scholarly journals Regulatory mechanisms of group distributions in a gregarious arthropod

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (11) ◽  
pp. 150428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Broly ◽  
Romain Mullier ◽  
Cédric Devigne ◽  
Jean-Louis Deneubourg
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Patterns ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Self Organization ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Environmental Cues ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Social Species ◽  
Homogeneous Set ◽  
Set Up

In a patchy environment, how social animals manage conspecific and environmental cues in their choice of habitat is a leading issue for understanding their spatial distribution and their exploitation of resources. Here, we experimentally tested the effects of environmental heterogeneities (artificial shelters) and some of their characteristics (size and fragmentation) on the aggregation process of a common species of terrestrial isopod (Crustacea). One hundred individuals were introduced into three different heterogeneous set-ups and in a homogeneous set-up. In the four set-ups, the populations split into two aggregates: one large (approx. 70 individuals) and one smaller (approx. 20 individuals). These aggregates were not randomly distributed in the arena but were formed diametrically opposite from one another. The similarity of the results among the four set-ups shows that under experimental conditions, the environmental heterogeneities have a low impact on the aggregation dynamics and spatial patterns of the isopod, merely serving to increase the probability of nucleation of the larger aggregation at these points. By contrast, the regulation of aggregate sizes and the regular distribution of groups are signatures of local amplification processes, in agreement with the short-range activator and long-range inhibitor model (scale-dependent feedbacks). In other words, we show how small-scale interactions may govern large-scale spatial patterns. This experimental illustration of spatial self-organization is an important step towards comprehension of the complex game of competition among groups in social species.

scholarly journals Behavioral self-organization underlies the resilience of a coastal ecosystem

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (30) ◽  
pp. 8035-8040 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène de Paoli ◽  
Tjisse van der Heide ◽  
Aniek van den Berg ◽  
Brian R. Silliman ◽  
Peter M. J. Herman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Patterns ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Self Organization ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Mussel Bed ◽  
Mussel Beds ◽  
Self Organized

Self-organized spatial patterns occur in many terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecosystems. Theoretical models and observational studies suggest self-organization, the formation of patterns due to ecological interactions, is critical for enhanced ecosystem resilience. However, experimental tests of this cross-ecosystem theory are lacking. In this study, we experimentally test the hypothesis that self-organized pattern formation improves the persistence of mussel beds (Mytilus edulis) on intertidal flats. In natural beds, mussels generate self-organized patterns at two different spatial scales: regularly spaced clusters of mussels at centimeter scale driven by behavioral aggregation and large-scale, regularly spaced bands at meter scale driven by ecological feedback mechanisms. To test for the relative importance of these two spatial scales of self-organization on mussel bed persistence, we conducted field manipulations in which we factorially constructed small-scale and/or large-scale patterns. Our results revealed that both forms of self-organization enhanced the persistence of the constructed mussel beds in comparison to nonorganized beds. Small-scale, behaviorally driven cluster patterns were found to be crucial for persistence, and thus resistance to wave disturbance, whereas large-scale, self-organized patterns facilitated reformation of small-scale patterns if mussels were dislodged. This study provides experimental evidence that self-organization can be paramount to enhancing ecosystem persistence. We conclude that ecosystems with self-organized spatial patterns are likely to benefit greatly from conservation and restoration actions that use the emergent effects of self-organization to increase ecosystem resistance to disturbance.

Leveraging the Cloud for Large-Scale Software Testing – A Case Study

2012 ◽  
pp. 252-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anjan Pakhira ◽  
Peter Andras
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
System Level ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Test Cases ◽  
Software Life Cycle ◽  
Technical Issues ◽  
Wide Scale ◽  
Set Up

Testing is a critical phase in the software life-cycle. While small-scale component-wise testing is done routinely as part of development and maintenance of large-scale software, the system level testing of the whole software is much more problematic due to low level of coverage of potential usage scenarios by test cases and high costs associated with wide-scale testing of large software. Here, the authors investigate the use of cloud computing to facilitate the testing of large-scale software. They discuss the aspects of cloud-based testing and provide an example application of this. They describe the testing of the functional importance of methods of classes in the Google Chrome software. The methods that we test are predicted to be functionally important with respect to a functionality of the software. The authors use network analysis applied to dynamic analysis data generated by the software to make these predictions. They check the validity of these predictions by mutation testing of a large number of mutated variants of the Google Chrome. The chapter provides details of how to set up the testing process on the cloud and discusses relevant technical issues.

Leveraging the Cloud for Large-Scale Software Testing

2015 ◽  
pp. 1175-1203
Author(s):  
Anjan Pakhira ◽  
Peter Andras
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
System Level ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Test Cases ◽  
Software Life Cycle ◽  
Technical Issues ◽  
Wide Scale ◽  
Set Up

Testing is a critical phase in the software life-cycle. While small-scale component-wise testing is done routinely as part of development and maintenance of large-scale software, the system level testing of the whole software is much more problematic due to low level of coverage of potential usage scenarios by test cases and high costs associated with wide-scale testing of large software. Here, the authors investigate the use of cloud computing to facilitate the testing of large-scale software. They discuss the aspects of cloud-based testing and provide an example application of this. They describe the testing of the functional importance of methods of classes in the Google Chrome software. The methods that we test are predicted to be functionally important with respect to a functionality of the software. The authors use network analysis applied to dynamic analysis data generated by the software to make these predictions. They check the validity of these predictions by mutation testing of a large number of mutated variants of the Google Chrome. The chapter provides details of how to set up the testing process on the cloud and discusses relevant technical issues.

scholarly journals Fast high-energy X-ray imaging for Severe Accidents experiments on the future PLINIUS-2 platform

2018 ◽  
Vol 170 ◽  
pp. 08003
Author(s):  
L. Berge ◽  
N. Estre ◽  
D. Tisseur ◽  
E. Payan ◽  
D. Eck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Spot Size ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Noise Sources ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Imaging ◽  
The Future ◽  
Set Up

The future PLINIUS-2 platform of CEA Cadarache will be dedicated to the study of corium interactions in severe nuclear accidents, and will host innovative large-scale experiments. The Nuclear Measurement Laboratory of CEA Cadarache is in charge of real-time high-energy X-ray imaging set-ups, for the study of the corium-water and corium-sodium interaction, and of the corium stratification process. Imaging such large and high-density objects requires a 15 MeV linear electron accelerator coupled to a tungsten target creating a high-energy Bremsstrahlung X-ray flux, with corresponding dose rate about 100 Gy/min at 1 m. The signal is detected by phosphor screens coupled to high-framerate scientific CMOS cameras. The imaging set-up is established using an experimentally-validated home-made simulation software (MODHERATO). The code computes quantitative radiographic signals from the description of the source, object geometry and composition, detector, and geometrical configuration (magnification factor, etc.). It accounts for several noise sources (photonic and electronic noises, swank and readout noise), and for image blur due to the source spot-size and to the detector unsharpness. In a view to PLINIUS-2, the simulation has been improved to account for the scattered flux, which is expected to be significant. The paper presents the scattered flux calculation using the MCNP transport code, and its integration into the MODHERATO simulation. Then the validation of the improved simulation is presented, through confrontation to real measurement images taken on a small-scale equivalent set-up on the PLINIUS platform. Excellent agreement is achieved. This improved simulation is therefore being used to design the PLINIUS-2 imaging set-ups (source, detectors, cameras, etc.).

scholarly journals Thermodynamic Neural Network

Entropy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 256
Author(s):  
Todd Hylton
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Open Systems ◽  
Self Organization ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Edge States ◽  
Fluctuation Dissipation ◽  
Multiscale Dynamics ◽  
Physical Quantities ◽  
Open Thermodynamic Systems

A thermodynamically motivated neural network model is described that self-organizes to transport charge associated with internal and external potentials while in contact with a thermal reservoir. The model integrates techniques for rapid, large-scale, reversible, conservative equilibration of node states and slow, small-scale, irreversible, dissipative adaptation of the edge states as a means to create multiscale order. All interactions in the network are local and the network structures can be generic and recurrent. Isolated networks show multiscale dynamics, and externally driven networks evolve to efficiently connect external positive and negative potentials. The model integrates concepts of conservation, potentiation, fluctuation, dissipation, adaptation, equilibration and causation to illustrate the thermodynamic evolution of organization in open systems. A key conclusion of the work is that the transport and dissipation of conserved physical quantities drives the self-organization of open thermodynamic systems.

scholarly journals Grazing Altered the Pattern of Woody Plants and Shrub Encroachment in a Temperate Savanna Ecosystem

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiyong Zhang ◽  
Bo Zhang ◽  
Xiao Zhang ◽  
Xiaohui Yang ◽  
Zhongjie Shi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Patterns ◽  
Woody Plants ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Shrub Encroachment ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Adult Trees ◽  
Aggregated Distribution ◽  
Grazing Pressures

Ulmus pumila-dominated temperate savanna is an important tree-grass complex ecosystem in the Otindag sand land, northern China. To date, few investigations have been undertaken on the spatial patterns and structure of this ecosystem and its driving factors under different grazing pressures. The objective of our study therefore is to explore whether grazing has affected the population structure/pattern of woody plants and shrub encroachment in a temperate savanna ecosystem. Results indicate that species richness and seedlings decreased with increasing grazing pressure. An increase in grazing pressure did not significantly affect adult-tree density, but it hindered the normal regeneration of U. pumila seedlings, further inducing population decline. U. pumila seedlings had a more significant aggregated distribution than juvenile or adult trees. The adult and juvenile trees had an aggregated distribution at the small scale and a random distribution at the large scale. Shrubs also showed a significant aggregated distribution. No clear effect on the spatial patterns of adult trees was observed; however, there was a noticeable effect for juveniles and seedlings under different grazing pressures. U. pumila seedlings had a positive association with their juveniles and Spiraea aquilegifolia, but a negative association with Caragana microphylla. Shrub encroachment occurred with decreasing grazing pressures. In conclusion, overgrazing led to the decline of U. pumila population, but the decrease in grazing pressure increased shrub encroachment in the temperate savanna ecosystem. Moderate grazing management may be a better way to enhance the stability of U. pumila population and reduce shrub encroachment.

scholarly journals From Ripples to Large-Scale Sand Transport: The Effects of Bedform-Related Roughness on Hydrodynamics and Sediment Transport Patterns in Delft3D

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 892
Author(s):  
Laura Brakenhoff ◽  
Reinier Schrijvershof ◽  
Jebbe van der Werf ◽  
Bart Grasmeijer ◽  
Gerben Ruessink ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sediment Transport ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Water Movement ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Sand Transport ◽  
Influence Model ◽  
The North ◽  
Ebb Tidal Delta ◽  
Transport Patterns ◽  
Set Up

Bedform-related roughness affects both water movement and sediment transport, so it is important that it is represented correctly in numerical morphodynamic models. The main objective of the present study is to quantify for the first time the importance of ripple- and megaripple-related roughness for modelled hydrodynamics and sediment transport on the wave- and tide-dominated Ameland ebb-tidal delta in the north of the Netherlands. To do so, a sensitivity analysis was performed, in which several types of bedform-related roughness predictors were evaluated using a Delft3D model. Also, modelled ripple roughness was compared to data of ripple heights observed in a six-week field campaign on the Ameland ebb-tidal delta. The present study improves our understanding of how choices in model set-up influence model results. By comparing the results of the model scenarios, it was found that the ripple and megaripple-related roughness affect the depth-averaged current velocity, mainly over the shallow areas of the delta. The small-scale ripples are also important for the suspended load sediment transport, both indirectly through the affected flow and directly. While the current magnitude changes by 10–20% through changes in bedform roughness, the sediment transport magnitude changes by more than 100%.

Small-Scale Models for Testing Masonry Structures

2010 ◽  
Vol 133-134 ◽  
pp. 497-502 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvaro Quinonez ◽  
Jennifer Zessin ◽  
Aissata Nutzel ◽  
John Ochsendorf
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Model Testing ◽  
Scale Model ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Material Strength ◽  
Masonry Structures ◽  
Scale Models ◽  
Set Up

Experiments may be used to verify numerical and analytical results, but large-scale model testing is associated with high costs and lengthy set-up times. In contrast, small-scale model testing is inexpensive, non-invasive, and easy to replicate over several trials. This paper proposes a new method of masonry model generation using three-dimensional printing technology. Small-scale models are created as an assemblage of individual blocks representing the original structure’s geometry and stereotomy. Two model domes are tested to collapse due to outward support displacements, and experimental data from these tests is compared with analytical predictions. Results of these experiments provide a strong understanding of the mechanics of actual masonry structures and can be used to demonstrate the structural capacity of masonry structures with extensive cracking. Challenges for this work, such as imperfections in the model geometry and construction problems, are also addressed. This experimental method can provide a low-cost alternative for the collapse analysis of complex masonry structures, the safety of which depends primarily on stability rather than material strength.

scholarly journals Oscillating grids turbulence generator for turbulent transport studies

2002 ◽  
Vol 9 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 201-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Eidelman ◽  
T. Elperin ◽  
A. Kapusta ◽  
N. Kleeorin ◽  
A. Krein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Field ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Turbulent Transport ◽  
Observation Time ◽  
Statistical Characteristics ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Flow Measurements ◽  
Oscillating Grids ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Turbulence Generator

Abstract. An oscillating grids turbulence generator was constructed for studies of two new effects associated with turbulent transport of particles, turbulent thermal diffusion and clustering instability. These effects result in formation of large-scale and small-scale inhomogeneities in the spatial distribution of particles. The advantage of this experimental set-up is the feasibility to study turbulent transport in mixtures with controllable composition and unlimited observation time. For flow measurements we used Particle Image Velocimetry with the adaptive multi-pass algorithm to determine a turbulent velocity field and its statistical characteristics. Instantaneous velocity vector maps, flow streamlines and probability density function of velocity field demonstrate properties of turbulence generated in the device.

scholarly journals War of the wasps: is Diadegma insulare or Microplitis plutellae a more effective parasitoid of the Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella?

2013 ◽  
Vol 127 (3) ◽  
pp. 211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adamo Young
Keyword(s):  
Plutella Xylostella ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Diamondback Moth ◽  
Host Density ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Diadegma Insulare ◽  
Set Up

Parasitism levels by Diadegma insulare (Muesebeck) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) and Microplitis plutellae (Haliday) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) at various densities of their host, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), were assessed. Cages with densities of 10 hosts, 20 hosts, and 40 hosts were set up, with the cage volume (40 500 cm3) and number of wasps (2 females) remaining constant. The host populations were also exposed to the wasps for two different exposure times: 1 day and 3 days. The study showed that D. insulare was a better parasitoid overall, achieving a level of parasitism equal to or higher than M. plutellae at all densities. Microplitis plutellae performed best at a lower host density (76% ± 9% of 10 hosts vs. 43% ± 3% of 40 hosts). Diadegma insulare performed similarly at all densities tested (75% ± 5% of 10 hosts, 83% ± 4% of 20 hosts, and 79% ± 6% of 40 hosts). This suggests that D. insulare may be the better parasitoid overall and should be applied in severe, large-scale infestations, while M. plutellae may be better for small-scale infestations.

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