Use Of Different Points Research Articles

METHODS FOR STUDYING SONGBIRD TERRITORIES

A brief historical review is presented of the development of approaches to the study of the territorial space of songbirds (Oscines), using both older and modern research methods. The study of bird territoriality lasts more than a century, but there are still not only little-known aspects that remain in this direction, but also no consensus on terminology and methods. The description of the territorial space plays leading roles in such works. In turn, the classic objects of such research are songbirds demonstrating their territories by singing and defending them from invasion by other individuals. There have been many definitions of the term “territory” proposed, which reflect different concepts of territoriality. The most common definition of a territory thereby is a defended (conceptually) and demonstrated (operationally) space. As a rule, this space is a certain area, a projection of the real territory to the surface on the ground. In recent decades, however, publications have appeared on the topic of exploring territories as three-dimensional (3D) structures. The most effective method of field registration of territories remains the territory mapping method based on visual observations of tagged individuals, which has also been adapted for 3D-territories. Alternative approaches to the registration of territories, including radio telemetry, have significant limitations. In terms of quantitative data-processing methods, there has been a shift over the past decades from an analysis of territories as polygons to their analysis as kernel isopleths. This approach allows for not only the territory contours to be understood, but also the frequency of the use of different points within its limits to be assessed. A significant achievement in the recent years is the adaptation of the kernel methods to three-dimensional structures. It can be said that there is a need to study the territoriality of birds in a 3D-environment. Such research seems very promising because it can provide fundamentally new information on such things as habitat selection and space use, the formation of the spatial and ethological structure of settlements, the separation of territories under high population densities and limited resources, and both intra- and interspecific competition.

Determining the effectiveness of countries in combating pandemics: COVID-19 case

The aim of this study is to develop a multidimensional integrated efficiency analysis (MDIEA) model to be implemented when a pandemic breaks out. The first phase of the model involved the determination of input and output criteria that might affect the course of combat against the pandemic. Two methods were employed in the second phase: the CRITIC method, which uses objective values to determine criteria weights; and, the Fuzzy SWARA method, which is based on subjective values and decision-makers opinions due to the assumption that the criteria might not be determined precisely and completely. The subjective and objective criteria weights obtained from these two methods were combined using the SOWIA method so that integrated criteria weights could be determined. In the third phase, three separate efficiency rankings were obtained using EATWOS, OCRA, and FDEA methods depending on the criteria weights. In the fourth phase, these efficiency rankings were combined by employing the TPOP method to obtain one single precise ranking. The previous studies mostly analyzed the efficiency of countries by using one single efficiency method, where, the model proposed in this study determines countries’ efficiency by employing three different efficiency analysis methods together; it makes use of different points of view and different calculation procedures of different methods. As another aspect, rural population ratio, diabetes prevalence rate, proportion of the population over 65 years old, number of intensive care beds and number of vaccine doses are study-specific criteria, unlike other studies. The present study is expected to contribute to the literature since it is the first study that proposes a model to evaluate the performances of countries during pandemics. The proposed model was implemented to assess OECD countries’ efficiency in their fight against COVID-19, which was a prevailing crisis worldwide. When all the obtained results are considered, it is difficult to claim that one single criterion is effective in combating the pandemic. For an effective fight against the pandemic, it is of great importance to keep the rate of infection and therefore the number of infected people under control. It is also possible for countries to change their policies or adopt stricter policies to contain the spread of the virus.