UPIAR Research In Progress - Vol 1 No 1 - 1982

Magazine Overview

Title: UPIAR RESEARCH IN PROGRESS
Issue: Vol. I, N. 1
Date: 1982
Publisher: Cooperativa Studi e Iniziative UPIAR S.r.L.
Country: Italy
Language: English
ISSN: 0391-111 x

This issue introduces UPIAR RESEARCH IN PROGRESS (URIP), an international journal dedicated to rapid communication in UFO research. It positions itself as a complementary publication to existing UFO journals, aiming for a higher release rate (three times a year) to facilitate the timely dissemination of the latest research findings and preliminary results. The journal emphasizes international cooperation and a rigorous scientific approach, as evidenced by its globally diverse editorial board and the spatial separation of its Editor-in-Chief (Spain) and Managing Editor (Italy).

Editorial

Times Are Changing

The editorial, penned by Editor-in-Chief Vicente J. Ballester Olmos, highlights a perceived shift towards more mature scientific reporting in the UFO field. It notes the existence of three refereed UFO journals as an indicator of this maturity. The editorial briefly introduces two other key publications: UFO PHENOMENA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REVIEW (UPIAR), a yearly journal for in-depth reports, and the JOURNAL FOR UFO STUDIES, which focuses on research from the American continent. URIP is presented as a distinct entity, focused on rapid communication.

The editorial further elaborates on URIP's goals, including fostering international cooperation by providing a platform for analysts, investigators, and theorists to publish their findings. It stresses the importance of a scientific approach, based on rigid, theoretical, experimental, and analytical procedures, to uncover significant aspects of UFO observations. The journal aims to end the isolation of UFO researchers and become a comfortable environment for scientific discussion and presentation of results.

Scope and Purpose

The journal publishes original papers in the following fields:
1. Physical Aspects of UFO Phenomena
2. Gathering and Processing of Data Concerning UFO Phenomena
3. The "CE III" (according to Hynek's terminology) in the UFO Experience
4. Psychological and Perceptive Aspects in the UFO Experience
5. Epistemology of the Research on UFO Phenomena

Editorial Policy

Manuscripts submitted must not have been simultaneously published or submitted elsewhere. The publisher acquires sole copyright upon acceptance. Reproductions, microform, or photographic reproductions are prohibited without special permission. Quotations of up to 500 words are allowed with full credit. The journal uses a direct photographic reproduction process, meaning papers must be carefully checked before submission as alterations are not possible later. All manuscripts are refereed by the Editorial Board.

Instructions to Authors

The journal considers for publication:
1. Research papers
2. Short communications stressing experimental results
3. Research projects

It also considers bibliographies of technical references related to UFO phenomena. Manuscripts are accepted for publication in English, with French papers also considered if they include an English translation of the title and abstract. Authors are encouraged to avoid technical jargon and define terms. Contributions are published free of charge.

Columns for Manuscripts:

• Announcements: On meetings, symposia, workshops, etc. (deadline: Jan 1, May 1, Sep 1).
• Read in the Literature: Reviews and criticisms of papers published elsewhere with scientific treatment or importance to UFO research.
• Editorial papers: Dealing with general informative interest, published upon request by the Editor-in-Chief.

Submission of Manuscripts

Authors should send three copies of their manuscript, typed and single-spaced on white paper, to:

Coop. UPIAR S.r.l.
P.O. Box 11221
I-20110 Milano (Italia)

The original copy must be clear for printing, and the other two should be good photostatic reproductions. The submitted manuscript will be sent to qualified referees. Authors should retain a fourth copy for their records.

Presentation of Manuscripts

All papers should be typed single-spaced on good quality white paper, with a maximum line length of 15 cm. The preferred paper size is approximately 28x22 cm. Papers should have a maximum length of 2500 words, including an abstract of 100-150 words. Papers exceeding this length may be considered, but authors might be requested to pay a fee for extra pages. Longer papers, such as reviews, may be submitted to the annual UPIAR PHENOMENA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REVIEW.

Title: Should convey the paper's content. The first page must include the title, author's names, and affiliation.

Abstracts: Each paper must include a 100-150 word abstract. Papers in French require a full English abstract and title translation. The journal plans to publish abstracts in French, German, Italian, and Spanish to broaden its audience.

Key-Words

Authors must provide 5-15 key-words for indexing purposes after the abstract. The journal aims to contribute to the foundation of a uniform terminology for UFO descriptions and evaluations.

Chapters

• Research papers must be divided into the following chapters:
• Abstract
• Introduction
• Material and Methods
• Results
• Discussion
• References

Illustrations

Illustrations (photographs, diagrams, graphs) should be in the desired final size, adhering to the 12x18 cm printed page proportions. Several figures can be grouped on a single page. Line drawings should be submitted as good-quality glossy prints with legible inscriptions (5 mm high recommended). Half-tone illustrations require well-contrasted photographic prints, trimmed at right angles, with inscriptions of about 5 mm high.

Captions

Captions should briefly and clearly describe each figure. Remarks like "For explanation, see text" should be avoided. Captions are part of the text and should be appended to it. Lettering or annotation should be indicated on a tracing overlay or photocopy.

References

References must be limited to publications quoted in the text and listed alphabetically by the first author's surname. Citations in the text should use numbers. Journal paper references require surname(s) and initial(s), year, full title (underlined or abbreviated), volume, issue, and page numbers. Book citations require surname(s) and initial(s), year, full title (underlined), publisher, city, and page number(s).

Symbols and Terminology

Authors must use international rules for abbreviations, symbols, and technical terms where they exist. If not, they may use terminology from well-known authors or treatises. The journal strongly recommends the development of a uniform terminology for UFO reports. Authors should explicitly state the terminology used.

Footnotes

Footnotes should be avoided; if essential, they should appear on the first page of the article.

Reprints

Fifteen reprints will be sent to authors free of charge. Additional copies are available upon request at a cost dependent on the number of pages.

Publicity

UPIAR RESEARCH IN PROGRESS accepts technical, scientific, and book advertisements, subject to the Editor-in-Chief's approval. A list of publicity rates is available upon request.

Call for Papers

Authors are encouraged to submit manuscripts as soon as possible. Accepted manuscripts will be published within 120 days of approval. Careful adherence to the "Instructions to Authors" is strongly recommended for final approval.

Apologizes

The journal apologizes for the absence of German and Spanish abstracts in this issue, which will be included in the next issue of URIP.

Article: Usage of Computer Photographic Evaluation Techniques

This article, by William H. Spaulding and Fred Adrian of GSW, Inc., discusses the application of Computer Image Enhancement (CIE) to purported UFO photographs. CIE is described as a sophisticated method of electronically manipulating photographic images using high-speed digital computers to extract additional and significant information for analyzing UFO phenomena. The authors note that while pictorial information of UOs exists in quantity, it is often of low quality, creating interpretation problems. GSW, Inc. utilizes CIE to reduce the subjectivity of conventional evaluation techniques. The article outlines the benefits and limitations of this technology and illustrates its application with graphic examples.

Methodology:

The process begins with the digitization of pictorial data, measuring image density as a function of position. This data, representing relative photographic densities, is obtained using a sensitive TV-type camera. The technology is based on principles similar to human visual recognition, with the scanner acting as the eyes and a high-speed digital computer as the brain. The system can "see" images and manipulate them to extract information, categorized into enhanced reconstructions or numeric/graphic reports.

Computer Image System:

GSW's system digitizes images into pixels, forming an array of 640 horizontal columns and 480 vertical rows (307,200 pixels). Each pixel is assigned a grey value from 0 to 255, representing the average grey level of that portion of the photograph. This data, along with X and Y coordinate information, is stored in the computer's memory.

Software Subroutines:

• Several software programs are used to extract information, including:
• Contrast Expansion/Suppression (E/S): This subroutine enhances images by adjusting brightness differences. It can make low-contrast images more readable and bring out details that appear "washed out." The process involves lowering dark portions and increasing bright portions to achieve a full contrast image.
• Spatial Filtering: This technique separates images into high-frequency and low-frequency components. Low-pass filtering removes hi-frequency details, while hi-pass filtering enhances them by removing low-frequency changes like vignetting. The process involves calculating an average value for pixels and substituting it for the original pixel.
• Edge Enhancement: This operation delineates edges surrounding images and features, making shapes and details more conspicuous. It works by shifting the image and testing for differences between corresponding pixels. Transitions from light to dark lines are enhanced.
• Pixel Edge Factoring: A derivative of the Gradient subroutine, this process portrays edges in white outline against a black background. It calculates the difference between adjacent horizontal and vertical pixels to determine the rate of grey level change, helping to measure edge waviness and potentially determine approximate distance from the camera.
• Hi-Resolution (Laplacian): This function provides a natural-appearing edged image and enhances pictorial features with greater detail by using a second-order derivative.

The article includes illustrations demonstrating the results of these techniques on a picture of the U.S. Capitol building.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the professionalization and scientific rigor of UFO research. The journal strongly advocates for a systematic, analytical, and theoretical approach to studying UFO phenomena. It emphasizes the importance of clear communication, accurate reporting, and the development of a uniform terminology within the field. The editorial stance is one of promoting serious consideration of UFOs, grounded in scientific methodology, and fostering international collaboration among researchers. The journal itself is presented as a key tool in achieving these objectives, providing a much-needed platform for rapid dissemination of research findings.

This issue of URIP, Volume I, Number 1, published in 1982 by Coop. UPIAR S.r.l., focuses on the "TIME DISTRIBUTION IN IBERIAN UFO ACTIVITY." Authored by Fernando FERNANDES and Jose Mario FERREIRA, the paper was received on April 10, 1982. The publication is in English and covers data from 1950 to 1977.

Analysis of Iberian UFO Activity

The abstract states that the paper attempts to analyze the time distribution of the UFO phenomenon over the Iberian Peninsula. Data from 1950 to 1977 was used to explore potential periodicities in reported UFO sightings. A method based on the autocorrelation function revealed several interesting features, suggesting that the time structure of the Iberian data exhibits striking similarities to the global time structure of UFO observations.

Key-Words and Introduction

The key-words include: Autocorrelation function, Correlogram, Cyclic variations, Eleven-year cycle, Lag, Martian cycle, Seasonal variations, Time series, Trend. The introduction highlights that the time evolution of UFO phenomena has always been a field of research, offering the perspective of discovering cycles and correlations to guide investigations. The study aims to search for one or several periodicities in UFO observations reported over the Iberian Peninsula between 1950 and 1977, using a straightforward autocorrelation function analysis.

Material and Methods

The basic material for the study was gathered from two sources: a catalogue of Portuguese cases compiled by the authors, and information on Spanish cases provided by the CATIB catalogue, compiled by C.E.I. (Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios).

Data Presentation and Modeling

Table I presents the monthly number of Iberian UFO reports from 1950 to 1977, totaling 2,869 reports. Figure 1 shows the yearly number of Iberian UFO reports during the same period. The data is described by a multiplicative model, where the time series (Y) is a product of four components: T (Long-term variation or trend), S (Seasonal variations), C (Cyclic variations), and R (Irregular or residual variations).

Findings on Trends and Seasonality

Figure 1 indicates a noticeable trend in UFO activity over the years 1950-1977. The increase in sightings might be attributed to factors like the diffusion of the UFO phenomenon and the proliferation of specialized investigation groups. Table I suggests a seasonal component, with a larger number of cases in the last six months of the year compared to the first six. Factors outside the phenomenon are suggested to explain this seasonal structure.

Autocorrelation and Correlogram Analysis

The study employs the autocorrelation function to analyze the periodicity of the sequence by comparing it with itself at successive positions. Figure 2 illustrates a periodical sequence compared to itself. The autocorrelation function is defined as the linear correlation between a time series and itself at a later interval (lag L). The correlogram, a plot of autocorrelation versus lag, reveals intervals of time where the time series has a repetitive nature.

Figure 3 shows the correlogram of the cyclical component. High correlation is observed for small lags, indicating that UFO activity is correlated over short periods. Notable peaks are identified at approximately 7 years and 8 months, and areas around 10 years and 10 months, and 11 years and 3 months.

Discussion of Periodicities

The designation of "Martian cycle" is attributed to correlations between UFO activity peaks and Mars oppositions. While Buelta and Brea found a correlation around 26 months, this study's correlogram shows a peak at 22 months, which is considered a tendency related to the "Martian cycle." The authors acknowledge that a precise fit isn't established but believe the 22-month peak indicates a tendency for periodicity around two years in Iberian UFO activity during the 1950s-1960s.

To further investigate, the initial series was broken into four 7-year groups, with results shown in Figure 5. These correlograms show changes in structure, with higher peaks in earlier periods and an absence of correlation in the same area in later periods. The analysis suggests that the "Martian cycle" correlation was verified for the period 1950-1960. Figure 5 also reveals other peaks, including those around 2 years and 6 months, 2 years and 7 months, 3 years and 1 month, 3 years and 6 months, and 2 years and 9 months, indicating a periodicity near 3 years.

The peaks around 10 years and 10 months and 11 years and 3 months are discussed in relation to an eleven-year cycle. Studies by Hoville and Nicolas suggest a correlation between UFO activity and solar activity with a period of approximately 11 years. Eric Gregor's work, using spectral analysis on a larger dataset, also points to a cycle of around 11 years (with variations from 10 to 12.5 years).

Conclusions

The study concludes that the time structure of UFO phenomenon over the Iberian Peninsula shows similarities to other studies using different datasets, suggesting UFO phenomenon is a coherent structure. This coherence is evident not only in general manifestations but also in its time evolution. A comparison of Figure 1 (Iberian data) with Figure 6 (60,000 UFO reports globally) highlights this remarkable coherence. The authors believe this time identification results from an internal structure underlying the phenomenon itself. The major lines of variation, such as oscillations in the fifties and depressions in the sixties, are present in both datasets, reinforcing the idea of intrinsic factors driving the phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes revolve around the statistical analysis of UFO sightings, the identification of temporal patterns and periodicities, and the comparison of Iberian data with global trends. The editorial stance, as presented through the research, suggests that UFO phenomena possess an underlying coherent structure and internal dynamics, rather than being solely influenced by external factors. The use of advanced analytical techniques like computer enhancement and autocorrelation functions underscores a scientific approach to investigating UFO reports.

Title: UFO PHENOMENA
Issue: Vol. I N. 1
Date: July 1982
Publisher: Cooperativa Studi e Iniziative UPIAR S.r.l.
Country: Italy
Language: English
ISSN: 0391 - 111X

This inaugural issue of UFO PHENOMENA presents itself as an international annual review dedicated to the scientific study of UFO phenomena. It aims to foster a higher quality of research in the field, moving beyond purely anecdotal accounts.

Articles

DISTRIBUZIONE TEMPORALE NELLA ATTIVITA' UFO IBERICA / DISTRIBUCION TEMPORAL EN LA ACTIVIDAD OVNI IBERICA / DISTRIBUTION TEMPORELLE DANS L'ACTIVITE UFOLOGIQUE IBERIQUE

This section features three parallel articles in Italian, Spanish, and French, all by Fernando FERNANDES and José Mario FERREIRA. The work attempts to analyze the temporal distribution of the UFO phenomenon over the Iberian Peninsula using data from 1950 to 1977. The analysis, based on autocorrelation functions, revealed interesting periodicities. Notably, the temporal structure of the Iberian data shows striking similarities to the global temporal structure represented by observations from around the world. The translations are provided by Roberto FARABONE (Italian), V.-J.BALLESTER OLMOS (Spanish), and Marcel DELAVAL (French).

THE AUSTRIAN UFO WITNESS PROJECT

Authored by Alexander G. KEUL, this article details an officially funded research project conducted from April to July 1980 in Vienna and Lower Austria. The project aimed to control the reality of UFO witness reports by administering a battery of psychological tests to witnesses of ten unidentified cases. The results suggested a significant role for psychopathology in these cases. The project involved a team of psychologists and psychiatrists, including Andreas KRUFACK, Wolfgang WALLNER, Prof. Dr.L.AMBROZI, and Prof.Dr.O.H.ARNOLD. The funding came from the Vienna Board of Education. The methodology involved home visits, biographical and medical record taking, and psychological testing, including the Rorschach, Benton, WAIS, and a suggestibility test. Witnesses were classified into three categories (X, Y, Z) based on their reality orientation and psychological stability. The article notes that the initial results, while based on a small sample, indicated a strong correlation between psychopathology and UFO cases in Austria. A continuation of the analysis with a larger, more representative sample and a control group of non-UFO witnesses is announced. The project leader later adopted a refined classification scheme for case/witness diagnosis.

READ IN LITERATURE

This section, by Paolo TOSELLI, presents a curated list of articles published in SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN that are deemed to be of potential importance to UFO research. The selection primarily focuses on contributions from psychology and sociology, aiming to provide an easily understood survey of witness factors and atmospheric phenomena that could offer new insights into the UFO phenomenon. Each entry includes the article's author, title, publication details, and a brief summary. Notable entries include "EXPERIMENTS IN PERCEPTION" by Ittelson & Kilpatrick, "THE PATHOLOGY OF BOREDOM" by Woodburn Heron, "OPINIONS AND SOCIAL PRESSURE" by Solomon E. Asch, "EYEWITNESS TESTIMONY" by Robert Buckhout, "SUBJECTIVE CONTOURS" by Gaetano Kanizsa, and "HALLUCINATIONS" by Ronald K. Siegel.

UFO RESEARCH BIBLIOGRAPHY (PART 1)

Compiled by Vicente-Juan BALLESTER OLMOS, this extensive bibliography is divided into sections based on subject matter. Part 1 covers "THE IDENTIFICATION OF STIMULI" (ways to diminish the noise-to-signal ratio of UFO information) and "UFO MANUALS" (textbooks on field investigation). It lists numerous articles and books, providing authors, titles, and publication details, with many entries referencing journals like FSR, LDLN, THE APRO BULLETIN, THE MUFON UFO JOURNAL, and STENDEK. The bibliography also includes references to psychological and sociological studies relevant to UFO research, such as those on perception, testimony, hypnosis, and social dynamics.

SHORT COMMUNICATIONS

This section begins with a reflection titled ".... AND YET IT MOVES" by Roberto Farabone, which comments on the positive evolutions in UFO research over recent years. These include the emergence of trained researchers, refereed journals (UPIAR, Journal of UFO Studies, URIP), an official non-military organization (GEPAN), and a supporting foundation (FUFOR). Farabone highlights the achievements of UPIAR, which was awarded the first International Science Achievement Award by FUFOR for its consistently high quality of research. He also announces a grant from FUFOR to Vicente-Juan BALLESTER OLMOS for his research project on landing phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, emphasizing methodological rigor and the application of psychological and sociological perspectives. The editorial stance clearly favors a research-oriented approach, seeking to understand UFO reports through empirical data, statistical analysis, and psychological evaluation, rather than speculative or sensationalist accounts. The journal aims to elevate the quality of UFO research and provide a platform for serious academic inquiry.

This document is the table of contents for an issue of "UPIAR RESEARCH IN PROGRESS". It outlines the various articles, columns, and communications included in the publication, along with their respective authors and page numbers.

Editorial

The editorial section sets the stage for the issue, with an article titled "Times Are Changing" by V.-J. Ballester Olmos. It also includes sections on the publication's "Scope and Purpose", "Instructions to Authors", and a "Call for Papers", indicating a focus on research and contributions from the community.

Section I: Usage of Computer Photographic Evaluation Techniques

Authored by W. H. Spaulding and F. Adrian, this section, beginning on page 11, delves into the application of computer-based methods for evaluating photographic evidence related to UFOs.

Section II: Time Distribution in Iberian UFO Activity

F. Fernandes and J. M. Ferreira present their findings on the temporal patterns of UFO sightings in the Iberian region, starting on page 27. This article likely analyzes when UFOs are most frequently reported in this geographical area.

Section IV: The Austrian UFO Witness Project

A. G. Keul contributes an article on "The Austrian UFO Witness Project" from page 41. This section focuses on a specific research initiative in Austria aimed at collecting and analyzing UFO witness accounts.

Columns

This section offers broader insights and resources for readers. P. Toselli's "Read in Literature" likely reviews relevant publications in the field. V.-J. Ballester Olmos continues with "UFO Research Bibliography (part I)", beginning on page 48, suggesting a comprehensive listing of UFO-related literature.

Short Communications

R. Farabone provides a contribution titled "... and Yet It Moves!" on page 55. This suggests a shorter piece, possibly a commentary or a brief report on a specific observation or idea.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The table of contents indicates a strong emphasis on rigorous research methodologies, particularly in photographic analysis, and a commitment to cataloging and disseminating information through bibliographies and literature reviews. The inclusion of a "Call for Papers" and "Instructions to Authors" suggests an editorial stance that encourages active participation and scholarly contributions to the field of UFO research. The specific focus on Iberian and Austrian UFO activity points to an international scope, while the inclusion of diverse sections like "Columns" and "Short Communications" suggests an effort to cater to a wide range of reader interests within the UFO research community.