Comparative Study of Photosynthesis Rates between Native Red Maple and Invasive Norway Maple in the Eastern Deciduous Forest

Invasive species, such as the Norway Maple, are often able to outcompete native species, such as the Red Maple by performing more efficiently in the environment compared to the native species. In this study, we examined if the Norway maple was able to outcompete the Red Maple in the Eastern Deciduous Forest because the Norway Maple had a higher rate of photosynthesis. The study found that the Norway Maple leaves had a slightly higher rate of carbon dioxide consumption than Red Maple leaves and that the Red Maple leaves had a higher rate of oxygen production compared to the Norway Maples. Since these differences were not statistically significant, the data suggested that the differences in the rate of photosynthesis between the two tree species is most likely very small. This suggests that the rate of photosynthesis is most likely not the advantage Norway Maples have over Red Maples that allows this invader to better compete for space in a forest

Using a Bayesian averaging model for estimating the reliability of decisions in multimodal biometrics

The issue of reliable authentication is of increasing importance in modern society. Corporations, businesses and individuals often wish to restrict access to logical or physical resources to those with relevant privileges. A popular method for authentication is the use of biometric data, but the uncertainty that arises due to the lack of uniqueness in biometrics has lead there to be a great deal of effort invested into multimodal biometrics. These multimodal biometric systems can give rise to large, distributed data sets that are used to decide the authenticity of a user. Bayesian model averaging (BMA) methodology has been used to allow experts to evaluate the reliability of decisions made in data mining applications. The use of decision tree (DT) models within the BMA methodology gives experts additional information on how decisions are made. In this paper we discuss how DT models within the BMA methodology can be used for authentication in multimodal biometric systems

The Impact of El Niño on Northeastern Forests: A Case Study on Maple Syrup Production

El Niño events are likely to affect maple syrup production since it is very sensitive to weather events. A statistically significant direct correlation has not been found in our preliminary analysis, however. This may be because many other factors affect production and because weather anomalies also occur in non-El Niño years. Few defensive activities are available to maple syrup producers to alleviate the negative impacts of weather anomalies on their production. Hence, the value of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) forecasts to them is likely to be low, even if a clear correlation between productivity and ENSO events was eventually found. Overall, small welfare impacts of El Niño weather events are expected from their impact on the maple syrup industry, even if a correction is found. This is mainly because the share of maple syrup production in the economy is very small. Also, only a portion of the exploitable trees is under production and hence some excess capacity exists. Furthermore, maple syrup has numerous substitutes (albeit imperfect) as sources of sugar and luxury food items; the impact on consumer welfare is hence likely to be small. The most unique feature of maple syrup production includes cultural and amenity values provided by the springtime sugaring off parties; this appears as the least substitutable characteristic of the maple syrup industry. Indeed, few forest-based activities exist at the time of maple sap harvest. In all likelihood, even if the development of the industry is slowed down because of ENSO events, this springtime ritual will remain as it does not involve great investment like the larger, more sophisticated activities do. The welfare impact, through the lack of substitute, would be greater if this tradition were to disappear altogether.

India Giving: Insights into the Nature of Giving Across India

Giving in India is as ancient as the country itself. The instinct to give is part of the ebb and flow of our daily lives, permeating our religions, our culture and our history. Looking to the future, my firm belief is that philanthropy in India is destined to soar over the next decade. I believe this for two key reasons. The first is the sheer depth of social need in India. While the future promises much, the reality today remains that tens of millions across India need food, shelter and medicine on a daily basis. We know from India's 2011 census that by the time children being born today are teenagers, India will likely be the most populous nation in the world. For this growth to be sustainable, the change that philanthropy can bring will be vital. The second reason is the groundswell of evidence. A belief that philanthropy is on the rise in India is widely held, yet in truth, not enough is known about the size, scope, and impact of our generosity. Though there have been a few attempts to research and quantify individual giving, most of these studies have focussed on 'High Net Worth Individuals', rather than the general public. In order to nurture and expand charitable giving effectively, we must work with evidence that describes the broad context, such as the burgeoning middle class. With a reliable view of the dynamics of individual giving across the different socio-economic settings, we will be able to unlock knowledge that will encourage those who can afford to give, to give as much as they can