Avian Models for Social Cohesion

Avian Models for Social Cohesion PDF Author: Andras Csillag
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889634647
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 109

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Book Description
Animals living in groups are often linked to group or family members stronger than to other conspecifics, and form stronger coalitions (often based on genetic relatedness) within such groups. Effective cooperation within a group requires the preference for proximity of group members, suppression of aggression toward conspecifics, an ability to perceive and respond to social signals and to change (often synchronize) behavior accordingly. Birds have long been used for a number of investigations involving sensory perception, learning, feeding strategies and vocal communication. Recently, they have been proposed as ideal model species even for psychiatric disorders affecting social cohesion, such as autism spectrum disorder. The physiological mechanisms and neural systems underlying different forms of sociability (sexual and parental bonding, group preference, nesting, care for offspring, migration) can often be studied easier in birds, since their social behavioral repertoire, as a taxon (but sometimes also as individuals), is more diverse than that of mammals. By contrast with laboratory rodents, birds rely less on olfactory cues. Rather, they tend to use visual and acoustic signals for social interactions, much like humans. Comparative approach and evolutionary relevance of studies using avian species have already yielded valuable results in several fields of neuroscience: learning and memory (imprinting), acoustic communication (birdsong), neurogenesis (seasonal changes in the song network). With the advent of robust novel methods in molecular biology, genomics and proteomics, information technology and electronic engineering; and also based upon an ever improving battery of behavioral tests, avian research in social cohesion has likely gained a new impetus.

Avian Models for Social Cohesion

Avian Models for Social Cohesion PDF Author: Andras Csillag
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889634647
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 109

Get Book

Book Description
Animals living in groups are often linked to group or family members stronger than to other conspecifics, and form stronger coalitions (often based on genetic relatedness) within such groups. Effective cooperation within a group requires the preference for proximity of group members, suppression of aggression toward conspecifics, an ability to perceive and respond to social signals and to change (often synchronize) behavior accordingly. Birds have long been used for a number of investigations involving sensory perception, learning, feeding strategies and vocal communication. Recently, they have been proposed as ideal model species even for psychiatric disorders affecting social cohesion, such as autism spectrum disorder. The physiological mechanisms and neural systems underlying different forms of sociability (sexual and parental bonding, group preference, nesting, care for offspring, migration) can often be studied easier in birds, since their social behavioral repertoire, as a taxon (but sometimes also as individuals), is more diverse than that of mammals. By contrast with laboratory rodents, birds rely less on olfactory cues. Rather, they tend to use visual and acoustic signals for social interactions, much like humans. Comparative approach and evolutionary relevance of studies using avian species have already yielded valuable results in several fields of neuroscience: learning and memory (imprinting), acoustic communication (birdsong), neurogenesis (seasonal changes in the song network). With the advent of robust novel methods in molecular biology, genomics and proteomics, information technology and electronic engineering; and also based upon an ever improving battery of behavioral tests, avian research in social cohesion has likely gained a new impetus.

The Social Impulse

The Social Impulse PDF Author: Jaime A. Pineda, Ph.D.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 303108439X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 198

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Book Description
This book is an exploration of the integration-differentiation dynamics that result in a drive, or impulse, toward human sociality, arguing that our need to connect with other people is as fundamental as our need for food and shelter. In The Social Impulse: The Evolution and Neuroscience of What Brings Us Together, Jaime Pineda presents the evidence that social cohesion is a complementary force to natural selection, the Darwinian drive for differentiation and diversity. The book addresses the distinctive aspects of social behavior that arise from integration principles and seeks to answer the following questions: (1) Why does social cohesion arise? (2) What is the history of social dynamics? (3) How does social cohesion work? (4) When do the developmental aspects of social dynamics arise? A final section of the book addresses the value of sociality and social cohesion. By exploring the differences, similarities, and, most important, the interactivity between natural selection and social cohesion, this unique book provides a wealth of interesting, challenging, and unexpected insights.

Social Epidemiology

Social Epidemiology PDF Author: Lisa F. Berkman
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 9780195083316
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 428

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Book Description
This book shows the important links between social conditions and health and begins to describe the processes through which these health inequalities may be generated. It reviews a range of methodologies that could be used by health researchers in this field and proposes innovative future research directions.

The Social Life of Greylag Geese

The Social Life of Greylag Geese PDF Author: Isabella B. R. Scheiber
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1107292182
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 257

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Book Description
The flock of greylag geese established by Konrad Lorenz in Austria in 1973 has become an influential model animal system and one of the few worldwide with complete life-history data spanning several decades. Based on the unique records of nearly 1000 free-living greylag geese, this is a synthesis of more than twenty years of behavioural research. It provides a comprehensive overview of a complex bird society, placing it in an evolutionary framework and drawing on a range of approaches, including behavioural (personality, aggression, pair bonding and clan formation), physiological, cognitive and genetic. With contributions from leading researchers, the chapters provide valuable insight into historic and recent research on the social behaviour of geese. All aspects of goose and bird sociality are discussed in the context of parallels with mammalian social organisation, making this a fascinating resource for anyone interested in integrative approaches to vertebrate social systems.

The European Social Model Adrift

The European Social Model Adrift PDF Author: Serena Romano
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317033213
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 275

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Book Description
This volume presents a new perspective for discussing the European social contract and its main challenges, bringing together single-nation and comparative studies from across Europe. Presenting both theoretical discussions and empirical case studies, it explores various aspects of social cohesion, including social protection, the labour market, social movements, healthcare, social inequalities and poverty. With particular attention to the effects of the international economic and financial crisis on social cohesion, particularly in the light of the implementation of so-called ’austerity measures’, authors engage with questions surrounding the possible fragmentation of the European model of social cohesion and the transformation of forms of social protection, asking whether social cohesion continues to represent - if it ever did - a common feature of European countries. Breaking new ground in understanding the future of Social Europe and its main dynamics of change, The European Social Model Adrift will appeal to scholars of sociology, social policy and politics, with interests in social cohesion, the effects of financial crisis and the European social model.

Modeling Social Behavior

Modeling Social Behavior PDF Author: Paul Smaldino
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691224145
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 360

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Book Description
A comprehensive introduction to mathematical and agent-based modeling of social behavior This book provides a unified, theory-driven introduction to key mathematical and agent-based models of social dynamics and cultural evolution, teaching readers how to build their own models, analyze them, and integrate them with empirical research programs. It covers a variety of modeling topics, each exemplified by one or more archetypal models, and helps readers to develop strong theoretical foundations for understanding social behavior. Modeling Social Behavior equips social, behavioral, and cognitive scientists with an essential tool kit for thinking about and studying complex social systems using mathematical and computational models. Combines both mathematical and agent-based modeling of social behavior Integrates cognitive science, social science, and cultural evolution Covers topics such as the philosophy of modeling, collective movement, segregation, contagion, polarization, the evolution of cooperation, the emergence of norms, networks, and the scientific process Discusses more advanced topics, including how to use models to build a more robust empirical research program An ideal introductory textbook for graduate students or advanced undergraduates An invaluable resource for practitioners

An Introduction to Agent-Based Modeling

An Introduction to Agent-Based Modeling PDF Author: Uri Wilensky
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262328135
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 505

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Book Description
A comprehensive and hands-on introduction to the core concepts, methods, and applications of agent-based modeling, including detailed NetLogo examples. The advent of widespread fast computing has enabled us to work on more complex problems and to build and analyze more complex models. This book provides an introduction to one of the primary methodologies for research in this new field of knowledge. Agent-based modeling (ABM) offers a new way of doing science: by conducting computer-based experiments. ABM is applicable to complex systems embedded in natural, social, and engineered contexts, across domains that range from engineering to ecology. An Introduction to Agent-Based Modeling offers a comprehensive description of the core concepts, methods, and applications of ABM. Its hands-on approach—with hundreds of examples and exercises using NetLogo—enables readers to begin constructing models immediately, regardless of experience or discipline. The book first describes the nature and rationale of agent-based modeling, then presents the methodology for designing and building ABMs, and finally discusses how to utilize ABMs to answer complex questions. Features in each chapter include step-by-step guides to developing models in the main text; text boxes with additional information and concepts; end-of-chapter explorations; and references and lists of relevant reading. There is also an accompanying website with all the models and code.

Particle Swarm Optimisation

Particle Swarm Optimisation PDF Author: Jun Sun
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1439835772
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 419

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Book Description
Although the particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm requires relatively few parameters and is computationally simple and easy to implement, it is not a globally convergent algorithm. In Particle Swarm Optimisation: Classical and Quantum Perspectives, the authors introduce their concept of quantum-behaved particles inspired by quantum mechanics, which leads to the quantum-behaved particle swarm optimisation (QPSO) algorithm. This globally convergent algorithm has fewer parameters, a faster convergence rate, and stronger searchability for complex problems. The book presents the concepts of optimisation problems as well as random search methods for optimisation before discussing the principles of the PSO algorithm. Examples illustrate how the PSO algorithm solves optimisation problems. The authors also analyse the reasons behind the shortcomings of the PSO algorithm. Moving on to the QPSO algorithm, the authors give a thorough overview of the literature on QPSO, describe the fundamental model for the QPSO algorithm, and explore applications of the algorithm to solve typical optimisation problems. They also discuss some advanced theoretical topics, including the behaviour of individual particles, global convergence, computational complexity, convergence rate, and parameter selection. The text closes with coverage of several real-world applications, including inverse problems, optimal design of digital filters, economic dispatch problems, biological multiple sequence alignment, and image processing. MATLAB®, Fortran, and C++ source codes for the main algorithms are provided on an accompanying downloadable resources. Helping you numerically solve optimisation problems, this book focuses on the fundamental principles and applications of PSO and QPSO algorithms. It not only explains how to use the algorithms, but also covers advanced topics that establish the groundwork for understanding.

Perspectives on the Bird's Head of Irian Jaya, Indonesia

Perspectives on the Bird's Head of Irian Jaya, Indonesia PDF Author:
Publisher: BRILL
ISBN: 9004652647
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 998

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Book Description
The Bird's Head Peninsula of Irian Jaya has long been an area neglected by New Guinea Studies. Only in the late seventies, interest began to focus more intensively on this scientifically important border area between Austronesian and Papuan languages and cultures. In the early nineties, this led to the creation in The Netherlands of the Irian Jaya Studies programme ISIR, which organizes and coordinates multi-disciplinary research on the Bird's Head Peninsula. Within this framework, study of the peninsula has reached a peak, with research being conducted in the area by scientists from different disciplines: anthropology, archaeology, (ethno)botany, demography, development administration, geology and linguistics. The diverse perspectives of these disciplines are subject to constant internal debate. Through ISIR and other research initiatives, there is a growing body of data on and insights into the various disciplines concerned with this fascinating area, with each discipline developing its own specific perspectives on the Bird's Head. These perspectives were presented during the First International Conference Perspectives on the Bird's Head of Irian Jaya, Indonesia, organized by ISIR in cooperation with the Indonesian Institute of Sciences LIPI (Jakarta) and the International Institute for Asian Studies ILAS (Leiden) and held at Leiden University, 13-17 October 1997. Researchers were informed on current perspectives in many disciplines to facilitate integration of findings into wider, interdisciplinary frameworks and to stimulate international debate within and between disciplines. As a result of the Conference, the forty-two contributions in these Proceedings present a wealth of recent developments from various disciplines in New Guinea Studies.

Social Capital and Health

Social Capital and Health PDF Author: Ichiro Kawachi
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387713107
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 295

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Book Description
As interest in social capital has grown over the past decade—particularly in public health —so has the lack of consensus on exactly what it is and what makes it worth studying. Ichiro Kawachi, a widely respected leader in the field, and 21 contributors (including physicians, economists, and public health experts) discuss the theoretical origins of social capital, the strengths and limitations of current methodologies of measuring it, and salient examples of social capital concepts informing public health practice. Among the highlights: Measurement methods: survey, sociometric, ethnographic, experimental The relationship between social capital and physical health and health behaviors: smoking, substance abuse, physical activity, sexual activity Social capital and mental health: early findings Social capital and the aging community Social capital and disaster preparedness Social Capital and Health is certain to inspire a new generation of research on this topic, and will be of interest to researchers and advanced students in public health, health behavior, and social epidemiology.