A BEMT model for a high solidity, hubless and ducted tidal stream turbine

5th Oxford Tidal Energy Workshop (OTE 2016), 21-22 March 2016, Oxford, UKA Blade Element Momentum Theory (BEMT) model for ‘conventional’ 3 bladed designs of Tidal Stream Turbine (TST) is presented, with validations from scale model experiments carried out in a cavitation tunnel. Assumptions and limitations of the model are discussed in order to gauge potential use in assessing a high solidity, hubless and ducted TST design, which has been developed by OpenHydro. A number of adjustments to the model are considered, which are to be validated with fully blade resolved CFD studies and field data from a full scale device deployed at Paimpol-Bréhat, Brittany at the start of 2016 in collaboration with EDF.The Industrial Doctoral Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy (IDCORE) is funded by the Energy Technology partnership and the RCUK Energy Programme (Grant number EP/J500847/1)

Adapting Conventional Tools to Analyse Ducted and Open Centre Tidal Stream Turbines

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from EWTEC via the link in this record.This paper details a hydrodynamic model based on Blade Element Momentum Theory (BEMT) developed to assess ’conventional’ 3-bladed tidal stream turbines (TSTs), adapted here to analyse an ’unconventional’ case of a ducted and open centre device. Validations against a more detailed coupled Reynolds averaged computational fluid dynamics (RANS-BEM) model shows excellent agreement, of within 2% up to the peak power condition, with associated computational times in the order of a few minutes on a single core. The paper demonstrates the application of hydrodynamic forces into a structural analysis tool, in order to assess blade stress distributions of a generic hubless turbine. Incorporation of parameters such as non-uniform inflows and blade weight forces are investigated, with their effects on stress profiles presented. Key findings include: i) the adapted BEMT model replicates the majority of turbine performance characteristics estimated through previous CFD assessments; ii) the proposed model reduces the computational effort by several orders of magnitude compared to the reference coupled CFD, making it suitable for engineering assessments iii) blade stress distribution profiles are quantified, detailing concentration zones and cyclic values for use in fatigue analyses. This work forms part of a greater project aimed to develop a suite of analytical tools to perform engineering assessments of bi-directional ducted TSTsThis research is carried out as part of the Industrial Doctoral centre for Offshore Renewable Energy (IDCORE), funded by the Energy Technology partnership and the RCUK Energy programme (Grant number EP/J500847/1), in collaboration with EDF R&D

Teodorico Pedrini: The Music and Letters of an 18th-century Missionary in China

Peter Allsop and Joyce Lindorff originally intended to investigate the origin of Arcangelo Corelli’s influence on the sonatas of Teodorico Pedrini, a Vincentian who served in China’s imperial court from 1711 to 1746. He was at the center of the conflict over the Chinese Rites, which led to the suppression of the first Catholic mission to China. During their research, Allsop and Lindorff discovered a wealth of letters and diaries by or about Pedrini. His music and his capacity as court music master were “key to his unequalled intimacy with a succession of Chinese emperors.” Allsop and Lindorff review the past research on Pedrini, explore his relationship with Emperor Kangxi, and explain the importance of music and multiculturalism at court. Pedrini’s music is also discussed

Research activities arising from the University of Kent

In this paper I describe research activities in the field of optical fiber sensing undertaken by me after leaving the Applied Optics Group at the University of Kent. The main topics covered are long period gratings, neural network based signal processing, plasmonic sensors, and polymer fiber gratings. I also give a summary of my two periods of research at the University of Kent, covering 1985–1988 and 1991–2001

Investigating homicide: back to the future

Purpose:- The purpose of this paper is to suggest two things: first, that the scientific and technological developments and increased regulation that have shaped homicide investigations in England and Wales over the last few decades have provided today’s investigators with opportunities not available to their predecessors, and play a key role in solving unsolved homicides. Second, however, the authors suggest that such developments have created new challenges for investigators, challenges that impede current investigations, potentially creating the future unsolved cases. Design/methodology/approach:- This paper draws on two qualitative studies that comprised over eight months of ethnographic research, observations, interviews with serving and retired homicide detectives and case file analysis. Findings:- The widespread changes to homicide investigations in England and Wales have been valuable in many respects, notably, they have allowed detectives to look back in time and bring longstanding unsolved cases to a close. However, change, although well intentioned, might actually be creating future cold cases as detectives endeavour to manage the volume of information now generated during investigations, fast evolving scientific and technological techniques and an increase in bureaucracy. Practical implications:- This study is helpful for: improving investigative practice; learning from change; reducing unsolved homicides vs a rise in new cold cases; and innovative and entrepreneurial investigators. Originality/value:- Utilising qualitative research, this paper contributes to the academic literature exploring homicide investigation in England and Wales, offering insight into the challenges facing detectives and the potential impact of these upon solving past and present homicide cases

An Exploration of Young Australian Women's Smoking Cessation Goals across the Trajectory of Pregnancy and Post Birth

Objective: Young pregnant women are more likely than other pregnant women to smoke tobacco during pregnancy and post birth. This study explored young women’s perceptions of the factors which impact their smoking cessation goals throughout pregnancy and post birth. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study was performed at two metropolitan obstetric hospitals in Western Australia. Forty three women aged 16 to 24 years old who reported smoking tobacco at their first antenatal visit were interviewed at each scheduled antenatal visit and every two weeks up to six weeks post birth. Interviews were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: A total of 244 interviews were performed; a mean of six interviews per woman (four in pregnancy and two post birth). Four overarching themes across three time periods were identified: the baby; the social bond of smoking; the chaotic nature of life; and access to social support. Pregnant women had a foetus-centric approach to cessation. Post birth those who sustained cessation held this belief for their newborn, whilst those who relapsed did not. The social bond of smoking highlighted smoking as the norm. Initially, women sought out non-smokers to support them. A partner’s smoking status post birth appeared pivotal to remaining tobacco free. The chaotic nature of life, reflected through multiple stressful, negative events, challenged women in achieving their smoking cessation goals. Women who sought social support appeared to stay smoke free post birth. Conclusion: The longitudinal nature of this study provides new insight into complex issues faced by this marginalised group of young, pregnant, tobacco smokers throughout the journey of pregnancy and post birth. Findings enhance our understanding of the complex real life issues some young pregnant Australian smokers face and may be considered when women focused smoking cessation interventions are developed

Adherence to the caffeine intake guideline during pregnancy and birth outcomes: A prospective cohort study

© 2018 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. The aims of this study were to identify: (i) the proportion of women exceeding the caffeine intake guideline ( > 200 mg/day) during each trimester, accounting for point of pregnancy awareness; (ii) guideline adherence trajectories across pregnancy; (iii) maternal characteristics associated with trajectories; and (iv) association between adherence and growth restriction birth outcomes. Typical and maximal intake per consumption day for the first trimester (T1; pre- and post-pregnancy awareness), second (T2), and third trimester (T3) were recorded for a prospective cohort of pregnant Australian women with singleton births (n = 1232). Birth outcomes were birth weight, small for gestational age, and head circumference. For each period, participants were classified as abstinent, within (≤200 mg), or in excess ( > 200 mg). Latent class growth analyses identified guideline adherence trajectories; regression analyses identified associations between adherence in each trimester and birth outcomes. The percentage of participants who reported caffeine use declined between T1 pre- and post-pregnancy awareness (89% to 68%), and increased in T2 and T3 (79% and 80%). Trajectories were: ‘low consumption’ (22%): low probability of any use; ‘within-guideline’ (70%): high probability of guideline adherence; and ‘decreasing heavy use’ (8%): decreasing probability of excess use. The latter two groups were more likely to report alcohol and tobacco use, and less likely to report planning pregnancy and fertility problems. Exceeding the guideline T1 pre-pregnancy awareness was associated with lower birth weight after covariate control (b = -143.16, p = 0.011). Overall, high caffeine intake pre-pregnancy awareness occurs amongst a significant minority of women, and continued excess use post-pregnancy awareness is more common where pregnancy is unplanned. Excess caffeine consumption pre-pregnancy awareness may increase the risk for lower birth weight. Increasing awareness of the guideline in pregn ancy and preconception health care may be warranted

Capturing differences in dental training using a virtual reality simulator

Virtual reality simulators are becoming increasingly popular in dental schools across the world. But to what extent do these systems reflect actual dental ability? Addressing this question of construct validity is a fundamental step that is necessary before these systems can be fully integrated into a dental school's curriculum. In this study, we examined the sensitivity of the Simodont (a haptic virtual reality dental simulator) to differences in dental training experience. Two hundred and eighty-nine participants, with 1 (n = 92), 3 (n = 79), 4 (n = 57) and 5 (n = 61) years of dental training, performed a series of tasks upon their first exposure to the simulator. We found statistically significant differences between novice (Year 1) and experienced dental trainees (operationalised as 3 or more years of training), but no differences between performance of experienced trainees with varying levels of experience. This work represents a crucial first step in understanding the value of haptic virtual reality simulators in dental education

CV13016

Use the URI link to search the Marine Institute Data Discovery Catalogue for datasets relevant to this report.This report provides the main results and findings of the twelfth annual underwater television on the Aran, Galway Bay and Slyne head Nephrops grounds, ICES assessment area; Functional Unit 17. The survey was multi-disciplinary in nature collecting UWTV, fishing, CTD and other ecosystem data. In total 31 UWTV stations were successfully completed in a randomised isometric grid design at 3.5nmi or 6.5km intervals over the known range of the stock on the Aran Grounds. The mean burrow density observed in 2013, adjusted for edge effect, was 0.32 burrows/m². The final krigged burrow abundance estimate was 317 million burrows with a CV (or relative standard error) of 4 %. Abundance estimates have fluctuated considerably over the time series. The abundance decreased significantly in 2012 and the 2013 estimate was 2% lower and the lowest estimate in the 12 year time series. Raised abundance estimates for Galway Bay and Slyne Head were also low for those areas. Using the 2013 abundance estimate together with updated parameters for mean weight and proportions of removals retained implies 2014 total catch advice fishing at Fmsy (=F35%spr) of 699 tonnes which results in landings of no more than 591 tonnes. Nephrops accounted for approximately 70% of the benthic catch by weight from 7 beam trawl tows. The observed length frequency and maturity of female Nephops caught was similar to previous years. Virgilaria mirabilis was the most common of the two sea-pen species observed on the UWTV footage (Pennatula phosphorea was also present)

Evaluating the long-term effectiveness of school-based depression, anxiety, and substance use prevention into young adulthood: Protocol for the climate school combined study

Background: Mental health and substance use disorders are the leading causes of global disability in children and youth. Both tend to first onset or escalate in adolescence and young adulthood, calling for effective prevention during this time. The Climate Schools Combined (CSC) study was the first trial of a Web-based combined universal approach, delivered through school classes, to prevent both mental health and substance use problems in adolescence. There is also limited evidence for the cost-effectiveness of school-based prevention programs. Objective: The aim of this protocol paper is to describe the CSC follow-up study, which aims to determine the long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the CSC prevention program for depression, anxiety, and substance use (alcohol and cannabis use) up to 7 years post intervention. Methods: A cluster randomized controlled trial (the CSC study) was conducted with 6411 participants aged approximately 13.5 years at baseline from 2014 to 2016. Participating schools were randomized to 1 of 4 conditions: (1) control (health education as usual), (2) Climate Substance Use (universal substance use prevention), (3) Climate Mental Health (universal mental health prevention), or (4) CSC (universal substance use and mental health prevention). It was hypothesized that the CSC program would be more effective than conditions (1) to (3) in reducing alcohol and cannabis use (and related harms), anxiety, and depression symptoms as well as increasing knowledge related to alcohol, cannabis, anxiety, and depression. This long-term study will invite follow-up participants to complete 3 additional Web-based assessments at approximately 5, 6, and 7 years post baseline using multiple sources of locator information already provided to the research team. The primary outcomes include alcohol and cannabis use (and related harms) and mental health symptoms. An economic evaluation of the program will also be conducted using both data linkage as well as self-report resource use and quality of life measures. Secondary outcomes include self-efficacy, social networks, peer substance use, emotion regulation, and perfectionism. Analyses will be conducted using multilevel mixed-effects models within an intention-to-treat framework. Results: The CSC long-term follow-up study is funded from 2018 to 2022 by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (APP1143555). The first follow-up wave commences in August 2018, and the results are expected to be submitted for publication in 2022. Conclusions: This is the first study to provide a long-term evaluation of combined universal substance use and mental health prevention up to 7 years post intervention. Evidence of sustained benefits into early adulthood would provide a scalable, easy-to-implement prevention strategy with the potential for widespread dissemination to reduce the considerable harms, burden of disease, injury, and social costs associated with youth substance use and mental disorders