Summary
The methods proposed consist of an extension of the classical periodogram method for period evaluation, and of a new approach giving better estimates of activity time α. The improvements of the periodogram method aim at eliminating possible misinterpretations by introducing a confidence limit for “true” periods and by an analysis of homogeneity. Further, the extended method enables one to evaluate τ even from records containing gaps, e.g. caused by feeding intervals. The application of the methods is demonstrated using records of the locomotor activity of the scorpionspider Admetus pumilio.
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Partly supported (L. Beck) by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). The computer used for all calculations is on loan from the DFG to Prof. Dr. J. Schwartzkopff.
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Dörrscheidt, G.J., Beck, L. Advanced methods for evaluating characteristic parameters (τ, α, ϱ) of circadian rhythms. J. Math. Biology 2, 107–121 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00275923
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00275923