Opinion strength influences the spatial dynamics of opinion formation

Opinions are rarely binary; they can be held with different degrees of conviction, and this expanded attitude spectrum can affect the influence one opinion has on others. Our goal is to understand how different aspects of influence lead to recognizable spatio-temporal patterns of opinions and their strengths. To do this, we introduce a stochastic spatial agent-based model of opinion dynamics that includes a spectrum of opinion strengths and various possible rules for how the opinion strength of one individual affects the influence that this individual has on others. Through simulations, we find that even a small amount of amplification of opinion strength through interaction with like-minded neighbors can tip the scales in favor of polarization and deadlock

Personal norms of sustainability and their impact on management – The case of rangeland management in semi-arid regions

We empirically study personal norms of sustainability, conceptualized according to the normactivation theory and operationalized under the notion of strong ecological-economic sustainability, for commercial cattle farmers in semi-arid rangelands of Namibia, a system that is subject to extensive degradation. We characterize farmers’ personal norms, study their determinants, and analyze their impact on actual management based on the dual-preferences model. We find personal norms of sustainability that are heterogeneous across farmers, but vary little with socio-demographic or environmental characteristics. We find no evidence for a significant impact of personal norms on actual management behavior, which may be due to farmers not feeling capable for averting adverse long-term consequences of their management. This may contribute to the observed degradation of rangelands in Namibia.commercial cattle farming, Namibia, norm-activation theory, personal norms, dual-preferences model, semi-arid rangelands, sustainability

A study of definition

Montréal Trigonix inc. 201

How to Plan a Birthday Party: An Allopathy Enthusiast\u27s Guide to Integrating the Values of Traditional Medicine into Childbirth

Unbiased literature regarding the strengths of traditional birth attendants is lacking. While many international organizations have published data regarding the improving success rates of allopathic interventions, there has been no acknowledgement or discussion of the qualities that keep traditional birth attendants in practice. This study has aimed to identify the distinct values of traditional medicine that contrast most allopathic healthcare practices. Through informal interviews with three traditional birth attendants and one allopathic provider in the rural region of Andasibe, Madagascar, the researcher unearthed some of the key differences between these practices\u27 patient care before, during, and after childbirth. Results suggest that traditional birth attendants distinctly succeed in three main areas: a spiritual dimension to their skills, a highly personalized provision of care, and the embodiment of the cultural emphasis on reciprocity. With further research on these distinct values of traditional birth attendants, there may exist an opportunity to educate allopathic providers on the elements that their practices are lacking. Moreover, the development of a balanced body of knowledge of the different strengths of allopathic and traditional medicine practice may in turn lead to a stronger, more integrated healthcare system

Complementarity, impatience, and the resilience of natural-resource-dependent economies

We study how human preferences aect the resilience of economies that depend on more than one type of natural resources. In particular, we analyze whether the degree of substitutability of natural resources in consumer needs may give rise to multiple steady states and path dependence even when resources are managed optimally. This is a major shift in the interpretation and analysis of resilience, from viewing (limited) resilience as an objective property of the economy-environment system to acknowledging its partially subjective, preference-based character. We nd that society tends to be less willing to buer exogenous shocks if resource goods are complements in consumption than if they are substitutes. Hence, the stronger the complementarity between the various types of resource goods, the less resilient the economy is.Resilience; substitutes and complements; discounting; multiple steady states; natural resources; path dependence; regime shifts; tipping points

Statistical representation of a hybrid photovoltaic–wind system for controller design

This paper considers an autonomous, terrestrial energy supply plant applying renewable energy sources. It presents a mathematical model whose purpose is to gain an in-depth understanding of the impact of .fluctuations of the wind speed and the intensity of the sun on the power supply of such an energy system. Results could then be used to design a controller that operates the system. [Continues.