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We review the range of applications and use of multi spacecraft techniques, applicable to close formation arrays of spacecraft, focusing on spatial gradient based methods, and the curlometer in particular. The curlometer was originally applied to Cluster multi-spacecraft magnetic field data, but later was updated for different environments and measurement constraints such as the NASA MMS mission, small-scale formation of 4 spacecraft; the 3 spacecraft configurations of the NASA THEMIS mision, and derived 2-4 point measurements from the ESA Swarm mission. In general, spatial gradient based methods are adaptable to a range of multi-point and multi-scale arrays. We also review the range of other techniques based on the computation of magnetic field gradients and magnetic field topology in general, including: magnetic rotation analysis and various least squares approaches. We review Taylor expansion methodology (FOTE), in particular, which has also been applied to both Cluster and MMS constellations, as well as interpretation of simulations. Four-point estimates of magnetic gradients are limited by uncertainties in spacecraft separations and the magnetic field, as well as the presence of non-linear gradients and temporal evolution. Nevertheless, the techniques can be reliable in many magnetospheric regions where time stationarity is largely applicable, or when properties of the morphology can be assumed (for example, the expected orientation of underlying large-scale structure). Many magnetospheric regions have been investigated directly (illustrated here by the magnetopause, ring current and field-aligned currents at high and low altitudes), and options for variable numbers of spacecraft have been considered. The comparative use of plasma measurements and possible new methodology for arrays of spacecraft greater than four are also considered briefly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a conjunction of Cluster in the mid‐altitude dayside magnetosphere and Swarm in the low‐altitude ionosphere, we show, by employing multi‐spacecraft analysis, that matched, strong magnetic perturbations and the corresponding mesoscale field‐aligned current (FAC) structures are measured in the high latitude polar cusp region during the 7 October 2015 storm. Two pairs of opposite (positive/negative) FACs are observed by both Cluster and Swarm, which may relate to pulsed magnetic reconnection at the dayside magnetopause. Furthermore, the current intensity of these matched FACs decreases from high to low latitude, consistent with the time elapsed since reconnection. Corresponding geomagnetic disturbances are also observed by ground stations. Our observations provide direct evidence for the coupling of mesoscale FACs between the magnetosphere, ionosphere and ground in the polar cusp region, where the signatures are driven in this case by conditions suitable for inducing reconnection. Plain Language Summary: Field‐aligned currents (FACs) are the key medium for the interaction between the distant space magnetosphere (a region filled with Earth's magnetic field) and the near‐Earth space ionosphere. Magnetic reconnection is the most important process to transfer solar wind energy from dayside magnetosphere to nightside, which is accompanied by the generation of FACs extending from the high latitude region of the ionosphere to the magnetosphere. For such structures, extending across different space regions, joint observations by multiple spacecraft are necessary. Using simultaneous measurements of Cluster in the magnetosphere, Swarm in the ionosphere and geomagnetic stations on the ground, coordinated mesoscale FAC structures could show matched signatures in the magnetosphere and the ionosphere and the corresponding geomagnetic disturbances on the ground. Our observations provide direct evidence for the magnetosphere‐ionosphere‐ground coupling during the pulsed magnetic reconnection process. Key Points: Multi‐spacecraft Cluster and Swarm reveal matched magnetic perturbation and corresponding mesoscale field‐aligned currents (FACs) at different altitudes in the cusp regionMultiple pairs of opposite FACs associated with pulsed magnetic reconnection are dominant currents system at the dayside during storm timeDirect evidence for detailed dayside mesoscale FACs coupling between magnetosphere, ionosphere and ground is provided [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Author(s): H. Hasegawa (corresponding author) [1]; M. Fujimoto [2]; T.-D. Phan [3]; H. Rème [4]; A. Balogh [5]; M. W. Dunlop [6]; C. Hashimoto [2]; R. TanDokoro [2] Establishing the [...]

Litter management is important when rearing meat chickens because litter conditions can affect production as well as chicken health and wellbeing. An industry survey was conducted to gather information from Australian meat chicken growers and integrators about their litter management practices, providing an opportunity to share their knowledge, experiences and perceptions about litter re-use and litter turning. This information was essential for researchers investigating litter management practices because it provided a better understanding about litter preparation and shed configuration to ensure that representative and timely data could be collected. Eighty-four survey responses were received from all major growing regions across Australia. The survey closely reflected the proportions of conventional and free-range production systems of Australian chicken meat industry, with approximately 21% of survey responses representing free range and 80% representing conventional barn housing. Concerning litter management practices, the survey showed that litter re-use is limited (32% of responses), but litter turning is a widespread practice (89% of responses). Litter turning is used to reduce the occurrence of caked litter and to keep litter 'working'. Maintaining 'dry and friable' litter has been shown to reduce the risk of health issues and allows chickens to display behaviours, such as dustbathing, which are believed to be associated with improved welfare. Comments from the survey indicated that litter turning alone does not achieve dry and friable litter, and that proactive ventilation, heater and drinker management are essential. Growers also explained that litter turning is not without its challenges, and can potentially contribute to spikes of dust, ammonia and/or odour. They also expressed concerns relating to operating machinery in poultry houses, particularly when there is high liveweight density. When growers were asked about litter re-use, several reported that it has benefits in reducing production costs and improving moisture holding capacity, but concerns were also expressed about risks relating to ammonia, litter beetle control and disease transmission. Researchers will be able to use these survey results to gain an insight into practices, perceptions, constraints, and challenges relating to the Australian chicken meat industry and ensure that future research relating to litter management reflects local conditions and practices. Litter management is important in meat chicken production because good litter contributes to good productivity, health and wellbeing. Many different practices are used to manage litter, and they can lead to different outcomes. This paper summarises the responses of a survey that allowed growers and integrators in the Australian chicken meat industry to share their litter management practices and experiences. This survey will provide researchers with a deeper understanding of industry practices and conditions and will enable them to tailor their studies to reflect these. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We statistically investigate the influence of the solar wind dynamic pressure (SW Pdyn) on the field‐aligned currents (FACs) in the magnetotail with 1,492 FAC cases from July to October in 2001 and 2004, which covers 74 Cluster crossings of the plasma sheet boundary layer (PSBL) in both storm time and non‐storm time. The FAC density in the magnetotail is derived from the magnetic field data with the four‐point measurement of Cluster, and the SW Pdyn is taken from ACE data. The results indicate the FAC density becomes stronger with increasing SW Pdyn. The statistics show that the FAC occurrence increased monotonically with SW Pdyn in the three levels (Weak: SW Pdyn < 2 nPa; Medium: 2 nPa ≤ SW Pdyn ≤ 5 nPa; Strong: SW Pdyn > 5 nPa). The FAC density increased with increasing SW Pdyn, while its footprint (invariant latitude, ILAT) in the polar region decreased with increasing SW Pdyn. The response of the FAC to SW Pdyn in the magnetotail had a north‐south hemispheric asymmetry. The FAC density had a better correlation with SW Pdyn in the Northern hemisphere, while the footprint had a better correlation with SW Pdyn in the Southern hemisphere. Possible underlying mechanisms for our results are analyzed and discussed. However, it requires more observations and simulation studies to find out the mechanism of north‐south asymmetry. Key Points: The relationship between the FACs in the magnetotail and the solar wind dynamic pressure is determined for the first timeThe FAC occurrence and density in the magnetotail increase with increasing SW Pdyn, while its footprints ILAT in the polar region decreaseThe response of the FAC to SW Pdyn in the magnetotail has a north‐south hemispheric asymmetry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]