Kinematic structure for robust mechanical architectures in robotic planetary exploration

This paper describes new research into the kinematic structure of autonomous robotic systems, and into the associated design processes. The approach aims to develop novel insights and applicable tools and techniques for designing advanced mechanical architectures for planetary exploration systems. These should provide enhanced functionality for tackling complex autonomous operations, and improved levels of robustness in the face of the inevitable system faults

Coupling the 1-D lake model FLake to the community land-surface model JULES

Results are presented from the merging of the lake model FLake into the community land-surface model JULES. It is shown, by comparison with observational data, that the combined JULES-FLake model performs more realistically than JULES with its original or upgraded parametrizations for inland water. Tests against observations from lakes in the UK and Sweden show that JULES-FLake gives results for both midlatitude and arctic lakes which are comparable to the original lake model, FLake. The accuracy of JULES-FLake as a general model of the land surface is therefore enhanced. Differences in sign of the model errors in the prediction of lake-ice thickness indicate possible future directions for development and testing of these models

Making space for consuming practices

This empirically driven paper is about workplace learning with specific focus on the ‘work’ of consuming practices. By consuming we refer to the eating, and the drinking, and (at times) to the smoking that workers, in most organisations, do on a daily basis. Indeed, it is the quotidian nature of consuming, coupled with its absence from workplace learning research that make them noteworthy practices to explore. In using the term practice we draw on the recent tranche of practice based theorisations: notably Schatzki (1996, Organization Studies, 26(3), 465-484, 2005, Organization Studies, 27(12), 1863-1873, 2006) and Gherardi (Human Relations, 54(1), 131-139, 2001, 2006, Learning Organization, 16(5), 352-359, 2009). The paper frames consuming practices as ‘dispersed’ (general) practices and, illustrated through empirical data from multiple projects, we progressively outline how these contribute to the learning of ‘integrative’ (specialized work) practices. Our overall aim is to (re)position consuming practices from prosaic, to having much relevance for research on workplace learning

Rotation symmetry axes and the quality index in a 3D octahedral parallel robot manipulator system

The geometry of a 3D octahedral parallel robot manipulator system is specified in terms of two rigid octahedral structures (the fixed and moving platforms) and six actuation legs. The symmetry of the system is exploited to determine the behaviour of (a new version of) the quality index for various motions. The main results are presented graphically

Acceptability of a Parental Early Warning Tool: Outcomes from a Feasibility Study of Parental Home Monitoring and Assessment

Aim: to explore the feasibility and acceptability of a Congenital Heart Assessment Tool (CHAT) as part of a home monitoring programme (HMP) for parents going home with their infant between stage 1 & 2 surgery for complex CHD. Background: HMPs were developed to encourage early recognition of deterioration in infants at risk of potentially life threatening events between stage 1 & 2. In this study, the HMP was compared with the CHAT, a traffic light system enabling assessment of the infant’s condition through individualised parameters. Method: A mixed methods approach including: data collected at four time points: at discharge [T0]; 2 weeks after [T1], 8 weeks after [T2] & after stage 2 surgery [T3] using self-report tools, interviews & daily diaries. Parents were recruited between August 2013 & February 2015 & randomised to either Gp A: HMP & CHAT; Gp B: CHAT or Gp C: standard discharge care. Results: 13 mothers, 4 fathers of 13 infants consented (A =5; B =4; C =4). The time period T0 to T3 ranged from 62-228 days; all infants survived stage 1 & 2 of surgery. The qualitative data set included 38 interviews. Four themes emerged regarding the CHAT: prepared parents for the signs to look for at home; easy to use; increased parental confidence & gave them reassurance to call for advice when something was different. Themes emerging regarding the HMP: parents felt daily wt. were not needed; the scales were ‘a hindrance more than helpful’, SpO2 was more reassuring. Gp C parents described normalisation of going home & recognition that the HMP may have made them more reliant & anxious. Only 2 diaries were completed; CHAT amber triggers (n=7 occasions, no admissions); red triggers & drop in SpO2 (n=1, 1 local hospital readmission); calls to ward staff (n=13); other contact with HCP (n=7) no contacts were cardiac in origin. Conclusions: The CHAT gave parents confidence regarding changes in their infant’s condition. No early admissions for stage 2 based on trigger of CHAT or HMP

Economic Feasibility of Ethanol Production from Sweet Sorghum Juice in Texas

The economic feasibility of producing ethanol from sweet sorghum juice is projected using Monte Carlo simulation models to estimate the price ethanol plants will likely have to pay for sweet sorghum and the uncertain returns for ethanol plants. Ethanol plants in high yielding regions will likely generate returns on assets of 11%-12% and in low yield areas the returns on assets will be less than 10%.Sweet Sorghum, Ethanol, Monte Carlo Simulation, Agribusiness, Agricultural Finance, Crop Production/Industries, Farm Management, Risk and Uncertainty, D20 G10 D81 C15,

Economic Analysis of Cellulosic Feedstock for Bioenergy in the Texas Rio Grande Valley

Farm Management,

Finding a way: long-term care homes to support dementia

An ageing demographic has increased the number of people with dementia. Although dementia is commonly associated with memory loss, other early symptoms include difficulty with wayfinding. Dementia alters visuo-spatial perception and the processes used to interpret the physical environment. The role of the design of the physical environment for people with dementia has gained increased recognition. Despite this, design for dementia is often overlooked, focusing on issues relating to physical impairment. This paper presents the results of a PhD study and aims to examine the role of the design of the physical environment in supporting wayfinding for people with dementia living in long-term care settings in Northern Ireland. Mixed methods combined the observation of wayfinding walks and conversational style interviews to elicit perspectives and experiences of residents with dementia. The findings aim to promote well-being for those with dementia living in long-term care settings

Psychosocial Adjustment and Adaptation in Parents of Infants with Complex Congenital Heart Disease Going Home for the First Time Following First Stage Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Review

Aim: The study presented here prospectively explored psychosocial adaptation and adjustment (anxiety, depression & confidence) in parents going home for the first time with their infants following first stage cardiac surgery for complex congenital heart disease (CHD). Method: 17 parents (13 mothers, 4 fathers) of infants (n=13) being discharged from a specialist cardiac centre in the UK were recruited into a mixed methods feasibility study, from August 2013 until September 2015. Parents were randomised into either: Group A: home monitoring using weighing scales, an oxygen saturation monitor and a Congenital Heart Assessment Tool (CHAT); Group B: the CHAT tool only, or Group C: standard discharge care. Parents were interviewed at 4 time points: T0 before discharge, T1 2 weeks post discharge, T2 8 weeks post discharge and T3 after stage 2 surgery. Baseline demographic data was collected at T0 and parents completed PHQ9, GAD7 and Maternal Confidence score (MCS) at each interview. Results: A fear response was evident in all interviews at T0; 3 mothers and 1 father displayed signs of post-traumatic stress disorder at T0. Mean GAD7 scores were significantly higher before discharge (T0) compared to T3 (p<0.01, d=0.77). There was no significant difference in scores whilst the parents were at home with their infant (T1, T2). Mean PHQ9 scores were significantly higher at T0 than at T1 (p<0.01, d=1.03); T2 (p<0.05, d=0.87); T3 (p<0.01, d=1.1). Mean MCS were significantly higher at T1 (p<0.01, d=1.1), T2 (p<0.01, d=1.3), T3 (p<0.0005, d=1.6) than at T0. Conclusion: Signs of acute stress disorder: anxiety, depression, shock were evident in all interviews at T0. 4 parents showed signs of PTSD however these symptoms decreased over time as their confidence increased. Despite the small number of families recruited into the study, the results provide an important insight into the psychosocial support that parents require between stage 1 and 2 of their infants’ cardiac surgery