The combinatorics of scattering in layered media

Reflection and transmission of waves in piecewise constant layered media are important in various imaging modalities and have been studied extensively. Despite this, no exact time domain formulas for the Green's functions have been established. Indeed, there is an underlying combinatorial obstacle: the analysis of scattering sequences. In the present paper we exploit a representation of scattering sequences in terms of trees to solve completely the inherent combinatorial problem, and thereby derive new, explicit formulas for the reflection and transmission Green's functions.Comment: 24 pages. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1206.269

Academic credit and career education for engineering and surveying students

Research has indicated the potential of career education for academic credit at university. This case study describes how a university careers service integrated careers education workshops into the academic curriculum of an engineering and surveying faculty. Workshops on Job Skills and Career Transition were presented to 118 undergraduate students. Participants completed assignments for academic credit. These were 'marked' by career counsellors and follow-up careers counselling was provided to interested individuals. This pilot project confirms the utility of curriculum-integrated career education. Implications for career education across an entire undergraduate degree course and on-line education are raised

The legal framework for offshore wind farms: A critical analysis of the consents process

The impact of the legal framework for the consents process on the rate of development of offshore wind farms in England, and the achievement of targets for renewable electricity generation have been reviewed. From the literature and consulted stakeholders it was found that the complexity of the current consents process has adversely affected the rate of development and the achievement of renewable energy targets. Future projects will be subject to a different legal framework for consents, under the Planning Act 2008 and the Marine and Coastal Access Bill. From a comparison of process diagrams for the current and future consents processes, it is concluded that the future process should be an improvement. However, uncertainties remain about the detailed procedures and operation of the future consenting authorities. The capacity and capability of key stakeholders to meet their obligations have implications for the time frame for the processes of applying for, and the granting of, consents. Furthermore improved engagement from developers and clarity about the role of local authorities are essential if progress is to be made. The need for a holistic and strategic view of the industry, including associated development of the supply chain and the transmission grid, is also highlighted. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved