A1_4 MCPs as hypervelocity impact detectors

In this paper we describe the current state of near-Earth environment dust models and suggest a method for measuring dust in the nanometre regime using a Microchannel Plate (MCP) based detector. The design for a novel detector and its possible applications are discussed

A1_7_Can a skydiver without a parachute be saved?

This report investigates the speed of freefall of skydivers to determine whether or not it is possible to save someone who falls from a plane without a parachute.  We conclude that it is possible, but that the rescuer must jump from the plane within 26.8 seconds of the person who fell

A1_1_Does the solar wind have any significant effect on Jupiters Magnetosphere?

There are many forces that can contribute to a planet’s plasma dynamics. This article will look into what influences Jupiter’s plasma dynamics and whether the solar wind contributes significantly or if it could be neglected

When sustainability becomes an order winner: linking supply uncertainty and sustainable supply chain strategies

This study investigates how to implement a sustainable supply chain strategy by choosing a set of sustainable practices while considering the strategic priority assigned to sustainability within a company’s competitive strategy (i.e., an order winner (OW), market qualifier (MQ) or desirable attribute (DA)). Therefore, two research questions arise: RQ1. What are the sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices adopted by companies under the different levels of priority assigned to sustainability (i.e., OW, MQ and DA)? and RQ2. How does supply uncertainty influence the choices regarding the SSCM practices to adopt or vice versa? We addressed these questions through a two-step methodology that includes 10 exploratory case studies in different industries and four explanatory cases in the furniture industry. Six research propositions are developed, and we show how some sustainable practices are common to all companies in the sample, while others are only applicable when sustainability is an MQ or an OW. Moreover, in contrast to the suggestion in the literature, we observed that companies with sustainability as an OW implement sustainability practices despite increasing exposure to supply uncertainty. However, when sustainability is a DA or an MQ, companies might implement sustainable practices with the aim of reducing supply uncertainty rather than for sustainability goals. The cases show that investment in these practices can trigger a transition towards a situation in which sustainability is an OW

3D printing the future: scenarios for supply chains reviewed

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to evaluate existing scenarios for 3D Printing in order to identify the “white space” where future opportunities have not been proposed or developed to date. Based around aspects of order penetration points, geographical scope and type of manufacturing, these gaps are identified. Design/methodology/approach: A structured literature review has been carried out on both academic and trade publications. As of the end of May 2016, this identified 128 relevant articles containing 201 future scenarios. Coding these against aspects of existing manufacturing and supply chain theory has led to the development of a framework for identify “white space” in existing thinking. Findings: The coding shows that existing future scenarios are particularly concentrated on job shop applications and pull based supply chain processes, although there are fewer constraints on geographical scope. Five distinct areas of “white space” are proposed, reflecting various opportunities for future 3DP supply chain development. Research limitations: Being a structured literature review, there are potentially articles not identified through the search criteria used. The nature of the findings is also dependent upon the coding criteria selected. However, these are theoretically derived and reflect important aspect of strategic supply chain management. Practical implications: Practitioners may wish to explore the development of business models within the “white space” areas. Originality/value: Currently, existing future 3DP scenarios are scattered over a wide, multi-disciplinary literature base. By providing a consolidated view of these scenarios, it is possible to identify gaps in current thinking. These gaps are multidisciplinary in nature and represent opportunities for both academics and practitioners to exploit

PANDA: A case-study examining a successful Audiology and Otology Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement research group

There has been increasing involvement of patients and members of the public in research; however, case studies describing patient research groups with hearing loss are non-existent. Such case studies will be valuable, enabling evidence-based dialogue and promoting best practice in the engagement of patients, the public and researchers. This paper aims to discuss this practice. The absence of such dialogue may hinder initial efforts by researchers to realise the potential of Patient and Public Involvement. The objective of this study was to set up and run a patient and public involvement and engagement group in audiology research, use the lessons learnt to provide a guide to others in a similar situation, and prompt the dialogue referred to above. A successful group with over 70 members has been set up, with an average attendance for meetings of between 15 and 20 participants. Feedback from the group indicates that members are happy with, and benefit from, their involvement and particularly appreciate the concern of those managing the group better to accommodate sensory impairments. Additionally, the group has improved research output for specific grant applications. We conclude that although this case study contains elements unique to the setting (a large NHS Trust in the Midlands), it also provides transferable observations and resources that can be adapted and utilised by researchers working with patients and the public with hearing loss. Experience Framework This article is associated with the Patient, Family & Community Engagement lens of The Beryl Institute Experience Framework. (http://bit.ly/ExperienceFramework) Access other PXJ articles related to this lens. Access other resources related to this lens

The development of a lean, agile and leagile supply network taxonomy based on differing types of flexibility

The paper explores the meaning of flexibility in the context of lean, agile and leagile supply networks and articulates a supply network flexibility framework. Two key ‘sources’ of flexibility are investigated: Vendor Flexibility and Sourcing Flexibility. The paper introduces an extension of the ‘leagility’ concept beyond the simple material flow decoupling point concept. Two new types of Leagility are put forward: (1) Leagile with Vendor Flexibility Systems, which combine the use of agile vendors with lean sourcing practices and (2) Leagile with Sourcing Flexibility Systems, which combine the use of lean vendors with agile sourcing practices. Case studies of two UK based specialist fashion retailers’ supply networks are presented in order to gain insights into the sourcing strategies used and the sources of flexibility employed by retailers at supply network level. A new taxonomy that dynamically links Vendor and Sourcing Flexibility with lean, agile and leagile supply network strategies is proposed. We suggest that the proposed taxonomy can be used as a guideline for firms designing and managing parallel supply pipelines that match different operating environments. The findings add to the understanding of the ways in which the two sources of supply network flexibility (Vendor and Sourcing) interact in practice and provide evidence of the ways in which companies can strike balances between these sources, as well as the effects that can be achieved and some of the trade-offs involved

Assessment of the Impact of a Head-mounted Augmented Reality Low Vision Aid on Vision and Quality of Life in Children and Young People with Visual Impairment

Introduction: Electronic head-mounted low vision aids (LVAs) can help children and young people (CYP) to access schoolwork and leisure activities which they would otherwise struggle to be able to do with traditional optical or hand held LVAs. SightPlus uses a smartphone mounted in a virtual reality headset controlled using a Bluetooth joystick. It offers users 0.7–24.3× magnification alongside enhanced modes to maximise vision. Methods: Eighteen participants aged 8–16 years with reduced vision were given SightPlus to use at home for four weeks. Visual acuity was assessed with and without SightPlus along with reading performance, contrast sensitivity, functional vision and quality of life questionnaires. Results: Clinically significant improvements in distance vision (0.633logMAR SD ± 0.359), near vision (0.411logMAR SD ± 0.368), reading acuity (0.454LlogMAR SD ± 0.406) and critical print size (0.285logMAR ± 0.360) were seen when testing with SightPlus. However, there was a mean decrease in contrast sensitivity and reading speed when using SightPlus. Despite this, nine out of the 14 patients included for analysis indicated a preference to continue to use SightPlus. Of note, younger participants were more likely to show a preference for using SightPlus. All seven CYP aged 10 or under wanted to continue to use SightPlus; in contrast, only two of the seven participants aged 11 or over wanted to continue. Conclusions: Like the results in adult populations, SightPlus has been found to improve CYP visual functions. Older participants were less likely to want to continue to use SightPlus, potentially suggesting they have found other methods for managing sight loss

Advances in robotic lung transplantation: development and validation of a new surgical technique in animal models

Lung transplantation; Minimally invasive; Robotic surgeryTrasplantament de pulmó; Mínimament invasiu; Cirurgia robòticaTrasplante de pulmón; Mínimamente invasiva; Cirugía robóticaThe objective of this study was to describe a novel minimally invasive robotic video-assisted approach for lung transplantation, utilizing a minimally invasive technique with a subxiphoid incision, in an animal experimentation model. Two left robotic-assisted single lung transplants were performed in sheep using a robotic surgical system. A subxiphoid incision was made, and robotic ports were inserted into the thoracic cavity for dissection and anastomoses of the bronchus, artery, and pulmonary veins. The integrity of anastomoses was evaluated, and procedural details were recorded. Both animals survived the procedure, with a mean duration of 255 min and a mean console time of 201 min. Anastomoses were performed without complications, and the closed-chest approach with a subxiphoid incision proved successful in preventing gas leakage. The novel approach demonstrated improved exposure and workflow compared to existing techniques. The minimally invasive robotic video-assisted approach for lung transplantation utilizing a closed-chest technique with a subxiphoid incision appears safe and feasible in an animal experimentation model. Further studies in the clinical setting are warranted to establish its feasibility and safety in human lung transplantation. This approach has the potential to offer benefits over the traditional Clamshell incision in lung transplantation procedures

To have your citizen science cake and eat it? Delivering research and outreach through Open Air Laboratories (OPAL)

Background: The vast array of citizen science projects which have blossomed over the last decade span a spectrum of objectives from research to outreach. While some focus primarily on the collection of rigorous scientific data and others are positioned towards the public engagement end of the gradient, the majority of initiatives attempt to balance the two. Although meeting multiple aims can be seen as a ‘win–win’ situation, it can also yield significant challenges as allocating resources to one element means that they may be diverted away from the other. Here we analyse one such programme which set out to find an effective equilibrium between these arguably polarised goals. Through the lens of the Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) programme we explore the inherent trade-offs encountered under four indicators derived from an independent citizen science evaluation framework. Assimilating experience from the OPAL network we investigate practical approaches taken to tackle arising tensions. Results: Working backwards from project delivery to design, we found the following elements to be important: ensuring outputs are fit for purpose, developing strong internal and external collaborations, building a sufficiently diverse partnership and considering target audiences. We combine these ‘operational indicators’ with four pre-existing ‘outcome indicators’ to create a model which can be used to shape the planning and delivery of a citizen science project. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that whether the proverb in the title rings true will largely depend on the identification of challenges along the way and the ability to address these conflicts throughout the citizen science projec