Towards low-latency real-time detection of gravitational waves from compact binary coalescences in the era of advanced detectors

Electromagnetic (EM) follow-up observations of gravitational wave (GW) events will help shed light on the nature of the sources, and more can be learned if the EM follow-ups can start as soon as the GW event becomes observable. In this paper, we propose a computationally efficient time-domain algorithm capable of detecting gravitational waves (GWs) from coalescing binaries of compact objects with nearly zero time delay. In case when the signal is strong enough, our algorithm also has the flexibility to trigger EM observation before the merger. The key to the efficiency of our algorithm arises from the use of chains of so-called Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) filters, which filter time-series data recursively. Computational cost is further reduced by a template interpolation technique that requires filtering to be done only for a much coarser template bank than otherwise required to sufficiently recover optimal signal-to-noise ratio. Towards future detectors with sensitivity extending to lower frequencies, our algorithm's computational cost is shown to increase rather insignificantly compared to the conventional time-domain correlation method. Moreover, at latencies of less than hundreds to thousands of seconds, this method is expected to be computationally more efficient than the straightforward frequency-domain method.Comment: 19 pages, 6 figures, for PR

Summed Parallel Infinite Impulse Response (SPIIR) Filters For Low-Latency Gravitational Wave Detection

With the upgrade of current gravitational wave detectors, the first detection of gravitational wave signals is expected to occur in the next decade. Low-latency gravitational wave triggers will be necessary to make fast follow-up electromagnetic observations of events related to their source, e.g., prompt optical emission associated with short gamma-ray bursts. In this paper we present a new time-domain low-latency algorithm for identifying the presence of gravitational waves produced by compact binary coalescence events in noisy detector data. Our method calculates the signal to noise ratio from the summation of a bank of parallel infinite impulse response (IIR) filters. We show that our summed parallel infinite impulse response (SPIIR) method can retrieve the signal to noise ratio to greater than 99% of that produced from the optimal matched filter. We emphasise the benefits of the SPIIR method for advanced detectors, which will require larger template banks.Comment: 9 pages, 6 figures, for PR

Feasibility and preliminary efficacy data from a computerized cognitive intervention in children with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Children with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) are significantly impaired in their academic performance and functionality due to cognitive deficits, especially in attention, memory, and other facets of executive function. Compounding these cognitive deficits is the remarkably high risk of major psychoses, occurring in 25% of adolescents and adults with the disorder. There are currently no evidence-based interventions designed to improve the cognitive deficits in these individuals. We implemented a neuroplasticity-based computerized cognitive remediation program for 12 weeks in 13 adolescents with 22q11DS, assessed feasibility, and measured changes in cognition before and after the intervention compared to a control group of 10 age- and gender-matched children with 22q11DS. Our results indicated that despite their cognitive impairments, this intervention is feasible in children with 22q11DS, with high rates of adherence and satisfaction. Our preliminary analyses indicate that gains in cognition occur with the intervention. Further study in a larger randomized controlled trial would enable assessment of efficacy of this novel intervention

Global human footprint on the linkage between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in reef fishes

Copyright: © 2011 Mora et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.Difficulties in scaling up theoretical and experimental results have raised controversy over the consequences of biodiversity loss for the functioning of natural ecosystems. Using a global survey of reef fish assemblages, we show that in contrast to previous theoretical and experimental studies, ecosystem functioning (as measured by standing biomass) scales in a non-saturating manner with biodiversity (as measured by species and functional richness) in this ecosystem. Our field study also shows a significant and negative interaction between human population density and biodiversity on ecosystem functioning (i.e., for the same human density there were larger reductions in standing biomass at more diverse reefs). Human effects were found to be related to fishing, coastal development, and land use stressors, and currently affect over 75% of the world's coral reefs. Our results indicate that the consequences of biodiversity loss in coral reefs have been considerably underestimated based on existing knowledge and that reef fish assemblages, particularly the most diverse, are greatly vulnerable to the expansion and intensity of anthropogenic stressors in coastal areas

Rule of Law in the Classroom: Teacher Interpretation and Application of Policy Regarding Teaching Methods in Undergraduate Ideo-Political Subjects in China

While rule of law is already a contested concept, the use by Chinese leaders of the term Yifa Zhiguo, translated as ‘rule of law’ or ‘ruling the country according to law’, in China’s context naturally draws controversy. This thesis interprets China’s Yifa Zhiguo legal paradigm to reveal that the Party-state sees law as a tool for achieving policy goals. This tool is utilised when it suits authorities and discarded when it hinders Party-state objectives. This thesis engages with ongoing debates around the meaning of Chinese ‘rule of law’, compares three common features of liberal rule of law definitions with three features of Chinese law (i.e., Party-state supremacy over law, instrumentalism and reform–repression dualism) and provides a rich historical analysis of Chinese legal reform, with a focus on the post-Mao period. This analysis supports the arguments that China, under the Yifa Zhiguo paradigm, does not have a Western liberal rule of law. Instead, it has a system where the Party-state wields law as its tool. This thesis concurrently proposes that law scholars should approach ‘ideo-political education’ as a subject of legal study. This thesis argues that studying ideo-political education reveals a mechanism the Party-state applies to present and justify its official worldview, including on law and Yifa Zhiguo, to young Chinese citizens. Analysis of the Soviet origins of ideopolitical education, scholarly critiques and the content of official textbooks supports this argument. This thesis not only reveals what students are taught but also examines government policies that guide the implementation of ideo-political education. Finally, interviews with ideo-political subject teachers in Chinese universities explored the relationship between them and policy directives, revealing that teachers were largely unaffected by policy recommendations on teaching methods but were likely influenced by political pressures.Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, Adelaide Law School, 202

Aboriginal Burning in South Eastern Australia: Lessons from Brush Turkey

Aboriginal Communities are continuing to revitalise Aboriginal Burning to reinstate it in the broader landscape. While Aboriginal Burning Practices and the theoretical frameworks have the potential to assist in the management of bushfire and biodiversity threats, Western Scientists continue to misconstrue these Aboriginal practices and theory. Using a Theory of Wiradjuri Knowledge (or Aboriginal Science) I apply it to an understanding of how Knowledge is emerged to ngadhuringa ‘Caring for’ the Land through Reciprocal Obligations. Through critically reviewing the concept of Cultural Loss I show how the concept of Cultural Change fits the evidence better. With the general preconception of what is termed ‘Traditional Knowledge’ which does not truly represent what is happening, Aboriginal Mob struggle to present our understandings of Cultural Burning in a way that meets the general template of this ‘traditional Knowledge’ and so is undervalued by land managers and related Scientists. The three practical and theoretical problems this thesis addresses are: Western Science destabilises Aboriginal knowledge; how Aboriginal Mobs’ Land and Sea Management is impacted by past cultural change; and how cultural ways are required to intellectualise Aboriginal burning practices. In this way our Ancestors, particularly Brush Turkey guides our understandings. I have developed a research approach for creating change within Western models of Aboriginal Burning as an insurgent act of challenging existing paradigms. From this way of understanding the Cultural Practice of Aboriginal Cultural Burning, I created a model of Aboriginal Cultural burning to inform the debate and inform the practice of Cultural Burning. The model is based on the nature of Aboriginal concepts of the cosmos and how the contributions of the Ancestors, including Brush Turkey, emerged from the landscape, Dhuruwirra. By reenvisaging Aboriginal Cultural Practice as Aboriginal Science we can empower this Aboriginal Cultural Practice as an Alternative Knowledge Source for management of Country. My approach is that emergent methodologies provide a space for developing these ideas. In Aboriginal Societies, knowledge is emerged out of Country through sharing relationships with Human and NonHuman things