11,822 research outputs found
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 (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,
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,
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
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