1,000 research outputs found
Simulations of a self propelled autonomous underwater vehicle
No full textThe missions being proposed for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), by both marine scientists and industry, are becoming increasingly complex and challenging. In order to meet these demands the next generation of AUVs will need to be faster, operate for longer and be more manoeuvrable than existing vehicles. It is therefore vital that the hydrodynamic forces and moments acting on a self propelled manoeuvring AUV can be predicted accurately at the initial design stage. The flow around a typical AUV is both turbulent and three dimensional with significant interactions between the hull, propeller and control surfaces. An unsteady computational fluid dynamics analysis based on the Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) equations is too expensive for AUV design. In order to capture the action of the propeller at an acceptable computational cost, a novel method of coupling a commercial RANS solver with a body force propeller model based on blade element momentum theory has been developed. This discretises the propeller plane into a series of radial and circumferential sectors. The local axial and tangential inflow conditions at each sector of the propeller plane can then be considered. This allows analysis of non-uniform propeller inflow conditions due to the interaction of hull, propeller and control surfaces. During a manoeuvre the hull boundary layer may separate due to the adverse pressure gradient, resulting in free vortex sheets which roll up to form a pair of body vortices. An adaptive mesh strategy is required to ensure a suitable mesh structure and density to capture these flow features. Modifications to a vortex capture algorithm (VORTFIND) are proposed, optimising it as a tool for identifying the path of vortex structures. This enables it to be used as part of an iterative meshing strategy, capturing vortical flow features more accurately and consequently their influence on the pressure loading experienced by the hull. To demonstrate the pertinence of the numerical methods developed in this work a series of case studies has been analysed. These include: determining the hydrodynamic derivatives of an AUV, propeller-rudder interaction studies, steady state manoeuvring performance of the self propelled KVLCC2, and in-service straight line performance prediction of Autosub 3. These highlight the roles of the numerical methodologies in the design process for future AUVs. The techniques developed in this work enable the designer to accurately predict the hydrodynamic loading acting on a self propelled manoeuvring AU
Autonomous marine environmental monitoring: Application in decommissioned oil fields
No full textHundreds of Oil & Gas Industry structures in the marine environment are approaching decommissioning. In most areas decommissioning operations will need to be supported by environmental assessment and monitoring, potentially over the life of any structures left in place. This requirement will have a considerable cost for industry and the public. Here we review approaches for the assessment of the primary operating environments associated with decommissioning — namely structures, pipelines, cuttings piles, the general seabed environment and the water column — and show that already available marine autonomous systems (MAS) offer a wide range of solutions for this major monitoring challenge. Data of direct relevance to decommissioning can be collected using acoustic, visual, and oceanographic sensors deployed on MAS. We suggest that there is considerable potential for both cost savings and a substantial improvement in the temporal and spatial resolution of environmental monitoring. We summarise the trade-offs between MAS and current conventional approaches to marine environmental monitoring. MAS have the potential to successfully carry out much of the monitoring associated with decommissioning and to offer viable alternatives where a direct match for the conventional approach is not possible
Evaluating contemporary Protestant missions to children at risk in South India: investigating foundations and principles for future Christian mission
No full textThe 2011 Indian Census indicates that children under the age of 18 constitute more
than 400 million, and most of them are Children at Risk (CAR). This study suggests
that the care and protection of children at risk is not a twentieth- or twenty-first-century
secular enterprise but has precedents in Protestant missions in India from
the late eighteenth century.
In the first section, the study focuses on evaluating contemporary Protestant
mission contexts in India and a brief historical survey of Protestant missions to CAR
in India through case studies. The evaluation concentrates on the implications of
the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) for the
predominant Protestant models of mission in contemporary India – which may be
summarised as child evangelism, child compassion and child advocacy. The thesis
argues that child care and protection is increasingly becoming secularised and
professionalised. Moreover, with the emergence of new laws and with increasing,
vigilance from international and national agencies, and from Hindu fundamentalists,
Christian mission to CAR is itself at risk. Under these circumstances, the study also
investigates whether there is a transition from ideas of ‘saving’ CAR to ideas of
protecting the human rights of CAR.
In the second section, this hypothesis is further substantiated by case
studies of select Protestant churches and Christian NGOs engaging with CAR in the
cities of Bangalore and Chennai. Using empirical data, it then claims that the
predominant Protestant approaches of evangelism, compassion, and advocacy are
still underdeveloped and inadequate primarily because the majority of caregivers
working with children still perceive CAR as objects of their mission – an assumption
that may be contrary to UNCRC (Articles 14 and 30). Further, it argues that the
churches and agencies most active among CAR are from a ‘conservative’
background, who are often exclusively ‘spiritual’ and otherworldly in their concerns.
The final and most constructive section, based on the evaluations of the
empirical data, seeks to recommend a preliminary theology of mission in and
through the idea of ‘childness’ based on Matthew 18: 2-5, an idea developed by
Adrian Thatcher in the context of a theology of child participation. Based on these
foundations, it suggests that UNCRC can be integrated as a set of principles for
contemporary Christian missions with CAR in South India through a missiological
process called ‘dialogue,’ emerging from a pluralistic Indian context. It further
proposes that adults and children are to be perceived not as either independent
(liberational) or dependent (paternalistic) agencies, but as interdependent agencies
working together in God’s mission. This thesis finally proposes basic principles for
Christian mission to/for/with CAR – a multi-dimensional approach integrating CAR
as subjects of God’s mission and not just as objects
Give growth and macroeconomic stability in Russia a chance - harden budgets by eliminating nonpayments
No full textThe authors analyze the links between Russia's disappointing growth performance in the second half of the 1990s, its costly and unsuccessful stabilization, the macroeconomic meltdown of 1998, and the spectacular rise of non-payments. Non-payments flourished in an environment of fundamental inconsistency between a macroeconomic policy geared at sharp disinflation, and a microeconomic policy of bailing enterprises out through soft budget constraints. Heavy untargeted implicit subsidies flowing through the non-payments system (amounting to 10 percent of GDP annually) have stifled growth, contributed to the August 1998 meltdown, through their impact on public debt, and have made at best a questionable contribution to equity. Dismantling this system must be a top priority, along with promoting enterprise restructuring and growth (by hardening budget constraints) and medium-term macroeconomic stability (by reducing the size of subsidies). Getting the government out of the non-payments system means settling all appropriately controlled budgetary expenditures on time, and in cash, and eschewing spending arrears, thereby setting an example for enterprises, and laying the groundwork for eliminating tax offsets at all levels of government, and insisting on cash tax payments. To stop energy-related subsidies, would require not only that the government pay its own energy bills on time, and in cash, but also that the energy monopolies be empowered to disconnect non-paying clients. This will enable the government to insist that the energy monopolies in turn pay their own taxes in full, and on time.Banks&Banking Reform,Public Sector Economics&Finance,Economic Theory&Research,Payment Systems&Infrastructure,Environmental Economics&Policies,Banks&Banking Reform,Environmental Economics&Policies,Municipal Financial Management,Public Sector Economics&Finance,Economic Theory&Research
Application of the VORTFIND algorithm for the identification of vortical flow features around complex three-dimensional geometries
No full textAccurate prediction of the hydrodynamic forces and moments acting on a manoeuvring marine vehicle using Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes simulations requires sufficient mesh resolution to capture off-body vortical structures. Because the path of these structures is not known a priori, a vortex identification and capture strategy is required alongside an iterative mesh adaption process. An improved version of the VORTFIND algorithm, which can identify multiple vortices of variable strength and rotational direction using a K-means algorithm is described. The algorithm is applied to velocity fields generated from Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes simulations to increase the mesh resolution in the vortex core region, ensuring sufficient mesh density to capture the downstream propagation of the vortex for a submarine hull at drift and ship propeller–rudder interactio
Botulinum neurotoxin for head and neck disorders/ [edited by] Andrew Blitzer, Brian E. Benson, Diana N. Kirke
No full textIncludes bibliographical references and index"Senior author Dr. Andrew Blitzer is an internationally renowned pioneer on the use of botulinum neurotoxin for functional disorders, with unparalleled expertise on this topic. Joined by co-editors Brian Benson and Diana Kirke, with multidisciplinary contributors, Botulinum Neurotoxin for Head and Neck Disorders Second Edition fills a gap in the medical literature. The unique textbook focuses on the use of botulinum neurotoxins for functional disorders of the head and neck, though with some aesthetic indications. The second edition reflects the latest advances and understanding of existing and emerging applications for botulinum neurotoxins, including new treatment paradigms, revised pharmacology, and an updated review of the literature in all chapters. Twenty superbly illustrated chapters cover the management of hyperfunctional, pain, and hypersecretory syndromes of the head and neck. Hyperfunctional motor disorders are discussed in chapters focused on blepharospasm, facial dystonia, Meige syndrome, oromandibular dystonia, spasmodic dysphonia (laryngeal dystonia), and cervical dystonia. Specific treatment approaches for pain are addressed in chapters on migraine and chronic daily tension headaches, temporomandibular disorders, and trigeminal neuralgia. The treatment of autonomic nervous system disorders is covered in chapters dedicated to Frey syndrome, facial hyperhydrosis, and sialorrhea"--Pharmacology of Botulinum Neurotoxins / Muna I. Bitar, Nikita Kohli, Maya Samman, and Andrew Blitzer -- Botulinum Neurotoxin for Blepharospasm / Amit Patel, Andrew Blitzer, and Boris L. Bentsianov -- Botulinum Neurotoxin for Facial Dystonia / Scott M. Rickert, Amy P. Wu, and Andrew Blitzer Botulinum -- Neurotoxin for Meige Syndrome / Niv Mor and Andrew Blitzer -- Botulinum Neurotoxin for Oromandibular Dystonia / Daniel Novakovic and Ajay E. Chitkara -- Botulinum Neurotoxin for Spasmodic Dysphonia / Phillip C. Song, Lucian Sulica, and Andrew Blitzer -- Botulinum Neurotoxin for Cervical Dystonia / Tanya K. Meyer, Joel Guss, and Ronda E. Alexander -- Botulinum Neurotoxin for Hemifacial Spasm and Facial Synkinesis / Lesley French Childs, Daniel Novakovic, and Scott R. Gibbs -- Botulinum Neurotoxin for Hyperfunctional Facial Lines / Brian E. Benson, Diana N. Kirke, and Andrew Blitzer -- Botulinum Neurotoxin for Upper and Lower Esophageal Spasm / Nwanmegha Young and Brian E. Benson -- Botulinum Neurotoxin for Palatal Myoclonus / Ajay E. Chitkara, Catherine F. Sinclair, and Daniel Novakovic -- Botulinum Neurotoxin for Temporomandibular Disorders, Masseteric Hypertrophy, and Cosmetic Masseter Reduction / Michael Z. Lerner and Andrew Blitzer -- Botulinum Neurotoxin Therapy in the Laryngopharynx / Craig H. Zalvan, Phillip C. Song, Nwanmegha Young, and Andrew Blitzer -- Botulinum Neurotoxin for Migraine / Rachel Kaye, Jerome Schwartz, Brian E. Benson, and William J. Binder -- Botulinum Neurotoxin for Chronic Tension Headache / Nwanmegha Young and Brian E. Benson -- Botulinum Neurotoxin for Trigeminal Neuralgia / Elizabeth Guardiani, Andrew Blitzer, Lesley French Childs, and Ronda E. Alexander -- Botulinum Neurotoxin for Frey's Syndrome / Rachel Kaye, Andrew Blitzer, and Brian E. Benson -- Botulinum Neurotoxin for Facial Hyperhidrosis / Diana N. Kirke, Daniel Novakovic, and Andrew Blitzer -- Botulinum Neurotoxin for Sialorrhea / Brianna K. Crawley, Scott M. Rickert, Senja Tomovic, and Andrew Blitzer -- Botulinum Neurotoxin for Radiation-Induced Spasm and Pain / Diana N. Kirke, Brian E. Benson, and Tanya K. Meyer1 online resourc
High-resolution visual seafloor mapping and classification using long range capable AUV for ship-free benthic surveys
No full textBioCam is a 4000m depth rated high-resolution mapping instrument that uses lasers, strobes and cameras to generate multi-hectare 3D reconstructions of the seafloor at sub-centimetre resolution. These can be used to analyse seafloor ecology as well as the fine-scale features of seafloor terrains. BioCam was first deployed with the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) Autosub Long Range (ALR), also known as “Boaty McBoatface”, in July 2022 using the research vessel RRS Discovery. During several dives a total of 80ha of seafloor in the Greater Haig Fras and the South West Deeps (East) Marine Conservation Zones (MCZ) were visually mapped from altitudes between 4 and 5.5 m and sub-centimetre resolution bathymetry maps were generated. During the cruise, the AUV and BioCam were left onsite while the ship travelled to a new location, and both systems were controlled via satellite communication to upload new missions and confirm data quality, demonstrating the over-the-horizon operation capability needed to enable future ship-free deployments
'Keeping the bastards honest': the promise and practice of freedom of information legislation
No full textIn the last decade the number of countries that have enacted Freedom of Information (FOI) laws have increased dramatically. In many respects FOI laws have become a democratic 'right of passage'. No FOI, no 'proper' democracy.
The promises of FOI regimes are far-reaching: access to personal information and increased transparency in the form of third-party independent access to government-held information will prevent corruption and maladministration and encourage the public to participate more fully in the political process. But are the promises borne out by the practice of FOI?
To answer this question this thesis will track a number of real-life FOI requests in five countries. Based on this and other data this project will lay the foundation for the first International Freedom of Information Index, ranking five countries on how their FOI regimes deliver on the promises made. Included in the ranking will also be an evaluation of the legal situation for media whistleblowers and shield laws for journalists.
The thesis will show that it is easier to promise information access than to implement it. It will demonstrate that for most of the countries of study FOI laws serve more as a PR tool projecting an illusion of an informed public, rather than granting real independent access to quality information
Talking about a Christine Borland sculpture: effective empathy in contemporary anatomy art (and an emerging counterpart in medical training?)
No full textThis Introduction and interview discusses the poetical and empathic insights that are a key to the effectiveness of contemporary artist Christine Borland's practice and its relevance to the medical humanities, visual art research and medical students’ training. It takes place in a context of intensive interest in reciprocity and conversation as well as expert exchange between the fields of Medicine and Contemporary Arts. The interview develops an understanding of medical research and the application of its historical resources and contemporary practice-based research in contemporary art gallery exhibitions. Artists tend not to follow prescriptive programmes towards new historical knowledge, however, a desire to form productive relationships between history and contemporary art practice does reveal practical advantages. Borland's research also includes investigations in anatomy, medical practices and conservatio
Evaluating beliefs
No full textThis dissertation examines some of ways of evaluating beliefs, relevant to epistemology and to metaphysics. Some problems in normative epistemology are solved by properly relating justified belief, rational belief, and knowledge. Chapter 1 uses this strategy to defend externalism about justified belief. Chapters 3 and 4 defend the view that knowledge is the epistemic standard we aim for our beliefs to meet. Chapter 2 investigates which beliefs are improper because formed in an objectionably circular way. The findings support the Moorean response to Brain-In-a-Vat skepticism, by rebutting the objection from ‘easy knowledge’. The theory of justified belief developed in chapter 1 underwrites the Moorean reply. Chapters 5 and 6 make a non-epistemic way of evaluating beliefs central to metaphysics. To understand relativity or vagueness in a subject-matter, we must hold that being true or false is not the metaphysically serious evaluation of how a belief answers to reality. Either verdict on a borderline case is ‘acceptable’ in the metaphysically serious sense. For a matter to be relative is for the ‘acceptability’ of affirming the proposition to vary between judges. Chapters 5 and 6 sketch an approach to metaphysics built from the notion of ‘metaphysically acceptable judgment’, with chapter 6 concentrating on vagueness, and chapter 5 focusing on relativism about knowledge. Chapter 5 argues that the lottery and preface puzzles manifest central features of our concept of knowledge (introduced in chapters 3 and 4). The proposed version of relativism about knowledge is the only theory to respect those features. The view of knowledge presented in chapter 5 is not an isolated metaphysical extravagance, as the same framework is needed for the right metaphysics of everything that’s vague (argued in chapter 6). It is worth noting that my solution to the lottery puzzle is metaphysical relativism about knowledge, but my rebuttal of Brain-In-a-Vat skepticism concerns epistemic circularity and belongs to normative epistemology. Much recent work incorrectly assumes that the two puzzles receive the same treatment.Ph.D.Includes bibliographical referencesIncludes vitaby Alexander Paul Vincent Jackso
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