An experimental study of interceptors for drag reduction on high-performance sailing yachts

Interceptors have been widely used in recent years in fast ferries and small high-speed leisure and commercial craft for ride and trim control, and steering. In the context of high-performance sailing yachts, they first appeared in 2008 on the yacht Ecover 3 which was dismasted while leading the Vendee Globe Challenge race. However, in spite of their popularity in power craft, few studies have been published investigating the impact of interceptors on vessel performance, and apparently none in the case of sailing yachts. In the current study, interceptors are compared with an aerodynamic device known as a Gurney flap. It is shown that interceptors are generally substantially smaller than Gurney flaps. A comprehensive experiment programme is presented exploring the impact of interceptors on the performance of an Open 60 yacht hull. Results show a marked reduction in calm-water resistance over a wide speed range, with benefits of 10–18% in the speed range between 8 and 20 knots, accompanied by reduced sinkage and trim. The gains observed are much larger than those observed in powercraft, and also substantially greater than those achievable through trim changes by moving ballast longitudinally. The benefits appear to be largely sustained in small waves

Adapting e-learning and learning services for people with disabilities

Providing learning materials and support services that are adapted to the needs of individuals has the potential to enable learners to obtain maximal benefit from university level studies. This paper describes EU4ALL project which has been exploring how to present customized learning materials and services for people with disabilities. A number of the technical components of the EU4ALL framework are described. This is followed with a brief description of prototype implementations. This is then followed by a discussion of a number of research directions that may enhance the adaptability, usability and accessibility of information and support systems can be used and consumed by a diverse user population

What effect does transition have on health and well-being in young people with intellectual disabilities? A systematic review

Background: Transition to adulthood might be a risk period for poor health in people with intellectual disabilities. However, we could find no synthesis of evidence on health and wellbeing outcomes during transition in this population. This review aimed to answer this question. Method: PRISMA/MOOSE guidelines were followed. Search terms were defined, electronic searches of six databases were conducted, reference lists and key journals were reviewed and grey literature was searched. Papers were selected based on clear inclusion criteria. Data was extracted from the selected papers, and their quality was systematically reviewed. The review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO: CRD42015016905. Results: 15,985 articles were extracted; of these 17 met the inclusion criteria. The results of these articles were mixed but suggested the presence of some health and wellbeing issues in this population during transition to adulthood, including obesity and sexual health issues. Conclusion: This review reveals a gap in the literature on transition and health, and points to the need for future work in this area

Health and wellbeing during transition to adulthood for young people with intellectual disabilities: a qualitative study

Background: Transition to adulthood may have negative consequences for health and wellbeing in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), but this aspect of transition has received little investigation. This qualitative study aimed to explore the transition experiences of individuals with ID from their own perspectives, and from that of their parents, in order to identify health or wellbeing implications of transition. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 young people with mild, moderate and severe ID aged 16–27 years and with 23 parents of young people with mild, moderate, severe and profound ID aged 16–26 years. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis, deploying both emic and etic coding categories. Results: This study provides direct insights into the issues on health and wellbeing that young people with ID and their parents find important during transition. The primary health implication of transition centred on mental health and wellbeing; young people experienced heightened anxiety during transition, and themes identified as contributing to anxiety included: a lack of meaningful activity following school exit; inadequate support during transition; and difficulties associated with ‘growing up’. Problem behaviours and obesity were also implicated. Conclusion: The transition from school needs to be better supported in order to ease anxiety for young people during this difficult period

The Navy Times Book of Submarines: A Political, Social and Military History

This historical book is a compilation of thousands of facts surrounding the evolutionary development of today’s modern submarine. In an effort to separate fiction from fact, Captain Harris (U.S. Navy, Ret.) debunks many commonly held myths that have been perpetuated in submarine lore

The depression scale for severe disability: a diagnostic tool for the assessment of depression in adults with severe and profound intellectual disabilities

The Depression Scale for Severe Disability(DEPRESSED) is a clinically and empirically derived informant-report behavioral rating scale designed to measure depression in persons with severe and profound intellectual disabilities by assessing behavioral symptoms of depression. Behavioral symptoms of depression and item and factor analyses were used to construct the scale resulting in a 20-item four-factor solution producing factors that were labeled Sleep (F1), Mood (F2), Skills (F3), and Motor (F4). The DEPRESSED identified the core symptoms of depression including mood, anhedonia, sleep, appetite, fatigue, and psychomotor agitation and retardation. Internal consistency, interrater and test-retest reliability of the DEPRESSED scale were excellent. The DEPRESSED also demonstrated face and factorial validity and excellent construct and convergent validity with the DASH-II. Based on a preliminary psychometric evaluation, the DEPRESSED appears to be a reliable and valid measure for screening depression in individuals with severe and profound intellectual disabilities