Deployable Payloads with Starbug

We explore the range of wide field multi-object instrument concepts taking advantage of the unique capabilities of the Starbug focal plane positioning concept. Advances to familiar instrument concepts, such as fiber positioners and deployable fiber-fed IFUs, are discussed along with image relays and deployable active sensors. We conceive deployable payloads as components of systems more traditionally regarded as part of telescope systems rather than instruments - such as adaptive optics and ADCs. Also presented are some of the opportunities offered by the truly unique capabilities of Starbug, such as microtracking to apply intra-field distortion correction during the course of an observation.Comment: 12 pages, 8 figures, to be published in Proc. SPIE 6273 "Opto-Mechanical Technologies for Astronomy

Office design for the multi-generational knowledge workforce

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact the workplace can have on knowledge working for a multi-generational workforce. Design/methodology/approach – A case study analysis is undertaken of Leeds City Council (LCC) workplace in the UK. Findings – The findings from the study show that in the context of LCC there are some key differences between the generations regarding knowledge working preferences for formal/informal meeting spaces. In other aspects, such as knowledge sharing, the generations appear to agree on key aspects such as mentoring and team-based working environments. Practical implications – Corporate real estate managers can use the research findings to assist them in providing a range of workplace settings to enhance multi-generational interaction. Originality/value – This paper fills a gap in current research by evaluating workplace preferences based on generational differences.</p

The 4th Anti Laundering Directive, more of the same?

The 4th EU Laundering Directive has now been passed and will come into effect on 26th June 2017. We still await the publication of the new UK Money Laundering Regulations which will put the Directive into effect in this country but the basis of the new law is clear and the UK’s forthcoming departure from the EU is unlikely to make any difference as this is an area where there is no significant distinction between the member states’ views on the topic. The contents of the Directive represent a minimum that must be adopted although Member States are permitted to go further should they wish

Securitisation and currency hedging under Islamic Shafi law, part 1

This, the first part of a two-part article, examines key features of asset-backed securitisation and currency hedging under Islamic Shafi law. Reviews basic principles of Shafi law, and the Musharaka structures of its profit-sharing agreements, the use of Ijarah structures in securitisation, agency agreements using the Wakalah structure, purchase and sale transactions under the Salam structure, and asset financing through Murabahah structures

UPR(mt) regulation and output: a stress response mediated by mitochondrial-nuclear communication

The mitochondrial network is not only required for the production of energy, essential cofactors and amino acids, but also serves as a signaling hub for innate immune and apoptotic pathways. Multiple mechanisms have evolved to identify and combat mitochondrial dysfunction to maintain the health of the organism. One such pathway is the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR(mt)), which is regulated by the mitochondrial import efficiency of the transcription factor ATFS-1 in C. elegans and potentially orthologous transcription factors in mammals (ATF4, ATF5, CHOP). Upon mitochondrial dysfunction, import of ATFS-1 into mitochondria is reduced, allowing it to be trafficked to the nucleus where it promotes the expression of genes that promote survival and recovery of the mitochondrial network. Here, we discuss recent findings underlying UPR(mt) signal transduction and how this adaptive transcriptional response may interact with other mitochondrial stress response pathways

The STRS (shortness of breath, tremulousness, racing heart, and sweating): A brief checklist for acute distress with panic-like autonomic indicators; development and factor structure

Background: Peritraumatic response, as currently assessed by Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) diagnostic criterion A2, has weak positive predictive value (PPV) with respect to PTSD diagnosis. Research suggests that indicators of peritraumatic autonomic activation may supplement the PPV of PTSD criterion A2. We describe the development and factor structure of the STRS (Shortness of Breath, Tremulousness, Racing Heart, and Sweating), a one page, two-minute checklist with a five-point Likert-type response format based on a previously unpublished scale. It is the first validated self-report measure of peritraumatic activation of the autonomic nervous system.\ud \ud Methods: We selected items from the Potential Stressful Events Interview (PSEI) to represent two latent variables: 1) PTSD diagnostic criterion A, and 2) acute autonomic activation. Participants (a convenience sample of 162 non-treatment seeking young adults) rated the most distressing incident of their lives on these items. We examined the factor structure of the STRS in this sample using factor and cluster analysis.\ud \ud Results: Results confirmed a two-factor model. The factors together accounted for 68% of the variance. The variance in each item accounted for by the two factors together ranged from 41% to 74%. The item loadings on the two factors mapped precisely onto the two proposed latent variables.\ud \ud Conclusion: The factor structure of the STRS is robust and interpretable. Autonomic activation signs tapped by the STRS constitute a dimension of the acute autonomic activation in response to stress that is distinct from the current PTSD criterion A2. Since the PTSD diagnostic criteria are likely to change in the DSM-V, further research is warranted to determine whether signs of peritraumatic autonomic activation such as those measured by this two-minute scale add to the positive predictive power of the current PTSD criterion A2. Additionally, future research is warranted to explore whether the four automatic activation items of the STRS can be useful as the basis for a possible PTSD criterion A3 in the DSM-V

The EU market abuse regulation, where does it leave us?

The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the market abuse regulation to determine whether the general assumption that it has made little difference to the pre-existing UK law on market abuse is accurate. In particular, the potential impact on compliance and behaviour in financial services firms and those who potentially receive inside information is considered. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology adopted is a combination of critical analysis and black letter law utilised to determine the content and potential impact of the market abuse regulation. A process of discovery made more important by the limited assistance given by the European Securities and Markets Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority in terms of the guidance and definitions they have provided. Findings: The new Regulation has a wider definition of insider dealing than under the previous law, has a wider application in terms of the financial instruments that it applies to, has triggered significant new compliance and disclosure requirements and it also extends the law to new markets. Research limitations/implications: There are limitations in that the relevant regulatory bodies, ESMA and the FCA have made little effort to clarify how they interpret the new Regulation. This is a serious problem because in the case of the FCA, their view will impact on the approach they will take in future enforcement actions. Practical implications This paper provides the first real analysis of the market abuse regulation’s effect and shows that, if carefully analysed in context, it has a significant impact on firms in the financial services sector and those engaged in activities which can put them in receipt of inside information. It will cause an increase in relevant compliance and has significant cost implications for affected firms. Social implications: This is not really relevant here. There will be necessary changes to compliance procedures. Originality/value The originality stems from the fact that there appears to be little else published which has engaged in a sustained analysis of the impact and effect of the EU market abuse regulation on the UK’s financial markets and those other firms who receive inside information