Some Computational Aspects of Essential Properties of Evolution and Life

While evolution has inspired algorithmic methods of heuristic optimisation, little has been done in the way of using concepts of computation to advance our understanding of salient aspects of biological evolution. We argue that under reasonable assumptions, interesting conclusions can be drawn that are of relevance to behavioural evolution. We will focus on two important features of life--robustness and fitness optimisation--which, we will argue, are related to algorithmic probability and to the thermodynamics of computation, subjects that may be capable of explaining and modelling key features of living organisms, and which can be used in understanding and formulating algorithms of evolutionary computation

USING DEA AND VEA TO EVALUATE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE MID-ATLANTIC STATES

In this study we use data envelopment analysis (DEA), and an extension of DEA called value efficiency analysis (VEA), to explore the production of quality of life within counties in the mid-Atlantic region and the extent to which production frontiers and efficiency differ between rural and urban counties. These methods allow us to identify counties that are inefficient in their quality of life production, and to rank those counties according to their distance from a performance standard established by other observed counties (using DEA), or by a single unit designated as most preferred (using VEA) .International Development,

Using DEA and VEA to Evaluate Quality of Life in the Mid-Atlantic States

In this study we use data envelopment analysis (DEA) and an extension of DEA called value efficiency analysis (VEA) to explore the “"production”" of quality of life within counties in the mid-Atlantic region and the extent to which production frontiers and efficiency differ between rural and urban counties. These methods allow us to identify counties that are inefficient in their quality of life production, and to rank (using DEA) those counties according to their distance from a performance standard established by other observed counties(using VEA), or by a single unit designated as "“most preferred"(using VEA).”data envelopment analysis, value efficiency analysis, quality of life, Community/Rural/Urban Development,

Approximations of Algorithmic and Structural Complexity Validate Cognitive-behavioural Experimental Results

We apply methods for estimating the algorithmic complexity of sequences to behavioural sequences of three landmark studies of animal behavior each of increasing sophistication, including foraging communication by ants, flight patterns of fruit flies, and tactical deception and competition strategies in rodents. In each case, we demonstrate that approximations of Logical Depth and Kolmogorv-Chaitin complexity capture and validate previously reported results, in contrast to other measures such as Shannon Entropy, compression or ad hoc. Our method is practically useful when dealing with short sequences, such as those often encountered in cognitive-behavioural research. Our analysis supports and reveals non-random behavior (LD and K complexity) in flies even in the absence of external stimuli, and confirms the "stochastic" behaviour of transgenic rats when faced that they cannot defeat by counter prediction. The method constitutes a formal approach for testing hypotheses about the mechanisms underlying animal behaviour.Comment: 28 pages, 7 figures and 2 table

Red deer habitat management in the Highlands: Consequences for invertebrates

In Scotland, the well documented increase in the red deer population is widely regarded as a cause for concern, due to potentially detrimental impacts of grazing. This has lead to conflicting objectives between conservation and deer managers, despite the extent of the increase and the resulting impact both being hotly debated issues. Upland heather moorland is of international conservation importance while woodland habitats are some of the most stable ecosystems in anthropogenic landscapes. In the UK oak woodland plays a crucial role in the maintenance of biodiversity, and both heather moorland and oak woodland may be subject to degradation or decline due to grazing. This study is based in north-west Scotland, and investigates the consequences of two deer management strategies, in two habitat types, for invertebrates. An observational study of heather moorland under two extremes of grazing pressure provided little evidence for negative impacts of grazing on invertebrates on the more heavily grazed Letterewe Estate, suggesting that the deer population is not a cause for concern in terms of invertebrate biodiversity. An experimental study of grazed and un-grazed oak woodland found some positive effects, and no instances of negative grazing impacts on invertebrate biodiversity, and no effect on guild structure. This work highlights the need for science to inform land management policy that must often seek to balance conservation objectives with economic interests, and supports the notion that a red deer herd of a size consistent with viable stalking interests can be integral to the maintenance of biodiversity and the natural heritage

Die uitwerking van griseofulvin op favus - in beeld

No Abstrac

The Role of Neurocognitive Tests in the Assessment of Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Despite widespread recognition that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder, optimal methods of diagnosis among adults remain elusive. Substantial overlap between ADHD symptoms and cognitive symptoms of other mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, and concerns about validity in symptom reporting have made the use of neuropsychological tests in ADHD diagnostic assessment appealing. However, past work exploring the potential diagnostic utility of neuropsychological tests among adults has often relied on a relatively small subset of tests, has failed to include symptom and performance validity measures, and often does not include comparison groups of participants with commonly comorbid disorders, such as depression. The current study examined the utility of an extensive neuropsychological measure battery for diagnosing ADHD among adults. Two hundred forty-six participants (109 ADHD, 52 depressed, 85 nondisordered controls) completed a multistage screening and assessment process, which included a clinical interview, self, and informant report on behavior rating scales, performance and symptom validity measures, and an extensive neuropsychological testing battery. Results indicated that measures of working memory, sustained attention, response speed, and variability best discriminated ADHD and non-ADHD participants. While single test measures provided performed poorly in identifying ADHD participants, analyses revealed that a combined approach using self and informant symptom ratings, positive family history of ADHD, and a reaction time (RT) variability measure correctly classified 87% of cases. Findings suggest that neuropsychological test measures used in conjunction with other clinical assessments may enhance prediction of adult ADHD diagnoses