Method of statistical filtering

Minimal formula for bounding the cross correlation between a random forcing function and the state error when this correlation is unknown is used in optimal linear filter theory applications. Use of the bound results in overestimation of the estimation-error covariance

Radial honeycomb core

Core alleviates many limitations of conventional nacelle construction methods. Radical core, made of metals or nonmetals, is fabricated either by joining nodes and then expanding, or by performing each layer and then joining nodes. Core may also be produced from ribbons or strips with joined nodes or ribbons oriented in longitudinal planes

Managing tree pests and diseases in urban settings: the case of Oak Processionary Moth in London, 2006-2012

Oak Processionary Moth (OPM: Thaumetopoea processionea) is long established in mainland Europe, where it is known to cause defoliation of oaks which can significantly weaken affected trees, leaving them vulnerable to other stressors. OPM also poses a threat to public health through skin and respiratory irritation caused by the poisonous hairs on the caterpillars. Official confirmation that OPM had been found in the UK for the first time in London in 2006 marked the beginning of a long and difficult campaign to eradicate this pest from a largely urban setting. Following its continued spread, however, the outbreak was eventually judged impossible to eradicate. In 2010 a policy of containment was adopted to minimise the population, spread and impacts as much as possible. Despite this, OPM continues to pose a threat to tree and human health in London. This paper examines how OPM was managed in London and asks why eradication proved so difficult. It explores the governance and management challenges faced by those involved in the attempted eradication campaign and assesses the extent to which the specifically urban setting of the outbreak intensified these difficulties. This paper draws on documentary sources and a series of 20 semi-structured interviews conducted by the authors with experts and stakeholders involved in managing the London OPM outbreaks between 2006 and 2012. Three key challenges were identified; assigning statutory responsibility for urban trees; co-ordinating the stakeholder and landowner response in a complex urban setting; and assessing and managing combined risks to trees and people

A study of weather-dependent data links for deep space applications

Weather-dependent data links for deep space applications, and five potential system

Risk factors for vulnerable youth in urban townships in South Africa: the potential contribution of reactive attachment disorder

Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is a psychiatric disorder developing in early or middle childhood as a consequence of significant failures in the caregiving environment. RAD results in children failing to relate socially, either by exhibiting markedly inhibited behaviour or by indiscriminate social behaviour and is associated with significant socio-behavioural problems in the longer term. This study examined RAD in South Africa, a setting with high environmental risks. We recruited a sub-sample of 40 10-year-old children from a cohort enrolled during pregnancy for whom early attachment status was known. Children were purposefully selected to represent the four attachment categories using the data available on the strange situation procedure (SSP) at 18 months. The Manchester Child Attachment Story Task (MCAST) assessed current attachment and RAD was diagnosed using a standardised assessment package. A high proportion of the children (5/40% or 12.5%) fulfilled diagnostic criteria for RAD; all were boys and were displaying the disinhibited type. SSP classification at 18 months was not significantly associated with RAD symptoms at age of 10 years, while current MCAST classifications were. This suggests that children in this sample are at much higher risk of RAD than in high-income populations, and despite a fairly typical attachment distribution in this population at 18 months, RAD was evidenced in later childhood and associated with current attachment disorganisation. The strengths of this research include its longitudinal nature and use of diagnostic assessments. Given increasing evidence that RAD is relatively stable over time and introduces longer term socio-behavioural risks; the high rate of RAD in this sample (12.5%) highlights potential developmental threats to children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Our results should be interpreted with caution given sample size and risk of selection bias. Further research is needed to confirm these findings