Although they are permanently calibrated, the Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) stations can present residual systematic errors, the well-known “range biases”. These biases must be considered in any SLR data processing. Indeed, they are strongly correlated with the Up component of the station positions. Thus, if they are not computed together with these positions, they can induce jumps in these latter and consequently damage the global scale factor of the underlying Terrestrial Reference Frame with respect to any given reference. On the other hand, estimating range biases together with station positions is not so easy, due to the previously mentioned correlations. In this paper, we describe a new approach to derive range bias values together with station positions: the so-called “temporal de-correlation” approach. This method consists in computing station range biases per satellite over a “long” period of time (determined by instrumental changes) together with weekly station position ti...

In 2013, the Gambia appointed the first special climate envoy from a least developed country (LDC). While such appointments have become commonplace in developed countries, LDC diplomats have previously lacked the influence and capacity to engage in climate diplomacy successfully. Gambian officials have identified several best practices for successful engagement, including establishing climate change as a core national interest, mainstreaming climate change into development planning and engaging with the media. With a view to help build the political conditions for the next global climate agreement in 2015, and to facilitate international coordination and cooperation beyond the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), this brief outlines four policy pointers to help other LDC governments improve their officials’ abilities to have an impact on this diplomatic arena.

Using the biomimicry of fish scale composition, calcium salts and collagen, Cyclo.Plas 2 (CP2) is a dual-focus materials development addressing plastic degradability and waste accumulation. The biomineralisation concept was applied to valorise 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) waste with a fish scale-inspired mineral, hydroxyapatite (HAp), to form composites. It was found that the composites exhibited greater flexural strength compared to 3D-printed PLA waste and had faster degradation in hydrolysis, home composting and acidic environments. Following the sclerotisation concept, the physicochemical properties of intact collagenous matrix of fish scale waste were enhanced to form a thin, plastic-like material. These thin films were comparable to low-density polyethylene (LDPE), with high transparency and shrinkage performance. Samples biodegraded after 8 weeks with no phytotoxicity and enhanced plant growth. Trials showed improved thermal stability and water resistance, yet the samples...