Low cost solar cell arrays

Limitations in both space and terrestial markets for solar cells are described. Based on knowledge of the state-of-the-art, six cell options are discussed; as a result of this discussion, the three most promising options (involving high, medium and low efficiency cells respectively) were selected and analyzed for their probable costs. The results showed that all three cell options gave promise of costs below $10 per watt in the near future. Before further cost reductions can be achieved, more R and D work is required; suggestions for suitable programs are given

Counselling and psychotherapy as social action-systems

The "talking cure" (Boring, 1957, p 709; Halmos, 1965, p 3), "psychotherapy" and "counselling", as presently conceptualised in contemporary Western society, evolved first from the nineteenth century medical concept of diseases an affliction of the individual, requiring individual treatment. The first significant deviation from this framework seemed to come in the 1930's when the talking cure for the "sick" individual was taken outside a purely medical context through child guidance and related areas (e.g. Rogers, 1939). While parents were often involved in the child guidance programmes, their involvement was seen as being ancillary to the basic "treatment" of the disturbed onild and thus psychotherapy was maintained with an individual focus. In the 1930's group psychotherapy emerged, but these early activities also retained an individual focus (Slavson, 1940)1 group psychotherapy at that stage could moat accurately be described as the treatment of a person in a group - it is only since the work of the "group dynamics" movement gained an acceptance in the psychotherapeutic field that the conceptual shift has been made to see the treatment of all participants simultaneously by the group (Back, 1972). In the 1950s family therapy emerged as a visible force, and this had profound implications for the manner in which psychotherapeutic activity was seen: "… family therapy introduced major problems. It was no longer clear who was sick and who was well in the therapeutic setting, nor indeed who was the patient. Further, the participants were intimately related to each other. This latter factor provided a challenge to traditional ideas of the one-to-one model, such as the development of transference, regression, lack of destructive feedback and so forth". (Pattison, 1973, p )97

Physicochemical properties of concentrated Martian surface waters

Understanding the processes controlling chemical sedimentation is an important step in deciphering paleoclimatic conditions from the rock records preserved on both Earth and Mars. Clear evidence for subaqueous sedimentation at Meridiani Planum, widespread saline mineral deposits in the Valles Marineris region, and the possible role of saline waters in forming recent geomorphologic features all underscore the need to understand the physical properties of highly concentrated solutions on Mars in addition to, and as a function of, their distinct chemistry. Using thermodynamic models predicting saline mineral solubility, we generate likely brine compositions ranging from bicarbonate-dominated to sulfate-dominated and predict their saline mineralogy. For each brine composition, we then estimate a number of thermal, transport, and colligative properties using established models that have been developed for highly concentrated multicomponent electrolyte solutions. The available experimental data and theoretical models that allow estimation of these physicochemical properties encompass, for the most part, much of the anticipated variation in chemistry for likely Martian brines. These estimates allow significant progress in building a detailed analysis of physical sedimentation at the ancient Martian surface and allow more accurate predictions of thermal behavior and the diffusive transport of matter through chemically distinct solutions under comparatively nonstandard conditions

Interactions between parental traits, environmental harshness and growth rate in determining telomere length in wild juvenile salmon

A larger body size confers many benefits, such as increased reproductive success, ability to evade predators and increased competitive ability and social status. However, individuals rarely maximise their growth rates, suggesting that this carries costs. One such cost could be faster attrition of the telomeres that cap the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes and play an important role in chromosome protection. A relatively short telomere length is indicative of poor biological state, including poorer tissue and organ performance, reduced potential longevity and increased disease susceptibility. Telomere loss during growth may also be accelerated by environmental factors, but these have rarely been subjected to experimental manipulation in the natural environment. Using a wild system involving experimental manipulations of juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in Scottish streams, we found that telomere length in juvenile fish was influenced by parental traits and by direct environmental effects. We found that faster-growing fish had shorter telomeres and there was a greater cost (in terms of reduced telomere length) if the growth occurred in a harsher environment. We also found a positive association between offspring telomere length and the growth history of their fathers (but not mothers), represented by the number of years fathers had spent at sea. This suggests that there may be long term consequences of growth conditions and parental life history for individual longevity

Understanding the role of obsolescence in PPP/PFI

In 2013 the Guardian newspaper reported that the UK Government had acquired £300 billion worth of capital costs and unitary payments within the formally known Private Finance Initiatives – now Public Private Partnerships. This paper is not about the economics or moral debate upon the success and failures of PPP’s within the UK, but rather the untold story of the impact of obsolescence upon the integral asset systems which support the service delivery. Prisons require supportable and maintainable security systems, the same can be said for government/defence buildings, not to the mention the life critical systems within hospitals and clinics across the country. However, there is an untold story, which is impacting the through life or lifecycle costs to support and maintain key asset systems, driving additional lifecycle expenditures that may be unforeseen. This paper contains evidence of the scale of the financial impact of obsolescence through obsolescence driven investments, not least to mention the potential operational impacts if systems become unsupportable. This paper begins to create a foundation for future research focusing on obsolescence and how best to monitor and mitigate its effects

Identifying and Managing Asset Obsolescence within the Built Environment

Obsolescence in practice commonly occurs in two forms; the asset in question is no longer suitable for current demands, or is no longer available from manufacturers. Most research surrounding obsolescence has targeted short lifecycle components such as electronics or software (2-5 years). There is little consideration of low volume, long-life assets (20+ years) that are commonplace within the built environment (e.g. Uninterruptable Power Supply Systems, Building Management Systems and Fire Alarm Systems). This paper evidences the importance of identifying asset obsolescence within the built environment by observing 'lifecycle mismatches' within a live case study of a ten year old UK Private Finance Initiative (PFI). This paper develops and proposes an original assessment tool, identifying obsolescence within the built environment and empirically tests it within the case study. The methodology and results combine to evidence the importance of obsolescence and the contractual and financial risk it poses. The model is transferrable and scalable thus allowing larger portfolios to be considered. The levels of identifying obsolescence within long-life assets are increasing, whilst the lifecycles of certain component groups are decreasing; posing a growing problem for future Facility Managers

Changing Societal Expectations and the Need for Dynamic Asset Lifecycling and Obsolescence Management

Current revolutions within the consumer electronics market are having dramatic effects upon how businesses are able to deliver their services with the continued embedding of technology within our lives. Conversely, this is currently having a direct impact upon long life assets with life expectancy in the region of 15+ years, an impact, which is believed to only increase. The term asset in this context refers to systems and their internal components, for example security systems and their orthogonal components i.e. intruder detector components, CCTV cameras, recording equipment, automated security doors, controls etc. This is a rather middle to top-level view upon the term asset and components; you will find literature referring to components as the individual electrical and material elements of a product. The mismatching of lifecycles due to contrasting market conditions is driving unforeseen obsolescence investments across the Built Environment, highlighting the current neglect of obsolescence within static asset lifecycle planning. As society changes, so do the expectations of service delivery from the Built Environment. The pressures imposed by these changes upon Facilities Managers will demand resultant changes in how services are delivered, maintained and supported throughout their useful lives. It is the combination of societal demands for a greater connected, interactive and smarter Built Environment and the effects of technological change upon obsolescence that will be covered in this paper. This paper will build upon a current Engineering Doctorate project into obsolescence and asset management to speculate both the importance of developing a dynamic approach to planning asset lifecycles and possibly how this would materialise in the future. Evidence will be provided in the form of a case study, reviewed literature and current live trends, supporting the title of this paper. The main conclusions include the growing evidence that what is being witnessed across the Built Environment will likely increase and also that more advanced industries have experienced the same problems previously. It is therefore seen as a growth area for the Built Environment to reduce the impact of obsolescence and ensure that service delivery continues to meet societal expectations

Dietary fish oil at low intakes increases DHA incorporation and reduces low frequency fatigue in rat hindlimb skeletal muscle

Abstract of a presentation

Robust statistical methods for point of sale designs, the example of healthcare snack and drink vending

Purpose: The experiment introduces nutritional labelling, healthier products and product placement designs to the hospital vending machines, to promote healthy lifestyles. / Design/methodology/approach: The site where this experiment happens is a major London hospital, serving over a million patients every year. In the experiment, the hospital’s snack and drink vending machines are redesigned. The impact on product sales are then analysed using robust statistical methods. / Findings: Nutritional labelling has a statistically significant impact on product sales. Less of the unhealthiest products are sold. Healthier products and product placement designs have a larger impact but with less statistical significance. They require further testing. / Research limitations/implications: Experts in service operations can use this experiment’s regression modelling methods. The methods are ideal for measuring change over time in counting data sets in complex real world environments. / Practical implications: There are suggestions for practical vending service change in this research. They are in line and add a practical example to Government policy guidance. / Social implications: People using the redesigned vending machines have more opportunity for healthy lifestyle choices. / Originality/value: The experiment provides statistical evidence in support of catering for healthier lifestyles