Understanding the behaviour of X-shooter via the application of a physical model

We show how traditional instrument quality control trending can be augmented by the use of a physical instrument model. The ESO VLT archive contains a detailed record of instrument diagnostics and calibration parameters while ESO quality control monitors changes in critical parameters. The physical model allows changes in positions, orientations and other physical properties of a spectrograph to be determined from standard wavelength calibration exposures via an optimisation process that seeks the physical model parameters that best reproduce the calibration features in the data. We introduce physical model parameters to the quality control monitoring. When applying this technique to archived calibration exposures, we find that the results are sensitive to the combination of parameters open to the optimisation process. Therefore we determine the most favourable set of physical parameters to optimise for each arm. We then show correlations between several physical parameters and instrument temperature sensor readings and epoch. In addition we find clear discontinuities in some physical parameter values that correspond to known maintenance events.     

Robust regression based on shrinkage with application to Living Environment Deprivation

Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment - A robust estimator is proposed for the parameters that characterize the linear regression problem. It is based on the notion of shrinkages,...     

Seasonal variation and structure of a decapod (Crustacea) assemblage living in a Caulerpa prolifera meadow in Cádiz Bay (SW Spain)

The decapod taxocoenosis living in shallow muddy bottoms with the green algae Caulerpa prolifera was studied monthly between February 1994 and January 1996 in the Inner Bay of Cádiz (SW Spain). More than 32,000 specimens belonging to 35 species were collected. Six species were dominant (representing the 85.8% of the total number of specimens), but the structure of the taxocoenosis was regulated by the Hippolyte species, Sicyonia carinata, Palaemon adspersus and Liocarcinus arcuatus. There was no significant qualitative difference between years. There was no clear change in the dominance of groups of species during the year, as happened in the outer Bay. This is probably due to the sheltered character of the area and the more stable and dense vegetal cover, but some seasonal differences were found.The benthic characteristics of the Inner Bay of Cádiz, such as shallow soft bottoms of fine and muddy sediments and the presence of macrophytes (seagrasses and seaweeds) might be key factors influencing the composition and structure of the general and seasonal decapod assemblage. In spite of human impacts on the bay (e.g. aquaculture activities, sewage), the values of the diversity, equitability and richness indexes appeared stable over time (higher than those found in outer adjacent areas) and no significant differences between years were found.     

Sabella spallanzanii filter-feeding on bacterial community: ecological implications and applications

The filtration process of Sabella spallanzanii Gmelin on bacterial community was studied in a coastal area of the Northern Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea) at three sites, S. Vito, Lido Gandoli and Lido Silvana, where some specimens of S. spallanzanii were transplanted. Analyses were performed both on water and worm samples. A total of six microbial groups were examined: culturable heterotrophic bacteria, total culturable bacteria at 37 degrees C, culturable vibrios, total and fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci. The bacterial densities were usually orders of magnitude higher in the worm homogenates than in the corresponding seawater and the highest values were observed in August. The ability of S. spallanzanii to accumulate the microbial pollution indicators suggests this species can be employed as a bioindicator for monitoring water quality. Moreover, the accumulation capability of S. spallanzanii for specific micro-organisms provides a potential role in sewage bioremediation.