Plethodon petraeus

Number of Pages: 2Integrative BiologyGeological Science

Application of the Hilbert-Huang Transform to the Search for Gravitational Waves

We present the application of a novel method of time-series analysis, the Hilbert-Huang Transform, to the search for gravitational waves. This algorithm is adaptive and does not impose a basis set on the data, and thus the time-frequency decomposition it provides is not limited by time-frequency uncertainty spreading. Because of its high time-frequency resolution it has important applications to both signal detection and instrumental characterization. Applications to the data analysis of the ground and space based gravitational wave detectors, LIGO and LISA, are described

'Do non-human animals have some form of moral sense which informs the way that they live and act towards members of their own and other species?'

Various empirical and anecdotal accounts suggest that certain non-human animals behave in ways that would be considered to be moral, even exemplary, if they were human beings. While some philosophers such as Mark Rowlands consider that some animals may be moral subjects (but not full moral agents), others (after Descartes) have argued that only humans possess the requisite cognitive capacities. Three common objections discussed in the essay are that animals (a) cannot reason; (b) do not have language; and (c) are not persons. However, in the light of philosophers/writers such as DeWaal, Bekoff, DeGrazia and Sapontzis, it is arguable that these objections are questionable in themselves, and fail to dismiss the case for animals as moral beings. While species membership may be relevant to the question, it is not decisive. Animals do not need to be ‘persons’ or ‘moral agents’ to act for good, within their own communities and their individual limitations. Such hard categories are arbitrary and prejudicial. In making the case for animals as moral beings, evolutionary biology and neurology give a persuasive account of the role that empathy and reciprocal altruism play in maintaining animal communities. Darwin thought of morality as basic social instincts refined by intelligence. There is good evidence (in animal play, for example) that their behaviour is governed by shared social obligations and expectations. This contention is also supported by the similarities between the brains and nervous systems of humans and other animals, particularly the areas relating to social behaviour. We differ from them in degree, not in kind. While humans can engage with moral situations in a more complex, conceptual way, this isn’t necessary to be moral. Caring about, and acting for, the good of others is what matters morally – not the ability to follow abstract principles and rules

Performance Analysis of a Secure IEEE 802.11B Wireless Network Incorporating Personal Digital Assistants

Research results of this thesis indicate very poor performance of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) utilizing PDAs. Network throughput is adversely effected most by VPN implementation and slightly by increased file size. The client distance factor has virtually no effect on the throughput. The impact of each of these factor levels is small when compared to the magnitude of the overall mean throughput (\u3c6%). The average network throughput with the PDA client is much lower than expected (=11,500 bps). This is attributed to several factors with degradation primarily resulting from limitations of the PDA hardware and O/S. Because of the low throughput values achieved (regardless if VPN is on or off), an operational WLAN with PDAs (as tested) is not feasible. Operational use of the network tested would require an in-depth analysis of the type of network traffic and performance required to maintain functionality. To deploy such a system, custom designed Winsock controls would need to be implemented to minimize limitations imposed by the PDA. As PDA technology continues to develop, future hardware and O/S functionality may provide a more robust platform for network communications. The battery life of the PDA and packet battery combination is observed to be about 164 minutes with additional jackets adding about 90 minutes each

Nutrient profile labelling: consumers’ perceptions in Germany and Belgium

Growing consumer interest in food and health has motivated the European food industry to provide more simple information on the nutritional composition of foods. In addition to the traditional back-of-pack nutrition table, simplified front-of-pack labels have been introduced by the food industry to allow consumers making better informed and healthier food choices. In this paper, consumers’ perceptions of simplified nutrition information, namely Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) and Traffic light (TL), in Germany and Belgium are explored. Surveys in Germany (147 respondents) and Belgium (128 respondents) were conducted in 2008. Data were analysed by means of descriptive statistics and regression analysis. In both countries, the GDA is the most widely used simplified nutrition label. Whereas most consumers in Belgium indicate a preference for the GDA, in Germany the Traffic light is favoured most. Regression analyses indicate that the predilection for the different labels is affected by sociodemographic characteristics and perceptions towards the respective labels. European nutrition policy makers should be aware of regional differences regarding the perception of simplified nutrition labels. The challenge for international food industries is therefore to raise awareness of the potential function of simplified labels in making informed and healthy food choices among different European consumer groups.Nutrient profile labelling, Nutrition policy, European food industry, Consumer survey., Agricultural and Food Policy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,