Behavioural diversity as a potential welfare indicator for professionally managed chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): Exploring variations in calculating diversity using species-specific behaviours

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 381-392
Author(s):  
K Hall ◽  
J Bryant ◽  
M Staley ◽  
JC Whitham ◽  
LJ Miller
Keyword(s):  
Pan Troglodytes ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Immunoglobulin A ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites ◽  
Stereotypic Behaviour ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Shannon’S Diversity Index ◽  
Behavioural Diversity

Behavioural diversity may serve as a positive indicator of animal welfare that can be applied in long-term monitoring schemes in managed settings (eg zoos, laboratories, farms). Behavioural diversity is often higher when animals live in stimulating environments and experience positive events. Unfortunately, welfare researchers have not adopted consistent, standardised approaches to measuring behavioural diversity. The goal of this exploratory study was to utilise data from 41 adult chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) housed across 16 zoological institutions to examine various models of Shannon's Diversity Index. Specifically, we investigated the impact of: combining versus splitting behaviours, including only positive behaviours, including human interaction, and considering recipient behaviours. We evaluate how the inclusion or exclusion of different behaviours impacts the relationship of behavioural diversity with: (i) concentrations of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (GCM), a common indicator of adrenal activity; (ii) concentrations of immunoglobulin-A (IgA), an indicator of immune function and potential indicator of positive welfare; and (iii) stereotypic behaviour, a validated indicator of poor welfare. Most indices had significant negative relationships with faecal GCM. Animals that express a variety of behaviours from their species-typical repertoire have lower average faecal GCM concentrations and are likely experiencing better welfare. We did not find significant relationships between the behavioural diversity indices and IgA concentrations. Two indices were inversely associated with stereotypic behaviour. Our findings provide additional support for using Shannon's Diversity Index to calculate behavioural diversity as a robust, valid measure of positive welfare. However, future publications must justify the process for including or excluding behaviours from calculations.

scholarly journals An approach for the determination and correlation of diversity and efficiency of software development teams

2018 ◽  
Vol 114 (3/4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seher Altiner ◽  
Mustafa B. Ayhan
Keyword(s):  
Software Development ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Educational Backgrounds ◽  
Gender Information ◽  
Experience Education ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Impact

We examined the impact of diversity on team efficiency. To do so, a model was developed to measure both the efficiency and diversity of the teams. Based on these measures, the correlation between efficiency and diversity was also analysed. In addition, to demonstrate the applicability of the model, it was applied to a real-life problem involving five teams dealing with different software development projects. Firstly, diversity indices were calculated based on age, experience, education and gender information on each member for each team by using Simpson’s Diversity Index. Then, four key performance indicators (KPIs) were defined to measure the success rate of the teams. Depending on these KPIs, efficiencies of the teams were measured through data envelopment analysis (DEA). The correlation between team efficiency and each diversity factor was analysed and all four factors had positive correlation with efficiency. That is, in order to increase efficiency, teams should be composed of members with diverse characteristics. Education was the diversity factor that had the most positive correlation with team efficiency. This result highlights the importance of different educational backgrounds on team efficiency.

scholarly journals Multiple comparisons of diversity indices invaded by Lantana camara

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Qureshi ◽  
T. Anwar ◽  
N. Habib ◽  
Q. Ali ◽  
M. Z. Haider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Lantana Camara ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Heterogeneous Nature ◽  
Significant Magnitude ◽  
Native Plant Diversity ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Current study assessed the impact of Lantana camara invasion on native plant diversity in Pothohar region of Pakistan. The approach used for study was random samplings and comparisons of diversity indices [number of species (S), abundance (N), species richness (R), evenness (Jꞌ), Shannon diversity index (Hꞌ) and Simpson index of dominance (λ)] with two categorical factors i.e., invaded and non-invaded (control). Control plots harboured by an average of 1.74 more species/10m2. The control category was diverse (Hꞌ=2.56) than invaded category (Hꞌ=1.56). The higher value of species richness in control plots shows heterogeneous nature of communities and vice versa in invaded plots. At multivariate scale, ordination (nMDS) and ANOSIM showed significant magnitude of differences between invaded and control plots at all sites. The decrease in studied diversity indices in invaded over control sites indicated that plant communities become less productive due to Lantana invasion.

scholarly journals List of bee species (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) of Lviv city (Ukraine). Part II: Families Colletidae Lepeletier, 1841; Halictidae Thomson, 1869; Megachilidae Latreille, 1802 and Melittidae Michener, 2000

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 59-68
Author(s):  
I. P. Skyrpan ◽  
◽  
S. R. Pytel ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Zoological Museum ◽  
National University ◽  
Western Ukraine ◽  
Impact Of Urbanization ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time ◽  
The City ◽  
Shannon’S Diversity Index

Background. The article presents the results of the research on bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) that occur in the city of Lviv. Bees are one of the most important pollinators of many species of angiosperm plants. Research on species diversity of bees is very important not only on the wild nature territories, but also on the urbanized areas. Cities have a significant impact on bee species diversity, their biology and conservation. A comprehensive study of all Apoidea on the whole territory of the city of Lviv has been conducted for the first time in more than 80 years and we hope that the presented materials will lay the foundation for further more detailed studies in this area. Materials and Methods. Lviv is the largest city in Western Ukraine located on the eastern edge of the Roztochia Upland. The material was collected during the warm period of 2017–2019. The Moericke (yellow) pan traps and the entomological nets were used. Besides, we collected dead bees (killed by traffic) along the roads. W have analyzed the entomological collection of the Zoological Museum of the Ivan Franko National University [ZMD] (Lviv). The stereoscopic microscope and a variety of specialized keys for bee species identification were used. We used the Shannon’s diversity index to assess species diversity. We also calculated the Shannon evenness measure to facilitate the interpretation of the results. Results. We analyzed 960 specimens of bees that belong to 106 species, 25 genera and 6 families. The current (second) part of our study deals with review of the Colletidae (3 species), Halictidae (22 species), Megachilidae (11 species) and Melittidae (5 species) families. Species diversity of the bees from Andrenidae and Apidae families was analyzed in previous (first) the part of our research [27]. Conclusions. All species from the six families are native for the territory of Europe. The majority of them are polylectic (≈ 61 %), while the number of oligolectic species (≈ 23 %), or species that do not need to collect pollen (≈ 16 %) is much smaller. The Shannon’s diversity index is approx. 3.718 and the Shannon evenness measure is 0.799 (the honeybee Apis mellifera was excluded in both calculations). Analysis of the impact of urbanization and various environmental factors on the species diversity of bees requires further detailed studies. Keywords: bees, species diversity, Lviv, Ukraine

scholarly journals Does Altitude Effect on Species Composition and Diversity on Himalayan Rangeland?

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 26-30
Author(s):  
Dilkumar Limbu ◽  
Madan Koirala ◽  
Zhanhuan Shang
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Species Diversity ◽  
Altitudinal Gradient ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Grazing Intensity ◽  
Floristic Composition ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Altitude Effect ◽  
Wiener Diversity Index ◽  
The Impact

Himalayan rangelands have diverse floristic composition and important ecological services. The floristic diversity and composition play an important role in grassland ecosystem regulation. It is different in altitudinal gradient due to grazing intensity, climatic condition and topography. To reveal the vegetation composition values, this work was conducted on August and September 2011 in Tinjure-Milke mountain ridge, Guphapokhari, Nepal. In the present study we have described the impact of altitude on the species richness, species diversity and dispersion behavior of different plants (grasses) in Himalayan rangeland. The values of community indices were observed to be: RD (0.09 to 49.57), RF (3.57 to 14.71), RA (0.23 to 47.59), IVI (3.89 to 111.87), Shannan-Wiener diversity index (1.09 to 2.23) and species diversity evenness (0.12 to 0.19) at the study area, MilkeJaljale, eastern Nepal. Similarly, Species richness (R) value of 8.87 to 11.86 and Simpson dominant index value of 0.12 to 0.42 were observed. All diversity indices were reversed to altitudinal gradient higher the altitudes lower the values. Species richness of all plants showed a unimodal relationship with altitude. Similarly, negative correlation of density and species richness with altitude and slope was recorded.

scholarly journals Soil mycobiota under managed and unmanaged forests of Nothofagus pumilio in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorena A. Elíades ◽  
Marta N. Cabello ◽  
Verónica Pancotto ◽  
Alicia Moretto ◽  
Natalia A. Ferreri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Biological Indicators ◽  
Tierra Del Fuego ◽  
Nothofagus Pumilio ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Shannon’S Diversity Index

Background: Management practices can modify the productivity of forests and the associated microbial diversity of soil. The soil mycobiota is considered a key factor in the ecological functions of forests. Forests of Nothofagus pumilio (Poepp. & Endl.) Krasser (Nothofagaceae) are the main source of timber and one of the most important economic resources in the province of Tierra del Fuego (Argentina). However, there is no information on the impact of forest management interventions for the soil mycobiota, which can be reliable biological indicators of disturbance.Methods: Fungi were isolated from samples of soil collected under several Nothofagus pumilio forests subjected to different types of management and periods of time since the intervention. Types of management were represented by harvested forest with a shelter wood cutting, stockpile area and control forest without intervention and the periods of time since intervention were 1, 5–10 and 50 years. Species richness, evenness and Shannon’s diversity index of the mycobiota in each condition of management were calculated. Additionally, the effect of seasonality was analysed.Results: The soil mycobiota was represented by 70 taxa. Richness and/or Shannon’s diversity index of the mycobiota between undisturbed forest and stockpile area were higher in May (autumn) than in September or November. There were no differences in mycobiota diversity between dates in the harvested forest.Conclusions: Our results indicate that the forest intervention per se did not negatively affect the soil culturable mycobiota composition of N. pumilio forests in Tierra del Fuego (Argentina).

scholarly journals The Impact of Soil Erosion on Biodiversity Conservation in Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Southeastern Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (24) ◽  
pp. 7192
Author(s):  
Godson Chinonyerem Asuoha ◽  
Uchenna Paulinus Okafor ◽  
Philip Ogbonnia Phil-Eze ◽  
Romanus Udegbunam Ayadiuno
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Southeastern Nigeria ◽  
Animal Diversity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Agro Forestry

The impact of soil erosion on the conservation of biodiversity in Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Southeastern Nigeria was examined. Data were obtained through focus group discussions and plant species enumeration. Diversity indices of plant species were derived from quadrat analysis using Shannon Wiener’s diversity index. Eighteen soil samples were collected from agricultural erosion sites in the study area and analysed in the laboratory. The results obtained were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA). The rotated component matrix of the soil properties, as well as plant and animal diversity indices from the PCA isolated three components that together explained 93.821% of the observed variation. The results show that bush clearing in the form of slash and burn, uncoordinated bush burning and harvesting of plant species are the activities that cause soil erosion in the study area. Agro-forestry, bush fallowing, reforestation and legislation on indiscriminate harvesting of plant species were recommended.

scholarly journals PRELIMINARY STUDY OF MOLLUSCAN DIVERSITY IN PARIYAT RIVER, JABALPUR (M.P.)

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (9) ◽  
pp. 136-142
Author(s):  
Rita Bhandari ◽  
Arjun Shukla ◽  
Shivani Rai
Keyword(s):  
Diversity Index ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Running Water ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Molluscan Diversity ◽  
Abundance And Distribution ◽  
Shannon’S Diversity Index

Mollusca diversity of Pariyat River was studied during June 2015 to April 2016. After construction of Dairies in the surroundings and bank of Pariyat River, a major part of running water is being converted in to sludge. Mollusca fauna is correlated with biological and various physico-chemical parameters that regulate abundance and distribution of different species. In present study, attempts have been made to collect, classify and identify Mollusca of Pariyat River in Panagar region. The survey indicated that 157 individuals from 13 families of Mollusca were found in this zone of the river. Out of 13 families of Mollusca 9 species are belonging to class Gastropoda and 3 species to class Bivalvia. The major Mollusca abundance was noticed viz. Pila sp. and Bellamya  sp. Shannon’s Diversity Index (H) was calculated from the recorded 157 individuals has value -1.024955387 which is inverse to Simpson’s Index (C) has value 0.10462899. Diversity indices indicate a good ratio of species diversity in the study site. In future, habitat destruction, introduction of sludge and pollution lead to decline of species. An urgent need exists for studying the life history traits and demography of the most important threatened Mollusca, as lack of information on these aspects have significantly affected conservation efforts.

scholarly journals Significance of cyanobacterial diversity in different ecological conditions of Meghalaya, India

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 134-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayashree B Syiem ◽  
B Bashisha Nongbri ◽  
A Pinokiyo ◽  
Amrita Bhattacharjee ◽  
Natasha A Nongrum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diversity Index ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Diversity Analysis ◽  
Acidic Ph ◽  
Nostoc Punctiforme ◽  
Anabaena Azollae ◽  
Crop Fields ◽  
Cyanobacterial Diversity ◽  
Shannon’S Diversity Index

The present study deals with preliminary investigation of cyanobacterial diversity in Meghalaya. A total of 75 samples were collected from 10 different ecosystems and analyzed. 65 strains of cyanobacteria isolated under 11 genera include Nostoc, Anabaena, Calothrix, Cylindrospermum, Gleocapsa, Fischerella, Plectonema, Tolypothrix, Stigonema, Loriella and Westiellopsis. Nostoc was most abundant. Diversity analysis indicated maximum Shannon’s diversity index (H) in Mawlai. Highest Simpson’s diversity index was seen in Sung Valley (0.75). Both Shannon’s and Simpson’s diversity indices were lowest in Mairang. Richness was highest in Sung valley and Syntuksiar with both the sites supporting 17 strains each. Although, highest diversity was recorded from Mawlai, richness recorded at this site was only 11 strains thereby indicating richness need not be a function of diversity in this region. This study revealed the cyanobacterial strains, which can withstand acidic pH and prevail in the region. A study on colonization also identified some potential biofertilizer strains from the region such as Nostoc punctiforme, Nostoc muscurum and Anabaena azollae that could be effective in acidic crop fields.

scholarly journals An Evaluation Methodology for Interactive Reinforcement Learning with Simulated Users

Biomimetics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Adam Bignold ◽  
Francisco Cruz ◽  
Richard Dazeley ◽  
Peter Vamplew ◽  
Cameron Foale
Keyword(s):  
Reinforcement Learning ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Evaluation Methodology ◽  
External Information ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Learning Agents ◽  
Learning Agent ◽  
Knowledge Bias ◽  
The Impact

Interactive reinforcement learning methods utilise an external information source to evaluate decisions and accelerate learning. Previous work has shown that human advice could significantly improve learning agents’ performance. When evaluating reinforcement learning algorithms, it is common to repeat experiments as parameters are altered or to gain a sufficient sample size. In this regard, to require human interaction every time an experiment is restarted is undesirable, particularly when the expense in doing so can be considerable. Additionally, reusing the same people for the experiment introduces bias, as they will learn the behaviour of the agent and the dynamics of the environment. This paper presents a methodology for evaluating interactive reinforcement learning agents by employing simulated users. Simulated users allow human knowledge, bias, and interaction to be simulated. The use of simulated users allows the development and testing of reinforcement learning agents, and can provide indicative results of agent performance under defined human constraints. While simulated users are no replacement for actual humans, they do offer an affordable and fast alternative for evaluative assisted agents. We introduce a method for performing a preliminary evaluation utilising simulated users to show how performance changes depending on the type of user assisting the agent. Moreover, we describe how human interaction may be simulated, and present an experiment illustrating the applicability of simulating users in evaluating agent performance when assisted by different types of trainers. Experimental results show that the use of this methodology allows for greater insight into the performance of interactive reinforcement learning agents when advised by different users. The use of simulated users with varying characteristics allows for evaluation of the impact of those characteristics on the behaviour of the learning agent.

scholarly journals On a Variational Definition for the Jensen-Shannon Symmetrization of Distances Based on the Information Radius

Entropy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 464
Author(s):  
Frank Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Diversity Index ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Shannon Diversity Index ◽  
Probability Measures ◽  
Variational Optimization ◽  
Shannon Diversity ◽  
Concept Of Information ◽  
Jensen Shannon Divergence

We generalize the Jensen-Shannon divergence and the Jensen-Shannon diversity index by considering a variational definition with respect to a generic mean, thereby extending the notion of Sibson’s information radius. The variational definition applies to any arbitrary distance and yields a new way to define a Jensen-Shannon symmetrization of distances. When the variational optimization is further constrained to belong to prescribed families of probability measures, we get relative Jensen-Shannon divergences and their equivalent Jensen-Shannon symmetrizations of distances that generalize the concept of information projections. Finally, we touch upon applications of these variational Jensen-Shannon divergences and diversity indices to clustering and quantization tasks of probability measures, including statistical mixtures.

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