Mapping and analysing virtual outcrops

Laser scanning is a very efficient way to generate realistic, high-resolution digital models of 3-D geological outcrops. This paper discusses the methodologies involved in the creation and analysis of virtual outcrops, based on laser scanner data. The visualisation of the laser scanner data as a photorealistic 3-D object is described. Geological features picked out on the virtual outcrop (e.g. fractures, faults or bedding planes) can be extrapolated outward, into space, and inward, into the subsurface, using tension surfaces.     

Give peas a chance: Transformations in food consumption and production systems

Food production chains can be organised in a variety of ways. Conventional ‘industrial’ agricultural practices are based on advanced breeding techniques and major inputs of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Food produced in this way is transport-intensive, requires high-energy processing, relies on modern retailing systems and demands high-tech kitchens. Many argue that the industrialised systems should be dismantled and replaced with alternative methods of agriculture, food processing and distribution that emphasise social and environmental sustainability. This paper looks at the environmental and social sustainability of different strategies for food systems by analysing the whole chain of production, processing, distribution and consumption activities of the production of frozen peas, a vegetable that is ‘symbolic’ of modern food systems and the UK diet.     

Constructing and using a company Intranet: 'it's a very cultural thing'

Organisational Intranets provide a testing ground where certain theories of technology and organisations meet with emerging innovative practice. This paper develops a theoretical framework that is used to analyse a case study of the adoption, introduction and use of a company Intranet focusing on the competing representations of the Intranet presented by the staff involved.     

Short reviews

Wynne, D. (ed.) 1992: The Culture Industry: The arts in urban regeneration. Aldershot: Avebury, £30.00 cloth.     

Medicare payment: how low it will go and how to prepare

Hospitals should begin preparing now for a decade of reductions in Medicare payment with strategies aimed at: Partnering with clinical leadership, Performing detailed margin analysis, Engaging with service line managers and physicians, Revamping care coordination, Ensuring efficient operating room utilization, Improving emergency department operations.     

基于深度学习的毫米波系统波束成形

针对高移动用户在毫米波系统中用户与基站之间频繁切换增大延迟开销问题,提出了一种新颖的集成深度学习协调波束成形（Deep Learning Coordinated Beamforming,DLCBF）解决方案。该方案通过协调多个基站同时为一个移动用户服务,接收用户上行导频序列和预编码码本训练模型,进而预测最佳下行波束向量,克服了大型天线阵列毫米波系统中选取最佳波束成形向量需要的巨大训练开销。仿真结果表明,所提方案与传统的毫米波波束成形策略相比有更高的频谱有效率。     

How to make sure your donors read your publications

Voluntary organisations pour large chunks of their usually slender resources into producing publications in the hope that these will carry their many promotional messages to a variety of audiences, particularly donors and other supporters. The authors feel that little is known about how donors view and use these publications and whether or not their senders get good value for money. This paper presents an outline of findings from research recently commissioned by the authors into how donors read and use the publications and other printed communications sent to them by charities they support. The conclusion is that many charities could take simple actions to improve their publications, and some suggestions are made. From the authors' experience they supply guidelines charities can follow if they wish to change the way donors perceive, read, enjoy, remember and respond to the publications they send. Also included is a checklist for basic strategic planning so that any charity can ensure that tomorrow's donors will receive communications based not just on what the charity wants to send, but also on what the intended audience wants to receive.