Document Detail


Order parameters from image analysis: a honeycomb example.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  18633584     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Honeybee combs have aroused interest in the ability of honeybees to form regular hexagonal geometric constructs since ancient times. Here we use a real space technique based on the pair distribution function (PDF) and radial distribution function (RDF), and a reciprocal space method utilizing the Debye-Waller Factor (DWF) to quantify the order for a range of honeycombs made by Apis mellifera ligustica. The PDFs and RDFs are fit with a series of Gaussian curves. We characterize the order in the honeycomb using a real space order parameter, OP ( 3 ), to describe the order in the combs and a two-dimensional Fourier transform from which a Debye-Waller order parameter, u, is derived. Both OP ( 3 ) and u take values from [0, 1] where the value one represents perfect order. The analyzed combs have values of OP ( 3 ) from 0.33 to 0.60 and values of u from 0.59 to 0.69. RDF fits of honeycomb histograms show that naturally made comb can be crystalline in a 2D ordered structural sense, yet is more 'liquid-like' than cells made on 'foundation' wax. We show that with the assistance of man-made foundation wax, honeybees can manufacture highly ordered arrays of hexagonal cells. This is the first description of honeycomb utilizing the Debye-Waller Factor, and provides a complete analysis of the order in comb from a real-space order parameter and a reciprocal space order parameter. It is noted that the techniques used are general in nature and could be applied to any digital photograph of an ordered array.
Authors:
Forrest H Kaatz; Adhemar Bultheel; Takeshi Egami
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article     Date:  2008-07-17
Journal Detail:
Title:  Die Naturwissenschaften     Volume:  95     ISSN:  0028-1042     ISO Abbreviation:  Naturwissenschaften     Publication Date:  2008 Nov 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2008-10-13     Completed Date:  2009-03-24     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0400767     Medline TA:  Naturwissenschaften     Country:  Germany    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  1033-40     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Mathematics and Life/Natural Sciences, Owens Community College, Toledo, OH 43699, USA. fhkaatz@yahoo.com
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Bees / physiology*
Computer Simulation
Ecosystem
Honey
Housing, Animal*
Nesting Behavior*

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