Individual Tactics Research Articles

Camouflage and escape decisions in the common chameleon Chamaeleo chamaeleon

In species with reduced locomotory abilities, camouflage seems to be far more important than other behavioural tactics (e.g. running) to elude predatory attacks. In this study, we examined the effects of camouflage on escape decisions in the common chameleon Chamaeleo chamaeleon. The effectiveness of camouflage was assessed by the ability of humans to detect different sized chameleons placed on different backgrounds (vegetation of high and low density, defined here as open and dense bushes), both in the field and in photographs. Escape behaviour was analysed by simulating a predator attack (in our case, approach by a human). As expected, the probability of detection by a potential predator was size- and background dependent. In the field, detection time (but not distance) was significantly higher for chameleons of a given size perched on dense (Myoporum) than open (Retama) bushes. When using photographs, the probability of detection was higher for large (adult) chameleons perched on open (Retama or Nerium) bushes and lower for hatchlings perched on dense (Myoporum or Cupressus) bushes. Conspicuousness greatly influenced the escape tactics of individuals. Chameleons perched on more protected Myoporum allowed closest approach distances than those perched on less protectedRetama . In general, antipredatory responses (defined here as «first movement», «fleeing», «mouth opening» or «free falling») occurred significantly earlier in the trial sequence in chameleons perched on clear Retama than those perched in Myoporum. Two antipredatory responses were size-dependent: juveniles and adults exhibited «mouth opening» more frequently than hatchlings whereas «free falling» was more frequently recorded for hatchlings. Our results suggest that size and vegetation greatly influence the risk of detection by predators and this variation influences an individual's decision about when and how to escape.

Anxiety as one of the factors determining the rate of multiple sclerosis progressing

Results of psychologic examination of 61 patient with multiple sclerosis diagnosed by Poser criteria are described. In most part of patients an increased level of both egocentric and reactive anxiety in comparison with findings of control group of healthy subjects and group of patients with some other neurologic pathology is with certainty determined. It is found that multiple sclerosis in patients with intense egocentric (congenital) anxiety is taking more malignant course. It is concluded that conducting psychologic testing of multiple sclerosis patients on the early stage for probable assessment of the further course of the disease and working out of more individual tactics of treatment is expedient.

Sex Steroids Relative to Alternative Mating Behaviors in the Simultaneous Hermaphrodite Serranus subligarius (Perciformes: Serranidae)

This study is the first investigation of reproductive endocrinology in a simultaneously hermaphroditic teleost, the belted sandfish (Serranus subligarius). We address two questions: (1) Do steroid hormone levels vary during the spawning season or during the daily spawning cycle of sandfish? (2) Do hormone levels vary relative to an individual's phenotype—size, frequency of spawning and aggressive behaviors, and proportion of testis in the gonad? We analyzed circulating estradiol-17β (E2), testosterone (T), 11-ketotestosterone (11KT), 17α,20β,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20βS), and 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) concentrations in a field population. Only E2 levels were significantly higher at the new and full moon, suggesting peak periods of vitellogenesis at these times. Naturally spawning sandfish were sampled every 2 h during the photophase of a 25-h period (12 pm to 1 pm the following day) and gonadosomatic index, degree of oocyte hydration and ovulation, and plasma levels of E2, T, DHP, and 20βS were analyzed. E2 and T levels did not vary during photophase, suggesting continuous recruitment of oocytes into vitellogenesis. The 20βS levels peaked around the time of final oocyte maturation. Since frequency of spawning behaviors changes with body size, we captured individuals of various sizes throughout the spawning season and analyzed circulating levels of hormones. 11KT and 20βS levels increased significantly with body size. In 1992, we quantified frequency of spawning and aggressive behaviors, circulating T and 11KT levels and testicular mass relative to ovotestis mass in focal animals. 11KT levels tended to be positively correlated with frequency of courting male behavior, but were unrelated to the frequency of aggressive behavior or testis mass. Because hormone levels increased with size and frequency of each spawning behavior changes with size, we propose that sex steroids influence growth-related changes in spawning tactics of individuals.

A study on the careful selection and structurization of defensive fundamentals and individual tactics in basketball

A study on the careful selection and structurization of defensive fundamentals and individual tactics in basketball

Organizational entry and exit: An exploratory longitudinal examination of early careers

New college graduates' perceptions of organizational entry constructs were measured at the end of the first year of employment and related to subsequent turnover as well as work attitudes 3 years later in a longitudinal design. The research design examined the simultaneous effects of entry constructs for the first time in an exploratory model. The combined effects of individual readiness, organizational tactics, individual tactics, entry process perceptions, perceived job characteristics, learning, expectations, and coping responses on subsequent turnover and job attitudes of newly employed college graduates were investigated using hierarchical logistic regression. Aspects of preemployment anticipation, organization receptivity, adaptation difficulty, meeting with person previously in the position, feedback seeking, and organization attachment correctly predicted 73.3% voluntary turnover after Year 1. Organization entry constructs and first year attitudes explained 45% of the variance in organizational commitment and 48.9% of organizational attachment 3 years later. Preliminary evidence suggests mediated causal paths link other aspects of newcomer perceptions, work attitudes, and turnover.

Coping With Partner Abuse Among Mexican American and Anglo Women: Ethnic and Socioeconomic Influences

This exploratory study examines the influence of ethnic group membership and socioeconomic status on the coping strategies reported by women victims of partner abuse. Ninety-three Mexican American and Anglo women recruited from the general community were interviewed after being screened for the presence of partner abuse. Individual coping tactics reported by the respondents were coded as internal focus or external focus coping strategies. Multiple regression results indicate that only socioeconomic status significantly predicts internal focus coping beyond the contribution of ethnicity.

Hawk-dove game and competition dynamics

In this article, we consider two populations subdivided into two categories of individuals (hawks and doves). Individuals fight to have access to a resource necessary for their growth. Conflicts occur between hawks of the same population and hawks of different populations. The aim of this work is to investigate the long term effects of these conflicts on coexistence and stability of the community of the two populations. This model involves four variables corresponding to the two tactics of individuals of the two populations. The model is composed of two parts, a fast part describing the encounters and fights, and the slow part describing the long term effects of encounters on the growth of the populations. We use aggregation methods allowing us to reduce this model into a system of two ODEs for the total densities of the two populations. This is found to be a classical Lotka-Volterra competition model. We study the effects of the different fast equilibrium proportions of hawks and doves in both populations on the global coexistence and the mutual exclusion of the two populations. We show that in some cases, mixed hawk and dove populations coexist. Aggressive populations of hawks exclude doves except in the case of interpopulation costs being smaller than intrapopulation ones.

A Study on the Characteristics and the Classification of “Ball Games”

The purpose of the present study is to make clear how to grasp the characteristics of “ball games, and to classify each ball game according its grasp, by examining the chronological changes of the objectives of “ball games” in “physical education” and the related content system in the course of studies for lower secondary schools since 1958. In addition, the problems addressed in this study were examined in accordance with the morphology of ball games in order to suggest concerning the central content system.The main results can be summarized as follows. The emphasis on the grasp of the characteristics of “ball games” has been shifted in the four revised editions of the course of study, from aspects of motor skills to interdependent aspects of motor skills and the learner's subjective feelings, such as pleasure and enjoyment. Furthermore, we have found that it is necessary to grasp the characteristics of “ball games” morphologically in order to draw learning content of tactics which can bring about pleasure and enjoyment, and to classify each ball game according to its morphological grasp.Therefore the characteristics of “ball games” should be understood from the viewpoint of “movement form” of tactics. Thus, each ball game was divided into the following 3 major types accordingly.That is, A) “Break-Through Type, ” B) “Rally Type, ” C) “Throw-And-Hit Type.”Furthermore, we presented the framework which can compose the central content of each ball game according to the system concerning “movement forms” of collective and individual tactics to perform the game.

Generation and Adaptation Mechanism of Swarm Strategy for Multi-Agent System. Optimization Algorithm of Swarm Strategy by Biologically Inspired Immune Type Swarm Robotic System.

This paper presents generation and adaptation mechanism of the swarm strategy for a multi-agent system in a dynamic environment. The approach for the adaptation of the swarm strategy is based on the clonal selection theory of the biological immune system. The immune system possesses a homeostasis maintenance mechanism which allows for recognition of self and non-self, and removal of foreign substances from the body. In this paper, we adopt some of the immune mechanisms for each agent and for interaction between agents. Tactics the mechanism we present here, is one method to search and adapt the optimal swarm strategy in a dynamic environment. By using this tactics cloning, individual tactics or a set of individual tactics generates the most optimal swarm strategy.

Patterns of Influence Behavior for Managers

This study involved analysis of incidents describing influence attempts from the perspective of an agent or a target. Influence behavior in the incidents was coded into nine influence tactics. A conceptual framework was presented to explain the selection and sequencing of tactics, and the model was used to derive specific hypotheses for individual tactics. Analysis of tactic combinations revealed that some tactics were used together much more often than others. Consistent with the model, some tactics were used more in initial influence attempts, and other tactics were used more in follow-up influence attempts. Differences in the use of tactics with subordinates, peers, and superiors were also consistent with the model, and the results verified directional differences found in earlier research with questionnaires.

A pesquisa em memória social

A reflexion on the research on the psychology of social memory is proposed, both from the point of view of general orientation and from that of individual tactics of investigation. The theoretical bases are Gestalt theory and the Bergsonian philosophy of time. The memorative processes are related to 'fields of significance' in the life of the subject who remembers. The influence of social groups on the formation of memories is discussed.

The Former Soviet Union in the Era of Primitive Accumulation and Kleptocratic Rule

It is perhaps not so surprising that both the Western and the Soviet media have been concentrating on the tactics of individuals in their attempt to make sense of the accelerating sequence of events leading to the collapse of the Soviet Union. After all, the General Secretary of the CPSU has always been an unconstitutional monarch and Gorbachev was no exception. But instead of concentrating on the role of political leaders in the dissolution of the USSR, I wish in this comment to examine the class forces behind these events and show how economic reforms will benefit a new, pseudo-middle class.

CODING NATURALISTIC NEGOTIATION INTERACTION

While much recent work has attempted to code negotiation interaction to identify how individuals use communication tactics in negotiation settings, many coding schemes have been developed to analyze simulated activities and may not be appropriate for the analysis of formal, professional negotiation events. Moreover, most coding research has failed to focus on the relationships between individual tactics and larger communication strategies. This article proposes a coding mechanism sensitive to formal, naturally occurring communication in negotiation settings and capable of identifying strategic use of individual tactics. The coding scheme is then applied to simulated and naturalistic negotiation interaction and the resulting data are assessed, using lag sequential analysis. Significant differences are reflected between the naturalistic and simulated interactions and strong patterns of communication strategy are identified.

Improvement of air quality by means of transportation system management

Under the United States federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977, states must implement transportation system management (TSM) tactics in urban areas that have not attained national ambient air quality standards for carbon monoxide and photochemical oxidants. This paper provides a preliminary assessment of the effectiveness and feasibility of using TSM tactics to improve air quality. Based on this assessment, the authors conclude that TSM measures should be effective in eliminating localized carbon monoxide problems, but that such measures are not likely to contribute significantly toward reducing regional oxidant levels. In addition, because most individual TSM tactics can have only marginal impacts on regional motor vehicle emissions, coordinating the planning and implementation of a portfolio of TSM measures will be an essential element of an effective TSM program for improving air quality.