Suboptimal filtering. Part 2 - Compensation for modeling errors in orbit determination problems Final report

Compensation for dynamic and measurement model errors in real time orbit determination system

Development of the Lunar and Solar Perturbations in the Motion of an Artificial Satellite

Problems relating to the influence of lunar and solar perturbations on the motion of artificial satellites are analyzed by an extension of Cayley's development of the perturbative function in the lunar theory. In addition, the results are modified for incorporation into the Hansen-type theory used by the NASA Space Computing Center. The theory is applied to the orbits of the Vanguard I and Explorer VI satellites, and the results of detailed computations for these satellites are given together with a physical description of the perturbations in terms of resonance effects

Spatio-temporal remodelling of the composition and architecture of the human ovarian cortical extracellular matrix during in vitro culture

Funding: MRC grant MR/R003246/1 and Wellcome Trust Collaborative Award in Science: 215625/Z/19/Z.Study question How does in vitro culture alter the human ovarian cortical extracellular matrix (ECM) network structure? Summary answer The ECM composition and architecture vary in the different layers of the ovarian cortex and are remodelled during in vitro culture. What is known already The ovarian ECM is the scaffold within which follicles and stromal cells are organized. Its composition and structural properties constantly evolve to accommodate follicle development and expansion. Tissue preparation for culture of primordial follicles within the native ECM involves mechanical loosening; this induces undefined modifications in the ECM network and alters cell–cell contact, leading to spontaneous follicle activation. Study design, size, duration Fresh ovarian cortical biopsies were obtained from six women aged 28–38 years (mean ± SD: 32.7 ± 4.1 years) at elective caesarean section. Biopsies were cut into fragments of ∼4 × 1 × 1 mm and cultured for 0, 2, 4, or 6 days (D). Participants/materials, settings, methods Primordial follicle activation, stromal cell density, and ECM-related protein (collagen, elastin, fibronectin, laminin) positive area in the entire cortex were quantified at each time point using histological and immunohistological analysis. Collagen and elastin content, collagen fibre characteristics, and follicle distribution within the tissue were further quantified within each layer of the human ovarian cortex, namely the outer cortex, the mid-cortex, and the cortex–medulla junction regions. Main results and the role of chance Primordial follicle activation occurred concomitantly with a loosening of the ovarian cortex during culture, characterized by an early decrease in stromal cell density from 3.6 ± 0.2 × 106 at day 0 (D0) to 2.8 ± 0.1 × 106 cells/mm3 at D2 (P = 0.033) and a dynamic remodelling of the ECM. Notably, collagen content gradually fell from 55.5 ± 1.7% positive area at D0 to 42.3 ± 1.1% at D6 (P = 0.001), while elastin increased from 1.1 ± 0.2% at D0 to 1.9 ± 0.1% at D6 (P = 0.001). Fibronectin and laminin content remained stable. Moreover, collagen and elastin distribution were uneven throughout the cortex and during culture. Analysis at the sub-region level showed that collagen deposition was maximal in the outer cortex and the lowest in the mid-cortex (69.4 ± 1.2% versus 53.8 ± 0.8% positive area, respectively, P < 0.0001), and cortical collagen staining overall decreased from D0 to D2 (65.2 ± 2.4% versus 60.6 ± 1.8%, P = 0.033) then stabilized. Elastin showed the converse distribution, being most concentrated at the cortex–medulla junction (3.7 ± 0.6% versus 0.9 ± 0.2% in the outer cortex, P < 0.0001), and cortical elastin peaked at D6 compared to D0 (3.1 ± 0.5% versus 1.3 ± 0.2%, P < 0.0001). This was corroborated by a specific signature of the collagen fibre type across the cortex, indicating a distinct phenotype of the ovarian cortical ECM depending on region and culture period that might be responsible for the spatio-temporal and developmental pattern of follicular distribution observed within the cortex. Large scale data N/A. Limitations, reasons for caution Ovarian cortical biopsies were obtained from women undergoing caesarean sections. As such, the data obtained may not accurately reflect the ECM distribution and structure of non-pregnant women. Wider implications of the findings Clarifying the composition and architecture signature of the human ovarian cortical ECM provides a foundation for further exploration of ovarian microenvironments. It is also critical for understanding the ECM–follicle interactions regulating follicle quiescence and awakening, leading to improvements in both in vitro activation and in vitro growth techniques.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Suboptimal filtering. Part 4 - Test-bed computer program Final report

Computer program plan for simulating real time observation schedules and combined effects of dynamic model errors in three-dimensional satellite motio

Conceptualizing the adventure-sports coach

As a comparatively recent development, the adventure-sports coach struggles for a clear and distinct identity. The generic term ‘instructor’ no longer characterizes the role and function of this subgroup of outdoor professionals. Indeed, although the fields of adventure/outdoor education and leadership are comparatively well researched, the arrival of this ‘new kid on the block’ appears to challenge both the adventure-sports old guard and traditional views of sports coaching. In an attempt to offer clarity and stimulate debate, this paper attempts to conceptualize the adventure-sports coach in the context of the existing roles in the field and current motivations for activity in the outdoors. We identify issues that are specific to the adventure-sports coach while also recognizing those skills and competencies shared with other professionals, both in the adventure sports profession and traditional sports coaching fields. Based on this review, we offer a conceptual model which may be used to focus debate, stimulate research and, at a possible later stage, to underpin accreditation, training and professional development

Continuous quality improvement and metabolic screening during pregnancy at primary health centres attended by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women

Objective: To investigate associations between the provision of routine metabolic screening and follow-up in pregnancy and participation by primary health care centres in a large-scale continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiative.Design: Longitudinal analysis of 2592 audited maternal health records.Setting and participants: Seventy-six community-controlled or government-operated primary health care centres serving predominantly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, in urban, regional or remote locations in five Australian states and territories.Intervention: Up to four CQI cycles supported by the Audit and Best Practice for Chronic Disease Research Partnership.Main outcomes measures:Screening and follow-up for body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and diabetes in pregnancy.Results: Overall, 87.9% of women attending the participating health centres were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Women attending a health centre after it had conducted one or more CQI cycles were more likely to receive BMI, blood pressure and diabetes screening. For example, the proportion of women receiving diabetes screening at baseline (before the first CQI cycle) was 56.1%; after cycle 1 it was 63.7% (odds ratio [OR], 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0&ndash;1.6), after cycle 2, 61.6% (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.9&ndash;1.7), after cycle 3, 63.7% (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1&ndash;2.6), and after cycle 4, 75.5% (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.9&ndash;5.9). Diabetes screening was associated with higher self-ratings of overall organisational systems (P = 0.03), self-management support (P = 0.04) and organisational influence and integration (P = 0.01).Conclusion: These findings support the value of CQI approaches that focus on systems-level issues in primary care to improve the provision of recommended pregnancy care at primary health care centres in predominantly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities