This paper focuses on the study of a linear eigenvalue problem with indefinite weight and Robin type boundary conditions. We investigate the minimization of the positive principal eigenvalue under the constraint that the absolute value of the weight is bounded and the total weight is a fixed negative constant. Biologically, this minimization problem is motivated by the question of determining t...

We show how the spatial character of unconstrained motion in a network of bonds can be directly inferred from the topological arrangement of constraints. Relaxation time scales of these soft modes are determined, and from this information we generate spatial maps of the heterogeneous distribution of relaxation times in the disordered network. We show that the nature of the dynamic heterogeneity...

A distributed optical fibre dynamic strain sensor with high spatial and frequency resolution is demonstrated. The sensor which uses φ-OTDR interrogation technique exhibited a higher sensitivity thanks to an improved optical arrangement and a new signal processing procedure. The proposed sensing system is capable of fully quantifying multiple dynamic perturbations along a 5km long sensing fibre ...

The shape of the relationship between biodiversity and agricultural intensity determines the range of intensities that should be targeted by conservation policies to obtain the greatest environmental benefits. Although preliminary evidence of this relationship exists, the influence of the spatial arrangement of intensity on biodiversity remains untested. We conducted a nationwide study linking ...