The first use of Fulton's K for assessing and comparing the conditions of inter-tidal fish populations

Fulton's K condition factor was applied, for the first time, to inter-tidal specimens of the shanny (Lipophrys pholis) and long-spined scorpion fish (Taurulus bubalis) from two English rocky shore and two Welsh rocky shore sites during summer 2010 and winter 2011. As both species contribute to the diet of commercial species such as cod (Gadus morhua) and near-threatened species such as the European otter (Lutra lutra), their condition may affect that of these predators. Fulton's K found that inter-tidal Welsh fish maintained a ‘good’ condition between seasons, whereas the inter-tidal English fish were in a poorer condition during winter. Although condition also changed amongst the sites on each coast, further studies are needed into fish morphologies, environmental parameters, prey availabilities and abundances, and fish specimen sex and maturities

Use of calorimetry for end of charge determination

To perform heat flow measurements on batteries, it is necessary to consider the following requirements: establish thermal neutral potential; identify inefficient charging; understand self discharge mechanisms; and provide accurate voltage/temperature data. A discussion is provided in viewgraph format

Effect of spatial waveform on apparent spatial frequency

AbstractWe examined the effect of spatial waveform on the perceived spatial frequency of a grating target. The luminance profile of 0.5 c/° sinusoidal gratings was modified by either compressive or expansive power functions, and was presented alternately with a true sinusoidal grating. Subjects matched the apparent spatial frequency of the two gratings using a method of adjustment. Both compressive and expansive power functions lowered the perceived spatial frequency of the grating, irrespective of the stimulus contrast. Rectified sine wave gratings were also found to reduce apparent spatial frequency. The magnitude of the spatial frequency shifts with spatial waveform diminished with successive matches, which may represent a change in matching strategy employed by observers. Calculations and a further experiment suggest that judgements of spatial frequency may in part be determined by the separation between edges in a grating

Screening for autism in preterm children : diagnostic utility of the Social Communication Questionnaire

Objective Preterm survivors are at high risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The diagnostic utility of the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) in screening for ASD was assessed in extremely preterm children at 11 years of age. Design All babies born at <26 weeks gestation in UK and Ireland from March through December 1995 were recruited to the EPICure Study. Of 307 survivors, 219 (71%) were assessed at 11 years. Parents of 173 children completed the SCQ to screen for autistic features and the Development and Well Being Assessment (DAWBA) psychiatric interview. A consensus diagnosis of ASD was assigned by two child psychiatrists following review of the DAWBA parental interview and corresponding DAWBA teacher questionnaire. Setting Community-based follow-up. Results Using the established SCQ cut-off (scores ≥15), 28 (16%) extremely preterm children screened positive for ASD. Eleven (6%) were assigned a diagnosis of ASD. Using this cut-off, the SCQ had 82% sensitivity and 88% specifi city for identifying ASD in this population. Using a receiver operating characteristic curve, SCQ scores ≥14 had optimal diagnostic utility (area under curve: 0.94; sensitivity: 91%; specifi city: 86%). Positive predictive value was relatively low (31%) resulting in numerous over-referrals. However, children with false positive screens had signifi cantly worse neuro-developmental, cognitive and behavioural outcomes than those with true negative screens. Conclusion The SCQ has good diagnostic utility for identifying ASD in extremely preterm children and is a useful screening tool in this population. Children with false positive screens represent a high-risk group in whom further diagnostic assessment would be benefi cial

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Does Unconscious Racial Bias Affect Trial Judges?

Race matters in the criminal justice system. Black defendants appear to fare worse than similarly situated white defendants. Why? Implicit bias is one possibility. Researchers, using a well-known measure called the implicit association test, have found that most white Americans harbor implicit bias toward Black Americans. Do judges, who are professionally committed to egalitarian norms, hold these same implicit biases? And if so, do these biases account for racially disparate outcomes in the criminal justice system? We explored these two research questions in a multi-part study involving a large sample of trial judges drawn from around the country. Our results - which are both discouraging and encouraging - raise profound issues for courts and society. We find that judges harbor the same kinds of implicit biases as others; that these biases can influence their judgment; but that given sufficient motivation, judges can compensate for the influence of these biases