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Time-domain simulation of seakeeping and manoeuvring of ships in deep and shallow water waves
Get PDFThe present thesis deals with the topic of ship manoeuvring in waves and the effects imposed by the shallow water. In this aspect, ship's manoeuvrability is investigated using a numerical method, which was developed according to a hybrid approach where seakeeping and manoeuvring contributions are blended. In order to ensure that the aforementioned model incorporates correctly seakeeping and calm water manoeuvring approaches, separate validation processes are followed beforehand. In case of nonlinear seakeeping analysis, parametric roll investigation is undertaken as well, as a mean to verify that the developed methodology evaluates properly the fundamental external forces, especially roll damping. In this way, a framework is established which offers the ability to perform holistic hydrodynamic assessment of marine vessels as well.;Validation of the developed computational code is conducted using experimental turning circle trajectories, which refer to deep water conditions. The case studies concern the horizontal motions of the S-175 container ship at long waves and four values of under keel clearance corresponding to medium-deep (UKC=3.0, 2.5, 2.0) and shallow waters (UKC=1.5). In this aspect, the wave forces as well as the manoeuvring-related ones are corrected using relevant methodologies. In particular, a 3D potential flow method is adopted for the evaluation of the former, whilst corrections are applied on the various manoeuvring-related force components defined by the Manoeuvring Modelling Group (Ogawa et al., 1977). Especially in case of the added resistance, near and far-field methods are implemented based on the size of the wavelength with respect to the ship's length.;The empirical corrections which refer to the manoeuvring-related forces and are used in order to incorporate the shallow water effect, concern the hydrodynamic hull forces, the calm water resistance and various hull-rudder-propeller interaction coefficients and are based on regression formulae which are functions of the under keel clearance ratio.The present thesis deals with the topic of ship manoeuvring in waves and the effects imposed by the shallow water. In this aspect, ship's manoeuvrability is investigated using a numerical method, which was developed according to a hybrid approach where seakeeping and manoeuvring contributions are blended. In order to ensure that the aforementioned model incorporates correctly seakeeping and calm water manoeuvring approaches, separate validation processes are followed beforehand. In case of nonlinear seakeeping analysis, parametric roll investigation is undertaken as well, as a mean to verify that the developed methodology evaluates properly the fundamental external forces, especially roll damping. In this way, a framework is established which offers the ability to perform holistic hydrodynamic assessment of marine vessels as well.;Validation of the developed computational code is conducted using experimental turning circle trajectories, which refer to deep water conditions. The case studies concern the horizontal motions of the S-175 container ship at long waves and four values of under keel clearance corresponding to medium-deep (UKC=3.0, 2.5, 2.0) and shallow waters (UKC=1.5). In this aspect, the wave forces as well as the manoeuvring-related ones are corrected using relevant methodologies. In particular, a 3D potential flow method is adopted for the evaluation of the former, whilst corrections are applied on the various manoeuvring-related force components defined by the Manoeuvring Modelling Group (Ogawa et al., 1977). Especially in case of the added resistance, near and far-field methods are implemented based on the size of the wavelength with respect to the ship's length.;The empirical corrections which refer to the manoeuvring-related forces and are used in order to incorporate the shallow water effect, concern the hydrodynamic hull forces, the calm water resistance and various hull-rudder-propeller interaction coefficients and are based on regression formulae which are functions of the under keel clearance ratio
"Sometimes it's hard and sometimes it's easy because sometimes I know how to read", - exploring metacognition in primary 1 using pupil views templates
Get PDFThis thesis explores Primary 1 children's metacognition as expressed through pupil views templates (PVTs) (Wall & Higgins, 2006). PVTs are practice-based tools designed to facilitate verbal reflection on learning. The overall aim of the study was to develop a deeper understanding of how children understand learning at the beginning of primary school and what factors might impact on metacognitive development and its verbal expression in a facilitated context.- Grounded in critical realism, the mixed methods study employed visually-mediated interviews with 85 children from 6 Scottish primary schools and teacher/parent questionnaires. Drawing from previous studies using PVTs with young children, the study adopted a facilitative and semi-structured approach to discussion around the PVTs and children's responses were recorded using structured response sheets. Teacher and parent questionnaires contributed supplemental data on children's early skills (executive functioning, self-regulation and verbal skills) and early education and family circumstances (NS-SEC, parent education, age at start of nursery). In-depth qualitative analysis drew on thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) using both deductive and inductive approaches. Qualitative data on children's metacognition was then transformed to be used in quantitative analyses to explore connections between children's early skills and family circumstances and their demonstration of metacognition in the PVT interactions.This study's findings show that children demonstrated well-developed understandings of learning and still developing schemas of which they seemed only partly aware. Their knowledge and beliefs reflected how they made meaning of previous metacognitive experiences and the context the experiences took place in. Their emotions and attributions during these metacognitive experiences seemed to impact the knowledge they constructed. Regression analysis showed that early skills matter when demonstrating metacognition. In the early years, reflection on learning can be facilitated using pedagogically-appropriate tools. Facilitated reflections may help to increase/clarify children's metacognitive knowledge and encourage more positive and accurate attributions, particularly when experiencing difficulties. These findings suggest that the contexts developed by researchers and practitioners are vitally important to children's expression and development of metacognitive knowledge and skills.This thesis explores Primary 1 children's metacognition as expressed through pupil views templates (PVTs) (Wall & Higgins, 2006). PVTs are practice-based tools designed to facilitate verbal reflection on learning. The overall aim of the study was to develop a deeper understanding of how children understand learning at the beginning of primary school and what factors might impact on metacognitive development and its verbal expression in a facilitated context.- Grounded in critical realism, the mixed methods study employed visually-mediated interviews with 85 children from 6 Scottish primary schools and teacher/parent questionnaires. Drawing from previous studies using PVTs with young children, the study adopted a facilitative and semi-structured approach to discussion around the PVTs and children's responses were recorded using structured response sheets. Teacher and parent questionnaires contributed supplemental data on children's early skills (executive functioning, self-regulation and verbal skills) and early education and family circumstances (NS-SEC, parent education, age at start of nursery). In-depth qualitative analysis drew on thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) using both deductive and inductive approaches. Qualitative data on children's metacognition was then transformed to be used in quantitative analyses to explore connections between children's early skills and family circumstances and their demonstration of metacognition in the PVT interactions.This study's findings show that children demonstrated well-developed understandings of learning and still developing schemas of which they seemed only partly aware. Their knowledge and beliefs reflected how they made meaning of previous metacognitive experiences and the context the experiences took place in. Their emotions and attributions during these metacognitive experiences seemed to impact the knowledge they constructed. Regression analysis showed that early skills matter when demonstrating metacognition. In the early years, reflection on learning can be facilitated using pedagogically-appropriate tools. Facilitated reflections may help to increase/clarify children's metacognitive knowledge and encourage more positive and accurate attributions, particularly when experiencing difficulties. These findings suggest that the contexts developed by researchers and practitioners are vitally important to children's expression and development of metacognitive knowledge and skills
Financial risk management in shipping investment, a machine learning approach
Get PDFThere has been a plethora of research into company credit risk and financial default prediction from both academics and financial professionals alike. However, only a limited volume of the literature has focused on international shipping company financial distress prediction, with previous research concentrating largely on classic linear based modelling techniques. The gaps, identified in this research, demonstrate the need for increased effort to address the inherent nonlinear nature of shipping operations, as well as the noisy and incomplete composition of shipping company financial statement data. Furthermore, the gaps illustrate the need for a workable definition of financial distress, which to date has too often been classed only by the ultimate state of bankruptcy/insolvency. This definition prohibits the practical application of methodologies which should be aimed at the timely identification of financial distress, thereby allowing for remedial measures to be implemented to avoid ultimate financial collapse. This research contributes to the field by addressing these gaps through i) the creation of a machine learning based financial distress forecasting methodology and ii) utilising this as the foundation for the development of a software toolkit for financial distress prediction. This toolkit enables the practical application of the financial risk principles, embedded within the methodology, to be readily integrated into an enterprise/corporate risk management system. The methodology and software were tested through the application of a bulk shipping company case study utilising 5000 bulk shipping company-year accounting observations for the period 2000-2018, in combination with market and macroeconomic data. The results demonstrate that the methodology improves the capture of distress correlations, that traditional financial distress models have struggled to achieve. The methodology's capacity to adequately treat the problem of missing data in company financial statements was also validated. Finally, the results also highlight the successful application of the software toolkit for the development of a multi-model, real time system which can enhance the financial monitoring of shipping companies by acting as a practical "early warning system" for financial distress.There has been a plethora of research into company credit risk and financial default prediction from both academics and financial professionals alike. However, only a limited volume of the literature has focused on international shipping company financial distress prediction, with previous research concentrating largely on classic linear based modelling techniques. The gaps, identified in this research, demonstrate the need for increased effort to address the inherent nonlinear nature of shipping operations, as well as the noisy and incomplete composition of shipping company financial statement data. Furthermore, the gaps illustrate the need for a workable definition of financial distress, which to date has too often been classed only by the ultimate state of bankruptcy/insolvency. This definition prohibits the practical application of methodologies which should be aimed at the timely identification of financial distress, thereby allowing for remedial measures to be implemented to avoid ultimate financial collapse. This research contributes to the field by addressing these gaps through i) the creation of a machine learning based financial distress forecasting methodology and ii) utilising this as the foundation for the development of a software toolkit for financial distress prediction. This toolkit enables the practical application of the financial risk principles, embedded within the methodology, to be readily integrated into an enterprise/corporate risk management system. The methodology and software were tested through the application of a bulk shipping company case study utilising 5000 bulk shipping company-year accounting observations for the period 2000-2018, in combination with market and macroeconomic data. The results demonstrate that the methodology improves the capture of distress correlations, that traditional financial distress models have struggled to achieve. The methodology's capacity to adequately treat the problem of missing data in company financial statements was also validated. Finally, the results also highlight the successful application of the software toolkit for the development of a multi-model, real time system which can enhance the financial monitoring of shipping companies by acting as a practical "early warning system" for financial distress
The horror of history and the historical moment in the fiction of M.R. James
No full textIn the tradition of supernatural fiction and in the literature of the Edwardian period Montague Rhodes James exists as a paradoxical figure. Publishing only four volumes of ghost stories during his career, James has, despite being neglected for many decades by literary critics and historians, exerted an influence over British popular culture comparable only to more celebrated writers of the supernatural such as Bram Stoker and Arthur Machen. In recent decades attempts have been made to understand this phenomenon, but many of these studies, undertaken by established critics, conclude that James' work is flimsy, devoid of depth and a niche interest: ghosts and ghouls signifying nothing. The vast difference between the way James' work has been received by the public and the reception it receives from critics suggests there is more to James' work than meets the eye, and as his work has underwent reevaluation, opinion has shifted (1).;In the past twenty years work by Andrew Smith, Mark Fisher and Victoria Lehmann Imfeld among others, have done much to reveal the philosophical potency of James' work and the ways in which his work intersects with concerns of the Edwardian period. This thesis will advance upon the work produced by these critics and expand our understanding of the philosophical, religious and sociological potential of James' tales by an analysis of his 1904 collection Ghost Stories of an Antiquary. By so doing, we shall be able to greater understand the reason for James' diffuse popularity and revaluate his position both in the tradition of supernatural fiction and his place in the literary culture of the Edwardian era. Alongside the opportunity to revaluate James' place in Edwardian literature we will also see the potential for a new understanding of the period's literature in which James' work exists in dialogue with other, more canonical, writers.;Far from existing as simple tales to frighten undergraduates after the All Hallows feast at King's College, Cambridge, we shall see how James' fiction reacted to the dawn of the modern age, the rise of secularism and the revaluation of the place of humanity in a cosmos now divested of a god. [See thesis text for footnote]In the tradition of supernatural fiction and in the literature of the Edwardian period Montague Rhodes James exists as a paradoxical figure. Publishing only four volumes of ghost stories during his career, James has, despite being neglected for many decades by literary critics and historians, exerted an influence over British popular culture comparable only to more celebrated writers of the supernatural such as Bram Stoker and Arthur Machen. In recent decades attempts have been made to understand this phenomenon, but many of these studies, undertaken by established critics, conclude that James' work is flimsy, devoid of depth and a niche interest: ghosts and ghouls signifying nothing. The vast difference between the way James' work has been received by the public and the reception it receives from critics suggests there is more to James' work than meets the eye, and as his work has underwent reevaluation, opinion has shifted (1).;In the past twenty years work by Andrew Smith, Mark Fisher and Victoria Lehmann Imfeld among others, have done much to reveal the philosophical potency of James' work and the ways in which his work intersects with concerns of the Edwardian period. This thesis will advance upon the work produced by these critics and expand our understanding of the philosophical, religious and sociological potential of James' tales by an analysis of his 1904 collection Ghost Stories of an Antiquary. By so doing, we shall be able to greater understand the reason for James' diffuse popularity and revaluate his position both in the tradition of supernatural fiction and his place in the literary culture of the Edwardian era. Alongside the opportunity to revaluate James' place in Edwardian literature we will also see the potential for a new understanding of the period's literature in which James' work exists in dialogue with other, more canonical, writers.;Far from existing as simple tales to frighten undergraduates after the All Hallows feast at King's College, Cambridge, we shall see how James' fiction reacted to the dawn of the modern age, the rise of secularism and the revaluation of the place of humanity in a cosmos now divested of a god. [See thesis text for footnote
High-temperature superconducting ring magnet
Get PDFMany electrical engineering applications such as motors and generators use permanent magnets which approximately account for 45% of their electricity consumption. The conventional magnets in use have a maximum field of around 1.5-2 T. High performance superconducting materials such as REBCO have facilitated the development of superconducting magnets. Superconducting bulk magnets and stacks of tapes have already demonstrated the extraordinary potential to trap magnetic fields of very high order with very compact sizes. This has significantly increased the efficiency of rotating machines and improved power/torque density, while having low synchronous reactance with large overloading capacity, high transient stability with low noise and harmonic content with the additional cost of cooling. This thesis focuses on a new type of superconducting magnet which uses superconducting tape as the field source. The most significant limiting factor for superconducting magnets is their size.;This new superconducting magnet has made possible the development of HTS magnets with flexible sizes by splitting the 2G HTS tapes to form the persistent current rings. By stacking HTS closed loop rings into a compact magnet, our HTS ring magnet has been proven to generate a trapped magnetic field higher than 5 T. The main advantage of the new magnet compared to existing trapped field HTS magnets is that the magnetic field lies parallel to the ab plane of the HTS, leading to higher critical currents in the same magnetic field. This thesis reports our key findings so far. Two different stacking configuration magnet samples were tested using the field cooling magnetization at 25 K and 4.2 K, with magnet diameter 90 mm and 150 mm, respectively. Over 4.6 T of the trapped field has been reported by using Super Power tapes with a field cooling process at 25 K, which is the highest field trapped in the ring magnets for first configuration. A new stacking design was proposed to improve magnetic field distribution within the magnet and has the potential to trap more magnetic field with the estimated trap field of 9.4 T at 4.2 K. A three dimensional model was developed to simulate the performance of the ring magnets, and good agreements between experiment and simulation have been achieved. The new HTS permanent magnet with improved field homogenisation and large diameter is promising for medical imaging applications, as well as propulsion applications.Many electrical engineering applications such as motors and generators use permanent magnets which approximately account for 45% of their electricity consumption. The conventional magnets in use have a maximum field of around 1.5-2 T. High performance superconducting materials such as REBCO have facilitated the development of superconducting magnets. Superconducting bulk magnets and stacks of tapes have already demonstrated the extraordinary potential to trap magnetic fields of very high order with very compact sizes. This has significantly increased the efficiency of rotating machines and improved power/torque density, while having low synchronous reactance with large overloading capacity, high transient stability with low noise and harmonic content with the additional cost of cooling. This thesis focuses on a new type of superconducting magnet which uses superconducting tape as the field source. The most significant limiting factor for superconducting magnets is their size.;This new superconducting magnet has made possible the development of HTS magnets with flexible sizes by splitting the 2G HTS tapes to form the persistent current rings. By stacking HTS closed loop rings into a compact magnet, our HTS ring magnet has been proven to generate a trapped magnetic field higher than 5 T. The main advantage of the new magnet compared to existing trapped field HTS magnets is that the magnetic field lies parallel to the ab plane of the HTS, leading to higher critical currents in the same magnetic field. This thesis reports our key findings so far. Two different stacking configuration magnet samples were tested using the field cooling magnetization at 25 K and 4.2 K, with magnet diameter 90 mm and 150 mm, respectively. Over 4.6 T of the trapped field has been reported by using Super Power tapes with a field cooling process at 25 K, which is the highest field trapped in the ring magnets for first configuration. A new stacking design was proposed to improve magnetic field distribution within the magnet and has the potential to trap more magnetic field with the estimated trap field of 9.4 T at 4.2 K. A three dimensional model was developed to simulate the performance of the ring magnets, and good agreements between experiment and simulation have been achieved. The new HTS permanent magnet with improved field homogenisation and large diameter is promising for medical imaging applications, as well as propulsion applications
Characterizing novel protease activated receptor 2 compounds for potential use in examining depression-like behavior
No full textAims: Globally, depression is considered to be one of the leading causes of disability. Recently, it has been proposed that neuroinflammation is a key process underlying the pathology of depression, especially given the well-established increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines observed in depressed patients. Particularly, the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2) has received interest towards its link with depression, as this has shown to play a pro-inflammatory role in disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). However, previously it has remained a challenge to examine PAR2 involvement in depression-like behavior due to the limited agonists and antagonists available. To address this issue, we aimed to investigate the selectivity of the proposed PAR2 small molecule agonist AC264613, which induces depression-like behavior in mice, by testing and comparing this to another GPCR, Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor C11 (MrgprC11), which has been proposed to underlie certain off-target effects of PAR2 activators. In addition, we also planned to characterize the selectivity of the recently developed PAR2 negative allosteric modulator (NAM) AZ8838.;Methods: The selectivity of SLIGRL-NH2 and AC264613 was examined by transfecting tsA201 cells with either PAR2-YFP or MrgprC11-YFP, which were then exposed to the proposed activators and imaged using the epifluorescence microscope. Receptor internalization ratios were performed on individual cells and all statistical analysis was carried out using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by a Tukey post-hoc test where appropriate, with P ≤ 0.05 representing a statistical significance.;Results: SLIGRL-NH2 induced receptor internalization for both PAR2-YFP and MrgprC11-YFP. Similarly, AC264613 induced PAR2 internalization but was without effect on the MrgprC11-YFP receptor. Due to COVID-19, characterization of AZ8838 was not undertaken.;Conclusions: In this study, we report successful receptor expression of PAR2-YFP and MrgprC11-YFP in tsA201 cells. Consistent with previous studies, we show that SLIGRL-NH2 is non-specific for PAR2 whereas we confirmed that AC264613 is PAR2 selective. Thus, we conclude that the depression-like behavior, observed following AC264613 administration are mediated via PAR2 mediated signalling. Keywords: Depression, neuroinflammation, PAR2, MrgprC11, AC264613, SLIGRL-NH2, receptor internalizationAims: Globally, depression is considered to be one of the leading causes of disability. Recently, it has been proposed that neuroinflammation is a key process underlying the pathology of depression, especially given the well-established increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines observed in depressed patients. Particularly, the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2) has received interest towards its link with depression, as this has shown to play a pro-inflammatory role in disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). However, previously it has remained a challenge to examine PAR2 involvement in depression-like behavior due to the limited agonists and antagonists available. To address this issue, we aimed to investigate the selectivity of the proposed PAR2 small molecule agonist AC264613, which induces depression-like behavior in mice, by testing and comparing this to another GPCR, Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor C11 (MrgprC11), which has been proposed to underlie certain off-target effects of PAR2 activators. In addition, we also planned to characterize the selectivity of the recently developed PAR2 negative allosteric modulator (NAM) AZ8838.;Methods: The selectivity of SLIGRL-NH2 and AC264613 was examined by transfecting tsA201 cells with either PAR2-YFP or MrgprC11-YFP, which were then exposed to the proposed activators and imaged using the epifluorescence microscope. Receptor internalization ratios were performed on individual cells and all statistical analysis was carried out using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by a Tukey post-hoc test where appropriate, with P ≤ 0.05 representing a statistical significance.;Results: SLIGRL-NH2 induced receptor internalization for both PAR2-YFP and MrgprC11-YFP. Similarly, AC264613 induced PAR2 internalization but was without effect on the MrgprC11-YFP receptor. Due to COVID-19, characterization of AZ8838 was not undertaken.;Conclusions: In this study, we report successful receptor expression of PAR2-YFP and MrgprC11-YFP in tsA201 cells. Consistent with previous studies, we show that SLIGRL-NH2 is non-specific for PAR2 whereas we confirmed that AC264613 is PAR2 selective. Thus, we conclude that the depression-like behavior, observed following AC264613 administration are mediated via PAR2 mediated signalling. Keywords: Depression, neuroinflammation, PAR2, MrgprC11, AC264613, SLIGRL-NH2, receptor internalizatio
Students’ experiences of the Strathclyde Sports STAR scholarship intervention
No full textBackground: Research has highlighted that the transition period between high school and
university is a ‘risk period for weight gain and unfavourable changes in health behaviours.’
Furthermore, 57% of individuals living in the most deprived parts of Scotland are not reaching
the recommended physical activity guidelines.
Aim: There are three aims related to the current study. Firstly, identify participants’ barriers and
facilitators to physical activity prior to the Strathclyde Sports intervention. Secondly, explore
participants' perceptions of the Strathclyde Sports intervention. Finally, identify participants
barriers and facilitators to physical activity during the Strathclyde Sport intervention.
Methods: The current study incorporates an evaluation design to assess the usefulness of the
STAR Scholarship Strathclyde Sport intervention. Using qualitative research techniques in the
form of semi-structured interviews and conventional content analysis allowed insight into the
participants thoughts and experiences of the intervention. A total of five participants were
interviewed during the data collection phase. Additionally, 43 participants consented to having
their email responses collected and analysed. During recruitment financial incentive was used to
increase the number of interview participants. Participants were asked for consent to use email
responses towards the end of data collection to provide further depth to the aims of the study.
Results: There are two components to the results section. The first focuses on data collected
from participants' email responses. When focusing on the results regarding the aim of
participants’ perceptions of the benefits of physical activity, the following themes were
discovered. Firstly, mental health and wellbeing, four participants mentioned that physical
activity was a way for them to either relieve or manage stress. Secondly, physical health, nine
participants stated that physical activity would improve their physical health. Thirdly, social
experiences, four participants mentioned that being physically active will help them to meet new
people. Finally, routine and scheduling, three participants stated that being physically active
would help them to maintain/benefit their ‘work-life’ balance. The second component focuses on
data collected from interviews. When focusing on the aim of discussing facilitators to physical
activity, the following themes were highlighted. Firstly, increased physical activity adherence,
four participants stated that they were doing more physical activity than before the intervention.
Secondly, increased mental health/wellbeing, all participants answered that physical activity had
positively impacted their mental health. Thirdly, accessibility, three participants said they
benefited from the fitness consultations offered. Finally, continued physical activity, four
participants said they had considered continuing with physical activity into the next academic
year.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the Strathclyde Sport STAR scholarship intervention allowed some
barriers (for example, financial) to physical activity for students from a deprived background to
be addressed. The results of the current study indicates that the intervention does at least in part
aid in the health and well-being of those who participated.Background: Research has highlighted that the transition period between high school and
university is a ‘risk period for weight gain and unfavourable changes in health behaviours.’
Furthermore, 57% of individuals living in the most deprived parts of Scotland are not reaching
the recommended physical activity guidelines.
Aim: There are three aims related to the current study. Firstly, identify participants’ barriers and
facilitators to physical activity prior to the Strathclyde Sports intervention. Secondly, explore
participants' perceptions of the Strathclyde Sports intervention. Finally, identify participants
barriers and facilitators to physical activity during the Strathclyde Sport intervention.
Methods: The current study incorporates an evaluation design to assess the usefulness of the
STAR Scholarship Strathclyde Sport intervention. Using qualitative research techniques in the
form of semi-structured interviews and conventional content analysis allowed insight into the
participants thoughts and experiences of the intervention. A total of five participants were
interviewed during the data collection phase. Additionally, 43 participants consented to having
their email responses collected and analysed. During recruitment financial incentive was used to
increase the number of interview participants. Participants were asked for consent to use email
responses towards the end of data collection to provide further depth to the aims of the study.
Results: There are two components to the results section. The first focuses on data collected
from participants' email responses. When focusing on the results regarding the aim of
participants’ perceptions of the benefits of physical activity, the following themes were
discovered. Firstly, mental health and wellbeing, four participants mentioned that physical
activity was a way for them to either relieve or manage stress. Secondly, physical health, nine
participants stated that physical activity would improve their physical health. Thirdly, social
experiences, four participants mentioned that being physically active will help them to meet new
people. Finally, routine and scheduling, three participants stated that being physically active
would help them to maintain/benefit their ‘work-life’ balance. The second component focuses on
data collected from interviews. When focusing on the aim of discussing facilitators to physical
activity, the following themes were highlighted. Firstly, increased physical activity adherence,
four participants stated that they were doing more physical activity than before the intervention.
Secondly, increased mental health/wellbeing, all participants answered that physical activity had
positively impacted their mental health. Thirdly, accessibility, three participants said they
benefited from the fitness consultations offered. Finally, continued physical activity, four
participants said they had considered continuing with physical activity into the next academic
year.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the Strathclyde Sport STAR scholarship intervention allowed some
barriers (for example, financial) to physical activity for students from a deprived background to
be addressed. The results of the current study indicates that the intervention does at least in part
aid in the health and well-being of those who participated
A holistic approach to damage survivability assessment of large passenger ships
Get PDFThis thesis was previously held under moratorium from 27th November 2019 until 27th November 2024.A retrospective look at the history of maritime accidents, reveals that the knowledge of how to build safe ships is based predominantly on experience which, in turn, stems from "trial and error", but "errors" in this case imply disasters at sea. Lessons from sea catastrophes materialised in rough recommendations on suitable proportions and dimensions of the vessel hull and its construction, which in turn, would cater for stability. One paramount example in this direction was the establishment of SOLAS after the capsize event of Titanic. Thereafter, the whole history of SOLAS conventions has been
linked to disasters at sea. The face of maritime safety is changing rapidly and, as a result, SOLAS struggles to keep pace with technological and scientific developments. Contemporary developments, such as Safe Return to Port, Risk-Based Design and Alternative Designs and Arrangements are aiming at enhancing the safety level and stability standards of passenger ships. However, in this quest, many principal aspects have been overlooked: A survivability factor that does not differentiate between ships types and has been developed merely on the basis of RoRo vessels; absence of alternative and more efficient ways of survivability estimation of passenger ships in waves; lack of consideration of actual operational profiles in damage stability assessment; inadequate consideration of the actual operational wave environment at the operating location on survivability; accident databases
addressing cargo and passenger ship accidents in the same vain and finally, permeability values that do not reflect the actual permeable volume of different rooms, while their impact on damage survivability is unknown. The aforementioned present a few of the pitfalls that surface and exhibit allegedly the Achilles heel of passenger ships, namely damage stability. To this end, this thesis aims to overcome these shortcomings as well as identify any emerging potential drawbacks in the way SOLAS 2009 and subsequently SOLAS 2020 have been constructed. Even though the application of the common survivability assessment practices is wide in the passenger ship industry, it lacks some rationalisation, while, the integration of actual data is absent.
Therefore, the thesis proposes and aims to develop viable alternatives that will constitute more accurate means in assessing damage survivability of large passenger ships (L≥120m) and more particularly modern cruise liners in a holistic manner considering actual and ship-specific data. In this line, a framework for a holistic damage survivability approach is provided, which
entails development, use and comparison between statistical (traditional) and direct (modern) approaches to damage survivability pertaining to actual operational and ship specific data and parameters. This involves the development of a cruise ship-specific survivability factor numerically and with a new systematic approach and consideration of wave statistics and operational data in the development of ship-specific methodologies and formulations in order to more accurately account for survivability of this type of vessels.
This is a unique and novel development, particularly addressing the use of modern tools as a means of direct assessment of damage survivability in waves as well as providing the requisite data for the development of a statistical approach, the main emphasis being on cruise ships, unlike any of previous development, where the focus was on cargo and RoPax vessels. Hence, the kernel of the PhD thesis “Holistic Approach to Damage Survivability Assessment of Large Passenger Ships”, more specifically large cruise vessels.A retrospective look at the history of maritime accidents, reveals that the knowledge of how to build safe ships is based predominantly on experience which, in turn, stems from "trial and error", but "errors" in this case imply disasters at sea. Lessons from sea catastrophes materialised in rough recommendations on suitable proportions and dimensions of the vessel hull and its construction, which in turn, would cater for stability. One paramount example in this direction was the establishment of SOLAS after the capsize event of Titanic. Thereafter, the whole history of SOLAS conventions has been
linked to disasters at sea. The face of maritime safety is changing rapidly and, as a result, SOLAS struggles to keep pace with technological and scientific developments. Contemporary developments, such as Safe Return to Port, Risk-Based Design and Alternative Designs and Arrangements are aiming at enhancing the safety level and stability standards of passenger ships. However, in this quest, many principal aspects have been overlooked: A survivability factor that does not differentiate between ships types and has been developed merely on the basis of RoRo vessels; absence of alternative and more efficient ways of survivability estimation of passenger ships in waves; lack of consideration of actual operational profiles in damage stability assessment; inadequate consideration of the actual operational wave environment at the operating location on survivability; accident databases
addressing cargo and passenger ship accidents in the same vain and finally, permeability values that do not reflect the actual permeable volume of different rooms, while their impact on damage survivability is unknown. The aforementioned present a few of the pitfalls that surface and exhibit allegedly the Achilles heel of passenger ships, namely damage stability. To this end, this thesis aims to overcome these shortcomings as well as identify any emerging potential drawbacks in the way SOLAS 2009 and subsequently SOLAS 2020 have been constructed. Even though the application of the common survivability assessment practices is wide in the passenger ship industry, it lacks some rationalisation, while, the integration of actual data is absent.
Therefore, the thesis proposes and aims to develop viable alternatives that will constitute more accurate means in assessing damage survivability of large passenger ships (L≥120m) and more particularly modern cruise liners in a holistic manner considering actual and ship-specific data. In this line, a framework for a holistic damage survivability approach is provided, which
entails development, use and comparison between statistical (traditional) and direct (modern) approaches to damage survivability pertaining to actual operational and ship specific data and parameters. This involves the development of a cruise ship-specific survivability factor numerically and with a new systematic approach and consideration of wave statistics and operational data in the development of ship-specific methodologies and formulations in order to more accurately account for survivability of this type of vessels.
This is a unique and novel development, particularly addressing the use of modern tools as a means of direct assessment of damage survivability in waves as well as providing the requisite data for the development of a statistical approach, the main emphasis being on cruise ships, unlike any of previous development, where the focus was on cargo and RoPax vessels. Hence, the kernel of the PhD thesis “Holistic Approach to Damage Survivability Assessment of Large Passenger Ships”, more specifically large cruise vessels
Buckling analysis of structures with corrosion under insulation
Get PDFThe primary motivation behind this piece of research is the lack of information relating to the effect of the insulation and jacketing material's mechanical properties on the overall buckling strength of a steel structure. Very little research has been completed that focuses on the effect of different materials on the overall buckling value at varying stages of corrosion. It is expected that this thesis will act as the starting point for further research into the issue in the future. More detailed and accurate information relating to the mechanical properties of the insulation and jacketing is required to allow for more effective computational modelling of the problem.Corrosion and corrosion under insulation are both topics that have been researched over a long period of time and yet there are still instances where the effects of corrosion have caused issues and problems from minor to catastrophic levels over this time. These incidents have led to the loss of human life, irreparable damage to the environment as well as costly repairs and shutdown times, not to mention reputation damage to the companies involved in such incidents.Modelling the problem of corrosion under insulation to determine the effect of the insulation system on the buckling value result was performed in four stages. The author's style of coding using the ANSYS Mechanical APDL programme required initial validation. This was completed through comparison of the written code in both 2-D and 3-D formats against an already published version. Once the author's style of coding was validated and considered acceptable for further computational work the next stage involved a mesh convergence study.;Two plate configurations with differing levels of corrosion damage were modelled and underwent buckling analysis at four varying levels of mesh coarseness to determine the best compromise between accurate results and acceptable computation time.Once the preliminary computational work was completed the next stage involved modelling a steel plate with five levels of corrosion that also had an insulation system composed of one of six insulation materials and one of two protective jacketing materials. These plate and insulation system configurations were then subjected to axial buckling to determine the effect of the thickness of each component of the insulation system on the buckling value. The final stage involved modelling a hollow slender pipe system with the most common insulation systems to determine the effects of the materials on the new configuration.As hypothesised the buckling value decreased as the corrosion damage of the steel components increased in severity. The effect of increasing the thickness of the insulation systems increased the buckling value as expected and these results are explained through application of the Euler Column Critical Load Formula.The primary motivation behind this piece of research is the lack of information relating to the effect of the insulation and jacketing material's mechanical properties on the overall buckling strength of a steel structure. Very little research has been completed that focuses on the effect of different materials on the overall buckling value at varying stages of corrosion. It is expected that this thesis will act as the starting point for further research into the issue in the future. More detailed and accurate information relating to the mechanical properties of the insulation and jacketing is required to allow for more effective computational modelling of the problem.Corrosion and corrosion under insulation are both topics that have been researched over a long period of time and yet there are still instances where the effects of corrosion have caused issues and problems from minor to catastrophic levels over this time. These incidents have led to the loss of human life, irreparable damage to the environment as well as costly repairs and shutdown times, not to mention reputation damage to the companies involved in such incidents.Modelling the problem of corrosion under insulation to determine the effect of the insulation system on the buckling value result was performed in four stages. The author's style of coding using the ANSYS Mechanical APDL programme required initial validation. This was completed through comparison of the written code in both 2-D and 3-D formats against an already published version. Once the author's style of coding was validated and considered acceptable for further computational work the next stage involved a mesh convergence study.;Two plate configurations with differing levels of corrosion damage were modelled and underwent buckling analysis at four varying levels of mesh coarseness to determine the best compromise between accurate results and acceptable computation time.Once the preliminary computational work was completed the next stage involved modelling a steel plate with five levels of corrosion that also had an insulation system composed of one of six insulation materials and one of two protective jacketing materials. These plate and insulation system configurations were then subjected to axial buckling to determine the effect of the thickness of each component of the insulation system on the buckling value. The final stage involved modelling a hollow slender pipe system with the most common insulation systems to determine the effects of the materials on the new configuration.As hypothesised the buckling value decreased as the corrosion damage of the steel components increased in severity. The effect of increasing the thickness of the insulation systems increased the buckling value as expected and these results are explained through application of the Euler Column Critical Load Formula
Self-efficacy sources and outcome expectations of researchers for sharing knowledge via social media
Get PDFThis thesis was previously held under moratorium from 20th August 2019 to 20th August 2020.Although social media is a vital way to communicate and share knowledge, the researchers' use is still less than expected. This may be due to their lack of self-efficacy or lack of knowledge of outcomes from its use. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate sources of self-efficacy and outcome expectations of researchers and their impact on the use of social media for knowledge sharing. To provide a theoretical framework, this research adopted social cognitive theory, which contains two important concepts are self-efficacy and outcome expectations. It investigated sources of self-efficacy and types of outcome expectations to address the research objectives and questions. This study has employed a sequential exploratory mixed methods design. It started with qualitative approach by conducting semi-structured interviews with thirty researchers from University of Strathclyde. The data were analysed by using a qualitative directed content analysis approach. In quantitative approach, online questionnaire was used to substantiate the qualitative findings. The total participants in this questionnaire was 144 researchers also from University of Strathclyde and the data were analysed by using descriptive statistics. This study found that researchers relied on the four sources of self-efficacy for using this media. They lead researchers to use it effectively, although some may discourage its use. It also found that researchers expect social and personal outcomes from its use. Each type has positive and negative forms, which can motivate or prevent researchers from use it. This study develops a theoretical framework by identifying levels of importance of these sources and types of outcomes as applied to a real-life online context. In a practical light, this helps researchers to understand these sources and outcomes and determine how they can develop in order to increase their confidence and use. Finally, institutions can encourage their staff, particularly researchers, to use it for their competitive advantage.Although social media is a vital way to communicate and share knowledge, the researchers' use is still less than expected. This may be due to their lack of self-efficacy or lack of knowledge of outcomes from its use. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate sources of self-efficacy and outcome expectations of researchers and their impact on the use of social media for knowledge sharing. To provide a theoretical framework, this research adopted social cognitive theory, which contains two important concepts are self-efficacy and outcome expectations. It investigated sources of self-efficacy and types of outcome expectations to address the research objectives and questions. This study has employed a sequential exploratory mixed methods design. It started with qualitative approach by conducting semi-structured interviews with thirty researchers from University of Strathclyde. The data were analysed by using a qualitative directed content analysis approach. In quantitative approach, online questionnaire was used to substantiate the qualitative findings. The total participants in this questionnaire was 144 researchers also from University of Strathclyde and the data were analysed by using descriptive statistics. This study found that researchers relied on the four sources of self-efficacy for using this media. They lead researchers to use it effectively, although some may discourage its use. It also found that researchers expect social and personal outcomes from its use. Each type has positive and negative forms, which can motivate or prevent researchers from use it. This study develops a theoretical framework by identifying levels of importance of these sources and types of outcomes as applied to a real-life online context. In a practical light, this helps researchers to understand these sources and outcomes and determine how they can develop in order to increase their confidence and use. Finally, institutions can encourage their staff, particularly researchers, to use it for their competitive advantage
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