Survival of the Fittest

Battlegrounds) is a video game that has become popular in the past year. This paper aims to predict the placement of PUBG players during the match by detecting the influential features set that can impact the outcome of the PUBG game and build the best prediction model using a machine learning approach. In this study, the dataset is taken from Kaggle, which has 29 attributes that are categorized into one label (winPlacePerc). The training set has divided into five sets with each set has 6000 instances. The decision tree regression model was applied to find the optimum prediction. Other regression models such as Linear Regression and Support Vector Machine are also utilized to compare with the decision tree model's result. Based on the result analysis, the walkDistance feature was deemed as the most significant factor influencing the results of a PUBG game. Furthermore, there are other common features obtained from the five datasets that represent the crucial factors which are boosts, DBNOs, killPlace, kills, rideDistance and matchDuration. From the three regression models, the Support Vector Machine model built on the significant features has the best performance in terms of RMSE value while the Decision Tree Regression model has the fastest prediction speed among these regression models.

This research focuses on the factors of survival and growth of new enterprises in Tunisia. Based on previous research, we hypothesize that three factors influence the survival and growth of these firms: factors related to the entrepreneur, factors related to organizational characteristics and characteristics of the environment from start-up. We test these assumptions on a sample of 60 companies. The results show that human capital and the experience of the entrepreneur have a relatively small impact on the survival of newly created firms. Similarly, the intensity of preparation for creation by accompanying structures is not generally a key factor for survival. On the other hand, organizational characteristics (the amount of capital invested at start-up or customer structure) are strongly linked to the survival of the latter.

This study aims to optimize algorithmic trading strategies using the relative strength index (RSI) and the moving average convergence divergence (MACD) indicators in the Vietnamese stock market. An automated trading system is constructed to optimize indicator parameters using multi-objective particle swarm optimization (PSO) over three objective functions: total return, win rate, and number of trades. The system employs simultaneous optimization of parameters and signal aggregation for developing the optimal selection strategy. Based on daily Vietnam index data from 2018 to 2024, the results show that the PSO method surpasses the differential evolution (DE) method in both returns and execution time. Additionally, the optimal selection strategy achieves superior performance compared to benchmark strategies. It also demonstrates the ability to adapt to the preferences of traders by selecting appropriate indicators. Traders can use the MACD indicator to seek higher profits, while the RSI indicator is more suitable for minimizing transaction costs in a volatile market.

We study the long-time behavior of solutions to a measure-valued selection-mutation model that we formulated in . We establish permanence results for the full model, and we study the limiting behavior even when there is more than one strategy of a given fitness; a case that arises in applications. We show that for the pure selection case the solution of the dynamical system converges to a Dirac measure centered at the fittest strategy class provided that the support of the initial measure contains a fittest strategy; thus we term this Dirac measure an Asymptotically Stable Strategy (ASS). We also show that when the strategy space is discrete, the selection-mutation model with small mutation has a locally asymptotically stable equilibrium that attracts all initial conditions that are positive at the fittest strategy.

We study the long-time behavior of solutions to a measure-valued selection-mutation model that we formulated in \cite{CLEVACK}. We establish permanence results for the full model, and we study the limiting behavior even when there is more than one strategy of a given fitness; a case that arises in applications. We show that for the pure selection case the solution of the dynamical system converges to a Dirac measure centered at the fittest strategy class provided that the support of the initial measure contains a fittest strategy; thus we term this Dirac measure an Asymptotically Stable Strategy (ASS). We also show that when the strategy space is discrete, the selection-mutation model with small mutation has a locally asymptotically stable equilibrium that attracts all initial conditions that are positive at the fittest strategy.

Introduction: Considering the range of functions proteins perform, it is surprising they fold into a relatively small set of structures or “folds” that facilitate such function. One explanation is that only a minority were fit enough to emerge from Darwinian selection during the early evolution of life. Alternatively, perhaps only a fraction of all possible folds were trialed [1]. Understanding proto-catalyst selection will aid understanding of the origins and early evolution of life.

This article brings together three specialized fields of inquirysociobiology, libertarianism and radical feminismfor each of which I have had invaluable assistance from experts. The sociobiological portions of the article are in large part a gain from trade with evolutionary biologist Todd Preuss, trade between the disciplines more importantly than between the sexes. I am also grateful to Bill Rodgers, Margaret Gruter and the Grater Institute for Law and Behavioral Research for first giving me the occasion to think seriously about the connections between sociobiology and feminism, to Bob Dewar for anthropological expertise and toJohn Monahan for help with literature on violence. Lillian BeVier andJohn Harrison provided an insider's perspective on the Federalists and libertarianism;

What is the feasibility of survival on another planet and being self-sustaining? this question is of particular importance for the future of the space conquest and perhaps also for the future of humanity in general [1,2]. The use of in situ resources and different social organizations have been proposed [3-6,12-19] but there is still a poor understanding of the problem's variables. I show here that a mathematical model can be used to determine the minimum number of settlers and the way of life for survival on another planet, using Mars as the example [6,15]. It is based on the comparison between the time requirements to implement all kinds of human activities for long term survival and the available time of the settlers. An important parameter of the model is called the sharing factor, which allows some reduction of time requirements per individual if, for example, the activity concerns the construction of an object that can be shared by several individuals. For survival on Mars, some assumptions are made for the organization of the settlers and engineering issues [13-15]. The minimum number of settlers has been calculated and the result is 110 individuals. Other assumptions can be made. The proposed method allows assessments and comparisons, opening the debate for the best strategy for survival. If this relatively low number is confirmed, survival on another planet might be easier than expected, provided that the organization of the settlers is appropriate. Humanity could be threatened with extinction due to some cataclysmic event 1 . As pointed out by Sagan, in this case, the only possible way to avoid the end of the world as we know it might be to settle another planet within a short period of time . But what is the feasibility of survival on another planet for a small group of humans? The problem has already been addressed in terms of sufficient genetic diversity and social adaptation by several authors . Marin and Beluffi showed that earlier studies were too constrained 6 . They performed simulations with different multi-generational population sizes and determined on a statistical basis that the group of humans could reasonably survive if the initial size were to be greater than 98. However, the problem has not been addressed in terms of engineering capacities and human resources for long-term survival. Considering time and payload constraints, the number of people that could be sent to another planet would be rather limited. Space X is currently working on a giant reusable interplanetary vehicle with the objective of sending 100 persons at a time to the red planet. However, this is an optimistic estimate of the capability, the feasibility of the reusability remains uncertain and the qualification of the vehicle for landing on Mars and relaunch from Mars could be very difficult and take several decades. In most well studied mission to Mars scenarios, which last at least 6 months for the outbound trip and for crews of 3 to 6 astronauts, it is suggested to use several giant rockets to carry only a few dozens of tons of consumables to the red planet . While on the planet, many authors proposed a settlement process based on the utilization of resources that can be found in the atmosphere or in the soil of the planet . For instance, Zubrin proposed to extract carbon dioxide from the Martian atmosphere and water ice from the soil to produce oxygen and organic compounds, hematite to produce iron, silicates to produce glass, etc. . Even if the feasibility of the approach is generally acknowledged, the complexity of the implementation is poorly understood and the number of items that would remain to be sent each year would still represent a tremendous challenge. From a practical point of view, it is not clear how many years it would take, as a minimum, to achieve a reasonable level of self-sufficiency, how many rockets would be required to send resources and goods and what would be the way of life and the organization of the society during the development period. If a slow settlement process is already a great challenge, what if time and payloads were constrained and the objective was the long term survival of the group without help from Earthlings? Similar issues arise for interstellar travel. In the pioneering works from O'Neill, Bond and Martin, or Matlof, the long term survival of a small group of humans has been addressed . Engineering and human factor issues were highlighted, especially the reliability of systems, knowledge management and psychology but the feasibility

What is the feasibility of survival on another planet and being self-sustaining? This question is of particular importance for the future of the space conquest and perhaps also for the future of humanity in general [1,2]. The use of in situ resources and different social organizations have been proposed [3–6,12–19] but there is still a poor understanding of the problem’s variables. I show here that a mathematical model can be used to determine the minimum number of settlers and the way of life for survival on another planet, using Mars as the example [6,15]. It is based on the comparison between the time requirements to implement all kinds of human activities for long term survival and the available time of the settlers. An important parameter of the model is called the sharing factor, which allows some reduction of time requirements per individual if, for example, the activity concerns the construction of an object that can be shared by several individuals. For survival on Mars, so...

To explain the amazing morphological and biomechanical analogy between two distantly related vertebrates as are a dolphin and a shark, an explanation exclusively framed in terms of adaptation (i.e., in terms of the Darwinian survival of the fittest) is far from satisfactory. The same is true, of course, of any other comparison between structurally similar, but phylogenetically unrelated organisms. A purely evolutionary argument does not throw any light on how the developmental processes of their ancestors could eventually evolve in such a way as to eventually produce these peculiar phenotypes (the arrival of the fittest). How does Nature play with animal and plant form? To address the issue of the evolution of possible forms, we cannot ignore that these are products of development. This invites adopting the integrated perspective, currently known as evolutionary developmental biology, or evo-devo. Paths through the maze of living forms are not satisfactorily explained in terms of pu...

Daniel C. Levy's article, "The Relative Strength of Israel's Private Colleges," details the significant and rapid development of private higher education in Israel. Before the 1990s, Israel had no private higher education institutions, but it now boasts 9, with 6 more seeking government authorization, and these institutions account for 13.1% of the country's total higher education enrollment. While the public sector, particularly its research universities, remains much stronger and globally recognized, Israel's private institutions are exclusively colleges and are officially labeled "non budgeted," indicating they are not government-subsidized and rely heavily on tuition. A striking characteristic of these private colleges is their concentrated enrollment, with 79% of students in legal studies and business management, a sharp contrast to public colleges. Globally, Israeli private colleges demonstrate unusual strengths, including their academic soundness (with at least 4 out of 9 credited), positive job market outcomes for students, the ability to attract high-quality faculty often by offering higher salaries, and substantial philanthropy, which is rare outside the United States. Despite these positive attributes and their role in increasing access to higher education without additional public cost, private colleges face regulatory hurdles, particularly from the national Council of Higher Education, which they believe imposes restrictions that hinder their speed, flexibility, and innovation, while public institutions often voice opposition to their aspirations, fearing competition.

Many creative generative design spaces contain multiple regions with individuals of high aesthetic value. Yet traditional evolutionary computing methods typically focus on optimisation, searching for the fittest individual in a population. In this paper we apply quality-diversity search methods to explore a creative generative system (an agent-based line drawing model). We perform a random sampling of genotype space and use individual artist-assigned evaluations of aesthetic quality to formulate a computable fitness measure specific to the artist and this system. To compute diversity we use a convolutional neural network to discriminate features that are dimensionally reduced into two dimensions. We show that the quality-diversity search is able to find multiple phenotypes of high aesthetic value. These phenotypes show greater diversity and quality than those the artist was able to find using manual search methods.

Leading Nazis, and early 1900 influential German biologists, revealed in their writings that Darwin's theory and publications had a major influence upon Nazi race policies. Hitler believed that the human gene pool could be improved by using selective breeding similar to how farmers breed superior cattle strains. In the formulation of their racial policies, Hitler's government relied heavily upon Darwinism, especially the elaborations by Spencer and Haeckel. As a result, a central policy of Hitler's administration was the development and implementation of policies designed to protect the 'superior race'. This required at the very least preventing the 'inferior races' from mixing with those judged superior, in order to reduce contamination of the latter's gene pool. The 'superior race' belief was based on the theory of group inequality within each species, a major presumption and requirement of Darwin's original 'survival of the fittest' theory. This philosophy culminated in the 'final solution', the extermination of approximately six million Jews and four million other people who belonged to what German scientists judged as 'inferior races'.

This project's long term goal was to improve English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) nursing student retention. Improving the quality of multiple choice exams is a first crucial step. ESL students find multiple-choice exams to be one of the most challenging aspects of nursing school. One reason for this is the presence of linguistic errors in exam questions. Linguistic errors include: irrelevant question content, poor sentence structure, and culturally biased words or phrases. Non-ESL students are less affected because exams are written in their native language. Linguistic modification, as part of best practices in item writing, removes these types of errors. The U.S. Department of Education indicated that ESL students gained 6% points on linguistically modified mathematics exams in comparison to non-modified exams. The specific aim of this study was to compare exam scores of ESL to non-ESL nursing students on a standard multiplechoice exam compared to a linguistically modified exam. Current research highlights the needs of ESL nursing students along with the general role of linguistic modification. However, no identified quantitative studies evaluate the role of linguistic modification in nursing education. This study was unique in that it compared four subgroups of nursing students using an experimental method. Utilizing stratified randomization, nursing students were assigned to one of four subgroups. Two controls groups, ESL, and non-ESL students completed a standard exam of 50 questions. Two experimental groups, ESL and non-ESL students, took the same exam but with 50 linguistically modified questions. There were 67 ESL students that took the experimental (linguistically modified) exam. Sixty-eight (68) ESL students completed the control (standard) exam. There were 252 non-ESL students that took the experimental exam and 257 non-ESL students that

This paper investigates the long-term behavior of an interacting particle system of interest in the hot topic of evolutionary game theory. Each site of the ddimensional integer lattice is occupied by a player who is characterized by one of two possible strategies. Following the traditional modeling approach of spatial games, the configuration is turned into a payoff landscape that assigns a payoff to each player based on her strategy and the strategy of her neighbors. The payoff is then interpreted as a fitness, by having each player independently update their strategy at rate one by mimicking their neighbor with the largest payoff. With these rules, the mean-field approximation of the spatial game exhibits the same asymptotic behavior as the popular replicator equation. Except for a coexistence result that shows an agreement between the process and the mean-field model, our analysis reveals that the two models strongly disagree in many aspects, showing in particular that the presence of a spatial structure in the form of local interactions plays a key role. More precisely, in the parameter region where both strategies are evolutionary stable in the replicator equation, in the spatial model either one strategy wins or the system fixates to a configuration where both strategies are present. In addition, while defection is evolutionary stable for the prisoner's dilemma game in the replicator equation, space favors cooperation in our model.

Background: Ependymoma is a rare disease accounting for 5-10% of brain tumors. Different prognostic factors including type of surgery, tumor histopathologic type, site, age, metastasis and stage, affect the survival with a wide variation ranging from 10-87%. patients and methods: This clinical study is based on 30 patients diagnosed with intra-cranial ependymoma treated at NEMROCK between1998-2004 with a median follow up period of 8.5 years. The patient's age ranged between 2 and 56 years with a median of 16.5 years (SD 16.48). Radiation therapy given was either craniospinal irradiation including; Whole brain irradiation 36 Gy in18 fractions, whole spine irradiation 24Gy in 12 fractions and boost to post fossa 18 Gy in 10 fractions or wide field irradiation with safety margin 2-3 cm of normal tissue all around the tumor to a total dose of 54 Gy in 27 fractions. Data of the patients was studied as regards different prognostic factors in correlation to progression free and overall survival as well as treatment related events. results: The 5 year overall survival and event free survival were 61.4% and 40.9%, respectively. The median event free survival was 39.047 months (95% Cl of 29.058-49.036). The OS for supratentorial site (81%) was superior to that of infratentorial site (56%) and the difference was statistically significant (p 0.0489). The OS was affected significantly by sex, grade and radiotherapy (p 0.017, 0.010, 0.027, respectively) in favor of male sex, Grade I and wide field radiotherapy. Pattern of relapse was only local recurrence. conclusion: Despite the rarity of ependymoma and low number of patients, this retrospective study may add weight to the findings of others that suggest the importance of total surgical excision as well as the use of radiation therapy in the management of this group of patients.

This paper provides an evaluative overview of the new venture survival literature. Since Stinchcombe's primary attempt to explain the mortality rates of new ventures, different research fields, including entrepreneurship, management and sociology, have devoted considerable attention to the antecedents of new venture survival. Despite this lively research commitment, a comprehensive review of the literature on new venture survival -as one of the most essential performance measures for new ventures -is missing. Covering 54 years of research, this paper provides an overview of the factors affecting new venture survival and highlights important methodological aspects in this research field. The review concludes by discussing opportunities for future research.

We study entry, exit and survival of UK manufacturing establishments from 1986 to 1991 using the newly released ARD database. We document patterns of entry and exit across industries and over time. We estimate an augmented Cox proportional hazard to examine the survival of new plants in the UK in this period. We find interactions between survival, size and age of establishment that differ between establishments that are singles and part of a group. We speculate that this finding may be consistent with market selection models based on learning.

The higher education market portends to be a huge market in the future that traditional systems of delivery of services will be insuf icient. This paper proposes a model that links two (2) global markets: the higher education market and the labor market, as dramatic changes are taking place in the 21st century. A modeling and simulation strategy has been employed in this paper predicting the impact of higher education market to the labor market. Results indicated that with the rapid expansion of the higher education market, the size of the higher education labor force will inevitably expand. The labor market tolerates a maximum expansion capacity for HE graduates beyond which the excess HE graduates will bifurcate into two (2) channels of productive sector, namely: (a) the creation of new economies; or (b) the integration of HE graduates into the skilled labor force. This dynamics necessarily yields a highly fragmented labor force con iguration. In essence, the evolution of the labor market is a replica of Darwin's Biological Theory of Evolution where only the ittest will survive, i.e. evolution through mutation and adaptation whose equivalent concepts in this setting are "innovation" and "adaptation" respectively. It is well-established in Evolutionary Biology that "mutation" is the shortest-route to evolution and so we posit that "innovation" is the shortest route to the labor market evolutionary ladder. Therefore, a good university must be able to produce graduates who are innovative and adaptive at the same time to survive in a competitive labor market.

The higher education market portends to be a huge market in the future that traditional systems of delivery of services will be insuf icient. This paper proposes a model that links two (2) global markets: the higher education market and the labor market, as dramatic changes are taking place in the 21st century. A modeling and simulation strategy has been employed in this paper predicting the impact of higher education market to the labor market. Results indicated that with the rapid expansion of the higher education market, the size of the higher education labor force will inevitably expand. The labor market tolerates a maximum expansion capacity for HE graduates beyond which the excess HE graduates will bifurcate into two (2) channels of productive sector, namely: (a) the creation of new economies; or (b) the integration of HE graduates into the skilled labor force. This dynamics necessarily yields a highly fragmented labor force con iguration. In essence, the evolution of the labor market is a replica of Darwin's Biological Theory of Evolution where only the ittest will survive, i.e. evolution through mutation and adaptation whose equivalent concepts in this setting are "innovation" and "adaptation" respectively. It is well-established in Evolutionary Biology that "mutation" is the shortest-route to evolution and so we posit that "innovation" is the shortest route to the labor market evolutionary ladder. Therefore, a good university must be able to produce graduates who are innovative and adaptive at the same time to survive in a competitive labor market.

This article explores the hypothesis that intelligence, rather than humanity, drives evolution. As artificial intelligence systems become increasingly sophisticated, we must reconsider traditional evolutionary frameworks that have historically been centered on human-centric perspectives. Drawing parallels between genetic evolution and the development of artificial intelligence, we examine how intelligence has evolved through biological processes and is now manifesting in artificial systems. This evolution raises profound questions about humanity's role in guiding this new form of intelligence and the ethical implications of its development.

This paper aims at evaluating a set of automated tools of the FITTEST EU project within an industrial case study. The case study was conducted at the IBM Research lab in Haifa, by a team responsible for building the testing environment for future development versions of an IBM system management product. The main function of that product is resource management in a networked environment. This case study has investigated whether current IBM Research testing practices could be improved or complemented by using some of the automated testing tools that were developed within the FITTEST EU project. Although the existing Test Suite from IBM Research (TS ibm ) that was selected for comparison is substantially smaller than the Test Suite generated by FITTEST (TS f ittest ), the effectiveness of TS f ittest , measured by the injected faults coverage is significantly higher (50% vs 70%). With respect to efficiency, by normalizing the execution times, we found the TS f ittest runs faster (9.18 vs. 6.99). This is due to the fact that the TS f ittest includes shorter tests. Within IBM Research and for the testing of the target product in the simulated environment: the FITTEST tools can increase the effectiveness of the current practice and the test cases automatically generated by the FITTEST tools can help in more efficient identification of the source of the identified faults. Moreover, the FITTEST tools have shown the ability to automate testing within a real industry case.

This article brings together three specialized fields of inquirysociobiology, libertarianism and radical feminismfor each of which I have had invaluable assistance from experts. The sociobiological portions of the article are in large part a gain from trade with evolutionary biologist Todd Preuss, trade between the disciplines more importantly than between the sexes. I am also grateful to Bill Rodgers, Margaret Gruter and the Grater Institute for Law and Behavioral Research for first giving me the occasion to think seriously about the connections between sociobiology and feminism, to Bob Dewar for anthropological expertise and toJohn Monahan for help with literature on violence. Lillian BeVier andJohn Harrison provided an insider's perspective on the Federalists and libertarianism;

This article brings together three specialized fields of inquirysociobiology, libertarianism and radical feminismfor each of which I have had invaluable assistance from experts. The sociobiological portions of the article are in large part a gain from trade with evolutionary biologist Todd Preuss, trade between the disciplines more importantly than between the sexes. I am also grateful to Bill Rodgers, Margaret Gruter and the Grater Institute for Law and Behavioral Research for first giving me the occasion to think seriously about the connections between sociobiology and feminism, to Bob Dewar for anthropological expertise and toJohn Monahan for help with literature on violence. Lillian BeVier andJohn Harrison provided an insider's perspective on the Federalists and libertarianism;

Many industries today are facing the challenge of the concept of the "survival of the fittest". In order to achieve success and market share enterprises must quickly adopt new ideas and concepts. Presently, cross border enterprises is the emerging topic for business and manufacturing research and application. Cross border enterprise can be seen as the broad name for two new manufacturing paradigms, the Extended Enterprise and the Virtual Enterprise.

Many industries today are facing the challenge of the concept of the "survival of the fittest". In order to achieve success and market share enterprises must quickly adopt new ideas and concepts. Presently, cross border enterprises is the emerging topic for business and manufacturing research and application. Cross border enterprise can be seen as the broad name for two new manufacturing paradigms, the Extended Enterprise and the Virtual Enterprise.

Charles Darwin first used the term 'survival of the fittest' in the 5th edition of The origin of species. A literal interpretation implies that predators will selectively prey upon the weakest members of a population. We demonstrate that this is true for African wild dogs hunting impala.

This paper explains in layperson's terms how an agent-based model was used to investigate the widely held belief that creativity is an important component of effective leadership. Creative leadership was found to increase the mean fitness of cultural outputs across an artificial society, but the more creative the followers were, the greater the extent to which the beneficial effect of creative leadership was washed out. Early in a run when the fitness of ideas was low, a form of leadership that entails the highest possible degree of creativity was best for the mean fitness of outputs across the society. As the mean fitness of outputs increased a transition inevitably occurs after which point a less creative style of leadership proved most effective. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Because human cognition is creative and socially situated, knowledge accumulates, diffuses, and gets applied in new contexts, generating cultural analogs of phenomena observed in population genetics such as adaptation and drift. It is therefore commonly thought that elements of culture evolve through natural selection. However, natural selection was proposed to explain how change accumulates despite lack of inheritance of acquired traits, as occurs with template-mediated replication. It cannot accommodate a process with significant retention of acquired or horizontally (e.g. socially) transmitted traits. Moreover, elements of culture cannot be treated as discrete lineages because they constantly interact and influence one another. It is proposed that what evolves through culture is the mind; ideas and artifacts are merely reflections of its current evolved state. Interacting minds transform (in part) through through a non-Darwinian autopoietic process similar to that by which early life evolved, involving not survival of the fittest but actualization of their potential.

Drawing upon a body of research on the evolution of creativity, this paper proposes a theory of how, when, and why the forward-thinking story-telling abilities of humans evolved, culminating in the visionary abilities of science fiction writers. The ability to recursively chain thoughts together evolved approximately two million years ago. Language abilities, and the ability to shift between different modes of thought, evolved approximately 100,000 years ago. Science fiction dates to at least the second Century AD. It is suggested that well before this time, but after 100,000 years ago, and concurrent with the evolution of a division of labour between creators and imitators there arose a division of labour between past, present, and future thinkers. Agent-based model research suggests there are social benefits to the evolution of individual differences in creativity such that there is a balance between novelty-generating creators and continuityperpetuating imitators. A balance between individuals focused on the past, present, and future would be expected to yield similar adaptive benefits.

In some respects natural selection is a quite simple theory, arrived at through the logical integration of three propositions (the presence of variation within natural populations, an absolutely limited resources base, and procreation capacities exceeding mere replacement numbers) whose individual truths can hardly be denied. Its relation to the larger subject of evolution, however, remains problematic. It is suggested here that a scaling-down of the meaning of natural selection to ''the elimination of the unfit,'' as originally intended by Alfred Russel Wallace , might ultimately prove a more effective means of relating it to larger-scale, longer-term, evolutionary processes.

In the novel The Dance of Genghis Cohn (La danse de Gengis Cohn, 1967) Romain Gary investigates the ties that bind victim and victimizer. His conclusion is paradoxical and disturbing: the responsibility for the crime lies not only on the perpetrator's shoulders but also on those of the victim, since all humans share a common unconscious and thus are all capable of evil. The same collective unconscious drives people to strive for the sublime, in an effort to transcend an imperfect common existence. In King Solomon (L'Angoisse du roi Salomon, 1979), Gary further acknowledges man's shortcomings and the unattainability of perfection. In addition, Gary points to an alternative mode of being, one which is both ethical and feasible, since it is accessible despite human limitations. He calls it "bricolage." Relying on hope and imagination, at one's disposal even in the worst condition, one can piece together a possible existence, superior, according to Gary, to its unattainable alternatives. Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome More than two decades after the end of WWII, Romain Gary depicts Germany as a country whose inhabitants would like nothing better than to forget the horrors of the past. As Charlotte Wardi writes, the imaginary action of the novel is situated at a precise point in time in history, a space that is both real and symbolic, in a Germany that is about to dangerously return to its Nazi sources (56). Yet the victims of the Nazi regime cannot be conveniently set aside, especially not one particularly disturbing representative, known by the name of Genghis Cohn, since he is now a ghost. In his physical life, before the war, he was a small-time Yiddish cabaret comedian, and he continues to use his wry Jewish humor to haunt

Napredna proizvodnja zahtijeva snažne alate za pouzdano modeliranje i rješavanje složenih optimizacijskih problema u obradi odvajanjem čestica. U ovom se radu predlaže nekonvencionalni pristup koji koristi evolucijske algoritme nadahnute Darwinovim otkrićima o evoluciji bioloških vrsta i opstanku najprilagođenijih organizama (tj. prirodnoj selekciji). Pristup je ilustriran na pokusu gruboga uzdužnog tokarenja. Genetsko programiranje (GP) korišteno je za razvijanje modela postojanosti alata, tangencijalne komponente sile rezanja i hrapavosti površine razmatrajući brzinu rezanja, posmak i dubinu rezanja kao predodređene parametre rezanja. Konačno, za njihovu je optimizaciju primijenjen genetski algoritam (GA).

This paper addresses the theoretical conditions necessary for some subject of study to survive forever. A probabilistic analysis leads to some prerequisite conditions for preserving, say, electronic data indefinitely into the future. The general analysis would also apply to a species, a civilization, or any subject of study, as long as there is a definition of "survival" available. A distinction emerges between two approaches to longevity: being many or being smart. Natural selection relies on the first method, whereas a civilization, individual, or other singular subject must rely on the latter. A computational model of survival incorporates the idea of Kolmogorov-type complexity for both strategies to illustrate the role of data analysis and information processing that may be required. The survival-through-intelligence strategy has problems when the subject can self-modify, which is illustrated with a link to Turing's Halting Problem. The paper concludes with comments on the Fermi Paradox.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 and its associated lockdowns on the survival of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Zimbabwe, where more than 60 percent of economic activity is conducted through MSMEs. Research methodology: This study was conducted through an online survey of 447 individuals representing MSMEs operating in Zimbabwe. Data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), guided by a binary logistic regression model, to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the survival of MSMEs in Zimbabwe. Results: The model showed that the independent variables had a significant impact on the survival of MSMEs, with an overall accuracy of 87.9% in predicting the effects of COVID-19 on the survival of MSMEs. The study concluded that many MSMEs in Zimbabwe were negatively affected by the COVID-19 lockdown, except for those in strategic economic sectors that were not required to close their operations during the lockdowns. Limita...

is known for developing one of the first well-documented evolutionary theories in his book On the Origin of Species, published in 1859. Although Darwin's ''long argument'' included several conceptual advances, most notably natural selection and the tree of life, his theory came to be widely known as ''the theory of evolution by natural selection.'' Darwin continually revised On the Origin of Species in consecutive editions, and as he did so he eventually adopted a conceptualization of selection that was significantly different from his initial one. Darwin initially thought of natural selection as a creative process that produced organisms adapted to their local environment through the accumulation of slight variations over many generations. However, he later adopted the conceptualization of the ''survival of the fittest,'' according to which natural selection was an eliminative process that only allowed the most well-suited individuals (the ''fittest'') to survive and reproduce. Therefore, whereas Darwin began with a conceptualization of a process of selection for traits, he continued with a conceptualization of selection against traits. If we manage to overlook this oversimplified and anthropomorphized synopsis of a rich body of work, these two distinct conceptualizations of selection have important differences between them. The first conceptualization describes a gradual selection process through which several variable members of a population coexist; those that eventually survive and reproduce are those that for whatever reason come to have a beneficial combination of characters through selection over consecutive generations. This is selection for traits, as the emphasis here is on those beneficial traits that eventually become prevalent in the population. In contrast, the second conceptualization describes a relatively fast selection process through which all but a few exceptional members of a population, already possessing a & Kostas Kampourakis

Due to natural processes of movements of opposites that interact with one another in equal forces, the universe is naturally considered an arena of conflicts. As the law of the universe continues to maintain everything in motion, each matter in the ecosystem strives to protect itself in given existential struggles within necessary conflicts. Therefore, the fundamental law of nature is the protection of life (self-preservation) which is often realized through self-defence. It then explains why humans engage themselves in conflicts; not necessarily to bring peace but to survive and maintain themselves in existence. Hence, war is motivated by the innate drive for self-defence and maintenance of self in existence guided by a natural instinct for survival. From conception to death, humans continue to struggle for survival and that entails overcoming conflicts and adversities of life. Thus, war can be considered as having a genetic foundation. This is evidenced in the works of evolutionary theorists. The Darwinian ethological theory tenaciously holds that humans, just like other organisms, struggle to survive, but this is influenced by natural selection which favours the stronger species against the weaker ones. While the stronger ones pass on their inheritable genes to the next generation for maintenance of their species in existence, the weaker ones die off. Hence, the survival of the fittest. This position was very much supported by the Malthusian theory of over-population alert against the limited human resources which demonstrates the constant fight for food in order to survive. The Nietzschean Superman, Marxian class struggle, Heraclitan notion of change, and so on, all cling to the idea that the universe is a violent arena. Consequently, the protection of life has an important moral value. By implication, self-defence is right and justified even if it involves war. Therefore, it is ethical to push through; to defeat the adversary.

Background: The evolutionary roots of human moral behavior are a key precondition to understanding human nature. Investigations usually start with a social dilemma and end up with a norm that can provide some insight into the origin of morality. We take the opposite direction by investigating whether the cultural norm that promotes helping parents and which is respected in different variants across cultures and is codified in several religions can spread through Darwinian competition. Results: We show with a novel demographic model that the biological rule "During your reproductive period, give some of your resources to your post-fertile parents" will spread even if the cost of support given to post-fertile grandmothers considerably decreases the demographic parameters of fertile parents but radically increases the survival rate of grandchildren. The teaching of vital cultural content is likely to have been critical in making grandparental service valuable. We name this the Fifth Rule, after the Fifth Commandment that codifies such behaviors in Christianity. Conclusions: Selection for such behavior may have produced an innate moral tendency to honor parents even in situations, such as those experienced today, when the quantitative conditions would not necessarily favor the maintenance of this trait.

Winston Churchill's words, "To improve is to change; to be perfect is to have changed often," resonate in today's business landscape. Low team performance becomes a critical issue when employee potential is hindered, threatening organizational success. Addressing this requires skilled change management, strategic alignment, and an environment that fosters open communication and growth.

This study examines a 9-month change management plan aimed at improving team performance. It integrates change management, leadership, and organizational learning theories into a comprehensive framework. The analysis reveals the connection between strategic planning, effective leadership, and learning in achieving successful change outcomes. By focusing on core components and strategies, the study offers insights into effective implementation.

Key findings highlight the impact of leadership misalignment, inconsistent managerial support, and organizational culture on the success of change initiatives. The study emphasizes the need for greater alignment among leaders, transparent feedback, and meticulous planning. These insights provide practical recommendations for organizations seeking to navigate change effectively.

ABSTRACTThis paper studies the impact that capital market imperfections have on the natural selection of the most efficient firms by estimating the effect of the prederegulation level of leverage on the survival of trucking firms after the Carter deregulation. Highly leveraged carriers are less likely to survive the deregulation shock, even after controlling for various measures of efficiency. This effect is stronger in the imperfectly competitive segment of the motor carrier industry. High debt seems to affect survival by curtailing investments and reducing the price per ton‐mile that a carrier can afford to charge after deregulation.

This paper brings an in-detail Genetic Algorithm (GA) based combinatorial optimization method used for the optimal design of the water distribution network (WDN) of Gurudeniya Service Zone, Sri Lanka. GAmimics the survival of the fittest principle of nature to develop a search process. Methodology employs fuzzy combinations of pipe diameters to check their suitability to be considered as the cost-effective optimal design solutions. Furthermore, the hydraulic constraints were implicitly evaluated within the GA itself in its aim for reaching the global optimum solution. Upon analysis, the results of GA approach delivered satisfactory design outputs.

The survival-skills are important to be possesed by adolescents. Nowadays, the threats in their environment are increasing and having survival-skill would help them to cope with problem that they face. Unfortunately, empirical study on survival-skills are rarely conducted. The purpose of this study is to examine and obtain an empirical picture of adolescent survival-safety skills in Yogyakarta. The research method that has been applied is a survey of 312 adolescents in 5 schools in Yogyakarta. The conclusion of this study is an affirmation of the findings of the findings as well as answers to the research questions that adolescents in Yogyakarta are generally in the potential of Survival-Safety Skills in the Medium category, meaning that conditions are sufficient to survive safely and obtain a sense of security for adolescents in living a life more prosperous. However, in some aspects it still shows Low, especially on Aspects: psychospiritual, Environmental Adaptation, and Having Hope