Estimating the Boundaries of Plant Stage Classes Using the Vandermeer-Moloney Algorithm
Abstract
We demonstrate the application of the Vandermeer-Moloney algorithm to assign discrete stage classes to a continuous variable (e.g. age or density), that does not always have natural divisions. The algorithm provides a numerical approach to assign individuals to classes. This is done by minimising two possible sources of error. If the stage classes are too wide, much information will be lost because individuals will be growing within each stage class and secondly if the classes are too narrow then this can lead to problems with parameter estimation, since each new class requires a new set of parameters to specify its mortality, fecundity and state transition rates. We obtain not only a stage distribution, but since our data set contains values over a number of years, we have also estimated transition probabilities from stage to stage. The task presented in this paper is to implement a methodology for taking this raw data (in particular, the canopy size) and determining class boundaries in terms of age from this physical data.
Full Text:
PDFDisclaimer/Regarding indexing issue:
We have provided the online access of all issues and papers to the indexing agencies (as given on journal web site). It’s depend on indexing agencies when, how and what manner they can index or not. Hence, we like to inform that on the basis of earlier indexing, we can’t predict the today or future indexing policy of third party (i.e. indexing agencies) as they have right to discontinue any journal at any time without prior information to the journal. So, please neither sends any question nor expects any answer from us on the behalf of third party i.e. indexing agencies.Hence, we will not issue any certificate or letter for indexing issue. Our role is just to provide the online access to them. So we do properly this and one can visit indexing agencies website to get the authentic information. Also: DOI is paid service which provided by a third party. We never mentioned that we go for this for our any journal. However, journal have no objection if author go directly for this paid DOI service.