Supporting the uptake of low cost resilience: Summary of technical findings (FD2682)

This report summarises evidence collected by the Defra research project FD2682 regarding technical aspects of low cost flood repairable approaches designed to limit damage to buildings. It is derived from a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) that is reported in greater detail in the accompanying REA report. Flood repairable measures applied to buildings are designed to limit damage or speed recovery once water has entered a property. They include strategies to keep water away from building elements (such as raising power sockets) and the use of waterproof or water resistant materials, including those capable of retaining their integrity and recovering quickly after inundation. The measures are useful when water exclusion approaches are not practical or cost effective, and also as an addition to water exclusion approaches as a failsafe.The REA comprised a systematic scoping of relevant academic and grey literature; consultation with a panel of experts; interviews with professionals from the sphere of flood reinstatement and property protection; and interviews with occupants of properties where flood repairable approaches have already been adopted. This was followed by an assessment of the costs and benefits of selected low cost flood repairable measures and of illustrative packages of low cost repairable measures.The review found 139 suggested measures that could be regarded as flood repairable, over half of these being ‘low cost’ or ‘low additional cost’ (for example, when adopted during reinstatement or other building work) and which will prove to be cost beneficial for properties in the UK. Four packages of measures were costed. Three of the four packages evaluated could result in a pay back after just one subsequent flood (assuming they were successful in preventing damage). The most appropriate measures for any individual property depends upon a combination of factors, however, including the structure and condition of the building itself; the nature of the flood risk; and the preferences and lifestyle of the occupants.Scientific evidence on the performance of measures was found to be scanty, but the experts in the industry were seen to be successfully applying experiential knowledge along with current guidance on an ad hoc basis. The wider industry was seen as less well informed, with some flood repairable features being removed at reinstatement, as their purpose and value is not yet understood.The report concludes that further research is needed to provide evidence of the potential effectiveness of flood repairable approaches. Attention should also be directed towards understanding the performance of flood repairable measures during and after floods to ensure that the potential effectiveness is realised in practice. Improved technical guidance and training is recommended to further develop the understanding and awareness within the flood damage industry

Evidence review for property flood resilience phase 2 report

Flood Re was established to promote the availability and affordability of flood insurance whilst supporting the transition to risk-based and affordable flood insurance for UK households at high risk of flooding. In order for the goal of affordability to be achievable, there is a need to manage down the risk to these properties. One way to reduce risk is to install measures at a property level, often termed property flood resilience (hereafter PFR). This report reflects findings from Phase 2 of a three phase project; it is designed to assist Flood Re to establish an evidence base for the value of PFR in order to help inform decisions about the PFR support to homeowners that could/should be provided by Flood Re in future. The findings of an evidence review, including synthesis of the existing literature and selected additional analyses of data extracted from the evidence sources, are presented in answer to the question, “How effective are property level resistance and resilience measures in reducing loss due to damage and time to repair damage resulting from flooding for UK householdsand their insurers?

Improving the uptake of flood resilience at the individual property level

© 2016 WIT Press. One of the drivers for improving resilience to flooding at property level (also known as adoption of a 'water entry strategy') was demonstrated by the overtopping of hard engineered flood defences across Cumbria, UK during 'Storm Desmond' in December 2015. Although the uptake of water exclusion strategies (also termed 'flood resistance) is gradually improving in the UK, the longer term resilience options that permit water entry are less popular. Findings from an evidence assessment of the barriers and drivers to uptake of low-cost water entry strategy options are presented. Evidence was collected using a Rapid Evidence Assessment of published materials, semi-structured interviews and workshops with professionals, and a series of case studies of properties that had been adapted to flood risk. Factors leading to successful implementation are identified and illustrated by case study material from homes and small businesses. Water entry and water exclusion approaches were found to be seen as two methods used as part of an integrated approach that can bring about important co-benefits such as improved thermal efficiency and lower energy bills

Squids Use Multiple Escape Jet Patterns Throughout Ontogeny

Throughout their lives, squids are both predators and prey for a multitude of animals, many of which are at the top of ocean food webs, making them an integral component of the trophic structure of marine ecosystems. The escape jet, which is produced by the rapid expulsion of water from the mantle cavity through a funnel, is central to a cephalopod\u27s ability to avoid predation throughout its life. Although squid undergo morphological and behavioral changes and experience remarkably different Reynolds number regimes throughout their development, little is known about the dynamics and propulsive efficiency of escape jets throughout ontogeny. We examine the hydrodynamics and kinematics of escape jets in squid throughout ontogeny using 2D/3D velocimetry and high-speed videography. All life stages of squid produced two escape jet patterns: (1) escape jet I characterized by short rapid pulses resulting in vortex ring formation and (2) escape jet II characterized by long high-volume jets, often with a leading-edge vortex ring. Paralarvae exhibited higher propulsive efficiency than adult squid during escape jet ejection, and propulsive efficiency was higher for escape jet I than escape jet II in adults. These results indicate that although squid undergo major ecological transitions and morphology changes from paralarvae to adults, all life stages demonstrate flexibility in escape jet responses and produce escape jets of surprisingly high propulsive efficiency

Correction: New Approaches for Assessing Squid Fin Motions: Coupling Proper Orthogonal Decomposition With Volumetric Particle Tracking Velocimetry (doi:10.1242/jeb.176750)

Squid, which swim using a coupled fin/jet system powered by muscular hydrostats, pose unique challenges for the study of locomotion. The high flexibility of the fins and complex flow fields generated by distinct propulsion systems require innovative techniques for locomotive assessment. For this study, we used proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) to decouple components of the fin motions and defocusing digital particle tracking velocimetry (DDPTV) to quantify the resultant 3D flow fields. Kinematic footage and DDPTV data were collected from brief squid, Lolliguncula brevis [3.1–6.5 cm dorsal mantle length (DML)], swimming freely in a water tunnel at speeds of 0.39–7.20 DML s−1. Both flap and wave components were present in all fin motions, but the relative importance of the wave components was higher for arms-first swimming than for tail-first swimming and for slower versus higher speed swimming. When prominent wave components were present, more complex interconnected vortex ring wakes were observed, while fin movements dominated by flapping resulted in more spatially separated vortex ring patterns. Although the jet often produced the majority of the thrust for steady rectilinear swimming, our results demonstrated that the fins can contribute more thrust than the jet at times, consistently produce comparable levels of lift to the jet during arms-first swimming, and can boost overall propulsive efficiency. By producing significant drag signatures, the fins can also aid in stabilization and maneuvering. Clearly, fins play multiple roles in squid locomotion, and when coupled with the jet, allow squid to perform a range of swimming behaviors integral to their ecological success

Distinguishing the Unique Neuropathological Profile of Blast Polytrauma

Traumatic brain injury sustained after blast exposure (blast-induced TBI) has recently been documented as a growing issue for military personnel. Incidence of injury to organs such as the lungs has decreased, though current epidemiology still causes a great public health burden. In addition, unprotected civilians sustain primary blast lung injury (PBLI) at alarming rates. Often, mild-to-moderate cases of PBLI are survivable with medical intervention, which creates a growing population of survivors of blast-induced polytrauma (BPT) with symptoms from blast-induced mild TBI (mTBI). Currently, there is a lack of preclinical models simulating BPT, which is crucial to identifying unique injury mechanisms of BPT and its management. To meet this need, our group characterized a rodent model of BPT and compared results to a blast-induced mTBI model. Open field (OF) performance trials were performed on rodents at 7 days after injury. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate cellular outcome at day seven following BPT. Levels of reactive astrocytes (GFAP), apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3 expression), and vascular damage (SMI-71) were significantly elevated in BPT compared to blast-induced mTBI. Downstream markers of hypoxia (HIF-1α and VEGF) were higher only after BPT. This study highlights the need for unique therapeutics and prehospital management when handling BPT

Delación premiada y el juicio justo del coimputado en el delito de cohecho pasivo propio, Distrito Fiscal Lima Centro, 2022

El presente trabajo de investigación tuvo como propósito analizar de qué manera la delación premiada vulnera el juicio justo del coimputado en el delito de cohecho pasivo propio, Distrito Fiscal Lima Centro, 2022; la misma que sostuvo la metodología de enfoque cualitativo, tipo básico, adoptándose como diseño de investigación la teoría fundamentada. Mediante la técnica de recolección de datos que fueron la entrevista y el análisis documental. Se logró obtener información sustancial detallada en los instrumentos de recolección de datos aplicados en fiscales especializados a la materia y las defensas técnicas, a través de la guía de entrevista y, adicionalmente, la evaluación de evidencias jurisprudenciales por medio de la guía de análisis documentario. En relación a ello, se arribó a la siguiente conclusión general, la delación premiada vulnera el juicio justo del coimputado en el delito de cohecho pasivo propio con la implementación del ocultamiento como medida de seguridad del colaborador, imposibilitando al sindicado adecuar cuestiones referentes a la credibilidad de la confesión de éste. Ante ello, prolifera el riesgo de la materialización correcta respecto a la objetividad fiscal cuando se predisponga el requerimiento acusatorio y en diligencias de corroboración

Hemostatic Nanoparticles Increase Survival, Mitigate Neuropathology and Alleviate Anxiety in a Rodent Blast Trauma Model

Explosions account for 79% of combat related injuries and often lead to polytrauma, a majority of which include blast-induced traumatic brain injuries (bTBI). These injuries lead to internal bleeding in multiple organs and, in the case of bTBI, long term neurological deficits. Currently, there are no treatments for internal bleeding beyond fluid resuscitation and surgery. There is also a dearth of treatments for TBI. We have developed a novel approach using hemostatic nanoparticles that encapsulate an anti-inflammatory, dexamethasone, to stop the bleeding and reduce inflammation after injury. We hypothesize that this will improve not only survival but long term functional outcomes after blast polytrauma. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) hemostatic nanoparticles encapsulating dexamethasone (hDNPs) were fabricated and tested following injury along with appropriate controls. Rats were exposed to a single blast wave using an Advanced Blast Simulator, inducing primary blast lung and bTBI. Survival was elevated in the hDNPs group compared to controls. Elevated anxiety parameters were found in the controls, compared to hDNPs. Histological analysis indicated that apoptosis and blood-brain barrier disruption in the amygdala were significantly increased in the controls compared to the hDNPs and sham groups. Immediate intervention is crucial to mitigate injury mechanisms that contribute to emotional deficits

Supporting the uptake of low cost resilience: Final report (FD2682)

Executive SummaryThe Defra research project FD2682 examined the technical, social and behavioural aspects of supporting low cost flood repairable measures designed to limit damage to buildings during and after flood events. Flood repairable measures (sometimes called ‘flood resilient measures’) applied to buildings are designed to limit damage, or speed up recovery where water has entered a property. They include strategies to keep water away from building elements (such as raising power sockets) and the internal use of waterproof or water resistant materials, including those capable of retaining their integrity and recovering quickly after inundation. These measures have traditionally been regarded as most useful when water exclusion approaches(measures to keep water out of the building, sometimes called ‘resistant measures’)are not practical or cost effective.The investigation took an action research approach, consulting widely and reflecting on findings on an ongoing basis. The research comprised the following stages:1. A rapid evidence assessment (REA) including a review of relevant academic and grey literature; consultation with a panel of experts; interviews with flood reinstatement and property protection professionals; and interviews with occupants of properties where flood repairable measures have been adopted.2. An assessment of the costs and benefits of selected low cost flood repairable measures, and illustrative packages of measures.3. A demonstration project to explore innovative approaches that could be used by local agencies and businesses to address some of the barriers to the use of flood repairable measures. This made use of a co-design process, via the formation of the Tewkesbury ‘Learning and Action Alliance’ (LAA).The REA concluded that (in contrast to previous perceptions of repairable measures as a last resort for properties at highest risk) low cost repairable measures are widely applicable as part of an integrated approach to limiting the residual risk to individual properties that may also include water exclusion measures. Interviews as part of theREA showed repairability to be a pragmatic approach that can be applied incrementally at various windows of opportunity with lower financial barriers to implementation than alternative strategies. The assessment of costs and benefits of selected low cost flood repairable measures, and illustrative packages of measures, confirmed their potential cost effectiveness in limiting flood damage.The REA concluded that the weight of evidence supports the effectiveness of an ever expanding list of low cost resilience measures in limiting flood damage.However, there are also major gaps in evidence, and in communication and sharing of available evidence, reducing the confidence in implementation of measures within relevant trades and professionals, as well as by owners and occupiers directly. Key areas in urgent need of additional scientific evidence include: the implications ofdebris and contaminants in floodwater; the effect of hydrodynamic and hydrostatic pressure on ‘waterproof’ materials; and durability of resilient measures afterprolonged flood exposure. However, attention should also be directed towards further understanding the real performance of flood repairable measures in a variety of types of building before, during and after flooding.The REA and demonstration project both concluded that, in order for the potential benefits of repairable measures to be realised in practice, there will need to be a shiftin the repair and reinstatement process. Improved protocols (and incentives) are required that include clarity regarding the autonomy and responsibility of differentactors within the repair process to recommend adoption of repairable measures. The inception of Flood Re offers both a challenge and an opportunity in this regard. The research finds that there could be benefits to placing the specification of negligible cost and cost neutral measures within the professional remit of surveyors and contractors on the ground. To support this, improved technical guidance and training is needed to raise levels of understanding and awareness within the industry. The surveyors’ checklist, designed within the project, was seen as a useful contribution to this requirement. Improved confidence in appropriate measures could also be fostered through provision of exemplars and factsheets.The REA and demonstration project highlighted the potential importance of other windows of opportunity (outside the recovery period) in the take up of low cost floodrepairable measures. Insurance renewal and property transfer represent opportunities to raise awareness of measures at very low cost with minimal upskillingof professionals and may provide direct triggers to action. Other building work and redecoration opportunities are harder to target in terms of awareness raising,therefore a well-informed and up-skilled local ‘property support network’ (PSN) is needed, in order to spot opportunities to support uptake on an individual basis.Evaluation of the demonstration project innovations indicated that implementation was most successful in those innovations driven by members of the LAA, or hadsignificant input from members of the local PSN. Increased awareness of low cost flood resilience measures amongst LAA members was also achieved. Therefore the LAA model was seen as a potential platform to engage relevant local propertyexperts and agencies, and to empower them to encourage property level approaches.However, the REA evidence and that from the LAA meetings together with the evaluation of the surveyor’s checklist suggest that emotional barriers to implementation of low cost resilience are important. Use of repairable measures is a difficult concept, as it requires an acceptance that water might enter the property (home or business) and changes within the living space that might feel abnormal.Interviews with practitioner experts, together with an assessment of current regulations, suggest that making small adjustments to building regulations, relevantto passive avoidance and resilience, could aid normalisation of such measures. A greater focus on design and aesthetics aspects, and clearer guidance on the ways todeal with perceived contamination is also seen as important by professionals, the PSN and in the demonstration project. Finally, a wider framing of property level flooddamage reduction, with suggested schemes including both water entry and water exclusion measures was indicated by the interviews with homeowners and professionals and discussed by the LAA as helpful in addressing emotional barriers