scholarly journals A novel method of rejection of brood parasitic eggs reduces parasitism intensity in a cowbird host

2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 20130076 ◽  
Author(s):  
María C. De Mársico ◽  
Ros Gloag ◽  
Cynthia A. Ursino ◽  
Juan C. Reboreda
Keyword(s):  
Selection Pressure ◽  
Passerine Bird ◽  
First Report ◽  
Molothrus Bonariensis ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
Egg Removal ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Operating Constraints ◽  
Agelaioides Badius ◽  
Ejection Method

The hosts of brood parasitic birds are under strong selection pressure to recognize and remove foreign eggs from their nests, but parasite eggs may be too large to be grasped whole and too strong to be readily pierced by the host's bill. Such operating constraints on egg removal are proposed to force some hosts to accept parasite eggs, as the costs of deserting parasitized clutches can outweigh the cost of rearing parasites. By fitting microcameras inside nests, we reveal that the Neotropical baywing ( Agelaioides badius ), a host of the screaming cowbird ( Molothrus rufoaxillaris ) and shiny cowbird ( Molothrus bonariensis ), instead circumvents such constraints by kicking parasite eggs out of the nest. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a passerine bird using its feet to remove objects from the nest. Kick-ejection was an all-or-nothing response. Baywings kick-ejected parasite eggs laid before their own first egg and, if heavily parasitized, they ejected entire clutches and began again in the same nest. Few baywings were able to rid their nests of every parasite egg, but their novel ejection method allowed them to reduce the median parasitism intensity by 75 per cent (from four to one cowbird eggs per nest), providing an effective anti-parasite defence.

scholarly journals Cost Analysis of a Novel Method for Ecological Compensation—A Study of the Translocation of Dead Wood

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6075
Author(s):  
Ola Lindroos ◽  
Malin Söderlind ◽  
Joel Jensen ◽  
Joakim Hjältén
Keyword(s):  
Cost Efficiency ◽  
Dead Wood ◽  
Road Transportation ◽  
Ecological Value ◽  
Ecological Compensation ◽  
Work Time ◽  
Delivery Times ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
The Cost

Translocation of dead wood is a novel method for ecological compensation and restoration that could, potentially, provide a new important tool for biodiversity conservation. With this method, substrates that normally have long delivery times are instantly created in a compensation area, and ideally many of the associated dead wood dwelling organisms are translocated together with the substrates. However, to a large extent, there is a lack of knowledge about the cost efficiency of different methods of ecological compensation. Therefore, the costs for different parts of a translocation process and its dependency on some influencing factors were studied. The observed cost was 465 SEK per translocated log for the actual compensation measure, with an additional 349 SEK/log for work to enable evaluation of the translocation’s ecological results. Based on time studies, models were developed to predict required work time and costs for different transportation distances and load sizes. Those models indicated that short extraction and insertion distances for logs should be prioritized over road transportation distances to minimize costs. They also highlighted a trade-off between costs and time until a given ecological value is reached in the compensation area. The methodology used can contribute to more cost-efficient operations and, by doing so, increase the use of ecological compensation and the benefits from a given input.

scholarly journals Embedding Undersampling Rotation Forest for Imbalanced Problem

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huaping Guo ◽  
Xiaoyu Diao ◽  
Hongbing Liu
Keyword(s):  
Imbalanced Data ◽  
Feature Space ◽  
Original Data ◽  
Training Set ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Minority Class ◽  
Rotation Forest ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
Individual Classifier ◽  
The Cost

Rotation Forest is an ensemble learning approach achieving better performance comparing to Bagging and Boosting through building accurate and diverse classifiers using rotated feature space. However, like other conventional classifiers, Rotation Forest does not work well on the imbalanced data which are characterized as having much less examples of one class (minority class) than the other (majority class), and the cost of misclassifying minority class examples is often much more expensive than the contrary cases. This paper proposes a novel method called Embedding Undersampling Rotation Forest (EURF) to handle this problem (1) sampling subsets from the majority class and learning a projection matrix from each subset and (2) obtaining training sets by projecting re-undersampling subsets of the original data set to new spaces defined by the matrices and constructing an individual classifier from each training set. For the first method, undersampling is to force the rotation matrix to better capture the features of the minority class without harming the diversity between individual classifiers. With respect to the second method, the undersampling technique aims to improve the performance of individual classifiers on the minority class. The experimental results show that EURF achieves significantly better performance comparing to other state-of-the-art methods.

Design of Fazl-Tash novel method for sustainable resilient comprehensive supplier selection problem

Kybernetes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamed Fazlollahtabar ◽  
Navid Kazemitash
Keyword(s):  
Supplier Selection ◽  
Huge Number ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
Rank And Select ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Supplier Selection Problem ◽  
Industrial Company

Purpose However, due to the huge number of studies and on the other hand to be new and creative, the represented models and methods – as the two main parts of this field – have been got more complicated, which consequently have been turned into unpractical research studies for the realistic situations. Therefore, the purpose of this study is the representation of a novel and simple method to deal with the aforementioned gap. Design/methodology/approach To this end, Fazl-Tash method have been proposed, in which a thorough and complete model including 114 criteria and a simple technique to rank and select the best supplier have been presented. Sustainability and resiliency are considered in collecting criteria effective on supplier selection. Findings The method was carried out in a case study in an industrial company. The efficiency of the proposed method is evaluated in comparison with other conventional approaches. Originality/value As selecting the supplier plays a crucial role to bring some important advantages for companies, such as coping with the cost and time problems and influencing the majority of contemporary markets’ requirements, in recent years, there have been representing more effective studies in the supplier selection literature.

A hybrid framework to model factors affecting construction labour productivity

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 630-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Majid Parchami Jalal ◽  
Shahab Shoar
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Labour Productivity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Schedule Delay ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Hybrid Framework ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to model different causal relations among factors interacting with labour productivity in order to recognize the most important factors influencing and influenced by it. Design/methodology/approach Top 60 factors affecting labour productivity were determined and grouped into 5 major groups by reviewing previous research and interviewing relevant experts. The interactions of factors were modelled using system dynamics (SD) approach. The resulting causal loop diagrams obtained from SD were then applied for identifying the most crucial factors influencing and influenced by labour productivity through the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method. The impact of factors on each other was finally determined based on the opinions of 63 experts selected from the Iranian construction industry. Findings The results indicated that factors such as fatigue, lack of labour motivation and lack of skill are the most influencing, and factors such as schedule delay and inflation in the cost of execution are the most influenced by labour productivity. In the end, a set of recommendations to improve construction labour productivity was also presented. Originality/value The main contribution of the study is proposing a novel method which is capable of providing insights into how causes and effects of construction labour productivity are interrelated. Furthermore, the proposed method makes this study distinct from previous research in the light of prioritizing factors and offering recommendations according to the interrelationships among factors.

scholarly journals Costs of Egg Punctures and Parasitism by Shiny Cowbirds (Molothrus Bonariensis) at Creamy-Bellied Thrush (Turdus Amaurochalinus) Nests

The Auk ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea A. Astié ◽  
Juan C. Reboreda
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Hatching Success ◽  
Nest Survival ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Chick Survival ◽  
Egg Survival ◽  
Lower Survival Rate ◽  
Molothrus Bonariensis ◽  
Primary Determinant ◽  
The Cost

AbstractMost studies on cowbird parasitism have focused on its effects on parasitized nests, whereas few have considered the costs at nests that cowbirds visit but at which they do not lay eggs. Shiny Cowbirds (Molothrus bonariensis) peck and puncture host eggs both in nests where they lay eggs and in unparasitized nests. We analyzed the effect of egg punctures in unparasitized and parasitized nests of a large host, the Creamy-bellied Thrush (Turdus amaurochalinus; hereafter “thrush”), as well as the costs of Shiny Cowbird eggs and chicks in this host’s nests. We determined thrush egg survival, hatching success, and chick survival in successful nests, and nest survival during the egg and nestling stages. Frequency of parasitism was 60%, and its intensity 1.6 ± 0.1 eggs nest−1. Number of host eggs punctured was positively associated with intensity of parasitism. The host’s eggs were frequently punctured in parasitized nests (71%) and in unparasitized nests (42%). Egg punctures reduced the number of eggs at hatching in 23% and 49% of unparasitized and parasitized nests, respectively. Nests with egg punctures had a lower survival rate than nests without them, but nest survival was not associated with parasitism. Presence of a Shiny Cowbird egg was associated with a decrease in the hatching success of host eggs, but presence of a Shiny Cowbird chick did not have any detrimental effect on either the survival and growth rate of host chicks in successful nests or the survival of the whole nest. Our results show that egg punctures were the primary determinant of thrush reproductive success. Consequently, comparison of unparasitized and parasitized nests gives an incomplete estimation of the effects of Shiny Cowbirds on host reproductive success, because the cost of egg punctures is also important in nests where there is no Shiny Cowbird egg laying.Costos de la Perforación de Huevos y el Parasitismo por Molothrus bonariensis en Nidos de Turdus amaurochalinus

Approaches to improve the robustness on interdependent networks against cascading failures with load-based model

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (32) ◽  
pp. 1550210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhengcheng Dong ◽  
Yanjun Fang ◽  
Meng Tian ◽  
Rong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Coupling Strength ◽  
Initial Period ◽  
Network Construction ◽  
Interdependent Networks ◽  
Coupled Networks ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
One To One ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Full Investigation ◽  
Link Pattern

With load-based model, considering the loss of capacity on nodes, we investigate how the coupling strength (many-to-many coupled pattern) and link patterns (one-to-one coupled pattern) can affect the robustness of interdependent networks. In one-to-one coupled pattern, we take into account the properties of degree and betweenness, and adopt four kinds of inter-similarity link patterns and random link pattern. In many-to-many coupled pattern, we propose a novel method to build new networks via adding inter-links (coupled links) on the existing one-to-one coupled networks. For a full investigation on the effects, we conduct two types of attack strategies, i.e. RO-attack (randomly remove only one node) and RF-attack (randomly remove a fraction of nodes). We numerically find that inter-similarity link patterns and bigger coupling strength can effectively improve the robustness under RO-attacks and RF-attacks in some cases. Therefore, the inter-similarity link patterns can be applied during the initial period of network construction. Once the networks are completed, the robustness level can be improved via adding inter-links appropriately without changing the existing inter-links and topologies of networks. We also find that BA–BA topology is a better choice and that it is not useful to infinitely increase the capacity which is defined as the cost of networks.

Classification with Local Clustering in Imbalanced Data Sets

2011 ◽  
Vol 219-220 ◽  
pp. 151-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua Ji ◽  
Hua Xiang Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Data Distribution ◽  
Imbalanced Data ◽  
Support Vector ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Imbalanced Data Sets ◽  
Local Clustering ◽  
Rare Class ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
The Cost

In many real-world domains, learning from imbalanced data sets is always confronted. Since the skewed class distribution brings the challenge for traditional classifiers because of much lower classification accuracy on rare classes, we propose the novel method on classification with local clustering based on the data distribution of the imbalanced data sets to solve this problem. At first, we divide the whole data set into several data groups based on the data distribution. Then we perform local clustering within each group both on the normal class and the disjointed rare class. For rare class, the subsequent over-sampling is employed according to the different rates. At last, we apply support vector machines (SVMS) for classification, by means of the traditional tactic of the cost matrix to enhance the classification accuracies. The experimental results on several UCI data sets show that this method can produces much higher prediction accuracies on the rare class than state-of-art methods.

scholarly journals Online Reference Trajectory Adaptation: A Personalized Control Strategy for Lower Limb Exoskeletons

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Shushtari ◽  
Rezvan Nasiri ◽  
Arash Arami
Keyword(s):  
Cost Function ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Interaction Force ◽  
Reference Trajectory ◽  
Time Symmetry ◽  
Spatiotemporal Parameters ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Limb Rehabilitation ◽  
Lower Limb Rehabilitation

This paper presents a novel method for reference trajectory adaptation in lower limb rehabilitation exoskeletons during walking. Our adaptation rule is extracted from a cost function that penalizes both interaction force and trajectory modification. By adding trajectory modification term into the cost function, we restrict the boundaries of the reference trajectory adaptation according to the patient's motor capacity. The performance of the proposed adaptation method is studied analytically in terms of convergence and optimality. We also developed a realistic dynamic walking simulator and utilized it in performance analysis of the presented method. The proposed trajectory adaptation technique guarantees convergence to a stable, reliable, and rhythmic reference trajectory with no prior knowledge about the human intended motion. Our simulations demonstrate the convergence of exoskeleton trajectories to those of simulated healthy subjects while the exoskeleton trajectories adapt less to the trajectories of patients with reduced motor capacity (less reliable trajectories). Furthermore, the gait stability and spatiotemporal parameters such as step time symmetry and minimum toe off clearance enhanced by the adaptation in all subjects. The presented mathematical analysis and simulation results show the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed method and its potential to be applied for trajectory adaptation in lower limb rehabilitation exoskeletons.

Pressure-Retarded Osmosis Thermosyphon

2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco J. Arias ◽  
Salvador de las Heras
Keyword(s):  
Natural Convection ◽  
Salinity Gradient ◽  
Fluid Motion ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Thermal Dependence ◽  
Heat And Mass Transport ◽  
Pressure Retarded Osmosis ◽  
Dense Fluid ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
The Cost

The basis of a novel method for passive solar water heating homologous to the traditional thermosyphon but driven by salinity gradient induced by changes of salinity gradient induced by evaporation at the collector is outlined. Its purpose, likewise than a thermosyphon, is to simplify the transfer of liquid while avoiding the cost and complexity of a conventional pump. However, in this concept, the fluid motion is not obtained from the tendency of a less dense fluid to rise above a denser fluid (natural convection) but rather by taking advantage of the energy released during the spontaneous mixing of the low-concentration (evaporated fraction) solution and the high-concentration (no-evaporated fraction) solution, which have been previously separated into two streams in the evaporator module. Finally, the possibility of driving the thermal osmosis by the strong thermal dependence of the solubility featured by many solutions rather than evaporation is envisaged. One important point in favor of the proposed thermosyphon driven by thermo-osmosis is that makes possible downward heat and mass transfer, i.e., heat and mass transport from the top roofs (where solar collectors are generally placed) to the bottom (inside the homes), and then the use of expensive and voluminous tanks so characteristic of current thermosyphons driven by natural convection is no longer needed.

scholarly journals Numerical Simulation of a Novel Method for PVT Growth of SiC by Adding a Graphite Block

Crystals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1581
Author(s):  
Hao Luo ◽  
Xuefeng Han ◽  
Yuanchao Huang ◽  
Deren Yang ◽  
Xiaodong Pi
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Devices ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Substrate Material ◽  
Vapor Transport ◽  
Sublimation Rate ◽  
Single Crystal Sic ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Powder Temperature

SiC crystal is an excellent substrate material for high power electronic devices and high-frequency electronic devices. Being cost-effective and defect-free are the two biggest challenges at present. For the physical vapor transport (PVT) growth of a SiC single crystal, SiC powder is used as the source material, which determines the cost and the quality of the crystal. In this paper, we propose a new design in which graphite blocks are substituted for the non-sublimated SiC powder. Temperature distribution in the SiC powder, the evolution of the SiC powder, and the vapor transport are investigated by using finite element calculations. With the addition of graphite blocks, the utilization and sublimation rate of SiC powder is higher. In addition, the reverse vapor transport above the SiC powder is eliminated. This design provides a new idea to reduce the cost of SiC crystals in industrialization.

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