Fast Algorithms and Efficient Statistics: N-point Correlation Functions

We present here a new algorithm for the fast computation of N-point correlation functions in large astronomical data sets. The algorithm is based on kdtrees which are decorated with cached sufficient statistics thus allowing for orders of magnitude speed-ups over the naive non-tree-based implementation of correlation functions. We further discuss the use of controlled approximations within the computation which allows for further acceleration. In summary, our algorithm now makes it possible to compute exact, all-pairs, measurements of the 2, 3 and 4-point correlation functions for cosmological data sets like the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS; York et al. 2000) and the next generation of Cosmic Microwave Background experiments (see Szapudi et al. 2000).Comment: To appear in Proceedings of MPA/MPE/ESO Conference "Mining the Sky", July 31 - August 4, 2000, Garching, German

Hyperspectral imaging for erosion detection in wind turbine blades

Inspection of wind turbine blades is required to identify any defects or failures and decide on any remedial actions e.g. blade repair or replacement. Traditionally, inspections have been performed by rope access technicians who visually inspect the blades and record damage using standard photographic equipment. Recent developments have seen an increase in popularity in the use of remote based inspection techniques using ground mounted cameras and cameras installed on Remotely Operated Aerial Vehicles, more commonly referred to as drones. Whilst these techniques remove the need for human access to the blades, imaging is performed remotely and does not always provide adequate image quality using standard high definition cameras. As a result, there is a growing interest in imaging techniques based on other regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Laboratory and field based trials are required to properly examine this potential and understand which frequencies can be applied to imaging blades. This paper demonstrates a Hyperspectral Imaging technique in its application to imaging surface defects on a section of wind turbine blade in a laboratory

25 years of the WHO essential medicines lists: progress and challenges.

The first WHO essential drugs list, published in 1977, was described as a peaceful revolution in international public health. The list helped to establish the principle that some medicines were more useful than others and that essential medicines were often inaccessible to many populations. Since then, the essential medicines list (EML) has increased in size; defining an essential medicine has moved from an experience to an evidence-based process, including criteria such as public-health relevance, efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness. High priced medicines such as antiretrovirals are now included. Differences exist between the WHO model EML and national EMLs since countries face varying challenges relating to costs, drug effectiveness, morbidity patterns, and rationality of prescribing. Ensuring equitable access to and rational use of essential medicines has been promoted through WHO's revised drug strategy. This approach has required an engagement by WHO on issues such as the effect of international trade agreements on access to essential medicines and research and development to ensure availability of new essential medicines

Capabilities of the Impact Testing Facility at Marshall Space Flight Center

The test and analysis capabilities of the Impact Testing Facility at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center are described. Nine different gun systems accommodate a wide range of projectile and target sizes and shapes at velocities from subsonic through hypersonic, to accomplish a broad range of ballistic and hypervelocity impact tests. These gun systems include ballistic and microballistic gas and powder guns, a two-stage light gas gun, and specialty guns for weather encounter studies. The ITF "rain gun" is the only hydrometeor impact gun known to be in existence in the United States that can provide single impact performance data with known raindrop sizes. Simulation of high velocity impact is available using the Smooth Particle Hydrodynamic Code. The Impact Testing Facility provides testing, custom test configuration design and fabrication, and analytical services for NASA, the Department of Defense, academic institutions, international space agencies, and private industry in a secure facility located at Marshall Space Flight Center, on the US Army's Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. This facility performs tests that are subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and DoD secret classified restrictions as well as proprietary and unrestricted tests for civil space agencies, academic institutions, and commercial aerospace and defense companies and their suppliers

Review of arrangements for disagreement resolution (SEND)

The Children and Families Act 2014 and the related Special educational needs and disability code of practice: 0-25 years (SEND code of practice) (DfE, 2015) place a greater emphasis than before on the avoidance of disagreements through a person centred approach to decision-making and open communication between professionals and parents and young people (SEND code of practice, paragraph 11.1). Where disagreements and complaints arise, the legislation and the code make clear that parents and young people should be given information and, where they choose, support to enable participation in disagreement resolution and complaints processes. Local authorities (LAs) must therefore provide an information, advice and support service, an independent local disagreement resolution service and mediation service(s). The mediation service includes mediation advice (i.e. providing information about what mediation is and can offer) and full mediation. Local authorities must inform parents and young people about these services, as well as of complaints procedures, and procedures for appealing to the English First-tier Tribunal SEND. The reforms aim to reduce the incidence of disagreements and to achieve earlier resolution of those that do arise

Initiative to progress research on medicine utilization in Africa : formation of the Medicines Utilization Research in Africa group

This two day meeting brought together drug utilisation researchers from across Africa. The purpose was to share current drug utilisation (DU) research findings to further DU research across Africa including the development of a medicines utilisation research group. This led to the formation of the MURIA (Medicine Utilisation Research in Africa) Group, with a tentative vision and mission as well as the first planned research methodology training course and a symposium in Botswana later in the year. Future research projects were also planned including studies on drug utilisation of ARVs in Botswana and across Africa as well as ways to enhance the appropriate use of antibiotics and increase generic utilisation