14 research outputs found
Common characteristics of open source software development and applicability for drug discovery: a systematic review
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Innovation through an open source model has proven to be successful for software development. This success has led many to speculate if open source can be applied to other industries with similar success. We attempt to provide an understanding of open source software development characteristics for researchers, business leaders and government officials who may be interested in utilizing open source innovation in other contexts and with an emphasis on drug discovery.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A systematic review was performed by searching relevant, multidisciplinary databases to extract empirical research regarding the common characteristics and barriers of initiating and maintaining an open source software development project.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Common characteristics to open source software development pertinent to open source drug discovery were extracted. The characteristics were then grouped into the areas of participant attraction, management of volunteers, control mechanisms, legal framework and physical constraints. Lastly, their applicability to drug discovery was examined.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We believe that the open source model is viable for drug discovery, although it is unlikely that it will exactly follow the form used in software development. Hybrids will likely develop that suit the unique characteristics of drug discovery. We suggest potential motivations for organizations to join an open source drug discovery project. We also examine specific differences between software and medicines, specifically how the need for laboratories and physical goods will impact the model as well as the effect of patents.</p
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The use of spectral mixture analysis to study human incentives, actions, and environmental outcomes
The social science community has given increasing attention to the analysis of multitemporal satellite images in human dimensions of environmental change research. This article provides an overview of how image-processing techniques, such as radiometric calibration and spectral mixture analysis, can be applied. The application of these techniques is vital if the social science community wishes to develop a robust research program that allows the accurate comparison of distant but similar locations. Furthermore, by mapping the institutional landscape, the article demonstrates how social scientists can begin to understand landscape change by carefully relating human incentives to actions and actions to outcomes as measured by a set of multitemporal satellite images
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Using satellite imagery to locate innovative forest management practices in Nepal
There is a critical need to locate innovative forest management institutions that significantly impact forest cover change. This research presents an initial proof of concept methodology which combines deforestation theory with satellite image change analysis to identify forested areas that, theoretically, should probably not be there. Ten such forest anomalies are identified using temporal analysis of Landsat TM imagery of the Chitwan district in Nepal, linked with a GIS database on roads and a visual estimation of topography. A rapid field reconnaissance is undertaken to determine which of these anomalies exhibit interesting forest management innovations. Based on this information, one case is selected for detailed field study: this turns out to be a major case of community forestry and a premier ecotourism initiative that we were not aware of until we undertook this analysis. The utility and limitations of the method are described for monitoring trends in forest cover change
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Interest in cross-boundary cooperation: Identification of distinct types of private forest owners
This article presents quantitative results from a study that evaluated private forest (PF) owner interest in cross-boundary cooperation. The intent was to reveal subgroups, referred to here as segments, of PF owners that align with different forms and levels of cooperative activities. Segmentation analysis used 783 mail-back surveys from Franklin County, Massachusetts, PF owners in spring 2002. The analysis indicates that there are four segments of PF owners in Franklin County, each maintaining a distinct level of interest in proposed forms of cooperation. Two segments define positive interest in cooperation (General Cooperators, 27%; Conservation Cooperators, 21%), and the other two represent apathy (Neutralists, 27%), and disinterest (Non-Cooperators, 24%). Furthermore, each segment presents a unique profile of items and scales that measure personal values and attitudes about cross-boundary cooperation and socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Segment profiles show a strong association between interest in cooperation and profiling variables such as age, affluence, personal values, and attitudes. By identifying the specific needs and wants among PF owners, these findings can help in the development of responsive initiatives to promote cross-boundary cooperation in Franklin County. Furthermore, the outlined segmentation analysis could aid PF owner studies identify and describe key segments and determine interest in cross-boundary cooperation
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Forest fragmentation and regrowth in an institutional mosaic of community, government and private ownership in Nepal
This study analyzes forest change in an area of Nepal that signifies a delicate balance between sustaining the needs and livelihood of a sizable human population dependent on forest products, and an effort to protect important wildlife and other natural resources. The study area, a portion of the Chitwan valley district of Nepal, represents what may be becoming a common institutional mosaic in many countries of the world who have a population reliant on forest products for their livelihood: (1) a national park; (2) a designated park buffer involving participatory forest management programs; (3) scattered patches of designated community forest; and (4) large areas of adjacent landscape made up of mostly private landholdings under agricultural practices. Utilizing Landsat images from 1989 and 2000, we analyze land cover change in each of these management zones using landscape ecology metrics and quantifying proportional distributions of land cover categories. Our results show significant differences in terms of land cover dynamics and landscape spatial pattern between these land ownership classes. These findings indicate that community-based institutions (participatory management programs in the park buffer and the designated community forests) are capable of halting or even reversing trends in deforestation and forest fragmentation
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Assessing private forest owner attitudes toward ecosystem-based management
Nonindustrial private forest owners in Vermont, New Hampshire, and western Massachusetts were surveyed to determine their attitudes toward an ecosystem-based approach to management. In all cases, respondents showed favorable attitudes toward: unique, small-scale ecological features like rare species and wetlands; management at spatial scales larger than the individual parcel; and ownership beyond a single generation. Even nonrespondents, when interviewed on the telephone, indicated attitudes sensitive to these issues. We believe future conservation of nonindustrial private forestland (NIPF) lands will be successful if professionals design management alternatives sensitive to these attitudes and policy makers craft appealing and effective programs that are perceived as relevant