title: Generating species assemblages for restoration and experimentation: A new method that can simultaneously converge on average trait values and maximize functional diversity

authors: Laughlin, Daniel C.

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: 1. Restoring resilient ecosystems in an era of rapid environmental change requires a flexible framework for selecting assemblages of species based on functional traits. However, current trait‐based models have been limited to algorithms that select species assemblages that only converge on specified average trait values, and could not accommodate the common desire among restoration ecologists to generate functionally diverse assemblages.
2. We have solved this problem by applying a nonlinear optimization algorithm to solve for the species relative abundances that maximize Rao's quadratic entropy (Q) subject to other linear constraints. Rao's Q is a closed‐form algebraic expression of functional diversity that is maximized when the most abundant species are functionally dissimilar.
3. Previous models have maximized species evenness subject to the linear constraints by maximizing the entropy function (H’). Maximizing Q alone produces an undesirable species abundance distribution because species that exhibit extreme trait values have the highest abundances. We demonstrate that the maximization of an objective function that additively combines Q and H’ produces a more even relative abundance distribution across the trait dimension.
4. Some ecological restoration projects aim to restore communities that converge on one set of traits while diverging across another. The selectSpecies r function can derive assemblages for any size species pool that maximizes the diversity of any set of traits, while simultaneously converging on average values of any other set of traits. We demonstrate how the function works through examples using uniformly spaced trait distributions and data with a known structure. We also demonstrate the utility of the function using real trait data collected on dozens of species from three separate ecosystems: serpentine grasslands, ponderosa pine forests, and subtropical rainforests.
5. The quantitative selection of species based on their functional traits for ecological restoration and experimentation must be both rigorous and accessible to practitioners. The selectSpecies function provides ecologists with an easy‐to‐use open‐source solution to objectively derive species assemblages based on their functional traits.

text: Generating species assemblages for restoration and experimentation: A new method that can simultaneously converge on average trait values and maximize functional diversity 1. Restoring resilient ecosystems in an era of rapid environmental change requires a flexible framework for selecting assemblages of species based on functional traits. However, current trait‐based models have been limited to algorithms that select species assemblages that only converge on specified average trait values, and could not accommodate the common desire among restoration ecologists to generate functionally diverse assemblages.
2. We have solved this problem by applying a nonlinear optimization algorithm to solve for the species relative abundances that maximize Rao's quadratic entropy (Q) subject to other linear constraints. Rao's Q is a closed‐form algebraic expression of functional diversity that is maximized when the most abundant species are functionally dissimilar.
3. Previous models have maximized species evenness subject to the linear constraints by maximizing the entropy function (H’). Maximizing Q alone produces an undesirable species abundance distribution because species that exhibit extreme trait values have the highest abundances. We demonstrate that the maximization of an objective function that additively combines Q and H’ produces a more even relative abundance distribution across the trait dimension.
4. Some ecological restoration projects aim to restore communities that converge on one set of traits while diverging across another. The selectSpecies r function can derive assemblages for any size species pool that maximizes the diversity of any set of traits, while simultaneously converging on average values of any other set of traits. We demonstrate how the function works through examples using uniformly spaced trait distributions and data with a known structure. We also demonstrate the utility of the function using real trait data collected on dozens of species from three separate ecosystems: serpentine grasslands, ponderosa pine forests, and subtropical rainforests.
5. The quantitative selection of species based on their functional traits for ecological restoration and experimentation must be both rigorous and accessible to practitioners. The selectSpecies function provides ecologists with an easy‐to‐use open‐source solution to objectively derive species assemblages based on their functional traits.

year: 2018

title: Issues and challenges of using web blogs as a medium for research communication.

authors: Hasim, Zuwati

subjects: computer

abstract: The advent of web-based technology has initially allowed millions of users to get hold of immense information and to communicate worldwide. In the field of education, for example, web-based technology has brought about significant influence in terms of teaching and learning approaches (Supyan, 2003; Supyan & Roziana, 2001; Zuwati, 2006). In fact, web-based technology is also now popular as a medium for data collection among researchers (C. Cooper, Cooper, Del Junco, Shipp, Whitworth, & Cooper, 2006; White, Carey, & Dailey, 2000). The purpose of this paper is to report on both issues that need addressing, and challenges in using web blogs as a medium for communicating with respondents for research purposes. The issues and challenges discussed in the paper were based on the researchers' own experience in conducting data collection using a qualitative approach through web blog discussions. With the socio-cultural approach in view, some recommendations are also included as guidelines for those planning to use such web-based technology as a medium of data collection in research.

text: Issues and challenges of using web blogs as a medium for research communication. The advent of web-based technology has initially allowed millions of users to get hold of immense information and to communicate worldwide. In the field of education, for example, web-based technology has brought about significant influence in terms of teaching and learning approaches (Supyan, 2003; Supyan & Roziana, 2001; Zuwati, 2006). In fact, web-based technology is also now popular as a medium for data collection among researchers (C. Cooper, Cooper, Del Junco, Shipp, Whitworth, & Cooper, 2006; White, Carey, & Dailey, 2000). The purpose of this paper is to report on both issues that need addressing, and challenges in using web blogs as a medium for communicating with respondents for research purposes. The issues and challenges discussed in the paper were based on the researchers' own experience in conducting data collection using a qualitative approach through web blog discussions. With the socio-cultural approach in view, some recommendations are also included as guidelines for those planning to use such web-based technology as a medium of data collection in research.

year: 2011

title: Huri whakatau: The call for Māori software requirements elicitation

authors: Brown, Tamahau

abstract: It is essential to consider specifications and design when examining the requirements for new software for stakeholders and software engineers. The Huri Whakatau project investigates current relevant requirements and design techniques to understand the Māori (Indigenous people of Aotearoa) demographic to identify any relevant gaps for examining requirements.

The process has been tested by investigating existing internationally accepted groups and their methodologies to attempt to adapt a new methodology for Māori groups. In the context of the research, an accepted group is defined as a group which is not from a developing country or Indigenous group. The research was able to identify three untested methodologies; this involved conducting an empirical study as a part of the experiment. The decision was to transform the internationally accepted soft systems methodology (SSM) with groups in a user study. Comparing previously recorded satisfaction using the technique and the use of Māori techniques determined that SSM would be the strongest candidate. When testing SSM with participants, overall, there was a higher level of satisfaction with Māori participants using the new proposed adapted Māori approach as opposed to the internationally accepted groups.

text: Huri whakatau: The call for Māori software requirements elicitation It is essential to consider specifications and design when examining the requirements for new software for stakeholders and software engineers. The Huri Whakatau project investigates current relevant requirements and design techniques to understand the Māori (Indigenous people of Aotearoa) demographic to identify any relevant gaps for examining requirements.

The process has been tested by investigating existing internationally accepted groups and their methodologies to attempt to adapt a new methodology for Māori groups. In the context of the research, an accepted group is defined as a group which is not from a developing country or Indigenous group. The research was able to identify three untested methodologies; this involved conducting an empirical study as a part of the experiment. The decision was to transform the internationally accepted soft systems methodology (SSM) with groups in a user study. Comparing previously recorded satisfaction using the technique and the use of Māori techniques determined that SSM would be the strongest candidate. When testing SSM with participants, overall, there was a higher level of satisfaction with Māori participants using the new proposed adapted Māori approach as opposed to the internationally accepted groups.

year: 2023