Global correlation analysis of strongly nonlinear frequency responses using the arclength-based separation and the Correlation-Map

Global correlation analysis is an important technique to quantify both the shape and amplitude differences between two response vectors. In linear dynamic systems, differences between two Frequency Response Functions (FRFs) are quantified as scalar number curves of the Global Shape Criterion (GSC) and the Global Amplitude Criterion (GAC), to represent FRF similarities at different frequencies. From linear to nonlinear, responses are usually obtained at different frequencies to form the Frequency Response Curve (FRC), replacing the FRF for dynamic analysis. Extending the concept of global correlation analysis from linear FRFs to nonlinear FRCs could quantify shape and amplitude similarities between nonlinear models. However, global correlation analysis for multivalued FRCs with a strong nonlinearity is hard to conduct, as strongly nonlinear correlation functions have complex multivalued phenomena with real/fake characteristics. In this paper, the Global Shape Curve Criterion (GSCC) and Global Amplitude Curve Criterion (GACC) are proposed for the correlation analysis of strongly nonlinear FRCs, which can quantify the similarity between two FRCs with different and complex multivalued phenomena. Through the arclength-based separation, multivalued FRCs are separated to single-valued response branches, in order to compute single-valued correlation functions that form the multivalued correlation function. The computed correlations contain the GSCC and GACC, which separately represent shape and amplitude differences between two FRCs at each frequency. The multivalued correlation function is represented as a Correlation-Map (C-MAP) to extract real correlation characteristics, for accurate correlation analysis. The multivalued correlation analysis is first verified on a 3 DOF model with a strong nonlinearity. Differences between the reference and initial multivalued FRCs are successfully quantified as scalar curves and the GACC may be more sensitive than the GSCC on models with a local nonlinearity. Then, the proposed method is further validated on an experimental 3 DOF model. Very complex 15-valued correlation functions between FRCs with different multivalued phenomena are established. Even so, the real correlations are still successfully extracted by the C-MAP. These show the validity and superiority of the proposed method

An investigation of the linguistic and deceptive characteristics of online grooming types

A defining feature of online grooming (OG) behaviour is the development of a deceptive relationship to hide the intent of sexual abuse. The OG discourse model proposes deceptive trust is central to entrapment and is predominantly achieved through language, yet it is unclear whether the intent of intimacy or sex impacts the communicative and deceptive properties of the chats. Fifty-seven chatlogs categorised according to the European OG Typology were analysed to address this gap. The results showed that whilst intentions might be distinct, adults develop positive/authentic social bonds with victims, and engage in strategies to match with victims who fulfil their goal for intimacy or sex. The impact of this study on the theoretical understanding of OG informs an updated and empirical definition of OG: “OG is when cyber-technology is used to build an emotional connection with a person to exploit their vulnerabilities and gain their trust causing harm and/or distress”

Exploring consumer beliefs about novel fortified foods: A focus group study with UK-based older and younger adult consumers

Consuming ‘nutritionally-enhanced’ food products (including those that are fortified or enriched to deliver nutritional and functional properties) may help to improve overall diet quality and combat risks associated with malnutrition. However, fortification can negatively impact consumer acceptance, particularly where expected sensory properties of ‘delivery’ foods are affected by target ingredients. Here, we explored factors influencing consumer acceptability for six novel food products that had been fortified, including both savoury and sweet meal components (e.g., high protein dumplings, probiotic yoghurt drink). In person focus groups (25 consumers aged between 22 and 76 years old) were conducted with two stages; firstly, participants completed a blind taste test of products without awareness of fortification. Secondly, participants discussed products with awareness of additional ingredients and food properties. Reflexive thematic analysis showed that liking of sensory properties differed between foods, but informing participants about the fortification of products highlighted potential trade-offs between taste, health, price, and familiarity. Though taste and texture were generally prioritised by participants, positive perceptions of health benefits increased consumer willingness to buy, whilst both cost and uncertainty about product use were potential barriers. Trust of information was a key concern for labelling and product claims. These results highlight product features that may be optimised to support the success of fortified foods. Greater transparency when building product brands and improving consumer knowledge of fortification may also be important for longer-term consumer acceptance

Radicalisation, Counter-radicalisation and Prevent: A Vernacular Approach

This book offers the first sustained investigation into non-elite understandings of radicalisation and counter-radicalisation policy. Drawing on original focus group research with students from universities across England and Wales, the book explores how ‘ordinary’ citizens understand radicalisation, how they make sense of counter-radicalisation initiatives like the UK Prevent Strategy, and how they evaluate its functioning and effects across society. Radicalisation, Counter-radicalisation and Prevent demonstrates that these non-elite insights often contradict and diverge from traditional (elite) security knowledge and thus shed new light on wider questions around the politics of security. This has vitally important implications not only for counter-radicalisation and counter-terrorism policy but for the very study and practice of security

Experiences and views of people who frequently call emergency ambulance services: A qualitative study of UK service users

Introduction: People who call emergency ambulances frequently are often vulnerable because of health and social circumstances, have unresolved problems or cannot access appropriate care. They have higher mortality rates. Case management by interdisciplinary teams can help reduce demand for emergency services and is available in some UK regions. We report results of interviews with people who use emergency ambulance services frequently to understand their experiences of calling and receiving treatment. Methods: We used a two-stage recruitment process. A UK ambulance service identified six people who were known to them as frequently calling emergency services. Through third sector organisations, we also recruited nine individuals with health care experiences reflecting the characteristics of people who call frequently. We gained informed consent to record and transcribe all telephone interviews. We used thematic analysis to explore results. Results: People said they make frequent calls to emergency ambulance services as a last resort, when they perceive their care needs are urgent and other routes to help have failed. Those with the most complex health needs generally felt their immediate requirements were not resolved and underlying mental and physical problems led them to call again. A third of respondents were also attended by police and arrested for behaviour associated with their health need. Those callers receiving case management did not know they were selected for this. Some respondents were concerned case management could label frequent callers as troublemakers. Conclusion: People who make frequent calls to emergency ambulance services feel their health and care needs are urgent and ongoing. They cannot see alternative ways to receive help and resolve problems. Communication between health professionals and service users appears inadequate. More research is needed to understand service users' motivations and requirements in order to inform design and delivery of accessible and effective services. Patient or Public contribution: People with relevant experience were involved throughout developing, undertaking and disseminating this research. Two public contributors helped design and deliver the study, including developing and analysing service user interviews and drafting this paper. Eight public members of a Lived Experience Advisory Panel contributed at key stages of study design, interpretation and dissemination. Two more public contributors were members of an independent Study Steering Committee

“Real impact”: Challenges and opportunities in bridging the gap between research and practice – Making a difference in industry, policy, and society

Achieving impact from academic research is a challenging, complex, multifaceted, and interconnected topic with a number of competing priorities and key performance indicators driving the extent and reach of meaningful and measurable benefits from research. Academic researchers are incentivised to publish their research in high-ranking journals and academic conferences but also to demonstrate the impact of their outputs through metrics such as citation counts, altmetrics, policy and practice impacts, and demonstrable institutional decision-making influence. However, academic research has been criticized for: its theoretical emphasis, high degree of complexity, jargon-heavy language, disconnect from industry and societal needs, overly complex and lengthy publishing timeframe, and misalignment between academic and industry objectives. Initiatives such as collaborative research projects and technology transfer offices have attempted to deliver meaningful impact, but significant barriers remain in the identification and evaluation of tangible impact from academic research. This editorial focusses on these aspects to deliver a multi-expert perspective on impact by developing an agenda to deliver more meaningful and demonstrable change to how “impact” can be conceptualized and measured to better align with the aims of academia, industry, and wider society. We present the 4D model - Design, Deliver, Disseminate, and Demonstrate - to provide a structured approach for academia to better align research endeavors with practice and deliver meaningful, tangible benefits to stakeholders

Modelling reservoir sediment flushing through a bottom tunnel with an initially covered intake

Sediment flushing through a bottom tunnel is one of the most effective methods to alleviate reservoir sedimentation. However, the multi-physical hydro-sediment-morphological processes of reservoir sediment flushing through an initially covered bottom tunnel intake have remained poorly understood, and a physically enhanced and practically viable mathematical model is required. The present study uses an integrated model to resolve sediment flushing through an initially covered bottom tunnel intake. The proposed model couples a two-dimensional double layer-averaged model for the reservoir with a one-dimensional model for the bottom tunnel by means of numerical fluxes calculations at the inner boundary. The governing equations are solved synchronously using a well-balanced finite volume method. Several parameters related to boundary resistances and sediment exchange fluxes need to be determined for model closure. The model is tested against data from a series of physical experiments on reservoir sediment flushing, with sound agreement achieved between computed and measured scour hole geometries. Moreover, the present model successfully predicts the occurrence of tunnel blockage. The results prove that reservoir sediment flushing is best accomplished for high reservoir water level, small cover layer thickness, short tunnel length and steep tunnel slope. The present model facilitates reservoir design and operation to help preserve reservoir capacity

The influence of energy density on the low cycle fatigue behaviour of laser powder bed fused stainless steel 316L

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is an additive manufacturing (AM) process capable of single-step fabrication of intricate and complex structures. However, there are multiple engineering challenges associated with the introduction of AM based parts into functional industrial applications due to the lack of understanding of the role that process parameters have on the structural integrity of additively manufactured (AM) components and the subsequent effect this has on the mechanical behaviour of such materials when subjected to cyclic loading conditions. The present work will investigate the low cycle fatigue (LCF) behaviour of LPBF stainless steel 316L components manufactured with different process parameters sets and how this effects the material built in different orientations and the resulting impact this has on the material’s resistance to cyclic deformation. The LCF results are supported by microstructural, fractographic and advanced surface profilometry assessments to investigate the key parameters that control the resulting fatigue performance across three different build orientations. Finally, the generated mechanical data has also been interpreted through empirical fatigue lifing models, and the various data sets have been successfully correlated to enable an estimation of longer fatigue lives