Staged implementation of an agent based advanced gas-cooled reactor condition monitoring system

This paper introduces iMAPS, the intelligent monitoring assessment panel system used by nuclear electricity generator British Energy in the UK. A multi-agent system design was chosen for this system and the paper describes why this technique was chosen and shows how this will allow the project to meet the short-term goals of the sponsor whilst providing a foundation for a plant-wide analysis system. Experience of building the initial stage of this system is also included, along with observations on the agent-based approach. The system was developed by the Institute for Energy and Environment at the University of Strathclyde and is in use by British Energy Generation

Graphite core condition monitoring through intelligent analysis of fuel grab load trace data

As a graphite core ages, there is an increased requirement to monitor the distortions within the core to permit safe continued operation of the station. In addition to existing monitoring and inspection, new methods of providing information relating to the core are being investigated

Technology and carbon mitigation in developing countries: Are cleaner coal technologies a viable option?

human development, climate change

Service user reflections on the impact of involvement in research

Background : Reports about the impact of patient and public involvement in research can be improved by involving patients and research staff more collaboratively to co-produce instruments to measure their involvement. This commentary, written by two members of a hospital-based patient panel and their coordinator for its work, describes how we co-produced instruments to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of our involvement. We present here the results, including our quantitative and qualitative findings, of this patient led evaluation and reflect on how our involvement has made a difference to the research projects and research infrastructure within the hospital in which we operate and on us as a panel. Methods : Existing impact frameworks and guidelines were reviewed. Members co-produced and piloted qualitative questionnaires to identify values associated with patient and public involvement (PPI) from both a researcher and panel member perspective, and collected quantitative metrics to provide descriptive statistics on the type of involvement and activities. Members also produced a comments slip to provide contemporaneous feedback after each meeting. Results : The panel has reviewed 36 research projects for the Therapeutics and Palliative Care Directorate drawn from speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, podiatry, palliative care services and chaplaincy. Some of the main results of our involvement have been the development of grant applications and making written information more understandable for research participants. Examples of how the Panel made a difference included providing an effective forum for debate by providing practical suggestions to improve research design and identifying potential issues that may not have occurred to the researcher. The panel has had an impact outside of meetings both within the context in which it operates and on the individuals involved. Examples included: influencing the Directorate research agenda, sharing resources with other groups, developing research relationships, and enabling member participation in different roles and settings. Discussion : Embedding ourselves within the Directorate research infrastructure has enabled us to adapt to organisational change and actively contribute to the research strategy. There is greater scope for involvement in areas of cost effectiveness and economic evaluation. Increasing member contributions and networking with other groups provides added value as well as cross fertilisation of ideas as part of our widening impact. Conclusion : Evaluating the impact of our involvement has improved our understanding of what aspects of involvement work best for the panel and the researchers who attend our meetings, and in the different settings that we work in. It has helped us to focus on how we need to develop to maximise our resources going forward

Prayer: When the 'Whole Thing' Becomes 'the Whole Blessed Thing' - Perspectives on George MacLeod and the Founding of the Iona Community

Best known for his political activism and as the founder of the Iona Community, George MacLeod remains one of the most influential Scottish churchmen of the twentieth century. In this paper, James Gordon introduces us to the fascinating relation between MacLeod's prayers and his political and cultural thinking