Search

The article presents a study which compared fertility in the presence versus the absence of pollinators for a global dataset of 1174 plant species by quantifying pollinator contribution to seed production. Topics discussed include estimated percentage of flowering plant species that would produce no seeds without pollinators, plants where pollinator contribution to plant reproduction is higher, and the potential of pollinator declines to reduce reproduction for most plant species.

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) models are often used for benchmarking software projects, and traditional DEA models only allow for the use of continuous variables. This study considers the use of DEA for datasets with mixed continuous and discrete variables to ranking software projects. It uses the existing radial DEA model and extends the nonradial DEA model to allow for the use of mixed variables. Further efficiency scores from the two DEA models are averaged in an ensemble DEA score. Using three real‐world software engineering datasets, this study finds that the nonradial DEA and the ensemble DEA models have better discriminating power (lower tied efficiency scores) to rank software projects, and the radial DEA model generates more general ranking distribution (higher entropy) of normalized efficiency scores. The choice between selecting radial and nonradial DEA models for ranking software projects appears to depend on the extent to which managers want to introduce bias into the efficiency score ranking distribution. Radial models appear to have a lower bias than nonradial models. The ensemble DEA model appears to be the best performing DEA model for datasets containing two or more discrete and continuous variables. The paper uses mixed continuous and discrete variables for DEA‐based software project analysis. The analysis is conducted for both radial and nonradial DEA models. Models are averaged into an ensemble DEA score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Despite empirical evidence for a positive relationship between dispersal and self‐fertilization (selfing), theoretical work predicts that these traits should always be negatively correlated, and the Good Coloniser Syndrome of high dispersal and selfing (Cf. Baker's Law) should not evolve. Critically, previous work assumes that adult density is spatiotemporally homogeneous, so selfing results in identical offspring production for all patches, eliminating the benefit of dispersal for escaping from local resource competition. We investigate the joint evolution of dispersal and selfing in a demographically structured metapopulation model where local density is spatiotemporally heterogeneous due to extinction‐recolonization dynamics. Selfing alleviates outcrossing failure due to low local density (an Allee effect) while dispersal alleviates competition through dispersal of propagules from high‐ to low‐density patches. Because local density is spatiotemporally heterogeneous in our model, selfing does not eliminate heterogeneity in competition, so dispersal remains beneficial even under full selfing. Hence the Good Coloniser Syndrome is evolutionarily stable under a broad range of conditions, and both negative and positive relationships between dispersal and selfing are possible, depending on the environment. Our model thus accommodates positive empirical relationships between dispersal and selfing not predicted by previous theoretical work and provides additional explanations for negative relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The efficacies of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) are well documented in decreasing the apnoea–hypopnoea index in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. To guarantee these efficacies, CPAP manufacturers must thoroughly test these devices to ensure the flow of oxygenated air to the patient at various temperatures during a prescribed time frame. The calculation of the percent oxygen in a “bimixture” of gas can be done by measuring the travel time of a sound wave through the gas, and the travel time is proportional to the density of the air. We utilized existing multisensor tubes that were developed to collect and measure oxygen flow, diffusion, speed, temperature, and time metrics. Then these metrics were analysed using a Markov fuzzy, statistical, artificial neural network, nearest‐neighbour predictive approach to determine the interactions between these variables. An improved Kalman filter method was employed to reduce noise, increase viscosity, and obtain correct data from the CPAP system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ibogaine is a hallucinogenic alkaloid, derived from Tabernanthe iboga, a plant unique to the rainforests of West Africa. Its traditional use as an epiphanic sacrament in local magico‐religious practice inspired its appropriation by Western drug addicts by whom it is now hailed as both a catalyst of psychospiritual insight and an effective alleviator of cravings and withdrawal. While scientific and early clinical studies confirm its role in reducing physical withdrawal and craving, debate continues concerning the significance of its “visionary” properties. An analysis of many addicts’ testimonies of recovery, however, places the visionary experience at center stage. I set out to understand mechanisms of transformation and healing, via a comparative phenomenological exploration of this experience, through the opposing lenses of psychoanalysis and cultural constructivism. I propose that at the heart of the healing encounter is a culturally shaped creative journey to an imaginal unspoilt state in personal or collective history. How this experience is recovered and integrated into life is critically considered. I argue a secular account is vital as the ibogaine scene strives toward social and medical legitimacy. If and how such a framework can sit alongside spontaneously emergent spiritual and religious idioms and experience will also be tentatively explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we employed triple bottom line (TBL) accounting and considered threats to cybersecurity in the context of natural gas and global supply chain sustainability. The global supply chain is a diverse assortment of contingent claims contracts and relationships that span the world. It contains both risks and benefits. In this study, consideration is given to the balance of consequences. We propose a sustainable economic model that preserves the positive dynamics of capitalism and accounting principles while improving collaboration between industry, landowners, and environmentalists to optimize return on profits for companies, provide royalties to landowners, and satisfy the planet's environmental concerns. Our TBL approach supports the need to preserve the best qualities of free enterprise and market-driven regulation profits while also providing social and environmental benefits. Our proposed approach is novel and may be helpful for decision makers in all sectors, from public to private. We have endeavored to make sufficiently objective and appropriate conclusions that guide how the model can be used in other sectors or by other decision makers. This review has several aims. First, we aim to understand the technical application of TBL optimization and to associate it with the use of mathematical and statistical analysis. Second, we present a fuzzy integrated linguistic operator weighted average application to better understand TBL and to strengthen the argument for its use. Finally, we debate issues inherent in applying analyses of this type with regard to stakeholder viewpoints and objectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because supply chains are complex systems prone to uncertainty, statistical analysis is a useful tool for capturing their dynamics. Using data on acquisition history and data from case study reports, we used regression analysis to predict backorder aging using National Item Identification Numbers (NIINs) as unique identifiers. More than 56,000 NIINs were identified and used in the analysis. Bayesian analysis was then used to further investigate the NIIN component variables. The results indicated that it is statistically feasible to predict whether an individual NIIN has the propensity to become a backordered item. This paper describes the structure of a Bayesian network from a real-world supply chain data set and then determines a posterior probability distribution for backorders using a stochastic simulation based on Markov blankets. Fuzzy clustering was used to produce a funnel diagram that demonstrates that the Acquisition Advice Code, Acquisition Method Suffix Code, Acquisition Method Code, and Controlled Inventory Item Code backorder performance metric of a trigger group dimension may change dramatically with variations in administrative lead time, production lead time, unit price, quantity ordered, and stock. Triggers must be updated regularly and smoothly to keep up with the changing state of the supply chain backorder trigger clusters of market sensitiveness, collaborative process integration, information drivers, and flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the phenomenon of reinforcing inspiration for technology acceptance by improving memory and software training results Neuro-physiological performance. Monitoring of cortisol levels provided feedback for a decision support system that measured errors and elapsed time for training tasks completed by end-users of a health care application. The training success was measured utilizing statistics, SEM and a Fuzzy approach. The predictive model was implemented by comparing the regression, fuzzy logic and SEM results. Data collected from 338 health care workers were used to test a proposed model that inspiration, memory, and inspirational memory affect end user intention to adopt a digitized patient record software application. Structural equation modeling showed that, as expected, inspiration affected the individual behavior of the end users. Inspiration had an interactive impact through memory on collective acceptance of the technology, thereby affecting subsequent evaluations and behavior. The proposed model was nomologically validated through the use of a portable platform loaded with software for the electronic collection of operational-level health care data. Embedded metrics measured participants' memory as operationalized by task completion time, number of errors, and completeness of the data. In order to triangulate the results, salivary cortisol levels collected from 74 health care workers were used to measure whether inspiration improves memory and affects end user intention to adopt the application through reduced errors and decreased completion times. This paper contributes to the literature by introducing inspiration as a key driver that improves memory to affect end user intention to use digitized patient record technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Triangulation of gap analysis for individual differences in alertness. • Measure interventions in positive train control expert system. • Empirical investigation for the effect of sleep deprivation on fatigue. • Information technology applications for measuring productivity and stress. In this abstract we would like to provide some exciting concrete information including the article's main impact and significance on expert and intelligent systems. The main impact is that the PTC expert intelligent system fills in the gaps between the human and software decision making processes. This gap analysis is analyzed via empirical triangulation of rail worker data collected from its groups, individuals and the rail industry itself. We utilize an expert intelligent system PTC information technology application to both measure and to improve the alertness of the groups and workers in order to improve the overall safety of the railways through reduced human errors and failures to prevent accidents. Many individual differences in alertness among military, railroad, and other industry workers stem from a lack of sufficient sleep. This continues to be a concern in the railroad industry, even with the implementation of positive train control (PTC) expert system technology. Information technology aids such as PTC cannot prevent all accidents, and errors and failures with PTC may occur. Furthermore, drug interventions are a short-term solution for improving alertness. This study investigated the effect of sleep deprivation on the alertness of railroad signalmen at work, individual differences in alertness, and the information technology available to improve alertness. We investigated various information and communication technology control systems that can be used to maintain operational safety in the railroad industry in the face of incompatible circadian rhythms due to irregular hours, weekend work, and night operations. To fully explain individual differences after the adoption of technology, our approach posits the necessary parameters that one must consider for reason-oriented action, sequential updating, feedback, and technology acceptance in a unified model. This triangulation can help manage workers by efficiently increasing their productivity and improving their health. In our analysis we used R statistical software and Tableau. To test our theory, we issued an Apple watch to a locomotive engineer. The perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and actual use he reported led to an analysis of his sleep patterns that eventually ended in his adoption of a sleep apnea device and an improvement in his alertness and effectiveness. His adoption of the technology also resulted in a decrease in his use of chemical interventions to increase his alertness. Our model shows that the alertness of signalmen can be predicted. Therefore, we recommend that the alertness of all railroad workers be predicted given the safety limitations of PTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the underlying driving force in strategic decision-making. From a conceptual standpoint, few studies empirically studied the decision-maker's intrinsic state composed of entropy and uncertainty. This study examines a mutual information theory approach integrated into a state of qualia complexity that minimizes exclusion and maximizes the interactions of the information system and its dynamic environment via logical metonymy, illusion, and epigenetics. The article questions whether decision-makers at all levels of the organization are responding from the consciousness of an objective quale from a more subjective qualia awareness in the narrow-sense perspective of individual instances of their conscious experience. To quantify this research question, we explore several hypotheses revolving around strategic information system decisions. In this research, we posit that the eigenvalues of factor analysis along with the reduction in the uncertainty coefficients of the qualia entropy will be balanced by the quale enthalpy of our information theory structural equation model of trust, flexibility, expertise, top management support, and competitive advantage performance. We operationalize the integration of the aforementioned top management support, information systems competencies, and competitive advantage performance concepts into the qualia consciousness awareness and information theory quale framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colonial thinking runs deep in psychiatry. Recent anti-racist statements from the APA and RCPsych are to be welcomed. However, we argue that if it is to really tackle deep-seated racism and decolonise its curriculum, the discipline will need to critically interrogate the origins of some of its fundamental assumptions, values and priorities. This will not be an easy task. By its very nature, the quest to decolonise is fraught with contradictions and difficulties. However, we make the case that this moment presents an opportunity for psychiatry to engage positively with other forms of critical reflection on structures of power/knowledge in the field of mental health. We propose a number of paths along which progress might be made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The role of pollination in the success of invasive plants needs to be understood because invasives have substantial effects on species interactions and ecosystem functions. Previous research has shown both that reproduction of invasive plants is often pollen limited and that invasive plants can have high seed production, motivating the questions: How do invasive populations maintain reproductive success in spite of pollen limitation? What species traits moderate pollen limitation for invaders?We conducted a phylogenetic meta‐analysis with 68 invasive, 50 introduced noninvasive and 1931 native plant populations, across 1249 species.We found that invasive populations with generalist pollination or pollinator dependence were less pollen limited than natives, but invasives and introduced noninvasives did not differ. Invasive species produced 3× fewer ovules/flower and >250× more flowers per plant, compared with their native relatives. While these traits were negatively correlated, consistent with a tradeoff, this did not differ with invasion status.Invasive plants that produce many flowers and have floral generalisation are able to compensate for or avoid pollen limitation, potentially helping to explain the invaders' reproductive successes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbarium accession data offer a useful historical botanical perspective and have been used to track the spread of plant invasions through time and space. Nevertheless, few studies have utilised this resource for genetic analysis to reconstruct a more complete picture of historical invasion dynamics, including the occurrence of separate introduction events. In this study, we combined nuclear and chloroplast microsatellite analyses of contemporary and historical collections of Senecio madagascariensis, a globally invasive weed first introduced to Australia c. 1918 from its native South Africa. Analysis of nuclear microsatellites, together with temporal spread data and simulations of herbarium voucher sampling, revealed distinct introductions to south-eastern Australia and mid-eastern Australia. Genetic diversity of the south-eastern invasive population was lower than in the native range, but higher than in the mid-eastern invasion. In the invasive range, despite its low resolution, our chloroplast microsatellite data revealed the occurrence of new haplotypes over time, probably as the result of subsequent introduction(s) to Australia from the native range during the latter half of the 20th century. Our work demonstrates how molecular studies of contemporary and historical field collections can be combined to reconstruct a more complete picture of the invasion history of introduced taxa. Further, our study indicates that a survey of contemporary samples only (as undertaken for the majority of invasive species studies) would be insufficient to identify potential source populations and occurrence of multiple introductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papillomaviruses (PVs) have been identified in a wide range of animal species and are associated with a variety of disease syndromes including classical papillomatosis, aural plaques, and genital papillomas. In horses, 13 PVs have been described to date, falling into six genera. Using total RNA sequencing (meta-transcriptomics) we identified a novel equine papillomavirus in semen taken from a thoroughbred stallion suffering a genital lesion, which was confirmed by nested RT-PCR. We designate this novel virus Equus caballus papillomavirus 9 (EcPV9). The complete 7656 bp genome of EcPV9 exhibited similar characteristics to those of other horse papillomaviruses. Phylogenetic analysis based on concatenated E1-E2-L2-L1 amino acid sequences revealed that EcPV9 clustered with EcPV2, EcPV4, and EcPV5, although was distinct enough to represent a new viral species within the genus Dyoiotapapillomavirus (69.35%, 59.25%, and 58.00% nucleotide similarity to EcPV2, EcPV4, and EcPV5, respectively). In sum, we demonstrate the presence of a novel equine papillomavirus for which more detailed studies of disease association are merited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]