A novel techno-economical layout optimization tool for floating wind farm design

Over the past few years, the offshore wind sector has been subject to renewed yet growing interest from the industry and from the research sphere, with a particular focus on a recently developed concept, the floating offshore wind (FOW). Because of its novelty, floating research material is found in limited quantity. This paper focuses on the layout optimization of a floating offshore wind farm (FOWF) considering multiple parameters and engineering constraints, combining floating-specific parameters together with economic indicators. Today’s common wind farm layout optimization codes do not take into account either floating-specific technical parameters (anchors, mooring lines, inter-array cables (IACs), etc.) or non-technical parameters (operational expenditure, OPEX; capital expenditure, CAPEX; and other techno-economic project parameters). In this paper, a multi-parametric objective function is used in the optimization of the layout of a FOWF, combining the annual energy production (AEP) together with the costs that depend on the layout. The mooring system and the collection system including the inter-array cables and the offshore substation are identified as layout-dependent and therefore modeled in the optimization loop. Using ScotWind site 10 as a study case, it was found with the predefined technical and economic assumptions that the profit was increased by EUR 34.5 million compared to a grid-based layout. The main drivers were identified to be the AEP, followed by the anchors and the availability associated with the failures of inter-array cables.</p

International consensus definition of low anterior resection syndrome

Aim: Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is pragmatically defined as disordered bowel function after rectal resection leading to a detriment in quality of life. This broad characterization does not allow for precise estimates of prevalence. The LARS score was designed as a simple tool for clinical evaluation of LARS. Although the LARS score has good clinical utility, it may not capture all important aspects that patients may experience. The aim of this collaboration was to develop an international consensus definition of LARS that encompasses all aspects of the condition and is informed by all stakeholders. Method: This international patient–provider initiative used an online Delphi survey, regional patient consultation meetings, and an international consensus meeting. Three expert groups participated: patients, surgeons and other health professionals from five regions (Australasia, Denmark, Spain, Great Britain and Ireland, and North America) and in three languages (English, Spanish, and Danish). The primary outcome measured was the priorities for the definition of LARS. Results: Three hundred twenty-five participants (156 patients) registered. The response rates for successive rounds of the Delphi survey were 86%, 96% and 99%. Eighteen priorities emerged from the Delphi survey. Patient consultation and consensus meetings refined these priorities to eight symptoms and eight consequences that capture essential aspects of the syndrome. Sampling bias may have been present, in particular, in the patient panel because social media was used extensively in recruitment. There was also dominance of the surgical panel at the final consensus meeting despite attempts to mitigate this. Conclusion: This is the first definition of LARS developed with direct input from a large international patient panel. The involvement of patients in all phases has ensured that the definition presented encompasses the vital aspects of the patient experience of LARS. The novel separation of symptoms and consequences may enable greater sensitivity to detect changes in LARS over time and with intervention

International consensus definition of low anterior resection syndrome

Aim: Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is pragmatically defined as disordered bowel function after rectal resection leading to a detriment in quality of life. This broad characterization does not allow for precise estimates of prevalence. The LARS score was designed as a simple tool for clinical evaluation of LARS. Although the LARS score has good clinical utility, it may not capture all important aspects that patients may experience. The aim of this collaboration was to develop an international consensus definition of LARS that encompasses all aspects of the condition and is informed by all stakeholders. Method: This international patient–provider initiative used an online Delphi survey, regional patient consultation meetings, and an international consensus meeting. Three expert groups participated: patients, surgeons and other health professionals from five regions (Australasia, Denmark, Spain, Great Britain and Ireland, and North America) and in three languages (English, Spanish, and Danish). The primary outcome measured was the priorities for the definition of LARS. Results: Three hundred twenty-five participants (156 patients) registered. The response rates for successive rounds of the Delphi survey were 86%, 96% and 99%. Eighteen priorities emerged from the Delphi survey. Patient consultation and consensus meetings refined these priorities to eight symptoms and eight consequences that capture essential aspects of the syndrome. Sampling bias may have been present, in particular, in the patient panel because social media was used extensively in recruitment. There was also dominance of the surgical panel at the final consensus meeting despite attempts to mitigate this. Conclusion: This is the first definition of LARS developed with direct input from a large international patient panel. The involvement of patients in all phases has ensured that the definition presented encompasses the vital aspects of the patient experience of LARS. The novel separation of symptoms and consequences may enable greater sensitivity to detect changes in LARS over time and with intervention

Sociodemographic determinants of facial injuries in Scotland 2001-2006

Objectives: Recent media and political attention has focused on youth violence and alcohol-related problems in Scotland. Facial injuries in Scotland are most commonly sustained as a result of interpersonal violence and young men are a high risk group for such injuries. Facial injuries are known to be associated with alcohol consumption but the sociodemographic determinants are not fully known. Our aim was to explore these determinants using information on inpatient admissions for facial injuries in Scotland. &lt;p/&gt;Methods: The Information Services Division of the National Health Service National Services Scotland collects, collates and publishes data on all hospital discharges using the Scottish Morbidity Record (SMR01) scheme for general acute specialties. SMR01 records with a diagnosis of facial injuries were retrieved for the period 2001-2006. These were linked with deprivation scores using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). Annual incidence rates by age, sex, and SIMD were calculated for the period 2001-2006. &lt;p/&gt;Results: Between 2001 and 2006, there were 82,461 patients with a facial injury diagnosis in Scotland at the time of discharge. Over the study period, the overall incidence of facial injuries was 3.27 per 1,000 population; 4.68 per 1,000 for males; 2.00 per 1,000 for females. The incidence of facial injuries in Scotland declined over the study period but still remained high. There was a clear association of facial injuries with deprivation with a significant number of injuries disproportionately affecting young men from socioeconomically deprived areas. &lt;p/&gt;Conclusions: The role of poverty as the major determinant of facial injuries has thus far not been explicitly acknowledged. Behaviour change interventions should therefore be supported by measures designed to improve socioeconomic circumstances and to reduce socioeconomic inequalities