The synthesis of one-dimensional titanium oxide nanostructures

Imperial Users onl

Computational actuator disc models for wind and tidal applications

This paper details a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) study of a constantly loaded actuator disc model featuring different boundary conditions; these boundary conditions were defined to represent a channel and a duct flow. The simulations were carried out using the commercially available CFD software ANSYS-CFX. The data produced were compared to the one-dimensional (1D) momentum equation as well as previous numerical and experimental studies featuring porous discs in a channel flow. The actuator disc was modelled as a momentum loss using a resistance coefficient related to the thrust coefficient

Out-of-home activity analysis using a low-resolution visual sensor

Loneliness and social isolation are probably the most prevalent psychosocial problems related to aging. One critical component in assessing social isolation in an unobtrusive manner is to measure the out-of-home activity levels, as social isolation often goes along with decreased physical activity, decreased motoric functioning, and a decline in activities of daily living, all of which may lead to a reduction in the amount of time spent out-of-home. In this work, we propose to use a single visual sensor for detecting out-of-home activity. The visual sensor has a very low spatial resolution (900 pixels), which is a key feature to ensure a cheap technology and to maintain the user’s privacy. Firstly, the visual sensor is installed in a top view setup at the door entrance. Secondly, a correlation-based foreground detection method is used to extract the foreground. Thirdly, an Extra Trees Classifier (ETC) is trained to classify the directionality of the person (in/out) based on the motion of the foreground pixels. Due to the nature of variability of the out-of-home activity, the relative frequency of the directionality (in/out) is measured over a window of 3 seconds to determine the final result. We installed our system in 9 different service flats in the UK, Belgium and France where the same ETC model is used. We evaluate our method on video sequences captured in real-life environments from the different setups, where the persons’ out-of-home routines are recorded. The results show that our approach of detecting out-of-home activity achieves an accuracy of 91.30%

Tapping Indigenous Knowledge to Power the National Development Agenda: the Indigenous Knowledge Resource Centre Approach

The world is witnessing unprecedented impetus to leverage Indigenous Knowledge (IK) as a means of spurring development interventions. This momentum derives primarily from the appreciation that IK is vital for development and indeed a resource for addressing the myriad development challenges in different sectors. Unfortunately, due to preoccupation with ‘western’ knowledge systems the power of IK is adversely obliterated. Through literature review, this paper sought to advance understanding and appreciation of IK as a resource in national development. It concludes and recommends that Information Centers, particularly libraries should establish specialized units to handle IK – the Indigenous Knowledge Resource Centers. As a best practice, such centers should undertake action research, documentation, awareness creation, policy advisory, networking and publishing as a way of leveraging IK

P5_6 A Hovering 747

The Halicarnassus is a highly modified 747, capable of hovering, featured in Matthew Reilly’s novel, Seven Ancient Wonders. The following paper examines this aircraft by first trying to validate its ability to hover with statistics from the components specified in the novel and then by proposing the use of solid rocket boosters instead. The feat accomplished in the novel of making the Halicarnassus hover is validated, an equation for the use of a solid fuel rocket is derived and an example of a solid rocket booster that exceeds the requirements placed upon it is found

Social determinants of health in Tunisia: the case-analysis of Ariana

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Few research projects have analyzed how social determinants of health impact cities in North Africa. The sustained growth in these countries has nevertheless proven to exacerbate health disparities and create many social and economic inequalities. This strategic analysis examines selected social determinants of health in a major urban centre of Tunisia, identifies the most influential stakeholders able to influence equity/inequity, and reviews the accomplishments and need for action to foster health equity.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This analysis was performed through a literature review and participatory research methods that included focus groups discussions and interview with key informants.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Access to health care, changes in lifestyles, housing issues and gender-related inequities are prime, socially-determined elements that affect health in Ariana.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Recognition of emerging health issues is needed along with improved inter and intrasectoral coordination among stakeholders. The community-participatory approach used in this paper proved to be a useful scoping technique for this setting. A similar methodology could be used by other researchers as a first step toward health equity action at a city level.</p

P5_2 Fluid Dynamics of a Near Supersonic Train

This paper investigates the effect on wind behaviour of allowing the trains of the London underground to accelerate to near super-sonic speeds i.e. Mach 0.9. The paper calculates the magnitude of the piston effect of a deep underground train arriving at a platform on a human and finds this value to be 67.7N of constant force