Unbiased estimation of multi-fractal dimensions of finite data sets

We present a novel method for determining multi-fractal properties from experimental data. It is based on maximising the likelihood that the given finite data set comes from a particular set of parameters in a multi-parameter family of well known multi-fractals. By comparing characteristic correlations obtained from the original data with those that occur in artificially generated multi-fractals with the {\em same} number of data points, we expect that predicted multi-fractal properties are unbiased by the finiteness of the experimental data.Comment: LaTeX, 17 pages, figures encapsulated as picture environment

Data processing system for the intensity monitoring spectrometer flown on the Orbiting Geophysical Observatory-F (OGO-F) satellite

The system is discussed which was developed to process digitized telemetry data from the intensity monitoring spectrometer flown on the Orbiting Geophysical Observatory (OGO-F) Satellite. Functional descriptions and operating instructions are included for each program in the system

Dysregulation of visual motion inhibition in major depression

Individuals with depression show depleted concentrations of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in occipital (visual) cortex, predicting weakened inhibition within their visual systems. Yet, visual inhibition in depression remains largely unexplored. To fill this gap, we examined the inhibitory process of centersurround suppression (CSS) of visual motion in depressed individuals. Perceptual performance in discriminating the direction of motion was measured as a function of stimulus presentation time and contrast in depressed individuals (n¼27) and controls (n¼22). CSS was operationalized as the accuracy difference between conditions using large (7.5°) and small (1.5°) grating stimuli. Both depressed and control participants displayed the expected advantage in accuracy for small stimuli at high contrast. A significant interaction emerged between subject group, contrast level and presentation time, indicating that alterations of CSS in depression were modulated by stimulus conditions. At high contrast, depressed individuals showed significantly greater CSS than controls at the 66 ms presentation time (where the effect peaked in both groups). The results' specificity and dependence on stimulus features such as contrast, size and presentation time suggest that they arise from changes in early visual processing, and are not the results of a generalized deficit or cognitive bias.Accepted versio

Untangling the socio-political knots: A systems view on Indonesia's inclusive energy transitions

National energy transitions face complex socio-political challenges, ranging from inertia to exacerbated inequalities. There are limited studies investigating these dimensions, especially in developing economies. This paper presents Indonesia, a country with high fossil fuel dependency, as a valuable case study to investigate the societal interplay affecting transitions. Interviews and literature analyses were conducted to assess barriers and levers to success. The findings are further analysed with systems thinking (ST), highlighting dynamic patterns and interdependencies. It is found that conflicting interests, inconsistent regulation, and low capability at the implementation level are among the most persistent barriers creating disparities between intentions and reality. These leave some groups disproportionately disadvantaged; notably, regions with fossil fuel-dependent income, informal sectors, and indigenous and local communities. Recommendations include the creation of an independent agency for the energy transition, and empowering regional participation. Addressing inclusion is imperative for social justice as well as to ensure adoptability and acceptance from all

Habitat-mediated dive behavior in free-ranging grey seals

Understanding the links between foraging behaviour and habitat use of key species is essential to addressing fundamental questions about trophic interactions and ecosystem functioning. Eight female grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) were equipped with time-depth recorders linked to Fastloc GPS tags following the annual moult in southwest Ireland. Individual dives were coupled with environmental correlates to investigate the habitat use and dive behaviour of free-ranging seals. Dives were characterised as either pelagic, benthic, or shallow (where errors in location and charted water depth made differentiating between pelagic and benthic dives unreliable). Sixty-nine percent of dives occurring in water >50 m were benthic. Pelagic dives were more common at night than during the day. Seals performed more pelagic dives over fine sediments (mud/sand), and more benthic dives when foraging over more three-dimensionally complex rock substrates. We used Markov chain analysis to determine the probability of transiting between dive states. A low probability of repeat pelagic dives suggests that pelagic prey were encountered en route to the seabed. This approach could be applied to make more accurate predictions of habitat use in data-poor areas, and investigate contentious issues such as resource overlap and competition between top predators and fisheries, essential for the effective conservation of these key marine species

Integrated digital/electric aircraft concepts study

The integrated digital/electrical aircraft (IDEA) is an aircraft concept which employs all electric secondary power systems and advanced digital flight control systems. After trade analysis, preferred systems were applied to the baseline configuration. An additional configuration, the alternate IDEA, was also considered. For this concept the design ground rules were relaxed in order to quantify additional synergistic benefits. It was proposed that an IDEA configuration and technical risks associated with the IDEA systems concepts be defined and the research and development required activities to reduce these risks be identified. The selected subsystems include: power generation, power distribution, actuators, environmental control system and flight controls systems. When the aircraft was resized, block fuel was predicted to decrease by 11.3 percent, with 7.9 percent decrease in direct operating cost. The alternate IDEA shows a further 3.4 percent reduction in block fuel and 3.1 percent reduction in direct operating cost

Magnetic characterization of the frustrated three-leg ladder compound [(CuCl2tachH)3Cl]Cl2

We report the magnetic features of a new one-dimensional stack of antiferromagnetically coupled equilateral copper(II) triangles. High-field magnetization measurements show that the interaction between the copper triangles is of the same order of magnitude as the intra-triangle exchange although only coupled via hydrogen bonds. The infinite chain turns out to be an interesting example of a frustrated cylindrical three-leg ladder with competing intra- and inter-triangle interactions. We demonstrate that the ground state is a spin singlet which is gaped from the triplet excitation.Comment: 6 pages, 9 figures, revised version submitted to Phys. Rev. B. More information at http://obelix.physik.uni-osnabrueck.de/~schnack

Dental experiences of a group of autistic adults based in the United Kingdom.

AIMS: Previous international research has shown that autistic people have difficulty accessing dental care due to sensory processing, anxiety and communication issues. However, it is not known whether autistic adults in the United Kingdom are experiencing similar dental care barriers. The current study investigated autistic adults' dental experiences in the United Kingdom. METHODS AND RESULTS: A mixed methods survey was given to self-selecting autistic (n = 37) and non-autistic adults (n = 43) to compare whether autistic individuals had more negative experiences than non-autistic individuals. Closed questions asked about anxiety, patient-practitioner communication, satisfaction and the dental environment. Open questions asked about autism-specific dental challenges, what works well at the dentist, and improving autistic individuals' experiences. Responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. Overall, results demonstrated that autistic adults in the United Kingdom have more negative dental experiences than non-autistic adults. These predominantly related to interactions with dental practitioners, a challenging sensory environment, anxiety, pain, and disclosure. Participants recommended sensory environment adaptations, ways to increase preparedness, longer appointments, and individual accommodations. CONCLUSION: This study offers best-practice strategies for working with autistic patients and highlights the importance of dentists working with autistic individuals to maximize the quality of care and outcomes for this underserved population

EFFECT OF PERFORMANCE FEEDBACK DURING 6 WEEKS OF VELOCITY BASED SQUAT JUMP TRAINING

This study investigated the effect of instantaneous performance feedback (peak velocity) provided after each repetition of squat jump exercises in 13 professional rugby players. Players were randomly assigned to a feedback or non feedback group and completed three training sessions per week for six weeks. The relative magnitude (effect size) of the training effects for all performance tests were found to be small, except for 30m sprint which was moderate. The use of feedback was found to be possibly beneficial to increasing vertical jump, 10m and 20m sprint, likely to be beneficial to increasing horizontal jump and almost certainly beneficial to increasing 30m sprint. It is suggested that the provision of instantaneous feedback on movement velocity during resistance training sessions provides a greater potential for adaptation and larger training effects