Process mining techniques are able to extract knowledge from event logs commonly available in today’s information systems. These techniques provide new means to discover, monitor, and improve processes in a variety of application domains. There are two main drivers for the growing interest in process mining. On the one hand, more and more events are being recorded, thus, providing detailed information about the history of processes. On the other hand, there is a need to improve and support business processes in competitive and rapidly changing environments. This manifesto is created by the IEEE Task Force on Process Mining and aims to promote the topic of process mining. Moreover, by defining a set of guiding principles and listing important challenges, this manifesto hopes to serve as a guide for software developers, scientists, consultants, business managers, and end-users. The goal is to increase the maturity of process mining as a new tool to improve the (re)design, control, and support of operational business processes

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We studied the advantages and disadvantages of Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) coloniality in 1972 and 1973 by examining 54 colonies, ranging in size from 2 to 451 active nests, near Ann Arbor, Michigan USA. Four disadvantages were investigated: (1) increased competition for nest burrows and nest building materials, (2) increased competition for mates and matings, (3) increased possibilities of misdirected parental care because of either brood parasitism or the mixing up of unrelated young, and (4) increased transmission of ectoparasites. Physical interference in reproductive functions and the possibility of intraspecific killing of offspring were also considered. The intensity of the various forms of competition increased with increasing colony size, though not always directly. Flea infestation also increased with increasing colony size. Intraspecific brood parasitism was not observed, and parent Bank Swallows began discriminating between their own and unrelated offspring at the time when the young first began to mix. Three hypotheses to explain the maintenance of coloniality were tested: (1) shortage of suitable nesting habitats, (2) advantages associated with social foraging, and (3) reduced predation on adults, young, or eggs. Shortage of suitable habitat could not be demonstrated. Parents did not appear to feed in groups, and survivorship of nestlings during cold weather and weight of nestlings at 10 days of age both suggested that competition for food increased with increasing colony size. Although there was no relationship between colony size and amount of nocturnal predation, adult birds mobbed diurnal predators. Using a stuffed weasel, we studied such mobbing responses. Our data suggest that diurnal predators at larger colonies are (1) detected more quickly, (2) mobbed by greater numbers of birds, and (3) subjected to more vocal commotion than are predators at smaller colonies. Further, we demonstrated that mobbing is at least sometimes effective in deterring avian predators. We suggest that reduced predation on eggs and young, resulting from both group defense and "selfish herd" effects, is an important advantage of Bank Swallow coloniality.

In a 6—yr study, I investigated possible selective bases for coloniality in two species of squirrels (Sciuridae): loosely colonial White—tailed Prairie Dogs (Cynomys leucurus) and densely colonial Black—tailed Prairie Dogs (C. ludovicianus). White—tail study sites were in Wyoming and Colorado, USA; Black—tail study sites were in Colorado and South Dakota. I examined three hypotheses that might explain the evolution of coloniality: (a) shortage of suitable habitat, (b) social facilitation of foraging, and (c) reduced predation. The apparent surplus of unused suitable habitat and the absence of isolated individuals both indicated that prairie dogs are not forced to live together because of habitat shortages. An analysis of prairie dog foraging patterns indicated that there is no social facilitation of foraging in terms of either (a) group hunting of either large or elusive prey, (b) the location of large, scattered food supplies, (c) modification of the soil in order to effect the growth of vegetation that is more favorable or more abundant than that which would otherwise result, or (d) group defense of foraging grounds. Three lines of evidence indicate that reduced predation may be the most important benefit of prairie dog coloniality. First, simulated predatory attacks by badgers (Taxidea taxus) indicated that individuals in large wards (subcolonies) detect predators more quickly than do individuals in smaller wards; further, Black—tails detect predators more quickly than do White—tails. Second, individuals in large wards devote proportionately less time to alertness (i.e., scanning for predators) than do individuals in smaller wards, and Black—tails are less vigilant than are White—tails. Third, breeding synchronization and center—edge differences in individual alertness both indicate the possible importance of self herd effects. Interspecific differences in ward size and ward density may ultimately result because White—tail habitats contain significantly more protective cover than do Black—tail habitats.

Infanticide, although common in a wide range of species including humans and other primates, is poorly understood. A 7-year study under natural conditions reveals that infanticide within colonies of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) is striking for three reasons. It is the major source of juvenile mortality, accounting for the total or partial demise of 51 percent of all litters born. The most common killers are resident lactating females. The most common victims are the offspring of close kin.

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Black-tailed prairie dogs (Rodentia: Sciuridae: Cynomys ludovicianus) live in colonies composed of contiguous but separate family groups called coteries. During the 6 years that individuals in a colony were observed, they almost nevermated with close genetic relatives. Inbreeding is avoided in four ways: (i) a young male usually leaves his natal coterie before breeding, but his female relatives remain; (ii) an adult male usually leaves his breeding coterie before his daughters mature; (iii) a young female is less likely to come into estrus if her father is in her coterie; and (iv) an estrous female behaviorally avoids mating with a father, son, or brother in her coterie.

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