at least one risk factor for chronification, as well as hard-to-heal wounds were treated for 180 seconds three times per week with CAP. CAP treatment was additional to standard wound care. Photographs were taken for wound documentation. The wound sizes before the first CAP treatment, after four weeks, after 12 weeks and at wound closure/end of observation time were determined using image processing software, and analysed longitudinally for the development of wound size. Results: A total of 27 wounds (19 hard-to-heal and eight acute wounds) with a mean wound area of 15cm2 and a mean wound age of 49 months were treated with CAP and analysed. All (100%) of the acute wounds and 68% of the hard-to-heal wounds healed after an average treatment duration of 14.2 weeks. At the end of the observation period, 21% of hard-to-heal wounds were not yet closed but were reduced in size by >80%. In 11% of the hard-to-heal wounds (n=2) therapy failed. Conclusion: The results suggested a beneficial effect of additional CAP therapy on wound healing. Declaration of interest: This work was carried out within the research projects ‘Plasma for Life’ (funding reference no. 13FH6I04IA) with financial support from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). In the past seven years AFS has provided consulting services to Evonik and has received institutional support by Heraeus, Johnson & Johnson and Evonik. There are no royalties to disclose. The Department for Trauma Surgery, Orthopaedics and Plastic Surgery received charitable donations by CINOGY GmbH. CINOGY GmbH released the di_CAP devices and electrodes for the study. WV and AH were involved in the development of the used di_CAP device (Plasmaderm, CINOGY GmbH). WV is shareholder of the outsourced start-up company CINOGY GmbH.

AN INVESTIGATION OF CORROSION ENVIRONMENT OF A BRIDGE CONSTRUCTED IN MOUNTAINOUS AREA

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuto Maruyama ◽  
Toshihiko Aso
Keyword(s):  
Steel Plate ◽  
Observation Time ◽  
Steel Bridges ◽  
Mountainous Area ◽  
Steel Bridge ◽  
Bridge Site ◽  
Exposure Test ◽  
Environmental Simulation ◽  
Girder Bridge ◽  
Observation Period

Corrosion occurred on steel bridges which were constructed in mountainous area. However, few studies have investigated the corrosive environment of steel bridge in mountainous area. In this research, Temperature, humidity, wind conditions and amount of airborne salt have been observed at bridge site. In order to comprehensively assess corrosive condition, exposure test was also performed. Observation and exposure test were conducted at the steel plate girder bridge with 60m length and three main girders. During observation period, anti-freezing agent (Na-Cl) is sprayed in winter. From the observation, time of wet on the bridge is longer than bridges those were constructed at coastal area. It was clearly observed that flying behavior of anti-freezing agent around superstructures is influenced by the prevailing wind. Furthermore, distribution of amount of adhesion salt at the surface of steel in the bridge section was also clarified. Rust thickness of exposure specimen was revealed that the influence of anti-freezing agent, and at lower flanges becomes larger than that of web. These results can be applied to corrosive environmental simulation of steel bridges.

What is the Optimal Observation Time for a Penetrating Wound to the Flank?

2007 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jana Macleod ◽  
Doug Freiberger ◽  
Fran Lewis ◽  
David Feliciano
Keyword(s):  
Trauma Registry ◽  
Asymptomatic Patient ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Observation Time ◽  
Penetrating Wound ◽  
Optimal Observation ◽  
Injury Event ◽  
Physical Examinations ◽  
Level I ◽  
Contrast Ct

Options for a hemodynamically stable patient with a penetrating wound to the flank or back but no peritonitis, includes serial physical examinations versus a triple-contrast CT scan. There is, however, little consensus on the minimum time for serial examinations to exclude an injury that requires an operation. Therefore, a retrospective review of patients who sustained a penetrating wound to the flank or back and were admitted to a Level I trauma center was performed. Patients were identified through the trauma registry, patient charts, and morbidity/mortality records. From 1995 to 2003, 93 patients undergoing observation for a penetrating flank/back wound subsequently required a therapeutic laparotomy. The time from admission to operation was less than 3 hours for 84 per cent of the patients requiring therapeutic intervention. A further 10 per cent presented with symptoms between 4 to 6 hours, and 6 per cent between 7 to 18 hours. All the injuries caused symptoms within 18 hours of the injury event. The majority of patients (94%) who require a laparotomy after a period of observation for a penetrating flank/back wound will develop signs and symptoms within 6 hours of admission. A period of hospitalization longer than 18 hours did not detect further injuries in the asymptomatic patient.

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