PhD synopsis: Quantifying and evaluating the risk posed to straw bale constructions from moisture

This paper provides a synopsis of the PhD thesis titled 'Quantifying and Evaluating the Risk Posed to Straw Bale Constructions From Moisture'. The thesis reviews the potential for straw bale construction to aid the construction industry in reducing carbon emissions whilst promoting social and environmental values, and decreasing the reliance on non-renewable resources. Straw is however susceptible to degradation, under certain conditions. The thesis reviews different monitoring devices and the interaction of moisture with straw and presents a three part model aimed at promoting confidence in the construction method

Charge distributions near metal-dielectric interfaces before and after dielectric surface flashover

A technique was developed for measuring surface charge distribution near interfaces without placing any measuring apparatus near the face of the samples. The results of measurements which were made on FEP Teflon and Kapton dielectrics, before and after are given flashover, with various types of interfaces. Also given are data showing mean time between flashovers for various configurations exposed to a variety of environmental conditions. Several charge transfer mechanisms are considered as a means by which stable charge distributions may be maintained near interfaces

Equations of motion in the linear approximation

Gauge invariant theory of motion of singularities in linear approximatio

Statistical considerations in design of spacelab experiments

After making an analysis of experimental error sources, statistical models were developed for the design and analysis of potential Space Shuttle experiments. Guidelines for statistical significance and/or confidence limits of expected results were also included. The models were then tested out on the following proposed Space Shuttle biomedical experiments: (1) bone density by computer tomography; (2) basal metabolism; and (3) total body water. Analysis of those results and therefore of the models proved inconclusive due to the lack of previous research data and statistical values. However, the models were seen as possible guides to making some predictions and decisions

Microwave power transmission system wherein level of transmitted power is controlled by reflections from receiver

A microwave, wireless, power transmission system is described in which the transmitted power level is adjusted to correspond with power required at a remote receiving station. Deviations in power load produce an antenna impedance mismatch causing variations in energy reflected by the power receiving antenna employed by the receiving station. The variations in reflected energy are sensed by a receiving antenna at the transmitting station and used to control the output power of a power transmitter

Is the World After All Just a Dream?

DocPerform is a multi and interdisciplinary research project based at City, University of London. Led by members of the Department of Library & Information Science, it comprises scholars and practitioners from the fields of performing arts and library & information science. The project concerns conceptual, methodological and technological innovations in the documentation of performance, and the extent to which performance may itself be considered to be a document. The collection of papers in this special issue of Proceedings from the Document Academy are selected from the second DocPerform Symposium, held at City, University of London, 6–7 November 2017. This editorial introduces those papers and provides disciplinary and historical context for DocPerform

Football's Ability to Combat Social Exclusion

Over the past few years there has been a clear shift in governmental focus on the role of sport within British society. The old maxim of ‘sport for sport’s sake’ has been largely superseded by an approach emphasising the role of sport in helping to create a more inclusive social environment (Department for Culture, Media and Sport / Strategy Unit, 2002; Local Government Association, 2001). Sporting excellence is no longer enough on its own, rather sport is seen as a tool to be used in addressing the underlying factors which lead to the exclusion of certain individuals and communities. It is our contention that this political positioning and the related search for funding leads to over ambitious claims for what can be achieved. As the sport with the highest media and public following, football (soccer) is increasingly being challenged regarding its role in addressing this social agenda. In this paper we review some of the available evidence relating to the contribution of football and sport more generally. To do this we shall first examine how ‘social inclusion’ is interpreted; then, adopting a more questioning view of both football and sport, summarise what their contribution to social inclusion might realistically be. We contend that this has to mean considering a more differentiated interpretation of both sport and social inclusion