The 400-Hz aircraft power-generation systems: Advancing the baseline

Today's benchmark system for the Boeing 757/767/A310 airplanes and future trends in hydromechanical aircraft power generating systems are discussed. The 757/767/A310 system represents the commercial state of the art and the direction in which Sundstrand Corp. is headed, particularly in regard to weight reduction. Sundstrand introduced microprocessor control in an in service system in the Boeing 767 and was the first to use databus communications between the controls. Plans to develop this technology are briefly discussed. Alternative ways to produce and use power in aircraft are discussed. The integrated starter drive is discussed

Stating the obvious: evaluating the state of public assurance in fire and rescue authorities in England

Purpose: To examine the form, content and reporting arrangements of 'statements of assurance' required from Fire and Rescue Authorities in England since their introduction in 2012 and identify potential improvements for future implementation. Design/methodology/approach: A multi-method approach was adopted which commenced with an analysis of the current official guidance, an exploration of the accessibility and structure of the current statements produced followed by a review of those statements through a desk based analysis complemented by a series of elite interviews. Findings: The current guidance was found to be too broad and open to interpretation to be fit for purpose. This has led to some significant inconsistencies in reporting, limiting the statements' usefulness to key users and stakeholders. Most authorities provided some form of report on their website but variations in respect of length, structure, name and content, limit their value. The research found that 30% of authorities did not have an up to date statement available online. These findings were supported by the series of interviews. The result has led to confusion amongst authorities as to the statement's role and the risk of it being perceived as a 'box ticking' exercise rather than a real contribution to public assurance. Practical implications: This paper provides potential lessons which could be adopted to inform future guidance in respect of the preparation and publication of the statement of assurance and its role in the wider public assurance regime for fire and rescue authorities. If adopted, these would improve the accountability, transparency and public assurance of Fire and Rescue Authorities which is a key objective of their governance arrangements. Originality/value: The statement of assurance has only been a requirement of Authorities since the current National Framework for Fire and Rescue was published in July 2012 and has not been subject to independent research since its inception. The government have recently issued a consultation on a new national framework, but this proposes no changes to the statements of assurance. The findings will therefore be of value to the government, the Fire and Rescue Sector and the recently appointed regulators for the service Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS)

Extension’s Potential to Respond to Suburban Food Insecurity

Between 2000 and 2013, the suburbs in the country’s largest metro areas saw their low-income population grow twice as fast as primary urban cities. In 2018, the Pew Research Center reported that poverty increased more sharply in suburbs than in urban and rural counties (Parker et al., 2018). The rise in suburban poverty coincides with an increasing prevalence of food insecurity. The social and physical environments of suburban communities pose unique food-related challenges for the suburban poor. Awareness and stigmatization of food assistance programs, lack of transportation options, access to food pantries, and limited community gardens are examples of challenges that many families face. With a growing suburban population facing poverty and food insecurity, Extension is positioned to address the complex problem of suburban food insecurity through community-engaged research and education involving the areas of family and consumer sciences, community development, agriculture and natural resources, and 4-H youth development

Interictal epileptiform discharges have an independent association with cognitive impairment in children with lesional epilepsy

OBJECTIVES: The relative contribution of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) to cognitive dysfunction in comparison with the underlying brain pathology is not yet understood in children with lesional focal epilepsy. METHODS: The current study investigated the association of IEDs with intellectual functioning in 103 children with medication-resistant focal epilepsy. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to determine the independent contribution of IED features on intellectual functioning, after controlling for effects of lesional pathology, epilepsy duration, and medication. Exploratory analyses were conducted for language and memory scores as well as academic skills available in a subset of participants. RESULTS: The results reveal that IEDs have a negative association with IQ with independent, additive effects documented for frequent and bilaterally distributed IEDs as well as discharge enhancement in sleep. Left-lateralized IEDs had a prominent effect on verbal intelligence, in excess of the influence of left-sided brain pathology. These effects extended to other cognitive functions, most prominently for sleep-enhanced IEDs to be associated with deficits in expressive and receptive language, reading, spelling and numerical skills. SIGNIFICANCE: Overall, IED effects on cognition were of a magnitude similar to lesional influences or drug effects (topiramate use). This study demonstrates an association between IEDs and cognitive dysfunction, independent of the underlying focal brain pathology

Pilbara coastal flora

The Pilbara coastal region is an area which will have increased human pressure both for work and recreation. In recent years, rapid expansion of townsites along the coast has meant that areas which were once stable have come under threat. Conservation measures will be needed to protect the coastline, and to ensure that the beauty of the coastal landscape: an be enjoyed by future generations

A new species of Dermopristis Kearn, Whittington & Evans-Gowing, 2010 (Monogenea: Microbothriidae), with observations on associations between the gut diverticula and reproductive system and on the presence of denticles in the nasal fossae of the host Glaucostegus typus (Bennett) (Elasmobranchii: Rhinobatidae)

Dermopristis cairae n. sp. (Microbothriidae) is described from the skin and possibly from the nasal fossae of the giant shovelnosed ray Glaucostegus typus (Bennett). The new species is distinguished from D. paradoxus Kearn, Whittington & Evans-Gowing, 2010 by its larger size, body shape, lack of transverse ridges on the ventral surface and absence of a seminal receptacle. Extensive short gut branches lie dorsal to the testes and adjacent to the coiled region of the vas deferens and the oo¨type, possibly reflecting high metabolic demand in these areas. Denticles are present in the lining of the nasal fossae of G. typus, providing a firm substrate for the cement-based attachment of a microbothriid. However, confirmation that D. cairae inhabits the nasal fossae of G. typus is required